Hungarian History Podcast

About Hungarian History Podcast

🇭🇺 Hungary’s History Is Now In English 🎙️ I’m Szántai Gábor, the creator of the "Hungarian History 1366-1699" Facebook page. After a decade of battling historical amnesia on social media, I’m launching the Hungarian History Podcast—the only English-language show dedicated to Hungary’s buried legacy. So far, it is the only English-language podcast diving deep into Hungary’s untold stories. Hungary’s past isn’t just a footnote—it’s Europe’s missing chapter. This podcast brings overlooked battles, kings, and turning points to light, proving that Hungary’s past belongs to center stage.

Publisher

Szántai Gábor

Category

history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Apr 2025

Latest episode

6 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

32 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Mar 2026

   Hungarian History Podcast /32 The Incredible Story of Kőrösi Csoma Sándor

   What drives a man to walk across continents, master 17 languages, and found an entirely new field of science? This week on the podcast, we are honored to welcome back Konnát Árpád, a historian-archaeologist living in Transylvania, to explore the life of his fellow Székely, the legendary Kőrösi Csoma Sándor (1784-1842). A philologist and Orientalist, Csoma set out on an epic quest to find the ancestral homeland of the Hungarians in North China. He was convinced our roots lay to the East, a bold stance challenging the emerging Finno-Ugric theory of his time. While he never reached his final destination, his journey was anything but a failure. It was a triumph. 🎓 He became the founder of Tibetology, creating the world's first English-Tibetan dictionary and grammar in a remote Himalayan village. His linguistic genius was so profound that he was said to be able to read in seventeen languages. But his story doesn't end there. His impact crossed cultural and spiritual boundaries. In 1933, Japanese Buddhists honored him as a Bodhisattva, a rare spiritual tribute given to a foreign scholar who devoted his life to Tibetan culture. Remarkably, this honor was bestowed upon a man who, by all accounts, never officially abandoned his Christian Reformed faith. And here is where the conversation gets even more personal. Árpád recently traveled to Zangla, India, and visited the actual residence where Csoma lived and worked. He shares what it felt like to stand in the footsteps of this genius, surrounded by the same Himalayas that once inspired him. It is fascinating that some modern research continues to explore cultural connections across the Eurasian steppe. Scholars examining traditional music, folklore, and even certain food traditions have noted striking parallels between Hungarian culture and those of several Inner Asian peoples, including Turkic groups such as the Uyghurs. Kőrösi Csoma Sándor wasn't just a dreamer; he was a visionary whose theories continue to prove true. Tune in for a journey across continents, through history, and into the soul of one of Hungary's greatest minds. You can support my work here:  ⁠https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/donate-my-work/ (https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/donate-my-work/)

2. 

   14 Feb 2026

   Hungarian History Podcast /31 The Life of Magyar Bálint (died in 1573)

   Happy Valentine's Day – with a Hungarian twist! ❤️ Today, we celebrate Valentine's Day in Hungary – a modern tradition of love and hearts. But did you know that February 14 is also the name day of Bálint? And we have a fascinating historical record: Palatine Nádasdy Tamás once greeted his most faithful warrior, Magyar Bálint, on his name day in a letter. Now, before you imagine a 16th-century romantic card – let's be clear. In those days, Hungarians greeted each other on their name days as a matter of custom, not because of any "Valentine's Day" celebration. That came much later. But the coincidence is too perfect to ignore! So who was this Magyar Bálint, the man whose name day Nádasdy remembered? He was a legendary member of the Valiant Order of the Hungarian Borderland – a hussar captain who spent three decades defending the frontier castles around Lake Balaton. From 1545 until he died in 1573, he commanded Fonyód and Szigliget castles, repelling Ottoman attacks again and again. ⚔️ He defeated a Turkish champion in a single duel in 1543. ⚔️ He held Fonyód with just 25 warriors against a coordinated Ottoman night attack in 1558. ⚔️ He survived the fall of Szigliget by "the special grace of the Lord" when his retreat was cut off. ⚔️ He exchanged fiery letters with his lord, begged to be allowed duels to preserve his honor, and caused the Pasha of Buda to demand that the King send an army against just ONE Hungarian captain! But here's what makes his story truly significant: The constant raids Magyar Bálint faced – the "softening up" campaigns, the night attacks, the burning villages – forced a realization. Individual heroism wasn't enough. The frontier needed a SYSTEM. The experiences of men like Magyar Bálint directly contributed to the construction of the Second Borderland castle line – a layered defense system of main castles, secondary forts, and "haversack" guardhouses that would keep the Ottoman Empire at bay for nearly 150 years. Magyar Bálint died in April 1573. Two years later, with its legendary captain gone, Fonyód finally fell. In the 31st episode of the Hungarian History Podcast, we follow Magyar Bálint's extraordinary life through the war-torn 16th century. We'll see how one man's courage, stubbornness, and sacrifice offer a glimpse into the brutal reality of the Borderland – and how his generation's struggles built the fortress system that saved this land, and with it, the rest of Europe. Let us honor the heroes who held the line. 🇭🇺 You can support my work here:  https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/donate-my-work/ (https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/donate-my-work/)

3. 

   16 Jan 2026

   Hungarian History Podcast / 30 Writing Hungarian Stories in English: A Talk with Bordás Róbert

   Ready to be transported in time? 🎙️✨ I’m thrilled to share that I sat down with the fascinating author Bordás Róbert for the latest episode of my podcast! 📖 Who is Bordás Róbert? A Hungarian author writing in both Hungarian and English, based in Brno, Czechia. He brings history to life through deeply personal stories. ✨ Why his work is unique: He writes gripping historical novels in English that are inspired by his own family’s saga, set in North America between 1870 and 1910. His work is a must-read for anyone interested in the Hungarian immigrant experience, identity, and the untold stories of family histories. 📚 His Books: • The Hand We Are Dealt (2022) – Based on his mother’s memoirs. • Gilded Lies (2024) – Book 1 of a trilogy inspired by family fate. • Tangled Ties (May 2025) – The hot-off-the-press sequel! Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B5VRRKF8?ingress=0&visitId=880ec577-54e6-488b-acbd-a7087c017676 (https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B5VRRKF8?ingress=0&visitId=880ec577-54e6-488b-acbd-a7087c017676) We delved into his creative process, the challenge of writing in a non-native language, and how family legends transform into epic novels. This episode is perfect for book lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about the stories that shape us. You can support my work (spreading Hungarian history) here: https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/donate-my-work/ (https://www.hungarianottomanwars.com/donate-my-work/)

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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