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
Jul 4, 2024 • 45min
How the Dreyfus Affair tore France apart
Maurice Samuels, an expert on the Dreyfus Affair, discusses the false accusations against Alfred Dreyfus in 1894 and the impact of antisemitism in France. They delve into the bias and evidence fabrication leading to Dreyfus's conviction, his public degradation, the efforts to uncover the truth, and his triumph over injustice. The podcast highlights the lasting impact on Jewish political ideologies and societal divisions.
Jul 3, 2024 • 37min
Deeds not words | 4. Cat and mouse
Suffragettes faced brutal violence and force-feeding in prison, but fought back creatively. Tactics included Japanese jiu-jitsu, bodyguard organization, and hunger strikes. Their struggle for equality against British authorities was marked by resilience and empowerment through self-defense.
Jul 2, 2024 • 44min
The surprising lives of ancient women
Author Daisy Dunn discusses the fascinating lives of ancient women, including Fulvia's battles, first female Olympic victor, and toxicologist Locosta. They explore rewriting history through a female-centric lens and the need to recognize women's significant roles in antiquity.
Jul 1, 2024 • 46min
Boudica: life of the week
Archaeologist and writer Elinor Evans discusses the fierce warrior leader Boudica who rebelled against Rome, covering topics like her appearance, successful attacks on Roman towns, challenges of reconstructing her world, women's roles in Iron Age Britain, discrepancies in her physical descriptions, organization of tribes for rebellion, and Boudica's legacy after defeat against the Romans.
Jun 30, 2024 • 32min
How Stalin ran rings round the west
Author Giles Milton discusses the complex wartime alliance between Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt, marked by spats, backstabbing, and critical to victory over the Nazis. The podcast explores the evolving relationship between Churchill and Stalin, the challenges in forming the alliance, Avril Harriman's role, a different side of Stalin in the Kremlin, and the disagreements on post-war foreign policy.
Jun 29, 2024 • 35min
British general elections: everything you wanted to know
Professor Richard Toye discusses the evolution of British general elections, from public voting to secret ballots, electoral reforms, rise of the Labour Party, and campaign strategies. Learn about historical mistakes and the importance of local connections for success.
Jun 27, 2024 • 32min
Medieval keep fit
Professor Carole Rawcliffe debunks the myth that people in medieval times did not exercise for leisure. She discusses the interest in fitness among different social classes and religious institutions. The podcast delves into medieval exercise practices, health guidelines, humoral scale temperament, and societal perceptions of fitness and health in the Middle Ages.
Jun 26, 2024 • 32min
Deeds not words | 3. Making a statement
Exploring suffragette tactics like disruptive acts, branding, and marches. Highlighting bold statements through innovative methods. Featuring stories of defiance and impactful activism. Learning from historic figures inspiring modern political campaigners.
Jun 25, 2024 • 34min
A 21st-century Holocaust trial
Delve into the trial of a former guard at Stutthof concentration camp, raising questions on justice and moral culpability. Explore survivor testimonies, Germany's confrontation with its past, and personal journeys of uncovering family ties to the Nazi party. Witness the verdict's focus on individual responsibility and the last legal proceedings on Holocaust-related crimes.
Jun 24, 2024 • 47min
Catherine Parr: life of the week
Tudor historian Elizabeth Norton discusses Catherine Parr, the fascinating life of King Henry VIII's most married queen, her influence as an author and stepmother, and her lasting legacy beyond her marriages.
