100 Best History Podcasts Right Now

Discover binge-worthy history podcasts to listen to!

As history buffs constantly looking for a bingeworthy podcast, we often require feedback from others. Here are 100 of the best history podcasts available that we have seen. They include ancient history, European history, Roman history, and American history.


1. Biography


This is an Australian podcast hosted by Matt Smith which reviews the lives of influential figures in history. Smith dives deep into the lives of leaders such as Gandhi, outlaws such as Ned Kelly, and political activists such as Martin Luther King Jnr. If you love learning about the lives of history’s greatest people then this is a great podcast to listen to.



2. Lectures in History

One of the best podcasts, Lectures in History, is a varied collection of actual lectures delivered by history professors at colleges and universities across the country. If you love school, this podcast is for you.


3. Arab Spring: A History


This tense podcast depicts the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East over roughly the past one hundred years. Host Jamie Redfern masterfully covers the entire Middle Eastern history from 1900 to the present. This is a compelling overview of this tumultuous area of the world.


4. The Ancient World


This original podcast is one of the top podcasts on ancient human history across the earth. Scott Chesworth describes life in the earliest human civilizations across countries such as Egypt, areas such as the Mediterranean, eastern countries such as China and India, and countries with American interest such as Pre-Columbian Central and South America.




5. World War I Podcast


The World War I podcast presents the history of World War I in twenty 40 minute episodes. It includes a chronological history of the war and a detailed analysis of significant events and battles.




6. Dan Snow’s History Hit


In one of the new podcasts, Dan Snow is an English history expert who conducts expert interviews with history subject matter experts on a variety of topics. This BBC television presenter and radio broadcaster are informative and insightful.




7. Great Lives


This popular podcast reviews the lives of great people throughout history including, but not limited to, Muhammad Ali, Steve Jobs, Andy Kaufman, Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln, and Jeff Buckley. It has over 100 episodes.




8.The History Chicks


For the feminist audience, this podcast dedicates each episode to a woman who has made her mark on history. The show illuminates the audience on the stories of hundreds of females ahead of their time.




9. The History Hour


In one of the best podcasts, The History Hour actually tells the story from the perspective of the people who were there. The podcast covers topics including the tale of Martin Luther and the story of Che Guevara with expert interviews and historical audio.




10. A History of the World in 100 Objects


In this podcast, Neil MacGregor, the Director of the British Museum in 2010, tells the story of humanity through 100 stories of objects from his museum. History has never been told from such an interesting point of view.



11. Unbuttoned History


Unbuttoned History is a lively and uncensored view of history hosted by two Americans. The show is full of banter and laughter but can delve into serious topics.




12. Rex Factor


Rex Factor is another podcast about the British Monarchy. It focuses on the history of the English and Scottish royalty who have lorded over Britain and Scotland.




13. The Maritime History Podcast


This niche podcast tells the story of maritime history from the Ubaid cultural history to the Persian Naval war heros. If you love stories of seafarers, this is the podcast for you.




14. Stuff You Missed in History Class


Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey make an incredible duo in this comprehensive podcast. Almost every history topic we can think of is included in this fun podcast.




15. History of Philosophy without Any Gaps


The History of Philosophy without Any Gaps is a podcast dating back to 2010 which discusses hundreds of topics of philosophy.



16. History of the Papacy Podcast


This intriguing podcast covers the history of the Catholic Church and the Papacy. The topics extend back all the way to the Middle Ages.




17. In Our Time: History


In Our Time: History is designed is pitched at academic audiences. This podcast includes serious discussions, not for the faint of heart, but the detail is incredible.




18. Internet History


"The Internet History Podcast", narrated by Brian McCullough, tells the tale of the history of the Internet, from the mundane history of the original web browser to the salacious story of Internet porn. It tells the tale of our world’s most recent history.




19. Queens of England podcast


The Queens of England Podcast tells the fascinating story of the British royalty. The host James Boulton skillfully tells the tales of British queens and the surrounding history.



20. Saga Thing


Saga Thing is an enthralling podcast revealing such history as Viking Mythology and Popular culture. It does a nice job of covering medieval history and the hosts are very engaging.



21. Viking Age Podcast


Viking Age host, Lee Accomando, tells the tales of Viking history with enthusiasm and sharpness. This podcast is engaging and extremely enjoyable.




22. The British History Podcast


"The British History Podcast" is a well authored and wholistic story of the English past. It covers the entire history of Britain, from the Ice Ages to the current day. This is an extremely fun podcast and well versed in English historical fact.




