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History is one of the fastest-growing podcast topics, with new shows offering fresh perspectives and in-depth analyses of the past. In 2024, history enthusiasts have a wide array of fantastic podcasts to choose from. Podcasts as a means of learning and reducing screen time are becoming the norm and historians can leverage that and make history fun and accessible to everyone. Ready to explore? Check out our top ten picks for the best history podcasts and, if you’re a podcaster yourself, don't forget to visit Framedrop.ai to repurpose your own content!
The Best History Podcast: The Rest is History
"The Rest is History" is a standout podcast that has captured the interest of history enthusiasts worldwide. Hosted by esteemed historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, the podcast delves into a broad array of historical topics with a unique blend of expertise and engaging storytelling.
Hosts
- Tom Holland: A historian and author known for his works on classical and medieval history. His approachable style and deep knowledge bring a rich texture to the podcast discussions.
- Dominic Sandbrook: A contemporary historian who has written extensively on post-war British history. His analytical approach complements Holland’s narrative style, creating a dynamic and insightful listening experience.
Topics
"The Rest is History" covers an eclectic mix of historical events, figures, and periods. Past episodes have included deep dives into:
- The Fall of the Aztecs: A detailed series exploring the dramatic and tragic end of the Aztec Empire.
- The Titanic: A multi-part series examining the disaster from various perspectives, including the lives of the passengers and the ship’s luxurious design.
- Baghdad's Golden Age: Episodes covering the historical significance of Baghdad and its cultural contributions.
- The Rise and Fall of British Fascism: Insights into the political movements within Britain during the early 20th century.
In addition to regular episodes, the podcast has special live events. For instance, in June 2024, they hosted a live show at Hampton Court Palace focused on the Tudor period, bringing history to life in an immersive setting.
Where to Listen
"The Rest is History" podcast can be found on most platforms (we've covered these and their pros and cons on the how to listen to podcasts blog post). You can tune into "The Rest is History" on a variety of platforms, including:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Google Podcasts
- Overcast
- Podcast Addict
- Pocket Casts
- Castbox
- Stitcher
- Podbean
- iHeartRadio
- Player FM
- Podcast Republic
- Castro
- RadioPublic
"The Rest is History" is a top choice for anyone looking to dive deep into the past while being thoroughly entertained.
What Are the Best History Podcasts? 10 Recommendations:
It can be hard to select THE best history podcast. There are just too many and as such, to keep this brief, we will be focusing on 10 history podcasts that, in 2024, are a pleasure to listen to. I’ve talked about what makes a good podcast in the past on this blog and the following recommendations are some proficient examples of quality:
1. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
Host: Dan Carlin
Topics: Major historical events and figures with deep, speculative analysis.
Where to Listen: dancarlin.com
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History is renowned for its in-depth exploration of significant historical events. Carlin's unique narrative style combines meticulous research with dramatic flair, turning complex historical episodes into gripping stories. Episodes like "Blueprint for Armageddon" cover World War I in staggering detail, often spanning multiple hours, yet keeping listeners engaged from start to finish. Carlin’s approach, which includes speculative insights and moral questioning, encourages listeners to rethink historical narratives and their impacts on modern society.
2. Revolutions
Host: Mike Duncan
Topics: Major revolutions in history, from the English Civil War to the Russian Revolution.
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts
Mike Duncan, known for his popular "History of Rome" podcast, delves into the world’s most pivotal revolutions. Each season focuses on a different revolution, offering detailed narratives that explore the causes, key figures, and outcomes. Duncan’s clear and engaging storytelling makes complex historical events accessible, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of each revolution’s significance and legacy. His work has been praised for its depth and ability to connect historical events to contemporary issues.
3. You Must Remember This
Host: Karina Longworth
Topics: Forgotten stories and scandals of Old Hollywood.
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts
Karina Longworth's You Must Remember This takes listeners on a journey through the lesser-known stories of Hollywood's Golden Age. With over 200 episodes, Longworth covers everything from star scandals to forgotten film history, blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling. Her background as a film critic and author adds depth to the narratives, making this podcast a must-listen for anyone interested in the hidden corners of Hollywood history.
4. In Our Time
Host: Melvyn Bragg
Topics: Broad range of historical, philosophical, and scientific topics.
