Afleveringen
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In today’s episode, Minister Artie and Deputy Minister Anna dive into the fascinating yet often overlooked reign of Edward VI. Though his rule lasted just six years—cut short by his death at age 15—Edward left an indelible mark on England’s history.
As a devout Protestant, Edward spearheaded significant reforms, including the introduction of an English-language Bible—a move so controversial it sparked rebellion. Under his rule, England took major strides toward becoming a firmly Protestant nation. And let’s not forget his dramatic decision to alter the line of succession, naming his cousin Lady Jane Grey as his heir to bypass his Catholic sister, Mary.
But why was Edward so passionately Protestant? Who wielded real power while he was still a child? And what drove him to gamble with the crown’s future?
Join us as we uncover the answers to these questions and explore the brief but transformative reign of England’s boy king.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week in 1919, the Paris Peace Conference began. Five months later, on 28 June 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed. The treaty is often hailed as one of history’s most influential—and controversial—agreements. Marking the end of the First World War, it aimed to bring peace but is frequently criticised for sowing the seeds of an even deadlier conflict: the Second World War.
In this episode, I’m joined by historian Michael S. Neiberg, a leading expert in 20th-century military history and author of The Treaty of Versailles: A Concise History. Together, we unpack the drama of the Paris Peace Conference and its far-reaching consequences. Who were the key players behind the treaty, and what were their agendas? How was Germany treated during negotiations, and what terms were imposed on them? Has the treaty always been this controversial, or has time changed its legacy? Most importantly, did the Treaty of Versailles truly pave the way for the Second World War?
Join us for a fascinating dive into one of history’s most consequential treaties!
Here you can find Michael's website.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Often referred to as the 'forgotten pandemic,' the Spanish flu of 1918 claimed an estimated 50 million lives in just one year—more than twice the death toll of the First World War, which was just winding down as the virus ramped up. Unlike typical influenza outbreaks, this deadly virus primarily went for young adults aged 20–40, an age group usually less vulnerable to such illnesses.
Why was the Spanish flu so deadly for young people? Where did it originate, and why was it called the 'Spanish flu'? And what lessons can we learn from it, especially in light of the recent Covid-19 pandemic? Listen to the episode to find out the answer to these questions and uncover the story behind one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this second part of Minister's Questions 1, Tina and Artie are answering yet more questions from you and from guests on their tours.
What is the most challenging thing about being a tour guide in Berlin? What was the best tour you got in a city that was not in Berlin? What is your favourite thing to do in the city when you're not showing people around? Watch to find out the answer to these and more!
This was super fun, so if you have any questions, please do send them in using the contact form on our website or commenting on social media or slide into our DMs!
You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Join Anna and me for the seventh episode of our series, The Tudors: A Real Game of Thrones, where we explore the dramatic final chapter of Henry VIII’s reign before his death in 1547.
After the stormy 1530s, Henry dreamed of being young again, and this led him to the young and foolish Catherine Howard. She humiliated Henry by indulging the attentions of one of his favourite courtiers and she duly was sent to the chopping block. Meanwhile, his health deteriorated, plagued by a painful and worsening leg ulcer. Determined to assert his authority, he launched a final, ill-fated invasion of France and began reversing some of his earlier religious reforms. At the same time, he focused on securing the succession for his children.
When Henry passed away in 1547, he left England in turmoil, and stability would not be restored until his daughter Elizabeth took the throne in 1558.
You can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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With the transformation of The History Buff into the Ministry of History, there is a new series called 'Minister's Questions' (MQs). This is where ministers from the Ministry will answer questions either submitted by you or just random questions. Themes will be about history but also about other things the Ministry does such as tours of Berlin. MQs was originally just going to be YouTube content, but during editing we decided that it works well as a podcast too!
In this first episode, Minister Artie and Deputy Minister Tina, both Berlin tour guides, answer questions from online and also from visitors in Berlin about being a Berlin tour guide. We had quite a few questions so it's split into two parts. Please enjoy this first part and do let us know any questions you may have for us by getting in contact using the contact form on our website or over social media!
Why did you move to Berlin? Why did you become a guide? What are your favourite topics to guide in? What topics don't you like? Listen to find out the answer to these and many other questions!
MQs is primarily a YouTube series, so you can also watch this episode as a video on YouTube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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To celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Christmas Truce, the Ministry of History Podcast is relaunching (having previously been The History Buff) with an episode about its story.
In the midst of the horrific fighting of the First World War, on Christmas Day, German and British soldiers laid down their weapons and agreed a spontaneous truce. They met each other in no-mans land where hours before they had been shooting at each other. They chatted, smoked, shared letters and pictures and even kicked a football around. It's a story that shows that underneath all the bravery and aggression of soldiers, they are just humans who want connection.
How could such a thing happen during war? How did it actually happen? What did they do when they met in no-man's land? Did they really ply a game of football? Listen to this episode to find out!
