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
Feb 14, 2024 • 31min
Happily ever after? Love and marriage in Austen's era
Explore the historical accuracy of Jane Austen's love stories and their adaptations. Discover the dynamics of age gaps in Regency relationships. Uncover the limitations and creative ways Regency couples navigated marriage restrictions. Learn about weddings, honeymoons, and early marriage in Austen's era. Discuss the portrayal of Regency partnerships and examples of successful relationships.
Feb 13, 2024 • 37min
History Behind the Headlines: the Post Office, US elections and Alexander the Great
Explore the intricate details of the Post Office scandal and its implications. Discover the historical importance of postal systems and the heroic efforts of postal workers. Delve into the Trump campaign's plan to change Schedule F and its historical precedence. Learn about the conflict between spoils systems and meritocracy, and strategies to prevent corruption. Finally, dive into the highly competitive civil service exams in China and the debate surrounding digitizing historical documents.
Feb 12, 2024 • 38min
Drag: a British history
Jacob Bloomfield, author of 'Drag: A British History', explores the origins and cultural significance of drag in Britain, tracing its roots from the Victorian era. He discusses the paradox of British culture's love for drag despite its perceived taboo, highlighting stories of influential drag performers. The podcast also explores the unique approaches of Dan Lino and Arthur Lukin, who portrayed Dames in British theater, and delves into the history and adaptability of drag as an art form.
12 snips
Feb 11, 2024 • 59min
Medieval Ireland: everything you wanted to know
Discover the fascinating medieval period of Ireland with topics including the island's geography and regional identities, the unique history of Ireland and the introduction of Christianity, the ancient secular laws of Ireland and the rich collection of saga materials, the languages spoken in medieval Ireland and the role of magic, folklore, and myth, the mythological literature and folklore traditions of ancient Ireland, and the extensive number of vernacular saints in medieval Ireland.
Feb 9, 2024 • 32min
Peking to Paris: the world’s first great motor race
Historian Jon Bauckham discusses the world's first great motor race, the Peking to Paris race of 1907. The podcast explores the origins of the race, the reactions and opinions towards it, the competitors and their vehicles, the impact of technology on travel, and the historical context in which the race took place.
11 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 30min
Conspiracy | 4. The Protocols of the Elders of Zion
Guest Professor Pamela S Nadell discusses the notorious Protocols of the Elders of Zion conspiracy theory, its origins as a forgery, fueling of anti-Semitic beliefs, Henry Ford's involvement, and its continued influence on the right and left despite debunking.
7 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 26min
Love: a weird & wonderful history
From prehistoric carvings to grand romantic gestures, this podcast explores the curious and forgotten aspects of love throughout history. It discusses the early evidence of a kiss, the evolution of the heart symbol, magical spells for healing heartbreak, courtly love, unusual marriage traditions, and interesting stories and objects for a book on love.
Feb 6, 2024 • 56min
Life of the week: the Duke of Wellington
Learn about the life of the Duke of Wellington, a formidable military commander. Discover his successes on the battlefield, controversial tenure as a politician, and salacious personal life. Explore his early life, military career, and marriage struggles. Debunk some misconceptions and delve into his later years, exploring his role in international diplomacy and state funeral.
Feb 5, 2024 • 27min
Ploughman's for the people: a culinary history of Britain
Pen Vogler, author of 'Stuffed: A History of Good Food and Hard Times in Britain', takes listeners on a culinary journey through Britain's history, exploring the marketing origins of the Ploughman's lunch and the belief that turnips were once thought to be an aphrodisiac. She also delves into the impact of enclosures on food and society, the evolution of the roast dinner, and the history of food rationing during World War I and II.
Feb 4, 2024 • 39min
Chivalry: everything you wanted to know
Exploring the origins and evolution of chivalry, its contradictory definitions, and the role of women in knightly conduct.
