The Best History Podcasts

Whether you're a dedicated history enthusiast or simply intrigued by stories of the past, history podcasts offer a captivating way to explore fascinating events and personalities. After reviewing the latest listener feedback and recommendations from 2025, here’s a curated list of the absolute best history podcasts to enhance your knowledge and entertain your curiosity.

For those looking for more great listens, check out Top Podcasts on Spotify in 2025 to explore highly-rated shows across different genres.

1. The Rest Is History

Overview

History is often told from one perspective, but The Rest Is History takes a different approach—questioning established narratives and bringing history to life in a way that’s engaging, witty, and thought-provoking. Hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, this podcast offers a deep dive into historical events, myths, and figures, with a mix of rigorous research and entertaining storytelling.

Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or just someone who enjoys a good story, this podcast keeps things fresh, fast-paced, and deeply insightful. Episodes range from exploring the fall of ancient empires to the secrets behind world wars, and even delve into topics like historical conspiracies and forgotten civilizations.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Unlike traditional history lessons, The Rest Is History takes a storytelling-first approach. The hosts don’t just list facts—they debate, analyze, and add humor, making each episode feel more like an engaging conversation than a lecture.

Tom Holland, a well-known historian and author, is an expert on ancient and medieval history, while Dominic Sandbrook specializes in modern history. Their contrasting styles create a lively dynamic, often leading to fascinating debates about history's biggest moments.

What You’ll Learn

• Alternative takes on history: They challenge well-known historical narratives, showing hidden truths and different perspectives.

• The personalities behind history: It’s not just about dates and events—the podcast brings historical figures to life, exploring their motives, ambitions, and flaws.

• A mix of lighthearted and serious topics: Some episodes cover major world-changing events, while others take a fun, quirky approach, like “Who Was the Worst King of All Time?”

Best Episodes to Start With:

• “The Fall of the Roman Empire” – A gripping deep dive into one of the most debated moments in history.

• “The Mystery of the Princes in the Tower” – A thrilling discussion on one of England’s most enduring unsolved mysteries.

• “The Truth About the Vikings” – Debunking myths and revealing the surprising realities of Viking life.

Why You Should Listen

If you love history but hate dry, academic discussions, The Rest Is History is for you. It’s smart, engaging, and filled with historical revelations, making it one of the best podcasts for history lovers.

2. Throughline

Overview

History isn’t just about the past—it’s the foundation of the present. Throughline, produced by NPR, takes a unique approach to history, focusing on how past events have shaped today’s world. Hosted by Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei, this podcast bridges the gap between history and current events, making it an eye-opening listen for those who want to understand the "why" behind today's biggest issues.

Each episode explores a specific moment, movement, or figure in history, uncovering its hidden impact on modern society. The show combines expert interviews, archival audio, and immersive storytelling, making history feel immediate and deeply relevant.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Unlike traditional history podcasts, Throughline isn’t just about facts—it’s about connections. The hosts take a journalistic approach, using deep research and expert insights to show how historical events continue to influence the world we live in today. Whether they’re discussing the roots of capitalism, the rise and fall of empires, or the history of misinformation, the podcast reveals the patterns that repeat across time.

What You’ll Learn

• The historical roots of today’s biggest issues – From geopolitics to social movements, this podcast explains how history repeats itself in surprising ways.

• Forgotten or overlooked events that shaped the world – Throughline uncovers the hidden influences behind modern society, shedding light on lesser-known but crucial historical moments.

• How history is shaped by power, conflict, and culture – It explores how history is often written by the victors, challenging mainstream narratives with a fresh perspective.

Best Episodes to Start With:

• “The Invention of Race” – A powerful look at how race as a concept was created and its lasting impact.

• “How Capitalism Took Over the World” – A deep dive into the origins and consequences of the capitalist system.

• “The Hidden History of the Filibuster” – A fascinating look at the political tool that has shaped American governance.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re interested in understanding the world through the lens of history, Throughline is one of the best podcasts out there. It’s insightful, well-researched, and makes complex historical themes feel deeply personal and relevant.

