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
Nov 11, 2025 • 48min
Nellie Bly: life of the week
Historian Bob Nicholson dives into the remarkable life of Nellie Bly, a pioneer of investigative journalism in the 19th century. She famously feigned insanity to expose the horrors of a New York asylum, sparking significant reforms. Bly's globe-trotting escapades, including a race around the world, captured public fascination and challenged gender roles in journalism. Nicholson also highlights her later ventures into business and her lasting influence on women in media. Bly's legacy is that of a strategic innovator, reshaping the landscape of reporting forever.
19 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 40min
The improbable alliance that defeated Hitler
Tim Bouverie, a historian and author specializing in WWII, discusses the unexpected alliance between Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin. He dives into Stalin's motivations behind the Nazi-Soviet Pact, the collapse of the Anglo-French alliance, and the tensions caused by differing support for Vichy France and Free France. Bouverie highlights Roosevelt's complex diplomacy with Stalin and the lasting impact of his death on postwar dynamics. Ultimately, he reflects on how this fragile alliance shaped the modern world and the importance of unity in facing existential threats.
22 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 37min
Remember, remember: The legacy of the Gunpowder Plot
John Cooper, a historian at the University of York, dives into the rich legacy of the Gunpowder Plot. He explores the evolution of Guy Fawkes from a failed conspirator to a global symbol of rebellion. Celebrations on November 5 transformed from solemn remembrance to raucous bonfires, intertwined with anti-Catholic sentiment. Cooper reveals how the plot was leveraged for state propaganda while also discussing its reinterpretation during the Victorian era. Today, Fawkes represents a defiance that transcends the original political context.
Nov 7, 2025 • 36min
Five partitions that shaped South Asia
Sam Dalrymple, a historian and author focused on South Asian history, shares fascinating insights into the five partitions that reshaped the region from Burma’s split in 1937 to Bangladesh’s emergence in 1971. He discusses the powerful symbolism of the India-Pakistan border and explores how these partitions influenced identity and migration. Dalrymple also reflects on personal stories of resilience and the role of princely states in the broader narrative, while touching on the significance of shared histories in the face of nationalism.
Nov 5, 2025 • 32min
Crystal balls & contacting angels: predicting the future in early modern England
Historian Martha McGill, who specializes in early modern Britain and divination, shares fascinating insights into 16th and 17th century fortune-telling. She discusses how societal insecurities drove the demand for guidance and the variety of roles diviners played beyond predictions, like finding lost items. McGill also highlights quirky methods, from animal-based rituals to astrology's popular status, revealing the interplay of belief, religion, and risk in this era. Her exploration uncovers how these historical practices reflect timeless human responses to uncertainty.
6 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 41min
Giuseppe Garibaldi: life of the week
He led one of history's most celebrated guerrilla campaigns, showed remarkable political acumen, and drove aristocratic English women wild. Is it any wonder that Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of the towering figures of Europe's 19th century? Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizen, David Laven relays the thrills and spills of the great romantic hero of the campaign for Italian unification.
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28 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 34min
A day in the life of a gladiator
Harry Sidebottom, a historian and author known for his work on gladiators and ancient Rome, takes us behind the scenes of life in the gladiatorial arena. He explores how Romans perceived violence and the crowd's mixed feelings, while tracing the origins of the games from funerary rites to political spectacles. Sidebottom reveals the surprising survival rates of gladiators, their rigorous daily routines, and various types of fighters, including the existence of female gladiators. He dives into the social status of these combatants and what these thrilling spectacles say about Roman identity.
7 snips
Nov 2, 2025 • 28min
What if the Gunpowder Plot had succeeded?
Historian John Cooper, a professor at the University of York and author of The Lost Chapel of Westminster, explores a provocative counterfactual: What if the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 had succeeded? He discusses the explosive destruction of Westminster and the immediate decimation of the government. Cooper examines potential chaos in England’s governance, the conspirators' ambition for a puppet queen, and the likelihood of foreign intervention. The chilling prospect of a sectarian civil war looms, highlighting the delicate balance of power in 17th-century Britain.
20 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 32min
Bodies, bones & overflowing churchyards: a history of graveyards
Historian Roger Luckhurst, author of 'Graveyards: A History of Living with the Dead,' dives into the fascinating world of burial practices. He discusses the cultural significance of graveyards as sites of both solace and gothic intrigue. From ancient tombs and lavish memorials to the macabre allure of ossuaries, Luckhurst covers it all. He also uncovers the political symbolism behind preserved leaders like Lenin and addresses modern challenges of urban burial practices amidst rising cremation trends.
8 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 44min
Myspace and MTV: how will future historians study the 21st century?
Jane Winters, a Professor of Digital Humanities, and John Wills, a Professor in Film and Media, delve into how future historians will study the 21st century. They explore the complexities of digital archives, including social media and video games, as new historical sources. The duo discusses the challenges of technological obsolescence and the risks of data loss, particularly with platforms like MySpace. They emphasize the opportunities for richer historical narratives through diverse media and the implications of algorithms and AI on information accessibility.
