History is a vast and complex subject. While books are great for interrogating historical events and figures, podcasts offer a unique and engaging way to learn about history. With no shortage of history podcasts available, it’s hard to know where to invest your time.
First, start with your interests. If you’re into ancient history, there are plenty of shows to cater to that historical sub-category. In fact, there’s no shortage of shows covering nearly every genre of history you can imagine. But some history podcasts rise above the rest. And that’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best history podcasts that are worth your time.
From examining the lives of famous figures to exploring major world events, these podcasts cover a wide range of topics and time periods. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to learn something new, there’s sure to be something on this list that will spark your interest.
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
Listen to If Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
No list of the world’s best history podcasts belongs anywhere on the web without having Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History at or near the top of the list. And although Dan has taken many of his older shows behind a paywall, this podcast is maybe the best value you’ll ever spend your money on.
Blowback
Blowback is a podcast series that interrogates the United States’ decision to invade Iraq in 2003. Hosted by journalists Brendan James and Noah Kulwin, the show offers a comprehensive look at the factors that led to the war, including the September 11 terrorist attacks and the George W. Bush administration’s justifications for the invasion.
Dan Snow’s History Hit
Listen to Dan Snow’s History Hit
Dan Snow and his knowledgeable guests transport us to ancient times, where we get to explore the lives of powerful kings, warrior queens, nomads, empires, and expeditions. Through his daily dose of history, Dan takes us on a journey to the past, helping us make sense of the present and offering us a glimpse into the biggest historical discoveries being made around the world in real time.
The History Chicks
The History Chicks is a podcast that takes a look into the lives of fascinating women from history. Hosts Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider explore the stories of these women, from the famous to the lesser-known, and examine the impact they had on their times and on history as a whole.
The Rest is History
Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook try to unravel the complex web of historical events and their impact on the present. They raise important questions such as what makes someone truly great, why the West has moved beyond internal conflicts, and whether Richard Nixon’s personality traits resembled those of Caligula or Claudius.
Fall of Civilizations
Listen to Fall of Civilizations
Have you ever wondered about the reasons behind the collapse of great civilizations throughout history? If so, this podcast is perfect for you. Each episode focuses on a different civilization that experienced a decline and eventual fall, exploring the commonalities between them.
Stuff the British Stole
Listen to Stuff the British Stole
The British Empire stole numerous items during its rule. Many of these items now reside in museums, galleries, and private collections worldwide. In this popular podcast, journalist Marc Fennell offers a wild, often funny, and sometimes tragic journey of how these stolen treasures ended up in their present locations.
The History of Egypt
Listen to The History of Egypt
Uncover the world of the Nile Valley and its people by listening to “Ancient Egypt” a podcast that tells the story of ancient Egypt in their own words. Through the use of texts, art, and archaeology, you’ll be transported to this fascinating time in history and gain insight into the lives of those who lived along the Nile River.
A History of the World in 100 Objects
Listen to A History of the World in 100 Objects
In a fascinating series, Neil MacGregor, the Director of the British Museum, takes us on a journey through the history of humanity, exploring our past through the objects we have created.
The Pirate History Podcast
Listen to The Pirate History Podcast
This podcast covers the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean, exploring the lives of real pirates like Blackbeard and Mary Reed, as well as the myths and stories they inspired. Get ready for history, adventure, myth, magic, treachery, and freedom.
You’re Dead to Me
If you’re someone who thinks history is boring (what the hell are you doing reading this list?) or if you’re someone who loves history and wants to learn and have fun at the same time, then this podcast is for you. Hosted by Greg Jenner, it combines the best of both worlds – comedy and history – to make learning about the past an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
In Our Time
Hosted by Melvyn Bragg this podcast explores the history of ideas in various fields such as science, philosophy, religion, and culture. Each episode features a panel of experts who discuss a specific topic related to these fields in detail.
History Extra podcast
Listen to the History Extra podcast
If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll enjoy the HistoryExtra podcast. It features interviews with some of the world’s top historians, covering a wide range of topics from ancient times to the Second World War. The team behind BBC History Magazine and BBC History Revealed produces this podcast, providing fresh perspectives on famous historical figures and events.
Inward Empire
Have you ever felt that the past is like another country where people do things differently? Inward Empire dives into the impact of ideas and ideology on American history. Each episode provides a glimpse into a world that may seem distant and unfamiliar but is closely linked to our own.
