What Is This Podcast?
The British History Podcast is a chronological telling of the story of Britain. I started in the Ice Age, and I’ve been steadily moving forward ever since. The focus of this podcast is upon the human drama that is played out in history. Rather than providing a dry recount of dates and names, I am doing my best to provide a three dimensional image of what these people, places, and events were like. The people I’m speaking about were real flesh and blood individuals with dreams, fears, and flaws. And where the information is available, I intend to highlight those aspects for you. You can learn more about my perspective in my interview with Podster Magazine. Recently we were interviewed for a sort of Behind the Music thing where we talked about the show’s development and even a little bit about Zee and I’s romance.
The podcast has been featured on iTunes, was a Finalist for Best Educational Podcast by The Podcast Awards, was recommended by the Portland Mercury, Medievalists.net, Playing With The Past, and The National Trust for Scotland USA. It’s also been recommended for fans of Serial, recommended by Parade Magazine , recommended by Harper’s Magazine, and we’ve even been recommended by Talking Points Memo.
And Also, Oprah recommends our show and we have appeared in Forbes and have even been recommended by them for being “fiercely independent“. Which was a sentence that I never thought I’d type.
Why Start This Project?
Well, a couple of reasons. The first is because far too many people think they hate history, and instead what they hate is the way it was taught to them when they were young. Almost everyone loves stories, and our earliest histories came in the form of stories retold in social settings. The Podcasting environment allows us to reconnect to that ancient tradition of oral histories.
Second, something I’m rather passionate about is the democratization of knowledge. There tend to be a great deal of barriers between information and the people who seek it, often those barriers are economic, social, or geographic. The internet allows us to break through some of those barriers. And since history belongs to all of us, I think it’s important that we make this information available.
And finally, this is the best creative outlet I’ve ever had. I absolutely love doing it!
Here’s an interview I had with Medievalists.Net regarding the goals of the show and why I do it.
I also took part in two AMA’s (“ask me anything”) on Reddit where I answered questions about the show and addressed the challenges of communicating history. You can also listen to the interviews that I did with The History of Philosophy, Interesting Times, and The Life of Caesar, where I answered questions about the show, podcasting, and (of course) history.
About the Host @BritishPodcast
Well, in terms of degrees I have a Juris Doctorate and a BA in English. Actually, you could say that my entire educational career has been focused upon researching and developing compelling narratives, and I try to use that experience here.
With regard to my accent, because I often get questions on that, I’m an immigrant from the UK living in the US. I went through American schooling and over the course of the years have acquired a West Coast American accent.
As far as personal stuff stuff about me… I love to read, I’ve been known to engage in geeky past-times (other than podcasting), and I have quite a few little creative side projects. I once worked on a board game but now pretty much all of my effort goes into creating the BHP.
Kerouac, my three-legged cross-eyed toothless cattle dog who you likely heard about in the show, died of cancer in October of 2012. I still miss the hell out of him and always will.
I live in Portland, Oregon. I love IPAs, Thai food, and coffee… so I’m pretty stereotypical in that regard. Though, I refuse to pretend that PBR is good beer. It’s bad. Everyone knows it’s terrible. Can we just admit it? Finally?
About Doctor Zee @ZeePDX
Yes, she really is a Doctor. She has degrees in Physical Anthropology, Sociology, and Media.
Most of the high level decisions made on the direction of the show are the result of discussions between myself and Zee. She’s quite the scholar and tends to add a sociological and anthropological lens to the show. Her PhD basically predicted what happened in 2016 and was so well received that her defense consisted of everyone just congratulating her. And for good reason, it’s a really good PhD. It’s also really dense, so if you don’t want to read hundreds of pages of complex academic material here’s my book report on it.
Zee also edits the scripts to ensure the narrative and delivery remain tight. Her editing doesn’t extend to grammar, however, largely because Dr. Zee wouldn’t know what to do with a comma if her life depended on it.
If you’re a member, you’re probably most familiar with her from her appearance in the Shop Talk series on the Member’s Episodes.
When she isn’t editing episodes and deleting puns from the scripts, she works as a Research Analyst for the government. I’m not saying that she’s a wiretapping spook working for MI5, but she does go by a single letter.
Just saying.
Contacting Us
You can email us at [email protected]
The theme music is Forward by Northbound, licensed under Creative Commons.
“We also have a 3 legged, cross eyed, cauliflower eared, toothless, triple cancer surviving Cattle Dog named Kerouac.”
If you claimed that his name was Lucky, ironic though it may be, it would have stretched credibility a tad too much. Assuming your description of him is accurate, perhaps his name ought to be Superstes or perhaps Belífend.
Oh he’s absolutely real. He’s actually added a new malady to his list. Now he also has second stage kidney disease. But he’s still rocking it out and is quite happy about life, so I’m just trying to keep him comfortable and maintain his quality of life for as long as I can. :)
I recentlly discovered your podcast. Love it. We had a three legged cat that had a sex change operation.
Nice to put a face to the voice. Gillan, your other fan from
This family says you look like your voice. I agree. Thank you so much for the podcast. Will be joining the membership within the week.
