I think that podcasting is a communications medium designed perfectly for relating history as a subject. If done correctly, relating historical narratives appeals more to the ears than the eyes. I don't need to see Genghis Khan to know that he spread his seed over a significant portion of Europe and Asia.
Some podcasts dabble in history, scraping the surface of historical events due to the nature of the podcast. It may be a short-form show, or, in the case of some shows, linking history with persistent attempts at humor during the historical tale. I think Everything Everywhere Daily with Gary Arndt does the best job of short-form history.
If you are searching for a detailed investigation into a specific period of history, I recommend 'Tis But A Scratch: Fact and Fiction About the Middle Ages.
The show focuses on the Middle Ages for those who are fascinated in that era. If you attend Renaissance Fairs or simulated jousts, this podcast is for you.
The show has completed 49 episodes so far and is created and hosted by Richard Abels, who taught medieval history for 35 years
at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Talk about being qualified. Professor Abels has that teaching gene and is skilled at disseminating historical knowledge that kickstarts the brain rather than put you asleep.
Professor Abels, now retired, explains his entry into independent podcasting this way: "I
had never done a podcast before, and only began this one because an old
friend who is a journalism professor heard me speak at the Smithsonian
and thought I would be good at podcasting. She is my co-host for the
first couple of episodes."
Like many independent podcasters the journey is a winding road instead of a straight path. Professor Abels tells us about that journey: "That Journalism professor was my co-host for the first couple of episodes. The third episode is a solo effort. Nineteen are with my wife Ellen as co-host. Now, I interview colleagues in the field who have expertise on that particular topic."
Professor Abels approached the podcast this way: "I think of it as a form of teaching, though I try to make the learning entertaining."
There's an interesting episode on how Christmas, as well as Hanukkah was celebrated in the Middle Ages, and a two-parter about the legendary medieval outlaw Robin Hood.
Did you know that the Puritans actually banned the celebration of Christmas in the 17th Century? Talk about your Grinches and Scrooges!
In the first episode about the famed archer, Abels' and co-host Dr. Jennifer Paxton discussed the evidence for a historical basis for the legend. In part two, they looked at how Robin Hood has been portrayed in film and television from the silent era to the present--and how each generation has gotten (in Dr. Paxton's words) "the Robin Hood that you need in your particular time."
Professor Abels has just released a new episode -- the first of a two part series -- about the fall of the Roman Republic with co-host Jennifer Paxton.
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