One of my favorite things I have experienced since I started my podcast (The Why Is That Podcast) and launched this companion website is the interaction with the history podcast community. I recently shared my recommendations for my 42 Favorite History Podcasts and 10 History Podcasts Launched in 2017 . After posting those on my site and sharing them on Reddit, Facebook and Twitter I received a lot of recommendations for other podcasts in which to listen.





In my opinion the best podcasts are the ones who inspire their listeners to suggest them so I took the time to listen to each new recommendation. I will admit I have not caught up on all of them, but I have created a list of ten of them that have become regular members of my podcast playlist and I wanted to repay the creator’s hard work by recommending them to you. So here is a list of ten podcasts that I have discovered since posting my previous lists that will definitely be contending to make my favorites list when I update it in 2019. So, without further adieu, here are ten podcasts in no particular order that I think you would love!





10. Rex Factor













Rex Factor has existed since 2010 so some of you may have already heard of this one, but only just learned about this one after a recommendation on Twitter and the next two entries on this list were directly inspired by it. For those who have not heard of it, the concept is rather simple, two cohosts (Graham and Ali) review and rate all of the Kings and Queens (hence Rex) of Britain. Season one focused on England from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II and season two is currently focusing on Scotland from Kenneth MacAlpin to James VI. It is chalk full of historical facts, but layered with a good portion of comedy. The comedy can be seen by the categories for which the ratings fall into: Battleyness, Scandall, Subjectivity, Longevity and Dynasty. The most important quality though is if they have that certain lasting legacy that the show calls the Rex Factor.





9. Roman Emperors: Totalus Rankium













Totalus Rankium is in the same vein as Rex Factor in that it reviews and rates Roman Emperors. It combines history and comedy in a really intriguing way that is great for people who are new to Roman history and those who have a long standing love of Rome. The season one finale gave us our victor of the Western Roman Empire and season two is giving us the Eastern Roman Empire. Rob is the main historical source with Jamie as the sounding board to act as the one learning along with the listener. I have yet to listen to their new show on the American Presidents, but I am sure it will be just as great.





8. Pontifacts













This show rates and reviews shows similar to our first two entries on the list, but Pontifacts is focused on the Popes. The goal of the show is to start with Peter and go all the way to the current Pope, Francis. As you might expect this provides a far different approach to the Popes then we usually see. The show started near the end of May, 2018 so as of the posting of this article they only have a handful of episodes, but I am very excited to hear it grow as it expands to more and more Popes. Especially since Pope Clement is the first that we really have a decent amount of historical information on it should be great as we move forward. Also, who doesn’t love listening to two podcasters rate the looks of old men who lived almost two thousand years ago? Okay, that last part came off less enticing than I had hoped. Trust me it is well worth the listen.





7. The History of Witchcraft Podcast













I will admit that when I first received this recommendation I was a little hesitant as I have never been into witchcraft and other magic types outside of fantasy books. However, I am happy to admit how wrong I was to judge a podcast by my perceived idea of what a show such as this would contain. The host, Samuel, presents an absolutely fascinating look at a historical topic that is often overlooked. As the podcast will point out the belief in magic and witchcraft has existed in every human culture throughout all of history and the way those beliefs affected those around the belief is really telling. Plus, who doesn’t love taking a deep dive into things like the supernatural elements in the works of William Shakespeare? Subscribe now, thank me later.





6. Saga Thing













Iceland was an area that I had a passing knowledge of prior to finding podcasts. Since then I have become obsessed with the fascinating Icelanders and my goal of eventually visiting the country grows with each new episode I hear. Saga Thing focuses on medieval Iceland and specifically on the saga literature that tell the stories of the Icelanders. I personally love sagas and the stories that cultures tell about themselves from all eras of history, but prior to receiving the recommendation for Saga Thing I knew very little about Iceland’s rich tradition. Like the first three entries on this list Saga Thing has two cohosts so it is once again a dialogue style history podcast.





5. Letters From War













I have been recommended four history podcasts from Washington Post (Retropod, Presidential, Constitutional and Letters From War) and each of them are absolutely fantastic. I did want to specifically suggest Letters From War from those four as it is just exceptional. The concept is that it is the true story of four brothers and the Pacific Theatre of World War II presented through the letters they wrote back and forth. Many podcasts cannot get as real as actual letters from people who went through the events and it really gives you an amazing view into the realities of the Second World War. Start from the beginning and become learn the story of the Eyde brothers from their own words.





4. Irish History Podcast













This show dates back to 2013 and has 142 episodes so I was delighted when I got to press the subscribe button to this show. If the idea of that many episodes seems daunting then the host, Fin Dwyer, has helpfully broken the show into categories so if you have a specific interest from Irish history it is easy to find something fascinating. Categories include the Great Famine, Medieval Life, Fatal Feuds and several more. As one of many who have Irish ancestors this is a great way to learn that family history.





3. American History Tellers













American History Tellers is one of the Wondery Network’s shows and since launching in 2016 Wondery has put together a remarkable stable of shows on a variety of topics. American History Tellers used the track record and backing to quickly establish a presence, but it has been the quality of the content that keeps people coming back for more. The host, Lindsay, captures your attention from the start and delivers great content every time. There are several series that are well worth the listen and I would particularly like to point out the most recent in the Space Race.





2. Movements: A Podcast History of the Masses













The thing that sticks out about this show to me is the dynamic storytelling. The Movements started back in 2016 with the Spanish Civil War. The most recent episodes discusses working class women during the Russian Revolution which is certainly a subject that often gets passed over and yet is very eye opening. The goal of the show is to provide the history of the working class, anti-fascists, revolutionaries, women, people of color and liberation movements. Each of those groups have great stories to tell and is well worth the subscription.





1. Historyteller Podcast













The Historyteller Podcast is a relatively newer show as it was launched back in January of 2018. The first series currently has nine episodes and focuses on Carthage. Ever since I listened to Mike Duncan’s The History of Rome Podcast I have been curious to learn more about Rome’s great early enemy. Ahsan, the host, has put together a terrific start to the show and the depth of knowledge presented makes for a very enjoyable show. The episode about the Battle of Himera was particularly fascinating.





0. Why Is That Podcast













United Kingdom? Why is it that the Pope is the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church? My show discusses all of these topics and more. I would love it if you would check it out and if you have ever found yourself wondering why about something let me know and I will do the research for you! If you have enjoyed this list or the two that came before then you may also enjoy my show. The Why Is That Podcast is a show that explores the origins of today’s world. Why is it that flags are our most recognizable national symbol? Why is that the United Kingdom is theKingdom? Why is it that the Pope is the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church? My show discusses all of these topics and more. I would love it if you would check it out and if you have ever found yourself wondering why about something let me know and I will do the research for you!



