History podcasts are now one of the best ways to learn about the past while doing everyday things—like walking, driving, or cooking. Whether you’re curious about ancient empires, Hollywood secrets, or major world events, there’s something here for everyone.
This list includes the most popular and highly rated history podcasts in 2025, based on expert reviews, listener feedback, and platform rankings. We’ve made sure to keep the language simple and the choices exciting!
10 Best History Podcasts to Listen to in 2025
| Podcast Name | What It’s About |
|---|---|
| Blowback | Big political stories, like wars and U.S. foreign policy. Latest season: Afghanistan. |
| You Must Remember This | True stories from old Hollywood—scandals, stars, and more. |
| In Our Time | Deep academic talks on science, religion, art, and history. |
| Throughline | Shows how past events connect to today. Great storytelling from NPR. |
| 1619 | Explores the role of slavery in U.S. history, based on The New York Times project. |
| Revisionist History | Malcolm Gladwell questions what we think we know about the past. |
| You’re Wrong About | Fixes common myths about people and events. Funny and eye-opening. |
| Slow Burn | Takes one major event—like Watergate—and tells the full story, piece by piece. |
| Conflicted | Covers the Middle East and Africa with honest, thoughtful conversations. |
| The Rest Is History | Fun and smart takes on all sorts of history, from Roman times to modern day. |
These are all available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and other podcast platforms.
Understand the stories behind America’s biggest political decisions.
Blowback is a podcast that looks closely at the history of U.S. foreign policy—how America has acted in other countries and what happened because of it. Each season focuses on a different major event. In the latest season, the hosts talk about the war in Afghanistan. They explain how the war started, what really happened, and what it meant for people in the U.S. and abroad. The podcast is detailed, well-researched, and often challenges what people think they know about these events.
You Must Remember This
Go behind the scenes of old Hollywood and discover its secrets.
This podcast tells true stories from the early days of Hollywood—the stars, the scandals, and the drama that happened off-screen. You’ll hear about famous actors, hidden romances, and the strange, sometimes sad things that happened to people in the spotlight. The host does careful research for each episode and tells the stories in a way that’s both interesting and emotional. If you love movies or want to know more about the real lives behind the fame, this podcast is for you.
In Our Time
Deep discussions about history, science, and more—with experts you can trust.
“In Our Time” is a long-running podcast from the UK where each episode features smart conversations with experts on all kinds of topics—history, science, literature, art, religion, and philosophy. The host, Melvyn Bragg, asks thoughtful questions, and the guests explain complicated ideas in ways that are clear and meaningful. If you like learning and enjoy deep discussions, this podcast will keep your mind busy and your curiosity growing.
Throughline
See how history connects to the world we live in today.
Throughline is a podcast from NPR that takes a past event and shows how it still affects us now. The hosts tell powerful stories with great sound and music, helping listeners understand why things today—like politics, social movements, or technology—are the way they are. It often shares voices and perspectives that don’t get enough attention in regular history books. This podcast is perfect if you like thinking about the bigger picture.
1619
Learn how slavery shaped the United States from the beginning.
This podcast is based on the 1619 Project by The New York Times. It starts from the year 1619, when enslaved Africans first arrived in what would become the United States. The show explains how slavery influenced every part of American life—its economy, culture, politics, and more. The stories are told with care, strong research, and powerful emotion. It’s an important podcast that helps listeners understand a deeper side of American history.
Revisionist History
Look at the past in a new way with Malcolm Gladwell.
Hosted by author Malcolm Gladwell, this podcast takes events, ideas, or people from history and looks at them differently. Some things we think we know are re-examined to show there’s more to the story. Sometimes it’s about a forgotten moment in history, sometimes it’s about a famous person. Malcolm’s way of telling the story is always surprising and thoughtful. This podcast is great for people who like to think deeply and question what they’ve been told.
You’re Wrong About
Find out the truth behind stories you thought you knew.
This podcast looks at things from history or pop culture that people often get wrong—like misunderstood celebrities, big news stories, or popular beliefs. The hosts take time to explain what really happened, often with humor and heart. They talk through the details in a way that’s fun but also smart. It’s like having a conversation with two friends who love to dig into history and make it interesting and easy to understand.
Slow Burn
One event, told slowly and completely—so you get the full story.
Slow Burn focuses on one major event in history per season and tells the whole story, piece by piece. Past seasons have covered things like the Watergate scandal, political leaders, or social movements. Instead of rushing through history, this podcast takes time to explain how everything happened, why it mattered, and who was involved. If you enjoy deep storytelling that pulls you in, this podcast is a great choice.
Conflicted
Understand the tough history and politics of the Middle East and Africa.
Conflicted is a podcast that tries to explain some of the most complicated parts of the world—places like Iraq, Syria, or Sudan. It talks about wars, politics, and religion, but in a way that’s careful, honest, and easy to follow. The hosts have experience in these regions and try to tell both sides of the story. They don’t pick sides but help listeners understand why things are so complex. If you’re curious about global events and want to know more about places often in the news, this podcast will help.
The Rest Is History
Funny, smart, and packed with stories from all of history.
This podcast is hosted by two British historians, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. They talk about all sorts of topics—from ancient Rome to World War II to weird events you’ve never heard of. The episodes are full of facts, but also fun and easy to follow. The hosts are funny and don’t make history feel dry or boring. It’s like listening to two friends who really love history and want to share the best bits with you.
Top History Podcasts on Presidents, Empire, Fashion, and More
Looking for something more niche? These podcasts focus on unique parts of history:
- Presidential – Deep dives into every U.S. President, one by one.
- Stuff the British Stole – The stories behind famous treasures taken during the British Empire.
- Dressed: The History of Fashion – From Cleopatra’s robes to Marilyn Monroe’s dresses.
- The History Chicks – Stories of powerful women through history.
- A Taste of the Past – History of food and cooking from all over the world.
Whether you’re a history lover or just curious about the world’s past, these podcasts offer something for every kind of listener. From big political events and ancient civilizations to the hidden stories of fashion and Hollywood, each show brings history to life in a fresh and exciting way. With expert storytelling, easy access on major platforms, and a variety of themes, 2025 is a great year to start (or continue) your journey through time—one episode at a time. Happy listening!