Top History Episodes
With more than 30 million podcast episodes littering the internet, how will you ever find the perfect episode about history to invest your time into? To help save you time, we did the leg work and listed the top history podcast episodes for you. Whether they are amusing, informative, inspiring, or educational, we’ve highlighted the best and posted them below. How do we know they’re the ‘best’? Because our listeners voted on them. To find some gems is always a time saver for someone with little time to waste. Now all you got to do is select an episode that is unique to you and press play.
The list of the top 10 History episodes for February 2021 is compliled from Repod’s podcast app chart data. The list below is updated monthly, daily History charts can be found inside the app.
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American CoyoteAyúdanos | Chapter 1The origin story of Elden Kidd details his sun-soaked Mormon upbringing, early trauma and injustice, and a harrowing mission to Northern Ireland at the height of "The Troubles". During this time, Elden's views on society are forged and he emerges a freethinker determined to follow his own path. One night,...
"HIGHLY recommend American Coyote. By far my favorite new found show of the year. Excellent story telling, and just an insane story. The man the podcast focuses on, Elden Kidd, has truly lived an insane life. Although his life involves countless acts of crime, his personality and intentions are endearing and ultimately all he wanted was to help others and for life to be an adventure. Great show."
"HIGHLY recommend American Coyote. By far my favorite new found show of the year. Excellent story telling, and just an insane story. The man the podcast focuses on, Elden Kidd, has truly lived an insane life. Although his life involves countless acts of crime, his personality and intentions are endearing and ultimately all he wanted was to help others and for life to be an adventure. Great show."
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The Experiment56 YearsNineteen sixty-four. Freedom Summer. Marilyn Newkirk was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, in a county where just about 250 Black adults out of more than 13,000 were registered to vote. She would grow up as part of the first generation of Americans who lived in a true democracy, according to her...
"I definitely didn’t *need* a new podcast in my queue, but The Experiment is worth checking out. Every episode is a totally different angle on US history and culture, and all of them are super well-produced. Here’s my favorite ep so far:"
"I definitely didn’t *need* a new podcast in my queue, but The Experiment is worth checking out. Every episode is a totally different angle on US history and culture, and all of them are super well-produced. Here’s my favorite ep so far:"
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"What 😮 wow! Crazy. I love hearing women entrepreneur stories like this (part one) 🤯 "
"What 😮 wow! Crazy. I love hearing women entrepreneur stories like this (part one) 🤯 "
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LoreEpisode 160: Sleight of HandOne of the oldest beliefs in human history is also the root of countless stories in our collective folklore. But to understand the power of those tales, we need to understand the people who brought them to life.————————Episode Sponsors:
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"Aaron Mehnke never fails to impress me with his storytelling; he’s one of the few podcasters who can leave an audience both educated and bewitched by the tales he shares in each episode.
This week’s episode of Lore touches on the history of magic and magicians - where it came from and how it’s shaped society today.
I also loved the mentions of other cultures and how they approach magic."
"Aaron Mehnke never fails to impress me with his storytelling; he’s one of the few podcasters who can leave an audience both educated and bewitched by the tales he shares in each episode.
This week’s episode of Lore touches on the history of magic and magicians - where it came from and how it’s shaped society today.
I also loved the mentions of other cultures and how they approach magic."
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ThroughlineImpeachmentWhen Andrew Johnson became president in 1865, the United States was in the midst of one of its most volatile chapters. The country was divided after fighting a bloody civil war and had just experienced the first presidential assassination. We look at how these factors led to the first presidential...
"Quick listen but left me thinking all day.
Impeachment is so rare. It was super interesting to hear about the few other times it's happened in the past, and how weirdly similar the situation kind of is.
"
"Quick listen but left me thinking all day.
Impeachment is so rare. It was super interesting to hear about the few other times it's happened in the past, and how weirdly similar the situation kind of is.
"
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"I truly appreciate the focus on empathy and non-medical-professional support in this episode. I love the science and history that Sawbones brings to every episode, and this episode presents the perfect combo of how to bring both scientific research and general human understanding to a potentially volatile conversation."
"I truly appreciate the focus on empathy and non-medical-professional support in this episode. I love the science and history that Sawbones brings to every episode, and this episode presents the perfect combo of how to bring both scientific research and general human understanding to a potentially volatile conversation."
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ThroughlineOctavia Butler: Visionary FictionOctavia Butler's alternate realities and 'speculative fiction' reveal striking, and often devastating parallels to the world we live in today. She was a deep observer of the human condition, perplexed and inspired by our propensity towards self-destruction. Butler was also fascinated by the cyclical nature of history, and often looked...
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"American hero and true patriot Smedley Butler. Could you imagine if we learned about this in history class? Damn. "
"American hero and true patriot Smedley Butler. Could you imagine if we learned about this in history class? Damn. "
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LoreEpisode 164: Loyal CompanionWhile animals have been our constant companions for thousands of years, one chapter of our long history together led to much more terrifying results.————————This episode of Lore was sponsored by:
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"Yay a new episode of Lore!
This episode is about the folklore behind pets. Specifically, Aaron Mehnke dives into the history behind pets and magic and touches on some fascinating historical events along the way.
While you’re listening to this episode, remember that Boy the dog was a rare hunting poodle - Aaron’s stories get funnier with that image in mind. "
"Yay a new episode of Lore!
This episode is about the folklore behind pets. Specifically, Aaron Mehnke dives into the history behind pets and magic and touches on some fascinating historical events along the way.
