As I am getting into the depths of primary source research, I am needed more and more to listen to. And while I love my audiobooks and music, I still adore podcasts. I find listening to history podcasts while doing my archival work helpful- it gives my brain something to concentrate on while my eyes scan entry after entry. Every year, more and more podcasts are released and I add new ones to my roster for the next year. So, here are the best history podcasts of 2022 (according to me…)!
History Gems
Welcome to History Gems, the podcast that follows historian and author Dr Nicola Tallis as she seeks to unpick the stories behind some of history’s most famous and intriguing jewels.
With a different expert on every episode, Nicola delves into a daring attempt to steal the Crown Jewels, the secrets of a supposedly cursed diamond, the creation of the world’s most famous Easter eggs, and plenty more.
Check out @historygemspod on social media to see pictures of each week’s gems!
Why I Love This Podcast:
Okay, this seems to be obvious, but who does not love jewellery?? While I don’t wear a lot of jewellery myself, I could spend hours and hours learning about it. I love that this podcast doesn’t focus on any one country or time period- there are jewel stories from across the centuries and the globe. And while I always seem to know a little bit about the jewel(s) in question, I always come away having learned a lot.
Favourite Episodes:
Jane Austen with Sophie Reynolds
Fabergé and the Romanovs with Gareth Russell
British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics
Weekly podcast, British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics, available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. Meet famous and infamous characters, walk with playwrights and peasants, and wander through castles and cathedrals. New episodes every Wednesday. Have a question about British history, something you’ve always wanted to know? Just ask! Let’s explore history together.
Why I Love This Podcast:
Carol-Ann is one of my favourite podcast hosts- she really nails informal hosting. While I do enjoy scripted podcasts, it is lovely to listen to a podcast and feel like you are listening to a friend. She has some fantastic guests on the pod to discuss all areas of history, and covers quite a wide range of topics. I always come away feeling like I’ve learned something while also getting a chance to relax.
Favourite Episodes:
Christmas Queens Charlotte and Alexandra with Jessica Storoschuk (Obviously I had to choose my episode!)
Services of Thanksgiving, from Elizabeth to Elizabeth
Hidden Herstory Podcast
An Independent Women’s History Podcast, uncovering the lives of intriguing, infamous and inspiring women from History.
Our special theme in Season One is #InspiringWomen.
All Episodes are produced and presented by former Teacher & aspiring Author, Chrissy Hamlin.
Visit www.hiddenherstory.com to find more fascinating blog posts and videos on Women’s History.
Why I Love This Podcast:
I might be biased as I’ve been a guest on this podcast (see the second episode linked below), but I adore this podcast. Chrissy is also a wonderful host, and she will make you feel right at home when you are listening. She has a wide variety of guests on Hidden Herstory, and I think that branching out from solely historians adds a lovely depth to the podcast. I find that there is always something that I didn’t expect to hear about in each episode, and it makes for a lot of fun when I’m listening!
Favourite Episodes:
The History of Christmas, Queen Alexandra, and Margot Fonteyn
Single Malt History
Historian Gareth Russell’s weekly podcast with demented and delightful stories from the past
Why I Love This Podcast:
Gareth is one of my favourite historians- he is one of those rare historians that is truly varied in his subject areas but excels equally in all of them! (His biography on Catherine Howard, Young and Damned and Fair, is one of the best biographies I’ve ever read.) His podcast also covers a wide variety of topics, and he frequently brings on guests to chat about their own area of study. I love that he covers a good amount of Irish history; it is fascinating, and especially in the 19th and 20th centuries is interwoven with British history.
Favourite Episodes:
The Schemes and Dreams of Lord Londonderry
I hope you’ve enjoyed my best history podcasts of 2022 list- happy listening!
Cheers,
The Historian
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