Best Condensed Histories Podcasts (2025)

1
King and Conqueror - Jem vs The Battle of Hastings! 46:55

6d ago46:55

46:55

Jem looks at the true history behind King and Conqueror... and shares some thoughts! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The 70s Were The Best Decade For Movies 42:11

13d ago42:11

42:11

Jem flies the flag for the 1970s as the best decade for movies - and explains his reasoning! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Treasures From The Past People Found During Home Renovations 22:28

1d ago22:28

22:28

Some renovators have discovered one-in-a-million items they never knew were there. And some of them are truly shocking! I’ve got bees, bones, live bombs, and more – so, get your overalls ready as we check out some incredible treasures people discovered during renovations. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https:…

1
Amazing Signs of How Far Science Has Come 27:26

5d ago27:26

27:26

It’s hard to imagine a time when people didn’t rely on their smartphones for everything. But not so long ago, the idea of a touch-sensitive supercomputer in your pocket would’ve been ridiculous! Believe it or not, we used to wear fish on our heads to cure headaches and inhale scabs to fight off diseases! Get ready for some amazing signs of just how…

1
This Is How a Nuclear Bomb Works 26:51

7d ago26:51

26:51

Since their first, devastating use back in 1945, nuclear weapons have been a huge source of anxiety and fear across the globe. For almost a century now, we’ve lived in the knowledge that our world leaders could plunge us into nuclear war with destruction on a scale never before seen in history. But how likely really is this scenario? What was the b…

1
Worst Jobs You Could Be Assigned in World War 2 27:15

9d ago27:15

27:15

From being loaded into human torpedoes to detecting landmines using nothing more than their own bodies, some of these jobs were about as bad as they get. They say, “war is hell”, and you’re about to find out why, as we explore some of the worst roles you could be assigned during World War 2! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Priva…

1
Harshest Punishments for The Smallest Crimes 25:52

12d ago25:52

25:52

Some things you never even thought could be illegal can get you slapped with a life sentence! Let’s open our casebook and find out how that’s possible, as we explore some of the harshest punishments doled out for the smallest of crimes! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

1
What Your Dog’s Sleeping Position Reveals About Them 23:31

14d ago23:31

23:31

Even though roughly a third of us own at least one of the cute canines, many of us don’t realise just how much their sleeping positions can tell us about them. And it’s not just dogs that reveal all in their sleep! So, grab your pooch and snuggle up tight, because it’s time to find out what your dog’s sleeping position reveals about them, and explo…

1
Crazy Ways People Tried to Avoid the Law 23:45

16d ago23:45

23:45

Nobody wants to go to prison, but if you’re sentenced to serve time, you don’t really have a choice in the matter. But not everyone goes down that easy! Whether it’s trying to hide their faces in pen ink, faking their own demise, or surgically altering their appearance, some criminals really go the extra mile to stay out of the way of the law. Are …

1
The Horrible Things North Korean Soldiers Have to Go Through 25:27

19d ago25:27

25:27

There are few countries on earth as repressed or as militarised as North Korea. Under the military-first dictatorship of the Kim Dynasty, the Korean People's Army – or KPA - has become the central pillar of the country’s government and society. It’s believed that with 1.3 million active soldiers, a 5.8 million strong paramilitary force, and 200,000…

1
Japan 42:55

20d ago42:55

42:55

Jem takes on the popular culture of the entire country of Japan! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Most Expensive Construction Mistakes in The World 29:46

21d ago29:46

29:46

All over the world, huge, awe-inspiring construction projects, from skyscrapers to suspension bridges, dominate our skylines. As you can imagine, these construction projects are built on plenty of blood, sweat and cold, hard cash! But they don’t always turn out the way their developers anticipate. In fact, basic mistakes in multi-million-dollar pro…

1
You Wouldn't Survive Dipping Your Toe In This Lake 26:49

23d ago26:49

26:49

Prepare yourself for a story so dark, it’ll make you wish it wasn’t real. This is the terrifying true tale of Lake Karachay and other even deadlier lakes all around the world. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Be Amazed

1
You’ll Never Eat This Again Knowing How It’s Made 24:20

26d ago24:20

24:20

From puking bees to glued meats, and even a peek into the unnerving life-cycles of the humble hotdog and cans of SPAM, here are some foods you’ll NEVER eat again once you know just how they’re made… Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Be Amazed

1
Istanbul, Not Constantinople 47:01

27d ago47:01

47:01

Despite the title of this episode, and the 'They Might Be Giants' song, Jem talks about the history of Istanbul AND Constantinople! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Amazing Secrets Hidden in Everyday Things - Part 6 19:27

