

15-Minute History
15-Minute History Podcast
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 27, 2025 • 10min
A Trip to a Museum | Pop Quiz - The Future of NATO
Hey kids! I know you were excited to hear Lottie bring you another episode of "Sketches in History." Unfortunately, she isn't here this week. But Joe has a story to tell you about a trip he took with his son, and then we have a Pop Quiz you can listen to with your parents.Lottie will be back with her notebook for another "Sketches" episode next week!

Feb 24, 2025 • 40min
The Eagle Against the Sun | A Discussion on the Second World War in the Pacific
After a two-part podcast on this immense topic, Joe and I discussed some of the war's greatest impacts on society, how it shaped the lives of those who fought and suffered, and the tragic triumph that ended it.

Feb 20, 2025 • 8min
Pop Quiz | The Great Debasement
In today's episode, Joe and Jon discuss King Henry VIII's "Great Debasement" (which has nothing to do with his palace's root cellar) and how it shaped our understanding of monetary policy.

Feb 17, 2025 • 20min
The Eagle Against the Sun | The Second World War in the Pacific, part 2
Seven years ago, Joe and I began this podcast with a two-part episode on the Second World War in Europe. Today, we bring you part two, followed by our discussion next week.As always, you can send us questions or post comments on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

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.