The Best History Podcasts of 2024
History might just be the perfect podcast category. There’s a wealth of tales to tell, people to profile, or mysteries to uncover. And despite a plethora of available podcasts covering almost every historical angle imaginable, there never seems to be a shortage of worthwhile topics — encouraging, yes, but also a bit overwhelming to wade through. Here, we run down some of the best history podcasts from the past year, including a few older favorites that continued to dominate the podcast charts in 2024, and a welcome newcomer that made itself at home uncovering the compelling origins of everyday objects we take for granted.
The Rest Is History
History buffs and curious minds alike will treasure The Rest Is History, which has been running since 2020 and is consistently one of the most popular history podcasts available. The hosts, British historians and authors Tom Holland (no, not the actor) and Dominic Sandbrook, cover a sprawling scope of topics each week: The rise of the Nazis, Cleopatra, “killer fashion,” and a deep dive on how the year 1968 changed America are but a very few examples. The duo balance their academic expertise with warm and playful banter — including the occasional cringeworthy impression (see: Churchill). The topics sometimes reflect current events and can indeed be dense, but Holland and Sandbrook’s warm, conversational approach, as well as the show’s minimal production, make even weighty topics feel approachable and bingeable.
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You’re Dead to Me
If history class had more zingers, it might sound like You’re Dead to Me. Created in 2019 and hosted by British historian and broadcaster Greg Jenner, the podcast also features a comedian and an expert on the subject at hand each episode; together, they explore offbeat topics such as the history of ice cream, the scandalous lives of the Borgias, and the bodybuilding boom of the 19th century. These lesser-known topics are endlessly fascinating and make for excellent trivia night or dinner table fodder. They’re also tackled with wit and unexpected depth; Jenner’s skills shine in both the scripted sections and the off-the-cuff discussions, and while it’s ultimately entertainment, you never leave an episode without a new nugget of wisdom.
You’re Wrong About
In recent years, public figures and historical events have increasingly come under reevaluation. People and places once celebrated or vilified are being reconsidered in light of changing cultural values, new evidence, or evolving perspectives, and the You’re Wrong About podcast, running since 2018, remains an indispensable avenue for reexamining popular culture. Hosted by journalist Sarah Marshall, the show digs into everything from Britney Spears to the history of the American housewife (a popular topic given the #tradwife trends online today), exploring the media-driven narratives that shaped public perception. Marshall’s approach, while often humorous, is also insightful and empathetic. Together with her guests, she fosters thought-provoking and inclusive conversation that serves as a reminder to keep an open mind, a critical eye, and, of course, a sense of humor.
Lore
Humanity’s fascination with the abnormal is timeless, and Lore taps into that curiosity like no other podcast. Hosted by Aaron Mahnke, the long-running show explores the dark corners of history where truth and myth blur. Each episode unravels tales of folklore, urban legends, and chilling true crime that have haunted humanity for centuries. Where else will you find the story of the 19th-century spiritualists who built a “God machine,” or a serious look at haunted historical paintings? The podcast’s narration and subtle, cinematic production let the meticulous research shine, and each episode acts as a sort of campfire story brought to life. After almost 10 years, more than 230 episodes, and television and book adaptations, Lore remains a favorite history podcast for those who love a mix of history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
The Curious History of Your Home
If you’ve ever looked around and wondered how and why the objects we use every day came about, this is the podcast for you. Hosted by social and domestic historian Ruth Goodman, The Curious History of Your Home, which debuted in 2024, explores the unexpected stories of everything from coffee to toilets to laundry in engaging and whimsical vignettes. James’ research and insights aren’t too weighty, but ultimately do reveal how our homes and the objects they house reflect the cultures that built them. The lighthearted approach makes this podcast an easy listen that might just spur you to uncover more hidden histories around your own home.
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