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
Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
Reagan's plan to 'make America great again'
Phil Tinline, an author and documentarian, delves into Ronald Reagan's influential 'Let's Make America Great Again' slogan and its striking resemblance to Trump's later use. Tinline paints a vivid picture of America's shifting self-image from postwar confidence through the turmoil of the 1970s. He highlights Reagan's unique blend of Hollywood charisma and political strategy, examines his relationship with the Christian Right, and discusses how his optimistic messaging contrasted with earlier grit. Tinline draws fascinating parallels between Reagan and Trump, shedding light on their legacies.
17 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 39min
How enslaved people fought for freedom across the Atlantic
Sudhir Hazareesingh, an academic at Balliol College and author of Daring to Be Free, delves into the untold stories of enslaved peoples' resistance across the Atlantic. He discusses the impactful role of African traditions in shaping their struggles and highlights the Haitian Revolution as a pivotal moment inspiring global activism. Women’s contributions as strategists and fighters are brought to light, alongside cultural acts like ritual and song that fueled rebellion. Hazareesingh emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the debts owed to this history today.
Oct 13, 2025 • 43min
Aneurin Bevan: life of the week
Nye Davies, a lecturer at Cardiff University and expert on Welsh governance, delves into Aneurin Bevan's remarkable life. From his beginnings in the coalfields to his pivotal role in creating the NHS, Davies illustrates Bevan's unwavering commitment to social justice. He discusses Bevan's confrontations in Parliament, his strategic compromises with medical professionals, and the principles that shaped his leadership. Personal insights reveal Bevan's dynamic relationship with Jenny Lee and his passion for culture, providing a well-rounded portrait of a transformative figure in British history.
Oct 12, 2025 • 51min
Bandits & blasphemers: crime in 17th century Scotland
Allan Kennedy, a Scottish history lecturer and author, dives into the gritty world of 17th-century Scotland, revealing how crime reflected societal values. He explains the unique legal landscape shaped by Presbyterianism and discusses the motivations behind common crimes like homicide and robbery. Kennedy contrasts the public perception of criminals with the realities drawn from court records and highlights notorious cases like that of Thomas Aikenhead. He also addresses the specific challenges faced by women, often prosecuted for witchcraft and infanticide.
13 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 49min
The Normans: everything you wanted to know
Historian Marc Morris joins to explore the intriguing world of the Normans. He delves into why William the Conqueror triumphed at Hastings, highlighting luck and leadership. Morris discusses the Normans' Viking ancestry, Edward the Confessor's possible promises, and the aftermath of the battle. He reveals the mysteries around Harold's death and the dramatic cultural shifts post-conquest. Plus, did the Normans introduce rabbits to England? With captivating anecdotes and insights, Morris brings history alive!
10 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 29min
How Julius Caesar's funeral drama fuelled the mob
Jessica Clarke, a specialist in ancient Roman theatre and Shortland Jones Rome Scholar, dives into the dramatic events surrounding Julius Caesar's funeral. She explores how Mark Antony crafted the ceremony into a powerful political spectacle, using theatrical tactics to sway public opinion. Clarke discusses the chaos that followed Caesar's assassination and the strategic restraint exhibited by Antony. The funeral transformed into a mob action, demonstrating the profound impact of performance in shaping political narratives in ancient Rome.
8 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 38min
The dark side of Samuel Pepys
Guy de la Bédoyère, a historian and biographer, delves into the darker aspects of Samuel Pepys' life, revealing the notorious diary of this 17th-century figure. While Pepys is celebrated for his insights into Restoration London, Guy exposes his self-confessed predatory behavior towards women. They discuss how earlier historians censored these uncomfortable truths and how Pepys cleverly disguised explicit content in his writings. The conversation challenges us to reconsider Pepys' legacy in light of his troubling actions, balancing historical context with modern moral standards.
14 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 45min
Margaret Tudor: life of the week
Dr. Helen Newsome-Chandler, a historical linguist specializing in late medieval queens, discusses the life of Margaret Tudor, a formidable political player. Through her extensive research on Margaret's holograph letters, Helen highlights Margaret’s strategic marriage to James IV of Scotland and her complex role as queen consort. The podcast explores how she balanced loyalties between England and Scotland, the political significance of her letters, and her enduring legacy in Anglo-Scottish relations. Listeners gain insight into the remarkable resilience of this queen.
9 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 38min
Britain's female slaveowners: the heiresses who made fortunes from enslavement
In this fascinating discussion, historian Miranda Kaufmann, author of "Heiresses: Marriage, Inheritance and Caribbean Slavery," explores the overlooked role of women as slaveowners in Britain. She reveals how Caribbean heiresses married into the aristocracy, bringing immense wealth derived from slavery. Topics include the complexities of female inheritance, the varied involvement of these women with plantations, and personal stories like Betsy Newton's fight for freedom. Kaufmann also draws connections between past heiresses and contemporary issues of inequality.
39 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 51min
Roman homes: everything you wanted to know
Join Dr. Hannah Platts, a lecturer in ancient history and author, as she takes you inside the fascinating world of Roman homes. Discover how climate shaped their design and the innovative architectural influences from Etruscans and Greeks. Learn about the variety of living spaces from lavish domus to functional insulae. Explore the intriguing blend of public and private life, and uncover luxurious features like underfloor heating and intricate decorations. Dr. Platts' insights reveal why Roman domestic life was both complex and sensory-rich.
