Top 20 History Podcasts That Truly Teach Us Lessons From the Past

American schools often fall short in teaching history, and the situation is even worse when it comes to Black history. The curriculum tends to oversimplify, focusing on figures like Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr., along with references to Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the idea that “Lincoln freed the slaves,” as if these alone suffice. Hosted by Jay Walker, this podcast dives into lesser-known but equally significant individuals and events, such as Sarah Rector, a teenage oil millionaire, and pivotal moments like Black Wall Street and the Black Panther movement. With insights from experts and occasional celebrity guests, the show explores these topics and broader historical trends in depth.

Carlin’s podcast delves into some of the most intense and often violent episodes in history, earning its “hardcore” label not just through subject matter but also through its format. Instead of frequent releases, the show produces a few episodes annually, each spanning several hours. The current series, exploring the origins of World War II in Japan and China, totals around 25 hours. Past series have tackled the Achaemenid Persian Empire, the Punic Wars, and the collapse of the Roman Republic. Though not a trained historian, Carlin combines sharp analysis with a flair for capturing the drama of these monumental events.

Spanning just five episodes, 1619's Nikole Hannah-Jones examines the enduring impact of slavery in the United States, arguing persuasively that Black American history is central to the nation’s narrative, not a peripheral footnote. Through personal stories and overlooked events, the podcast explores not only the reach of slavery but also the indispensable contributions of Black Americans to the country’s development. Similarly, Jamelle Bouie and Rebecca Onion’s The History of American Slavery offers a distinct yet complementary perspective on these critical themes in American history.

Hosted by Lillian Cunningham of the Washington Post, this podcast brings a lively yet insightful approach to American presidential history. Instead of delivering dry biographical accounts, Cunningham explores pivotal moments while delving into the personalities behind monumental decisions. The show features notable guests like David McCullough, Bob Woodward, and Doris Kearns Goodwin. While it has covered every president up to Joe Biden, Cunningham occasionally returns with special episodes to keep the content fresh and engaging.

The history-focused episodes from Melvyn Bragg’s long-standing BBC program In Our Time are compiled in this feed. For nearly 25 years, the show has been a hub for thoughtful conversations with expert guests. Each hour-long episode tackles a single subject, ranging from The Manhattan Project to Herodotus to Jamaica’s Song Massacre, among many others. While an hour may not allow for an exhaustive exploration of such diverse topics, Bragg and his guests consistently provide insightful and comprehensive discussions.

Primarily built from archival recordings, this long-running podcast initially focused on the extensive interviews journalist Eric Marcus conducted in the 1980s, later incorporating the archives of oral historian Studs Terkel. During the decades leading up to these interviews, mainstream interest in queer culture was minimal, and the HIV/AIDS crisis threatened to erase an entire generation. These conversations with pivotal figures in queer history are a remarkable preservation of voices that might otherwise have been lost, offering firsthand accounts of their experiences. Similarly, the short documentary podcast We Were Always Here highlights British voices and is equally worth exploring.

This engaging, conversational, and insightful podcast shines a light on some of history’s most significant and fascinating women. The hosts, Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider, describe it as: “Two women. Half the population. Several thousand years of history. About an hour.” Their dynamic personalities bring life to the stories of real (and occasionally fictional) women. With over 200 episodes, the podcast’s website offers a helpful chronological list of subjects, ranging from Pharaoh Hatshepsut to Cherokee activist Wilma Mankiller.

While I’m not a dedicated sports enthusiast, the 30 for 30 podcast, much like its TV counterpart, approaches major sports moments and themes from a wide-angle perspective. It appeals not only to die-hard sports fans but also to those with a more casual interest. Episodes explore topics such as the history of the Louisiana Superdome before Hurricane Katrina, the NBA’s shutdown during COVID, and even the influence of Nipsey Hussle on the sports community.

Karina Longworth’s podcast promises to uncover “the secret, and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood’s first century,” and it delivers with a deep dive into the moments and figures that shaped American cinema, often exploring unexpected angles. One season delves into the lives of gossip columnists Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons, while another examines the Manson family’s connections to Hollywood. The Manson season includes a full hour dedicated to Sharon Tate’s life, presenting her as more than just a victim, a perspective rarely seen elsewhere. Longworth skillfully highlights overlooked stories and examines how pop culture has been deeply intertwined with history, for better or worse, without avoiding the sensational details.

