A well-narrated history podcast can transport you back in time and give you insight and perspective on different eras and civilizations. But there’s no shortage of them out there, and it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time.
We put together this list to break down the top 15 best history podcasts to listen to! Podcasts on this list are also a great resource if you’re a podcaster within the history genre!
15 Best history podcasts (by category)
True crime history podcasts
These podcasts delve into real-life historical crimes, often taking a deep dive into both the crimes themselves and the societal contexts in which they occurred.
#1. Dark History
The Dark History podcast, hosted by Bailey Sarian, is an extension of her YouTube series Murder, Mystery & Makeup. She explores a new dark part of history every week—but it isn't exactly true crime. Instead of just a story about crime, Sarian goes into the dark side of our past, including sinister topics like the history of fast food, the Monsanto chemical company, and more.
#2. Criminal
Criminal, presented by Phoebe Judge, is a podcast that tells stories of people who “have done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.” With a captivating storytelling style, this podcast uncovers various angles of crime from different perspectives and time periods.
The episodes are a mix of well-researched narration and interviews, each shedding light on the human aspect of crime, offering listeners a unique and often surprising insight into criminal behavior.
#3. Unobscured
Unobscured, created by the same team behind Lore, takes a deep dive into misunderstood historical events and reveals the truth beneath the illusions. Episodes often explore historical events and figures that involve misunderstood parts of history to reveal the intrigue and mystery beneath them. The show combines well-researched historical narratives and compelling interviews for riveting episodes that rack up consistently high rankings from listeners.
Ancient history podcasts
These podcasts specialize in bringing the ancient world to life, covering civilizations like ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt, and more, exploring their cultures, politics, wars, and legends.
#4. Dan Snow's History Hit
Dan Snow's History Hit podcast is a treasure trove for any history enthusiast. Hosted by prominent British historian and broadcaster Dan Snow, this podcast breathes life into the past. Snow's passion for history is infectious, and his vast knowledge allows him to delve deep into a wide range of topics, covering everything from ancient civilizations to significant wars and political upheavals.
He interviews world-renowned historians, creating insightful and dynamic dialogues that captivate listeners. His storytelling ability and the depth of the topics discussed make this podcast not just a history lesson but a riveting exploration of the forces that have shaped our world.
#5. Stuff You Missed in History Class
"Stuff You Missed in History Class" does exactly what its name suggests—it fills in the gaps of your world history knowledge with episodes on intriguing topics that you may have missed in school.
Hosted by Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson, this fascinating podcast delves into both modern and ancient history. Each episode spans a wide array of topics, from the evolution of ancient civilizations to the transformation of modern society.
With a focus on lesser-known or overlooked historical events and figures, "Stuff You Missed in History Class" offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, making history accessible and engaging for all.
#6. Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
"Hardcore History" is narrated by podcast host Dan Carlin. This long-form podcast stands out for its deep, intensive examinations of historical events and figures. Rather than skimming the surface, Carlin delves deep into the subjects, providing comprehensive, multi-episode coverage of major historical events and periods that are both ancient and modern, including American history.
His passionate delivery and meticulous attention to detail make history come alive, transporting listeners back in time. Whether it's the brutality of the Mongol conquests or the complexities of World War I, Hardcore History offers a rich, in-depth exploration of the past.
#7. The Ancients
"The Ancients" is a riveting podcast that offers in-depth explorations of the great civilizations of the ancient world. Each episode transports listeners back in time, delving into the mysteries, triumphs, and tragedies of ancient civilizations, from the grandeur of Rome and the innovation of Ancient Greece to the mystique of Ancient Egypt.
Hosted by Tristan Hughes, this podcast combines scholarly research with captivating storytelling, shedding light on the complexities of ancient civilizations and offering a fascinating window into a world that has shaped our own. From epic tales of warriors and emperors to the daily lives of ancient peoples, "The Ancients" provides a comprehensive and engaging examination of the past.
War history podcasts
These podcasts focus on significant conflicts throughout history, such as World War II, providing detailed analyses of battles, strategies, and historical figures.
