The best podcasts for learning about lesser-known history
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Who am I?
I'm the host of Vulgar History, a feminist women's history comedy podcast. My research interest is in both lesser-known and misunderstood women from the early modern era. Hosting Vulgar History for the past four years has made me realize just how many cool, under-discussed people there are from all around the world. These are episodes of some of my favourite podcasts that share the stories in fun ways.
My Show
What is my podcast about and/or how does it relate to the playlist topic you chose?
My podcast is mostly about scandalous women from various countries and eras, though so far I've mostly discussed people from Western Europe. I love listening to podcasts about other parts of the world as a way to learn more about history that I (as a white Canadian woman) haven't been taught in school. I find listening to podcasts is a fun way to learn about history, and it can help me find people to discuss on my show as well.
What is my podcast playlist about?
This list of podcasts are some of my favourite historical podcasts. They all have a chill, conversational vibe so you feel like you're at a dinner party next to a fascinating person telling you a story, not like you're in a university class lecture. History should never be boring!
1. Historias Unknown
Why this podcast?
Carmen and Cristina are such engaging, funny hosts who combine solid research with jokes and banter as they share stories of people and cultural events from Latin American history. Standout episodes include one on Gaspar Yanga, a Black African man who escaped enslavement in Mexico and formed his own colony of formerly enslaved people in the 16th century.
Historias Unknown
Carmen & Cristina
Play first episode
5.0
Obscure Latin American history, capitalism and corruption. Each week, your hosts (and twins) Carmen and Cristina, will tell each other a story about Latino/Latine history, capitalism or corruption and sometimes all three. Episodes every Thursday.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/historias-unknown--6253658/support.
2 Listeners
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How many episodes does Historias Unknown have?
Historias Unknown currently has 89 episodes available.
What topics does Historias Unknown cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts, Society & Culture and History.
What is the average episode length on Historias Unknown?
The average episode length on Historias Unknown is 42 minutes.
How often are episodes of Historias Unknown released?
Episodes of Historias Unknown are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Historias Unknown?
The first episode of Historias Unknown was released on Apr 8, 2022.
2. Asian American History 101
Why this podcast?
The vibe on this show is so great, the two hosts are a father and daughter who share stories about Asian history, both in America and elsewhere. They profile individuals, talk about historical eras, and interview guests. Their episode about the history of noodles is a favourite of mine.
Asian American History 101
Gen and Ted Lai
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Asian American History 101 is a fun, family-friendly, and informative podcast co-hosted by Gen and Ted Lai, the daughter and father team. The podcast will entertain and educate people as Gen and Ted dive into the vast history of Asian Pacific Americans from the struggles they faced to their contributions and triumphs. And sometimes we cover topics of the Asian Pacific Diaspora globally.
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How many episodes does Asian American History 101 have?
Asian American History 101 currently has 213 episodes available.
What topics does Asian American History 101 cover?
The podcast is about Aapi, Asian, Education, Podcasts, Family, American, History and Society & Culture.
What is the average episode length on Asian American History 101?
The average episode length on Asian American History 101 is 33 minutes.
How often are episodes of Asian American History 101 released?
Episodes of Asian American History 101 are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Asian American History 101?
The first episode of Asian American History 101 was released on Nov 29, 2020.
3. It's a Continent
Why this podcast?
This is such a delightful show, combining great research with a fun vibe between the two hosts. Each episode usually focused on the history of a specific African country, looking at key historical moments and notable people. I especially love their episode on Angola, which discusses the iconic Queen Nzinga.
It's a Continent
W!ZARD Studios
Play first episode
5.0
We’re here to challenge the common misconception that Africa is a country, whilst appreciating the identity of each nation. Through each episode we’ll explore key historical moments which have shaped the continent, in an easily digestible, satirical (and shady) format with your hosts Chinny and Astrid. We're on Instagram: @itsacontinentpod, Twitter @itsacontinent and our website is itsacontinent.com. Like what you hear? You can support here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
3 Listeners
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How many episodes does It's a Continent have?
It's a Continent currently has 90 episodes available.
What topics does It's a Continent cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts and History.
What is the average episode length on It's a Continent?
The average episode length on It's a Continent is 32 minutes.
How often are episodes of It's a Continent released?
Episodes of It's a Continent are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of It's a Continent?
The first episode of It's a Continent was released on Mar 2, 2020.
4. History is Gay
Why this podcast?
This podcast is a real treat. It's hosted by two self-described queer nerds who amuse and delight one another sharing stories of queer people throughout history. Their episode about Kristina of Sweden is a standout.
History is Gay
Leigh Pfeffer
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History is Gay is a podcast that examines the underappreciated and overlooked queer ladies, gents, and gentle-enbies that have always been there in the unexplored corners of history. Because history has never been as straight as you think. Follow us on social media! @historyisgaypod on Twitter and Instagram, historyisgaypodcast on Tumblr, and subscribe to us wherever you listen to podcasts!
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How many episodes does History is Gay have?
History is Gay currently has 74 episodes available.
What topics does History is Gay cover?
The podcast is about Bisexual, Transgender, Lesbian, Queer, Lgbtq, Gay, Podcasts, Society & Culture, History and Lgbt.
What is the average episode length on History is Gay?
The average episode length on History is Gay is 67 minutes.
How often are episodes of History is Gay released?
Episodes of History is Gay are typically released every 19 days, 18 hours.
When was the first episode of History is Gay?
The first episode of History is Gay was released on Dec 19, 2017.
5. Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls
Why this podcast?
I love Aubrey Smalls from Instagram, and was so excited when he started this show. He's so passionate about sharing the stories of little people with the same sense of shade and wit as he has on social media.
Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls
Aubrey Smalls
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Dwarfism can be traced back to the Biblical days, yet stories of little people are rarely told. So, in this new podcast series, Aubrey Smalls is changing that. Join us weekly as we uncover new and exciting stories of iconic people with dwarfism throughout history.
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How many episodes does Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls have?
Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls currently has 4 episodes available.
What topics does Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts and History.
What is the average episode length on Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls?
The average episode length on Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls released?
Episodes of Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls are typically released every 18 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls?
The first episode of Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls was released on Aug 5, 2023.
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