History Extra podcast
Immediate Media
The History Extra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, History Extra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past. We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day. Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens. Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history. Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War. Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK. Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past. Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 37min
Uprising: the Civil Wars untangled
Dr. Jonathan Healey, a 17th-century historian, and Rebecca Rideal, producer and host of the Uprising series, delve deep into the intricate dynamics of the Civil Wars. They explore the pivotal role of religion and the era's factional complexities. The conversation highlights the impact of the 1641 Irish Rebellion and the shocking execution of Charles I. With a focus on the myth-busting, they examine notable figures and unsung heroes, encouraging a nuanced understanding of this tumultuous period in British history.
32 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 47min
The Nazis’ crimes laid bare
Philippe Sands, a writer and international law expert, delves into the Nuremberg Trials' harrowing moments. He vividly recounts Robert Jackson's powerful opening speech, establishing justice over vengeance. Sands shares insights into the courtroom's intimate setup and the chilling impact of concentration camp film screenings on both defendants and attendees. He also discusses common defenses, like ignorance, and the trial's evolving dynamics amidst early Cold War tensions. With personal anecdotes and a rich archival legacy, Sands brings this pivotal historical event to life.
23 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 48min
What does Hitler’s DNA really tell us?
Turi King, a DNA expert from the University of Bath, and Alex J Kay, a historian focusing on Nazi Germany, dive into the intriguing analysis of Hitler's DNA. They discuss how a swatch from Hitler's bunker led to groundbreaking genetic research and the ethical concerns surrounding it. The duo debunks myths about Hitler's ancestry and emphasizes the importance of understanding genetics as just one piece of a complex puzzle. They stress the need for responsible media coverage and aim to humanize historical figures to better comprehend the roots of atrocities.
16 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 39min
Mutilated corpses and undead mothers-in-law: vampire epidemics through history
John Blair, a medieval history expert and author, dives into the chilling concept of vampire epidemics across cultures. He reveals why myths of undead mothers-in-law proliferated and explores the stark differences between literary vampires like Count Dracula and historically feared corpses. Blair discusses the symptoms attributed to vampires, the bizarre remedies used to combat them, and how societal trauma shaped these beliefs. Plus, he highlights the romantic tales of undead returning to lovers, showcasing the complex interplay of culture and fear throughout history.
8 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 35min
The problem with poo: a millennium of manure
Dr. Richard Jones, an Associate Professor of Landscape History at the University of Leicester, explores the fascinating world of manure in medieval and Victorian times. He discusses how critical manure was for agriculture, the distinction between animal and human waste, and the economic implications of dung ownership. Jones reveals surprising attitudes towards excrement, from elite disdain to peasant pragmatism, and reflects on the evolution of sewage management and its modern implications. Listeners will find out why vacuum sewers never gained traction in Britain!
13 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 56min
James Garfield: life of the week
C.W. Goodyear, a historian and biographer of President James Garfield, dives into the fascinating, yet often overlooked narrative of Garfield's life. He discusses Garfield's rise from poverty to becoming a key figure in Republican politics, highlighting his military service and role in the abolitionist movement. Goodyear also explores the political dynamics of Garfield's presidency, including his front-porch campaign strategy and the impact of his tragic assassination. Ultimately, he reflects on Garfield's lasting legacy and the reforms that followed his death.
15 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 43min
A new history of multicultural Britain
Kieran Connell, a historian and Reader of History at Queen's University Belfast, discusses his book, "Multicultural Britain: A People’s History." He reframes multiculturalism as an everyday experience rooted in personal stories. Connell highlights the significant yet often overlooked diversity in 19th-century port cities and the impact of mixed relationships on shaping multicultural Britain. He also reflects on the societal roles of urban spaces like cafés and the lasting legacies of events like the Windrush and the 1958 Nottingham riots.
16 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 42min
What should we do with the Nazis? The road to the Nuremberg Trials
Philippe Sands, an international lawyer and author, dives into the groundbreaking Nuremberg Trials—history's first international criminal trial. He discusses the urgent need for justice following World War II and the innovative legal concepts that emerged, like crimes against humanity and genocide. Sands recounts the challenges in drafting the Nuremberg Statute, the pivotal roles of individuals like Raphael Lemkin, and the symbolism behind choosing Nuremberg as the trial site. The conversation highlights the monumental shift in international law birthed from this historic event.
Nov 14, 2025 • 34min
Who stole the Tudor crown?
Historian Tracy Borman, author of The Stolen Crown, unveils shocking new evidence about the Tudor-Stuart succession. She reveals hidden edits that fabricated Elizabeth I's announcement of James VI as her successor, suggesting a far less secure transition than previously thought. Tracy discusses James's legitimacy issues and the complex political landscape with rivals like Mary, Queen of Scots. She also examines Elizabeth's careful management of contenders, highlighting the turbulent backdrop to this pivotal moment in history.
9 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 32min
The librarian who stole KGB secrets
Gordon Corera, a journalist and author specializing in intelligence, shares the intriguing tale of Vasili Mitrokhin, a Soviet archivist who covertly copied thousands of KGB documents over 12 years. He discusses Mitrokhin's remarkable journey from a KGB insider to a whistleblower, revealing the moral struggles he faced. Corera highlights the significance of Mitrokhin's archive for understanding modern Russian intelligence and its impact on global security. The conversation also delves into the challenges governments faced when dealing with this treasure trove of secrets.