3. You’re Dead to Me

Overview

Who says history has to be boring? You’re Dead to Me, hosted by Greg Jenner, takes a fun, comedic approach to history, making it accessible, entertaining, and laugh-out-loud funny. Designed for both history nerds and casual listeners, this podcast blends expert knowledge with humor, bringing together historians and comedians for a uniquely engaging listening experience.

Each episode features an expert historian and a comedian, striking the perfect balance between accuracy and entertainment. Whether they’re discussing ancient civilizations, medieval kings, or wild historical scandals, the show keeps history fresh, engaging, and relatable.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Unlike most history podcasts, which focus on serious storytelling, You’re Dead to Me takes a lighthearted, comedic approach. Greg Jenner, a public historian known for his work on BBC’s Horrible Histories, brings his signature wit and storytelling skills to each episode, making even the driest historical topics fun.

What You’ll Learn

• Bizarre and unexpected historical facts – The show covers unusual, quirky, and often overlooked aspects of history.

• Hilarious historical debates – With comedians in the mix, episodes often feature humorous takes on history’s most absurd moments.

• Surprising connections between past and present – Despite the humor, the show still provides meaningful insights into historical events and their modern relevance.

Best Episodes to Start With:

• “The History of Chocolate” – A deep dive into the delicious and surprising history of one of the world’s favorite treats.

• “Vikings!” – A hilarious take on the myths and realities of Viking life.

• “The Witch Craze” – A look at history’s obsession with witches and the bizarre trials that followed.

Why You Should Listen

If you love history but prefer a fun, engaging, and lighthearted approach, You’re Dead to Me is the perfect podcast. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh while secretly teaching you something new—ideal for history lovers and casual listeners alike.

4. Empire

Overview

History is often told from the perspective of those in power, but Empire takes a critical look at the rise and fall of empires throughout history. Hosted by renowned historians William Dalrymple and Anita Anand, this podcast digs deep into the stories of conquests, colonial rule, revolutions, and the lasting impact of empire-building.

Rather than glorifying historical dominance, Empire explores the human stories behind imperial rule, highlighting the leaders, rebels, and everyday people affected by these vast power struggles. From the British Raj to the Ottoman Empire, this podcast unveils the often-overlooked consequences of imperial expansion.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Unlike many history podcasts, Empire doesn’t just present the facts—it challenges narratives, confronts uncomfortable truths, and sparks thought-provoking discussions about how the past continues to shape the present. The hosts bring a deep understanding of global history, backed by meticulous research and engaging storytelling.

What You’ll Learn

• How empires shaped modern politics, borders, and economies – The podcast explains why today’s global power struggles are still influenced by past empires.

• The stories of resistance and rebellion – It doesn’t just focus on rulers; it tells the stories of the people who fought against oppression.

• The unintended consequences of empire-building – Many episodes highlight how imperial ambitions often led to unforeseen disasters, uprisings, and long-term global effects.

Best Episodes to Start With:

• “The Opium Wars” – A fascinating look at how Britain's addiction to Chinese tea led to a devastating war.

• “The Partition of India” – An emotional deep dive into one of the most tragic and violent consequences of British rule.

• “The Fall of the Ottoman Empire” – How one of history’s greatest empires crumbled and its impact on the modern Middle East.

Why You Should Listen

If you want a balanced, thought-provoking take on history’s greatest empires, Empire is a must-listen. It doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of imperialism, making it one of the most insightful history podcasts available.

Expanding Your Podcast Experience

If you're enjoying history podcasts, you might also be interested in starting your own podcast. Whether it’s for storytelling, education, or business, having the right setup is crucial. Explore Podcasting Like a Pro: The Best Tools to Start Your Podcast for everything you need to launch successfully.