The Industrial Revolutions
Listen to The Industrial Revolutions
Have you ever wondered how a primate species managed to create a world full of towering skyscrapers, modern airplanes, powerful nuclear weapons, and life-saving vaccines? This podcast tells the fascinating story of human progress from the first industrial revolution in the 18th century, marked by the mass production of cotton weaving, to the present-day digital revolution, exploring the rapid changes that have transformed our world.
Uncivil
The division in America is not a new phenomenon; it has been present throughout history. However, this podcast takes you back to the time when this division turned into a full-blown war. Hosted by journalists Jack Hitt and Chenjerai Kumanyika, the podcast explores things like covert operations, resistance, mutiny, counterfeiting, antebellum drones, corruption, and much more.
Napoleon
This is the tale of Napoleon Bonaparte, brought to you by Noiser, an award-winning podcasting team. You may have heard of it on Real Dictators. The narration is by Paul McGann, and expert historians have also contributed to it.
Ben Franklin’s World
Listen to Ben Franklin’s World
If you’re a history enthusiast and want to learn more about the people and events that have shaped our present-day world, you’ll love this multiple-award-winning podcast about early American history. With each episode, you get to listen to conversations with professional historians who offer insights and perspectives on crucial people and events from early American history.
Casting Through Ancient Greece
Listen to Casting Through Ancient Greece
If you’re interested in Ancient Greek history make sure to check out this show. It takes a comprehensive look at Ancient Greece, starting from the prehistoric period and continuing through the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. Throughout the series, you can expect to hear about major events such as the Greek and Persian wars, the Peloponnesian war, and Alexander the Great’s war against Persia.
People’s History Podcast
Listen to People’s History Podcast
This podcast series is a documentary on the history of movements and class struggles. Every season focuses on one story told from the perspective of working-class individuals.
History of The Great War
Listen to History of The Great War
Tune in to the History of the Great War, a weekly podcast that investigates the catastrophic events of the First World War that unfolded between 1914 and 1918. With each episode, we will explore the happenings of exactly 100 years ago, taking you on a journey from the scorching borders of France in 1914 to the shores of Gallipoli, the banks of Somme, and the German army’s final knockout attempt in the spring of 1918
Pax Britannica: A History of the British Empire
Listen to Pax Britannica: A History of the British Empire
Pax Britannica is a narrative history podcast that covers the rise and fall of the largest empire in history. Hosted by a PhD candidate in British Imperial history, the podcast is based on extensive scholarship, primary sources, and expert interviews.
Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!
Listen to Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!
This podcast is a modern take on the entertaining and often infuriating stories from Greek and Roman mythology. The tales of gods and goddesses doing bizarre and sometimes terrible things are told in a casual, contemporary, and, let’s not forget, sarcastic manner.
History for Weirdos
Stephanie and Andrew, a married couple and armchair historians, take a deep dive into the fascinating and often entertaining aspects of human history that are often overlooked. From puzzling events that have confounded historians for centuries to underappreciated historical figures, your hosts explore a wide range of topics that are sure to capture your interest.
Empire
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand discuss the intriguing tales of empires throughout history. They examine how these empires emerged, what led to their downfall, and how they have influenced the world as we know it today. The initial series of their podcast focuses on the British in India, including the East India Company, Gandhi, the Raj, Independence, and Partition.
Tides of History
The echoes of the past are present everywhere around us. They shape the borders of nations, influence our religious practices and military conflicts, impact our financial decisions and professional pursuits, determine the languages we communicate in, and even affect the way we raise our kids.
The Memory Palace
The Memory Palace is a podcast that tells historical stories in a unique and captivating way. Each episode is a carefully crafted narrative that transports listeners to a different time and place, often exploring lesser-known events and characters. Host Nate DiMeo’s storytelling is poetic and evocative, as he weaves together historical research, personal anecdotes, and ambient soundscapes to create a rich, immersive experience.
History on Fire
History on Fire is a podcast hosted by Daniele Bolelli, an Italian-born university professor. The podcast is one of the most often cited shows in “top” and “best of” lists and pursues stories and myths that have shaped our modern world. The podcast is well-researched and engaging and often features interviews with historians, authors, and experts in their respective fields.
