New to Me, New to You? - Ten History Podcasts I Recommend to You
One of my favorite things I have experienced since I
started my podcast (The Why Is That Podcast) and launched this companion
website is the interaction with the history podcast community. I recently
shared my recommendations for my 42 Favorite History Podcasts and 10 History Podcasts Launched in 2017. After posting those on my site and
sharing them on Reddit, Facebook and Twitter I received a lot of
recommendations for other podcasts in which to listen.
In my opinion the best podcasts are the ones who inspire
their listeners to suggest them so I took the time to listen to each new
recommendation. I will admit I have not caught up on all of them, but I have
created a list of ten of them that have become regular members of my podcast
playlist and I wanted to repay the creator’s hard work by recommending them to
you. So here is a list of ten podcasts that I have discovered since posting my
previous lists that will definitely be contending to make my favorites list
when I update it in 2019. So, without further adieu, here are ten podcasts in
no particular order that I think you would love!
10. Rex Factor
Rex Factor has existed since 2010 so some of you may have
already heard of this one, but only just learned about this one after a
recommendation on Twitter and the next two entries on this list were directly
inspired by it. For those who have not heard of it, the concept is rather
simple, two cohosts (Graham and Ali) review and rate all of the Kings and
Queens (hence Rex) of Britain. Season one focused on England from Alfred the
Great to Elizabeth II and season two is currently focusing on Scotland from
Kenneth MacAlpin to James VI. It is chalk full of historical facts, but layered
with a good portion of comedy. The comedy can be seen by the categories for
which the ratings fall into: Battleyness, Scandall, Subjectivity, Longevity and
Dynasty. The most important quality though is if they have that certain lasting
legacy that the show calls the Rex Factor.
9. Roman Emperors: Totalus Rankium
Totalus Rankium is in the same vein as Rex Factor in that
it reviews and rates Roman Emperors. It combines history and comedy in a really
intriguing way that is great for people who are new to Roman history and those
who have a long standing love of Rome. The season one finale gave us our victor
of the Western Roman Empire and season two is giving us the Eastern Roman
Empire. Rob is the main historical source with Jamie as the sounding board to
act as the one learning along with the listener. I have yet to listen to their
new show on the American Presidents, but I am sure it will be just as great.
8. Pontifacts
This show rates and reviews shows similar to our first
two entries on the list, but Pontifacts is focused on the Popes. The goal of
the show is to start with Peter and go all the way to the current Pope,
Francis. As you might expect this provides a far different approach to the
Popes then we usually see. The show started near the end of May, 2018 so as of
the posting of this article they only have a handful of episodes, but I am very
excited to hear it grow as it expands to more and more Popes. Especially since
Pope Clement is the first that we really have a decent amount of historical
information on it should be great as we move forward. Also, who doesn’t love
listening to two podcasters rate the looks of old men who lived almost two
thousand years ago? Okay, that last part came off less enticing than I had
hoped. Trust me it is well worth the listen.
7. The History of Witchcraft Podcast
I will admit that when I first received this
recommendation I was a little hesitant as I have never been into witchcraft and
other magic types outside of fantasy books. However, I am happy to admit how wrong
I was to judge a podcast by my perceived idea of what a show such as this would
contain. The host, Samuel, presents an absolutely fascinating look at a
historical topic that is often overlooked. As the podcast will point out the
belief in magic and witchcraft has existed in every human culture throughout
all of history and the way those beliefs affected those around the belief is
really telling. Plus, who doesn’t love taking a deep dive into things like the
supernatural elements in the works of William Shakespeare? Subscribe now, thank
me later.
6. Saga Thing
Iceland was an area that I had a passing knowledge of
prior to finding podcasts. Since then I have become obsessed with the
fascinating Icelanders and my goal of eventually visiting the country grows
with each new episode I hear. Saga Thing focuses on medieval Iceland and
specifically on the saga literature that tell the stories of the Icelanders. I
personally love sagas and the stories that cultures tell about themselves from
all eras of history, but prior to receiving the recommendation for Saga Thing I
knew very little about Iceland’s rich tradition. Like the first three entries
on this list Saga Thing has two cohosts so it is once again a dialogue style
history podcast.