Cheers
Emma
Hehe, that’s good to hear! You know, I had a listener tell me I sounded like a young George Clooney a few months back. I was really tempted to use a photo of him. ;)
(As a side note: my friends and family were hearing about that George Clooney comment for weeks. Hehe)
Okay, Jamie, you’ve satisfied half our curiosity with a photo of you … now when do we get to see a photo of Kerouac???
Ok, uploaded. :)
AWWWWWWW!!
Regarding best historic movies … no mention of The Lion In Winter? Wow, my favorite movie ever. Plantagenets … Henry II by O’Tool, Eleanor by Hepburn, Richard I by Hopkins. Amazing dialog. You’ll love it.
Hi Jamie. Absolutely loving your show. Came across it through searching for info on Ragnar, as a huge fan of the Vikings TV show (yeah I know you have your beef with it but it’s great entertainment). Been ploughing through the back catalog starting from the very beginning. Also a big fan of The Last a Kingdom on The Beeb so looking forward to cross referencing that period shortly.
Took me a couple of years to get through The History Of Rome (which I also loved) so it will be a while before I am listening in real time. I too am a Brit living in California, but I came here in my late twenties so I still have my accent intact ???
Anyhow, as an ex podcast producer myself I have to ask how much time each episode takes to produce each week, and how much post production you do on each episode?
Anyway. Thanks again for the great work
Æthelbone The Idle
I’m glad you found the show, Adam! And it’s totally ok that you like Vikings, as I’m going to mention in an upcoming episode, I like Arrow. So we all have our guilty pleasures. ;)
The show is a full time job. Research, writing, production, tech support for listeners and members, answering emails, and handling social media all work out to a full time job. But on the upside, I love what I do so I really can’t complain!
Just discovered the show and now desperately trying to catch up! On episode 9 of 186 so I shall be listening pretty much full time for a while. Good company on dark wet do walks so thanks for that.
*dog
Just started listening and I’m hooked! I appreciate the humorous tone at times, while still sticking to the subject at hand. I lived in The Suffolk part of England with the Air Force (my husband was in, not me) and became obsessed with British history. Don’t know why it took me so long to find the podcast. Still only on episode 5, but anxious to get to more. We actually lived right by West Stow, which is the location of the Anglo Saxon Village which was fascinating. And one of our first explorations of England on my husband’s first spare weekend, we went to Hastings because I had to see where the battle took place. Thanks for the podcast!
Greetings Jamie. I’d like to feed back to you that I appreciate the quality product that you’re putting out (I’ll buy a membership soon!). I have a hunger for understanding past, and it unexpectedly turns out that podcasting is filling the void of the limited schooling that we get. There are several podcasts that are absolute gems (yours included), and the common theme is that the authors are spending a lot of time looking at primary and secondary sources. It’s really important to me for the authors to say they’ve looked at the material, stated what it is and summarized the points being made. It’s important to say that we don’t know the answers to things when source material is lacking. Incorporating archeology and linguistic evidence strengthens historical arguments. I have another profession, and don’t have the time research these things. Thank you for sharing what you know and are learning.
Hello
I receive the new password and enter it into the system but it keeps telling me that it does not recognize the new password.
What I am I doing wrong?
Thanks ever so much
Randy.
Hi Randy, I’m going to email you directly and try to sort this out for you.
I’m having the same problem.
I’m emailing you about this issue right now.
Jab Abumrad look out, because here’s a guy that can really pick the right music to liven the better meaning out of his topics. Love your music choices, which compliment your topics every podcast. Also comment on the episode where you discuss that you’ve been hit with comments of being a little slow, and just wanted you to know, will take the more detailed speed any old day, than to speed through this stuff and miss something that might end up explaining or related to a whole other part in the history that wouldn’t be as clear, if missed out on something that happened earlier to cause it.
Jamie, I’m loving the podcasts, they are so much more in-depth than any university lecture I’ve taken. I’m only wondering if there’s any way to get a glossary of terms for the podcast? Spelling has never been my strong suit, and I’ve been trying to take some notes, but those romanized names are killing me!
The episodes have full transcripts available, which might help you work out the spelling. A while back I did have a list of characters, and I might update it and add it to the site in the future. Honestly, it will depend on whether or not I have time because right now I’m pretty much running to stand still. ;)
I’d love it if you had a list of characters on the site! But I guess I can wait a bit for that, I’m only on episode 15 so far.
Hi Jamie.
just a short note to say im loving your podcast. only into the mid 40’s at the moment. Having been brought up in Bath and Edinburgh i have always been interested in the ancient buildings around me. You definitely bring British history to life.
skint at the moment but hope to become a member in the very near future. well worth a Pint!
Hi Jamie, great pod cast.History as never been so interesting. I’ve just got a problem with trying to sign back into the members website. I’ve recently installed a new windows program and every time i try to log in with a new password that i have been sent, it starts the whole process over again as if I’ve been given the wrong password.Please help.