Behind the Bastards
Bad guys and gals are fascinating. That’s why the History Channel has produced more documentaries about Hitler than Dwight D. Eisenhower. Behind the Bastards exposes the bizarre realities of the worst humans in history, from the young adult novels that helped Hitler form his monstrous ideology to Saddam Hussein’s side career as a trashy romance novelist. Check out our review of Behind the Bastards and our list of best Behind the Bastards episodes.
Rock, Paper, Swords!
Listen to Rock, Paper, Swords!
Join two bestselling authors, Matthew Harffy and Steven A. McKay, on their Historical Action and Adventure Podcast as they bring history to life with their exciting stories. The duo explores various quirky and unusual aspects of history, delving into the world of music and its influence on their writing process.
Short History Of…
If you’re fascinated by the extraordinary events and remarkable people that have shaped our world, then this podcast will take you back in time to witness some of history’s most incredible moments. The show is hosted by John Hopkins, who will guide you through these fascinating stories and bring them to life.
My History Can Beat Up Your Politics
Listen to My History Can Beat Up Your Politics
A podcast designed to put current-day political events through the lens of history and see what comes out the other end.
The French History Podcast
Listen to The French History Podcast
Covering France’s rich history from 3 million years ago to the present day, this weekly podcast is presented by Dr. Gary Girod, along with contributions from various scholars.
History Becomes Her
Who are the women inspiring the change-makers of today? The History Becomes Her podcast, hosted by Rachel Thompson, explores the stories of women who are shaping the world. In each weekly episode, these trailblazers share their own journeys and the women from history who paved the way for them.
Our Fake History
Have you ever pontificated about the myths we believe to be true and the hidden history that lies within them? If so, then this podcast is for you. Listen to fascinating stories that might have actually happened and explore the blurred lines between myth and history.
Lions Led By Donkeys
Listen to Lions Led By Donkeys
The Lions Led By Donkeys podcast is a military history podcast that explores some of the most humorous and absurd stories from human conflict. It focuses on the failures and ineptitude of commanders, as well as the crazy stories that have emerged from various military campaigns throughout history.
Ridiculous History
Discover the weird and wacky stories from human civilization with Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown on their podcast, Ridiculous History. With a mix of beauty, brutality, and absurdity, these tales offer a unique perspective on the world’s past.
Revolutions
If you’re looking for an informative and engaging podcast that talks about the world’s most significant historical revolutions, look no further than Revolutions. Here’s our review of the podcast.
The Maritime History Podcast
Listen to The Maritime History Podcast
If you’re interested in maritime history, The Maritime History Podcast offers a fascinating and chronological journey through the history of the sea. The podcast covers everything from ancient times to the present day, exploring the impact of maritime trade, exploration, boat and ship-building, as well as the economic and cultural implications of the ocean on the development of societies throughout history.
Footnoting History
Footnoting History is a podcast that uncovers and shares stories from history that often go overlooked or are not well-known among the general public. The podcast is released every two weeks and features exciting and captivating narratives that are hidden within the footnotes of history books.
History That Doesn’t Suck
Listen to History That Doesn’t Suck
If you’re a fan of American history and enjoy being entertained while learning, History That Doesn’t Suck is the perfect podcast for you. It’s a bi-weekly show that offers a thorough and well-researched survey of American history through engaging and entertaining stories.
Noble Blood
In her podcast, host Dana Schwartz rummages through the captivating tales of historical royals, ranging from those who were tyrannical and tragic to the ones who committed murder and the ones who were victims of it. It goes to show that when you hold the power of a crown, even a single mistake could lead to fatal consequences.
History Daily
Host Lindsay Graham (known for American Scandal and American History Tellers and definitely not the Senator) takes you back in time to a momentous event that occurred ‘on this day’ in history. Whether it’s to remember the tragic events of December 7th, 1941, the day that will never be forgotten, or to celebrate the 20th day of July in 1969, when mankind took its first steps on the moon.
Gone Medieval
If you’re interested in long-lost Viking ships, kings buried in unexpected places, murders, power politics, myths, religion, and the lives of ordinary people during the Middle Ages in Europe and beyond, you’ll love Gone Medieval, the podcast dedicated to exploring this fascinating period in history, brought to you by History Hit.
Real Dictators
Real Dictators is a critically acclaimed podcast that discusses the secret lives of some of history’s most notorious tyrants. It is hosted by Paul McGann, who is joined by expert historians and eyewitnesses to provide a comprehensive understanding of these dictators and their regimes.
