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
Mar 28, 2024 • 35min
Tiger Tamer | 6. battling against Bovril
Explore the life of Bob Carlisle, a Victorian showman who battled against modern transportation trends. Learn about his pedestrian career, rivalry with Bovril, and unique personality shaped by fame and struggles.
Mar 27, 2024 • 28min
How was Elizabeth I shaped by her childhood?
Historian Nicola Tallis delves into Queen Elizabeth I's childhood, exploring how her early experiences shaped her as a ruler and a woman. From her turbulent upbringing to her relationships with family members and her aversion to marriage, discover the lesser-known side of the iconic queen.
Mar 26, 2024 • 55min
Joan of Arc: life of the week
Historian Anne Curry discusses the rise and fall of Joan of Arc, dismantling myths around her life. Topics include political intrigues during the Hundred Years' War, Joan's spiritual and political beliefs, her role in the Siege of Orleans, and her enduring legacy as an iconic warrior.
Mar 25, 2024 • 30min
Leftovers: how our ancestors battled food waste
Explore how our ancestors battled food waste, from Tudor times to WW2, with inventive tactics like potato peel recipes. Reflect on historical approaches to food waste to find solutions for today's challenges. Discover traditional diets, food preservation methods, and efficient food utilization throughout history. Learn about the evolution of food preservation techniques, from tin cans to modern challenges. Reflect on the environmental repercussions of food waste and advocate for sustainable practices based on historical insights.
5 snips
Mar 24, 2024 • 41min
WW1's eastern front: everything you wanted to know
Explore the complexities of WW1's Eastern Front, from the assassination of Franz Ferdinand to bloody clashes between Germany, Austria, and Russia. Uncover the overlooked significance of the Eastern Front compared to the Western Front, and the power dynamics in Eastern Europe in 1914. Learn about Tsar Nicholas II's command in WWI, the differences between the Eastern and Western Fronts, and the ultimate collapse of the Eastern Front with Russia's withdrawal from the war.
Mar 22, 2024 • 33min
Eric 'Winkle' Brown: Britain's most extraordinary pilot
Discover the extraordinary life of Eric 'Winkle' Brown, a legendary Second World War pilot who survived a torpedo attack, set world records for flying, and had encounters with influential figures. From his daring feats like landing a mosquito on an aircraft carrier to his lessons in determination and preparedness, his story is filled with remarkable adventures and insights.
Mar 21, 2024 • 29min
Tiger Tamer | 5. crazy about wheelbarrows
Delving into the Victorian wheelbarrow craze of 1886-7 led by Bob Carlisle. Explore the odd historical crazes like fasting challenges and pigeon-eating trends. Meet eccentric figures like Sawdust Jack and James Gordon in the competitive wheelbarrow race. Discover Bob Carlisle's media manipulation strategies post-wheelbarrow recovery.
Mar 20, 2024 • 28min
Will the real Jesus please stand up?
Early Christianity was filled with diverse and conflicting narratives about Jesus, including alternative versions of his life and personality. The podcast delves into the various beliefs and controversies surrounding Jesus' birth, the cult of the Virgin Mary, and the evolution of Christianity in the Roman Empire amidst competition from other religions. It also explores the reception of apocryphal gospels in early Christianity.
Mar 19, 2024 • 42min
Mary Wollstonecraft: life of the week
Explore the fascinating life of Mary Wollstonecraft, a trailblazing advocate for women's rights during the Enlightenment. From her involvement in the French Revolution to her controversial personal choices, learn about her lasting impact on history and feminism.
Mar 18, 2024 • 39min
An obscenity trial that shocked Victorian Britain
Learn about the scandalous 1877 trial of Annie Besant for distributing a birth control pamphlet. Explore the societal impact of this legal case in Victorian Britain and why Besant chose to represent herself in court. Dive into the evolution of birth control methods and societal beliefs, from ancient civilizations to the Victorian era. Discover the partnership between Besant and Charles Bradlaw in challenging societal norms and advocating for activism.