Merry Christmas to you all from the Ministry of History Podcast.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The History Buff is back—reborn as the Ministry of History Podcast!
This season promises the same captivating solo episodes and lively co-hosted discussions you've come to love. Anna and Artie are wrapping up their epic Tudor series with six new episodes, diving into everything from Henry VIII’s final years to the reign of Elizabeth I, the last Tudor. There's also some bonus episodes coming up for you this season...
Season 4 (the first season as the Ministry of History Podcast!) will begin on Christmas Day, so after indulging in festive treats, join us for the season premiere with a fascinating and touching Christmas story.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"Divorced, Beheaded, SURVIVED!" Join Anna and me as we dive deep into the dramatic lives of Henry VIII's last three wives—Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr.
As Henry's health and reign deteriorated in his later years, so did the stability of England. Each of these women played a unique role in his life: Anne, chosen for political reasons, Catherine Howard, who reignited his youth, and Catherine Parr, who shared his intellectual companionship. Their fates were as varied as their reasons for marriage.
Discover the intrigue, danger, and survival in this episode as we explore the stories behind the final three queens of Henry VIII.
You can also watch the video of this episode on Youtube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode, Anna and I dive deep into one of the most pivotal moments in English history—the break with Rome. What drove Henry VIII to sever ties with the Roman Catholic Church, a decision that would reshape the religious and political landscape of England forever? Was it purely his desire for an annulment from Catherine of Aragon, or were there deeper political and personal motivations at play? How did the quest for a male heir influence Henry's actions, and what role did figures like Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell play in this dramatic turn of events?
Join us as we unravel the intrigue, ambition, and drama behind Henry VIII's break with Rome. By the end of this episode, you'll have a deeper understanding of the man behind the crown and the lasting impact of his reign on history.
You can also watch the video of this episode on Youtube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of HerStory Buff, where we talk about women in history, we dive into the fascinating life of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world's first female prime minister. Journey with us as we explore how this trailblazing leader from a small island nation shattered the global glass ceiling in 1960, well before her counterparts Indira Ghandi in India and Margaret Thatcher in Britain.
We'll uncover her rise to power after a personal tragedy, how she balanced tradition with progress, and the ways she steered Sri Lanka through turbulent times. From navigating Cold War politics to implementing groundbreaking social reforms, Bandaranaike's story is one of resilience, determination, and groundbreaking leadership.
You can also watch the video of this episode on Youtube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Anna and I are back with The Tudors: A Real Game of Thrones!
"Divorced, beheaded, died..."—the first part of the famous rhyme tells the fate of Henry VIII's first three wives, and we're diving into their stories in this episode.
We will explore the dramatic lives of wife number one: the loyal Catherine of Aragon, wife number two: the ambitious Anne Boleyn, and wife number three: the tragic Jane Seymour. Uncover the love, scandal betrayal and power struggles that shaped their fates and changed the course of English history forever. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about royal intrigue, this episode reveals the real women behind the crown. Don't miss it!
You can also watch the video of this episode on Youtube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week, we unravel the chilling mystery of the Dyatlov Pass incident, where nine seasoned hikers met a bizarre and unexplained end in the frozen Russian wilderness. Found scattered across the landscape, some half-clothed in a frantic dash, their twisted bodies and various states of injury hinted at a possible traumatic demise at the hands of some unspeakable terror. Explore eerie details and theories—avalanches, sonic winds, yeti, or alien encounters—that continue to baffle experts and captivate the curious. Tune in for a journey through one of the most haunting unsolved mysteries of the 20th century.
You can also watch the video of this episode on Youtube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week, we're taking a break from our "Tudors" series. Join me and fellow Berlin tour guide Tina from Tina's Tours Berlin as we dive into the riveting history of a legendary figure in German history—the Trümmerfrau, or "Rubble Woman."
The image of the Rubble Women is iconic, symbolising the post-war reconstruction of Germany from the ashes of the Second World War. But who were these women? Were their contributions exaggerated for Cold War narratives, or did they truly shape the rebuilding of a nation? We'll explore how they cleared the rubble, whether they were forced or volunteered, and the gritty reality of their lives during those tumultuous times.
Tune in to uncover the legacy and memory of these unsung heroines. Don't miss this fascinating episode!
You can also follow Tina on instagram for fabulous tours and tips in Berlin!
You can also watch the video of this episode on Youtube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Anna Morris and I are back with another episode of The Tudors: A Real Game of Thrones! In this third instalment, we will be discussing the young life of Henry VIII and his early reign.
Henry VIII is arguably England's most famous monarch. This is partly because of the drama and intrigue caused by his multiple marriages to six different women (with two of these ending in beheadings of the wife!) but also because England went through an enormous amount of change under his rule (more on that in later episodes). Henry wasn't originally meant to inherit the throne, his older brother Arthur was meant to do so, but Arthur died in 1502 at 15-years-old. This led to Henry becoming king and one of the most influential monarchs in history.