#8. Cauldron
Cauldron is hosted by Cullen Burke and is a military podcast that dives into the details of battles, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the conflict. The podcast takes its listeners through the intricacies of war strategies, significant battles, and the influential figures who shaped the course of wars throughout history.
#9. Warfare
Warfare offers an in-depth examination of military strategies, key figures, and turning points in wars, giving listeners a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of warfare. The podcast draws on expert opinions, primary sources, and detailed research, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking a thorough and insightful exploration of historical warfare.
#10. Uncivil
Uncivil is a groundbreaking podcast that revisits the tumultuous era of the American Civil War. It presents a fresh perspective, shedding light on untold stories, unexplored themes, and forgotten characters of the time. Unraveling the narrative away from the mainstream, it explores complex themes of race, power, and justice.
By juxtaposing historical events with contemporary issues, Uncivil bridges the past and the present, offering its listeners a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of the Civil War on American society. It is an excellent choice for those who want to explore the fascinating story of this pivotal period in history beyond the traditional narrative.
#11. The Dogs of War Podcast
The Dogs of War Podcast is a captivating dive into the realm of military history. This podcast opens the door to in-depth discussions about pivotal battles, strategic maneuvers, and the men and women who have left their mark on military history.
With an emphasis on the impact of individual decisions and the ripple effects they have had on the course of notable conflicts, this podcast provides listeners with a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of war. Rich in historical detail and well-researched insights, "The Dogs of War Podcast" offers a compelling and educational experience for military history enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Podcasts about the history of science and tech
These podcasts explore the history of science and technology, tracing its development throughout the centuries. From ancient mathematics to modern quantum physics, these podcasts cover it all.
#12. Sawbones
Sawbones is an intriguing podcast that offers a fascinating journey into the annals of medical history. Co-hosted by Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband Justin McElroy, the podcast explores the odd, weird, and downright bizarre treatments that have been part of medicine through the ages.
Episodes shed light on the many misguided remedies and medical practices of the past while also celebrating the science and the progress that has led us to modern medicine. It offers an entertaining yet informative take on how far we've come in understanding the human body and its ailments.
#13. Distillations
Distillations is a captivating podcast that delves into the past, present, and future of science and technology, offering listeners a unique perspective on how these fields shape our everyday lives. Each episode explores a different scientific concept or technological advancement, uncovering its historical roots and pondering its potential implications.
From the evolution of artificial intelligence to the history of plastic, Distillations takes complex topics and makes them accessible and engaging for all listeners. It's a thought-provoking podcast that brings the wonders and complexities of science and technology to the forefront, making it a must-listen for anyone with a curiosity for the world around us.
#14. Today in Nerd History
Today in Nerd History is an entertaining and educational podcast that combines the fascinating world of geek culture.
Each episode takes listeners on a time-traveling journey, exploring significant events in the universe of comics, video games, science fiction, and other popular nerd genres that occurred on that day in history.
This podcast presents an interesting fusion of academia and pop culture, making learning about history fun and relatable for the modern geek. So, whether you're a history buff or a proud nerd, Today in Nerd History is sure to offer a unique and engaging listening experience.
#15. Tech Stuff by How Stuff Works
Tech Stuff is a comprehensive podcast that delves into the intricate workings of technology, shedding light on both the latest advancements and the historical context that led to them.
Hosted by Jonathan Strickland, this informative podcast covers a wide range of topics, from a deep dive into how specific gadgets work to thoughtful discussions about the impacts of technology on society.
The podcast does an excellent job of explaining complex tech concepts in a clear and accessible way, making it a valuable resource for tech enthusiasts and novices alike. Whether you're curious about the origins of the internet or want to understand the intricacies of artificial intelligence, Tech Stuff has got you covered.
More top-charting podcasts
Interested in more podcasts that are making waves? These posts break down some of the best podcasts within their category.
- The Top 10 Best Business Podcasts (and how they can help podcasters)
- The Best 10 Marketing Podcasts for Digital Creators and Podcasters
- The Best Interview Podcasts [2023]
- The 20 Most Popular Story Podcasts
- The 10 Best Food Podcasts
