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History Behind the Headlines

History Behind the Headlines

Written by: History Extra
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How does the past shape today's world? In HistoryExtra's fortnightly podcast History Behind the Headlines, Matt Elton is joined by regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and guest experts to explore the historical context you need to understand the latest news. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠. We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠ to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this podcast and all History Extra podcasts by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠ This podcast is hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter. This series is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs.Immediate Media World
Episodes
  • Why has the UK had so many prime ministers this decade?

    Why has the UK had so many prime ministers this decade?
    Jul 2 2026
    The news of Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party means that the UK is set to have its seventh PM in ten years. But what are the historical factors that have led to this instability? And what comparisons can we meaningfully draw to the political unrest of previous decades, including the 1920s and 1970s? In this episode, regular panellists Rana Mitter and Hannah Skoda are joined by journalist, author and documentary-maker Phil Tinline, who explores the roles that technology, devolution and a sense of disenfranchisement have played in this story – and the key moments that we might otherwise overlook. ------ If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠ to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • How were society's super-rich seen in past centuries?

    How were society's super-rich seen in past centuries?
    Jun 17 2026
    US business leader Elon Musk has been in the headlines again in recent weeks, as a result of becoming the world's first trillionaire. But how were enormously rich people seen in past centuries? In this episode, regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter explore how Musk's forerunners were regarded, and how they accrued their wealth in the first place. Meanwhile, a high-profile row about defence spending here in the UK has led to the resignation of two government ministers – but such arguments are nothing new. We look back at previous debates around how state finances have been used during periods of geopolitical uncertainty, and where the extra money has come from. Finally, with the men's World Cup in full swing, we look back at a particularly unusual game of football in 17th-century Florence. ------ If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠ to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • How has war impacted economies of the past?

    How has war impacted economies of the past?
    Jun 3 2026
    There have been plenty of headlines over the past month about the possible financial impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. But what does history tell us about the ways in which the impact of war has been felt far from the battlefield? Regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter chronicle some of the most dramatic examples, from medieval England to the Second World War. Plus, with Britain experiencing unprecedented spring heat in recent weeks, we investigate the draw of swimming when the temperature rises – and the surprising role it played in a key moment of international diplomacy. ------ If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: podcast@historyextra.com For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠ We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠YouTube⁠ to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
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