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
Feb 2, 2025 • 35min
Extinct animals: everything you wanted to know
Dr. Ross Barnett, an expert in extinct animals, and guest James Osborne dive into the fascinating world of lost species. They explore the shifting causes of extinction, from natural events to human impacts. The conversation highlights the woolly rhino and giant sloth, shedding light on their roles and the effects of early human interaction. The tragic tale of the Steller's sea cow serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility we hold. They also debate the ethics of de-extinction, considering its implications for current conservation efforts.
23 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 32min
Agony and ecstasy: the lives of mystics
Simon Critchley, a philosopher and author of "On Mysticism: The Experience of Ecstasy," dives into the fascinating world of mystics from Julian of Norwich to 1960s countercultural figures. He discusses how mystical experiences bridge ancient rites and modern spirituality, highlighting the transformative journeys of influential female mystics. Critchley also explores the challenges faced by women in spiritual traditions and the intriguing connections between mysticism and psychedelics. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey through ecstasy and the divine!
12 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 40min
How medicine became a moneymaker
Karen Bloom Gevirtz, author of "The Apothecary's Wife," reveals the complex journey of medicine from homegrown remedies to a commercial industry. She discusses the often-overlooked roles of women in traditional medicine and the reliability of folk cures. The conversation also touches on the commercialization of vital treatments like insulin, highlighting the ethical dilemmas posed by profit motives in healthcare. Additionally, she shares fascinating anecdotes, including the curious history of viper wine and its cultural significance.
38 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 42min
Carolingians in crisis: the medieval civil war that shaped Europe
Matthew Gabriele, a professor and co-author of "Oathbreakers," and David M. Perry, also co-author of the same work, delve into the tumultuous legacy of the Carolingians. They discuss the brutal Battle of Fontenoy in 841 AD, pitting Charlemagne’s grandsons against each other. The conversation explores the fragile power dynamics, the church's role in the conflict, and how these medieval struggles shaped modern European identities. Their insights reveal the complicated aftermath of a fractured empire.
24 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 47min
Charles Dickens: life of the week
Peter Orford, a Charles Dickens expert, dives into the multifaceted life of the literary giant. He discusses Dickens' turbulent childhood and how it shaped his writing. The impact of his serialized storytelling is revealed, showcasing his meteoric rise to fame. Orford also highlights the contrast between Dickens' comedic roots and his personal struggles, including his workaholism and tumultuous marriage. The effects of a train crash on his life and legacy are examined, along with his lasting influence on Christmas literature.
31 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 34min
Murder in WW2 London
In this discussion, Amy Helen Bell, a history professor and author of "Under Cover of Darkness: Murders in Blackout London," unpacks the chilling crimes of World War II London. She reveals the dark reality behind the illusory 'Blitz Spirit,' highlighting how chaos allowed serial killers like Gordon Cummins and John Christie to prey on vulnerable citizens. The conversation also illuminates the challenges law enforcement faced amidst wartime turmoil and the emotional toll that brutal events took on Londoners.
12 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 56min
British TV history: everything you wanted to know
David Hendy, Emeritus Professor in Media and Cultural History, dives into a century of British TV, revealing its evolution from early experimental broadcasts to today's digital streaming. He discusses the significant impact of shows like 'Coronation Street' and the transformation of BBC news. The conversation also highlights the pioneering work of John Logie Baird and the complex relationship between politicians and media. Hendy offers insights into how British television reflects societal changes and shapes public taste.
37 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 44min
The big questions of the Holocaust
Laurence Rees, a prominent historian known for his in-depth research on the Holocaust, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of this tragic period. He explains how centuries of antisemitism paved the way for the Nazis' brutal agenda. Key events like Kristallnacht and the establishment of ghettos reveal the systematic persecution faced by Jews. Rees also confronts the darker role of medical professionals during the atrocities and addresses common misconceptions surrounding the Holocaust, emphasizing the unique suffering of its Jewish victims.
39 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 29min
Happiness: history of an emotion
Katie Barclay, a historian and editor of The Routledge History of Happiness, dives into the fascinating evolution of happiness. She reveals that while 'happiness' gained popularity in the 17th century, its roots trace back much further. Barclay explores how cultural and societal values shape our understanding of joy, examining forgotten emotions like apatheia and how definitions have shifted over time. The conversation also highlights the historical journey from happiness as fortune to a fundamental human right, intertwining personal fulfillment with societal progress.
34 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 46min
The 1453 fall of Constantinople: capturing the Byzantine capital
Join Professor Jonathan Harris, an expert on Byzantine history from Royal Holloway University, as he delves into the dramatic fall of Constantinople in 1453. Discover how the Byzantine Empire faced decline, allowing the ambitious Mehmed II to launch a strategic siege. Harris recounts the fierce battles and desperate fortifications as the city braced for the onslaught. The discussion also touches on the legends surrounding Emperor Constantine XI and the long-lasting implications this pivotal moment had on modern national identities in Greece and Turkey.
