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
25 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 38min
Fatherhood: a short history
Join Augustine Sedgwick, author of 'Fatherhood: A History of Love and Power', as he dives into the historical evolution of fatherhood. He discusses how ancient cultures viewed fathers and the pivotal role they played in society. The conversation reveals the transformation through Christianity, highlighting St. Augustine's challenging views. Sedgwick also explores the impact of legal changes on fatherhood during Tudor England and how societal expectations have shifted from the time of Henry VIII to modern-day, reflecting on the complexities of paternal influence.
12 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 34min
CIA book smugglers of the Cold War
In this engaging discussion, Charlie English, a former head of international news at The Guardian and author of 'The CIA Book Club,' unveils the CIA's fascinating covert operations during the Cold War, which used literature as a weapon against censorship. He describes how books were smuggled into the Eastern Bloc through creative methods, promoting freedom and challenging oppressive ideologies. English also highlights the impact of literature, including Agatha Christie's work, in shaping perceptions and inspiring resistance, all while contrasting these cultural initiatives with the KGB's tactics.
42 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 48min
The Renaissance: not such a golden age?
Ada Palmer, a historian and author specializing in the Renaissance, joins the discussion to challenge the myth of this period as a golden age. She reveals the era's grim realities, including corrupt popes and the aftermath of the Black Death. The conversation also touches on Michelangelo's struggle with painting and Machiavelli's political complexities. By exploring the duality of artistic achievement amidst societal chaos, Palmer encourages a more nuanced understanding of the Renaissance and its influence on modern society.
22 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 33min
Archimedes: life of the week
Michael Scott, a Professor in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick, dives into the fascinating world of Archimedes. Beyond the famous 'Eureka' moment, he discusses Archimedes' groundbreaking inventions like the water screw and ingenious military machines. Scott also unravels the enigma of Archimedes’ life, challenging historians' efforts to piece together his narrative. Listeners learn about his profound impact on mathematics and engineering, as well as the legacy that endures in modern science today.
18 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 38min
The Third Reich's first genocide
Dagmar Herzog, a history professor at the Graduate Center, CUNY and author of *The Question of Unworthy Life*, delves into the harrowing history of the Nazi regime's systematic extermination of nearly 300,000 individuals with disabilities. She discusses the chilling influence of eugenics and how societal attitudes toward disability allowed such atrocities to occur. Herzog highlights the bureaucratic methods behind the euthanasia program and the long struggle for recognition and reconciliation of these crimes in modern Germany.
22 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 46min
English folklore: everything you wanted to know
Francis Young, a folklorist and historian of religion, dives into the captivating world of English folklore. He discusses the eerie beliefs surrounding fairy rings and legends like the enigmatic Black Shuck, a menacing creature of East Anglia. The conversation explores iconic figures like Robin Hood and the Green Man, uncovering their historical roots and cultural significance. Young highlights how these tales reflect societal values and the ongoing revival of folklore in modern culture, connecting people to their heritage.
13 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 36min
What happened in Shakespeare's "lost years"?
In this engaging discussion, Daniel Swift, an Associate Professor at Northeastern University and author, unpacks Shakespeare's 'lost years' in the turbulent 1590s. He shares insights into the emergence of The Theatre, London's first playhouse, where the young playwright navigated a competitive scene. Delving into Shakespeare's influences, Swift reveals how a poorly received play may have inspired the Bard's artistry. He highlights the collaborative nature of early theatre, connecting Shakespeare's humble beginnings to his eventual rise as a literary giant.
45 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 52min
Plague, famine and chivalry: a human history of the 14th century
Historian Helen Carr, author of "Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century," guides listeners through the tumultuous 14th century. She examines the struggles of monarchs like Edward II, whose reign was marked by personal and political chaos. The devastating impacts of the Black Death and famine are explored, alongside the emergence of the Peasants' Revolt. Carr emphasizes the human stories behind these events, shedding light on the vulnerabilities and leadership challenges faced by rulers during this transformative era.
26 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 46min
WW2 legacies and Magna Carta: history behind the headlines
Rana Mitter, a specialist in modern Chinese history and the S.T. Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at Harvard, joins the discussion to unpack the lasting legacies of World War II. They dive into how different nations remember VE Day and the historical narratives that shape identities today. Mitter also discusses the evolution of human rights from past conflicts, while highlighting the significance of medieval manuscripts like the Magna Carta. Plus, they explore the cyclical history of British rail privatization, blending cultural nostalgia with modern transport debates.
27 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 35min
Drink, dance, death: wine in ancient Egypt
Join Islam Issa, a Professor of Literature and History at Birmingham City University, as he uncorks the fascinating role of wine in ancient Egypt. Discover how this beloved beverage was integral to merriment, rituals, and even mummification practices. Hear about the whimsical Festival of Drunkenness and the legendary goddess Sekhmet. Learn about the symbolic connections of wine to the afterlife and the intricate winemaking techniques that defined social dynamics. This journey through history reveals wine as a vital thread woven into the fabric of Egyptian culture.