HISTORY This Week
It’s been a week of significant events that may or may not make it to the history books, but they have undoubtedly made history. Join HISTORY This Week as the hosts of this show journey back in time to meet the people, explore the locations and relive the moments that shaped our present.
Sidedoor
Have you ever wondered what treasures are hidden behind the closed doors of the Smithsonian? While the public can only see a portion of the 154 million artifacts held in the museum, Sidedoor provides a sneak peek behind the scenes. Hosted by Lizzie Peabody, the podcast offers exclusive access to the expertise of biologists, artists, historians, archaeologists, zookeepers, and astrophysicists who share fascinating stories that can’t be found anywhere else.
Witness History
The Witness History podcast is a program that explores the personal stories of people who have lived through significant events in history. Hosted by various journalists from BBC World Service, the podcast features interviews with eyewitnesses who share their accounts of historical events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and the Tiananmen Square protests.
Legends of the Old West
Listen to Legends of the Old West
Dive into the wild and untamed Western frontier with this show. From the notorious Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Butch and Sundance, to the fierce tribes of Lakota, Comanche and Apache, this show covers the toughest lawmen, the wildest outlaws, and the deadliest towns.
How to Invent a Country
Listen to How to Invent a Country
Do you know about the history of countries and their borders? Misha Glenny shares insights on the fascinating stories and diverse people behind countries around the world.
Literature and History
Listen to Literature and History
It’s not surprising that Literature and History is one of the most well-liked independent podcasts when it comes to history. Beginning with Sumerian cuneiform in 3,100 BCE, the podcast follows a chronological timeline through Assyriology, Egyptology, the Old Testament, Ancient Greece and Rome, and the rise of Christianity.
History of Japan
Assembled by a former Ph.D. student in History at the University of Washington, this podcast covers the entire span of Japanese history. Every week, a new topic is tackled, ranging from prehistoric Japan to the modern day.
Ancient Greece Declassified
Listen to Ancient Greece Declassified
This podcast takes the listener on a journey to the ancient world, exploring a vast array of human history through the lens of Greek texts. From Egypt and Babylon to Persia, Carthage, and Rome, expert guides steer the ship through the wine-dark sea of history. The podcast covers topics such as archaeology, literature, and philosophy, providing insightful conversations along the way.
The Age of Napoleon
The Age of Napoleon podcast looks at the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte, while also examining the broader European context of the early eighteenth to early nineteenth century. This podcast covers major historical trends and events, as well as the individual stories that give them meaning and depth.
We’re Not So Different
Listen to We’re Not So Different
A podcast that mainly covers the Medieval period, and how it has shaped our present.
The History of China
Listen to The History of China
Explore 5000 years of documented history from one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations with this fascinating journey.
Revisionist History
Malcolm Gladwell takes us on a journey through the overlooked and misunderstood aspects of history in his podcast, Revisionist History. Each episode analyzes a past event, person, idea, or even a song to re-examine whether we got our understanding right the first time.
American Elections: Wicked Game
Listen to American Elections: Wicked Game
In a letter dated February 10th, 1796, John Adams, the Vice President of the United States, expressed his concerns to his wife Abigail regarding the state of political discourse in the country. Fast forward to 2023, and Americans still have to endure months of heated arguments, outrage, and divisive political rhetoric as they once again prepare to choose their president.
The History of Poland Podcast
Listen to The History of Poland Podcast
Starting from its modest origins, this podcast traces the development of Poland’s distinct cultural identity and its transformation into a dominant European power. Listeners will learn about the country’s encounters with the Mongol Horde, its heroic defence against Ottoman invasion, and its unwavering commitment to maintaining independence across generations.
In the Shadows of Utopia: The Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Nightmare
Listen to In the Shadows of Utopia: The Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Nightmare
This work offers an in-depth account of Cambodia’s history, with a specific emphasis on the Khmer Rouge and the Pol Pot regime, based on meticulous research and interviews with historians.
The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong
Listen to The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong
The Constant is an audio history of mistakes – from ancient times to the modern day. This podcast is a journey of misadventure and misapprehension filled with fascinating and sometimes comical stories of how people mess things up.
The History of the Twentieth Century
Listen to The History of the Twentieth Century
The events that shaped the 20th century are chronicled in this account, covering a wide range of topics, including art, music, popular culture, science, religion, and, of course, politics and war.
ArtCurious Podcast
Art history is anything but boring. It’s full of weird, funny, mysterious, enthralling, and liberating stories. This podcast is all about the strangest tales in art. Was the Mona Lisa a fake? Did Van Gogh really take his own life? And what makes the Impressionists so remarkable?
