February 18, 2024
Discover the best history podcasts, often they are the most satisfying. They are an easy listen and perspective often benefits from hindsight.
We have a few to choose from but it’s more than likely you will also have some recommendations, so please let us know.
The Rest Is History
Hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, this podcast takes a humorous and informative approach to historical events, figures, and anecdotes.
The hosts discuss a wide range of topics, from ancient history to more recent events, and they often draw connections between the past and the present.
It’s a podcast that combines a deep passion for history with engaging storytelling and insightful commentary.
Dan Snow’s History Hit
This podcast offers a wide range of historical topics and features interviews with experts, authors, and scholars from various fields of history.
Historian and Broadcaster, Dan Snow and his guests discuss everything from ancient civilizations to modern history, and they often provide fresh perspectives and insights into historical events and figures.
Whether you’re curious about famous battles, historical mysteries, or the lives of prominent historical figures, this podcast is likely to have an episode that piques your interest.
The podcast often explores lesser-known stories and events, making it an excellent resource for those who want to delve deeper into the past.
Totalus Rankium
A podcast that started in 2016 and whilst the number of episodes might put you off, if you’re into Roman Emperors, you’ll find your favourites here. This pits Roman emperors against one other in a number of categories – their military aptitude, despotic tendencies and pure eccentricity among them – to decide who was ultimately the “greatest” of them all. At an hour each, there’s a lot of depth to every episode, but you won’t believe who wins.
You’re Dead To Me
Hosted by Greg Jenner, a public historian and consultant for popular historical TV shows, this podcast blends history with humour. The format involves discussions between historians, comedians, and experts who explore various historical topics, figures, and events.
The podcast aims to make history accessible and engaging to a wide audience.
It covers a broad range of historical subjects, from ancient civilizations to modern times, while maintaining a lighthearted and humorous tone.
You’re Dead To Me is known for its witty and informative approach to history, which makes learning about the past both fun and educational. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to learn something new in an entertaining way, that is what this podcast delivers.
Real Dictators
A podcast that delves into the lives, reigns, and the rise and fall of some of history’s most notorious dictators.
Hosted by Paul McGann, this podcast provides in-depth and well-researched explorations of the people and events behind dictatorships.
Each episode of “Real Dictators” typically focuses on a single dictator, offering insights into their early life, political career, tactics for maintaining power, and eventual downfall.
The podcast combines historical narrative with expert interviews, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the dictators and the impact they had on their respective countries and the world.
What you realise is how many dictators emerge from an under privileged and often brutal childhood.
The Ancients
The Ancients has considered the remarkable achievements of those who came before – and how the actions of yesterday echo through the world today. Hughes seamlessly weaves ice age cave art in Indonesia, the first settlers of Ireland 10,000 years ago and ancient Kazakh warlords together into a cohesive theme: who were we – and what does that tell us about who we are today? This is one that you can dip into as there over 450 episodes, so you’ll find many to interest you.
In Our Time
A long-running and highly regarded radio and podcast program produced by the BBC. Hosted by Melvyn Bragg, the show covers a wide range of topics, including history, science, philosophy, culture, and the arts.
Each episode typically features a panel of experts who discuss and explore a particular subject in depth.
The podcast is known for its commitment to in-depth exploration and thoughtful conversations with experts in the field.
While not exclusively a history podcast, In Our Time frequently features historical topics and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about various facets of human history, culture, and knowledge. The podcast has a vast archive of episodes covering a wide array of subjects, making it a valuable resource for curious minds.
History’s Secret Heroes
Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, this podcast t focuses on revealing the lesser-known and often uncelebrated individuals from history who have made significant contributions or played key roles in shaping the world.
These unsung heroes may have been overshadowed by more famous figures or marginalized due to their background, but their impact is still noteworthy as are their achievements.
The People vs J. Edgar Hoover
A podcast series that focuses on the life and legacy of J. Edgar Hoover, who was the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This podcast explores Hoover’s controversial career, his involvement in various high-profile cases, and the lasting impact he had on American law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
One of the most influential Americans of the 20th Century, the series often delves into Hoover’s complex character, his sometimes questionable actions, and his influence on the FBI’s development, as well as the broader political and social landscape of the United States during his time in power.
If you’re interested in true crime, we have a selection of recommended podcasts.
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