Talking History with Patrick Geoghegan

4.7 (43)
HISTORY
UPDATED WEEKLY

This unique and lively history show delves into some of the world's most important political, social and cultural events and the intriguing personalities behind them. Presented by Dr Patrick Geoghegan of Trinity College Dublin, Talking History unravels the gritty, sometimes uncomfortable, side of our past, and what we can learn from it.

3 DAYS AGO

The History of Gladiators

Marking the release of Gladiator 2, in this episode we explore the brutal world of gladiators - and how they rose from captivity to become icons of the Roman Empire. Featuring: Dr Jerry Toner, Director of Studies in Classics at Churchill College, University of Cambridge, Kathleen M. Coleman, James Loeb Professor of the Classics, Harvard University, and Dr Andrew Fear, Lecturer in Classics, University of Manchester.

48 min
NOV 10

The Fall Of The Berlin Wall

We're marking the 35th anniversary of one of the most seismic events of the 20th century: the fall of the Berlin Wall. We'll find out why it was built, how it fell, and how it brought an end to the Cold War. Joining Patrick Geoghegan is: Prof Patrick Major, Professor of Modern History at the University of Reading; Katja Hoyer, historian, author of ‘Beyond the Wall: East Germany, 1949-1990', and visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London; and Frederick Taylor, historian, author of ‘The Berlin Wall: A World Divided, 1961-1989' and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society of Great Britain.

50 min
NOV 3

Best of November Books

In this episode: Captive Queen: the Decrypted Story of Mary, Queen of Scots, by Dr Jade Scott When Courage Calls: Josephine Butler and the Radical Pursuit of Justice for Women, by Dr Sarah C. Williams and Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age, by Dr Eleanor Barraclough

49 min
OCT 27

Bram Stoker and The Petty Sessions

This special Talking History episode, live from the Supreme Court in Dublin, in conjunction with Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival, centres on Bram Stoker and the ‘Petty Sessions: Weird and Wonderful Court Cases from Victorian Ireland’ . Hosted by Tommy Graham, editor of History Ireland. The Duties of Clerks of Petty Sessions in Ireland was Bram Stoker’s second book of nonfiction. For many years this book was considered to be the standard reference work for petty sessions (local courts dealing with minor criminal and civil cases) clerks in Ireland – the equivalent of today’s District Courts. In this episode, we’ll explore these fascinating tales from the Petty Sessions of the 19th century and how they help us understand the Ireland of Bram Stoker’s time as well as the author himself. With guests Paul Kelly, President of the District Court, Zoe Reid, Keeper at The National Archives of Ireland and Professor Jarlath Killeen, Head of the School of English, Trinity College Dublin. With thanks to David Slevin, Seafra O’Donovan, Jack Lawlor, Eric Rowntree and Marese O’Sullivan from Newstalk, Tara Brady of the Courts Service; and Joe Murphy, Tom Lawlor, and Maria Schweppe and volunteers from the Bram Stoker Festival.

52 min
OCT 20

Best of October Books

In this episode of Talking History, our October books special: when Britain became a republic and why it ended in failure, with Prof Alice Hunt of the University of Southampton; magic and religious controversy in the 16th century, with Dr Violet Moller, author of Inside the Stargazer’s Palace: The Transformation of Science in 16th-Century Northern Europe; and how the CIA became an instrument of a new covert empire, with Prof Hugh Wilford of California State University.

53 min
OCT 13

The History of Modern Sinn Féin

In this episode, Patrick Geoghegan explores the history of modern Sinn Féin, alongside Prof. Agnès Maillot, Head of the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies at Dublin City University; Dr Brian Hanley, Teaching Fellow in Twentieth-Century Irish History, Trinity College Dublin; Dr Liam Weeks, Head of the Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork; Dr Matthew Whiting, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Politics, University of York; and Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan.

52 min
OCT 6

The Most Iconic US Presidential Debates

We're looking at the history of American presidential debates as we explore some of the worst mistakes and iconic quips candidates have made and debate whether they can be the making or the breaking of a future president. Featuring Dr Daniel Rowe of the University of Oxford, Dr Sandra Scanlon of UCD, Dr Daniel Geary of Trinity College Dublin, and Dr Lewis Defrates of Maynooth University.

55 min
SEP 29

Oliver Cromwell and Ireland

This episode of Talking History centres on the life and legacy of Oliver Cromwell and the massacres in Ireland. Featuring Prof John Morrill, emeritus professor of British and Irish history at the University of Cambridge, Prof Ronald Hutton, Professor of History at the University of Bristol, Prof Micheál Ó Siochrú, Head of the School of Histories and Humanities, Trinity College Dublin, and Alice Hunt, Professor of Early Modern Literature and History at the University of Southampton. Hosted by Patrick Geoghegan.

53 min

See All (184)

4.7

out of 5

43 Ratings

Always Fascinating

05/23/2023

Moira O'C

I’m always so impressed by Dr. Geoghegan’s mastery of the diverse subjects he introduces here; It is what makes him a brilliant interviewer. His guests are accomplished and interesting. My “to read” book list is getting very long indeed.
Sound Levels Again

01/17/2021

Trappef in Texad

Another great show, but the sound balance is terrible. Some of the participants dialing in are so low that I have to jack up the volume to hear but then I get blasted when the show moves on. Surely it cannot be beyond the wit of man to fix this? Thanks.
Dreadful Sound Quality

10/05/2022

Mallarie121

The dreadful sound quality matches the dreadful show. Phone in guests are barely understandable the quality is so poor. The presenter certainly enjoys the sound of his own voice and the overall presentation is lack lustre. I find myself drifting…
Best history podcast in the world

01/26/2016

Toronto Hot Sauce

I listen in from Canada each week.

This unique and lively history show delves into some of the world's most important political, social and cultural events and the intriguing personalities behind them. Presented by Dr Patrick Geoghegan of Trinity College Dublin, Talking History unravels the gritty, sometimes uncomfortable, side of our past, and what we can learn from it.