Launched in 2017, Mogul pioneered a polished documentary style in exploring hip-hop history, starting with the life and enigmatic death of record executive Chris Lighty. The current season shifts focus to DJ Screw. Host Brandon Jenkins’s talent and the show’s high production values stand out, alongside interviews with hip-hop legends. Note that this podcast is exclusive to Spotify, so head there to listen.

This documentary limited series (nine main episodes plus bonus content) examines Dolly Parton’s life within the context of modern American history, and it’s absolutely captivating. Host Jad Abumrad (of NPR’s Radiolab) traces the origins of bluegrass ballads back to English public executions and ties the evolution of pop country music to broader cultural shifts and conflicts. Dolly herself frequently contributes through new interviews. For more on country music’s history, Cocaine Rhinestones is also highly recommended.

A spin-off of BBC History Magazine, the History Extra podcast explores a diverse range of topics, often tied to significant anniversaries or major book and film releases. Historians, experts, and authors join to discuss subjects like the collapse of communism, Black cowboys, or ancient Mesopotamian ghosts (just a few examples from recent episodes). While it leans toward European history, it’s not exclusive, and the caliber of guests is consistently impressive.

Similarly, but with a broader scope, I’m using History Hit to represent an entire network of podcasts launched by the passionate and insightful popular historian Dan Snow. This flagship podcast features experts discussing a wide array of topics, often (but not exclusively) centered on European history. The network also includes shows like Gone Medieval, Not Just the Tudors, The Ancients, and Warfare, each with its own specialized focus and hosts. There’s even a streaming service I subscribe to—I’m fully immersed in the whole ecosystem.

The production here is straightforward, relying on the narration of host and writer Natasha McEachron and her often remarkable guests—and that’s all it needs. Episodes highlight key figures from the Black diaspora (like Paul Robeson, Steve Biko, and Marian Anderson) and pivotal historical moments, alongside reviews of both contemporary and classic films and books.

Featuring brief episodes (usually under 15 minutes), Nate DiMeo explores fascinating historical snippets, both well-known and obscure, focusing on small yet impactful moments. It’s like a captivating museum guide revealing the hidden significance of an artifact—that’s the essence of the show.

If you’re looking for an in-depth exploration of classical history, Mike Duncan’s 179-hour masterpiece is an excellent choice. It begins with Rome’s mythical origins and concludes with the fall of the Western Empire over a millennium later. This accessible yet comprehensive series has inspired other notable deep-dive podcasts like Robin Pierson’s The History of Byzantium and Isaac Meyer’s History of Japan. Duncan has since launched a follow-up series, Revolutions, focusing on global revolutions. If you enjoy lengthy historical journeys (like I do), there’s plenty to explore.

While niche, this long-running podcast is perfect for anyone fascinated by New York City’s history—and why wouldn’t you be? It delves into the gritty, unfiltered past of the world’s greatest and most chaotic city, covering everything from the 1835 fire to the vibrant history of Fire Island’s LGBTQ+ community. Hosts Greg Young and Tom Meyers leave no stone unturned in their exploration.

Beginning with a focus on Richard Nixon’s resignation, Slow Burn adopts a immersive approach to history, vividly capturing the experience of living through those chaotic times. Subsequent seasons have explored the Clinton impeachment, the 90s hip-hop rivalry between the East and West coasts, David Duke’s rise, and the origins of the Iraq War. Each season maintains the same captivating style, offering a deeper understanding by placing listeners directly in the moment.

Leveraging NPR’s journalistic expertise, Throughline examines not just historical events or figures, but the connections linking the past to the present, often tying directly to current events. Recent episodes, for instance, have explored Afghanistan’s history and the Taliban’s rise, while a Halloween-themed episode traced the holiday’s evolution into a modern industry. The storytelling is consistently compelling, and as an NPR production, the quality is top-notch.

Fans of Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know will recognize the tone here: Ridiculous History features two of the same hosts (Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown) and tackles history with a humorous—sometimes quirky, yet thoroughly researched—perspective. While the present can often feel absurd, this podcast reminds us that history has its fair share of foolishness too.