HistoryExtra podcast

https://feeds.megaphone.fm/GLT5697813216

93.3K Followers 2.7K Episodes

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

Episode List

Did the Catholic Church support Hitler?

Aug 25th, 2026 11:00 PM

How did the politically neutral Catholic church come to have dealings with the fascist regimes of Mussolini and Hitler? In this episode, Ambrogio Caiani tells Charlotte Vosper why the Curia was enticed by authoritarianism, and what these deals with dictators meant for ordinary Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frida Kahlo: life of the week

Aug 24th, 2026 11:00 PM

The arresting gaze, the stark monobrow, the intricate ribbons woven through the dark hair – Frida Kahlo's unmistakable image is recognised around the world today. Yet the woman behind the vivid self-portraits was far more complex than the icon she became. In conversation with Danny Bird, historian Patience Schell explores how trauma, politics and extraordinary artistic vision transformed Kahlo into one of the most influential cultural figures of the modern age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How the Americas transformed Tudor England

Aug 23rd, 2026 11:00 PM

What did Tudor England really gain from its early encounters with the Americas? In this episode, Elinor Evans speaks to historian Dr Lauren Working about her new book A Golden World, exploring the overlooked exchange of ideas, materials and knowledge between Indigenous peoples and Renaissance England. From brilliant red dyes made from insects, to tobacco, pearls and exotic animals, Working reveals how English society was profoundly shaped by American influences, challenging long-held assumptions about colonial history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preview: Master the medieval art of knowing yourself

Aug 22nd, 2026 11:00 PM

How can the past help us live better, happier, healthier and more productive lives today? That's the question at the heart of our series Life Lessons from History, which is back for a new run – and today on the HistoryExtra podcast, we're bringing you a taste of what's on offer. In this episode, historian Peter Jones tells David Musgrove about why the seven deadly sins were more a guide to practical self-knowledge than a list of religious prohibitions – and how medieval thinkers anticipated many modern ideas about wellbeing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have we got ancient women's sexuality all wrong?

Aug 20th, 2026 11:00 PM

You might assume that women were prevented from pursuing sexual pleasure in the classical world. However, as Dr Jean Menzies discusses with Lauren Good, this is not the case. They explore how women were active in pursuing and expressing sexual fulfilment, from erotic magic to some particularly graphic graffiti in Pompeii. Please note that this episode features discussion of some adult topics. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST Lauren has also spoken to Daisy Dunn on the HistoryExtra podcast in an episode that challenges common assumptions about women in antiquity. You can listen to that episode ad-free here: https://bit.ly/4fram9I Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More Episodes