
15-Minute History
Walking in the footsteps of history, fifteen minutes at a time. Join us for a 15-minute episode covering a person, place, or event in history, and stay for an extended discussion. New episodes and discussions every week.
Latest episodes

Feb 13, 2025 • 10min
Sketches in History | Buried in Time
As promised, the 15-Minute History Podcast team is bringing you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer, as she dives into her extraordinary notebook where sketches from history come to life.In this episode, she travels to a bustling marketplace in 79 AD. But something is very wrong. Imagine warm air, clear skies, and a menace on the horizon. Your kids will learn about an ancient culture, preservation, and how a city was frozen in time.Listen and subscribe to the 15-Minute History podcast to hear Sketches in History every other Thursday. Got a favorite historical moment? Share it with us at 15minutehistory@gmail.com, and it might just make its way into the notebook!Until then, remember that history is just a page away.

Feb 10, 2025 • 19min
The Eagle Against the Sun | The Second World War in the Pacific, part 1
Seven years ago, Joe and I began this podcast with a two-part episode on the Second World War in Europe. Today, we fulfill a promise to longtime listeners with the first installment of the Pacific War--from Pearl Harbor to Midway. Join us next week for the second part and then an epic discussion later this month.
As always, you can send us questions or post comments on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

Feb 6, 2025 • 8min
Double Pop Quiz | Texas in the Civil War & the Strasbourg Dancing Plague
In today's double pop quiz, Jon answers an audience question and then faces a historic moment for the podcast. Don't miss it!

Feb 3, 2025 • 27min
"We Band of Brothers" | A Discussion on The Battle of Agincourt
Join us as we discuss The Battle of Agincourt and ask whether Henry V's actions proved to be a good idea or a bad one.

Jan 30, 2025 • 13min
Sketches in History | Crossing the Delaware
As promised, the 15-Minute History Podcast team is bringing you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer, as she dives into her extraordinary notebook where sketches from history come to life.
In her first episode, she will travel to Christmas night, 1776. Imagine icy waters, desperate soldiers, and a bold leader on the brink of changing history. Your kids will discover the bravery, leadership, and resilience that shaped a nation.
Listen and subscribe to the 15-Minute History podcast to hear Sketches in History every other Thursday. Got a favorite historical moment? Share it with us at 15minutehistory@gmail.com, and it might just make its way into the notebook!
Until then, remember that history is just a page away.

Jan 27, 2025 • 15min
"We Band of Brothers" | The Battle of Agincourt
The Battle of Agincourt, though small by modern standards, stands as a turning point in European history by bringing democracy to the battlefield. Joe takes us through the battle in all its detail and asks the question whether Henry V's actions proved to be a good idea or a bad idea.

Jan 23, 2025 • 7min
Pop Quiz | Fact Checkers Gone?
Join the team as they discuss recent news about fact-checkers in social media.
Be sure to tune in next Thursday for the 15-Minute History Podcast's first segment for kids, Sketches in History!

Jan 20, 2025 • 49min
Inauguration Special! | Interview with Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch
With today being Inauguration Day in the United States, Joe and I are bringing you a special interview with authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. Their new book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy - and Why it Failed, is narrative history at its finest and tells a largely unknown story of the first plot to assassinate President John F. Kennedy during his transition to the White House in 1960.

Dec 23, 2024 • 8min
Special Christmas Episode | The History of the Nativity
The imagery of Jesus' birth has evolved over the century, but its meaning to all humanity remains as simple as ever in this holiday season.
Special thanks to my Uncle Matt for giving me the idea for this episode! - Jon

Dec 19, 2024 • 9min
Pop Quiz | An Inconsequential War?
It's time for a pop quiz!
Join us as Joe and I talk through the idea of a war without consequences and discuss Australia's fight with emus and the "Whiskey War" of 1973-2022.
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