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
May 26, 2025 • 44min
Calamity Jane: life of the week
Karen Jones, a Professor of Environmental and Cultural History at the University of Kent, dives into the life of the iconic Calamity Jane. She reveals the contrast between Jane's real life and her legendary persona, showcasing her defiance against gender norms in a male-dominated frontier. The discussion explores Jane's adventures during the Indian Wars, her romantic ties to Wild Bill Hickok, and the myths that shaped her legacy. Unraveling the complexities of her life, Jones highlights how Calamity Jane's story continues to resonate in American folklore.
20 snips
May 25, 2025 • 35min
Spiritual showmen: the 1920s occult
Raphael Cormack, an assistant professor at Durham University and author of 'Holy Men of the Electromagnetic Age', delves into the captivating world of 1920s spiritualism. He discusses Tahra Bey, a performer known for his astonishing abilities like painless self-stabbing and Dr. Dahesh, who inspired a spiritual movement in Lebanon. The conversation reveals how these figures mirrored the post-World War I anxieties and explored the allure of the mystical, linking historical phenomena to contemporary societal issues regarding belief and celebrity.
44 snips
May 24, 2025 • 38min
Cheese history: everything you wanted to know
Ned Palmer, a cheesemonger and author of A Cheesemonger's History of the British, dives into the fascinating evolution of cheese. He discusses how cheese-making dates back to ancient societies and the vital role women played in its early production. Listeners learn about cheese's transformation from a luxury during the Tudor period to a staple in modern diets. The conversation also touches on regional cheese name protections and the cultural significance of cheese across various civilizations throughout history.
41 snips
May 22, 2025 • 29min
Taking sides: how the Civil War turned friends into enemies
Minoo Dinshaw, author of 'Friends in Youth: Choosing Sides in the English Civil War,' discusses the strained friendship between Bulstrode Whitelock and Ned Hyde during the 17th-century civil conflict. He explores their contrasting loyalties—one to the King, the other to Parliament—and how ideological divides led to personal rifts. The conversation also highlights the enduring nature of friendships amid war and connects historical sentiments to contemporary issues, offering insights into the Civil War's lasting legacy.
15 snips
May 20, 2025 • 35min
Were Roman women done dirty by modern translations?
Joan Smith, a journalist and author of 'Unfortunately, She Was a Nymphomaniac: A New History of Rome's Imperial Women', delves into the portrayal of women in ancient Rome. She discusses how misogyny and mistranslation have created flawed narratives around powerful figures of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, notably the misunderstood Livia. Smith also highlights the harsher realities of women’s lives, exposing societal constraints that challenged notions of empowerment. This thought-provoking conversation connects historical misrepresentation to contemporary issues surrounding women's rights.
74 snips
May 19, 2025 • 42min
Otto von Bismarck: life of the week
In this engaging discussion, Katja Hoyer, a German-British historian and author of 'Blood and Iron,' delves into the remarkable life of Otto von Bismarck. She explores Bismarck's pivotal role in German unification and his tactical brilliance that led to victory over France in 1871. The podcast highlights his realpolitik approach, the implications of the Second Schleswig War on nationalism, and the complexities of his legacy within modern Germany. Hoyer brings Bismarck's charismatic yet controversial influence on European geopolitics to life.
10 snips
May 18, 2025 • 37min
The Einstein murders
Thomas Harding, bestselling author of The Einstein Vendetta, explores the harrowing story of his family during WWII. He details the tragic fate of Robert Einstein, cousin to Albert, highlighting the brutal realities faced by Jewish families amidst Nazi oppression. The conversation dives into the crimes committed against Robert's family, the long struggles for justice, and the disturbing historical negligence by authorities. Harding connects this dark legacy to modern issues, emphasizing the need to remember the humanity of victims beyond their tragic fates.
26 snips
May 17, 2025 • 38min
The Beaker People: everything you wanted to know
Mike Parker-Pearson, an expert archaeologist in Neolithic Britain, dives into the enigmatic Beaker People. He details their striking pottery and monumental contributions, like influencing the construction of Stonehenge. Parker-Pearson discusses the complexities of their migration—challenging myths of violence and exploring how they transformed Britain’s demographics. He also sheds light on the fascinating discovery of the Amesbury Archer, revealing insights into their societal structures and burial practices, and traces their genetic legacy that still echoes through time.
39 snips
May 15, 2025 • 39min
Gods, demons, witches and exorcists: inside an ancient Assyrian library
Selena Wisnom, an expert in ancient Mesopotamia and author of The Library of Ancient Wisdom, guides listeners through the fascinating world of the Assyrian library created by King Ashurbanipal. She uncovers how this monumental collection reveals Assyrian beliefs about gods and the supernatural, along with the complexities of their religious practices. The discussion covers everything from divine communication, offerings, and demon beliefs, to the intriguing legacy of the lost library and the scientific insights of ancient civilizations.
23 snips
May 13, 2025 • 36min
Peaks, perils, and pioneers: the deadly history of mountaineering
Daniel Light, an author and climber known for 'The White Ladder,' delves into the captivating world of mountaineering. He explores the historical allure of mountains and the evolution of climbing as a sport. Light highlights the unsung heroes, local guides, and the challenges they faced—especially during the Victorian era. He also discusses the fierce rivalries between pioneering women in mountaineering and the challenges of verifying summit claims throughout history. Their stories shed light on both triumphs and tragedies in this perilous pursuit.
