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Best history podcasts
What’s past is present is evident in these fun and popular history podcasts.
Published on June 12, 2023
Curated ByLanie Pemberton
Lanie is a San Diego-based freelance writer who loves reading crime thrillers and nonfiction about animals and the natural world. When not writing and reading (or writing about what to read), Lanie spends as much time as possible at the beach with her husband and pampered pittie, Peach.
Stuff You Missed in History Class
1553 podcast episodes
Stuff You Missed in History Class
1553 podcast episodesFrom the creator of the first synthetic dye to the discovery of the platypus, “Stuff You Missed in History Class” is always unexpected. Hosts Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey share the little-known and often-overlooked aspects of history you won’t find from traditional sources.
the memory palace
273 podcast episodes
the memory palace
273 podcast episodesIf you were bored by history class, “The Memory Palace” may cause you to rethink the subject matter. Host Nate DiMeo uses a storytelling format to explore true tales from years gone by, and his narratives make history feel as compelling as your favorite novel. A Peabody finalist, this podcast’s episodes are concise enough to listen to on a lunch break or coffee run.
In Our Time
862 podcast episodes
In Our Time
862 podcast episodesPresented by the BBC, “In Our Time” began as a radio series in 1998 and is now available as a podcast. Instead of merely reporting on historical events, host Melvyn Bragg discusses theories and ideas that have shaped our world. Guests include scholars and field experts, so there’s always plenty to learn.
Witness History
1082 podcast episodes
Witness History
1082 podcast episodesLove history but have little time to study it? This podcast offers bite-sized episodes (usually 10 minutes or less) on historical events and people. “Witness History” is also produced by the BBC, but compared with “In Our Time”’s hour-long episodes, it’ll be more accessible for the busy listener.
History Daily
317 podcast episodes
History Daily
317 podcast episodesCelebrate history every day with Lindsay Graham (who also hosts “American Scandal”). “History Daily” releases a new episode each weekday, covering events from that particular day in history. Like “The Memory Palace,” this podcast has an engrossing narrative format.
The History Chicks
300 podcast episodes
The History Chicks
300 podcast episodesUnfortunately, classic history texts tend to push women and their vital contributions to the side. “The History Chicks” seeks to change that, offering lessons about notable women who changed the course of history. Some episodes revisit or correct the narrative on well-known women, such as Emily Dickinson, while others introduce women forgotten by history altogether.
Making Gay History | LGBTQ Oral Histories from the Archive
135 podcast episodes
Making Gay History | LGBTQ Oral Histories from the Archive
135 podcast episodesThe LGBTQ+ movement is a vital part of U.S. history. Host Eric Marcus, a journalist and award-winning author, highlights oft-forgotten LGBTQ+ stories, including the figures who’ve championed gay rights. “Making Gay History” features interviews with activists and people who were first-hand witnesses to significant events like the Stonewall Riots and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Slow Burn
124 podcast episodes
Slow Burn
124 podcast episodesSpecific to U.S. history, “Slow Burn” dissects some of our nation’s most significant moments. You may think you know everything about Roe v. Wade, Watergate, and other pivotal events, but host Susan Matthews always finds fresh facts and tidbits to keep things interesting and informative.
Lore
297 podcast episodes
Lore
297 podcast episodesThis award-winning, bi-monthly podcast examines the macabre side of history, telling true tales of creepy, unexplained, or downright disturbing happenings of yore. Called a “modern campfire experience,” “Lore” has been adapted into a book series and an Amazon Prime Original series by the same name.
Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine
498 podcast episodes
Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine
498 podcast episodesFrom groundbreaking surgeries to life-saving vaccines, modern medicine is a true marvel. How we got here, however, is a different story. This podcast tackles the history of medicine and all the gory mishaps along the way. Dr. Sydnee McElroy co-hosts with her husband Justin McElroy, of the popular comedy podcast “My Brother, My Brother and Me,” which means “Sawbones” is both educational and entertaining.
The Bowery Boys: New York City History
476 podcast episodes
The Bowery Boys: New York City History
476 podcast episodes“The Bowery Boys” covers one of the most iconic and historically significant cities in the world: New York. Learn why museums like The Met were established, how bagels became so popular, the ways people got around pre-subway — and more. Each episode is fascinating, even if you’ve never been to the Big Apple.
The History of Literature
587 podcast episodes
The History of Literature
587 podcast episodesAs book lovers, we’d be remiss not to include a podcast about the history of literature. From classics to contemporary bestsellers, Jacke Wilson (an avid reader and self-proclaimed amateur scholar) discusses a variety of books and authors with fellow literature aficionados.
ArtCurious Podcast
224 podcast episodes
ArtCurious Podcast
224 podcast episodesA far cry from art history 101, “ArtCurious” is all about the surprising, funny, and offbeat aspects of the art world through the ages. Host Jennifer Dasal, a curator at the North Carolina Museum of Art, breathes fresh life into the subject, delivering rich historical insight along with fascinating cocktail party knowledge.
Dressed: The History of Fashion
470 podcast episodes
Dressed: The History of Fashion
470 podcast episodesWhy do we wear what we wear? This bi-weekly podcast delves into the history of fashion, from famous designers to cyclical trends. “Dressed” covers fashion from around the world, and hosts Cassidy Zachary and April Calahan include meticulous research plus critical theory, giving this podcast a scholarly tone.