23. History of Japan


History of Japan covers the Jomon, Yayoi and Tumulus periods to the real-estate crash that ruined the Japanese economy in 1991. Isaac Meyer does an excellent job over covering the entirety of the rich Japanese History.



24. Irish History Podcast


This brilliant podcast covers the entirety of the Irish history from the era of the Barbarians through to the Great Irish Famine. The series is hosted by Fin Dwyer who tells comprehensive and entertaining stories in an Irish lilt.



25. The China History Podcast


This dynamic podcast tells the tale of 5000 years of China’s history. Laszlo Montgomery is a competent broadcaster who does justice to this rich and varied history. We really enjoyed this one.




26. The Bowery Boys


This entertaining podcast about The Big Apple is presented by Greg Young and Tom Meyers. In each episode, the presenters entertain listeners with a different historical, cultural and geographical journey through the city that never sleeps.


27. Slate’s Whistlestop


Slate’s Whistlestop is narrated by John Dickerson, of CBS’s Face the Nation fame. This podcast is for listeners with a love of all things politics. The podcasts review memorable presidential moments and their impact.




28. Russian Rulers History Podcast


Mark Schauss narrates this academic podcast on the history of the Russian Rulers. This podcast is for the serious history buff. The narrator is extremely well versed in the historical subject matter. Though the podcast is a little dry, it is extremely detailed.



29. Buried Truths


Buried Truths is an NPR podcast which delivers untold stories of the suppression of black suffrage in post-World War II era America. Professor Hank Klibanoff relays to the audience how Southern White Democrats conspired to keep Blacks from voting.



30. Emperors of Rome


In this informative and academic podcast, Matt Smith a historian from La Trobe University tells listeners about the in depth history of Roman leadership. Each podcast is filled with special academic and expert guests and tells the tales of Rome’s emperors in great detail.



31. Talking History: The Italian Unification


The Talking History: The Italian Unification podcast regales the audience with tales of Italy’s history between 1790 and 1870 when the country’s divided states were unified. The podcast is hosted by two brothers, Benjamin and Adam Ashwell, whose banter makes this already interesting show enthralling listening.



32. The Fall of Rome Podcast


The Fall of Rome Podcast talks about Rome from a new perspective, the inevitable decline of the Roman Empire. The tales are told by Ph.D. historian host Patrick Wyman who is extremely knowledgeable about his subject matter and engaging in his retelling.



33. The History of England


The History of England podcast is hosted by Englishman David Crowther. The podcast includes hundreds of episodes and reviews stories throughout centuries of royal history in England which will expand your mind.



34. Revolutions


Mike Duncan, who also narrates History of Rome, provides a compelling storyline in its sister podcast Revolutions. Revolutions provide weekly stories of political upheavals and revolts and how each has shaped the history of the world. Stories include such events as the French and Cuban Revolution.



35. The History of English Podcast


The History of English podcast narrows in on the development and proliferation of the English language across the world. The commanding story told by host Kevin Stroud makes for an extremely popular and engaging podcast.



36. The History of Byzantium


Robin Pierson, a host of the History of Byzantium, tells the tale of the Byzantine history from 476AD to the 1453 fall of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire. This is another extremely entertaining podcast similar to Mike Duncan and the History of Rome.



37. History on Fire


"History on Fire" is narrated by Daniele Bolelli. Dan is a philosopher and author of martial arts philosoph7. He is also an Italian-born American historian, professor and writer. In History on Fire, Bolelli uses his strong wit to accent stories of famous and infamous figures, events and places.



38. The History of Rome


History of Rome is one of the most compelling podcasts on Roman history that we have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Host Mike Duncan retells the history of the expansive Roman Empire. The podcast ran from 2007 to 2013 and covers the entire rise and fall of the Roman Empire in all its gory detail.




39. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History


Dan Carlin, one of the earliest narrators to come to podcast fame, hosts Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History. This political commentator, journalist, news reporter, and all-around riveting storyteller does an amazing job with this podcast. Episodes can be unusually long and some are up to six hours.




40. The Dollop


Hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds tell some of the craziest stories in early America in what some might call the best history podcast, The Dollop. This podcast tells the history of the United States through absurdist comedy. This podcast is not only informative but the humor makes for laugh out loud funny.




41. Witness History


This BBC best history podcast gives the audience first-person accounts of historical events through the perspective and words of those who lived through each event. There are more than 2200 episodes and each podcast ranges from life under Gaddafi to the invention of Instant Noodles.



