history
Hosted by History Extra · history · EN · 34 episodes
How does the past shape today's world? In HistoryExtra's fortnightly podcast History Behind the Headlines, Matt Elton is joined by regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and guest experts to explore the historical context you need to understand the latest news. GET MORE WITH MEMBERSHIP Become a HistoryExtra podcast member and unlock access to The Full Story podcast, plus enjoy ad-free listening, early access to other podcast episodes, and a member-exclusive newsletter. Sign up here EXPLORE MORE For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast . GET IN TOUCH We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us
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Signup to Generate a PitchHow does the past shape today's world? In HistoryExtra's fortnightly podcast History Behind the Headlines, Matt Elton is joined by regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and guest experts to explore the historical context you need to understand the latest news.
History Behind the Headlines is hosted by History Extra. The show has published 34 episodes to date.
Recent episodes include "What’s the point of public executions?" (21 October 2026, 45 minutes), "What happens when students go on strike?" (7 October 2026, 44 minutes), and "What do US-Asia summits reveal about American imperialism?" (23 September 2026, 39 minutes).
History Behind the Headlines publishes roughly every two weeks, with episodes averaging 43 minutes across 34 episodes.
Booking probability for History Behind the Headlines is 31%, and the host is rated Selective on guests. History Behind the Headlines requires a Pod Score of 80 or higher. History Behind the Headlines's contact route on record: verified email.
History Extra hosts History Behind the Headlines, a history show with 34 episodes published.
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Episode #29
Two recent cases in the United States have brought the issue of state executions on to the front pages – the failed execution of murderer Christa Pike and, particularly, the plans to livestream the death of Nidal Hasan...
Episode #28
Students have been protesting throughout France in recent weeks, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets in cities including Paris and Marseille. It’s far from the first time that students have been...
Episode #27
US President Donald Trump has hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a summit in Washington this week, with topics including AI and international trade up for discussion. But how have such meetings reflected the way in...
Episode #26
The British Museum’s major Bayeux Tapestry exhibition finally opens its doors in London this week, following months of build-up and excitement. But why are blockbuster historical events such as this so important in...
Episode #25
US president Donald Trump issued his latest tranche of tariffs this week, as talks between the United States and Canada broke down. But what would economists of the past have made of his ongoing trade war? Regular...
Episode #25
<p>US president Donald Trump issued his latest tranche of tariffs this week, as talks between the United States and Canada broke down. But what would economists of the past have made of his ongoing trade war? Regular...
Episode #24
<p>Christopher Nolan’s big-budget adaptation of The Odyssey has become the film-maker’s highest grossing film, surpassing $1.1 billion at the box office. Why has the story proven such a draw for audiences – not just...
Episode #24
Christopher Nolan’s big-budget adaptation of The Odyssey has become the film-maker’s highest grossing film, surpassing $1.1 billion at the box office. Why has the story proven such a draw for audiences – not just now...
Episode #23
The British Museum's upcoming blockbuster exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry marks the likely homecoming of this venerable artefact, to immense excitement. But why has it taken so long for it to return? And how has it...
Episode #23
<p>The British Museum's upcoming blockbuster exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry marks the likely homecoming of this venerable artefact, to immense excitement. But why has it taken so long for it to return? And how has it...
Episode #22
A by-election in the UK constituency of Clacton, triggered by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's decision to quit as an MP and fight to reclaim his seat, features an unusual rival: Count Binface. Yet the costumed candidate...
Episode #22
<p>A by-election in the UK constituency of Clacton, triggered by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's decision to quit as an MP and fight to reclaim his seat, features an unusual rival: Count Binface. Yet the costumed...
Episode #21
The news of Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party means that the UK is set to have its seventh PM in ten years. But what are the historical factors that have led to this...
Episode #21
<p>The news of Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party means that the UK is set to have its seventh PM in ten years. But what are the historical factors that have led to this...
Episode #20
<p>US business leader Elon Musk has been in the headlines again in recent weeks, as a result of becoming the world's first trillionaire. But how were enormously rich people seen in past centuries? In this episode...
Episode #19
<p>There have been plenty of headlines over the past month about the possible financial impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. But what does history tell us about the ways in which the impact of war has been...
Episode #18
<p>The past fortnight has seen headlines here in the UK dominated by news of potential leadership challenges to Labour prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, following the party's heavy losses in recent local council...
Episode #17
<p>King Charles's recent visit to the United States prompted much commentary on both sides of the Atlantic, with particular praise given to his speech to Congress. But at what other moments in recent history has the...
Episode #16
<p>A high-profile spat between Pope Leo and leading figures in the US administration has made headlines in recent weeks, after United States president Donald Trump and vice-president JD Vance disagreed with comments the...
History Behind the Headlines
<p>The loan of the Bayeux Tapestry from France to the UK has caused great excitement, but also some concerns. Lord Peter Ricketts is the UK government's Bayeux Tapestry Envoy, and here in conversation with David...
Recent guests on History Behind the Headlines. Study who booked and why before you pitch.
author of China’s Good War: How World War II is Shaping a New Nationalism, Harvard Kennedy School
journalist and author
former head of Britain’s Diplomatic Service and its first National Security Advisor, UK government
Member Success Area Manager, The Gathering at Faith Assembly
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