Mythology Podcasts

Lore

Aaron Mahnke

Step into the shadows of the past with Lore, a podcast that uncovers the chilling historical truths hidden behind our darkest superstitions. Each episode acts as a journey through the forgotten corners of time, where creator Aaron Mahnke masterfully blends meticulous research with immersive storytelling. Whether investigating the unsettling history of corpse medicine, the psychological terror of sleep paralysis, or the macabre traditions surrounding Victorian social gatherings, the show reveals that our collective history is often far more haunting than any fiction. The podcast explores the intersection of human fear and historical reality, tracing how folklore, tragedy, and unexplained phenomena have shaped the way we live and die. From the eerie legends of the American South to the mysterious cases of spiritualism that captivated 19th-century communities, Lore examines the dark motivations and societal pressures that turn ordinary lives into the stuff of nightmares. With a deep archive of episodes and the complementary Deeper Lore series, listeners are invited to connect the dots between historical oddities and the enduring nature of human belief. The show is perfect for those who are fascinated by the grim side of history—a place where the truth is rarely black and white, but always deeply unsettling. Join us as we peel back the layers of history to reveal the stories that were meant to remain in the dark.

Evil Genius with Russell Kane

BBC Sounds

Ever wonder if your favorite historical figure was actually a nightmare, or if that adorable animal in the nature documentary is secretly a cold-blooded villain? Hosted by Russell Kane, Evil Genius is the ultimate courtroom for the famous, the infamous, and the misunderstood. Each episode, Russell brings together a panel of comedians and experts to put a subject on trial. Whether they are dissecting the chaotic life of a legendary train robber, questioning the saintly status of Joan of Arc, or debating if a koala is a brilliant survivor or just a repulsive, territorial mess, the show peels back the layers of myth to find the messy reality underneath. It is a brilliant blend of deep-dive research and sharp, irreverent comedy where no reputation is safe. The show excels at challenging the sanitised versions of history and nature we were taught in school. You will learn about the bizarre evolutionary traits of wasps, the erratic personal life of Mozart, and the strange, phantom myths surrounding Helen of Troy. If you enjoy having your assumptions dismantled with wit and genuine scientific curiosity, this is the place to be. Join the jury as Russell and his guests weigh the facts, argue over the legends, and decide once and for all: are these icons and critters geniuses, or are they truly evil?

The Ancients

History Hit

Step into the shadows of the past with The Ancients, a podcast dedicated to pulling back the curtain on the civilizations, mysteries, and figures that shaped our world. Hosted by Tristan Hughes, each episode invites you on an immersive journey across deep time, ranging from the dawn of multicellular life and the mysterious cultures of prehistoric Britain to the sophisticated intellectual hubs of the Hellenistic age and the tumultuous politics of the Roman Empire. What sets this series apart is its commitment to bridging the gap between dry academic research and the visceral, human stories behind history’s greatest relics. Whether you are curious about the mechanics of the Trojan War, the symbolism behind ancient flood myths, or the cognitive complexity of our Neanderthal ancestors, the show brings world-class historians, archaeologists, and novelists into the studio to share their expertise. Instead of simply reciting dates, the show focuses on the "why" and "how"—examining trade networks, religious debates, social hierarchies, and the persistent human drive to leave a mark for eternity. The Ancients acts as an archaeological site of its own, carefully excavating the truth from layers of legend, bias, and time. If you have ever wondered what it was really like to live in the shadow of the Oracle at Delphi or why humanity has spent millennia obsessed with the destruction of the old world, this podcast is your essential guide to the complexities of the ancient experience.