Explaining History
Nick ShepleyHow do we make sense of the modern world? We find the answers in the history of the 20th Century.
For over a decade, The Explaining History Podcast has been the guide for curious minds. Host Nick Shepley and expert guests break down the world wars, the Cold War, and the rise and fall of ideologies into concise, 25-minute episodes.
This isn't a dry lecture. It's a critical, narrative-driven convers... more
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 939 | Founded | 14 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | CoursesEducationHistory | |||
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Latest Episodes
In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we are joined by investigative journalist Jasper Craven to discuss his new book, *God Forgives, Brothers Don’t: Inside the Violent, Hypermasculine World of America’s Military Schools*. The conversati... more
In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we examine the opening moves of the Ottoman Empire’s war against Britain – a desperate, audacious campaign to seize the Suez Canal that has been largely forgotten but which revealed the fragility of ... more
*The history that this podcast episode explores involves harm and neglect to children and some listeners may find the details disclosed distressing.
In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we are joined by Paige Towers to discuss her new ... more
In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we are joined by cultural historian Murray Pittock to discuss his new book, The Shortest History of Scotland – a concise but richly detailed journey through two millennia of Scottish history, from th... more
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Reviews
- Poorly researched and unbalanced
First rule in history - check your sources.
I just listened to the episode on British spy agent / IRA hitman Freddy Scappaticci. Horrific to hear the flippant comments and near praise for the man from both host and guest. Referring to him as hopefully moral with a noble cause? He knowingly tortured and killed innocent people with the full knowledge of the British state. He was a mass murderer. Incredibly biased take from a supposed history podcast. Genuinely stunned and sickened.
Apple Podcasts1Bestbees
United Kingdom6 months ago Covers a very wide range of modern history in an engaging way.
Podcast Addict5a year agoPolprofwatchHorrible sound quality, background noise, can't even hear what he says sometimes because words are missing. Shame, such an important topic.
Podcast Addict2a year agoAtlantisblauw- Speak into the mic
Sound quality is terrible. Extremely soft followed by very loud adds
Apple Podcasts1cancampaigner
Canada2 years ago - Variable in quality
A couple were good but many are terrible in presentation. Not everyone can did a podcast and this proves it despite my really wanting to like the content.
Apple Podcasts2ontariocanuckCanada2 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #111 |  Israel/History |
Apple Podcasts | #182 |  Ireland/History |
Apple Podcasts | #199 |  Philippines/History |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About Explaining History
What is Explaining History about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Core topics cycle around 20th-century geopolitics, espionage, and major conflicts, explained through tight, narrative-driven conversations. Episodes often unpack complex historical events—from espionage networks and wartime deception to shifts in global power and political ideology—by pairing rigorous research with accessible storytelling. The show tends to blend well-known milestones with obscure case studies, offering nuanced takes that connect past strategies to present-day politics, media narratives, and international relations. A standout trait is the host's ability to frame history as a tool for understanding today's world, while inviting guests who provide expert depth and fresh perspectives.
Listeners can expect concise, story-forw... more
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How many listeners does Explaining History get?
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What are the audience demographics for Explaining History?
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How many subscribers and views does Explaining History have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Explaining History?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Explaining History:
1. Empire: World History
2. The Rest Is History
3. In Our Time
4. HistoryExtra podcast
5. Past Present Future
How many episodes of Explaining History are there?
Explaining History launched 14 years ago and published 939 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Explaining History?
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What guests have appeared on Explaining History?
Recent guests on Explaining History include:
1. Paige Towers
2. Murray Pittock
3. Piers Blofeld
4. Liam Stanley
5. Douglas Brunt
6. Wendy Via
7. Richard Medhurst
8. Monica Sandler
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.