The best history podcasts of all time

Two women. Half the population. Several thousand years of history. About an hour.

Not every person in history has set out to do good. In fact, many of history's most fascinating and well-remembered figures have done some of the most terrible things. The iHeartRadio podcast Behind the Bastards dives into the stories of some of the worst human beings throughout history—from notorious tzars and despots to lesser known nefarious folks, like George Shea, the hot dog villain.

This weekly podcast is as interactive and engaging as it is informative. Futility Closet focuses on the forgotten moments of history—from the aerial reconnaissance missions of Sidney Cotton, a World War II pilot who never fired a shot or dropped a bomb yet was instrumental in Allied victory, to the mysterious Lambeth poisoner. Listen in to discover curious stories from history and to challenge yourself with the show's lateral thinking puzzles.

On Let Them Fight, comedians Jacob Trimmer and Tim Groeschel sit down to tell one another absorbing—and violent—stories from history and, of course, make jokes about it. Hilarious as it is interesting, this podcast is the perfect choice for anyone who likes their history with a healthy side of comedy.

Love history and unsolved mysteries? You can get your fill of both with Dark Histories, a biweekly podcast that explores unexplained and eerie happenings, from murders to mysterious sightings, around the world and across centuries. Host Ben Cutmore is a longtime fan of shows like The Twilight Zone and The X-Files, yet nevertheless considers himself a skeptic.

On Most Notorious, host Erik Rivenes offers listeners true crime stories from history, cracking the cases of serial killers, gangsters, gunslingers, and more. Each week, Rivenes interviews authors and historians who know every detail behind these true tales of deceit, manipulation, revenge, and murder—some shocking, others tragic—providing an expert perspective that lends valuable context.

We're always told we can learn from history, and the podcast Cautionary Tales proves just that. In each episode, Tim Harford, author of The Data Detective and The Undercover Economist, tells a new story about awful human error, tragic catastrophe, or a daring feat with devastating consequences, in the hopes of making you just a little less impulsive and wiser.

This podcast is dedicated to retelling and preserving personal stories about lesser-known aspects of a critical period of world history, from 1947 to 1989: the Cold War. Featuring guests from across the globe, Cold War Conversations offers a greater understanding of the fears, political tensions, paranoia, and fighting tactics that defined the era from those who lived through it.

This podcast covers what the title promises: just about anything and everything related to WWII. In each episode, host Angus Wallace interviews experts on a different aspect of the Second World War, ranging from tanks, guns, and other battle equipment to African American Medal of Honor recipients. Along with the military side of the war, the show looks at what was going on on the home front.

Since 2016, host Eric Marcus has been introducing listeners to the forgotten and largely hidden history of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. This standout podcast even features compelling archival interviews so that listeners can get the history straight from the voices of the people who lived it.

When we think of the Civil Rights Movement, we typically remember the events that happened in American during the 1950s and 60s. But in reality, the fight for racial equality goes back as far back as slavery and still continues in the present day. Each week, host Brooke Girley discusses important moments in the Civil Rights Movement, from slavery to now, and what we can learn from them.

Along with his exceptional audiobooks, including Talking to Strangers and Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon, Malcom Gladwell is known for his popular podcast, Revisionist History, now in its sixth season. In each episode, Gladwell looks back at significant moments, people, ideas, or even songs from the past and asks one very important question: Did we get the story right the first time?

The Last Archive​ is a show about the history of truth, and the historical context for our current fake news, post-truth moment. It’s a show about how we know what we know, and why it seems, these days, as if we don’t know anything at all anymore. The show is driven by host Jill Lepore’s work as a historian, uncovering the secrets of the past the way a detective might. iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries. 

You're Wrong About is a podcast hosted by two journalists, Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, who are obsessed with the past and committed to setting the record straight. Every week, Michael and Sarah look back at a person, happening, or a historical moment that has been miscast in public perception. What do we really know about history? And how much of what we think we know is wrong?

History class doesn't teach you everything you need to know about history. In fact, textbooks often leave out the most interesting parts, from the feats of anarchists to great love stories. Join hosts Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey as they talk you through some of the best and strangest parts of history that you won't learn in school.

The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race. Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We'll take you to the events, the times and the people that shaped our nation. And we'll show you how our history affected them, their families and affects you today. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator). From Wondery, the network behind American Scandal, Tides of History, American Innovations and more.

Listen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.

Every scandal begins with a lie. But the truth will come out. And then comes the fallout and the outrage.

Scandals have shaped America since its founding. From business and politics to sports and society, we look on aghast as corruption, deceit and ambition bring down heroes and celebrities, politicians and moguls. And when the dust finally settles, we’re left to wonder: how did this happen? Where did they trip up, and who is to blame? From the creators of American History Tellers, Business Wars and Tides of History comes American Scandal, where we take you deep into the heart of America’s dark side to look at what drives someone to break the rules and what happens when they’re caught. Hosted by Lindsay Graham.

Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.

