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Talking History with Patrick Geoghegan

Newstalk
Ireland
Roman Empire
Winston Churchill
Trinity College Dublin
World War II
Sinn Féin
Septimius Severus
Jane Austen
Fianna Fáil
JMW Turner
Slavery
Napoleon Bonaparte
Oscar Wilde
Pride and Prejudice
Irish History
Oliver Cromwell
Dublin
Irish Civil War
William the Conqueror
Good Friday Agreement

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes268Founded19 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for Talking History

Latest Episodes

In this episode: Princess Margaret and Ireland, with Emily Hourican; ‘Ireland’s first sanitorium: The St Ann’s Hill Hydro, Co. Cork, 1843–1953’ with Ronan Foley; and what you might not know about novelist Joseph Conrad, with Juliette Bretan.

In this episode, a history books roundup: ‘Desk Revolutionaries: The Men of the French Directory, 1795–9’, with Prof Biancamaria Fontana, emeritus professor of the history of political ideas at the University of Lausanne, ‘The Fifth Crusade - A Histo... more

In this episode: we look back at Ireland's relationship with the EU. Featuring Dr Mary C. Murphy of Boston College, then a senior lecturer in politics with the Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork; Professor John O'Brennan, ... more

In this episode: Neolithic tombs uncovered in Galway, with Dr Michelle Comber & Dr Noel McCarthy, University of Galway; ‘James Joyce: A Political Life’, with Bridget Hourican; and Aspasia: the woman who allegedly taught Socrates, with Professor Arman... more

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Recent Guests

Dr Michelle Comber
Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Galway
University of Galway
Episode: Neolithic Tombs In Galway
Dr Noel McCarthy
Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Galway
University of Galway
Episode: Neolithic Tombs In Galway
Armand D'Angour
Professor of Classics, Jesus College, Oxford University
Oxford University
Episode: Neolithic Tombs In Galway
Bridget Hourican
Editor involved with the Joyce biography project
Princeton University Press / Editorial team
Episode: Neolithic Tombs In Galway
Dr. Andrew P. Dorman
Author of The British Army, Society and Soldering in Ireland, 1699-1793
Boydell Press
Episode: The Irish Who Served In The British Army
Dr. Jose Maria Moreno-Madrid
Researcher on Galileo-related manuscript discoveries
University of Limerick
Episode: The Irish Who Served In The British Army
Lar Joy
Port Heritage Director
Dublin Port
Episode: The Irish Who Served In The British Army
Meghan Kobza
Author of The Masquerade, A History of Extravagance and Intrigue
Yale University Press
Episode: The History of the Masquerade
Peter Mauch
Author of Tojo, The Rise and Fall of Japan's Most Controversial World War II General
Harvard University Press
Episode: The History of the Masquerade

Host

Patrick Geoghegan
Host of Talking History, affiliated with Newstalk; known for interdisciplinary history conversations with academics and authors.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 347 ratings
  • Always Fascinating

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Moira O'C
    United States3 years ago
  • A good history podcast

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    S. Redmond
    Switzerland4 years ago
  • Dreadful Sound Quality

    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…

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Mallarie121
    United States4 years ago
  • Sound Levels Again

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Trappef in Texad
    United States6 years ago
  • Very good show. A real variety of topics, excellently moderated

    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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    G0S
    Ireland7 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Readers note high regard for guest expertise and thoughtful historical context.
Some critique audio quality and call for more consistent download availability.
Listeners praise the host for smooth moderation and strong guest selection.
Many admire the depth of archival sourcing and interdisciplinary approach.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#28
Ireland/History
Apple Podcasts
#191
United Arab Emirates/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The History of the Masquerade
Q: What makes Elizabeth Chudley's Masquerade appearance particularly significant in the book?
Kobza discusses Elizabeth Chudley's 1749 appearance inspired by Iphigenia, which was bold and potentially career-defining. The costume symbolized transgression and risk for a woman of that era, illustrating how masquerades could dramatically alter social trajectories and provoke lasting public and literary commentary.
The History of the Masquerade
Q: Tell us about The Masquerade. Tell us what it was, when was its heyday, and why was it such a cultural obsession?
Meghan Kobza explains that the Masquerade was a mid-18th-century London phenomenon, ticketed and commercial, which blended fashion, theater, and social display. Its heyday centered on 1700s London, with venues like the King's Theatre and the Royal Opera House, where elites used elaborate costumes to flaunt status while navigating tensions around gender, race, and empire. The phenomenon reflected broader social anxieties and aspirations, making it a powerful lens on Georgian culture.
The Irish Who Served In The British Army
Q: What is the significance of the Galileo manuscript discussed in the episode?
If attributed to Galileo, it would be the most detailed technical description of a four-lens telescope associated with him, suggesting advanced optics earlier than previously believed and highlighting patronage dynamics in early modern science.
The Irish Who Served In The British Army
Q: What does the new book by Andrew P. Dorman contribute to our understanding of this period?
It provides a nuanced synthesis of the social and military history of Ireland within the British Army from 1699 to 1793, challenging simpler narratives about Irish loyalty and desertion.
The Irish Who Served In The British Army
Q: How important were these Irish barracks to local towns and economies?
Barracks were economically beneficial to towns, attracting 200-300 soldiers who required food, clothes, and entertainment, though they also symbolized imperial control and sometimes caused social tensions.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Talking History

What is Talking History about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This history-focused show features in-depth conversations with academics, authors, and researchers on politics, culture, and society across eras. Episodes mix rigorous archival context with contemporary analysis, often linking past events to today's issues. A standout is the host's ability to weave together archaeology, literature, and political history through panels and expert guests, producing rich, interdisciplinary discussions. Listeners can expect well-researched, idea-forward debates, with strong emphasis on archival sources, fieldwork insights, and primary-source interpretation. The blend of Irish history with global contexts plus occasional touring exhibitions and book discussions gives the program a distinctive, education-forward ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Talking History?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Talking History:

1. Three Castles Burning
2. Irish History Podcast
3. What Were We Like
4. Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan
5. Path to Power

How many episodes of Talking History are there?

Talking History launched 19 years ago and published 268 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 Talking History?

Recent guests on Talking History include:

1. Dr Michelle Comber
2. Dr Noel McCarthy
3. Armand D'Angour
4. Bridget Hourican
5. Dr. Andrew P. Dorman
6. Dr. Jose Maria Moreno-Madrid
7. Lar Joy
8. Meghan Kobza

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.

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