Versus History Podcast

It feels like AI is ubiquitous! Large Language Models (LLM's) have exploded over the past few years. However, a new platform, NotebookLM, has taken things still further. It can convert virtually any source into an audio two-way discussion and debate.  What will the impact of AI be on our world of History? This is very much up for debate, of course. It is a debate that will rumble on. That notwiths...

Inspired by the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Patrick was fascinated by the stories he saw on the news. In particular, he was stuck by the vulnerability of the young women travelling alone and the dangers that they might face when they arrive at their next destination. Patrick saw unique parallels between the war today and France of the Fourth Republic after WW2, a country haunted by the impact of t...

In this episode of the Versus History Podcast, the editors discuss the UK's forthcoming General Election, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for 4 July 2024. Sunak quickly announced that 'National Service' will be introduced for young people if the Conservative Party is returned to government by the British public. The last time this was part of British policy was 1948-1960. We discuss all .....

In 1821 Afro-Native William Freeman found himself convicted of horse theft he vehemently denied and sentenced to five years of hard labor in Auburn State Prison (New York) — without pay and in total silence. It was the first prison built for solitary confinement, and it was in this oppressive environment that Freeman dared to challenge the system. Driven to extremes, he murdered a white family, ex...

In this episode of the Versus History Podcast, the Editors tackle the subject of free trade, Brexit and the Teeside 'Free Port' initiative, making (sometimes errant!) comparisons and contrasts to the British acquisitions of yesteryear, including Singapore in 1819 and Hong Kong / Shanghai in 1842.  For terms of use, please visit www.versushistory.com

In this unique episode of the Versus History Podcast, we take something of a detour from the usual substantive history fest to indulge in some history teaching tales ...Co-Editior Elliott recounts tips, tales and home truths from over twenty years of teaching history worldwide.  For terms of use, please visit www.versushistory.com

In this episode of the Versus History Editors discuss a range of films that have flunked at the Box Office through time. Which films have flunked and why? From Heaven's Gate to Mario to Mr Nanny and many more besides... Find out in this episode! For terms of use, please visit www.versushistory.com

In this exciting episode, the Versus History team discuss the recent proposed smoking ban for UK citizens born after 2008 as well as the prohibition of alcohol in America in the early twentieth century and much, much more besides. For terms of use, please visit www.versushistory.com Please give us a good review if you enjoyed the podcast!

In this episode of the Versus History Podcast, we discuss a serious miscarriage of justice which, between 1999 and 2015, saw over 900 subpostmasters prosecuted for theft, false accounting, and fraud for shortfalls at their branches when these shortfalls were in fact due to errors of the Post Office's Horizon accounting software. The recent ITV drama has captured British imaginations' to such an ex...

In this episode of the Versus History Podcast, we were delighted to interview Halik Kochanski, the winner of the Wolfson History Prize for 2023. Resistance: 'The Underground War in Europe, 1939-1945′ Across the whole of Nazi-ruled Europe the experience of occupation was sharply varied. Some countries – such as Denmark – were allowed to run themselves within tight limits. Others – such as France –...

“Empathy in history is a noble but ultimately unobtainable endeavour.” How far do you agree with this statement? This is the very question answered by one of the joint winners of the inaugural Versus History Essay Prize (#VHEssayPrize). In this episode of the Versus History Podcast, we enjoy an audio-long read from joint prize winner Anoushka Sood of St Albans High School For Girls. This is follow...

In this episode, we interview author Max Leonard about his new book. A Cold Spell: A Human History of Ice by Max Leonard This book is the story of humanity through the lens of ice – our interactions with ice, our need for it, and what it means for us that it is rapidly disappearing from our planet. Max takes us from the beginning of our story to the modern day, tracing the ways ice has influenced...

