Top World War II History Podcasts

Selecting the best World War II history podcast depends on individual preferences, but several consistently stand out for their quality, depth, and engaging storytelling. These podcasts offer a variety of perspectives, from detailed military analysis to personal accounts, ensuring there's something for every listener interested in this pivotal period of history.

1. The History of WWII Podcast

Host: Ray Harris Jr.
Platform Links: Official Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This podcast is widely considered the gold standard for World War II history podcasts. Ray Harris Jr. has been producing episodes since 2011, providing a comprehensive and detailed account of the war. His approach is chronological, meticulously covering the war's timeline from its origins to its aftermath. The podcast delves into both major battles and lesser-known events, offering a balanced perspective on the conflict.

Content Quality: The podcast is known for its incredible depth and detail, with a focus on both military and civilian perspectives. Harris excels in setting the stage for major conflicts, providing context and analysis that enhances understanding.

Storytelling: Harris's narration is engaging, taking listeners on a journey through the war's major events and key players. His attention to detail and ability to weave together complex narratives make the podcast both educational and compelling.

Audience Reception: The podcast has a strong following, with a 4.4/5 rating on Apple Podcasts and a significant social media presence (8.8K Facebook followers, 4.1K Twitter followers). This indicates a dedicated and satisfied listener base.

Frequency and Length: Episodes are released biweekly, with an average length of 42 minutes, making it a consistent and manageable listen.

Why It’s Ranked #1: Its longevity, comprehensive coverage, high production value, and consistent positive feedback make it the top choice for World War II enthusiasts.

Source Citations: FeedSpot Ranking, WhatPods Ranking

2. The WW2 Podcast

Host: Angus Wallace
Platform Links: Official Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of World War II, covering military strategies, personal stories, and the social dynamics of the war. Angus Wallace often features expert interviews, adding depth and credibility to the episodes. The podcast delves into various aspects of the war, including tanks, guns, political strategies, and the social impacts of the conflict.

Content Quality: The podcast is known for its meticulous research and engaging storytelling, appealing to both military enthusiasts and general history buffs. The inclusion of expert interviews provides valuable insights and perspectives.

Storytelling: Wallace's engaging narration and the expert guests make the podcast both educational and entertaining. The podcast actively engages its listeners through discussions and resource sharing.

Audience Reception: With 252 episodes and a strong listener base, this podcast is a favorite among history enthusiasts. The active listener engagement indicates a strong community around the podcast.

Frequency and Length: Episodes are released regularly, with an average length of 50 minutes, providing a consistent stream of content.

Why It’s Ranked #2: Its combination of expert interviews, detailed analysis, consistent release schedule, and active community make it a standout in the genre.

Source Citations: Goodpods Ranking, WhatPods Ranking, Identify Medals

3. We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Hosts: Al Murray and James Holland
Platform Links: Official Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This podcast offers a unique blend of humor and historical analysis, focusing on the British perspective of World War II. Hosted by historian James Holland and comedian Al Murray, the podcast covers a wide range of topics, including logistics, espionage, and personal stories of soldiers and civilians.

Content Quality: The podcast provides a mix of humor and historical analysis, focusing on lesser-known aspects of World War II. The hosts' deep knowledge and engaging discussions make for an entertaining and informative listen.

Storytelling: The hosts' chemistry and ability to balance humor with serious historical analysis make the podcast engaging and accessible. The focus on overlooked details of the war provides a fresh perspective.

Audience Reception: It has a loyal following, particularly among British listeners, who appreciate the unique approach to the subject matter.

Frequency and Length: Episodes are released frequently, with an average length of 45 minutes, ensuring a steady stream of content for listeners.

Why It’s Ranked #3: Its unique blend of humor and history, combined with the hosts' engaging personalities, makes it stand out in the crowded field of World War II podcasts.

Source Citations: FeedSpot Ranking, Identify Medals

4. History Extra Podcast (World War II Specials)

Host: BBC History Magazine
Platform Links: Official Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, this podcast features expert interviews and discussions on various historical topics, including World War II. While not exclusively focused on the war, it includes several episodes dedicated to key battles, political decisions, and cultural impacts.

Content Quality: The podcast benefits from the BBC's high production quality and access to expert historians, making it a reliable source of historical information. The interviews with leading historians and authors provide valuable insights.

Storytelling: The podcast offers a mix of expert analysis and engaging discussions, providing both global and local perspectives on the war.

Audience Reception: Its general history focus attracts a broad audience, with World War II episodes being particularly popular. The podcast's credibility and expert insights make it a valuable resource.

Frequency and Length: Episodes are released biweekly, with varying lengths, offering a flexible listening experience.

Why It’s Ranked #4: Its high production value, expert insights, and focus on both global and local perspectives make it a valuable resource for World War II history.

Source Citations: WhatPods Ranking, FeedSpot

5. American History Tellers (World War II Series)

Host: Lindsay Graham
Platform Links: Wondery, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Hosted by Lindsay Graham, this podcast explores pivotal moments in American history, including an in-depth series on World War II. It examines how the war shaped the United States and its citizens, providing a unique perspective on the conflict.

Content Quality: The podcast is known for its high production quality, engaging narration, and focus on how historical events affect modern life. The series on World War II provides a detailed look at the war's impact on the United States.

Storytelling: Graham's engaging narration and ability to connect historical events to modern life make the podcast both educational and relevant.

Audience Reception: The podcast has a strong following, with a 4.6/5 rating on Apple Podcasts and a significant social media presence (11.6M Facebook followers, 7.4M Instagram followers). This indicates a large and engaged listener base.

Frequency and Length: Episodes are released weekly, with an average length of 30-40 minutes, making it a consistent and manageable listen.

Why It’s Ranked #5: Its high production quality, engaging narration, and focus on the American perspective of World War II make it a valuable resource for understanding the war's impact on the United States.

