Best History In A Hurry Podcasts (2025)

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Tea & Medals - Trailer 2:18

Play Pause

4y ago2:18

2:18

A brand new podcast following former soldier and BFBS video producer, Darren Coventry as he talks to men and women who have received the UK’s highest military honours has been released.

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Introducing Granby: The Storm in the Desert 0:50

4y ago0:50

0:50

How dangerous was it to fly a tornado in the skies above Kuwait?What goes through your mind as you put a gas mask on in the desert?How did it feel to be under permanent threat of a Scud missile attack?Listen as the decision makers, military commanders and ordinary soldiers, sailors and airmen all reflect on their roles in the 1991 Gulf War, 30 year…

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1. A Poor Decision 18:36

4y ago18:36

18:36

It’s August 1990. The Berlin Wall has fallen and the Cold War has come to an end. British troops stationed in Germany aren’t expecting to go into battle, but in five months’ time they will be involved in the biggest build-up of military hardware since the Second World War.Listen as the decision makers, military commanders and ordinary soldiers, sai…

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2. Arms Like Pin Cushions and the Wrong Trousers. 26:53

4y ago26:53

26:53

Thousands of British troops are heading to the Gulf to fight Saddam Hussein’s forces.But getting “desert ready” is no easy task when you’ve spent the 1980s preparing to defend Europe from Soviet invasion.There are tanks to prepare, aircraft to paint, uniforms to buy and everyone needs to be vaccinated to protect them from diseases such as anthrax a…

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3. Hurry Up and Wait 28:33

4y ago28:33

28:33

Thousands of British troops are primed and ready to fight Saddam’s forces in the gulf.The training is done and now it’s time to wait.It’s a bit boring though, especially as smartphones haven’t been invented yet. So to lift morale they read their blueys from home, eat their NAAFI chocolate and tune in to their very own radio station.Listen as the de…

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4. This is not Top Gun 26:02

4y ago26:02

26:02

Saddam Hussein has not withdrawn his forces from Kuwait and the UN deadline has passed.The air war is getting underway and the RAF takes to the skies adding to the firepower of the coalition.This is the real thing, not a movie and there is danger ahead for pilots, navigators and ground crew.Listen as the decision makers, military commanders and ord…

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5. On. Loaded. Fire! 36:53

4y ago36:53

36:53

The air war intensifies but it’s still not enough to defeat Saddam.It’s time to bring in the ground forces.British Challenger tanks begin pushing towards Iraq as part of Stormin' Norman’s “left hook” manoeuvre.But it seems some soldiers are already behind enemy lines…This is an original podcast series from BFBS.Presented by Jade Callaway.Produced b…

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6. You’ll Be Home Soon 35:43

4y ago35:43

35:43

Coalition forces have crossed into Iraq and Kuwait is liberated.But there is devastation. Oil fields are ablaze, lit by Saddam’s troops as they retreat.Was it the right time to stop?For some it’s time to go home, but others are in for the long haul and many will be back again.This is an original podcast series from BFBS.Presented by Jade Callaway.P…

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Bonus Episode: Pull up a Sandbag 17:41

4y ago17:41

17:41

Jade and the team behind the podcast introduce some more (slightly random) stories from Operation Granby including:A Gurkha running into trouble, boozy shampoo, secret police shenanigans and tank art serendipity.Presented by Jade Callaway.Produced by Jade Callaway and Jess BraceySound design by Joe CardenEdited by Josella WaldronWith thanks to:Lt C…

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The Agooji: West Africa’s Female Fighters 30:03

4+ y ago30:03

30:03

Jack and Lauren discuss the Agooji, an intimidating force of female fighters in Dahomey, a former African Kingdom in present-day Benin. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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Marco Polo - Part Two 28:17

4+ y ago28:17

28:17

In Part Two of Marco Polo, Jack and Lauren wrap up his life and adventures and discuss how he ended up writing a book while in a Genoese prison. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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Marco Polo - Part One 37:03

