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.
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/
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
17 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 47min
Eleanor Roosevelt: life of the week
Susan Ware, a historian and biographer renowned for her insights on Eleanor Roosevelt, explores the remarkable life of the former First Lady. She delves into Eleanor's evolution from a privileged upbringing to a fierce advocate for human rights. Ware discusses the personal struggles that shaped Eleanor’s activism, particularly during her husband’s presidency. The podcast also highlights her groundbreaking role as a political figure, her friendships that offered emotional support, and her lasting legacy at the United Nations, underlining her commitment to social reform.
11 snips
Sep 29, 2024 • 48min
How did the US get so many guns?
Andrew C McKevitt, author of the Cundill History Prize-shortlisted book *Gun Country*, dives deep into the significant rise of civilian gun ownership in the U.S., which soared from 45 million to 450 million post-World War II. He explores how cultural, economic, and marketing influences shaped this trend. The discussion also examines the landmark Gun Control Act of 1968, revealing the flawed legal distinctions around gun ownership, and uncovers the intricate relationship between gun culture and capitalism that persists in America today.
10 snips
Sep 28, 2024 • 49min
Communism: everything you wanted to know
Maurice J Casey, a historian specializing in communism and author of "Hotel Lux," dives into the intriguing world of this revolutionary ideology. He discusses the journey from the impactful 1848 Communist Manifesto to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Casey highlights the motivations of marginalized groups within the movement and contrasts ancient communal practices with modern interpretations. He also unpacks misconceptions in American discourse about communism. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of Bolshevism and the relevance of these ideologies in today's society.
12 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 29min
Liberating WW2 Naples: triumph and tragedy
Historian Keith Lowe, known for his deep insights into World War II, discusses the tumultuous liberation of Naples. He delves into the city's suffering under German occupation and the fierce resilience of its citizens. The podcast reveals the severe typhus epidemic the Allies faced, leading to groundbreaking public health strategies. Lowe also explores the economic chaos post-liberation, highlighting how cash-rich soldiers exacerbated local hardships while residents took pride in their uprisings. The fascinating mix of heroism and despair paints a vivid picture of Naples during this pivotal time.
31 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 53min
1066: the battle for England | 1. Vikings, Normans and rebellious Anglo-Saxons
David Musgrove, an expert on the Norman Conquest, and Marc Morris, a historian of medieval England, delve into the roots of the pivotal year 1066. They discuss the turbulent early 11th century, marked by Danish invasions and the struggles of rulers like Æthelred the Unready. The dynamics of royal succession, treachery among the English nobility, and the polarizing legacy of figures like Erle Godwin are explored. Their engaging conversation sheds light on how these events shaped England's political landscape leading to the Norman invasion.
10 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 36min
Churchill's prewar crisis meetings
Katherine Carter, an author and expert on Churchill's Citadel, discusses the fascinating transformation of Chartwell into a wartime hub. Insights are shared on how Winston Churchill hosted luminaries like Albert Einstein and T.E. Lawrence for crucial discussions. Their conversations helped shape his views on the looming war. Explore the intimate dynamics of dinner table diplomacy and how these influential visits informed Churchill's strategies amid rising tensions with Nazi Germany.
13 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 56min
Henry VII: life of the week
Nathen Amin, a historian and author, joins Emily Briffett to unveil the complexities of Henry VII's reign. They challenge the popular image of Henry as a miser by discussing his strategic political maneuvers and significant family ties. The conversation spans his Welsh heritage and the transition from medieval to Renaissance England, emphasizing his role as a unifying monarch. They also reflect on the lasting impact of his tenure, which set the groundwork for his son, Henry VIII, and the future of the monarchy.
Sep 22, 2024 • 46min
Tokyo 1946: the war crime trial that shaped Japan's future
Gary Bass, a historian and author of the acclaimed book on the Tokyo war crime trials, discusses the pivotal 1946 tribunal that shaped Japan's post-war identity. He delves into the complexities of justice with a diverse panel of judges and the controversial omission of Emperor Hirohito from proceedings. The discussion highlights the dramatic testimonies, the fraught decision-making process, and the legacy of the trials, revealing how they influenced Japan's global reputation and regional relationships in the aftermath of World War II.
6 snips
Sep 21, 2024 • 40min
The Stuarts: everything you wanted to know
Anna Keay, a leading expert on the Stuart dynasty, dives into the fascinating history of this tumultuous era. She discusses the complexities of James I's intimate relationships and his enigmatic sexuality. The conversation also grapples with Charles I's costly missteps that led to his downfall and the English Civil War. Keay explores the profound influence of French royalty on the Stuarts and examines the legacy and eventual decline of the dynasty amidst a backdrop of turbulent politics and societal change.
Sep 19, 2024 • 35min
Hidden environmental histories of the last 500 years
Sunil Amrith, an expert on historical environmental impacts, joins Ellie Cawthorne to explore fascinating intersections of human actions and ecological changes over the last 500 years. They discuss how major events like colonialism and war have contributed to environmental degradation. The conversation delves into the links between the transatlantic slave trade and land exploitation, as well as the devastating ecological costs of the World Wars. Finally, they address the critical lessons history can teach us in tackling today’s climate crisis.