While you’re listening to this episode, remember that Boy the dog was a rare hunting poodle - Aaron’s stories get funnier with that image in mind. "
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SidedoorReservation Math: Navigating Love in Native AmericaIf you’ve heard the phrase, “full blooded,” you’re already familiar with the concept of blood quantum. But Native Americans are the only peoples in the United States whose identity is defined by it. Through the photography of Tailyr Irvine, displayed at the National Museum of the American Indian, we take...
"I always learn something from this podcast"
"I always learn something from this podcast"
Editors Choice: Top History Shows
Even within a popular history-related podcast, there may be shows that are more special than the others. Ones that capture the imagination, stir the heart, or perhaps tell such a compelling true story where listeners are moved. That podcast might have revealed something of impact and significance that you never thought of before or heard of anywhere else. Some of these historical stories might inspire you or give you a greater perspective into why things happened the way they did. When it comes to history, there’s always a reason why. And when it’s properly explained, it all makes more sense. You value history even more. Trust our listeners that these podcasts stand out from the others, as special and worthy of a listen. We’ve listed them for you and we’re sure you’ll enjoy these best history podcasts.
The list of the top 10 best History podcasts of 2021 is a compilation of the editor’s choice + collaboration with the Repod community.
Stuff You Should KnowProduced and hosted by the staff of How Stuff Works, Stuff You Should Know, aka SYSK, dedicates each episode to teaching you about something you probably don’t know about. Each episode stands on its own, making it easy to pick a topic at random that interests you. And there is sure to be something that’ll tickle your fancy, as the podcast has dealt with everything from cheese and Barbie to tipping, pinball, and death. With...
99% InvisibleA collaboration between public radio and the American Institute of Architects in San Francisco, the 99% Invisible podcast seeks to expose the unseen aspects of design and architecture. Often including interviews with experts, the show opens your eyes to things you might tend to overlook or take for granted, like outdoor staircases and commemorative plaques, calling your attention to all of the thought and choices that go into the aspects of our everyday lives we...
TED Radio HourDo you think Ted talks are inspiring? Then tune into Ted Radio Hour. Just imagine how beautiful the collaboration between Ted and National Public Radio must be. On Ted Radio Hour, they discuss a wide range of usage. Most times, the podcast episodes are usually before-hand released Ted content, only with a cherry on top. There's an after-session where Manoush Zomorodi interviews the speaker. Mostly, these conversations usually spill over into other life affairs. It's...
Dan Carlin's Hardcore HistoryAlmost everyone grew up hating history in high school. It's because nobody had a teacher like the host, Dan Carlin. On each episode of Hardcore History, Dan Carlin carries his listeners on a long, thorough, but an interesting journey of a significant historical event. He likes to explore all there is to know about events that have shaped the world, as we know it. With this podcast show, love for history may just be around...
Revisionist History'The past deserves a second chance' are famous words from Malcolm Gladwell, podcast host, and owner of Revolutionist History. Here's what he does on his podcast show. He re-examines a past historical event that he feels is to date misunderstood or misconstrued. Perhaps re-assessing the past can do more than enhance our perception and understanding of it. He believes it can improve our present existence. Find out the other side of the coin with Malcolm...
ThroughlineYou know the saying, ‘The past is never the past’? Throughline podcast gives so much truth to those words. Co-hosts Ramtin Arablouei and Rund Abdelfatah help listeners understand the world today by lending them historical lenses. So, for people that want to learn more about the moments that created life as we know it now, this podcast is the place to start....
Darknet DiariesSome listeners have never heard of the darknet outside Hollywood. The darknet is real, and really ugly things go down there. The podcast host of the Darknet Diaries, Jack Rhysidere gives a sneak-peek into all the evils that the darkness of these streets hide. Government activity, bribery in high places, terrorism, cyber-crime it’s really a treat for the curious mind....
LoreThis is a podcast that's definitely not going to put you to sleep. Lore features stories capable of giving you goosebumps and some horrifying true stories. Each episode tells a tale from the past, unwinding some scary creatures and places. These episodes are reminiscent of sharing creepy stories around the campfire, with all your nightmarish fantasies coming true....
Slow BurnEver heard of a podcast show offering content TV series style? Here’s one. Each season of Slow Burn discusses highly controversial historical events in America, clears the air, and answers, long unanswered questions. Thus far, they've discussed politics and entertainment. There's much more in store. Explore the other side of history with host Josh Levin. ...
Radiolab Presents: More PerfectThe podcast, Radiolab Presents: More Perfect sheds light on some of the more controversial happenings in the Supreme Court. They make thorough investigations into some of the Supreme Court’s significant rulings and help their listeners understand more.Host, Jad Abumrad, takes his audience on a journey to learn how the Supreme Court became so supreme. Furthermore, he always explores the impact of its power in several legal cases....
Travis Osterhaus | February 01, 2021
Are you tired of watching the news? Are you looking for an escape to another time? We have an excellent suggestion for you: history podcasts. Now we’re not talking about digging up those dusty books you dreaded reading in high school. Podcasts about history are stories narrated with style and passion. They’re tales that’ll fascinate and sweep you into, otherworldly times. You’d also be surprised to know, they’re not all about wars and revolutions. They come in many flavors.
Whether the podcast is about ancient history to the 20th century, you will learn many interesting things about how history has shaped our present. There are thousands of historical topics out there to choose from. But how do you find the ones worth listening to? The Repod community has curated the best and most popular shows and episodes for you. These podcasts might teach you something or simply remind you to smile… sit back… and enjoy a moment from the past.