Three Ear-Worthy History Podcasts: The History Of WWII; Our Fake History; Short History Of...

Today, we have three ear-worthy history podcasts for you. History has been a popular subject for the industry since the beginning of podcasting, so it makes sense.

The historical narrative lends itself to audio, and a successful history show requires extensive research, a willingness to organize the material, and the skills to interpret the lessons history teaches.

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The History Of WWII

The History of WWII Podcast is produced and narrated by Ray Harris Jr., who has a degree in history from James Madison University. “I’ve been obsessed with the events and people from WWII since I first learned of them. I’ve been waiting years for someone to do a podcast on WWII and couldn’t wait any longer,” Harris explains.

The show has produced more than 500 episodes. Unlike some history podcasts, which require hours of your time, Harris manages a runtime of 25 to 50 minutes. That’s smart because people retain more information when they’re fed bits of information.

The show boasts strong sound design with appropriately serious intro music, and Harris is a capable narrator, quite evident with a passion for this material.

Harris, who has done a nice job monetizing via a subscription service and ads, stretches out the big battles over multiple episodes, like the Battle of Stalingrad. Harris is clearly a master of this material, and his show is a must-listen for history buffs, especially those who focus on World War II.

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Our Fake History

Our Fake History is an award-winning podcast about myths people think are history and history that might be hidden in myths. Have you ever heard that old story about how Napoleon shot the nose off the sphinx, that Shakespeare was an illiterate fraud, or that Queen Elizabeth was actually a man?

This show explores those tall tales and tries to figure out what fact, fiction, and such a good story must be told. The podcast combines storytelling, humor, and historical detective work to create a good show for history buffs and anyone who loves a good story.

Sebastian Major, a teacher, musician, and storyteller who is passionate about all things weird and wonderful from the past, produces the podcast in Ottawa, Canada, with help from his wife, Beth Lorimer. Sebastian writes and records all the transition music used on the podcast in-house.

Our Fake History is a wonderful mix of historical fact, sharp with, and unique insight into historical accuracy and the genesis of myths.

Sebastian Major is a superb narrator, with quality sound design and the unique ability to decipher meaning from historical facts. Here are two of the most recent episodes. First, the ancient Spartans are one of the most idealized cultures from classical Greece. They have been remembered as unbeatable super-soldiers whose entire society was geared towards war. Groups from across the modern political spectrum have looked to the Peloponnesian city-state as an inspiration and historical example. However, in the 1930s, historians questioned much of the received wisdom about the Spartans. Some even argued that the popular understanding of the city was deeply influenced by a so-called “Spartan Mirage.” Is everything we know about the Spartans little more than a collection of historical myths?

Second, a three-parter on gangster Al Capone. The life of the gangster Al Capone could be understood as a violent expression of the American Dream. A poor kid from Brooklyn, born to immigrant parents, used his wits, fists, and ruthless determination to build an empire. The underworld figure has been the fodder for countless books and biopics, not to mention inspiring a rogues’ gallery of fictional crime bosses. As you might expect, his life is filled with elaborate legends and colorful myths. Capone was also a savvy manipulator of the news media, who did his best to put his public relations spin on his life outside the law. How much should we believe about America’s best-known criminal?

Our Fake History is one of the best independent history podcasts around. Check it out, and be prepared to have some historical myths upended.

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Short History Of…

Here is the marketing pitch for the show: “History is full of the extraordinary. We’ll transport you back each week to witness history’s most incredible moments and remarkable people.”

I’m happy to report that this history podcast capably delivers on its promise. This show is more immersive than many history podcasts, with richer sound and background sounds and a host who could beat actor Patrick Stewart in a Shakespearean acting contest.

Hosted by John Hopkins, this history podcast explores the factual and dramatic aspects of the historical record.

Short History Of…is part of Noiser, an award-winning Independent Podcast Network. We like the word “independent.” Noiser makes numerous history podcasts that reach millions of monthly listeners, including Real Dictators, Sherlock Holmes, and Titanic.

Noiser advertises a more immersive experience, and that’s accurate. I recommend recent episodes on Christopher Columbus, Butch Cassidy, The Battle of Stalingrad, and The Tudors.

Check out Short History Of… The show makes you feel like you are re-living history with a narrator who is a born storyteller.