history
A hand-picked, playable selection of the best podcast episodes for this topic — each with the reason it earned its spot. Press play on any pick, or build your own playlist free.
Why these picks
8 episodes curated for "history"
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The curated episodes
8 episodes — each chosen for a reason you can read below.
Why this pick: This American History Tellers episode details the lead-up to the Revolutionary War, from the 1765 Stamp Act protests against 'taxation without representation' to the Battles of Lexington and Concord. It captures the radical shift from colonial grievances to armed rebellion. Its high production values and focus on foundational U.S. events make it essential for understanding American origins and the fight for liberty.
Why this pick: The prologue to 'Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise' with Malcolm Gladwell and Barack Obama introduces the chaotic post-Civil War decade where America grappled with citizenship, voting rights, and multiracial democracy. It explores why this era still defines the U.S. today. As a premium Audible-HISTORY collaboration with top scholars, it delivers rich, kaleidoscopic insights into fundamental national questions.
Why this pick: This episode explores the intense rivalry between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla in the race to electrify America, covering the invention of practical electric lighting and power systems in the late 19th century. It provides deep historical context on technological innovation and industrial competition that shaped modern life. As a well-produced American History Tellers installment, it delivers engaging storytelling with high production quality on a pivotal era of U.S. invention and progress.
Why this pick: Malcolm Gladwell discusses Reconstruction after the Civil War, including Carl Schurz's fact-finding mission on Southern violence and its role in shaping post-slavery America. It addresses unfinished questions on democracy, memory, and racial justice that echo today. Produced with HISTORY This Week's quality, featuring expert interviews, it provides critical analysis on a pivotal yet often overlooked era of U.S. history.
Why this pick: Part of a series on national anthems, this delves into the Dutch Revolt against Spain in the 16th century and its connection to the Wilhelmus anthem, exploring themes of rebellion, modernity, and loyalty. It uncovers how this event birthed key aspects of the modern world. From The Rest Is History, it provides expert historical analysis with engaging narrative on European history's foundational conflicts.
Why this pick: This episode links South Africa's national anthem to the end of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela's presidency, and the 1995 Rugby World Cup's unifying power. It sheds light on the history of racial oppression and reconciliation in post-colonial Africa. As a high-quality Rest Is History production, it combines inspiring stories with deep political analysis for a compelling view of 20th-century transformation.
Why this pick: Focused on American propaganda during WWII, this episode examines how comics, films like Casablanca, and cartoons rallied the home front, including Captain America's debut as anti-Hitler symbol. It offers insights into cultural history and media's role in shaping public opinion during crisis. Produced by History That Doesn't Suck, it blends analysis of entertainment with wartime context for an informative listen on 20th-century U.S. history.
Why this pick: Examining Brazil's national anthem reveals its ties to slavery, revolts, Portuguese royal exile in Rio, and the first emperors in the 19th century. It highlights chaotic independence and liberty symbols in Latin American history. The Rest Is History's expert storytelling makes this an accessible deep dive into underrepresented Brazilian historical events and their lasting cultural impact.