28d ago19:27

19:27

When you’re naturally curious, every day’s a school day - but I’ll bet you didn’t realise just how much there is to learn about the seemingly mundane items we see and use on the daily. From deceptive store displays to the secret messages hidden in fast food, let’s take a look at yet another batch of amazing secrets hidden in everyday things! Advert…

1
Luckiest People Who Survived The Impossible - Part 7 26:30

30d ago26:30

26:30

It was Christmas Eve, 1971. 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke and her mother, Maria Koepcke, excitedly boarded LANSA Flight 508. They were flying from the city of Lima, Peru, to spend Christmas with Juliane’s father in Panguana, a biological research centre in the rainforest where the family lived. It would be a short flight, a little over an hour if the…

1
From $42 Billion to 0 – How Anil Ambani Lost All His Money 25:48

1M ago25:48

25:48

We all love a story of rags to riches, but how many times have you heard about someone going from multi-billion-dollar riches to empty-pocket rags? Well, that’s exactly what happened to Indian businessman Anil Ambani. From the most expensive sibling rivalry in the world, to jail bailout scandals and a mind boggling $7 billion debt, here’s how one m…

1
Drop and Give Me Twenty 48:31

1M ago48:31

48:31

Get ready to be put through your paces as Jem looks into the figure in popular culture that is the Drill Sergeant! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Lost Species That Might Save Us 28:22

1M ago28:22

28:22

Our environment is transforming faster than we can predict, and now it’s affecting our food security, our health, and our everyday lives! Instead of looking to the future, scientists are turning to relics of the past that have been extinct for thousands of years! Species like Woolly Mammoths and Aztec crops, which once survived in harsher environme…

1
For 36 years, This Man Dug in the Mountains - The Story of Huang Dafa 19:33

1M ago19:33

19:33

The world can be a tough place. And, sometimes, it can leave you feeling powerless to change anything. But that’s not true. No matter how high the mountain, you can scale it! Or, in the case of humble Chinese villager turned hero Huang Dafa, dig straight through it! So, expeditioners, keep your hats hard and your hearts open as we embark on the ins…

1
Amazing Secrets Hidden in Everyday Things - Part 5 21:23

1M ago21:23

21:23

They say you should always try to see the beautiful in the everyday, but I’ll bet you didn’t realise just how many beautifully brilliant secrets are hidden in the items you use every day. From classified cookie symbols to the reason green gummi bears aren’t what you think, here are some more amazing secrets hidden in everyday things! Advertising In…

1
KPop Demon Hunters 45:29

1M ago45:29

45:29

Jem looks at Korea, KPop and KPop Demon Hunters! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
John McAfee, The Millionaire Antivirus Creator Who Went Insane 25:51

1M ago25:51

25:51

If you’ve used a computer in the last 40 years, chances are an annoying little pop-up has invaded your screen relentlessly. It was by McAfee, the most well-known and annoying anti-virus programme available on the market. Today, about 500 million customers rely on it to protect their computers from malicious software, and it made close to $3 billion…

1
People Found Living In Bizarre Places 21:43

1M ago21:43

21:43

From shoebox-sized apartments to literal mansions, our dwellings come in all different shapes and sizes. However, beyond the realms of real-estate, some people have gotten pretty creative with what they call “home”. From grocery stores and sewers to the amazing story of a man who lived in an airport for 18 years… and made $250,000 from it?! Let's e…

1
Proof Governments Are Dumb 22:22

2M ago22:22

22:22

We all like to think the people in charge of our countries have their heads screwed on straight. But the truth is, they can be just as stupid as the rest of us. In fact, they can be way more stupid. From political punch-ups and selling nuke material to anyone who asks, to state-mandated glowing reindeer! Sounds too dumb to be real, right? Well, get…

1
Samurai and Ninja 48:00

2M ago48:00

48:00

Jem looks into the relationship between Samurai, Ninja, and the movies! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Video Game Theories That’ll Ruin Your Childhood 23:52

2M ago23:52

23:52

Gamers are a seriously passionate bunch. After spending hours, days, or even weeks playing a single game, some seriously hardcore fans will seek out tiny in-game details left behind by the developers. Anything left unexplained can have a fan base spinning theories that point to a much darker picture off-screen. And disturbingly, not even your favou…

1
People Born With Crazy Mutations 22:17

2M ago22:17

22:17

Did you see the New Mutants? No? Don’t worry – that movie sucked! Let’s learn about some real mutants – and without the crummy CGI. Join me on our journey through history as we hear some inspirational stories and learn some mind-blowing bodies. Here are people born with mind-blowing mutations. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Pri…

1
The Worst Pain A Human Can Experience 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

From eye surgery without an anesthetic to a plant with a sting that can torment you for years, I hope you never experience any of the agonizing afflictions I'm about to reveal. So, grit your teeth and brace yourself because it's time to learn about some of the most painful things a human can ever experience. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle…

