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 3, 2025 • 11min
Preview: Should historians be celebrities?
Historian, author and broadcaster David Olusoga is among the famous faces to feature on new TV series The Celebrity Traitors, which launches in the UK next Wednesday, 8 October on BBC One. But what are the opportunities, and dangers, when historians become celebrities? And to what extent should history be entertainment? Regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter share their thoughts. Plus: history’s most incredible imposters
Find the full episode and never miss an episode by heading to History Behind the Headlines or following this link: https://play.megaphone.fm/4csqwegyqeca-lg7yumskq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 2, 2025 • 51min
Queer life in Georgian Britain
In this engaging conversation, Anthony Delaney, a historian specializing in queer history, delves into the vibrant lives of queer individuals in Georgian Britain. He highlights fascinating topics like molly houses, where same-sex attractions flourished despite societal restrictions. Delaney explores intricate themes such as love, lawbreaking, and the nuances of gender roles. He also sheds light on the way adult adoption was utilized to create secure queer households and revisits notable figures like Anne Lister and Mary Jones, emphasizing the persistence of queer identities throughout history.
42 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 38min
Breaking news! How stories spread in early modern Europe
Joad Raymond Wren, a historian and author of The Great Exchange, dives into the intriguing world of news circulation in early modern Europe. He reveals how people in 16th-century London could swiftly learn about events in cities like Paris and Venice. Discussing the roles of merchants and ambassadors, he illustrates the complex networks that connected courts and markets despite widespread illiteracy. Wren also highlights the beginnings of formal news formats and the challenges of misinformation, drawing fascinating parallels to today's rapid information spread.
Sep 29, 2025 • 48min
Robert Peel: life of the week
Dr. Richard Gaunt, an Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham and biographer of Robert Peel, dives into the life of this complex politician. He discusses Peel's establishment of the Metropolitan Police and the pivotal Corn Laws that shaped public opinion. Gaunt sheds light on Peel's controversial political reversals, his significant reforms, and how the Irish Famine influenced his free trade stance. The conversation highlights Peel's impact on modern governance and his enduring legacy in today's political landscape.
17 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 47min
The German Peasants' War: a summer of fire and blood
Lyndal Roper, Regius Professor of History at Oxford and author of Summer of Fire and Blood, dives into the gripping tale of the 1524-25 German Peasants' War, the largest uprising in Western Europe before the French Revolution. She discusses the explosive causes behind the revolt, from local grievances to Reformation ideas that sparked demands for justice. Roper also unveils the peasants' nuanced relationship with authority, their communal bonds, and the tragic escalation to violence. Her insights shed light on a pivotal moment often overlooked in history.
45 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 40min
Art Deco: everything you wanted to know
In this enlightening discussion, historian Emma Bastin, an expert on the interwar period, delves into the captivating world of Art Deco. She shares how this glamorous style emerged, capturing the optimism of a post-WWI society. Emma explains the origins of the name, highlights key figures and British contributions, and discusses the influence of ancient motifs. Listeners will discover where to spot Art Deco today and learn about iconic designs and lost buildings, all while appreciating the movement's enduring legacy and charm.
21 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 46min
America in Korea: a failed occupation?
Kornel Chang, a historian and professor, delves into the U.S. occupation of South Korea from 1945 to 1948, highlighting critical missed opportunities for a unified future. He shares personal motivations rooted in his family's history and explains the impact of Japanese rule on Korean leadership dynamics. Chang discusses early Korean hopes for independence which quickly turned sour, contrasting the U.S. approach in Korea with that of reformist Japan. Ultimately, he explores how decisions made by Soviet and American powers cemented Korea's enduring division.
9 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 47min
The real Miss Moneypennys: the secret history of Britain's female spies
In this engaging discussion, historian Claire Hubbard-Hall reveals the often-overlooked contributions of women in British intelligence, detailing their vital roles from secretaries to spies. She shares fascinating stories of early operatives like Agnes Blake and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated environment. Claire highlights Kathleen Pettigrew's central influence at MI6 and debunks the myth of the femme fatale in spy lore. Ultimately, she emphasizes the progress being made and the legacy these pioneering women have left in the world of espionage.
26 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 48min
Andrew Carnegie: life of the week
David Nasaw, a historian specializing in US cultural and business history, dives into the paradoxical life of Andrew Carnegie. They discuss Carnegie's rise from a poor immigrant to a steel magnate, revealing his ruthless business strategies and the violent Homestead Strike. Nasaw highlights Carnegie's transformation into a philanthropist and his ambitious peacebuilding efforts, illustrating his struggle to balance capitalism with a conscience amidst the backdrop of war and conflict.
20 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 29min
Wages for housework: the daring 1970s campaign that challenged women's roles
Emily Callaci, a historian and author focused on global feminism, dives into the revolutionary 1970s campaign for 'wages for housework'. She highlights how this movement challenged traditional gender roles and capitalism by demanding compensation for unpaid labor. Callaci shares fascinating insights into the founding figures like Selma James, the movement's impact on second-wave feminism, and its ongoing significance today, exploring internal divisions and the creative ways activists made invisible work visible.