Source Citations: FeedSpot

6. The History of the Second World War

Host: Wesley Livesay
Platform Links: Official Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This podcast offers a chronological exploration of World War II, making it ideal for listeners who prefer a structured approach. Wesley Livesay's clear and concise narration ensures that even complex topics are easy to follow.

Content Quality: The podcast is known for its thorough research and clear, concise narration, making it accessible to both beginners and experts.

Storytelling: Livesay's narration is engaging and easy to follow, ensuring that even complex topics are understandable. The chronological format makes it easy to track the progression of the war.

Audience Reception: The podcast has a growing audience and positive reviews for its thorough research and clear presentation.

Frequency and Length: Episodes are released regularly, with an average length of 30 minutes, making it a consistent and manageable listen.

Why It’s Ranked #6: Its chronological format, detailed research, and clear narration make it a great resource for both beginners and experts interested in World War II.

Source Citations: FeedSpot Ranking

7. Hardcore History (Blueprint for Armageddon Series)

Host: Dan Carlin
Platform Links: Official Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Although not exclusively about World War II, Dan Carlin’s "Blueprint for Armageddon" series offers a gripping narrative of the events leading up to and during the war. Carlin's deep dives into historical events are known for their emotional engagement and unparalleled depth.

Content Quality: The podcast is known for its deep dives into historical events, providing an emotionally engaging and detailed narrative. Carlin's storytelling is unparalleled in its depth and impact.

Storytelling: Carlin's passionate narration brings history to life, making the events feel immediate and impactful. The long-form episodes allow for a thorough exploration of the subject matter.

Audience Reception: The podcast has a strong following, with a 4.8/5 rating on Apple Podcasts, indicating a highly satisfied listener base.

Frequency and Length: Episodes are released irregularly, with each episode averaging 3-4 hours, making it a commitment but a rewarding one.

Why It’s Ranked #7: Its deep dives into historical events, emotionally engaging storytelling, and unparalleled depth make it a must-listen for anyone interested in the lead-up to and events of World War II.

Source Citations: Identify Medals

8. Cauldron - A Military History Podcast

Host: Cullen Burke
Platform Links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

While not exclusively focused on World War II, this podcast covers significant battles and military strategies, including those from the Second World War. Cullen Burke’s ability to break down complex battles into understandable narratives is a highlight.

Content Quality: The podcast provides in-depth analysis of military tactics and strategies, making it appealing to listeners interested in the tactical aspects of World War II.

Storytelling: Burke’s ability to break down complex battles into understandable narratives makes the podcast both educational and engaging.

Audience Reception: The podcast has 80 episodes with an average length of 46 minutes and has been praised for its in-depth analysis.

Frequency and Length: Episodes are less frequent, with the latest episode released a year ago, but the existing content remains highly relevant.

Why It’s Ranked #8: Its focus on military history and tactical analysis makes it a valuable resource for those interested in the strategic aspects of World War II.

Source Citations: Goodpods Ranking

9. Stories of the Second World War

Host: Noah Tetzner
Platform Links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

This podcast explores various aspects of World War II, from personal stories to broader historical events. Noah Tetzner’s engaging style and focus on lesser-known stories make this podcast unique.

Content Quality: The podcast focuses on human stories and unique perspectives, setting it apart from other podcasts that focus more on military strategy.

Storytelling: Tetzner’s engaging style and focus on lesser-known stories make the podcast both informative and compelling.

Audience Reception: With 19 episodes averaging 28 minutes, it has a smaller but dedicated audience.

Frequency and Length: The podcast has not released new episodes in four years, but its existing library is still highly regarded.

Why It’s Ranked #9: Its focus on human stories and unique perspectives sets it apart from other podcasts, offering a different angle on World War II.

Source Citations: Goodpods Ranking

10. The Dead Prussian Podcast

Description: Focuses on military theory and leadership, with episodes dedicated to World War II strategies and the lessons learned from the conflict. Platform Links: Official Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts

Content Quality: The podcast offers an analytical approach, focusing on military leadership and strategies used during World War II. It includes interviews with military historians, adding depth and credibility.

Storytelling: The podcast provides a detailed analysis of military theory and leadership, making it valuable for those interested in the strategic aspects of the war.

Audience Reception: The podcast has a dedicated audience that appreciates its analytical approach and focus on military leadership.

Frequency and Length: Episodes are released monthly, with an average length of 45-60 minutes.

Why It’s Ranked #10: Its analytical approach, focus on military leadership, and interviews with military historians make it a valuable resource for those interested in the strategic aspects of World War II.

Source Citations: Identify Medals

Additional Podcasts

Several other podcasts offer valuable content related to World War II, including:

• The Civil War & Reconstruction Podcast: While primarily focused on the Civil War, this podcast includes episodes that draw parallels between the Civil War and World War II, particularly in terms of military strategies and societal impacts. FeedSpot
• History on Fire: This podcast covers a wide range of historical topics, including World War II, with Daniele Bolelli’s passionate narration bringing history to life. WhatPods Ranking
• The History of England (World War II Episodes): Hosted by David Crowther, this podcast occasionally features episodes that explore England’s role in World War II, including the Blitz, Churchill’s leadership, and the home front. FeedSpot
• Real Dictators (World War II Episodes): This podcast explores the lives and actions of infamous dictators, including Adolf Hitler, and their roles in shaping World War II. FeedSpot

Conclusion

These podcasts represent the best in World War II history content, offering a mix of expert analysis, compelling storytelling, and diverse perspectives. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual listener, these recommendations provide a wealth of knowledge and entertainment. The podcasts listed above cover a wide range of topics, from detailed military analysis to personal accounts, ensuring there's something for every listener interested in this pivotal period of history.