To enhance audio quality, choosing the right microphone makes all the difference. Check out The Best Microphones for Podcasting in 2025 to ensure crystal-clear sound for your recordings.

If you’re thinking about monetizing a podcast, learn How to Make Money from Podcasts to explore revenue streams like sponsorships, listener support, and digital products.

5. You’re Wrong About

Overview

History isn’t just about wars and politics—it’s also about misconceptions, myths, and the way we remember things. You’re Wrong About, hosted by Sarah Marshall, takes a deep dive into misunderstood historical events, famous scandals, and figures who were unfairly judged by history.

This podcast is part history, part media critique, exposing how news coverage, bias, and cultural narratives have distorted historical truths. From the Satanic Panic of the ‘80s to the story of Princess Diana, every episode uncovers the reality behind the headlines.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Most history podcasts focus on what happened, but You’re Wrong About focuses on how we got the story wrong. With sharp analysis, humor, and empathy, the show revisits famous events, scandals, and figures, revealing how misinformation and media influence have shaped public perception.

What You’ll Learn

• How history often gets rewritten – The podcast challenges the stories we think we know and reveals what actually happened.

• The role of the media in shaping historical narratives – Many episodes explore how sensationalized news coverage led to public misunderstanding.

• New perspectives on famous figures – The show reexamines people like Monica Lewinsky, O.J. Simpson, and Anna Nicole Smith, often revealing a side of their stories rarely discussed.

Best Episodes to Start With:

• “The Challenger Disaster” – A deep dive into how media coverage shaped public perception of the space shuttle tragedy.

• “Princess Diana” (series) – A multi-part look at the real life of Diana, revealing how the media manipulated her image.

• “The Satanic Panic” – How a moral panic in the ‘80s and ‘90s led to wrongful convictions and mass hysteria.

Why You Should Listen

If you love debunking myths and uncovering hidden truths, You’re Wrong About is the perfect podcast. It’s a brilliant mix of journalism, history, and media analysis, offering a fresh perspective on the stories we thought we knew.

6. Hardcore History

Overview

If you’re looking for deep, immersive storytelling, Hardcore History is the gold standard of history podcasts. Hosted by Dan Carlin, this podcast takes a long-form approach to history, with episodes often running several hours long. Carlin blends meticulous research with dramatic storytelling, making history feel as gripping as a blockbuster movie.

Each episode is an epic narrative, filled with insightful analysis, powerful anecdotes, and thought-provoking questions. Carlin doesn’t just tell history—he makes you feel like you’re living it.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Unlike traditional history podcasts, Hardcore History is not scripted like a lecture—it’s a deep dive into the psychology, decisions, and consequences of historical events. Carlin has a knack for bringing historical figures to life, helping listeners understand their fears, motivations, and dilemmas.

The show’s signature long-form storytelling means it covers topics in incredible depth, with multi-part series exploring wars, empires, and revolutions. Episodes can take months or even years to produce, but the result is unparalleled historical analysis.

What You’ll Learn

• The human side of history – Carlin explores what it was like to be on the ground during major historical moments.

• The patterns of history – He often compares past civilizations to modern societies, revealing recurring themes and warning signs.

• How history shapes the present – Many episodes draw parallels between ancient events and today’s world, offering new ways to interpret modern conflicts and politics.

Best Episodes to Start With:

• “Blueprint for Armageddon” (WWI series) – A six-part deep dive into the horrors of the First World War.

• “The Wrath of the Khans” – An exploration of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, detailing their brutal conquests and lasting impact.

• “Painfotainment” – A look at the history of public executions, torture, and violence as entertainment.

Why You Should Listen

If you love epic storytelling and in-depth history, Hardcore History is a must-listen. Carlin turns history into a gripping narrative, making you see the past in a new light. If you’re willing to commit to long episodes, this podcast is one of the most rewarding history listens out there.

7. Revolutions

Overview

History is full of revolutions—some successful, some failures, and all of them transformative. Revolutions, hosted by Mike Duncan, is a masterclass in political upheaval, exploring how revolutions happen, why they succeed or fail, and how they reshape the world.