Hey Keith, I emailed you directly with some login info. Let me know if you run into any other issues. Thanks!
Hi Jamie I just became a member. I studied archaeology at uni and worked on a 19th century ship for a while. Evie and I are loving listening to you on our walks. I think it’s fantastic and you remind me of John Julius Norwich and the way he writes about Byzantium. Anyway I don’t know what Evie gossips about with other dogs but I’m sure she’s the most educated about British History in the dog park.
cheers
Danae
New listener! Love the podcast and am starting from the very beginning. Just started listening to episode 25 and may have to reconsider my love of it now that I know you’re a Liverpool supporter (big-time Everton fan here!). I’m (slightly) kidding ;)
Great podcast though!
I’ve been listening for a few weeks now- this podcast is usually playing while I’m in the office working, as the radio gets so repetitive sometimes. I’ve really been enjoying the information and details provided, and you are very easy to listen to. I’ve always been a history nerd myself, particularly surrounding the monarchy, but this fresh perspective of the country and early peoples is a delight. I’m only on episode 74 right now, but I manage to plug through a few each day! Keep up the good work!
Literally found this podcast this morning. I’m halfway into Episode 2 and already so excited. I made a list of things in the car to Wikipedia once I got in front of a computer. Will there be any focus on the Royals at all throughout the seasons?
I’m really glad to hear that you’ve found the show! And yes, we cover pretty much everything in the show so there is plenty of royal stuff as well as everything else.
How much does one episode cost to develop and record etc… I am interested in sponsoring one, perhaps the diggers levellers, winstanley or the quakers, keen to know so i can start saving up.
Actually, we’ve never done a paid sponsored topic before. We want to cover the various religious and cultural subgroups as they pop up, however, so if you want us to cover the levellers the best way to ensure that happens is to support the show so it can stay on air long enough to get to that point. Thanks!
Brilliant podcast, listen to it every day whilst at work(!). Up to episode 145 now, once I catch up I will be becoming a member :)
Wonderful! I’m so pleased you’re enjoying the show and please be sure to join us on twitter and elsewhere, it’s a lot of fun!
Hey Jamie, I’m relieved I’m not the only one to have recently discovered BH Podcast. Truth is I’m a podcast neophyte, but since one of the first I found was yours many others are being harshly judged and I don’t give them much leeway before I pull the plug. At 40 right now and knocking out about 10 a week. I’ll join shortly. Thanks.
Dear Jamie,
I stumbled into your podcast after hearing about it on the Byzantium podcast. I thought that historical podcasting was going to be something like courses from The Teaching Company; I have come to appreciate that although your podcast is less structured and less formal, it has as much if not more intellectual rigor. I like your dedication to approaching the subject with care and respect for the difficulties in evaluating our sources and in appreciating the points of view of societies which were so different from our own.
I am a lawyer as well, although I had the good fortune to be born many years before you, when the practice was much more personally and financially rewarding than now. I like hearing how you have retooled yourself for the new normal. You are doing good work, and I hope that you and the BHP will be in my life for a long time to come.
Neil Albert
Wow Neil, what a lovely comment. Thank you so much!
I am enjoying the heck out of the BHP. An expat seattle residnt, now in Otago, NZ. Two questions, have you done a liverpool episode? Two, in speaking of constantine, you said that just after his vision, constantine was “a baptised christian.”. I had always thought he postponed baptism till his death bed, so he could do some of the gnarly things Emperors did without gettng a bishop on his case.
Greetings, Jamie. Thank you so much for your wonderful podcast. You, Mike Duncan, Dan Carlin, Kevin Stroud, Robin Pierson and the Brew Dogs are practically the only people keeping me sane in this crazy world.
Jamie, you crush history! I was a history major in college and have always been slightly obsessed. Thank-you so much for making history so cool that my kids listen for fun! You have a great voice. You’re doing what you were meant to do. Keep it up!
Thank you so much!
Jamie, I wanted to let you know that I’ve just started listening to your podcast from the beginning. I’m currently in the Dark Ages. Its fantastic. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for listening, Joseph!
Jamie kick ass podcast. I am already on episode 30 something. Thank you for allowing us to fly our history geek flag. A friend recommended. I will recommend it to other friends… Continue great work. will donate this week.
Thanks Dmitry! I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying it. And please pass on my thanks to your friend for recommending us. This show grows almost entirely through word of mouth, so those recommendations are super important. :)
Jamie, I’m starting to become seriously concerned with the pace the podcast is currently on. At the rate you are currently going, we will literally die before the Anglo-Saxon era is over. Do you plan to reach 1066 in twenty or thirty years’ time? I long for the day when Edward, his successor, finally forges England. I wish to reach the crusades; to discuss the Magna Carta; to learn of the events in Ireland (part of the British isles); to read of the Protestant Reformation; of Queen Elizabeth and the era of colonization. I understand that the Anglo-Saxon era is important, but other eras are important too, and it now seems like you actively avoid progressing. I would appreciate a projection for the near future.
