Which of the Best History Podcasts Should You Listen To?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 30, 2024

If you thought history was all about dusty books and lectures that could put a cup of decaf to shame, think again! We're diving into the world of podcasts, where the past comes alive with the click of a button. It's time to swap your snooze button for some earbuds because we're about to embark on an audio adventure through the corridors of time.

Now, we've all got that one friend who manages to casually drop Napoleon quotes at dinner parties, or the one who can rattle off Roman emperors as easily as their ABCs. Well, get ready to join their ranks, because the best history podcasts transform us into time-traveling virtuosos without the hassle of inventing a DeLorean.

Whether you're itching to uncover the juicier, untold tales from ancient civilizations, or you're game for a cheeky reenactment of the English Civil War that could have been lifted from a sitcom script, there's an auditory feast waiting just for you. Grab a helmet, sharpen your sword, or, you know, just keep lounging in your pajamas – we're here to find the perfect history podcast to tickle your funny bone and flex those brain muscles. Ready, set, listen!

Finding Your Perfect Slice of History

Who knew history could be as tasty as a slice of pizza, with the right toppings of course? We're here to help you pick out the flavors that suit your historical palate.

Passionate about the American saga? Pop in your earbuds and let's time travel with podcasts that tackle everything from the poignant beginnings in 1619, diving into the origins of American slavery, or march to the beat of the Revolutionary War drums. There's an epic tale waiting to be heard, and we're here to point you to your auditory time machine.

For those who love the nitty-gritty of world history, why limit yourself to one era? Maybe your interest lies in the strategic conquests of Alexander the Great or the world-shattering ideas sparked by the French Revolution. Lucky for us, history podcasts have more twists and turns than a daytime drama.

Now, if historical figures are your jam, and you fancy a dinner party with Hitler on the guest list (strictly for interrogation purposes, we promise), then a narrative-driven podcast is the hors d'oeuvre you need. Or perhaps the intrigue of the Roman Empire whispers to your inner centurion – Dan Carlin might have just the epic saga for your commute.

And don't get us started on lore. Ghosts, goblins, and the unexplained tickle our fancy and should definitely tickle yours. Cue spooky music and transport yourself to some haunted castle in New York – just make sure you check under your bed tonight!

• Love lorre? Check out spooky tales from around the world.
• American enthusiast? Deep dive into the heroic and horrific elements of our nation's history.
• World history buff? From ancient empires to modern conflicts, there's a podcast for every epoch.
• Adore biographies? Historical figures come to life through compelling storytelling.

Remember, we're in this together; we'll find the perfect match of a history podcast for you. Now go forth and conquer those earphones with the zeal of an emperor!

The Maestros Behind the Mic

Let's give a round of applause for the voices that whisk us through time and space, the brilliant minds that spin yarns from yesteryears into our earbuds. We're talking about the maestros behind the mics—those gurus who make history cooler than a polar bear's toenails.

Storytellers and Scholars

Dan Carlin, with his Hardcore History, delivers drama-packed sagas that'll have you gripped tighter than your grandpa's handshake. He's like that one teacher who could make even the phone book sound epic. Karina Longworth from You Must Remember This peppers your ears with tales of Old Hollywood—more glitz, glam, and scandal than your favorite soap opera.

• Sebastian Major from Our Fake History debunks mythical pasts and makes you question facts over fiction, turning history into a detective show—pass the popcorn, please!
• Ever heard of Lore? Aaron Mahnke bridges the chasm between spooky myths and historical truths, proving reality is stranger than fiction (and twice as horrifying).

BBC's output is like that British chum who knows everything about everything, doling out a smorgasbord of historical goodies.

The Art of History Telling

We've got Mike Duncan, our History of Rome guy, who can paint picture-perfect scenes of ancient empires with just his words—think Michelangelo with a mic.

• Malcolm Gladwell takes over with Revisionist History, turning the ordinary into extraordinary, showing us the hidden sides of the mundane. He's kind of like the cool uncle who would totally let you have ice cream before dinner.
• The History Chicks (Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider) are the mentors we all need, giving the fierce females of history the spotlight they deserve.

Then there's Throughline with Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei; they don't just scratch the surface—they dig deep, like archeologists in the desert uncovering civilizations of thought-provoking audio treasure.

• And don't get us started on Nate DiMeo's The Memory Palace; it's like those miniature ships in a bottle, intricate, delicate, and full of wonder—if you blink, you'll miss the magic!

So, ready to have your brain tickled by the best history maestros out there? Head on over to BrainFall.com, and let's find out which podcast is the perfect partner for your next time travel adventure!