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
29 snips
May 31, 2025 • 40min
The Scottish Enlightenment: everything you wanted to know
Historian Craig Smith from the University of Glasgow, and author of a key book on Adam Smith, dives into the fascinating world of the Scottish Enlightenment. He discusses how 18th-century Scotland distinguished itself with innovations in social sciences and philosophy. Key figures like David Hume and Adam Smith emerge as central players, while the podcast also highlights the surprising lack of female involvement. Smith explores the vibrant exchange of ideas through public lectures and clubs, and the profound impact of this era on modern thought and society.
27 snips
May 29, 2025 • 47min
Deadly skies: the WW2 mission to fly over the Himalayas
Caroline Alexander, an author and historian, discusses the perilous air supply route over the Himalayas during World War II. She shares fascinating stories of young American pilots who tackled treacherous weather and rugged terrain, risking their lives on missions to aid nationalist China. The podcast delves into the psychological strain known as 'humpitis' faced by these aviators, highlighting their bravery and the mission's overlooked significance in U.S.-China relations. Prepare for thrilling tales of courage and survival amidst deadly skies!
May 27, 2025 • 39min
Royal sisters: the tragic lives of Queen Victoria's granddaughters
Frances Welch, an author specializing in royal history, discusses the poignant lives of Queen Victoria's granddaughters: Victoria, Ella, Irene, and Alix of Hesse. Their marriages significantly influenced early 20th-century Europe. Welch reveals the emotional aftermath of their lives after Queen Victoria's death and the challenges of royal matchmaking. She highlights the tragic toll of hemophilia in the family and the complex dynamics within the ties to the Romanovs. The fascinating stories showcase loyalty, loss, and the intrigues of royal life.
May 26, 2025 • 46min
Calamity Jane: life of the week
Karen Jones, a Professor of Environmental and Cultural History at the University of Kent, dives into the life of the iconic Calamity Jane. She reveals the contrast between Jane's real life and her legendary persona, showcasing her defiance against gender norms in a male-dominated frontier. The discussion explores Jane's adventures during the Indian Wars, her romantic ties to Wild Bill Hickok, and the myths that shaped her legacy. Unraveling the complexities of her life, Jones highlights how Calamity Jane's story continues to resonate in American folklore.
20 snips
May 25, 2025 • 37min
Spiritual showmen: the 1920s occult
Raphael Cormack, an assistant professor at Durham University and author of 'Holy Men of the Electromagnetic Age', delves into the captivating world of 1920s spiritualism. He discusses Tahra Bey, a performer known for his astonishing abilities like painless self-stabbing and Dr. Dahesh, who inspired a spiritual movement in Lebanon. The conversation reveals how these figures mirrored the post-World War I anxieties and explored the allure of the mystical, linking historical phenomena to contemporary societal issues regarding belief and celebrity.
44 snips
May 24, 2025 • 40min
Cheese history: everything you wanted to know
Ned Palmer, a cheesemonger and author of A Cheesemonger's History of the British, dives into the fascinating evolution of cheese. He discusses how cheese-making dates back to ancient societies and the vital role women played in its early production. Listeners learn about cheese's transformation from a luxury during the Tudor period to a staple in modern diets. The conversation also touches on regional cheese name protections and the cultural significance of cheese across various civilizations throughout history.
41 snips
May 22, 2025 • 31min
Taking sides: how the Civil War turned friends into enemies
Minoo Dinshaw, author of 'Friends in Youth: Choosing Sides in the English Civil War,' discusses the strained friendship between Bulstrode Whitelock and Ned Hyde during the 17th-century civil conflict. He explores their contrasting loyalties—one to the King, the other to Parliament—and how ideological divides led to personal rifts. The conversation also highlights the enduring nature of friendships amid war and connects historical sentiments to contemporary issues, offering insights into the Civil War's lasting legacy.
15 snips
May 20, 2025 • 37min
Were Roman women done dirty by modern translations?
Joan Smith, a journalist and author of 'Unfortunately, She Was a Nymphomaniac: A New History of Rome's Imperial Women', delves into the portrayal of women in ancient Rome. She discusses how misogyny and mistranslation have created flawed narratives around powerful figures of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, notably the misunderstood Livia. Smith also highlights the harsher realities of women’s lives, exposing societal constraints that challenged notions of empowerment. This thought-provoking conversation connects historical misrepresentation to contemporary issues surrounding women's rights.
73 snips
May 19, 2025 • 44min
Otto von Bismarck: life of the week
In this engaging discussion, Katja Hoyer, a German-British historian and author of 'Blood and Iron,' delves into the remarkable life of Otto von Bismarck. She explores Bismarck's pivotal role in German unification and his tactical brilliance that led to victory over France in 1871. The podcast highlights his realpolitik approach, the implications of the Second Schleswig War on nationalism, and the complexities of his legacy within modern Germany. Hoyer brings Bismarck's charismatic yet controversial influence on European geopolitics to life.
10 snips
May 18, 2025 • 39min
The Einstein murders
Thomas Harding, bestselling author of The Einstein Vendetta, explores the harrowing story of his family during WWII. He details the tragic fate of Robert Einstein, cousin to Albert, highlighting the brutal realities faced by Jewish families amidst Nazi oppression. The conversation dives into the crimes committed against Robert's family, the long struggles for justice, and the disturbing historical negligence by authorities. Harding connects this dark legacy to modern issues, emphasizing the need to remember the humanity of victims beyond their tragic fates.