Wow, Ryan. I think this is the first time that someone has made me feel like I was called into the boss’s office. If you’re wondering what my plan is for how I’m approaching the show, there are better ways to ask me than to treat me like a lazy employee and make a bunch of assumptions regarding my motivations. Not even members write to me like this.
Regarding your fears regarding your impending mortality, I cover periods of history with a depth that is relative to their importance. The era of Alfred is one of the most consequential sections of the post-Roman period we’ve covered. If I covered the reign of Henry VIII in just a month and a half, I’m pretty sure you’d have a panic attack. So maybe relax and enjoy the fact that you’re learning stuff you won’t find elsewhere, and all for free.
Oh and Ryan? I’m seriously concerned regarding how you didn’t notice that while listening to the show. Relisten to the show, and also take a good look at a calendar and note how long 40 years is. Once you’re finished, send me a progress report. I expect it by noon tomorrow. (It doesn’t feel good, does it?)
Jamie,
Maybe we should refer Ryan to the uni bookstore where he can find a good set of Cliff’sNotes. But that’s why I’m commenting. I’m wondering how one adds a picture icon to go along with one’s username. Thanks.
To add a picture, you need to have a “gravatar” linked to your email address. Just head here: https://en.gravatar.com/
How dare you run your own podcast at your own pace! ? Ryan sounds like a bad-tempered middle-manager who’s worried about missing a sales target! Love the podcast. Just at the Viking episodes. Please continue to take your own sweet time.
And I was just excited not to have missed the high Middle Ages as they were coming out.
Almost all caught up with the podcast. yay took me 4 months but once I’m there I’ll be getting a membership. Totally love this!!!!
Jamie,
Just a quick note of thanks for the terrific podcast. I found BHP last summer, and expected it to be about the usual suspects. While that would have been fine by me, instead this has been a deep dive into a past I never knew much about, and made me think deeply about the people who lived so long ago. The at times snarky delivery is what breathes life into these people, and keeps me listening. So, thanks!
Hi Jamie
I am an Anglo Canadian living in the south of France. I have only recently discovered your podcasts and absolutely love them. I have a history degree myself but really wish you had been around when I studied for it. It would have been so much more fun! Keep on podding ( is that even a word? ) Thanks!
Hi Jamie! Just discovered your podcasts and am totally hooked. I am listening to the episodes about the Anglo-Saxons and am really interested in the way that you portray them as people and not savages.
I have one small caveat. Not to be too nick picky, but once in a while you say “anyways” which isn’t actually correct and is a little like nails on a blackboard for me :)
I live in Poulsbo WA which is west of Seattle on the Kitsap peninsula so a fellow PNW resident.
Thanks for the great work!
Cheri
Hi Jamie, I only recently came across your podcast when getting to grips with a new Iphone. Now I’m hooked and am racing through the episodes from the start though I did initially kick off with a few episodes around Alfred the Great. So after just a couple of weeks I’m on episode 81 – listening mostly on the commute. The one major causality is The Economist. I’m now about 3 editions behind and unlikely ever to catch up. Anyway, keep up the good work, which I hope you do as I’ve recommended it to a number of like minded old history buffs from college days and family members. Stuart. PS Your pronunciation of certain place names is diabolical, so I can only assume your pronunciation of the names of characters of the era is equally diabolical. But it all adds to the fun and entertainment. Keep it up!
Hello Jamie , love your podcasts. but I am unable to log in. I checked PayPal and I am up to date on payments. Can you tell me what I can do? Thanks Marilyn
Hello, Jamie!
I’m interested in early British history and culture, especially it’s Celtic parts, even tried to learn Welsh, though it’s incredibly tough language and I nearly gave up :) And I’m absolutely in love with your BHP podcast, I think you’re doing fantastic job!
I’m from Russia and apart from the curious material you provide you’re helping me to Improve my English a bit :) So thank you very much for your Project!
I’m currently at the 50th episode of the BHP and by that moment you mostly focus on the Romano-British and Saxon parts of the mosaic.
What about the early Welsh kingdoms, Cornwall, Cumbria from 410 AD till late 13 century when Wales was conquered by Edward I?
Will you touch this matter upon later on in the podcast or this topic is left for the members only Celtic podcast?
Cheers,
Anton
I’m pleased to hear you’re enjoying the show!
Wales gets covered in the main show, both in special episodes as well as within the main narrative.
THANK YOU for sharing Zee’s thesis. It is a good read, and it makes me feel better that other ppl are aware of what the “news” has been doing. now if we could just manage to take over…Next time I’m in PDX, I’ll raise a pint to you both! :)
Hi jamie,
Just wanted to thank you so much for this podcast. Ive recently gone through a very traumatic time and was simply looking for a distraction at first. What i have found instead is the most excellently reseaarched and interesting podcast (and i have listened to a lot of them). You never seem to get boring and i can tell how much you have put in to the podcast.
Will be becoming a member for sure.
