Best Besthistorypodcast Podcasts (2025)

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The Magna Carta | A Discussion on Power, Politics, and the Birth of Liberty 35:40

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1d ago35:40

35:40

Join us as we discuss the history of the Magna Carta, how it changed English governance, and its influence on all democracies and constitutional federal republics that came after.

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Sketches in History | Connecting Continents 9:40

6d ago9:40

9:40

The 15-Minute History Podcast team brings you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer as she dives into her extraordinary notebook, where sketches from history come to life. In this episode, she travels aboard a ship with a mission. Sailors are working frantica…

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The Magna Carta | Power, Politics, and the Birth of Liberty 17:02

9d ago17:02

17:02

It’s raining. The men in the group are drenched and have been so almost all day. Nobles in their finest attire stand ankle-deep in mud, their expressions a mixture of triumph and apprehension. Before them, a thin, gray-faced king looks at the document. His jaw clenches. "You would strip me of my God-given rights?" the king yells, his voice thick wi…

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Pop Quiz | The New Deal, part 2 8:01

13d ago8:01

8:01

In part two of this pop quiz series, Joe and I discuss the New Deal's long-term legacy and the controversial idea that anything can really be "free." As always, we love to hear from you, so leave a comment on this episode with any questions or thoughts, and you can also give us a topic that you'd like us to discuss in another pop quiz this summer!…

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The Khmer Rouge | “To Destroy You is No Loss” (Repost) 15:16

16d ago15:16

15:16

This week, the team wanted to revisit one of the most popular episodes from last season. A new, exciting episode is coming to you on Monday. ____ “I was fifteen years old when the Khmer Rouge came to power in April 1975. I can still remember how overwhelmed with joy I was that the war had finally ended. It did not matter who won. I and many Cambodi…

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Sketches in History | When the Walls Come Down 9:03

20d ago9:03

9:03

The 15-Minute History Podcast team brings you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer as she dives into her extraordinary notebook, where sketches from history come to life. In this episode, she travels to a divided country. Crowds are breaking down a barrier t…

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The Manhattan Project | Discussing Scientific Achievement vs Ethical Responsibility 32:07

23d ago32:07

32:07

Join us as we discuss the Manhattan Project, the reason behind the development of nuclear weapons, and the ethical implications of such an invention.

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Pop Quiz | The New Deal, part 1 7:42

27d ago7:42

7:42

In this first of a two-part pop quiz on the New Deal, Joe and I chat about the real origins of the Great Depression and how we still feel its effects today. Join us for the rest of this conversation in two weeks!

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The Manhattan Project | Scientific Achievement vs Ethical Responsibility 17:30

30d ago17:30

17:30

It was still dark. The group of men felt the breeze getting warmer as the eastern horizon began to show signs of light. One of the men, tall with no expression, watched as final preparations were made to a large object in front of the group. The others saw the anxiety in his face in a way that only those had had been around him could discern. The m…

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Sketches in History | Voices in the Wire 7:06

1M ago7:06

7:06

The 15-Minute History Podcast team brings you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer as she dives into her extraordinary notebook where sketches from history come to life. In this episode, she travels to a workshop in Menlo Park. A man is working on an inventi…

1
The Francis Factor | Inside the Modern Papacy 44:11

1M ago44:11

44:11

Join us as we discuss the life of Pope Francis, his reforms, and the controversies that defined his papacy. From his humble beginnings to his efforts to reshape the Catholic Church, discover how Francis challenged tradition, sparked global debate, and inspired both admiration and criticism. Whether you’re a devoted Catholic, a history enthusiast, o…

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Pop Quiz | Everything is Awful (How to Get Historical Interpretation Wrong) 6:50

1M ago6:50

6:50

In this pop quiz, Joe asks me why some historians choose to interpret the past through current-day lenses and the problems that can create for students of history. We then get into a discussion on the role of experts in academic inquiry and see why a narrow focus can lead to some truly awful outcomes.…

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Tariffs, Tariffs Everywhere | A Discussion on the Intricacies of Global Trade 34:51

1M ago34:51

34:51

Join us this week as Joe and I delve into the political, social, and (of course) economic consequences of tariffs. We stay away from the politics--mostly--and try to hone in on the fact that every economic policy has consequences, good and bad, and that leaders need to be open in how they present their ideas and honest in explaining their effects.…

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Sketches in History | Impossible Escape 7:10

2M ago7:10

7:10

The 15-Minute History Podcast team brings you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer as she dives into her extraordinary notebook where sketches from history come to life. In this episode, she travels to a dark night in Germany during World War II. She can see…

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Tariffs, Tariffs Everywhere | The Intricacies of Global Trade 16:57

2M ago16:57

16:57

We're back from our spring break a week early! This episode is a timely overview of tariffs--taxes on imported goods--from a historical perspective. We will not get into the political aspects of the current trade war, but please join us next week for a discussion that will likely include some current events.…

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Pop Quiz | Yalta (and a "What If?") 7:27

