History in your ears! 5 podcasts you really should be listening to right now.
The historical based podcast has been a growing industry. Here are Inside History's must listen to podcasts this November.
Podcasts have become a great way to get your history fix. Some are purely interviewed based whilst others go further and explore a certain topic in amazing detail. We have been to a lot recently and we simply can not get enough of them.
The rise of historical podcasts over the past few years has ranged from those who simply just want to tell great stories using a USB microphone from the comfort of their own home to the much more sophisticated and powerful documentary-based podcasts. It shows us that anyone can make one and this is a good thing. History has never been more accessible and engaging, regardless of who is telling these stories.
We have created a list of some of our favourites which range from independent productions to those that have enjoyed a largely bigger budget. Below are are top 5 podcasts at the moment. Stay tuned to our Substack as we will be adding more to our list as time goes on.
Cold War Conversations (Ian Sanders)
Ian Sanders is a man on a mission. For him, this is more than a podcast. This is about gathering stories from the Cold War before they are lost. It is this that makes this an exceptional podcast. Along the way, you will meet a wide range of people from spies, to victims and perpetrators. From tales of everyday life in East Germany to former KGB agents this podcast is also acting as a historical record not only for its listeners today but also for those listening in the future.
You have to hand it to Ian who is not only a truly talented interviewer but also his desire to gather as many stories as he possibly can. In a world of podcasting that sometimes feels like it is being taken over by the bigger names and studios, Ian does this completely off his own back. It is a passion that shines through with every episode. Some of the stories can be a difficult, emotional listen but it highlights the era perfectly.
Where possible, Ian will sit down with other historians in order to dig deeper into their latest works. The Cold War and indeed, Ian's brilliant work can often get overshadowed in favour of other periods of history but if the Cold War interests you then this is essential listening. For those who teach or study this period, this is more than just another podcast but also an invaluable source that can be referred to for decades to come.
You can listen to Cold War Conversations wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Killing Victoria (BBC Sounds)
This amazing Podcast has had the Inside History gripped as Dr Bob Nicholson takes on an investigative journey dealing with seven attempts to assassinate Queen Victoria.
Dr Nicholson explores this fascinating era and the men who aimed to kill the Queen. All of these had their different reasons and Nicholson leaves no stone unturned as he finds out more about the would-be assassins.
Told over seven engaging episodes this is a must-listen either as an individual episode of as a binge listen (that’s exactly how we did it).
History Rage (Paul Bavill & Kyle Glover)
History Rage is a weekly podcast that invites members of the historical community to debunk myths about major historical events and figures. What they wish we would all stop believing.
Paul and Kyle have amassed a brilliant collection of podcasts featuring guests including Alexandra Churchill, Jessie Childs, Danny Buck, Iain MacGregor, and many many more. Be sure to give History Rage a listen and realise that you are not alone in being annoyed and common misconceptions in history.
The Battersea Poltergeist (BBC Sounds/Bafflegag)
Although Halloween may have passed, the supernatural is still around us. This podcast explores one of Britain’s most fascinating cases which takes the listener back to 1956 and the haunting at 63 Wycliffe Road.
This podcast will have you on the edge of your seat as Danny Robins goes in search of the truth surrounding Britain’s most famous paranormal case. A wonderful blend of documentary and drama featuring the acting talents of Toby Jones and Dafne Keen.
This is a series that will grab you firmly in its grip. And once you have binged this...be sure to check Danny’s follow-up, The Witch Farm.
You Must Remember This (Karina Longworth)
You Must Remember This is a storytelling podcast exploring the secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood’s first century. It’s the brainchild and passion project of Karina Longworth (founder of Cinematical.com, and former film critic for LA Weekly), who writes, narrates, records and edits each episode.
It is a heavily researched work of creative nonfiction: navigating through conflicting reports, mythology, and institutionalized spin, Karina tries to sort out what really happened behind the films, stars and scandals of the 20th century.
Do you have a favourite podcast that you think everyone should be listening to? Why not tell us in the comments and we will be sure to give it listen.