Best wishes,
Jess
I’m glad to hear the show has helped. Take care of yourself. :)
Jamie,
I’ve recently stumbled upon the BHP.. and I am so glad I did. I think it’s hard to find people to discuss history with and although I can’t discuss it with you.. I can at least listen to it! I’m on episode 18 and I had to comment on it.. Gladiator is one of my all time favorite movies so your clips and explanations referring to the movie were pretty funny. So, thanks and keep up the awesome work!
I found your awesome podcast a few weeks ago. I hold an MA in history and I have been mulling a podcast of my own but haven’t been able to decide on a style…until YOUR podcast! I want to make history appealing to the average “history buff” and academic historian without losing the accuracy of historical events and people without putting people to sleep.
Thanks,
Mark
Texas
I also forgot to mention that my ancestors ventured “across the pond” from southwestern England in 1620 and 1660 and from the Highlands of Scotland in the early 1800s. Your podcast helps me to understand the world my ancestors lived in and why they wanted to make the voyage to the New World.
Hi Jamie,
I just spent over 6 months catching up on the BHP from the beginning, listening to it almost exclusively during commute, on road trips, and while I’m learning to knit. I finally caught up yesterday and became a member, so now I can spend all my time catching up on member episodes :D I had lived in London for a year some time ago for uni, had visited Edinburgh, Stonehenge, and various other historic places. I visited Dublin earlier this year, and it’s nice to hear about these places I’ve been to in a historical context. I’m excited to hear more from the podcast.
Thank you for all your hard work!
Best,
Brie from CA
Hello Jamie, you’re doing gods work with your podcast, I’m not a native english speaker but with a great love for english history (we have the same amglo-saxon ancestors since I’m German) and I just wanted to thank you for simultaneously improving my english and my knowledge of British history.
Cheers from Germany
I’m really glad to hear that you’re enjoying it! Thanks for listening. :)
Jamie,
I’m on Episode 20 and love the podcast, your vast knowledge and great presentation make it my favorite podcast! I’ve recommended BHP to several people including my son, James, in Portland. As a new member, I’m looking forward to the “members only” podcasts.
Best wishes and keep up the good work!
PS – I’m an Oregonian but moved to Washington 40 years ago, living near Tacoma.
Word of mouth recommendations are super important for small shows like ours, so thank you so much for telling people about us. And of course for supporting the project. :)
Jamie, sometimes related links are described as being ‘on the website’ but I can’t find them – where are they?
Click on the transcript button of the episode in which the links were discussed. Usually they are in there, unless I was talking about something more generally (like the heptarchy family tree), in which case check the extras menu.
I’m grateful for the BHP show. Thank you for the time and effort you’ve put into sharing the story of our people in a way that is relatable and accessible.
That’s great to hear, Tom. Thanks for listening!
Hi Jamie
I have recently come across your podcast and have started at the start! I am an Australian who lived in London for ten years and I remember being fascinated with the Roman history of Bath, St Albans and the Roman wall at Tower Hill station in London.
Thank you for bringing British history to life.
Ingrid
That’s lovely. :) Thanks for listening!
Hi Jamie,
I, too, have only just come across your tour de force podcast. I shall have to listen to five or six a day if I have any hope of catching up. Also an “ex pat” now living in the middle of Iowa, I grew up not nine miles from St. Albans and return to the UK often and almost always visit something Roman (which is as far as I have got at the moment). Your descriptions put history into such great context. Wish I had found the BHP sooner, but will enjoy every moment from now on.
Thanks for your great dedication to the subject and engaging narrative.
Jenny
Hi Jamie,
I am bit late but I must say your show is really interesting and I am enjoying every minute of it. I even listen to each episode more than once. It givea me lots of joy.
All the best,
Abdulkarim
Hi I want to join but are you still going?
Yep! Zee and I just gave birth to our son (and the very next day my laptop broke) so I am waiting for the replacement to arrive on tuesday. Details on our Facebook community :)
Jamie, Congratulations on the birth of your son! I hope you can stay awake long enough to podcast! I’m really enjoying the BHP. Just finished episode 25….with a long way to go. I was not surprised to hear of your educational background. To complete such a podcast one has to enjoy research. As a retired accountant I appreciated your comment about footnotes!
Good Morning. I recently discovered your podcast on Spotify. I am in love. I just graduated with my Master’s in History in May and was missing my classes. The podcast allows me to listen while I commute, which is the only time I have available at the moment for my love of learning. I have to commute a total of 3 hours a day and being able to listen to your podcast is fantastic. Thank you.
Just found this podcast out!!! I love the history of all UK. I’m from US but my family ancestors are all from the Islands. While doing some genealogy research and have found my family Wood surname were from Amble,and Morpeth, Northumberland were all coal miners. I could only find anything from 1820s. Anyways, Im rambling, I love the history of the area and your podcast is just bad A! Thanks for you and your teams work and keep rocking out!
And I too am from Portland my man! Well Tigard (Metzger)! Keep kickin some Azz on this show!
I have to say it’s kind of comforting that Jamie looks pretty much exactly as I pictured him. What a legend.