4+ y ago37:03

37:03

Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant who spent most of his life traveling through Asia. Jack and Lauren discuss his early life and his first trip to China. Stay tuned for Part Two next week! Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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Corrections and Discussion IX 49:41

4+ y ago49:41

49:41

It's time for another discussion episode of History in a Hurry! Jack & Lauren share listener feedback from past episodes. We also rate/review movies including The Right Stuff, Colonia, & more. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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Colonia Dignidad 26:37

4+ y ago26:37

26:37

For our first episode of 2021, Jack and Lauren discuss Colonia Dignidad. Established in Chile, Colonia Dignidad was an isolated post-World War II German colony with a very dark history. Listener discretion advised. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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Chuck Yeager 26:18

4+ y ago26:18

26:18

Jack and Lauren talk about the incredibly accomplished life of pilot Chuck Yeager, who passed away on December 7th. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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Archives: The Early History of Korea 35:58

4+ y ago35:58

35:58

This week we are reposting one of our favorites...the Early History of Korea. From the power struggles - to the epic battles, learn more about the events that shaped East Asia all the way from the late stone age to the 10th century A.D. And don't forget to check back next week for a brand new episode! Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Gen…

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Norman Borlaug and the Green Revolution 30:16

4+ y ago30:16

30:16

Jack and Lauren talk about Norman Borlaug, an amazing scientist you’ve probably never heard of. His work helped millions of farmers around the world and revolutionized the field of agricultural science. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By GenericPodcast Network

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Bonnie & Clyde 43:15

4+ y ago43:15

43:15

Jack and Lauren discuss Bonnie, Clyde & the Barrow gang, one of the most violent and notorious groups of American outlaws in the 20th Century. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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The Occupation of Alcatraz 38:43

4+ y ago38:43

38:43

On November 20th, 1969, 89 American Indians and their supporters sailed to the abandoned Alcatraz Island where they planned to “take back the Rock” centuries after Spanish colonizers stole the land from the Ohlone Indians. Join Jack and Lauren as we talk about the 19-month long protest and how the American federal government responded. Check us out…

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The Boston Massacre 34:46

4+ y ago34:46

34:46

What really happened at the Boston Massacre on March 5th, 1770? Jack and Lauren talk about the violent street brawl between American colonists and British soldiers and why the event is considered a catalyst to the American Revolution. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.…

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3 Terrifying True(ish) Stories From History 31:15

4+ y ago31:15

31:15

Happy Halloween! Jack and Lauren share 3 spooky stories from history, including a story of a woman being buried alive and a mysterious creature who preyed on a community in southern France. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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Yoshiko Kawashima: Japanese Spy? 48:02

4+ y ago48:02

48:02

Jack and Lauren share the story of Yoshiko Kawashima, a Qing dynasty princess who was raised in Japan and served as a possible spy for Japan’s Kwantung Army. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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The Partition of India 30:40

4+ y ago30:40

30:40

After almost 90 years of British rule, India was split into two independent countries. However, mismanagement of the process by Great Britain led to a major humanitarian crisis in the area and the deaths of more than one million people. Jack and Lauren discuss the 1947 Partition of India. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast …

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GPN Presents: Coldest Cases - Otzi the Iceman 21:24

5y ago21:24

21:24

Jack and Lauren are taking a week off! In the meantime, enjoy this episode from our sister podcast, Coldest Cases. Otzi the Iceman is a 5,000+ year old mummy who was discovered by accident in 1991. Lauren goes into how Otzi was found, what items he had on him, and why historians think this guy was murdered thousands of years ago. Check us out on Tw…

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Corrections and Discussion VIII 48:11

5y ago48:11

48:11

It's time for another discussion episode of History in a Hurry! Jack & Lauren share listener feedback from past episodes. We also rate/review movies including Radioactive, Hamilton, & more. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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The Amistad Rebellion 25:00

5y ago25:00

25:00

Jack and Lauren discuss the Amistad Rebellion of 1839, and why some scholars call the story the first civil rights case in the U.S. Supreme Court. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.