Where to Listen: BBC
In Our Time, hosted by Melvyn Bragg, is a staple of British intellectual broadcasting. Each episode features expert guests discussing a wide array of topics, from historical events to philosophical ideas and scientific breakthroughs. With over 900 episodes, this podcast is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering listeners an educational yet entertaining experience. Bragg’s skillful moderation ensures that complex subjects are accessible, making this podcast an excellent resource for lifelong learners.
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5. The Memory Palace
Host: Nate DiMeo
Topics: Short, evocative stories from history.
Where to Listen: thememorypalace.us
Nate DiMeo's The Memory Palace offers a unique take on history with short, beautifully crafted episodes that explore forgotten moments from the past. Each episode, often under 20 minutes, is a poetic and emotional journey through history, with DiMeo’s soft-spoken delivery enhancing the dreamlike quality of his storytelling. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from the life of a lighthouse keeper to the invention of the Ferris wheel, making history feel personal and poignant.
6. Revisionist History
Host: Malcolm Gladwell
Topics: Overlooked and misunderstood moments in history.
Where to Listen: pushkin.fm
Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History revisits and reinterprets events, ideas, and people from the past. Gladwell's approach often challenges conventional wisdom, presenting counterintuitive narratives that provoke thought and debate. Episodes cover a wide range of topics, from sports history to social injustices, all delivered with Gladwell’s signature storytelling style. This podcast not only informs but also encourages listeners to question their assumptions and view history through a critical lens.
7. Slow Burn
Hosts: Various
Topics: In-depth explorations of significant events in modern American history.
Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts
Slow Burn offers a detailed look at major events in recent American history, such as Watergate, the impeachment of Bill Clinton, and the rise of hip-hop culture. Each season, hosted by different presenters, delves deep into the stories behind the headlines, providing context and analysis that reveal the complexities of these events. The podcast’s thorough research and engaging presentation make it a compelling listen for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of contemporary history.
8. Throughline
Hosts: Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei
Topics: Often marginalized or debated historical events.
Where to Listen: NPR
Throughline, produced by NPR, explores the historical context behind today’s headlines. Hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei examine topics often overlooked or misunderstood, providing a critical lens on events ranging from ancient history to modern politics. Their storytelling combines rigorous research with compelling narratives, making history relevant and accessible. Throughline’s ability to connect past events with current issues offers listeners a deeper understanding of how history shapes our present.
9. History Hit
Host: Dan Snow
Topics: Wide range of historical topics and events.
Where to Listen: historyhit.com
Dan Snow's History Hit features a diverse array of historical topics, with episodes that range from ancient history to modern events. Snow travels across the UK and beyond to bring listeners expert interviews, first-hand accounts, and on-site recordings. His engaging style and thorough research make each episode both informative and entertaining. History Hit also includes special series and collaborations, offering a rich variety of content for history enthusiasts.
10. Lore
Host: Aaron Mahnke
Topics: Dark historical tales, urban legends, and folklore.
Where to Listen: lorepodcast.com
Aaron Mahnke’s Lore delves into the eerie and mysterious aspects of history, blending folklore with true events. Each episode explores dark tales, from unsolved murders to supernatural occurrences, often revealing the real events that inspired the legends. Mahnke’s atmospheric storytelling, combined with carefully chosen background music, creates a haunting listening experience that keeps audiences captivated. Lore has been adapted into books and a television series, attesting to its popularity and impact.
"We are not makers of history. We are made by history." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Learning history is the best way to avoid repeating past mistakes and in today’s world podcasting might just be one of the best ways to engage with our past. History podcasts provide a fascinating way to explore the main paths that led to what we are now, and 2024 offers a wealth of options for every interest. I hope you enjoy my picks and, if you’ve got your own podcast or you’re thinking of starting one, Framedrop is your best choice to transform your episodes into viral shorts that will grow your audience.
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FAQ
For those seeking engaging and educational history podcasts, "Hardcore History" by Dan Carlin offers deep dives into significant historical events, while "History Extra Podcast" from BBC History Magazine features interviews with historians on a variety of topics. "The History of Rome" by Mike Duncan provides a thorough chronicle of Roman history, and his "Revolutions" podcast explores major revolutions around the world. For a blend of humor and history, "You’re Dead to Me" by Greg Jenner and "Stuff You Missed in History Class" hosted by Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson are excellent choices.