I live in a Timber framed Traditional black and white house built in 1625 near Stratford upon Avon and in lockdown have discovered these podcasts and whilst I am not always convinced by the historical balance love the humour and enthusiasm
My dog , my chickens and me are total converts
Many thanks
John
From the month of June….another enthusiastic fan (is that tautological?) who finds you the perfect accompaniment to hacking at wood blocks while feeding my addiction to history..
Hi Jamie and Zee. I live in Tewkesbury. I am a member of the Battlefields Trust and I get a real kick out of talking about the old history of Wessex and Mercia when we meet up. We normally have the biggest free re-enactment weekend in Britian here. You should come join us. All cloths, equipment and tents are authentic to 1471. I’ve joined up to BHP. Long may you rule!
I’m sure that we’ll make it out there eventually. But probably not for a couple years, since right now we have an infant and a cross atlantic trip with an infant sounds hellish. ;)
Hi Jamie, Zee! I picked up the BHP not too long ago and I’ve been burning through it hungrily during work; it’s insanely awesome and I’m loving the narrative, the fun comments, sidenotes, snark, and the like
I’m only on ep. 55 so far, but whew, it’s already been so much to process! Thank you so much for having transcripts, I’m excited to read them once I’ve caught up to the most recent episode so I can enjoy your work again in another medium (and to make notes to help in my fantasy world building I’m picking very slowly at ;D)
Hello! I’ve been listening to the podcast now for a couple of weeks. I replay many episodes and enjoy the style and truly quality content! Believe me, the site will be a link for my students this semester, as I attempt to (safely) move my Medieval Literature class online. Thanks for all your hard work!
P.S. My little cat Sidney is still a bit skeptical about all that lecturing going on in the evenings, but he will come around.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Cynthia Jeney
Professor of English
Missouri Western State University
St. Joseph, MO
Hi Jamie!
I am a new listener to your podcast and I felt compelled to comment! I very much admire that your show is based on accessibility of information through a storyteller’s style of history–as this kind of accessibility is what I hope to achieve in my future career, and is very near and dear to my heart. Your podcast is funny, engaging, and of course, incredibly fascinating! I am hoping to acquire a PhD in British History (in the 17th century to be exact), and this is the perfect foundational method of learning about the very origins British History! SO, all that to say, thank you for what you are bringing to the public and I look forward to listening!
How insecure can one podcaster be? Judging by the British History Podcast, the answer is VERY. I tried. I really did. I listened to 238 episodes. I listened through the weird verbal ticks. I listened through the horrendous mispronunciations, and the lame excuses for those mispronunciations. I listened through the continuous begging for me to become a member “for about the price of a latte per month”, as if everyone who listens is a latte-sipping dilettante. I listened through the snarky, “poor me I was forced to go to Catholic school and have a chip on my shoulder about it” ragging on monks, nuns, bishops, and scribes who were silly enough to believe in miracles, and I listened through the “methinks he doth protest too much” protestations that he’s not being critical of Christianity. And I listened through all of that because I appreciate the content. But I can’t do it anymore. I can’t listen to one more navel-gazing, endless, deadly dull defense of the way you tell the story. WE GET IT! The culture stuff matters! The deep dive into lesser known lives matters! We get it, and we agree with it, or we wouldn’t still be listening! Spending ten, or fifteen, or twenty minutes repeating yourself as you say, “this is the right way to do history” a hundred different ways, is not only useless, it’s bad podcasting. It’s also the reason I haven’t become a member, the reason I can’t recommend this podcast to anyone else, and the reason that I’m honestly not even sure I can bring myself to listen to one more episode. Please, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, stop feeling the need to defend yourself from the “bros” who want you to speed up and focus on the battles! Because you are NEVER going to convince them that your method is the right one, and in constantly banging away about it, you risk alienating the people who DO agree with you!
Buddy, you’re listening to about a decade worth of work. I realize you’re mainlining the show while you’re stuck inside during covid, so for you it’s probably just a month worth of listening and so it feels like I repeat myself and stuff. But you’re literally listening to about a decade worth of material.
These things came up multiple times. Settle down. And if it really bothers you, hit the skip button. Or the unsubscribe button. Go ahead and press it. My heart will go on.
Also, pro-tip, when you’re throwing a tantrum and making personal attacks, don’t do it from your Pastor account. “Reluctant saint” Lol.
Looks like I arrived at the party about 9 years late, but that does mean I have plenty of episodes stacked up to listen to. Now up to episode 16, and loving the Roman Wall stuff, which considering I drive over the thing every time I take my son back & forwards to school is great stuff for me.
I have the pleasure of listening to your PERFECT, AMAZING and ENTERTAINING podcast! Thank you for the free stuff! I look forward to becoming a member and hearing my name mentioned in one of your podcasts! You’ve made history so much fun to learn! Thank you again, from Ontario, Canada!! ???
Chad Joel Billings.
Hi Jamie, big fan of your show here! I think I have been a member for a year now and have been listening for a over a year on my runs. I am at episode 126 and have a lot more running to do, but in this tempo, I will have caught up somewhere in summer 2022. I can only hope I haven’t reached the Finale by then, but with the current fallout from the Harry and Meghan interview, I guess new material is being handed to you as I type ;-). Just wanted to show my appreciation. Thank you!