2M ago7:27

7:27

This week, Joe comes awfully close to asking a "what if" question (and getting a shoe thrown at him)! Join us as we discuss historical perspectives on the Yalta Conference at the end of World War Two and what the West could have done differently in confronting the growing Soviet threat in Eastern Europe.…

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Caesar Augustus | From Clay to Marble (Republish) 16:11

2M ago16:11

16:11

During the next few weeks, the 15-History Podcast team is taking a break and bringing you some of their favorite previous episodes. This episode originally aired on November 1, 2021. _______ The old man lay in his bed surrounded by courtiers and family members. He had traveled from Rome to visit the place where his father had died many years ago, a…

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Sketches in History | A Discovery in the Sand 8:22

2M ago8:22

8:22

The 15-Minute History Podcast team brings you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer as she dives into her extraordinary notebook where sketches from history come to life. In this episode, she travels to ancient sands in the deserts of Egypt. She can see two m…

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Genius | Michelangelo Buonarroti (Republish) 12:14

2M ago12:14

12:14

During the next few weeks, the 15-History Podcast team is taking a break and bringing you some of their favorite previous episodes. This episode originally aired on November 16, 2020. Join us as we teach you about the genius of Michelangelo Buonarroti, his timeless works of art, and the legacy he left behind.…

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Pop Quiz | Blurring the Lines 7:32

2M ago7:32

7:32

This week, Jon got to ask Joe about the morality of a military attacking civilian targets in war. His answer was very thought-provoking!

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"Hatched from a Cannon-Ball" | A Discussion on the Unification of Germany 40:51

2M ago40:51

40:51

Join us for a conversation about the ideas behind Germany's unification, how that pivotal moment in world history shaped decades to come, and its legacy that the German people still confront today.

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Sketches in History | To the Skies 9:52

3M ago9:52

9:52

The 15-Minute History Podcast team brings you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer as she dives into her extraordinary notebook where sketches from history come to life. In this episode, she travels to a sandy beach on December 17, 1903. She can see two men …

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"Hatched from a Cannon-Ball" | The Unification of Germany 16:38

3M ago16:38

16:38

The creation of a united, powerful Germany completely reshaped European power politics in the late 19th century. But how did it happen? What was the character of that new country, and did it reflect older ideas and values of its Prussian ancestor? Join us as we consider the creation of a country that created so much art and technology but also viol…

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Pop Quiz | The Federal Reserve (and some Conspiracies?) 6:18

3M ago6:18

6:18

Join us every other week for a Pop Quiz! This week, Joe asked me about the Federal Reserve, how it works, and whether or not it's run by reptilian aliens. Well, maybe not the last one, but we do get into a conversation about the important--and dangerous--role the Federal Reserve plays in American finance today.…

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Engines of Change | A Discussion on Steam Power and the Effects of Industrialization 31:33

3M ago31:33

31:33

Join us as we explore the history of the steam engine, its impact on industrialization, and how both have translated into the modern age.

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Sketches in History | The Midnight Ride 9:34

3M ago9:34

9:34

The 15-Minute History Podcast team is bringing you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer, as she dives into her extraordinary notebook where sketches from history come to life. In this episode, she travels to dark night on April 18, 1775. In the distance, she…

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Engines of Change | How Steam Powered the Modern Age 15:17

3M ago15:17

15:17

In the workshop, all he could smell was the coal. It filled his nostrils day and night. The metal under his hands was hot. A few months before, the heat would have been unbearable, but the scares on his hands dulled the sensation. He bent over the two cylinders and watched as steam left one to fill the other. A spray of water went into the first cy…

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A Trip to a Museum | Pop Quiz - The Future of NATO 10:15

3M ago10:15

10:15

Hey kids! I know you were excited to hear Lottie bring you another episode of "Sketches in History." Unfortunately, she isn't here this week. But Joe has a story to tell you about a trip he took with his son, and then we have a Pop Quiz you can listen to with your parents. Lottie will be back with her notebook for another "Sketches" episode next we…

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The Eagle Against the Sun | A Discussion on the Second World War in the Pacific 39:49

3M ago39:49

39:49

After a two-part podcast on this immense topic, Joe and I discussed some of the war's greatest impacts on society, how it shaped the lives of those who fought and suffered, and the tragic triumph that ended it.

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Pop Quiz | The Great Debasement 7:35

3M ago7:35

7:35

In today's episode, Joe and Jon discuss King Henry VIII's "Great Debasement" (which has nothing to do with his palace's root cellar) and how it shaped our understanding of monetary policy.

