Best History Podcasts You’ll Love to Explore

Podcasts are the soundtrack of our lives now. Podcasts are perfect mix-ups for our schedules and give us the motivation, knowledge, and entertainment that we need while working on projects—perfect next to cleaning, walking, running, and driving, and what turns an ordinary occurrence into a chance for studying and engaging with the world, as they provide us with a history chock full of stories we never learned in school, new insights gleaned by professional historians from that particular period.

The world of history podcasts offers a wide scope of information and entertainment irrespective of one's prior experiences with history. This article will discuss some of the most captivating history podcasts that exist in 2024 for a wide array of interests and historical periods.

The Rise of History Podcasts

The world of podcasting has grown rapidly as history-themed shows have become increasingly popular. History ranks among the top genres in a 2023 Edison Research study where 41% of Americans aged 12 and above listened to a podcast in the last month. This explosion is partially explained by the ease of access to the medium, the depth of material made available, and the ability to consume knowledge on the go.

History podcasts offer:

• Diverse Perspectives: Hosts and guests from various backgrounds provide multifaceted views on historical events.
• Engaging Storytelling: Narrative-driven episodes captivate listeners, making complex topics more relatable.
• Educational Value: Listeners can learn about different eras, cultures, and events, enhancing their understanding of the world.

Top History Podcasts to Explore

Here are some standout history podcasts that have captivated audiences with their insightful content and engaging delivery:

1. The Rest Is History

Hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, "The Rest Is History" offers a fresh take on historical events, blending humor with scholarly analysis. The podcast covers a wide array of topics, from ancient civilizations to modern history, making it accessible to both novices and experts.

• Why Listen: The hosts' dynamic chemistry and ability to make history entertaining have garnered a dedicated following.
• Notable Episodes: "The Fall of Rome," "The American Civil War," and "The History of Football."

2. Throughline

Created by NPR, "Throughline" explores the historical background of present events so providing listeners with a better knowledge of the modern society. Hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei investigate how past events have shaped politics, society, and culture. The podcast offers a complete view of modern subjects by tying past events to present problems.

• Why Listen: The podcast connects past events to present issues, providing a comprehensive perspective on contemporary topics.
• Notable Episodes: "The Invention of Race," "The Shadow of the Cold War," and "The Evangelical Vote."
• Listen Here: Throughline

3. Revisionist History

Malcolm Gladwell's "Revisionist History" re-examines overlooked or misunderstood events, people, and ideas, challenging conventional narratives. The podcast encourages listeners to think critically about history and its impact on the present.

• Why Listen: Gladwell's storytelling prowess and thought-provoking analyses make for compelling listening.
• Notable Episodes: "The Lady Vanishes," "The King of Tears," and "The Hug Heard Round the World."
• Listen Here: Revisionist History

4. Blowback

"Blowback" offers an in-depth look at American foreign policy, exploring the consequences of U.S. interventions abroad. Hosts Brendan James and Noah Kulwin provide a critical analysis of historical events, backed by extensive research and interviews.

• Why Listen: The podcast provides a nuanced perspective on complex geopolitical issues, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of history.
• Notable Seasons: Season 1 covers the Iraq War, Season 2 delves into the Cuban Revolution, and Season 3 examines the Korean War.
• Listen Here: Blowback

5. You're Dead to Me

A BBC production, "You're Dead to Me" combines humor and history, featuring expert historians and comedians discussing various historical topics. Hosted by Greg Jenner, the podcast makes history accessible and entertaining.

• Why Listen: The blend of comedy and education offers a unique approach to learning about history.
• Notable Episodes: "The History of Chocolate," "Harriet Tubman," and "The Aztecs."
• Listen Here: You're Dead to Me

Niche History Podcasts Worth Exploring

For those interested in specific historical themes or periods, the following podcasts offer specialized content:

1. The History Chicks

Dedicated to exploring the lives of women throughout history, "The History Chicks" provides biographical episodes that highlight the contributions and stories of notable women.

• Why Listen: The podcast fills a gap in historical narratives by focusing on women's history.
• Notable Episodes: "Cleopatra," "Ada Lovelace," and "Josephine Baker."
• Listen Here: The History Chicks

2. Lore

"Lore" delves into the darker side of history, exploring folklore, myths, and legends. Host Aaron Mahnke narrates eerie tales that reveal the mysterious aspects of historical events.

• Why Listen: The podcast offers a captivating blend of history and storytelling, perfect for fans of the macabre.
• Notable Episodes: "The Castle," "The Others," and "The Red Coats."
• Listen Here: Lore

3. The History of Rome

One of the pioneering history podcasts, "The History of Rome" chronicles the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Host Mike Duncan provides a detailed narrative of Rome's history, from its legendary founding to the fall of the Western Empire.

• Why Listen: The podcast offers a comprehensive and chronological exploration of Roman history.
• Notable Episodes: "The Punic Wars," "The Five Good Emperors," and "The Crisis of the Third Century."
• Listen Here: The History of Rome

4. Significant Others

Significant Others takes a unique approach to history by exploring the untold stories of individuals who played pivotal but often overlooked roles in shaping the lives and achievements of famous historical figures. Hosted by Liza Powel O’Brien, the podcast delves into the lives of these "significant others," shining a light on their influence and impact.

Why Listen?

• Fresh Perspectives: Offers a new angle on well-known historical narratives by focusing on the people behind the icons.
• Engaging Storytelling: Liza Powel O’Brien’s thoughtful narration and deep research bring these stories to life.
• Educational and Emotional: Balances historical accuracy with personal anecdotes, making history both informative and relatable.

Notable Episodes:

• The love story behind Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
• The influence of Nikola Tesla’s financiers on his groundbreaking work.

Listen Here: Significant Others

This podcast is perfect for anyone interested in the intricate relationships and untold contributions that shaped history as we know it.

The Benefits of Listening to History Podcasts

1. Learn While Multitasking

Podcasts are ideal for learning on the go. Whether you’re commuting, cooking, or working out, you can absorb fascinating historical content without interrupting your routine.

2. Expert Insights

Many history podcasts feature interviews with renowned historians, researchers, and authors, providing listeners with in-depth analysis and firsthand expertise.

3. Engage with Diverse Perspectives

Podcasts explore history through different lenses, such as cultural studies, geopolitical analysis, and even humor, allowing listeners to develop a well-rounded understanding.

4. Revisit Forgotten or Undervalued Stories

From the contributions of women to lesser-known revolutions, history podcasts shine a light on narratives often overlooked in mainstream education.

Tips for Finding the Right History Podcast

1. Define Your Interests: Are you passionate about ancient civilizations, modern politics, or folklore? Narrowing your focus will help you choose a podcast tailored to your preferences.
2. Read Reviews: Platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts provide ratings and reviews to guide your decision.
3. Start with Popular Episodes: Begin with a highly-rated or recommended episode to gauge the podcast’s style and depth.

Conclusion

With their interesting stories, professional insights, and unmatched simplicity, history podcasts have changed our knowledge of the past. There's a history podcast to fit every interest whether your passion is ancient Rome, revolutions, or hidden stories.

Choose one of the carefully selected history podcasts from 2024 and start a trip across time. These shows promise to teach, entertain, and inspire with their engaging episodes and provocative ideas. So plug in your headphones and let history to come alive!