History’s Greatest Idiots
Listen to History’s Greatest Idiots
Are you curious about the human mind’s biggest mistakes, blunders, and screw-ups throughout history? Look no further than Lev and Derek’s hilarious podcast, where they search the world for the funniest examples of bad decision-making.
The Bowery Boys
The currents of American history flow through the avenues of New York City — from the eager immigrants at Ellis Island to the risqué venues of 1970s Times Square. From the sky-reaching railways to the clandestine pathways of the Underground Railroad. From Hamilton to Hammerstein! Join Greg and Tom as they go through four centuries of riveting tales, highlighting both iconic and overlooked individuals who have sculpted our world.
The History of Byzantium
Listen to The History of Byzantium
Learn about the history of the Roman (Byzantine) Empire from 476 AD to 1453 through an engaging podcast that tells its story in an informative and entertaining way.
It Was Said
It Was Said is hosted by Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Meacham, and the latest season features ten historic speeches with expert analysis from top historians, authors and journalists. Learn about the context, orator and significance of each speech and why they should never be forgotten.
You’re Wrong About
Sarah, a passionate journalist, is deeply intrigued by the past. She dedicates her time to reevaluating people or events that have been misunderstood or misrepresented in the collective consciousness on a weekly basis. Read our review of You’re Wrong About and discover the best episodes of You’re Wrong About.
Norman Centuries
In “Norman Centuries”, a podcast on the Normans, Lars Brownworth, the author of “Lost to the West” and the creator of the “12 Byzantine Rulers” podcast, sheds light on the Italian Normans, a lesser-known aspect of Norman history, in addition to the more popular regions of France and England that are usually covered in Norman history.
American History Tellers
Listen to American History Tellers
America’s history is full of significant events such as the Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, and the Space Race. These events have shaped our country, and their influence can be seen in our daily lives, from the words we speak to the ideas we share. However, how well do you know the stories behind them?
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Listen to Stuff You Missed in History Class
Tune in to this iHeartRadio podcast as Holly and Tracy uncover the most fascinating and unusual stories in history that you might have missed in your classes.
The Scandinavian History Podcast
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This podcast embarks on a journey through the rich history of Scandinavia, covering the five modern Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and Finland. The show explores some other relevant bits and pieces along the way.
Futility Closet
Discover unheard tales from the annals of history. Take a journey of unexpected and intriguing narratives from the past and test your wits with our lateral thinking puzzles.
A Most Terrible Weapon
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This podcast explores the dawn of the nuclear age and the dilemmas it posed for American and Soviet leaders. Listeners are taken on a fascinating journey into the early years of the Cold War by Usha Sahay, who tells captivating stories about the various dilemmas that nuclear weapons posed for both American and Soviet leaders.
Not What You Thought You Knew
Listen to Not What You Thought You Knew
You might think you know a lot about history, but have you heard of the former slave who taught Charles Darwin or the first female playwright who was also a spy for the English King? Dr. Fern Riddell, a historian, author, and broadcaster, is shedding light on these lesser-known figures from history.
The History of Rome
This podcast takes you on a journey through the history of the Roman Empire, starting from the arrival of Aeneas in Italy and concluding with the exile of Romulus Augustulus, the last Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Each week, you’ll learn about the pivotal events that shaped the empire and the people who played a significant role in its rise and fall.
Bow and Blade
Join Kelly DeVries and Michael Livingston as they discuss the military history of the Middle Ages, including battles, sieges, and other aspects of warfare during this period.
History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
Listen to History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
Without skipping anything, Peter Adamson, who is a Professor of Philosophy at the LMU in Munich and at King’s College London, guides his listeners through the complete history of philosophy.
Murderhobos
Historian Adam Franti hosts a podcast that investigates the lives of men-at-arms throughout history and explores the concept of masculinity in different cultures and time periods.
History is Gay
It’s time to unlearn what you thought you knew about history! The History is Gay podcast is here to shine a light on the often-ignored and underappreciated queer individuals who have always existed throughout history. From forgotten love stories to unsung heroes, this show explores the diverse and complex experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals who have contributed to our world.
Presidential
The Presidential podcast by The Washington Post investigates the journey of every former American president to the office of the presidency, their decision-making process, crisis management, and the way they redefined the role of the commander-in-chief.