On February 10th, 1796, Vice President John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, lamenting the state of discourse in the country. The election was nearing—and becoming heated. Newspapers screamed, factions warred, and John Adams was dismayed with what he called “the wicked Game.” Americans in 2023 can relate. They still have to endure months of shouting, outrage, and the worst sort of political rancor as the country once again chooses its president. But it’s almost always been this way. And to prove it, American Elections: Wicked Game will review the entire history of presidential elections, from the unanimous and inevitable election of George Washington in 1789 to Donald Trump’s surprise electoral victory in 2016—and his contested defeat in 2020. From the host of the American History Tellers and American Scandal, this podcast will explore all 59 presidential elections to discover that there never never was a “good ol’ days,” and that presidential politics has always been played dirty.

Floodlines is a podcast brought to you by The Atlantic. Host Van R. Newkirk II takes listeners through one of the most catastrophic disasters in US history: Hurricane Katrina. While many think they understand the events that led to this tragedy, the people who lived through this flood and its aftermath have their own stories to tell—stories of human hubris and government incompetence, complicated by the wrath of nature.

The History of Byzantium is a podcast that explores the history of the Roman Empire from the collapse of the West in 476 to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Each episode is backed by research and delivered with enthusiasm from history-loving host Robin Pierson.

Barbarians, political breakdown, economic collapse, mass migration, pillaging and plunder. The fall of the Roman Empire has been studied for years, but genetics, climate science, forensic science, network models, and globalization studies have reshaped our understanding of one of the most important events in human history. PhD historian and specialist Patrick Wyman brings the cutting edge of history to listeners in plain, relatable English.

Binge all episodes of The Fall of Rome exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-fall-of-rome-podcast/ now.

Who doesn't love food? The Fantastic History of Food brings the interesting history of food to life. Join host Nick Charlie Key as he shares bizarre and often ridiculous tales, such as The Man Who Ate King Louis XIV’s Heart and The German Coconut Cult, that you'll want to gobble up.

iHeartRadio presents Surprisingly Brilliant, a podcast all about the unsung scientists and visionaries behind some of history's most important discoveries and innovations, from the black hole to the lifesaving bean. Join hosts Maren Hunsberger and Greg Foot every week as they tell the stories behind these largely unknown heroes of science and technology.

DNA science. Artificial intelligence. Smartphones and 3D printers. Science and technology have transformed the world we live in. But how did we get here? It wasn’t by accident. Well, sometimes it was. It was also the result of hard work, teamwork, and competition. And incredibly surprising moments.

Hosted by bestselling author Steven Johnson (“How We Got To Now”), American Innovations uses immersive scenes to tell the stories of the scientists, engineers, and ordinary people behind the greatest discoveries of the past century.

Listen to American Innovations on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/american-innovations/ now.

Join Ang, a travel nurse and medical history enthusiast, as she guides you through some of the most bizarre, outrageous, and fascinating stories in medical history, including the chilling tale of a serial poisoner. Approaching each topic with a combination of critical thinking and fun, Ang often invites other history buffs to join her discussions.

Luther: In Real Time is a detailed look back at the dramatic story of Martin Luther and the dawn of the Reformation. Each episode is released 500 years to the day after the events being discussed, so you can relive the history of Luther from his heresy charges to his famous stand for God’s Word.

When you're wearing a crown, mistakes often mean blood. On Noble Blood, author Dana Schwartz explores the stories of some of history's most interesting royals from all around the world, from tyrannical rulers to tragic figures.

Everywhere around us are echoes of the past. Those echoes define the boundaries of states and countries, how we pray and how we fight. They determine what money we spend and how we earn it at work, what language we speak and how we raise our children. From Wondery, host Patrick Wyman, PhD (“Fall Of Rome”) helps us understand our world and how it got to be the way it is.

Listen to Tides of History on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can to all episodes ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/tides-of-history/ now.

Created, produced, written, and hosted by Aaron Mahnke, Lore is a biweekly podcast devoted to exploring the dark side of history. Episodes take on assorted monsters, beasts, and bogeyman, from the dreaded winged, red-eyed Jersey Devil to practicing cannibals. And if you can’t get enough of Lore and its frights, listen in to Mahnke's book series, The World of Lore.

Join host Jason Weiser as he tells stories from the myths, legends, and folklore that have shaped cultures throughout history and around the world. Some, like the tales of Aladdin and Hercules, will be familiar—but you might be surprised by their origins. Others, like the strangely touching Chinese tale of a sleazy alligator man and his search for love, you might not know—but you really should hear. While researched and sourced from the original folklore, all the tales are retold in a style to captivate modern listeners.

Jon Hagadorn hosts this well-researched, fast-paced weekly podcast that explores a wide range of historical events, persons, places, and legends. Filled with action, courage, and intrigue, these stories from the past are all brought to life with enthusiasm.

Join two tipsy geeks—hosts Amanda McLoughlin and Julia Schifini—as they clink glasses and share fresh takes on classic myths as well as new urban legends from around the world. This show is hilarious, educational, and above all, a whole lot of fun.

Co-hosts Scott Philbrook and Forrest Burgess are not content with leaving the whispers of legendary creatures and unexplained phenomena a mystery. On their podcast, they delve into the history of legends and investigate for evidence, with the help of professional researchers and other guest experts. Astonishing Legends often lets listeners in on truths that have never before been revealed.