42. Ben Franklin’s World


In Ben Franklin’s World, host Liz Covart retells stories of life under Colonial rule in the early days of the American experiment. Topics include relationships between natives and Europeans and the formation of the republic. Interviews with expert historians demonstrate the incredible research that goes into each episode.



43. Lore


This top podcast is a must listen for lovers of horrifying nonfiction. Topic includes Urban legends, unsolved murders, and mysterious locales. Mystery lovers can also check out a sister show on Amazon Prime Video.


44. Spycast


This podcast is actually broadcast at The International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Each episode includes interviews with former spies and espionage experts. When listening to this exhilarating podcast there is an opportunity to illuminate this shadowy profession with unknown and action-packed aspects of history.



45. Fifteen Minute History


Fifteen Minute History is unique as it is a podcast developed by students for students at the University of Texas at Austin. Each session includes various history professors and authors. Topics focus on a variety of areas around the world.



46. Art Curious


This casual podcast is hosted by Jennifer Dassel, an expert in Renaissance Art. The podcast tells of the lives of famous painters such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci and more contemporary artists.



47. Burnt Toast


Burnt Toast is a weekly podcast released on Friday. Each week hosts Callum and Ryan explore the British-countryside Norfolk. The podcast features special guests who talk about entertainment, gaming, music, and movies in the area.



48. Revisionist History


This podcast from Pushkin Industries is narrated by Malcolm Gladwell. Each episode of the podcast relooks an event, person, or idea in history and explores whether it would be better with a revised storyline. This interesting audio exploration incites deep thought on the part of the listener.



49. American History Tellers


This podcast, hosted by Lindsay Graham relays events such as the Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, and the Space Race. These are the stories that shaped our nation. Lindsay Graham explores how these events affected historical figures and their families along with the effect each event has on the current day America.



50. Tides of History


In this excellently narrated historical storyline, Patrick Wyman defines the boundary of states and countries. The history of each of these countries impacts our finances, language, religion and family life. In Tides of History, each of these aspects is examined in great detail.




51. Ridiculous History


Ridiculous history uncovers some of the more absurd aspects of history. Co-hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown tell some of the weirdest stories in the history of human civilization in this unusual podcast. Tune in for some absurd stories.




52. History Extra Podcast


History Extra is a unique podcast featuring the team behind BBC History magazine. These podcasts by Britain’s best-selling history magazine help to bring the rich past of Britain and the rest of the world to life. More information can be found at www.historyextra.com.



53. Our Fake History


This authentic and super entertaining series discusses and debunks historical myths. Some fun examples include “Did Shakespeare really write all those plays?”, “Was there a female pope?” “Was their really a Trojan war?” and “What was the real Napoleon story?”



54. The Pirate History Podcast


The Pirate History Podcast is an inspired program about the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean. The series explores in depth the real men and women that threatened the trade and stability of the Old World empires. Some famous names include Captain Henry Morgan, Henry Avery, Charles Vane, Mary Reed, Anne Bonny, Black Bart Roberts, Ned Low, and Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach.



55. History Unplugged


History Unplugged dedicates its program to interviewing experts and answering audience questions on various historical facts. History Unplugged features a call-in-show, where callers can query resident historian Scott Rank’s vast array of historical knowledge with any and all questions.



56. History in the Bible


This informative weekly series enthralls listeners every Sunday with a layman's guide to 150 years of research into the history presented in the Bible. It delves deep into the religion of ancient Israel, and the development of Christianity. Every book in the bible is discussed with an ounce of droll humor.



57. This day in History Class


This Day in History Class is a fun podcast that recounts a tidbit of the events that happened on today’s date in history. The podcast engages the listener with historical facts of the day in the areas of military, politics, science, music, sports, arts, entertainment and more.



58. New Books in History


New Books in History features Professor Poe interviewing various historians about their new books. The professor draws parallels between his studies and experiences with the topic of each guest. This is an interesting way to learn about new historical novels.



59. Radio Prague


Radio Prague is the best history podcast to learn all about the Czech heritage. The program features people and places all across Prague with a new cultural revelation in each episode. It is a great way to feel a cultural connection with the Czech people.



60. History Goes Bump Podcast


This ghostly podcast features the spookier side of history. The show is dedicated to historic locations, events, or people that are involved with hauntings. The show is aptly tagged “Ghost tours for the theatre of the mind.” If your goal is to be entertained while simultaneously creeped out, this is the right podcast.



