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
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.
34 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 37min
Inside the mind of the Third Reich
Historian and filmmaker Laurence Rees dives into the disturbing psychology of the Nazi regime, exploring what drives individuals to commit heinous acts. He discusses the value of eyewitness testimonies in understanding historical mentality, revealing how personal narratives shape our grasp of this dark chapter. Rees also unpacks the duality of a Waffen-SS veteran's life and the troubling justifications Nazi leaders employed post-war. By examining these elements, he provides critical insights into the social psychology behind extremism and moral accountability.
29 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 38min
Sacagawea: life of the week
Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs, author and president of the Lewis and Clark Trust, dives deep into the life of Sacagawea, the Shoshone interpreter vital to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They discuss Sacagawea's remarkable resilience, her role in bridging cultures, and her profound impact on the journey's success. Stephenie highlights her early life, the trials she faced near Great Falls, and the complications in interpreting her legacy. This conversation reveals the nuances of Sacagawea’s story and its significance in American history.
Jan 20, 2025 • 36min
Women's bodies: an unreliable history
Helen King, a Professor Emerita of Classical Studies, dives deep into the complex history of women's bodies. She explores captivating themes like the dual identity of breasts—nourishment versus sexuality—and the societal pressures surrounding breastfeeding and virginity. King highlights how misconceptions about anatomy, such as the duality of the womb, shaped female identity and roles. The conversation addresses the absurdities of legal views on virginity and advocates for a broader understanding of femininity beyond physical appearance.
106 snips
Jan 19, 2025 • 47min
Ancient Mesopotamia: everything you wanted to know
Moudhy Al-Rashid, author of "Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History," dives into the vibrant tapestry of ancient Mesopotamia. He unveils the impressive advancements in writing and mathematics while sharing fascinating insights about the Sumerians and Babylonians. Al-Rashid examines the intriguing origins of kingship and the famous flood myth, drawing parallels with biblical stories. Listeners also learn about the cultural significance of daily life, their pantheon of gods, and the enduring impact of this cradle of civilization.
27 snips
Jan 18, 2025 • 52min
Who moulded Winston Churchill?
In a captivating discussion, Professor David Reynolds, an expert on Winston Churchill, examines the legendary leader’s interactions with key figures like Stalin, Mussolini, Gandhi, and Clement Attlee. He explores how these relationships influenced Churchill’s wartime strategies and his evolving alliances during a tumultuous era. The conversation also delves into the vital support provided by Clementine Churchill, shedding light on her role as both advisor and emotional anchor. Reynolds offers insights into the complexities of Churchill's legacy, rhetoric, and conflicting views on fascism.
