Why Wars Happened History Podcast

About Why Wars Happened History Podcast

BEST HISTORY PODCAST WINNER: The only podcast delivering award-winning immersive history and A-list access.

Publisher

Emily Ross

Category

education · history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Jul 2024

Latest episode

26 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

82 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Aug 2025

   INTERVIEW: Hollywood Titans Turn History Into Hit Podcasts: CIA Secrets, Buzz Aldrin & More!

   Join the Why Wars Happen History Podcast as we chat with entertainment powerhouses Jeremy Fox, Sir Howard Stringer, and Jeff Bewkes. In this episode, we uncover their journey into podcasting with Thoroughbred Studios, producing immersive historical audio dramas that are captivating listeners worldwide. Discover the making of “Central Intelligence,” the UK’s #1 audio drama starring Kim Cattrall, which brings to life the shadowy world of CIA espionage and covert operations. Plus, get an exclusive look at “Buzz,” the upcoming series featuring John Lithgow, exploring Buzz Aldrin’s moon landing mission and the Space Race like never before. From covert CIA operations to historic space exploration, learn how these epic true stories are being transformed into gripping audio storytelling experiences. Whether you're a fan of history podcasts, audio dramas, or behind-the-scenes media insights, this episode offers an inside look at how storytelling is evolving for global audiences. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Why Wars Happen History Podcast 00:26 – Meet the Esteemed Guests 01:09 – Why These Media Giants Entered Podcasting 03:35 – The Success of Central Intelligence (Starring Kim Cattrall) 05:36 – Why Historical Audio Dramas Matter 11:53 – Behind the Scenes of Central Intelligence 13:22 – Buzz: A New Take on Buzz Aldrin’s Space Legacy (Featuring John Lithgow) 19:32 – Challenges in Today’s Entertainment Industry 21:51 – The Mission Behind Thoroughbred Studios 31:21 – Closing Thoughts Tune in to explore how history, espionage, and space exploration come alive through cinematic sound design, A-list talent, and expert storytelling. #podcast #history #behindthescenes #screenwriting #audiodrama

2. 

   19 Aug 2025

   INTERVIEW: German Unification with Historian Katja Hoyer

   On this episode of Why Wars Happened, we’re joined by historian and author Katja Hoyer to take a deep dive into one of Europe’s most dramatic transformations — the unification of Germany. Katja, who wrote the highly praised Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire, walks us through how a scattered collection of states came together to form a powerful empire — and how that transformation shaped the path to war. We’ll start in 1815, just after Napoleon’s defeat, and trace the events leading up to Germany’s unification in 1871, right through to the outbreak of World War I. Along the way, we’ll talk about the power moves of Otto von Bismarck, the rise of Wilhelm II, and the growing tensions — political, cultural, and social — within the new empire. This episode digs into how Germany’s rapid rise unsettled Europe, fueled militarism, and left a lasting mark on the 20th century. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the roots of modern conflict, this is one you won’t want to miss. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:58 The Big Picture: Europe After 1815 01:48 Napoleon’s Shadow and the German Question 03:14 How the Great Powers Reacted 04:36 Prussia Steps Up 06:35 Life in a Brand-New Germany 12:52 Bismarck’s Strategy and Influence 15:43 Why Bismarck’s Legacy Still Divides Historians 21:19 Enter Wilhelm II 25:44 Tensions Rise Before the Great War 28:52 Social Friction and Cultural Shifts 30:25 Final Thoughts + Katja’s Book Pick ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERVIEW: INTERVIEW: German Unification with Historian Katja Hoyer Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved? Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go! The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others. #historypodcast #Whywarshappened #whywarshappen

3. 

   19 Aug 2025

   The Tragic Tale of Charles I: England’s First Executed King

   Step into the dramatic and tragic history of Charles I, the King of England who became the nation’s first monarch to be executed. This in-depth historical documentary explores the rise and fall of Charles I, his turbulent reign, and the political and personal decisions that sealed his fate. 📜 Discover: The early life of Charles I and his path to the throne The powerful yet controversial influence of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham His marriage to Henrietta Maria of France and the deep religious tensions it caused Disastrous military campaigns and the political backlash that followed The rebellion in Scotland and the bitter English Civil War His dramatic trial, execution, and the lasting legacy of Charles I Whether you’re a fan of British history, English monarchs, or royal scandals, this episode is packed with intrigue, betrayal, and the story of a king whose downfall changed England forever. 🔔 Subscribe for more historical deep dives into kings, queens, and forgotten monarchs! Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Charles I01:27 – Early Life and Rise to Power01:57 – The Influence of the Duke of Buckingham03:31 – Marriage to Henrietta Maria & Religious Conflicts05:41 – Military Failures & Buckingham’s Downfall19:15 – The English Civil War & Execution of the King20:30 – Legacy of Charles I & Historical Impact21:51 – Conclusion & Reflections

Who has been a guest on Why Wars Happened History Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Roel Konijnendijk
• Leon Carroll Jr
• Lord Jonathan Sumption
• Justine Firnhaber-Baker
• Tim Bouverie

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

260,887

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100

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

Quality

57

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

32

Contact Why Wars Happened History Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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