John Lidwell-Durnin

EXplaining History (Exeter's Live History Podcast)

History EN ↓ 4 episodes

It's the podcats (whoops-- what did we do there?) -- the podcast everyone has been talking about. The Archaeology and History Department at the University of Exeter (probably the best university in the world) has banded together to explore the new research and burning questions raised by our own world-leading historians and archaeologists. We'll be exploring topics from ancient to modern history, the role of public history, and the rewards and challenges of working in academic history. Episodes are often (but not always) hosted by Dr John Lidwell-Durnin (modern history), and we'll aim to add a...

Author

John Lidwell-Durnin

Episodes

Indentured Labour and Migration -- an interview with Dr Kalathmika Natarajan 28.03.2026 37:09

Today we’re very lucky to be joined by Kalathmika Natarajan, who has just published a must-read intervention in migration history: Coolie Migrants, Indian Diplomacy: Caste, Class and Indenture Abroad, 1914–67 – Get a copy here! Kala is Lecturer in South Asian History, and in this conversation she takes us through the entanglement of emigration, indenture, and diplomacy in 20th century India. We di...

The Albigensian Crusade and the Statutes of Pamiers-- a live interview with Dr Gregory Lippiatt 16.03.2026 43:02

This very special live episode of EXplaining History features a discussion exploring the exciting new work of Dr Gregory Lippiatt on the political and social consequences of the Albigensian Crusade, exploring how state and religious powers negotiated the heretic worlds that developed in the south of France in the 12th century (listeners excited to be entertained with proper hellfire and the invoca...

The Irish Civil War and the History of Violence-- a live interview with Dr Gemma Clark 17.02.2026 41:46

In this live episode, Probably HIstory at Exeter invites Dr Gemma Clark (Senior Lecturer, Modern History) to take us through her past work on the Irish Civil War, on writing the history of violence, and on how our identities as historians can shape our work (and careers!) in sometimes unexpected ways. Gemma reveals some of her new work on arson and fire as forms of political violence, and our host...

History for the public-- a live interview with Dr Alun Withey 17.02.2026 40:47

In our first live episode hosted by Digital Humanities at the University of Exeter, we get a chance to sit down with Dr Alun Withey, Senior Lecturer in the History of Medicine and (sometimes) historical consultant, presenter, and Tik Tok sensation. We discuss Alun's experiences working in everything from radio to social media, while our host John (an American who has done his best to get up to spe...