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The Eagle Against the Sun | The Second World War in the Pacific, part 2 20:24

4M ago20:24

20:24

Seven years ago, Joe and I began this podcast with a two-part episode on the Second World War in Europe. Today, we bring you part two, followed by our discussion next week. As always, you can send us questions or post comments on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

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Sketches in History | Buried in Time 9:55

4M ago9:55

9:55

As promised, the 15-Minute History Podcast team is bringing you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer, as she dives into her extraordinary notebook where sketches from history come to life. In this episode, she travels to a bustling marketplace in 79 AD. But …

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The Eagle Against the Sun | The Second World War in the Pacific, part 1 19:03

4M ago19:03

19:03

Seven years ago, Joe and I began this podcast with a two-part episode on the Second World War in Europe. Today, we fulfill a promise to longtime listeners with the first installment of the Pacific War--from Pearl Harbor to Midway. Join us next week for the second part and then an epic discussion later this month. As always, you can send us question…

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Double Pop Quiz | Texas in the Civil War & the Strasbourg Dancing Plague 8:01

4M ago8:01

8:01

In today's double pop quiz, Jon answers an audience question and then faces a historic moment for the podcast. Don't miss it!

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"We Band of Brothers" | A Discussion on The Battle of Agincourt 27:04

4M ago27:04

27:04

Join us as we discuss The Battle of Agincourt and ask whether Henry V's actions proved to be a good idea or a bad one.

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Sketches in History | Crossing the Delaware 13:06

4M ago13:06

13:06

As promised, the 15-Minute History Podcast team is bringing you a new segment, just for kids, called Sketches in History, where history isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure. Join Lottie Archer, as she dives into her extraordinary notebook where sketches from history come to life. In her first episode, she will travel to Christmas night, 1776. Imagi…

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"We Band of Brothers" | The Battle of Agincourt 15:27

4M ago15:27

15:27

The Battle of Agincourt, though small by modern standards, stands as a turning point in European history by bringing democracy to the battlefield. Joe takes us through the battle in all its detail and asks the question whether Henry V's actions proved to be a good idea or a bad idea.

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Pop Quiz | Fact Checkers Gone? 6:55

4M ago6:55

6:55

Join the team as they discuss recent news about fact-checkers in social media. Be sure to tune in next Thursday for the 15-Minute History Podcast's first segment for kids, Sketches in History!

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Inauguration Special! | Interview with Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch 48:32

4M ago48:32

48:32

With today being Inauguration Day in the United States, Joe and I are bringing you a special interview with authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. Their new book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy - and Why it Failed, is narrative history at its finest and tells a largely unknown story of the first plot to assassinate President Joh…

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Special Christmas Episode | The History of the Nativity 7:55

5M ago7:55

7:55

The imagery of Jesus' birth has evolved over the century, but its meaning to all humanity remains as simple as ever in this holiday season. Special thanks to my Uncle Matt for giving me the idea for this episode! - Jon

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Pop Quiz | An Inconsequential War? 8:37

6M ago8:37

8:37

It's time for a pop quiz! Join us as Joe and I talk through the idea of a war without consequences and discuss Australia's fight with emus and the "Whiskey War" of 1973-2022.

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S.O.B.s | A Discussion on American Foreign Policy in the Cold War 34:46

6M ago34:46

34:46

Join us for our discussion on the morality and long-term consequences of America's Cold War-era foreign policy and the lessons we can learn from it today.

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Pop Quiz | Populism and American Politics 11:51

6M ago11:51

11:51

It's time for a Pop Quiz! Join us as Joe and I discuss the evolution of populism in the United States and how it both reflected and has reshaped our political system.

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S.O.B.s | American Foreign Policy in the Cold War 16:09

6M ago16:09

16:09

The benefits of hindsight let us examine faults in national policy through the lens of what followed. But in the midst of a global threat of nuclear war, the United States chose to support vicious dictators in the name of anti-communism. Were they right or wrong? Did it save humanity from death in atomic fire? Was this a good idea or a bad idea?…

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Pop Quiz | Censorship, then and now 3:30

6M ago3:30

3:30

It's time for a Pop Quiz! Join us as Jon covers the roots of censorship in the McCarthy era and after the 9/11 attacks and compares them to current-day calls for limiting free speech in America.

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Espionage | A Discussion on Kim Philby and The Cambridge Five 33:19

6M ago33:19

33:19

Join us as we discuss one of the most notorious spy rings in modern history, The Cambridge Five, and the most prominent member, Kim Philby.

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Thanksgiving & the Art of Being Thankful | Repost 13:10

6M ago13:10

13:10

Join us as we share stories of Thanksgiving throughout history and discuss how to practice the art of being thankful. This episode originally aired in November 2019.

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Pop Quiz | History in Video Games 5:24

6M ago5:24

5:24

It's time for a Pop Quiz! Join us as Joe and I discuss our favorite historical video games and the insights they give us into "real" history.

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Pop Quiz | Crashes, Recoveries, and the Welfare State 7:44

6M ago7:44

7:44

It's time for a Pop Quiz! Join us as Joe and I compare the Great Depression to the COVID-19 lockdowns, how the country recovered from each, and the role of the welfare state in modern America.

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Espionage | Kim Philby and The Cambridge Five 17:56

7M ago17:56

17:56

Kim Philby, Donald Maclean, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt, and John Cairncross—passed almost 17,000 classified documents to the Soviet Union for 30+ years. The information was so extensive and the volume so large, that Soviet intelligence initially suspected some of it might be disinformation, due to the high-ranking positions these spies held and the…