History Extra podcast

The History Extra podcast brings you gripping stories from the past and fascinating historical conversations with the world's leading historical experts.  

 

Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, History Extra is a free history podcast, with episodes released six times a week. Subscribe now for the real stories behind your favourite films, TV shows and period dramas, as well as compelling insights into lesser-known aspects of the past. 

 

We delve into global history stories spanning the ancient world right up to the modern day. You’ll hear deep dives into the lives of famous historical figures like Cleopatra, Anne Boleyn and Winston Churchill, and explorations of intriguing events from the past, such as the Salem witch trials, the battle of Waterloo and D-Day. 

 

Expect fresh takes on history, helping you get to grips with the latest research, as we explore everything from ancient Roman archaeology and Viking mythology to Renaissance royals and Tudor kings and queens. 

 

Our episodes touch on a wide range of historical eras – from the Normans and Saxons to the Stuarts, Victorians and the Regency period. We cover the most popular historical subjects, from the medieval world to the Second World War, but you’ll also hear conversations on lesser-known parts of our past, including black history and women’s history. 

 

Looking at the history behind today’s headlines, we consider the forces that have shaped today’s world, from the imposing empires that dominated continents, to the revolutions that brought them crashing down. We also examine the impact of conflict across the centuries, from the crusades of the Middle Ages and the battles of the ancient Egyptians to World War One, World War Two and the Cold War.  

 

Plus, we uncover the real history behind myths, legends and conspiracy theories, from the medieval murder mystery of the Princes in the Tower, to the assassination of JFK.  

 

Featuring interviews with notable historians including Mary Beard, Tracy Borman, James Holland and Dan Jones, we cover a range of social, political and military history, with the aim to start conversations about some of the most fascinating areas of the past. 

Unlock full access to HistoryExtra.com for 6 months for just 99p https://www.historyextra.com/join/

History
51
A political earthquake: Britain's first Labour ...
David Torrance revisits what happened when the first socialist prime minister, Ramsay MacDonald, entered 10 Downing Street a century ago
30 min
52
James VI and I: life of the week
Joe Ellis explores the life and dual reign of King James VI of Scotland and I of England
44 min
53
From Russia to Texas: the search for a Jewish h...
Rachel Cockerell shares the little-known story of the Jews who fled antisemitism in early 20th-century Europe to forge new lives in the southern United States
35 min
54
British Redcoats: everything you wanted to know
Saul David answers listener questions on the evolution of the British Army from the Civil War to the Victorian era
31 min
55
The West's attempt to crush Bolshevik Russia
Anna Reid discusses how armies from Britain, France, America and Japan invaded Russia during the First World War in a bid to topple the Bolsheviks
35 min
56
Tiger Tamer | 3. would you let a tiger lick you...
David Musgrove travels back to the jeopardy and exhilaration of the Victorian circus, to explore Bob Carlisle’s hair-raising career as a clown and tiger tamer
32 min
57
Mary & George: the real history behind the new ...
Benjamin Woolley introduces the mother-and-son duo who changed the face of the royal court in the early 17th century
34 min
58
History Behind the Headlines: ageing politician...
Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter discuss the history behind current headlines – from the age of politicians over time to the new names for London's Overground.
36 min
59
The man who ran Auschwitz: the real story of Th...
Professor Richard J Evans talks to Rob Attar about Rudolf Höss, the notorious commandant of Auschwitz, whose story is the focus of the acclaimed new film The Zone of Interest.
35 min
60
Alcatraz: everything you wanted to know
Ashley Rubin answers listener questions on the infamous American prison known for its escape attempts
38 min
61
Plague, leprosy & murder: unlocking the secrets...
Broadcaster and academic Professor Alice Roberts explores what the study of human bones can tell us about disease and violence in medieval Britain
36 min
62
Tiger Tamer | 2. sail, steam & stormy seas
David Musgrove transports listeners back to the high seas in the 19th century, to uncover Bob Carlisle’s career as a Victorian sailor
27 min
63
The EU: from Maastricht to Brexit
Dermot Hodson reflects on the key figures and pivotal events that have shaped the European Union since its founding over 30 years ago
32 min
64
Rudyard Kipling: life of the week
Professor Janet Montefiore explores the life, work and contested legacy of writer Rudyard Kipling
31 min
65
Winthrop Bell: a Canadian spy who predicted Naz...
Jason Bell discusses Dr Winthrop Bell, a Canadian Harvard professor who turned to espionage in the aftermath of WW1
36 min
66
Arts & Crafts movement: everything you wanted t...
Suzanne Fagence Cooper answers listener questions on the Victorian Arts and Crafts movement, which re-emphasised the role of the maker in the artistic process
38 min
67
Stonewall: the 1969 fight for gay rights
Chris Parkes reflects on the 1969 Stonewall riots
36 min
68
The Chinese migrants chasing an American dream
Hugo Wong shares the personal stories of two young men who left China in the late 19th century for the riches of California, encountering both opportunity and prejudice
31 min
69
The Tiger Tamer who went to sea | Trailer
1 min
70
Tiger Tamer | 1. “the life of a dozen men”
David Musgrove introduces listeners to Bob Carlisle; Victorian celebrity, seafarer, lion tamer and ‘wheelbarrow pedestrian’
22 min
71
The Britons who rebuilt postwar Germany
Daniel Cowling describes the challenges facing the British occupiers of a shattered nation from 1945-49
30 min
72
Christopher Columbus: life of the week
Julia McClure explores the controversial life and legacy of the explorer Christopher Columbus
39 min
73
Slavic Myths: vampires werewolves – and cabbages
Noah Charney and Svetlana Slapšak introduce us to the myths and monsters of the Slavic peoples – and reveal how they might be more familiar than you think
33 min
74
The Roman army: everything you wanted to know
Adrian Goldsworthy answers listener questions on what life was like in the armies of ancient Rome – from revolting rations and brutal discipline, to promotion prospects and the chances of settling down
62 min
75
Chanel: glamour and controversy on the Riviera
As The New Look hits TV screens, Anne de Courcy revisits Coco Chanel's time living on the French Riviera
39 min