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The Rape of Belgium 29:03

5y ago29:03

29:03

In the summer of 1914, the German army invaded Belgium. The war crimes that followed would shock and horrify much of Europe. In fact, the so called Rape of Belgium would play a significant role in Great Britain making the decision to jump into the fray of the First World War. Join Jack and Lauren as they tackle this tough (but important) listener s…

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The Wright Brothers 30:00

5y ago30:00

30:00

Join Jack and Lauren as we dive into the story of the Wright Brothers! Orville and Wilbur Wright changed the world forever when they successfully launched a flying machine in the windy sand dunes of North Carolina. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.By Generic Podcast Network

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Marie Curie 37:09

5y ago37:09

37:09

Join Jack and Lauren as we learn about one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th Century. Marie Curie was born in Russian-occupied Warsaw, Poland, where girls and young women were discouraged from learning. Through grit, determination, and an unparalleled work ethic, Marie Curie refused to let the world control her education and destiny, and her …

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Sam Bass: Texas Outlaw 37:28

5y ago37:28

37:28

Today when you talk about wild west criminals, you hear names like Jesse James and Billy the Kid. But back in the day, Sam Bass was a legendary outlaw whose name sparked fear all over the Lone Star State, even the Texas Rangers. Join Jack and Lauren as we dive into the story of the Sam Bass Gang (and the rumors of the gang’s buried treasure!). Chec…

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The Warsaw Uprising 26:54

5y ago26:54

26:54

Join Jack and Lauren as we discuss the bravery and determination of the Polish people in the Warsaw Uprising during WWII. The underground operation attempted to oust the German army and take back control of their city. Despite many incredible acts of bravery, their attempts ended in tragedy. Today’s History in a Hurry is a listener suggestion. If y…

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Alexander Hamilton - Part Two 41:52

5y ago41:52

41:52

In an attempt to get New York (and the rest of the states) on board with the constitution, Alexander Hamilton sits down to write the Federalist Papers. Plus, he begins to butt heads with some of his colleagues, including Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Join Jack and Lauren for the dramatic finish to this founding father’s complicated life. Check u…

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Alexander Hamilton - Part One 44:39

5y ago44:39

44:39

Alexander Hamilton is one of America’s most well-known founding fathers. Although he became one of the new country’s most powerful voices, Hamilton came from humble beginnings as an immigrant and an “illegitimate” child. Join Jack and Lauren as we dive into Hamilton’s early life and service in the Revolutionary War. Thanks to History in a Hurry lis…

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Magic Bullets and Sulfa: The Birth of Antibiotics 28:44

5y ago28:44

28:44

It's time for some medical history! Join Jack and Lauren as they discuss the research and development of the world's first modern antibiotic and the tragedy that forever changed the role of the federal government in the production of new medicines. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.…

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Corrections and Discussion VII 50:55

5y ago50:55

50:55

It’s episode 70 of History in a Hurry! Join Jack and Lauren as we discuss the most recent episodes we’ve covered on the podcast. We also review some movies and shows (marginally) related to our episode topics, including Watchmen, Exodus: Gods and Kings, and Stargate. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.…

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Hatshepsut - Egypt's Female King 34:22

5y ago34:22

34:22

King Hatshepsut ruled Egypt thousands of years ago and was known as a powerful leader and magnificent builder. She was also a woman, and her successor tried to erase her from the pages of history. Join Jack and Lauren as we discuss how Egyptologists were able to re-discover King Hatshepsut and piece together her history centuries later. Check us ou…

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The Punic Wars - Part Two 47:03

5y ago47:03

47:03

When we last left the Romans, Hannibal had crushed them at the Battle of the Trebia River. But believe it or not, he was just getting started. Join Jack and Lauren as they conclude the epic story of the struggle between Carthage and Rome. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.…

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The Punic Wars - Part One 44:44

5y ago44:44

44:44

We're back and we're hitting the ground running! Join Jack and Lauren as they discuss one of the most important and consequential wars in all of human history. Republican Rome will be pushed to the absolute brink by the ancient North African power of Carthage. Check us out on Twitter, Instagram, and the Generic Podcast Network website.…

