Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchJames VI and I: life of the week
Episode 1926
James Stuart became king of Scotland at just 13 months old, and has since been known as 'the cradle king'. So, what was his childhood like? How did he come to the throne of England? And how much is k…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago
From Russia to Texas: the search for a Jewish homeland
Episode 1925
At the turn of the 20th century, millions of European Jews were seeking an escape from antisemitic persecution. While many dreamed of Palestine, a few thousand made their way, instead, to Galveston i…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago
British Redcoats: everything you wanted to know
Episode 1924
Was the Duke of Marlborough Britain's greatest ever military commander? How did Britain face down the challenge of an expansionist France? And did soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars feel that they w…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago
The West's attempt to crush Bolshevik Russia
Episode 1923
Following the October Revolution of 1917, Russia's nascent Bolshevik regime acted on its word to take the country out of the First World War by brokering peace with Germany. Speaking to Danny Bird, A…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago
Tiger Tamer | 3. would you let a tiger lick your face?
Episode 1922
Tickling tigers one day, and cracking jokes to expectant crowds the next, Bob Carlisle was a circus showman, agent, clown and big cat tamer. In the third episode of our new series on this larger-than…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago
Mary & George: the real history behind the new drama
Episode 1921
New drama Mary and George has just arrived on Sky Atlantic and HBO, transporting us back to the intrigues and scandals of the court of King James VI and I. Author and historical advisor Benjamin Wool…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago
History Behind the Headlines: ageing politicians & new names for the London Overground
Episode 1920
The latest instalment of our monthly series sees Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter talk to Matt Elton about the extent to which age has historically been a factor in who gets elected. Plus: telling workin…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago
The man who ran Auschwitz: the real story of The Zone of Interest
Episode 1919
The Oscar-nominated film The Zone of Interest is one of the most acclaimed and talked about films of 2024. Directed by Jonathan Glazer and loosely based on a novel of the same name by Martin Amis, Th…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago
Alcatraz: everything you wanted to know
Episode 1918
Alcatraz is remembered as one of history's most hardline prisons, known for its ingenious escape attempts, gruelling regime, barren location and dangerous inmates. Speaking to Rebecca Franks, histori…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago
Plague, leprosy & murder: unlocking the secrets of medieval bones
Episode 1917
What secrets can medieval human remains unlock? With exciting new developments in the science of palaeopathology, researchers are able to glean much more from human bones than ever before. Speaking t…
Published on 1 year, 10 months ago