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
Jan 11, 2024 • 32min
Boston Tea Party | 5. A complex legacy
Experts discuss the significance of the Boston Tea Party in American history and its impact on American identity. They explore the complex identities of American colonists, the grievances against British authority, and the transition to protest against the King. The podcast emphasizes the high stakes and political consequences of the protest, highlighting its role in transforming colonial resistance into a revolution.
Jan 10, 2024 • 29min
Why were the Romantics obsessed with Mount Vesuvius?
John Brewer, author of Volcanic: Vesuvius in the Age of Revolutions, discusses why the Romantics were obsessed with Mount Vesuvius, the changing perceptions of the eruption, the connection between volcanoes and earth sciences, climbing Mount Vesuvius with colorful guides, and the impact of Mount Vesuvius on Romantic society.
9 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 46min
Life of the Week: Stalin
An in-depth look at the life of Josef Stalin, charting his childhood in Georgia, his rise to power as the dictator of the Soviet Union and his impact on the post-war world. The experts explore Stalin's early life, his role in the Russian Revolution, the implementation of collectivization, the Holodomor, and the Great Terror, as well as his personal dictatorship, alliance with Nazi Germany, and the connection between Stalinism and Leninism. They also discuss his personal life, intelligence, and the devastating effects of his rule on Russia.
Jan 8, 2024 • 42min
James Longstreet: Confederate Judas
James Longstreet, Confederate general who defied the norms and supported reconstruction and black voting. Topics: Longstreet's transition from Confederate general to Republican operative, his loyalty and political transformation, controversies surrounding his actions at Gettysburg, and his attitudes and experiences towards the end of the Civil War.
Jan 7, 2024 • 53min
Medieval popes: everything you wanted to know
Historian Brett Whalen explores the role of the papacy in the Middle Ages, discussing influential popes, the existence of Antipopes, and the intriguing belief of a pope having a pet demon. The podcast also covers the origins and evolution of the papacy, chaos, scandals, and politics surrounding the medieval papacy, the causes of major splits in the Christian church, the importance of nationality in medieval popes, critiques of papal authority, and the concept of anti-popes throughout history.
Jan 5, 2024 • 32min
A history of song: from Schumann to Sting
Discover the evolution of song and its emotional impact, from medieval troubadours to composers like Schumann and Sting. Explore the influential John Dowland's song and the transition to composed lute songs. Learn about the emergence of German domestic song and the significance of 'Summertime' in musical history. Explore the blurring boundaries between classical and rock music, including collaborations and the future of music with AI.
Jan 4, 2024 • 35min
Boston Tea Party | 4. The crackdown
The podcast discusses the consequences of the Boston Tea Party and the brutal crackdown by Britain's government that united the American colonies. It explores the value of the destroyed tea, the organization and impact of the protest, the Coercive Acts' effect on the colonies, the challenges of unity among the colonies, and the colonial response to the Intolerable Acts.
Jan 3, 2024 • 44min
Aztec warfare
This podcast explores the pivotal role of warfare in Aztec society, including the motives behind their warfare, the controversial flower wars, and the importance of capturing enemies. It also discusses the role of women in Aztec warfare, the rituals and education in Aztec society, the emphasis on social status and mobility, and the tactics and strategies employed by Aztec warriors.
Jan 2, 2024 • 44min
History Behind the Headlines: Elections, ‘panda diplomacy’ and the word of the year
Discussion on the history of elections, 'panda diplomacy' as diplomatic gifts throughout history, and the roots of the Oxford Word of the Year - 'charisma'. Also explores the historical significance of democracy, animal symbolism, the impact of climate change in the Middle Ages, and resilience in farming communities.
Jan 1, 2024 • 23min
How spies shaped the modern world
Amanda Mason introduces Spencer Mizen to objects from the Imperial War Museums' exhibition, Spies, Lies and Deception. They discuss bugging German PoWs, qualities of successful spies, and the impact of deepfakes in modern warfare.
