Podcasts for History Teachers

I recently went to a seminar on Abraham Lincoln and the Constitution in Springfield, Illinois. Though the stipend included everything, including travel, I figured the 4 hour drive wouldn’t be too difficult.

I know I’m probably about 5 years behind the trend, but I’ve really enjoyed podcasts lately. I don’t have a lot of time to listen to long podcasts everyday, but the solo ride down to Springfield provided the perfect opportunity to listen to a few. Because the seminar was about Lincoln, I listened to “Presidential” by the Washington Post. Each episode covers one U.S. president, and the qualities that made him presidential. I really enjoy this podcast because it’s host and creator interviews experts on each president, so the information shared is sure to be as accurate as possible!

I listen to other podcasts, as well. Most of them are about history, because there are so many great ones. I’ve compiled a list of podcasts that I enjoy listening to. I haven’t tried to incorporate podcasts into my instruction yet, but I would like to investigate and brainstorm ways to utilize them in class. It would be really cool to “flip” my class and have students listen to podcasts at night for homework, and then dive deeper into a topic during class.

1. Presidential by the Washington Post

• Each episode (ranging from about 30 minutes to 1 hour) covers one United States President. Experts discuss the qualities that made that president “presidential.” For instance, the Abraham Lincoln episode looks in depth at Lincoln’s talent for writing and speaking, which was truly unmatched by any other president.

2. Truth for Teachers by Angela Watson

• Each podcast, updated every Sunday, contains a story or words of encouragement for teachers to help them through the following week. Very inspirational

3. Backstory

• This podcast is created by the American History Guys. Each episode covers a topic that is little known but very engaging! Some examples of recent podcast topics include: a History of Trash, the story of American Tourism, a History of Disability in America, and many more. These are all topics that have fascinating stories, but most of us don’t really know them.

4. History Chicks

• This podcast is awesome. Two women spend each episode discussing an important woman from history. I like that this podcast is exclusive to women, since they are so often overlooked in history.

5. 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories and Mysteries

• All of the cool, intriguing, scary, harrowing stories of history that you haven’t heard are in this podcast. Recently it covered the legend of the killer clown dragging children into the forest, as well as Civil War stories, sports stories, stories of legendary canines, and so much more.

6. History of Pirates

• Who doesn’t like to learn about pirates?!?! My favorite episode is about the Vikings, titled, “Part Time Pirates.”