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
Jun 23, 2024 • 35min
Invisible ink & toad poison: tools of Elizabethan spycraft
Learn about Tudor spies from experts Elinor Evans, Nadine Akkerman, and Pete Langman as they discuss forging documents, invisible inks, toad poison assassinations, and cross-dressing strategies in Elizabethan spycraft.
6 snips
Jun 22, 2024 • 34min
Chocolate history: everything you wanted to know
Food historian and author Emma Kay joins the host to unravel the fascinating history of chocolate, tracing its roots from ancient civilizations to modern bars. They explore the dark ties between slave-grown sugar and chocolate, the evolution of the chocolate bar, Quaker influence, American WWII ration bars, and the impact of the fair trade movement on chocolate production.
Jun 20, 2024 • 31min
Work-life balance: how our ancestors fought for free time
Gary S Cross, author of Free Time: The History, explores the evolution of work-life balance and leisure pursuits throughout history. Topics include industrialization's impact, moralization of hard work, rise of pleasure gardens, self-improvement activities, and dichotomy of fast vs slow goods.
Jun 19, 2024 • 29min
Deeds not words | 2. Pankhurst family portrait
Exploring the influential Pankhurst family in the suffragette movement, highlighting their differing ideologies and roles. Delving into the sacrifices, conflicts, and pivotal moments within the family. Also, discussing the diverse and courageous women who shaped the suffragette movement beyond the Pankhursts.
Jun 18, 2024 • 32min
Anne Boleyn: a modern woman?
Historian Estelle Paranque sheds new light on Anne Boleyn, exploring her ambitions, relationships with influential women, struggles with power, and tragic downfall in a society with limited female agency.
Jun 17, 2024 • 54min
Historical apologies & female leaders: History behind the headlines
Explore historical apologies from Ancient Greece to modern times, including Henry IV's act of penitence. Learn about female leaders and their impact, such as the first female president of Mexico. Delve into law and accountability in medieval rulers, spelling standardization, and Chinese character evolution.
Jun 16, 2024 • 35min
Has WW2 become a national religion?
Alec Ryrie, Professor of history at Durham University, explores the religious significance of WWII in British society, discussing its impact on national identity and values. The podcast delves into how WWII continues to shape British perception, memory, and societal identity, reflecting on its influence on post-war international order and ethics.
Jun 15, 2024 • 39min
Beowulf: everything you wanted to know
Heather O'Donoghue, author of Beowulf: Poem, Poet, and Hero, discusses the rich tapestry of Beowulf beyond men and monsters. Topics include the mysterious identity of the poet, challenges of translation, dating the poem, Beowulf's ethnicity, symbolism in the Yayats tribe, and themes like Christian elements and the role of women in the narrative.
Jun 13, 2024 • 27min
Inside Bridgerton's ballrooms
Choreographer Jack Murphy discusses the accuracy of Bridgerton's dance scenes compared to Regency era dances, exploring the dynamics of conversation and intimacy during dances. He also shares insights on dance etiquette, historical practices, and the opulent world of Regency balls.
Jun 12, 2024 • 31min
Deeds not words | 1. Battlelines are drawn
Explore the electrifying scene in Hyde Park where suffragettes campaigned for voting rights, the use of militant activism to challenge norms, and the diverse motivations of women in the suffragette movement. Learn about the birth of the suffragettes and their call for action in Edwardian Britain.
