History Podcasts Worth a listen

The last year I’ve found myself listening to Podcasts while driving instead of listening to music. Sports, news, current events, theology, and true crime have all entered my playlist. But history remains my major interest. Below I’m sharing my favorite history podcasts. I listen through Apple but Stitcher also provides an easy and accessible format.

When it comes to regular history podcasts, the British have the best by far. Between the BBC, their excellent history magazines, and historians  British history podcasts are simply excellent. The list provided is not exhaustive but is merely some of the sites I’ve recently discovered. Please leave a comment if you know of others.

1.     In Our Time, BBC Radio 4. In Our Time is not strictly a history podcast but features a variety of discussions led by host Melvyn Bragg on a number of topics including arts, science, religion, literature, culture, philosophy, and history. Bragg is joined by leading academics and experts on the chosen subject. The website features a reading list for those who desire to pursue further research. The discussion is engaging and enlightening. While the history topics include a variety of European and world history subjects, surprisingly the podcast dedicates a number of episodes to American history. Listening to British academics discuss the War of 1812 (a topic almost unknown in British education) is well worth anyone’s time.

 

2.     History Extra Podcast. History Extra is the podcast of the BBC History Magazine and episodes spotlight history stories and perspectives from all periods of World history. Many of the episodes feature an author discussing a book or paper so one of the dangers of this podcast is the temptation to purchase the book highlighted during each episode.

3.     The National World War II Museum: Service on Celluloid. Service on Celluloid is simply one of the most enjoyable podcasts available. If you love WWII history and movies then this podcast is a great listen. Every other week a panel of WWII historians discuss a WWII movie for its historical accuracy and artistic merit. Films discussed in this series include Fury, Kelly’s Heroes, The Dirty Dozen, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, The Great Escape, and Twelve O’Clock High. The next week a minisode often features a veteran sharing his experiences. One of the best podcasts available. 

    Sadly this podcast has discontinued, but all episodes are still available for listening. Perhaps the WWII Museum can be convinced to revive it.

   A new podcast has recently appeared to hopefully satisfy those interested in Movies and warfare. Fighting on Film another British podcast deals with classic and obscure war movies. I'm still partial to Service on Cellioud but this might provide a good substitute.

  

    We Have Ways of Making You Talk is essential listening for any World War Two history buff. Comedian Al Murray and historian James Holland discuss all things WWII and both have in-depth knowledge of the war. James Holland is one of the foremost WWII historians today and has written a number of excellent readable books on the war. Not to be missed.

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             History Today: Travels Through Time is the podcast of the British history magazine, History Today. The podcast presents one year in history in three scenes. Host Peter Moore leads the discussion by asking each guest, if you could travel back in time, what year would you like to visit? An enjoyable podcast. 

Homebrew History

       Homebrew History- Historians and friends Riley "Bo" Trisler and Joseph Ricci are two guys I know from classes at Southeastern Louisiana University and when they first announced their podcast I assumed it would be a nice little local history podcast. But their podcast has been a huge surprise as every week not only have they hosted excellent local historians from Louisiana but have managed to get interviews with internationally renowned historians. They lean towards military history but each week is always a pleasant surprise. And as the name of their podcast indicates they or their guest always has a good recommendation not only for a good read but a drink to go with it.  

5.   Witness History, BBC World Service. Witness History presents short episodes on a wide variety of historical subjects. Most episodes average about ten minutes and the diversity of subjects makes for fascinating listening. These episodes are also bundled together into the BBC History Hour.

         The History Hit Network has three podcasts that I've only recently been able to sample but so far have not disappointed. Dan Snow is a British television presenter and popular historian. His Dan Snow's History Hit is one of the most popular history podcasts in the UK and often features interviews with leading historians. The Ancients features regular podcasts on the Ancient World, The World Wars covers all history between the First World War to the Second World War, while The How and Why of History offers an introduction to history and historians. The History Hit Network also offers a TV package for those willing to pay a minimal fee.

H

History Hack is a daily history podcast hosted by British historians Alex Churchill and Alina Nowobilska. They feature excellent guest historians with a wide range of subjects in an entertaining manner. About once a week they host a Down the Pub episode where they discuss different topics while enjoying pints. Fast becoming one of my favorite podcasts. 

          Retropod is a podcast of the Washington Post featuring overlooked stories from mostly American history. Episodes lasting an average of 5 minutes is ideal for short drives and reminds me of the old Paul Harvey newscasts The Rest of the Story.

7.     How to Invent a Country from BBC Radio 4 looks at the geographical, historical, and cultural aspects that make each country unique. Each country is covered in several episodes and secondary teachers might discover the podcast a valuable addition to their history and geography lessons.

8.     You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4 is a history podcast for those who don’t like history. Public historian Greg Jenner utilizes both historians and comedy to present history in an entertaining fashion. Jenner was the historical consultant for the children’s children show, Horrible Histories and the podcast maintains a balance of history and comedy. An ideal podcast for middle school and secondary teachers.

9.     Historically Thinking with Al Zambone features in depth discussions with historians on their latest book or research. Zambone specializes in colonial American history and wrote a book on the American revolutionary leader Daniel Morgan but the podcast covers all areas of history.

10.                         New Books in History on the New Books Network spotlights new historical works and allows those of us not exposed to the newest academic research to see some of the newest history volumes. Other interesting podcasts include various religious, biblical, and ethnic studies.

11.                         5 Minutes in Church History. Dr. Stephen J. Nichols of Reformation Bible College presents short expositions on important and interesting aspects of Christian Church history. Well worth a listen.

12.                         Revolutions by Mike Duncan began in 2013 and each season dedicates itself to a specific Revolution or Revolutionary wave. The first season examined the English Civil War which is where I’m listening now. His website has an excellent bibliography. Duncan previously hosted a podcast on the History of Rome which I have yet to listen.

13.                         Back Story sponsored by Virginia Humanities uses current events to examine the history underneath current events. A team of historians tackles the history behind important events and makes the meaningful connections that lead to deeper understanding.

14.                         American History Tellers is a podcast by Wondery, hosted by Lindsay Graham. The podcast aims to tell the important stories vital to understanding American history.

15.                        The Way of Improvement Leads Home by John Fea from Messiah College is a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to American history and historical thinking. Very insightful podcast and Fea’s blog is also well worth following.

16.                        Atlanta Monster is a true-crime podcast which began with a detailed examination of the Atlanta Child killings which resulted in the conviction of Wayne Williams. A completely riveting podcast the present season spotlights the Zodiac Killer. Being a Georgian teen when the Atlanta killings began, I can testify that this was a central historical event in Georgia and the USA.

There are other subjects and podcasts out there but I’ve not listened enough to recommend more. I’m looking for other podcasts on Indian, East Asian, and African history. If you know of other podcasts worth exploring please leave a comment.