5. Letters From War
I have been recommended four history podcasts from
Washington Post (Retropod, Presidential, Constitutional and Letters From War)
and each of them are absolutely fantastic. I did want to specifically suggest
Letters From War from those four as it is just exceptional. The concept is that
it is the true story of four brothers and the Pacific Theatre of World War II
presented through the letters they wrote back and forth. Many podcasts cannot
get as real as actual letters from people who went through the events and it
really gives you an amazing view into the realities of the Second World War.
Start from the beginning and become learn the story of the Eyde brothers from
their own words.
4. Irish History Podcast
This show dates back to 2013 and has 142 episodes so I
was delighted when I got to press the subscribe button to this show. If the
idea of that many episodes seems daunting then the host, Fin Dwyer, has helpfully
broken the show into categories so if you have a specific interest from Irish
history it is easy to find something fascinating. Categories include the Great
Famine, Medieval Life, Fatal Feuds and several more. As one of many who have
Irish ancestors this is a great way to learn that family history.
3. American History Tellers
American History Tellers is one of the Wondery Network’s
shows and since launching in 2016 Wondery has put together a remarkable stable
of shows on a variety of topics. American History Tellers used the track record
and backing to quickly establish a presence, but it has been the quality of the
content that keeps people coming back for more. The host, Lindsay, captures
your attention from the start and delivers great content every time. There are
several series that are well worth the listen and I would particularly like to
point out the most recent in the Space Race.
2. Movements: A Podcast History of the Masses
The thing that sticks out about this show to me is the
dynamic storytelling. The Movements started back in 2016 with the Spanish Civil
War. The most recent episodes discusses working class women during the Russian
Revolution which is certainly a subject that often gets passed over and yet is
very eye opening. The goal of the show is to provide the history of the working
class, anti-fascists, revolutionaries, women, people of color and liberation
movements. Each of those groups have great stories to tell and is well worth
the subscription.
1. Historyteller Podcast
The Historyteller Podcast is a relatively newer show as
it was launched back in January of 2018. The first series currently has nine
episodes and focuses on Carthage. Ever since I listened to Mike Duncan’s The History
of Rome Podcast I have been curious to learn more about Rome’s great early
enemy. Ahsan, the host, has put together a terrific start to the show and the
depth of knowledge presented makes for a very enjoyable show. The episode about
the Battle of Himera was particularly fascinating.
0. Why Is That Podcast
If you have enjoyed this list or the two that came before
then you may also enjoy my show. The Why Is That Podcast is a show that explores
the origins of today’s world. Why is it that flags are our most recognizable
national symbol? Why is that the United Kingdom is the United Kingdom? Why is it that the Pope is the Supreme Pontiff of
the Catholic Church? My show discusses all of these topics and more. I would
love it if you would check it out and if you have ever found yourself wondering
why about something let me know and I will do the research for you!
As you can see from this list I take to heart each of the
suggestions I receive for new shows to check out so if you have any other
recommendations for me please let me know by commenting below or tweeting me
@WhyIsThatPod.
Hey! Ahsan from Historyteller, here. Thanks, man! Your recommendation means a lot!
ReplyDeleteThat’s a very good choice, it’s good to see other than the Usual Suspects, Dan Carlin, Matt Duncan et al, much though I love them. I am a Pontifacts early adopter and love it and I was listening to Movements as I walked to work this morning. I do a podcast with my son. We might be wrapping up soon - as he hears his teens there’s only so much he wants to do with his Dad. I would love to hear your feedback, have a listen. https://ourhistorypodcast.com/
ReplyDeleteNeat idea to do a show with your son. I will give it a listen this week and let you know what I think!
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