What was Henry's young life like? Was he always the tyrant he became known for by the end of his life? How was his relationship with his father, Henry VII? What were Henry's priorities when he first came to the throne? Listen to this episode to find out!
You can also watch the video of this episode on Youtube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Welcome to the second episode of THE TUDORS: A REAL GAME OF THRONES! Join Anna and me as we delve into the fascinating rule of the first Tudor monarch, Henry VII.
Fresh off his triumphant victory at Bosworth Field in August 1485, Henry Tudor ended the brutal Wars of the Roses by marrying Elizabeth of York, uniting the warring houses of York and Lancaster. But his challenges were far from over. Winning the throne was just the beginning—now he had to secure and defend it.
What kind of monarch would Henry VII become? How would he heal a war-torn England and refill the much depleted treasury? And how would he solidify his fragile claim to the throne? Tune in to discover the answers to these riveting questions and more!
Don't miss this captivating exploration of history, intrigue, and power in The Tudors: A Real Game of Thrones.
You can also watch the video of this episode on Youtube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Tudors are Britain's most famous royal dynasty. They ruled over England from 1485 until 1603, and included England's two arguably most influential monarchs - Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. However, the Tudor dynasty also included many other fascinating and consequential monarchs such as Henry VII (the first Tudor monarch), Edward VI and Mary I (England's first female monarch).
In this twelve-part series of THE TUDORS: A REAL GAME OF THRONES, I am joined by recurring history buff and someone who studied the Tudor dynasty, Anna Morris. She is a familiar face on the podcast, having joined me to discuss the Empress Sissi of Austria all the way back in the first series.
We will cover everything from the end of the Battle of Bosworth Field and beginning of the Tudor Dynasty in 1485 all the way up to Elizabeth I's death at the end of her so-called Golden Age.
In this first episode, we will talk about the end of the Wars of the Roses—a series of civil wars fought between the houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne from 1455 to 1487. We will discuss how Henry Tudor, a plucky Welsh-born descendant of John of Gaunt with a fairly tenuous claim to the English throne, ended up winning it on the blood-spattered field of Bosworth in 1485.
You can watch the video of the episode on Youtube.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In the riveting conclusion of The History Buff's Berlin Wall series, I'm joined by fellow tour guide Joerg to delve into the momentous events of November 1989. We discuss the fateful night that marked the end of an era, including the infamous press conference, where an innocent mistake by an East German official led the Berlin Wall to come crashing down.
Joerg, who witnessed these events firsthand as a West Berliner, shares his unique perspective on the atmosphere in East Germany leading up to that historic night. We explore what it was like to be there, the immediate and long-term consequences of the wall coming down, and the complex legacy it left behind. Was the fall of the Berlin Wall purely positive, or did it bring unforeseen challenges? How has Germany navigated reunification in the years since? Join us for an insightful discussion that answers these questions and more. Don't miss this chance to understand one of the most pivotal moments in modern history.
You can watch the video of the episode on YouTube.
You can also follow Joerg on Instagram.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode, we shift our focus from the Berlin Wall itself to the lives of the people on either side. We'll explore how Berlin evolved into a bastion of counterculture and artistic expression, with distinct influences and circumstances in both the East and the West. Joining me for this discussion is fellow Berlin tour guide Ryan, an expert in this fascinating topic. Together, we'll delve into the unique cultural landscapes that flourished in a divided city.
From the East German punk and squatting movements to the cultural melting pot of occupied West Berlin, we explore how this divided city transformed into Europe's epicentre of defiance.
You can watch the video of this episode on Youtube.
For more fascinating insights from Ryan, you can follow him on Instagram.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In the next episode of the Berlin Wall series, I am joined by another fellow Berlin tour guide - Tina (or as I call her Miss Ernestina). In this third part of the series, I discuss with Tina the various escapes - both successes and failures - and the tragic deaths at the Wall.
With the sealing of the border and building of the Berlin Wall in August 1961, this meant that East Germans that wanted to leave East Germany had to find new ways to do so, and in this episode we delve into those gripping and all-too often tragic stories. Hear about Conrad Schumann's leap to freedom, which became an enduring image of the Cold War. Learn about the multiple daring escapes of the Bethke brothers, involving a blow up mattress, a zip-wire and two light aircraft! And listen to the heartbreaking story of Peter Fechter, whose very public shooting and death at the Wall became a symbol of the it's brutality. Join us as we explore these remarkable tales of courage and the human cost of division.
You can also watch the video of this episode on YouTube.
Check out the home video of the Bethke brothers escape flight over Berlin here.
Tina is a fantastic guide who offers many different fascinating tours of Berlin. Check out her website or her Instagram for more information!
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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