Ten New (Launched in 2017) History Podcasts Worth a Listen

As someone who loves history podcasts I am well versed in the top lists presented by iTunes and other websites. My struggle is not to find the top show. No, the struggle is to a new amazing show that I can watch grow as I listen to each episode. Although, nothing is scarier than committing to a new show as the fear of pod-fading is very real. In an attempt to keep my new favorites from ending up unfinished I have decided to compile a list of my ten favorite shows that were launched in 2017 that are still going strong. If I can drive a little traffic their way then maybe they will keep making free content for me. Fingers crossed. Okay, without further adieu, my favorite history podcasts that were launched in 2017 (in no particular order).

10: The Tides of History

https://wondery.com/shows/tides-of-history/

Our first entry is one of the larger history podcasts launched in 2017. The Tides of History is Patrick Wyman’s follow-up to the fantastic The Fall of Rome Podcast. Wyman holds a PhD that specialized in Late Antiquity. Wyman deliveries episodes that help explain the past so we can understand our world with episode subjects ranging from “The Rise of the State”to “Gutenberg and the Printing Press.” His interviews with other historians also allows for other experts to weigh in on important subjects.

9. Early and Often: The History of Elections in America

https://earlyandoftenpodcast.wordpress.com/

Early and Often has been a delight to listen to since introduction episode in August of 2017. The host, David Severa, guides us through the sometimes confusing world of American elections. The series starts with Jamestown in the early 1600s and as of this post’s publication has just reached episode 23 to cover Leisler’s Rebellion (1689 to 1691). If you like American History then you should love this podcast. I know I am personally excited for when we finally get into the first political party systems to listen to those developments.

8. Why We Eat What We Eat

http://creative.gimletmedia.com/shows/why-we-eat-what-we-eat/

Why We Eat What We Eat likes to bill itself as a podcast for anyone who has ever eaten. I don’t know about you, but I have eaten a lot in my life and this podcast is certainly for me. This podcast is a little different from the podcasts on this list as you might call it more of a food podcast than a history podcast, but I have included it because it does get into the history of certain foods. Cathy Erway hosts and investigates our food in a style that is partially interviewing people and partially presented research. Season one was just six episodes, with the last one coming out November 22, 2017, but I for one am highly anticipating season two.

7. The Age of Napoleon Podcast

https://ageofnapoleon.com/

What, another Napoleon Podcast? Absolutely! The Age of Napoleon Podcast has been chugging along telling the story of history’s favorite little man since March 31, 2017. Host E.M. Rummage puts out great episodes twice a month and even if you have already spent time listening to other Napoleon podcasts this podcast is still worth every minute. If you haven’t taken the time to learn all about Napoleon then it is an even better reason to check this show out!

6. Well Behaved Podcast

https://wellbehaved.libsyn.com/

Riffing on the well known quote from Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, “well behaved women seldom make history,”  hosts Molly Ruben-Long and Ariel Elias tell the story of women who changed history, but did not make it into public school history books. Both hosts are comedians and they share from their lives as well as their subjects, which can be different from your standard history podcast, but in an enjoyable way that can help break up the monotony of the standard narrative histories.

5. Living With The Gods

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09c1mhy

This podcast comes from the BBC, so maybe they do not need me to promote them, and it is wonderful. Neil MacGregor, former Director of the British Museum, hosts the show and tells the story of how humans live with the Gods, but more specifically, with each other. Neil MacGregor was also the host of the widely popular History of the World in 100 Objects and he has not lost his touch. The show was completed back in December, but the 30-part series tells a terrific story.

4. The History of Poland

https://www.historyofpolandpodcast.com/

I will admit that prior to listening to this podcast I had a very limited knowledge of Polish history. Sure, I knew about World War II and the various partitions, but not a lot else. This podcast is another great addition to the narrative history of a singular place. Host Trevor Gilbert has put together a great start to the show and I look forward to the continued struggle against the Mongols, Ottoman Empire, and literally every European power. Plus, can you really say no to a show where the first episode is titled, “Rats!”

3. The Monday American Podcast

https://www.themondayamerican.com/

The Monday American Podcast aims to “put the story back in history.” Host Drew Gehrt helps tell the story of American history. So far he has covered many of the big moments, such as the JFK assassination, 9/11, World War II and the Civil War. The goal of the show is to present an engaging tale to help people remember the story of history rather than today’s class style of relying on memorization and dates.

2. How It Began: A History of the Modern World

https://howitbegan.com/

Host Brad Harris is a historian who specializes in Science and Technology. As such he provides a podcast that is a little more macro than some of the more familiar history podcasts and the sound of the show will be different from other podcasts on this list. The show uses a cinematic style that includes music and a very high production value to tell the story of how our modern world was formed.

1. Historium Unearthia

http://historiumunearthia.com/

Historium Unearthia is a show that provides the untold stories. If you have a pretty broad base of historical knowledge and you want to listen to something you haven’t heard about before then this show is for you. Host Crystal Ponti uses her experience as a freelance journalist to find the weird and the unbelievable stories of the too often overlooked past.

0. The Why Is That Podcast

“Hey, you said ten shows! Hey, this show launched in 2018! Hey, this is your show!”

Yes, I do apologize, but gotta self-promote somehow. My podcast is called the Why Is That Podcast and it is a podcast that explores the origins of today’s world. Why do we call our months January or April? Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Why is Istanbul not Constantinople? I’ll tell you why. Listen here:

https://www.acast.com/whyisthatpodcast

If I missed any shows that were launched in 2017 that you think I would enjoy I would love to hear about them. Comment on this post and I'll be sure to take the time to listen. Also, if you end up listening to any of these new shows I would love to hear what you think!