At a closer look, probably summer 2024 before I have caught up, so more than enough listening on my runs ?
I’ve found this podcast late but how a treat with so much in front of me to listen too.
As a man born in England and living in Australia I commend you and say thank you.
Awesome!
I absolutely love this podcast. I’m fairly new to it & started at the beginning just a couple of months ago, I’m up to episode 52, loads more to listen too! I love the way you explain everything.
I migrated from England to Cairns, Australia in 2004. Always wanted to find a way to learn more about British History.
It’s on every time I go out in the car & sometimes just sit there for so much longer as I’m glued to it!
Thank you so much Jamie for sharing this. It’s the best!
jaime, greetings from Bilbao, Spain, I enjoy every morning your Podcast along my dog Tana. good Job
Great podcast! it also makes me understand the peculiarities of ‘the neighbors’ a bit better (I live one country further east across a shallow sea). What is a bit weird is that I’m always listening during my workout on my rowing machine. Which means that I’m always panting, smelling and sweating like one of my Saxon ancestors rowing hard to invade Britain. It gives it all an extra dimension ;-). How many episodes are there anyway? I just reached episode 30. And is the show still running after all these years?
Enjoying the podcast Jamie. I began listening because, while I’ve always loved history, and have enjoyed British history from various periods, a recent (Covid lockdown) project has had me deep diving further into my family history. I’m Australian and have ancestors (many convict, some not) from Somerset, Devon, Essex, Kent, Lancashire and Lincolnshire, and Ireland (plus one from Germany). I realised I had BIG gaps in my knowledge of background events especially older than 18th and 19th centuries. So your podcast is very helpful there.
On a personal note, I noticed you hold a Juris Doctorate degree – my 71 year old husband has just gone to start his JD study at a Sydney university! He’s never studied law before but is very excited about it.
Anyway I will be doing my best to catch up with your episodes – am up to the Anglo-Saxon era just now – and thanks again.
Could not believe this podcast could get any better, but Hastings took it to a whole new level and the ending was perfect!
Hi Jamie, just found your podcast! I hope you and Zee are doing well. I don’t see any comments here after May of last year so just checking to see if you are still doing the podcast.
Yes, of course. We aren’t going to quit just because people haven’t posted recently on one particular page on our site. ;)
We are so looking forward to what you make of the Plantagenet dynasty as it gets going. Especially Henry II.
Just discovered your podcast and am playing catch up by listening to it for hours each day. I’m currently on season 5 episode 181 and I need to sign up for a membership because I am becoming addicted to history and your podcast in particular. To think I used to avoid it like the European plague! My mom’s family was from Portland so I too once lived there. I still get down there from Washington state once in a while to get Anglo-Saxon (German) meats from the specialty butcher. I’m spreading the word via facebook to my very tiny collection of friends. I’m chuffed to bits!
Hello Jamie,
I have a question about King Aethelred, the unready by his nick name.
You said in one episode in the beginning of Aethelreds reign, that he was Aethelred the first, not the second.
But Aethelred the first wasnt he the older brother of Alfred the Great? 865 – 871?
Thank you for answering my question.
Yeah, that’s the traditional view and you’ll get no argument from any history book or professor on it. However, the point I was making was that there wasn’t an England during the reign of Alfred’s older brother. The first King of England was AEthelstan, Alfred’s grandson. And we don’t usually backdate our naming numbers prior to the formation of a Kingdom.
For example, William the Conqueror’s grandfather was named Richard (Duke Richard II). Well, after several generations William’s Great Grandson (Henry) became King and became King Henry II…. and when Henry II died, and his son (Richard) became king… we didn’t call him Richard III even though there was already a Richard II on the family line. He was King Richard I, because he was the first Richard of that dynastic line to become a King of England.
The AEthelred II thing is just weird and I have no idea why it’s so commonly accepted when it’s completely out of keeping with the typical naming convention.
Hi Jamie!
Just wanted to reach out and thank you for more than a few things! Firstly, thank you for keeping me company and teaching me something interesting while I am working, driving, cleaning… or pretty much any other task haha. For giving my husband (English) and I (American) plenty to talk about! And lastly for introducing me to my favorite historical figure. I had to travel all the way to Westminster Bridge to see her standing there in all her glory! I am a bit disappointed it took so long to find you…I must have been living under a rock but glad to have discovered you now!
Hi Jammie:
Love your show! I have one question and one request:
Question: Where is the rough transcript ? It used to be in the main show, now I can’t see to find it. Please advise.
Request: Me and my 9 year daughter love your show, however, the f-word cannot be a bit much for kids. Is there any chance that you might consider lesser usage of the f-word ?
