For history enthusiasts who have been captivated by Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History, the search for similar podcasts can be both exciting and daunting. Carlin’s unique blend of storytelling prowess, meticulous research, and engaging delivery has set a high bar in the world of historical podcasting.
However, the podcast landscape is rich with other gems that offer compelling narratives, deep dives into historical events, and thought-provoking analysis. Whether you’re looking for in-depth explorations of specific eras, examinations of lesser-known historical figures, or fresh perspectives on well-trodden historical ground, there’s a wealth of options to satisfy your curiosity. Here’s a list of podcasts that are most like Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History.
The Rest is History
“The Rest is History” is a lively and engaging podcast that discusses a wide range of historical topics and their modern-day relevance. Hosted by renowned historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, the show covers everything from the ancient world to more recent events, tackling profound questions and offering unexpected insights.
Fall of Civilizations
Listen to Fall of Civilizations
“The Rest is History” takes listeners on a journey through the ruins of fallen civilizations, examining the common threads that contributed to their ultimate downfall. Each episode dives into a different society that once stood as a paragon of power and progress, only to succumb to the forces of decay and collapse.
History on Fire
“History on Fire,” hosted by historian and martial artist Daniele Bolelli, is an interesting history podcast that interrogates some of the most dramatic and fascinating events in human history. Bolelli brings a unique blend of storytelling, humor, and academic insight to topics ranging from ancient wars and revolutions to larger-than-life figures like Genghis Khan and Spartacus. Each episode is meticulously researched, often focusing on lesser-known details, and presented in an engaging, almost cinematic style.
The History of Rome
A weekly podcast that explores the history of the Roman Empire, starting with Aeneas’s landing in Italy and concluding with the banishment of Romulus Augustulus, the final emperor of the Western Roman Empire.
Revolutions
A weekly podcast that discusses major political revolutions throughout history. Read our review of the Revolutions podcast.
History Impossible
History Impossible explores obscure, bizarre, and seemingly impossible events, figures, and ideologies from across history that, despite their improbability, are all true. The podcast spans various eras and locations, from World War II to ancient Japan and medieval Europe, among others. It tackles challenging concepts and the tough choices made by ordinary people with significant consequences.
In the Shadows of Utopia
Listen to In the Shadows of Utopia
A detailed, in-depth podcast covering the history of Cambodia, with a focus on the Khmer Rouge and the Pol Pot regime.
My History Can Beat Up Your Politics
Listen to My History Can Beat Up Your Politics
Since 2006, this podcast has been leveraging historical insights to enrich and inform contemporary political discussions.
Behind the Bastards
There’s a reason the History Channel churns out countless documentaries about Hitler but far fewer on Dwight D. Eisenhower—villains are endlessly intriguing. *Behind the Bastards* takes a deep dive beyond the surface-level summaries of history’s most notorious figures, uncovering the strange and twisted truths of their lives. Read our review of Behind the Bastards.
Conflicted: A History Podcast
Listen to Conflicted: A History Podcast
Unraveling history’s most contentious debates. Each month, we closely examine the historical disputes that provoke tough questions, ignite controversy, and challenge our sense of morality.
History That Doesn’t Suck
Listen to History That Doesn’t Suck
HTDS is a bi-weekly podcast offering a thoroughly researched, hard-hitting exploration of American history, presented through engaging and entertaining narratives.
American History Tellers
Listen to American History Tellers
The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race—every aspect of your life, from the language you use to the ideas you discuss, is rooted in history. But how much do you really understand about the events that shaped America? Join us as we explore the moments, people, and eras that defined our nation, revealing how history impacted them, their families, and continues to influence you today. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the senator).
The Ancient World
LATEST SERIES: Carchemish (C Episodes) – exploring the rise and fall of the Neo-Hittite kingdoms; PREVIOUS SERIES: The Ancient World – covering the earliest human civilizations up until 500 BC; Rediscovery (R Episodes) – the tales of modern scholars and explorers who brought the ancient world back to light; Bloodline (B Episodes) – following the descendants of Mark Antony and Cleopatra through ten generations; Thea (T Episodes) – chronicling the collapse of the Seleucid Empire.
Relevant History
In *Relevant History*, solo host Dan Toler explores the key trends and ideas that have shaped today’s world. The inaugural season focuses on the concept of nationalism and how various societies perceive their national identities. From France to Ethiopia, the Delhi Sultanate to the Dutch Republic, the podcast journeys across time and geography to uncover the cultural roots of different nations and the ways these national movements have influenced their historical paths.
Our Fake History
A podcast uncovering the myths we mistake for history and the hidden history within myths! Fascinating tales of events that (possibly) really occurred!
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Listen to Stuff Your Missed in History Class
*Stuff You Missed in History Class* is a podcast that talks about fascinating historical events, figures, and stories that are often overlooked or not fully covered in traditional history lessons. Hosted by Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson, the show explores a wide range of topics, from obscure historical figures to lesser-known moments in world history, all presented with a mix of curiosity, thorough research, and engaging storytelling.
Tides of History
Echoes of the past are all around us, shaping the borders of nations, the way we worship, and how we wage wars. They influence the currency we use, the way we earn a living, the language we speak, and how we raise our children. In this podcast from Wondery, host Patrick Wyman, PhD (of *Fall of Rome* fame), unravels the history that has shaped our modern world, helping us understand how it evolved into what we know today.
Read our review of Hardcore History
Discover the best episodes of Hardcore History