The British History Podcast
Listen to The British History Podcast
The British History Podcast takes a unique approach to narrating the history of Britain. Unlike conventional historical accounts that focus solely on dates and battles, this podcast places emphasis on the lives of ordinary people. You’ll dive into the desires, fears, and flaws of these individuals, and how they shaped the histories of England, Scotland, and Wales.
Ottoman History Podcast
Listen to Ottoman History Podcast
Have you ever been curious about the history of the Ottoman Empire and beyond? If so, you may be interested in interviews with historians who specialize in this fascinating period of history.
The Dangerous History Podcast
Listen to The Dangerous History Podcast
The Dangerous History Podcast goes into hidden and lesser-known aspects of history that the Establishment may not want you to know. Listening to this podcast can help you gain insight into the past, which in turn can help you better understand the present and make informed decisions for the future.
Professor Buzzkill History Podcast
Listen to Professor Buzzkill History Podcast
If you’re interested in debunking history myths in an engaging, informative, and fun way, then you’ll love the Professor Buzzkill podcast.
9/12
Pineapple Street Studios and Dan Taberski explore the aftermath of 9/11 in their seven-episode series, 9/12. The series focuses on the lives of people who had to navigate a new, radically altered world after the event. It covers topics such as a teenager getting caught up in a conspiracy theory and a Pakistani business owner discovering that hundreds of his Brooklyn neighbours are disappearing.
Warfare
This podcast explores how wars have shaped and changed our modern world. Host James Rogers teams up with historians, veterans, and experts to reveal new histories of leadership, technology, and battles, highlighting the realities and consequences of global warfare.
The Hellenistic Age Podcast
Listen to The Hellenistic Age Podcast
Discover the amazing stories about the ancient world of Greece in a time when Kingdoms, queens, kings, and warriors ruled the age.
Beyond Huaxia: A College History of China and Japan
Listen to Beyond Huaxia: A College History of China and Japan
Justin Jacobs, a history professor at American University, hosts a podcast that dives into the history of China and Japan without the burden of student debt, dormitories, or degrees.
The History of England
Listen to The History of England
The retelling of the story of England is a regular, chronological podcast that starts from the end of Roman Britain. The podcast includes all the great events that can be squeezed in, while keeping an eye on how people lived, their language, what was important to them, and the forces that shaped their lives and destinies.
The Art of Crime
The Art of Crime is a podcast that lives at the intersection between true crime, history, and the arts. Each season is centered around a different theme, with the second season titled “Assassins.” This season profiles various artists who have been involved in assassination attempts or have at least been implicated in them.
The Mirror of Antiquity
Listen to The Mirror of Antiquity
The Mirror of Antiquity is a podcast that offers a unique blend of storytelling and academic research, featuring portraits of classical scholars. The guests on the show discuss how their work on ancient Greece and Rome has helped them gain a better understanding of the contemporary world, as well as their own lives.
The Disappearing Spoon
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Sam Kean’s science-y history podcast explores overlooked stories from our past, including the dental superiority of hunter-gatherers, the sex lives of dinosaurs, and more. These charming little tales pack a surprisingly powerful punch and turn history on its head.
The Bomb
The Bomb is a BBC podcast series that tells the story of the atomic bomb, from its creation to its impact on politics, culture, and society. Hosted by historian and author Emily Strasser, the podcast dives into the science behind the bomb, the lives of the people who worked on it, and the decisions that led to its use in World War II.
Byzantium & Friends
Anthony Kaldellis hosts an intriguing podcast series that features discussions with experts in the history of Byzantium and related fields.
American Shadows
American Shadows is an intriguing podcast produced by iHeartRadio and Aaron Mahnke’s Grim & Mild. The show meanders into the shadowy, obscure stories from American history that are often overlooked. These untold tales feature people, places, and objects that are hidden in the shadows, forgotten, or deliberately omitted from the history books.
Emperors of Rome
Tacitus once said, “Great empires are not maintained by timidity.” This insightful quote speaks to the idea that bold and decisive leadership is necessary to maintain a powerful empire. If you’re interested in learning about the rulers of the ancient Roman empire and their leadership styles, you should check out this podcast.
A History of the United States
Listen to A History of the United States
If you’re interested in the history of the United States, you might want to check out this podcast. It covers everything from the founding of Jamestown to the end of the Cold War, including political, military, economic, social, and cultural history.
Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
Listen to Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
Throughout history, individuals have fought against oppression. In this weekly podcast, the show explores the most fascinating rebels and revolts throughout history, as well as the people who have fought for their freedom. Read our review of Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff.
Historical Blindness
Listen to Historical Blindness
If you’re interested in exploring the myths, mysteries, and misconceptions that surround historical events, look no further than Historical Blindness. Host Nathaniel Lloyd navigates cases of outrageous hoaxes, pernicious conspiracy theories, mass delusions, baffling mysteries, and unreliable historiography to gain insights into modern religious beliefs and political culture.
Irish History Podcast
Listen to Irish History Podcast
Experience the most captivating stories of Ireland’s history with the Irish History Podcast. From the Norman Invasion to the War of Independence, this podcast takes you on a journey through time, bringing to life the events that shaped Ireland’s past.
1865
In 1865, President Lincoln’s assassination caused chaos. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton takes charge to bring the assassin to justice, but he also worries about the new Vice President’s southern interests endangering the progress made by Lincoln. Stanton uses political wile to secure the future of freed slaves and the nation but betrays his friends, his honour, and the Constitution to steer the country towards justice.
The Ancients
If you’re a fan of ancient history, you’ll definitely enjoy The Ancients podcast! This podcast is solely dedicated to delving into our distant past and covers a broad range of themes from antiquity. With interviews featuring renowned historians and archaeologists, each episode is packed with fascinating insights and discussions about everything from Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome.
Mobituaries
In “Mobituaries,” Mo Rocca profiles his favourite deceased people and things. This season’s episodes include legendary athlete Jim Thorpe, iconic singer/songwriter Peggy Lee, and even the mid-Atlantic accent.
1865
In 1865, President Lincoln’s assassination caused chaos. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton takes charge to bring the assassin to justice, but he also worries about the new Vice President’s southern interests endangering the progress made by Lincoln. Stanton uses political wile to secure the future of freed slaves and the nation but betrays his friends, his honour, and the Constitution to steer the country towards justice.
Canadian History Ehx
Listen to Canadian History Ehx
Join in the exploration of the good, the bad, and the weird of Canadian history from the pre-colonial era to 25 years ago. This is the one-stop shop for anyone who wants to know anything about Canadian history.
Wiser World
Wiser World offers a quick history refresh for busy people who need to think historically about current events and global topics. The show covers different regions of the world, providing foundational facts and context.
History’s Secret Heroes
Listen to History’s Secret Heroes
In a recent project, Helena Bonham Carter sheds light on some remarkable stories from World War II.
Womanica
As we reminisce about our history classes from childhood, one question that always comes to mind is “Where are the stories of women?” Well, say hello to Womanica. In just five minutes a day, you can discover the extraordinary lives of women throughout history.
Uncancelled History
Uncancelled History is a series consisting of ten parts that offer a fresh perspective on historical events, figures, and concepts that have been shunned by modern society. The show’s host, British author and political analyst Douglas Murray, invites expert guests to explore the facts and provide insights into how these figures existed in the context of their times.
The History of English Podcast
Listen to The History of English Podcast
The English language has a rich and fascinating history that has been shaped by historical events and cultural influences from the Eurasian steppe to the rest of the world. A chronological examination of this history offers a unique perspective on the development and spread of the language.
Real Outlaws
Real Outlaws is a show that explores the lives of history’s most notorious criminals – from Billy the Kid to the Kray twins, the Peaky Blinders to Anne Bonny. These charismatic antiheroes or bloodthirsty villains have left an indelible mark in popular culture but what is the truth behind the myths?
Unobscured
Unobscured is a podcast that looks at some of history’s most enigmatic and mysterious events, uncovering the truth behind the legends. Each season focuses on a different historical occurrence, such as the Salem witch trials (S1), the Spiritualist Movement (S2), Jack the Ripper (S3), and Grigori Rasputin (S4).
Who Did What Now
It’s easy to think that history is a boring subject, but those who truly pay attention know that it’s anything but dull. If you’re someone who loves to dive into the stories of people, places, and events that have shaped the course of history, then join host Katie Charlwood, as she explores the fascinating world of history through her love for books and all things historical.
Omnibus
Ken Jennings and John Roderick collaborate every week to create the OMNIBUS, a comprehensive reference work consisting of bizarre yet factual stories that they are gathering as a time capsule for future generations.
Do you know of another Books podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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