Duncan, who also created the legendary History of Rome podcast, takes a chronological approach, dedicating entire seasons to major revolutions in world history. From the English Civil War to the Russian Revolution, Revolutions provides a detailed, yet accessible look at how societies break down and rebuild.

What Makes It Stand Out?

This podcast is incredibly well-structured, making complex political and social movements easy to understand. Duncan has a straightforward, engaging style, avoiding unnecessary fluff while diving deep into historical sources.

Each season focuses on one major revolution, telling the story from beginning to end, covering the causes, key players, major battles, and lasting impact.

What You’ll Learn

• How revolutions start – The podcast examines the conditions that lead people to overthrow governments.

• The leaders and ideologies behind revolutions – It covers famous revolutionaries like Robespierre, Lenin, and Bolívar, explaining their strategies, successes, and failures.

• Why some revolutions succeed while others fail – Duncan analyzes common patterns across revolutions, showing how power shifts and why revolutions sometimes backfire.

Best Episodes to Start With:

• The French Revolution (Season 3) – A deep dive into one of the most dramatic revolutions in history, covering everything from the storming of the Bastille to the Reign of Terror.

• The American Revolution (Season 2) – A fresh, detailed perspective on how the United States was born.

• The Russian Revolution (Final Season) – A gripping retelling of the Bolshevik rise to power and the fall of the Tsar.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re fascinated by political movements, power struggles, and how revolutions shape history, Revolutions is one of the most detailed and well-organized history podcasts available. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to understand how the modern world was shaped by past uprisings.

Why Listen to History Podcasts?

History is more than just names and dates—it’s the story of how we got here. Whether you’re a dedicated history buff or just curious about the past, history podcasts offer a powerful, engaging, and accessible way to explore the world’s most fascinating events. Here’s why tuning into history podcasts can be one of the best ways to expand your knowledge, challenge your perspectives, and even entertain yourself:

1. They Bring History to Life

Great history podcasts don’t just recount facts—they tell compelling stories. The best hosts use dramatic storytelling, expert interviews, and immersive sound design to transport listeners back in time. You’ll feel like you’re in the trenches of World War I, standing beside revolutionaries, or witnessing the fall of ancient civilizations.

2. History Helps Us Understand the Present

The past isn’t just something that happened—it’s the foundation of today’s world. From political conflicts to social movements, history provides the context for modern-day issues. Many history podcasts, like Throughline, specialize in connecting historical events to current affairs, helping listeners see patterns, trends, and lessons that still apply today.

3. You Get Different Perspectives

Traditional history books often tell the story from one point of view, but podcasts have changed that. Many history shows challenge dominant narratives, uncover hidden stories, and highlight voices that were previously ignored. Whether it’s exposing myths and media bias (You’re Wrong About) or revisiting the legacy of empires (Empire), history podcasts broaden your understanding of the past.

4. They’re Entertaining and Easy to Listen To

Not everyone has time to sit down with a history book, but podcasts let you learn on the go. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or relaxing at home, you can absorb fascinating stories effortlessly. Some podcasts, like You’re Dead to Me, mix humor with history, making even the driest topics fun and engaging.

5. They Offer Deep Dives and New Discoveries

Unlike documentaries or short articles, many history podcasts offer in-depth explorations of historical events. Shows like Hardcore History can spend hours on a single topic, giving you a nuanced and detailed understanding. Others, like Revolutions, cover entire movements over multiple episodes, ensuring you get the full picture of history’s biggest upheavals.

Final Thoughts: The Best History Podcasts

History is not just about the past—it’s about the lessons we carry into the future. Whether you’re interested in wars, politics, science, culture, or revolutions, there’s a podcast out there that will change the way you see the world. So, if you want to learn something new, challenge your assumptions, and enjoy captivating storytelling, history podcasts are one of the best ways to do it.