61. Fauxthentic-History


Holly Frey who also narrates "Stuff You Missed in History Class" teams up with Bryan Young from Full of Sith to describe fictional history in many cultures. This includes mythology, popular culture, and various storylines such as Star Wars, Star Trek, and Disney. Fauxthentic History describes popular storylines in new and unusual ways to excite and entertain the listener.



62. Space Rocket History


Space Rocket History is an amazing series full of as it happened clips and sound bites from the history of the space program. The impeccable research and source material of the show make it a once in a lifetime experience to listen to. This is truly an amazing podcast.



63. High Crimes and History


High Crimes and History covers high crimes throughout ancient history. The storyline includes murderous knights, pirate kings, and ancient Chinese forensic investigators. This exciting podcast relays the events that make up the world’s most exciting crimes. This is truly one of the highlights of historical podcasts.



64. The History of Vikings


The History of Vikings is an engaging and informative retelling of the lost history of the Vikings The narrator Noah has the incredible style that draws in the audience. This already fascinating storyline is only made better by the entertaining narration.



65. A History of Europe: Key Battles


In A History of Europe: Key Battles, the story of the great European conflicts unfolds for the listener. This show chronologically depicts each European conflict starting with the Ancient Greeks from the perspective of each side to provide an alternative to the traditional national narratives. Each conflict is placed in perspective with the overall history of Europe.



66. The Dangerous History Podcast


The Dangerous History Podcast is a unique podcast as it tells the story of alternative history to an established history book. Some facts are downright dangerous to the current historical powers. This is a fascinating storyline to follow.



67. Weird History Podcast


Weird History Podcast is a podcast about offbeat, strange, and unknown history. This podcast tells a slew of unusual stories and is extremely entertaining. We definitely recommend it.



68. History of the Great War


Each week, the "History of the Great War" program retells an episode from the First World War between 1914 and 1918. The podcast journeys from the borders of France to the shores of Gallipoli, to the banks of Somme, to the final knockout attempt by the German army in the spring of 1918.




69. Changing History


Changing History, hosted by Jeff Schaeffer takes popular stories from history and changes them with hilarious results. This is definitely a top podcast.


70. Dig: A History Podcast


This is a neat podcast told from the perspective of four women historians. The Dig team attempts to unearth relatively unknown facets of history and current events such as the history of Women’s reproductive health.



71. History of Color


In the History of Color, a program centered on the history of minorities, Allegra Alvarado leads casual discussions on of non-fiction books, biographical films, documentaries, and news interviews relating to people of color and minorities that are not taught in traditional history education.



72. Professor Buzzkill: History 101


Professor Buzzkill: History 101 is an entertaining program that relooks history myths in a new and illuminating way. This humorous podcast often debunks common myths.



73. Dark Poutine


Another series from the darker side, Dark Poutine tells the stories of Canadian crime, legends, folklore, dark history, and other creepy topics. Hosts Scott and Mike are great storytellers and we love their sense of humor. Prepare to laugh and get the chills in one creepy podcast.



74. A History of WWII Podcast


In this fascinating program, the headlines from WWII are relooked in great detail. The podcast truly gives a new perspective on the harrowing details of the war.



75. Offbeat Oregon History podcast


This offbeat podcast is one of the few daily programs. It offers a feed of Oregon stories including heroes and rascals, shipwrecks and lost gold, shanghaied sailors, Skid Road bordellos, pirates and robbers and unsolved mysteries. Stories are derived from the Offbeat Oregon History syndicated newspaper.



76. The Mexico Podcast: History and Resistance The Mexico Podcast: History and Resistance


The Mexico Podcast: History and resistance retell the story of historical and present-day Mexico. It is definitely a worthwhile program to listen to.



77. History Dweebs - A look at True Crime, Murders, Serial Killers and the Dark Side of History


Humans have a great capacity for goodness, but all too often there is a dark side to humanity. This all too real podcast looks into true crime, Serial Killers, and the dark side of history. Listen, if you dare.



78. The History of Egypt Podcast


The History of Egypt Podcast tells of historical Egypt, as the ancients described it. The Agora Podcast network brings to life tales of pyramids, pharaohs, gods, and mysteries in this incredibly well-written series.



79. The History of Ancient Greece


The History of Ancient Greece Podcast, hosted by Ryan Stitt, tells tales of the ancient Greeks lasting over two millennia. This podcast gives great insight into the Greek culture, one of the most influential and fundamental cultures in history.