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A Generic Update (Spoilers: We're Back!) 14:46

5y ago14:46

14:46

Just like the Terminator, we said we'd be back and now we are! Join us for a quick update and discussion. New episodes of History in a Hurry start back on June 24th New episodes of Coldest Cases are back July 2nd Check us out on our website: www.genericpodcastnetwork.com And social media too, we're on Twitter and Instagram!…

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Announcement! 3:15

5+ y ago3:15

3:15

Jack and Lauren are moving to Washington! Join us as we discuss what this means for Generic Podcast Network.By Generic Podcast Network

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The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 32:22

5+ y ago32:22

32:22

Things are getting dark this week, because Jack and Lauren are discussing one of the worst instances of racial violence in the history of the United States. The Tulsa Race Massacre is not fun to learn about or discuss, but it's critically important for every American to learn about.By Generic Podcast Network

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Rameses the Great - Part Two 28:05

5+ y ago28:05

28:05

Rameses the Great seemed to have a "midlife crisis" around Year 15-25 of his reign. Today, historians provide a few theories into what happened around this time period of the pharaoh's 60+ year reign. Join Jack and Lauren to discuss these theories and also learn more about the ruler's mummy in Part Two on Rameses the Great!…

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Rameses the Great - Part One 29:27

5+ y ago29:27

29:27

Today he’s considered one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs. Rameses II, better known as Rameses the Great, is remembered as a strong warrior, leader and builder. Join Jack and Lauren as we dive into Part One of this ancient pharaoh’s life and reign.By Generic Podcast Network

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Al "Scarface" Capone 36:33

5+ y ago36:33

36:33

He may be the most well-known name of the 1920s. Al Capone’s roots were in Brooklyn, but it was in Chicago where his reputation as a dangerous gangster really took form. Join Jack & Lauren as we dive into this notorious character and how the U.S. government was able to take him down. *NOTE: This episode discusses violence and gang activity and may …

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Mary Seacole 28:58

5+ y ago28:58

28:58

We’ve all heard of Florence Nightingale, but why haven’t we heard of Mary Seacole? Join Jack and Lauren as we learn more about this amazing British-Jamaican nurse who gave critical aid to troops on the front lines of the Crimean War.By Generic Podcast Network

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Brazil: The Colonial Era and Independence 29:24

5+ y ago29:24

29:24

There's a whole lot of history to cover this week! From the very first colonies, all the way to the movement that led to an independent kingdom. Join Jack and Lauren as they discuss the fascinating history of Brazil.By Generic Podcast Network

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Corrections and Discussion VI 1:03:47

5+ y ago1:03:47

1:03:47

It's that time again! Join Jack and Lauren as we correct and discuss the past ten episodes. We also review movies based on some of the recent topics, including Anthropoid and Cleopatra.By Generic Podcast Network

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Admiral Yi Sun-Shin - Part Two 31:32

5+ y ago31:32

31:32

When we last left Admiral Yi, his new naval tactics and turtle ships had led to an incredible undefeated record. In Part Two, Jack and Lauren break down the biggest challenge in Yi's naval career thus far. Join us as we discuss the end of the Imjin Wars and the heroic death of the savior of Korea.By Generic Podcast Network

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Admiral Yi Sun-Shin - Part One 36:07

5+ y ago36:07

36:07

In 1592, a Japanese invasion force landed in southern Korea and proceeded to conquer the vast majority of the peninsula. Only one man stood in the way of foreign domination. Join Jack and Lauren as they discuss the greatest naval commander in all of history.By Generic Podcast Network

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Operation Anthropoid 34:26

5+ y ago34:26

34:26

It’s our first listener suggestion episode of 2020! Join Jack and Lauren as we dive into the crazy story of Operation Anthropoid, the undercover operation to take down “The Butcher of Prague”, Reinhard Heydrich.By Generic Podcast Network