Emma Radebaugh
For history buffs that don’t always have time to sit down with a three-pound book, podcasts are a welcome alternative. Turn your car rides into a learning experience and listen as hosts give well-researched accounts of our world’s history. With narratives that cover centuries, we list six of the best history podcasts.
1. Revisionist History
Malcolm Gladwell tells the anecdotes we do know from a perspective that we don’t. He frames stories in ways they haven’t been written yet and asks us to question what we think we know. If there’s ever something from the past that you’ve questioned, or that never sounded quite right, give this podcast a listen.
2. The Dollop
When you combine two comedians and history, it results in an addictive podcast with enough episodes to keep you binge-listening for weeks. Each episode, Dave Anthony researches a quirky historical tale and tells it to co-host Gareth Reynolds, who doesn’t know what he’s going to hear. Offbeat stories and witty commentary are the main draws of this beloved show.
3. Lore
The tales told in this podcast, hosted by Aaron Mahnke, are more of the frightening sort, akin to stories whispered beneath blankets in a cold room. Yet these are no fables that Mahnke tells; instead, he reveals some of the darker sides of history through narratives that we wish were fiction. While somewhat disarming, Lore is a wildly engrossing podcast, and draws over 200 million listens from dedicated fans.
4. The History Chicks
Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider invite you to relax and listen to them discuss some of history’s most influential women, whether you’ve heard their names or not. Each episode features a new heroine, with an overview on their life and accomplishments. The hosts began their show in 2011, and it still runs today.
5. ArtCurious
For anyone that finds themselves captivated by art and the stories behind it, this podcast was made for you. Jennifer Dasal is more than qualified as a host, boasting nearly 20 years of experience in the art field. Her podcast aims to teach lessons about art and artists alike, with stories you’ve likely never heard before.
6. Hardcore History
If you like those three-pound history books mentioned earlier, then Dan Carlin’s podcast is the one you want. His anecdotes last hours, diving deep and staying there. He handles his telling of these stories with a unique approach, one that millions find perfect to suit their tastes. This isn’t a podcast for the casual listener, but one for someone with an open mind and an open ear.
