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
Dec 4, 2024 • 44min
Kublai Khan: ruler of the waves
In a captivating discussion, historian and author Jack Weatherford explores the remarkable journey of Kublai Khan, who transformed from a nomadic leader into a formidable naval ruler. He delves into Kublai's strategic innovations during his conquest of China and the challenges faced against the Southern Song Dynasty. Weatherford highlights Kublai's unique blend of Mongol and Chinese cultures, his role in unifying an empire, and the lasting impact he had on maritime trade, shaping both Asian and European histories.
Dec 3, 2024 • 34min
Princes in the Tower: could this new discovery solve the mystery?
Join Professor Tim Thornton, a historian who recently made a groundbreaking discovery related to the Princes in the Tower, and Dr. Tracy Borman, who presents a documentary on this haunting mystery. They delve into the historical narratives surrounding the princes' disappearance in 1483 and the influence of Richard III. Thornton discusses the implications of a newly found gold chain linked to Edward V, potentially tied to a suspected killer's relative, bringing fresh evidence to this age-old enigma.
12 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 35min
The murders at Rillington Place: postwar London's grisliest crimes
In this captivating discussion, bestselling author Kate Summerscale delves into the gruesome Rillington Place murders, where the bodies of three women were discovered in 1953. She explores the chilling psyche of killer Reg Christie and the flaws of the justice system that wrongfully convicted Timothy Evans. Summerscale highlights the media's ethically questionable role in shaping public outrage and the societal issues affecting women during post-war London. Her insights reveal stark parallels between historical violence and contemporary concerns.
10 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 49min
Tudor explorers: everything you wanted to know
Historian Jerry Brotton, an expert on Tudor-era exploration, sheds light on the complexities of Tudor explorers. He argues against calling them ‘explorers’ in the traditional sense, revealing how the Reformation sparked their maritime ambitions. Brotton discusses the motivations behind voyages, from trade to political ambitions, while exposing the murky world of privateering involving famous figures like Francis Drake. He also critiques historical narratives that often ignore the struggles of lower-class sailors amidst the era's grand adventures.
Nov 29, 2024 • 38min
Nelson & Winnie: inside the Mandelas' marriage
Jonny Steinberg, a South African writer and author of "Winnie & Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage," explores the tumultuous relationship between Nelson and Winnie Mandela. He discusses their love story intertwined with the apartheid struggle, marked by infidelity and separation during Nelson's imprisonment. Steinberg highlights the emotional turmoil of Mandela's release, Winnie’s political resurgence post-divorce, and the lasting legacy of their marriage in modern South Africa, reflecting on how their personal challenges shaped their public personas.
11 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 46min
Tudor England | 1. Power and politics
Tracy Borman, an author and historian specializing in Tudor England, shares fascinating insights into the turbulent era of the Tudors. She delves into the precarious nature of power and politics, revealing how a single misstep could lead to dire consequences for those at court. Discover the intricacies of daily life among Tudor monarchs and the societal impacts of their decisions. Borman also highlights the risks of losing royal favor, particularly for the likes of Henry VIII's wives, stressing the volatile survival stakes in a world rife with intrigue.
Nov 27, 2024 • 51sec
Tudor England: the big questions | Trailer
Dive into the exhilarating chaos of Tudor England, where court politicking reached a fever pitch. Discover the vibrant cultural innovations that shaped the era. Explore the global voyages that expanded horizons and the dramatic religious shifts that stirred society. Join renowned historian Tracy Borman as she offers captivating insights into the lives of those who experienced this tumultuous time firsthand.
Nov 27, 2024 • 36min
A Victorian cult: inside the strange world of the Agapemone
Stuart Flinders, author of "A Very British Cult: Rogue Priests and the Abode of Love," delves into the eerie world of the Agapemonites, a 19th-century cult led by the enigmatic Henry James Prince. He shares chilling tales of financial exploitation, forced marriages, and the harrowing experiences of vulnerable members like the Nottage sisters. Flinders recounts dramatic rescue attempts and the community’s eventual decline, painting a vivid picture of both the allure and the dark shadows cast by this secretive group.
Nov 26, 2024 • 43min
History behind the headlines: Trump's win – parallels with the past
The discussion dives into historical parallels between Donald Trump's win and past political dynamics. Leaders' challenges post-election are explored, alongside the extravagant Tudor courts' influence on modern governance. Key electoral events, like the 1876 presidential election, reveal enduring themes of patronage and racism. The podcast also examines the 14th-century papal schism and its impact on national loyalties. Finally, the evolution of tax systems highlights the tension between secular and religious power, urging for civil discourse in today's politics.
11 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 45min
Sport's strangest tales
In this engaging discussion, James Harkin and Anna Ptaszynski, both QI researchers and co-hosts of No Such Thing as a Fish, delve into the quirky history of sports. They explore the evolution of ancient games into modern sports, revealing the surprising links between sports and warfare. Cheating and doping scandals take center stage, showcasing bizarre incidents and their psychological underpinnings. The conversation also highlights pioneering women in sports, particularly the first woman to cycle around the globe, and the evolving relationship between fans and their beloved games.
