History is an essential way for us to understand ourselves and the world around us. As they say, “History is the best teacher there is”. If you’re looking for a podcast that can help with this or if you’re looking to start your own and need inspiration, then look no further than our list of the best history podcasts.
Here are 20 of the best history podcasts:
- Stuff You Missed in History Class
If you used to sleep in history class but have suddenly had your interest in the subject rekindled, then this podcast is for you. Get ready to start impressing your friends with your new-found knowledge of the greatest moments in history.
Listen to Stuff You Missed in History Class
- The American History Podcast
Shawn Warswick’s engaging and scholarly presentations are what make this one of the best history podcasts out there. You can expect to hear a lot of things that other history podcasts won’t tell you.
Listen to The American History Podcast
- The Fantastic History of Food
If you’re a budding gastronomist or run-of-the-mill foodie, then this podcast is for you. Explore the bizarre, fun, and somewhat unbelievable history of food.
Listen to The Fantastic History of Food
- Our Fake History
This acclaimed podcast covers all the urban legends, fake news, and unsolved mysteries that are widely spoken about in society. The main difference with this show is that it does a good job of covering them.
- You’re Wrong About
This popular podcast hosted by a history-obsessed journalist reconsiders past events on pretty much anything and everything out there.
- Cold War Conversations
Cold War Conversations looks at a critical period of world history that often doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves. What makes this show so entertaining is that it uses personal stories from the people who were there.
Listen to Cold War Conversations
- The History of World War II Podcast
Produced and narrated by Ray Harris Jr, The History of World War II Podcast covers the last great war in world history. Each episode explores WWII in intimate detail, so be prepared to learn something new.
Listen to The History of World War II Podcast
- Art History for All
Art History for All is an art podcast designed for everyone, whether you’re a fan of art or not. The show aims to get people to think more about what art means to them and how it has been used to tell stories throughout human history. If art has never spoken to you before, it might just start doing so after an episode or two.
- The History Chicks
Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider take an intrepid journey through thousands of years of history. This highly-rated podcast primarily covers untold stories about noteworthy figures in female history.
- The Black History Buff Podcast
Black history buffs are sure to enjoy and be moved by these key stories from black history. From African samurais to pistol-wielding poets, this show’s ability to enlighten and empower cannot be understated.
Listen to The Black History Buff Podcast
Automatically publish your episodes to dozens of podcast directories
With Castos you can send all of your podcast content directly to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and many others.
Meet your audience where they already listen to podcasts!
- American History Tellers
American history is rich and complex, so Lindsay Graham covers everything from scandal to innovation and key shifts. If you choose to listen, you’ll take comprehensive looks into moments like the civil war, prohibition, and The Cold War.
Listen to American History Tellers
- The History of Rome
Host Mike Duncan takes listeners through key moments in Roman history. The episodes cover events from Aeneas’s arrival in Italy, to the exile of Romulus Augustulus and the last Emperor of the Western Roman Empire.
- Making Gay History
Making Gay History leverages intimate and personal accounts to recount LGBTQ history. The show features both well-known and long-forgotten figures within the community who, along with rare archival interviews, do a good job of bringing key historical moments to light.
- Revisionist History
This award-winning podcast hosted by Malcolm Gladwell covers some of the most misunderstood and overlooked moments in history. With each episode, you can expect to examine moments such as Wilt Chamberlain’s choice of a worse free throw form and various social injustices.
- Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History is self-proclaimed as the world’s greatest history podcast. While such a claim may leave some feeling sceptical, the podcast’s unique blend of drama, enthralling narration, and twists has entertained millions of listeners across the globe.
Listen to Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
- A History of Europe, Key Battles
This European history podcast covers significant moments in the continent’s history, from multiple perspectives. Listen to chronological stories and analyses of events such as the First World War and the French Revolution.
Listen to A History of Europe, Key Battles
- The British History Podcast
This chronological retelling of British history primarily focuses on the lives of British people. You can expect to learn how the desires, fears, and flaws of these people made Britain into what it is today. The show is structured to be listened to in order, so be sure to start with the first episode.
Listen to The British History Podcast
- Dan Snow’s History Hit
Dan Snow takes a deep dive into some of the most interesting historical events to have ever occurred. Besides covering major anniversaries, Dan looks at reports from unusual and enchanting places while conducting interviews with some of the best historians to give you the historical context of what is happening today.
Listen to Dan Snow’s History Hit
- You’re Dead to Me
This BBC podcast takes a different approach to retelling history. Host Greg Jenner combines some of the best names in comedy with historical figures and moments to create a podcast experience that is both unique and memorable. Tune in to You’re Dead to Me to learn and laugh about past events.
- Hit Parade
Whether you’re into pop, rock, hip hop, or country music, Hit Parade is the ideal place to explore music history. Pop-chart analyst and author, Chris Molanphy, takes listeners on a journey to explore half a century of chart history. What makes the podcast even better is the frequent use of storytelling, trivia, and song snippets.
Final Thoughts
That concludes our list of the best history podcasts. We are aware that there is a myriad of impactful shows out there, but we, unfortunately, couldn’t include them all. If there is a history podcast that you feel absolutely needed to be on this list, then let us know in the comments section.
If history isn’t your thing, why not consider some of the following:
