It’s said that hindsight is 20/20, and history is one of our best teachers.

Although I wasn’t particularly into history as a student, it is now something I soak up as much of as I can, and podcasts are my new favorite way to do so.

Something about a peek into past traditions and ways of living gives me a true appreciation for how far we’ve come. On the other hand, if you look closely, one can be disturbed at the potential for troubling patterns to repeat themselves.

So in the spirit of learning from our mistakes (and also digging into some majorly juicy royal tales of the past), here are my top three historical podcasts that will have you as addicted as I am:

My Top Three Podcasts for the History-obsessed

Lore

This podcast is all about scary—and true—tales from years past. Serial killers hiding in plain sight, the stories behind haunted estates, and (insert spooky music) dark mysteries of the past. The host’s voice is incredibly soothing too, for what’s it worth. Because you know, when you’re having the life scared out of you in broad daylight, that helps. 😉

American Shadows

From the first episode, Glow, about the Radium Girls of the late teens, early 1920s, I was hooked. The idea behind this show is revealing the dark tales and secrets of our country’s past. Things like coverups and scandals, and how they were (or weren’t) addressed to the rest of the world. You’ll also love the second episode, about… let’s just say the worst date ever in the history of men.

Noble Blood

I’ve just started listening to this one, and already addicted. If strange tales about royals past are your thing, this is your show. Start with Catherine the Great and Her Husband the Mediocre, and learn all about Catherine’s husband (and king) Peter III’s strange obsession with toy soldiers and rats. (WHAT.) The truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

It should be noted, all of these shows are productions of the company Grim and Mild, whose wheelhouse is strange, juicy, crazy storytelling. It’s definitely worth checking out their other offerings!

As always, would love to hear your feedback and thoughts! What are you listening to these days? Any other history addicts out there?