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HistoryExtra podcast

HistoryExtra podcast

By: Immediate
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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/Immediate Daily World
Episodes
  • The Bayeux Tapestry blockbuster at the British Museum

    The Bayeux Tapestry blockbuster at the British Museum
    Sep 8 2026
    The Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum is set to be the biggest historical event in decades. In conversation with David Musgrove, its curator Michael Lewis gives the lowdown on what the exhibition is all about, and how you should make the most of your trip if you do get a ticket to the show. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST Check out David Musgrove's 6-part Academy series on the Bayeux Tapestry for HistoryExtra: https://bit.ly/3SWpfYC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • The secrets of our DNA

    The secrets of our DNA
    Sep 7 2026
    What can DNA tell us about who we are and where we came from? Professor Turi King – who previously appeared on the podcast to discuss her research into Adolf Hitler’s DNA – returns to explore modern genetics and its role in solving some of history’s biggest mysteries. Speaking to Jon Bauckham, Turi discusses the surprising origins of DNA fingerprinting, common misconceptions surrounding testing, and her role in the groundbreaking discovery of King Richard III. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST Listen to Turi King discussing her research into Hitler's DNA in an episode of the HistoryExtra podcast from November 2025: https://bit.ly/4gaHcKt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • What's it like to live in a royal palace?

    What's it like to live in a royal palace?
    Sep 6 2026
    Did Lucy Worsley have 'the best job in history'? And what did she do when she worked in it? In this episode, Lucy reflects on her career so far, her time as Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces and how the job has changed her perspective on some of our favourite monarchs from royal history... ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST To find out more about Lucy Worsley's role in changing our understanding of royal history, then check out this feature which she wrote for HistoryExtra: https://bit.ly/4hNBgtr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
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As a person of faith who has come to wrestle with the evidence of science versus belief, I appreciated hearing the history of this topic.

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What a fantastic way of getting to hear history straight from the experts themselves. It's incredible how they manage to have in depth interviews, but still provide basic info for those who may be new to a topic.

Unique history interviews

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