
This unique and lively history show delves into some of the world's most important political, social and cultural events and the intriguing personalities behind them. Presented by Dr Patrick Geoghegan of Trinity College Dublin, Talking History unravels the gritty, sometimes uncomfortable, side of our past, and what we can learn from it.
CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent tal... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 256 | Founded | 19 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | History | |||

In this episode, we explore the life and times of the Irishman who defeated Napoleon and went on to become the prime minister of Britain and find out his complicated relationship with this country.
Featuring: Dr Síle McGuckian, historian and lawyer... more
We mark the 300th anniversary of the publication of one of the most influential books ever written, Gulliver's Travels, & we find out how Jonathan Swift created one of the landmarks of world literature.
Featuring Dr Jason McElligott, Director of Mar... more
We explore the economic and social history of the Irish in England, with our panel: Prof Louise Ryan, Senior Professor of Sociology, and Director of the Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre at London Metropolitan University, Prof Neil ... more
We're exploring the extraordinary world of visionary artist and poet William Blake and we'll be finding out how this radical thinker influenced writers and artists from WB Yeats to U2 and beyond.
Featuring: Anne Hodge, the exhibition curator and Cu... more
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I’m always so impressed by Dr. Geoghegan’s mastery of the diverse subjects he introduces here; It is what makes him a brilliant interviewer. His guests are accomplished and interesting. My “to read” book list is getting very long indeed.
Prof. Patrick Geoghegan asks a panel of academics to explain a topic in history each week.
The topics range from the general to the very specific.
I give it 4 stars on the grounds of the topics, which vary greatly in scope. The very general ones are, by their very nature, too vague but those of a specific nature are often excellent.
The dreadful sound quality matches the dreadful show. Phone in guests are barely understandable the quality is so poor.
The presenter certainly enjoys the sound of his own voice and the overall presentation is lack lustre. I find myself drifting…
Another great show, but the sound balance is terrible. Some of the participants dialing in are so low that I have to jack up the volume to hear but then I get blasted when the show moves on.
Surely it cannot be beyond the wit of man to fix this?
Thanks.
I’ve been a fan of this show for years. Having grown up in Ireland, I’m actually less interested in the shows on Irish history, and really look forward to the more general topics instead.
But regardless of the topic, what really elevates this show above so many others is the presentation. There is usually an good variety of guests, and the researchers have clearly done their jobs. But Patrick Geoghegan is excellent as the host, keeping things moving along without ever cutting across his guests.... more
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #62 | |
Apple Podcasts | #203 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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A history-focused discussion program that brings together scholars, museum curators, and experts to unpack major political, social, and cultural events across eras. Episodes blend archival research, exhibition context, and cross-disciplinary analysis—from Swift and Gulliver to Irish emigration, Blake, Proust, samurai history, Rasputin, and pivotal figures in Irish and American history. The format tends to pair rigorous scholarly context with accessible storytelling, often connecting past events to memory, national identity, and cultural legacy through exhibitions, archives, and dialogue. Notable strengths include data-informed historical perspectives, wide-ranging guest panels, and a knack for linking literature, art, and public history to ... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Talking History:
1. The History Show
2. Three Castles Burning
3. Irish History Podcast
4. Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan
5. Documentary on One Podcast
Talking History launched 19 years ago and published 256 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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Recent guests on Talking History include:
1. Síle McGuckian
2. Gareth Glover
3. Michael Broers
4. Daniel Cook
5. Jason McElligott
6. Clíona Ó Gallchoir
7. David Kenny
8. Neil Cummins
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