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 14, 2024 • 27min
Medieval make do and mend
In this engaging discussion, Annette Kehnel, an expert in medieval innovations and author of 'The Green Ages: Medieval Innovations in Sustainability', dives into the fascinating world of medieval sustainability. She explores how waste was virtually nonexistent, with secondhand markets thriving. Discover the dynamic between new goods and the repair market, and how resourcefulness shaped community cohesion. Kehnel also reflects on what our ancestors might think of today’s environmental challenges, urging us to innovate and collaborate for a sustainable future.
Nov 13, 2024 • 38min
Thomas Cromwell: the triumph and tragedy of Henry VIII's right-hand man
Diarmaid MacCulloch, a renowned professor and biographer of Thomas Cromwell, dives deep into the life of Henry VIII's right-hand man. The discussion unveils Cromwell's meteoric rise to power, rooted in his connections with key figures like Anne Boleyn, and the crucial missteps leading to his downfall. MacCulloch highlights the intricacies of court politics, Cromwell's dignified final moments before execution, and the complex legacy he left behind. Through this exploration, Cromwell's morally ambiguous character and the dangerous landscape of Tudor politics come to life.
Nov 12, 2024 • 39min
Joseph McCarthy: life of the week
Nick Bunker, an author and historian known for his insights into mid-20th-century America, delves into the tumultuous life of Joseph McCarthy. He explores McCarthy's rise fueled by anti-communist fervor and the paranoia it ignited. The discussion reveals how McCarthy's Catholic roots shaped his political approach and highlights his infamous Wheeling speech that launched his campaign. Bunker also examines the tragic fallout for countless individuals during the McCarthy era and the eventual decline of a figure whose legacy continues to provoke debate today.
Nov 11, 2024 • 38min
Gladiator tales
Historian Guy de la Bédoyère reveals intriguing insights about gladiators and their influence on ancient Rome. He discusses how gladiators bolstered Julius Caesar's political rise and how Pompeii's riot in 59 AD led to a decade-long ban on the games. The evolution of these combat spectacles from Etruscan rites to political tools offers a glimpse into Roman culture. De la Bédoyère also uncovers the chaotic reign of Emperor Commodus, who blurred the lines between ruler and gladiator, showcasing the darker side of power.
Nov 10, 2024 • 48min
The Brontës: everything you wanted to know
Claire O'Callaghan, an expert on the Brontë sisters, takes us on a captivating journey into the lives of Emily, Charlotte, and Anne Brontë. She discusses how their imaginative childhood games inspired their literary masterpieces like 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights.' O'Callaghan sheds light on their struggles as governesses and the harsh realities they faced in 19th-century society. The emotional exploration of Charlotte's fleeting love story adds depth, while speculations about what might have been for the sisters enrich the narrative.
Nov 8, 2024 • 35min
Lord Lucan: the vanishing earl
In this engaging discussion, Laura Thompson, author of "A Different Class of Murder: The Story of Lord Lucan," delves into the infamous 1974 murder of nanny Sandra Rivett and the shocking disappearance of Lord Lucan. She explores the societal implications of class tensions in Britain, revealing how the case illuminated the era's aristocratic struggles. From the tragic details of the crime scene to the enduring fascination with Lucan's perceived villainy, Thompson highlights the lasting impact on modern perceptions of the British elite.
Nov 7, 2024 • 49min
The Tyrant, the usurper and the hero | Henry V: hero
Helen Castor, a historian and author specializing in medieval England, joins Dan Jones, who has penned a biography on Henry V, to delve into the complexities of this legendary king. They discuss Henry's transformation from a carefree youth into a formidable ruler amid the chaos of Richard II's reign. The duo highlights Henry's pivotal victories at Harfleur and Agincourt, revealing how personal struggles and formative battles shaped his legacy. They also explore the intricate dynamics of kingship and the lessons learned from his predecessors.
8 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 38min
How Stalin won WW2
Jonathan Dimbleby, a broadcaster and military historian, dives into the pivotal year of 1944, revealing how Stalin's Red Army ultimately sealed Hitler's fate. He highlights major battles such as Stalingrad and the Bagration offensive, contrasting Soviet and German military strategies. The discussion also tackles wartime atrocities and complex geopolitical struggles, emphasizing the tragic fate of Polish civilians. Dimbleby explores the impact of the Tehran and Yalta conferences on post-war Europe, showcasing the evolving tensions between Western allies and the Soviet Union.
Nov 5, 2024 • 36min
The Venerable Bede: life of the week
In this engaging discussion, Professor Michelle P. Brown, author of "Bede and the Theory of Everything," delves into the life of the Venerable Bede, the 'Father of English History.' They explore Bede's profound influence on early English identity during the Anglo-Saxon era, focusing on his monastic upbringing amid societal strife. Brown highlights Bede's unique blend of spirituality and scholarship, particularly through his seminal work, 'Ecclesiastical History of the English People,' emphasizing his enduring legacy in education and literature.
Nov 4, 2024 • 36min
Decoding Mary, Queen of Scots
Historian Jade Scott, author of "Captive Queen," dives into the captivating life of Mary, Queen of Scots. She discusses how Mary's letters, crafted in ciphers, served as her secret weapons against captors. Jade reveals the clever strategies Mary employed to smuggle her thoughts, illustrating the importance of her correspondence during captivity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of authenticating these historical letters, showcasing Mary’s ingenuity in communication despite her constraints. A fascinating peek into a resilient monarch's world!
