History Through Fiction - The Podcast

About History Through Fiction - The Podcast

History Through Fiction founder and editor Colin Mustful talks with historical novelists about their craft of weaving history and fiction to create engaging, historically detailed stories.

Publisher

History Through Fiction

Category

fiction · history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Aug 2020

Latest episode

2 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

147 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Mar 2026

   Season 10, Episode 8 - Cecil Beckett

   In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Cecil Beckett, winner of the 3rd Annual Short Story Contest and author of The Blood of Englishmen. The story delves into the life of the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, focusing on the final year of his life during World War I. Cecil shares his inspiration for the story, the unique challenges of early aviation, and the Red Baron's internal struggles following a life-changing head injury. The conversation explores the craft of writing, including Cecil's minimalist approach to storytelling and his journey from medicine to creative writing. Listeners will also hear about Cecil’s experiences growing up in rural New Zealand, his life in Auckland, and his passion for short fiction. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on history, storytelling, and the human conflicts behind one of World War I’s most iconic figures.

2. 

   23 Feb 2026

   Season 10, Episode 7 - Carol M. Cram

   In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful sits down with Carol M. Cram, author of The Choir. Set in 1890s Victorian England, this compelling novel explores the lives of two estranged friends, Eliza Kingwill and Ruth, against the backdrop of a fictional mill town and the vibrant world of choir competitions. Carol shares the inspiration behind the story, rooted in her own family history, and delves into the challenges faced by working-class women like Eliza, who dreams of escaping an abusive marriage. Meanwhile, Ruth, a once-famous singer, grapples with a fall from grace as she becomes a choir adjudicator. Together, their journeys highlight themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the redemptive power of music. Discover the historical significance of choir competitions in late Victorian England, the creative process behind crafting authentic characters, and how Carol’s lifelong passion for the arts shapes her storytelling. Plus, hear about her upcoming novel set in post-war Canada and her dedication to celebrating the arts through her podcast, Art and Fiction, and other creative endeavors. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about history, music, and the transformative power of community.

3. 

   16 Feb 2026

   Season 10, Episode 6 - Mirta Ojito

   In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Mirta Ojito, author of Deeper Than the Ocean. Mirta shares the real-life shipwreck that inspired her novel and discusses the dual timelines of her story, following Catalina, an early 20th-century immigrant, and Mara, a modern journalist. The conversation explores themes of migration, family secrets, and the enduring impact of history, blending personal experience with historical research to bring forgotten stories to light. History Through Fiction is more than a podcast — it's a home for stories, community, and craft. Explore our growing catalog of historical novels, attend workshops and events, connect with fellow readers and writers, and be part of a mission dedicated to celebrating the power of history through narrative. Discover more at historythroughfiction.com.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

11,527

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

73

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

81

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