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
May 22, 2024 • 36min
D-Day: Air
The podcast explores the experiences of the Allied airborne forces on D-Day, highlighting the vital role of paratroopers and glider infantry. It details the planning and execution of capturing crucial bridges, the harrowing experiences of American paratroopers, valor in battle, triumphs, and tragedies faced by troops, and the challenges overcome by British airborne forces on D-day.
May 21, 2024 • 32min
Cat crazy: the Victorian mania for moggies
Historian Kathryn Hughes discusses the Victorian cat craze, Louis Wain's impact on feline love, and the shift from cats as pests to cherished pets. The podcast explores societal attitudes, cat literature, breed development, and the decline of cat adoration post-WWI. It also uncovers hidden anti-suffrage cat imagery and the global influence of Victorian cat mania.
8 snips
May 20, 2024 • 37min
Maria Theresa: life of the week
Historian Pieter Judson discusses Maria Theresa, a powerful female ruler in the 18th century who defied expectations. They explore her strategic maneuvers to secure her rule and strengthen Austria, her wide-ranging social reforms, religious policies, and legacy as an influential leader in Europe.
May 19, 2024 • 37min
Agent Zo: spying against the Nazis
Clare Mulley discusses the fearless WWII resistance fighter Elżbieta Zawacka, aka Agent Zo. They cover her daring missions behind enemy lines, her vital role in the Polish Home Army, and her resilience in the face of tragedies during the war. Learn about her remarkable contributions to WWII operations and her collaboration with MI6 in Britain.
40 snips
May 18, 2024 • 60min
The Terror: everything you wanted to know
Historian David Andress delves into the bloodthirsty phase of the French Revolution known as 'the Terror', discussing the spiral of paranoia, state violence, and the guillotine becoming a symbol of revolutionary justice. Topics include fears of treachery, counter-revolution, mass hysteria, and the chaotic Reign of Terror with escalating suspicion and violence.
May 16, 2024 • 36min
The real Lady Whistledown & the golden age of gossip
Professor Hannah Greig, the historical consultant to the series Bridgerton, explores the scandalous world of Georgian gossip sheets and the mysterious Lady Whistledown. They discuss the origins of Regency celebrity gossip, the impact of print culture on society, and the accessibility of news in the elite circles of the era.
4 snips
May 15, 2024 • 32min
WW2's greatest battles | 5. Guadalcanal
Military historian James Holland discusses the battle of Guadalcanal in WW2, highlighting the strategic significance of the island, logistical challenges faced by both the Japanese and American forces, the importance of Henderson Field, and the ultimate victory of the US in the Pacific theater.
6 snips
May 14, 2024 • 42min
A surprising history of sex between men
Historian Noel Malcolm uncovers a complex history of same-sex relationships in early modern Europe and the Ottoman world. He explores societal attitudes towards male-male sexual encounters, the evolution of same-sex relationships across European history, and the influence of Italian writings and English literature. Podcast discusses the transition from church to secular laws on sodomy, highlighting the nuances and complexities of historical sexual behaviors.
20 snips
May 13, 2024 • 41min
History Behind the Headlines: student protests down the centuries
Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter discuss the evolution of student protests, drawing parallels between historical events like the St Scholastica's Day Massacre and modern social justice movements. They explore crowd-sourced projects on Jane Austen's connections and the rediscovery of an 11th-century astrolabe. The podcast also highlights the interconnectedness of medieval Europe with Southeast Asia and the emerging geopolitical significance of the region.
May 12, 2024 • 38min
Tudor ladies-in-waiting: the women who served Henry VIII's queens
Dr. Nicola Clark, author of The Waiting Game, discusses the challenges faced by Tudor ladies-in-waiting serving Henry VIII's queens. Topics include loyalty, power dynamics, secret communication methods, and the evolving roles of these women across different reigns.