'A History degree isn't worth the paper it is printed on.' To what extent is this statement valid? This is the very question that provided the response for one of the joint winners of the inaugural Versus History Essay Prize (#VHEssayPrize). In this episode of the Versus History Podcast, we enjoy an audio-long read from joint prize winner Neave Rees of King Edward VI High School For Girls in Edgba...

This week on the @Versus History Podcast, we welcome back historian Charles Freeman to discuss his new book 'Children of Athena'.  Charles Freeman presents a compelling and fascinating portrait of the continuing intellectual tradition of Greek writers and thinkers in the Age of Rome. In 146 BC, Greece yielded to the military might of the Roman Republic; sixty years later, when Athens and other Gre...

AD.60 and Brittania is in chaos. Boudica has had a taste of victory against the formidable veterans in Camulodunum and she won’t stop now. How will Roman heroes Macro and Cato fare against the notorious Queen of the Britons? A quick response to the rapidly advancing rebel forces, Governor Suetonius takes command leading his army to the besieged Londinium with prefect Cato and a mounted escort in t...

In this episode of the Versus History Podcast, we interview Historian Kenneth W. Harl, author of the brand new book Empires of the Steppes: The Nomadic Tribes Who Shaped Civilization. This book is an epic and enthralling narrative history of how Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan and the so-called 'barbarians of the steppes' shaped the modern world. The barbarian nomads of the Eurasian steppes have play...

In this episode of the Versus History Podcast, we interview Dr. Ambrogio A. Caiani about his new book. Losing a Kingdom, Gaining the World is the untold story of the fascinating and complex history of the Roman Catholic Church in the modern age. In the first book of its kind, Dr. Ambrogio A. Caiani unravels the enthralling and horrifying history of one of the world’s most powerful, controversial,...

In this episode of the podcast, we interview historian and author Jacob Bloomfield. His new book Drag: A British History is a groundbreaking study of the sustained popularity and changing forms of male drag performance in modern Britain. With this book, Jacob Bloomfield provides fresh perspectives on drag and recovers previously neglected episodes in the history of the art form. Despite its transg...

Our Co-Editor Elliott is currently walking Hadrain's Wall, from the west coast of England to the east! In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with him as he finds a spot with mobile signal to fill us in on his adventures thus far! #VersusHistory

The epic story of the imperial rivalry between two of the greatest empires of the ancient world – Parthian and Persian – and how they rose and eventually fell. The Roman empire shaped the culture of the western world against which all other great powers are compared. Stretching from the north of Britain to the Sahara, and from the Atlantic coast to the Euphrates, it imposed peace and prosperity on...

In this epsiode, we discuss Dr James Crossland's new book 'The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism' (Manchester University Press, 2023). We cover much ground relating to the history of terrorism, right up to the preset day and forecasts for the future. James is a Reader in International History, whose present research interests lie in the history of terrorism, societal fear, i...

A Time in Paris is the new book by historical novelist David Lawday, the author of the critically-acclaimed book 'Danton'. As a correspondent for the Economist and U.S. News and World Report, David Lawday lived in France for many years, marrying a French woman and raising his two children there. His long experience of France, in the eyes of an Economist reviewer, made him "an ideal biographer" of...

In this episode, we interview Historian, Journalist & New York Times bestselling Author Evan Thomas about his brand new book, Road to Surrender: Three Men and the Countdown to the End of World War. Road to Surrender is a riveting, immersive account of the agonizing decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan. To bring these critical events to vivid life Evan Thomas draws on the diaries and c...

US President Biden has just finished his visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. What are the historical connections? Can it be termed a success? If so, for who(m)? The Editorial team discuss ... For terms of use, please visit www.versushistory.com

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Versus History Essay Prize 2023 (#VHEssayPrize). Full details can found via the links below. Please spread the word to anyone and everyone who may (or may not!) be interested!  The webpage link for the #VHEssayPrize is here. The questions for the #VHEssayPrize are here. To contact Versus History via Twitter about the #VHEssayPrize, that link is here.