80. Distillations: Science + Culture + History


The podcast Distillations reaches deep into a single moment in scientific history and examines it. Each episode discusses how that particular moment in history affects the present day.



81. The History of Literature


In this fun series, the History of Literature, amateur literary enthusiast Jackie Wilson covers various topics throughout literary history including ancient epics and contemporary classics. This is an interesting podcast.




82. History of Philosophy


In the History of Philosophy, Peter Adamson, Professor of Philosophy at the LMU in Munich retells the history of philosophy, "without any gaps". This well-produced podcast includes thoughtful interviews with scholars and provoking excerpts or anecdotes from historical texts.



83. Bay Ridge Boys: History Hyenas


In this hilarious series, Comedians Yannis Pappas and Chris Distefano, discuss the history of nature. The Australian duo truly goes wild with their descriptions of all things historical and natural. This entertaining podcast makes me want to go down under.



84. History of Southeast Asia


This novel podcast delves deep into the history and beauty of the between India, China, and Australia. The traditions and culture of Southeast Asia truly come to life.



85. Hysterical History


In another amusing program, Hysterical History, tells wacky yet factual stories from the past. This weekly series featuring friends Alexis and Hailey is a comedic gem while also being truly informative.



86. Philosophize This


This series on philosophy is beginner friendly. The program explains in sequential order the history of philosophy and the thinkers that forged it. You don’t need to be a graduate level philosopher to enjoy this fun documentary.



87. Cocaine & Rhinestones: The History of Country Music


The history of country music is filled with greed, corruption, and narcotics. This interesting program delves deep into the history of 20th Century Country Music and the lives of those who made it possible.



88. A Brief History of Mathematics


In the series, A Brief History of Mathematics, Professor of Mathematics Marcus du Sautoy reveals the personalities behind great mathematical calculations. Professor investigates the link between mathematics and modern science.



89. The History of the Cold War Podcast


The History of the Cold War Podcast discusses the Cold War from1945 to 1991 and the fall of the Soviet Union. This bi-monthly program reviews the Cold War from different perspectives including political, diplomatic, cultural, and ideological. The series definitely demonstrates the impact the Cold War had on modern day society.



90. Warriors of History


In this bloodthirsty series, Warriors of History, the tales of famous warriors of the ancient world and their glorious combat are told. This gripping podcast includes tales of the wildest warriors, bloodiest battles and bravest heroes.



91. A History of Maryland


For something a little closer to home, sticher.com also offers the podcast A History of Maryland. This series is a free-wheeling narrative history of the state of Maryland from colonial life to the present.



92. Best of Natural History Radio


The Best of Natural History Radio is a BBC program that awes the listener with the wonders and surprises of nature. The beauty and importance of nature described in this engaging podcast will engross even the most fastidious listener.



93. HiFi History - Stories of Today that Connect us to the Past


Once again a series of episodes attempt to link the past with an ever-changing future. In HiFi History, Inspiring stories of today help connect modern man to the past. The engrossing story of how sleeping in slave dwellings helps to reconcile race relations is just one example of this unique perspective on history.



94. History of the Crusades


The History of Crusades tells of the bloody history from 900 years ago when thousands of Christians invaded the Middle East in order to claim the Holy Land and the following 200 years of history known as the Crusades. The series includes tall tales of castles, battles, religious clashes, Richard the Lionheart, the Assassins, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Saladin, and the Knights Templar.



95. The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong


Throughout history, we have been getting our facts wrong. Once Europeans believed sheep grew from Mongolian trees. This is just one of the many silly assumptions that humankind has come to throughout history. This series tells these absurd tales and the impact they have had on the current day.



96. Message to Kings: A Biblical History of Man


Message to Kings tells the story of the time sequenced Biblical history of man. This gripping series focuses on Biblical events and characters of history connected to them. This informative series combines historical events and spiritual concepts with practical applications in today’s society.



97. The Renaissance: A History of Renaissance Art


This culturally inspired program is devoted to the history of Renaissance art including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and literature produced during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries in Europe.



98. The History of Yugoslavia


This informative podcast features the history of Yugoslavia from the 18th Century to the present, recounting its realization, life, and death.



99. History of Voting


This single podcast recounts the history of voting. It is an interesting podcast to listen to although very brief.



100. The Shadow of Ideas


This informative program details various current events, politics, and social justice from the perspective of a historian. It is an interesting glimpse into how history repeats itself.


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