In an era where podcasts reign supreme, history enthusiasts around the globe find solace in the plethora of captivating narratives that echo through the digital airwaves. From the bustling streets of London to the serene fjords of Norway, the allure of history podcasts transcends borders. Amidst this vast landscape, we got insight into two very popular ones with completely different approaches and scopes.
“We focus on gossip and sex” – Are Sende Osen, Reporter NRK
Across the Nordic expanse, ‘Kongerekka’ (The Royal Line) emerged as a colossal triumph, culminating its fourth season with a comprehensive journey through Norway’s 1200-year royal history. Are Sende Osen, one of the creators, emphasizes their mission to engage a broader audience by stating, “We try to reach people that are not nerds,” illustrating their commitment to making history accessible to all. Various target groups listen to the podcast, families listen to it on car journeys. The success of more than 5.5 million downloads speaks for itself.
“You can’t just present the facts, you need to tell a story” – Are Sende Osen
Another podcast that is hugely successful in the field of history is History Extra. Created by the journalists of BBC History Magazine, the podcast grew into a product of vast audiences worldwide (40% from the UK, 40% from the US, 20% from the rest of the world).
“Sometimes it can help to look at areas that you’re not an expert on because you know on what to focus for listeners” – Ellie Cawthorne, Podcast editor History Extra/BBC History
As her Norwegian colleague Ellie Cawthorne also emphasises the importance of telling a story to the audience rather than being stuck in the details. So sometimes it helps to get input from people outside the history bubble.
“We want people to come for Henry VIII. or WW2 and stay for the hidden stories” – Ellie Cawthorne
History Extra ensures a captivating listening experience that transcends mere education, offering profound insights into the human experience across time. Ellie Cawthorne highlights the podcast’s ethos, “Even though history happened in the past, there is always a connection to the present.” This sentiment underscores the timeless relevance of historical narratives in shaping contemporary understanding and perspectives.