Many thanks,
– Claire (9) and Charlie (58)
If you’re a current member and logged in, you’ll see the transcripts on each individual episode. So, for example, if you go to episode 445 (https://www.thebritishhistorypodcast.com/445-feeding-frenzy/) and login you’ll see the transcript. :)
Hi Jamie,
I love the podcast. I found it much later than you started so I am only on episode 134. I am an American from Boston so have always appreciated history. Many of the details of your show are brand new to me. That said I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in London recently and among my stops I made it to the medieval Europe room at the British Museum to see the Sutton Hoo and the Horde exhibits. Thanks to your show I had a much greater appreciation for what I was looking at. I am very excited to keep listening
Hi Jamie –
The last two episodes (Odo and Medieval Medicine) showed up on my ipod – yes, I still have an ipod and I’m too attached to it to give it up – but when I try to download them I get a message that they could not be downloaded at the time. I was able to download other podcasts I listen to. Has anyone else mentioned this situation?
Thanks so much and keep up the good work. One of the things I like most about the podcast is that the listener can tell you’re still having fun with it.
Hi Jeff, I’m not sure what the problem is. It’s the first I’ve heard of it, and the feed is validating properly. Off the top of my head, it might be something related to the cache on your ipod. Have you checked in with Apple support, or any of the iPod forums, to see if they have any solutions?
Hi Jamie,
I also listen on an iPod or an Apple phone and have been having trouble with the last couple episodes down loading. I deleted the podcast and put it back in again, but now none of the episodes will download. I’m not having trouble with any other podcasts. Have you changed anything recently?
I absolutely love the BHP. I teach high school and have been trying to incorporate some of your style into my lessons. I’m not very good at it, but the kids do seem to really enjoy the stories and it helps them to relate to people in the past.
Hey, Jamie my brother and I have been listening since the podcast started and I want to thank you for giving two autistic socially awkward little boys something that they could always come home to and had to themselves in a ruby red state that did not accept them the chances of you reading this is blown but from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you. Also when my mom or dad want to get moving they call us the titheingas wich we learned from this,
Thank you
I’m so glad that you and your brother have been enjoying the show so much! Thanks for writing in and sharing! :)
-J
Hi, Jamie—
I discovered the podcast a while ago and mainlined all the episodes. This is really helpful because, when I need to have something in my mind besides my own thoughts, I have place to go to learn and learn and learn and learn, which is great. I’ve even started again from the beginning. The bad things of the past are in the past, which is so much better than thinking about the bad things of the present! For a long time I studied the American Civil War for the same reason. As long as you stop at Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, it has a good ending.
Speaking of which, I really helped my sister the other day by describing to her the death and burial of William the Bastard. She was extremely down about what’s happening in the world. When I told her about the karmic comeuppance that at least William’s corpse received, she said that weirdly, it made her feel better. I said yeah, it makes me feel better, too. Nice to think that someone so evil had such a smelly, farcical end. So thanks for the story.
It also makes a big difference that your research is so careful; shallow history or other intellectual podcasts are…uh, shallow. I’m a retired philosophy prof; we need something to dig our teeth into. Speaking of which, and of your former profession and its training of research skills, our department had a lot of our majors go on to law school. When we asked them about their experience, they said it was fairly easy—once you’ve thoroughly worked through Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason and can follow the arguments, law school is not a problem!
This was such a lovely message! Thank you so much, and I’m so pleased that the show has give you and your sister a bit of respite from all the insanity.
Hi Jamie,
My name is Esther and I’m dual born in Yorkshire UK, and raised in the PNW also-spent 45 of my 54 years there until making a life-changing decision to uproot and restart my life in Edinburgh, Scotland (with my American hubby). My mom had moved back here 20+ years ago when her parents were aging, and my daughter moved over here to go to school during the pandemic (and never looked back). Anyhooo, I started listening to your little podcast (from the beginning) whilst driving back and forth from Scotland to England visiting my family in 2023, and just love the show. I have re-discovered my love of this country’s vast history and cultural development. It is about so much more than the kings and queens, popes, bishops -and the royal sycophants around all of them. I really love how you tell stories -within the stories and make history come alive. Well done!! I’m still in the pre-Norman invasion era, and it will take me a while to get through the rest. Looking forward to all of it. Wish I could buy you a brew in a Portland pub, but I’m here in Edinburgh now. Can’t beat the Scottish stuff. Best to you! Cheers!
I live in Romsey, England, history everywhere, substantial and trivial. Our own Norman Abbey, bought for £100 from Henry VIII rather than have it demolished, and Purkess the carter took Rufus body through on his way to Winchester, 10 miles East. Nearby to the West is the New Forest; to the North Salisbury and its Plai n and, closer, wonderful Danebury Ring hill fort; to the South, Southampton and The Solent, with Portsmouth just along the cast one way, Wareham the other. Like most people with interest in history, my imagination can have moments of peopling these land and seascapes with scenes of the past, inaccurately for sure, but enjoyably.
Which leads my to my appreciation of your excellent podcasts. Not only are they highly informative and entertaining, but they are enriched throughout by the sympathetic understanding that the lives of people in the past mattered to them as much as ours do to us, their pain, suffering , hopes and joys were just as real. And, like us, they could not foresee the future.
Thank you, and keep up the good work.