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Artwork for After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

History Hit
Black Death
Victorian Era
Henry VIII
Jack the Ripper
French Revolution
True Crime
Ancient Egypt
Samuel Pepys
Witch Trials
London
Salem Witch Trials
Charles II
Plague
Witchcraft
17th Century England
Joseph Merrick
Christianity
Supernatural Beliefs
Titanic
Civil War

This is After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds and the Paranormal. The podcast that takes you to the shadiest corners of the past, unpicking history’s spookiest, strangest, and most sinister stories.

Join historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling, every Monday and Thursday to take a look at the darker side of history. From haunted pubs and Houdini, to witch trials and weird UFO sightings.

After Dark: Myth... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes286Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryTrue Crime

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Artwork for After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Latest Episodes

What lurks behind the door of Dr. Kahn's Grand Anatomical Museum in Victorian London?

Step inside and find out what shocked the public (and medical establishment) of the 19th century Britain so much, that it was eventually forced to close.

To take ... more

For the Ancient Egyptians, death marked the beginning of a new chapter: a journey through a shadowy realm of trials, monsters, and divine judgment, ruled by the God Osiris. What does the Ancient Egyptian Underworld, the Duat, tell us about their cult... more

Artemisia Gentileschi's paintings personify female rage against men. She paints women beheading men, hammering nails into their skulls, brandishing their dead faces. In her personal life, Artemisia was the victim of sexual abuse, torture and public s... more

Hear a chapter of Maddy's new book, "Hoax: Truth and Lies in the Age of Enlightenment". It's out now! It's the story of three women and their hoaxes in the age of Enlightenment. One saw ghosts, the other claimed magic powers, the third was a Princess... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Verity Babbs
Presenter, comedian, and art historian; author of The History of Art in One Sentence
Independent/Author
Episode: 400 Year Old Artist's Dark Revenge
Caroline Dodds Pennock
Professor of International History, author of Bonds of Blood, Gender, Lifecycle, and Sacrifice in Aztec Culture; On Savage Shores, How Indigenous Americans Discovered Europe
University of Sheffield
Episode: Human Sacrifice In The Aztec Empire
Dr. Irving Finkel
Curator in the Department of the Middle East at the British Museum
British Museum
Episode: Speaking with the Dead: Ancient Necromancy
HRH Aphrodite
Drag artist, historian, and commentator brought in to discuss queer history and performance
Independent/History Hit collaboration
Episode: The Victorian Sex Scandal of Fanny & Stella
Dr. Alexandra Dold
Doctor of history and Outlander scholar
University/academic circles referenced in episode
Episode: The Real Outlander
Cat Byres
Historian/Paranormal researcher
History Hit
Episode: The Man Who Ate Everything
Greg Jenner
Public historian, broadcaster and author
BBC You're Dead to Me; History Hit
Episode: The Human Cost of Fame
Dr. Jess Venner
Ancient historian and archaeologist; author of Lost Voices of Pompeii
History Hit
Episode: Who Killed Julius Caesar?
Melissa Mercury
Professional tarot reader and lecturer on the history of tarot
Episode: Mysterious History of Tarot Cards

Hosts

Anthony Delaney
Co-host and host of the podcast who provides expertise on various historical topics, often focusing on the darker elements of history.
Maddy Pelling
Co-host of the podcast, known for her engaging storytelling and deep insight into historical narratives, particularly those of a sinister nature.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 6.1k ratings
  • Favorite history podcast

    I listen to a good deal of history podcast (mostly from History Hit) and After Dark is easily my favorite, not just for the subject but the chemistry between Maddy and Anthony. It’s relaxed and soothing, a nice change of pace from most history shows which can be too staid and academic.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Blue Meanie 1138
    United States19 days ago
  • Listeeeeen….

    Dr Eleanor, is a supreme storyteller. And powerhouse of a broadcaster

    Maddie is good,

    But , the good Dr Eleanor is the queen 👸🏼 of historical podcasts.

    Aswell as conveying her down with the kid’s personality- far removed from the usual stiff historians.

    Love her personality.

    But….. she totally over eggs the pudding with her affected, trying to be hip monologues.

    It can become painful to listen to.

    On her gone medieval podcast:- she is fantastic, when not overacting.

    Actually lookin... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dr Venkmann
    United Kingdom23 days ago
  • Gorgeous.

    Genuinely so interesting and like there are truly awful stories told so well and in incredible depth

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anniebeaan
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Gareth is a fantastic presenter

    Loving all the eps with Gareth and Anthony- the Titanic myths one was especially well told. Gareth is a brilliant communicator

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Reviewing2026
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Please more Gareth!

    I could listen to him teach a course about how the phone book is written! Please keep him coming back when Maddy returns!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anne Chickering
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

While some enjoy the banter and the hosts' chemistry, others express frustration with moments of excessive off-topic discussion.
Listeners appreciate the humor and engaging storytelling of the hosts, often describing the content as both informative and entertaining.
Overall, the podcast is commended for its blend of education and entertainment, with many listeners indicating a desire for thoughtful commentary on historical events.
Many reviews highlight the unique topics covered, particularly those involving dark history and the supernatural, as fascinating and well-researched.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Human Sacrifice In The Aztec Empire
Q: Why did the Aztecs practice sacrifice, and what role did religion play in everyday life?
Sacrifice was rooted in a cosmology where blood and ritual sustenance maintained world balance and the sun's movement. It was integrated with daily life through regular festivals, education, and governance, not just as a distant religious ritual.
Human Sacrifice In The Aztec Empire
Q: What are the sources that give us insight into Aztec culture, and how reliable are they?
The main sources are Spanish accounts, later ethnographic texts like the Florentine Codex, and indigenous continuities written under colonial influence. They are biased and often framed for evangelical or political purposes, so we must read them critically and combine with archaeology.
Who Killed Julius Caesar?
Q: What was the political climate like in Rome just before Caesar's murder?
The hosts describe a republic where power was increasingly concentrated in strong leaders who could mobilize popular loyalty, with generals expanding influence and the Senate losing traction, ultimately creating a prelude to civil conflict.
Mysterious History of Tarot Cards
Q: What are the expectations of your clients when they come for a reading?
Most clients view tarot as a form of therapy and expect to reflect on their life from a different angle, rather than solely seeking predictions about their future.
The Dark Truth about the Haitian Revolution
Q: What is the role of Vodou in the revolution?
Marlene describes how Vodou played a significant role in uniting the freedom fighters and shaping their spiritual perspective that contrasted with the oppressive ideology of the French colonists.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Engaging with the darker aspects of history, this podcast exposes fascinating narratives involving myths, misdeeds, and the paranormal. Historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling guide listeners through haunting tales that range from well-known historical events to lesser-known eerie occurrences, all framed within a narrative exploring societal beliefs and cultural contexts. Topics often cover witch trials, haunted sites, criminal history, and supernatural phenomena, with expert guests bringing in-depth insights that complement the hosts' lively discussions. This unique blend of history and intriguing storytelling captivates those drawn to the macabre and the mysterious, making it a compelling listen for history enthusiasts and budding pa... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Not Just the Tudors
2. Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
3. Gone Medieval
4. Dan Snow's History Hit
5. The Ancients

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 3 years ago and published 286 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Verity Babbs
2. Caroline Dodds Pennock
3. Dr. Irving Finkel
4. HRH Aphrodite
5. Dr. Alexandra Dold
6. Cat Byres
7. Greg Jenner
8. Dr. Jess Venner

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