Ancient explosives and the philosopher's stone: a history of alchemy

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1. 

   E2642 · 12 Oct 2026 · 48 minNew

   The pioneering surgeon who stood up to Rasputin

   She pioneered lifesaving battlefield surgery, challenged the medical establishment, stood up to Rasputin, and became the world's first female professor of surgery – yet today, few people have heard of Vera Gedroits. In today's episode, acclaimed biographer Miranda Seymour tells Elinor Evans about Vera's remarkable life and accomplishments – and why her story was erased. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2. 

   E2641 · 11 Oct 2026 · 48 minNew

   The stolen Native Americans who shaped US history

   Between 1492 and 1880, as many as 600,000 Native Americas were enslaved in the area that would become the United States. That’s the figure estimated by historian Linford D Fisher in his book Stealing America: The Hidden Story of Indigenous Slavery in US History – one of the books shortlisted for the 2026 Cundill History Prize. In today’s episode, he speaks to Matt Elton about the extent of this slavery, the impact that it had on tribal communities, and its legacy today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3. 

   E2640 · 8 Oct 2026 · 46 min

   Being disabled in the medieval era

   Prosthetic legs, wheelbarrow wheelchairs and guide… children? Those were just some of the assistive technologies and body augmentations available to our medieval and early modern ancestors. In this episode, Rae Gillibrand highlights how bodily difference was understood in this pre-modern era, and explores the medical marketplace and community support that was available. Speaking to Emily Briffett, Rae reveals a world of ingenuity, adaptation and care. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST To find out more about Tudor attitudes to disability – and why they may have been more compassionate than you…

4. 

   E2639 · 6 Oct 2026 · 37 min

   Vanilla: a far from ordinary history

   It's now often used as an adjective for anything standard, plain, and borderline boring – but the history of vanilla is anything but. Eric T Jennings – whose book Vanilla: The History of an Extraordinary Bean is among the titles shortlisted for the 2026 Cundill History Prize – tells Matt Elton about the ways in which piracy, espionage and cut-throat capitalism have shaped its story. ------ GO BEYOND THE PODCAST Delve further into food history with our podcast series History's Greatest Dishes, in which Annie Gray and Emily Briffett discuss the stories behind pizza, blancmange and more. Like…

5. 

   E2637 · 4 Oct 2026 · 46 min

   North Korea's religious dictators

   More than three decades after the end of the Cold War and the fall of the USSR, the North Korean regime remains steadfastly in place, defiantly ploughing its own path some eight decades after its founding. What might explain this remarkable longevity? In Jonathan Cheng’s new book, Korean Messiah, the Wall Street Journal correspondent argues that it owes much to the enduring cult of personality around its founder, Kim Il-Sung, who took inspiration from his own Christian roots to create a modern religion that endures to this day. Jonathan’s book is a finalist for the 2026 Cundill History…

6. 

   E2636 · 1 Oct 2026 · 47 min

   Inside Venice’s Jewish ghetto

   In the early 16th century, Venice confined its Jewish population to a restricted quarter on an island in the city. It was the first settlement to bear the name 'ghetto' – a word that would go on to shape the history of Jewish persecution and segregation. Alexander Lee explores this history in his book The First Ghetto, which is a finalist for the 2026 Cundill History Prize, and in this episode he talks to Emily Briffett about what life was like within its walls – from its vibrant culture to fragile relationship with the Venetian authorities. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST With the Inquisition…

7. 

   E2635 · 29 Sep 2026 · 38 min

   WW2's bloody battle for Arakan

   In 1944, the Allies unleashed an offensive in Burma – a brutal campaign spearheaded by 3 Commando Brigade alongside the Indian and West African troops of XV Corps. Against a ruthless enemy and in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments, these men launched daring amphibious assaults deep into Japanese-held territory, turning the tide of the Burma campaign and delivering a devastating blow to the Imperial Japanese Army. Military historian Lucy Betteridge-Dyson has written a book on the subject, Jungle Commandoes, and Emily Briffett spoke to her to find out more. Go to…

8. 

   E2634 · 28 Sep 2026 · 32 min

   The Bayeux Tapestry: secrets of the stitchers

   Mia Hansson has spent 10 years making an exact replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. In conversation with Dave Musgrove, she explains what her modern remake experience can teach us about the women who made the original artefact in the 11th century, and the secrets she has spotted in her decade of close attention to the embroidery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9. 

   E2633 · 27 Sep 2026 · 49 min

   How Henry VII seized – and kept – the crown

   Henry VII is often remembered as a cold, calculating and penny-pinching monarch whose relentless pursuit of an ever-tightening grip on the throne overshadowed his achievements. But how fair is that reputation? And what can the real history behind this popular perception tell us about the challenges, anxieties and realities of Henry's kingship? Speaking to Emily Briffett, Sean Cunningham reassesses the first Tudor king's critical reputation, exploring the delicate balancing act that defined his reign as he sought to reward loyalty, root out treason and secure a fragile new dynasty. ----- GO…