1
Alcatraz 43:09

2M ago43:09

43:09

Jem looks into the history locked up inside Alcatraz! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
What People In The Past Thought The Future Would Look Like 25:58

2M ago25:58

25:58

Here’s a question: what do you want the future to look like? Personally, I’m hoping for instant teleportation, hoverboards, and free chocolate for all by 2050! Sounds like a bit of a stretch, I know, but it’s nothing compared to what people over 100 years ago thought life would be like today! From robotic helpers and super schools, to flying firema…

1
Strangest Historical Coincidences That Can't Be Explained 27:15

2M ago27:15

27:15

Let's explore some of the most contagious and strangest historical coincidences of all time! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Be Amazed

1
227 కోహినూరు S15E5 తెలుగు [227 Koh-I-Noor (S15E5) - Experiment in Telugu] 6:27

2M ago6:27

6:27

ఎపిసోడ్ 227 – కోహినూర్: శాపిత మణి లేదా సామ్రాజ్య చిహ్నం? ఈ ఎపిసోడ్‌లో, ప్రపంచ ప్రసిద్ధి పొందిన కోహినూర్ వజ్రం వెనుక 숨겨ున్న శతాబ్దాల చరిత్రను ఆవిష్కరిస్తాం. గోల్కొండ గనుల నుండి మొదలై, కాకతీయుల పూజామణిగా ఉండి, మొఘలుల ఖజానాలో వెలుగునిచ్చి, పెర్షియన్ దండయాత్రలు, ఆఫ్ఘన్ పాలకులు, సిక్కు మహారాజుల చేతుల మీదుగా ప్రయాణించి, చివరికి బ్రిటిష్ రాజకీయం గర్వంగా ప…

1
२२६ - कोह-ए-नूर हीरा (एस१५ई४) - अब हिंदी में [226 - Koh-I-Noor Diamond (S15E4) - Experiment in Hindi] 7:25

2M ago7:25

7:25

भारत के इतिहास की इस आकर्षक कड़ी में, हम कोह-ए-नूर हीरे की किंवदंती भरी यात्रा का पीछा करते हैं — उसके गोलकोंडा की खदानों में चमकदार उद्गम से लेकर ब्रिटिश क्राउन ज्वेल्स में उसके विवादास्पद ठिकाने तक। यह केवल एक रत्न नहीं, बल्कि साम्राज्य, महत्वाकांक्षा और इतिहास की हिंसक लहरों का प्रतीक है। जीवंत कहानी के माध्यम से, हम देखते हैं कि यह हीरा कैसे का…

1
225 - Koh-I-Noor Diamond (S15E3) 39:41

2M ago39:41

39:41

In this captivating episode of A History of India, we trace the legendary journey of the Koh-i-Noor diamond—from its dazzling origins in the Golconda mines to its controversial home in the British Crown Jewels. More than just a gem, the Koh-i-Noor is a symbol of empire, ambition, and the violent tides of history. Through vivid storytelling, we foll…

1
Why The Amazon River Has No Bridges 25:41

2M ago25:41

25:41

The Amazon River is believed by many to be the longest river in the world, closely followed by the Nile. Although these two rivers may share a similar size, there’s one thing that they don’t have in common: bridges! The Amazon River has no bridges whatsoever! Let's find out why! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out:…

1
Beards! 43:01

2M ago43:01

43:01

Jem looks at the history hiding behind beards! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
People Who Became Rich With Junk 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

They say that money is what makes the world go round, but with rising rent prices, food prices, gas prices - heck, everything prices - getting rich today is easier said than done. But it’s not impossible to go from rags to riches! From stories of crazy collectors, crafty entrepreneurs, and dumpster divers, some of whom had as little as $1 – or less…

1
Comparing Death Rows Around The World 25:38

2M ago25:38

25:38

Death Row is the part of a prison that houses inmates awaiting the sentence of capital punishment for some seriously heinous crimes. While Capital Punishment is an intensely controversial issue, it’s still famously legal across the United States. But the US isn’t the only country in the world with a death row! From the crimes that can land you ther…

1
Free Cash In The Street But Nobody Wants it! 17:00

2M ago17:00

17:00

Have you ever found a $5 bill in the street and felt like it’s your lucky day? I know I have. What if you found $500, though? Would you still take it? How about $500,000?! Well, believe it or not, only recently an entire country’s worth of people were faced with this very question – and none of them chose to take any of it! In fact, some of them ev…

1
Frankie Goes To Hollywood 46:37

2M ago46:37

46:37

A look at Frankie Goes To Hollywood moves into the area of Mutually Assured Destruction. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/condensed-histories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Condensed Histories Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide