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
Apr 8, 2024 • 41min
History behind the headlines: the Bengal famine
Award-winning journalist and producer Kavita Puri joins to discuss the history and challenges of addressing the 1943 Bengal Famine. They explore the complexities of famine, the methodological hurdles in reconstructing narratives, the absence of survivor accounts, and the lasting impact on individuals and families. The discussion delves into the depiction of the famine in art, compares it to other historical famines, and highlights the nuances of historical events beyond statistics.
Apr 7, 2024 • 47min
Spying in the Troubles: the murky world of double agents in Northern Ireland
Author Henry Hemming delves into the murky world of double agents during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Topics include the intense intelligence operation by British secret services, the infiltration of the IRA, the complexities of espionage, the shift towards political compromise within the IRA leadership, and the moral dilemmas faced by agents in espionage.
Apr 6, 2024 • 53min
Welsh mythology: everything you wanted to know
Expert Elinor Evans explores Welsh mythology, discussing white horses, the Mabinogion, King Arthur's origins, dragons, and sinister fairy folk. Unraveling the symbolism of red and white in Welsh folklore, the podcast also delves into mythical creatures like fairies, dragons, and King Arthur, showcasing the rich tapestry of Welsh folklore.
Apr 4, 2024 • 45min
Tying the knot: 500 years of wedded bliss and marital misery
Legal historian Rebecca Probert delves into the history of marriage laws in England and Wales over 500 years. Topics include the origins of wedding vows, the evolution of divorce laws, changing dynamics of marriage commitment, and the advocacy for gender equality in property rights.
5 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 43min
Conspiracy Revisited: The JFK assassination – 95 per cent certain?
Investigative journalist Gerald Posner explores theories surrounding the JFK assassination, debunking wild conspiracy theories. Topics include lack of security protocols, Zapruder film analysis, JFK's missing brain, Oswald's ties to intelligence agencies, and motives behind the assassination.
6 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 38min
The British empire's divisive legacy
Bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera discusses Britain's imperial past, addressing topics like acknowledging historical injustices, complex legacies of the Empire, impact on white supremacy, challenges in reparations dialogue, and redefining British history narratives for a more comprehensive education.
Apr 1, 2024 • 55min
Saladin: life of the week
Historian Jonathan Phillips delves into the life of Saladin, the Muslim leader known for capturing Jerusalem and his rivalry with Richard the Lionheart. They discuss the backstory of the Crusader States, Saladin's rise to power, the Siege of Acre, and his diplomatic legacy. The conversation also touches on Saladin's contemporary impact and how his values continue to influence Turkish society.
17 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 46min
Back in the USSR: the Soviet Sixties
Author Robert Hornsby discusses the optimistic era of the Soviet Union in the 60s, marked by space exploration and social changes, before the Prague Spring of 1968. Topics include Khrushchev's leadership post-Stalin, the impact of the 20th Party Congress, cultural shifts, and evolving women's rights in the USSR.
35 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 43min
Anglo-Saxon kingdoms: everything you wanted to know
Joanna Story, Medieval history expert, shares insights on Anglo-Saxon kingdoms including the term's origins, royal governance, Christianity's impact, and societal evolution. Topics cover the unification of Anglo-Saxon England, settlement complexities, advancements in DNA analysis, religious transition, economic evolution, and legal transformation.
Mar 29, 2024 • 41min
Dinosaurs: a Victorian obsession
Author Michael Taylor discusses the Victorian obsession with dinosaurs in the 19th century, challenging religious beliefs and sparking the debate between science and religion. Topics include the misidentification of prehistoric creatures, competitive fossil-hunting in Lyme Regis, and blending science with religion. The podcast also explores the significance of dinosaurs in supporting evolutionary theory and their portrayal in Victorian literature.
