In a world full of two-bit podcasts, amid all the dreck, two stand head and shoulders above the rest, in my view. Both are created in the United Kingdom, and involve a fair bit of British humor, which they complement with vast erudition. Not dry academic erudition, mind you, but the colorful erudition of those who enjoy learning for its own sake.

The Rest is History, featuring Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland, both of whom have abjured employment in formal academia for the life of the mind outside the university.  We are richer for this, for they address a wild range of historical topics with considerable insight and wit, self-deprecating and at the other’s expense, all the while offering their interpretation of events– and characters.  No topic or historical figure lies beyond their ambit. You can find episodes on Titanic, World War Two, Alexander the Great, Martin Luther, Mary Queen of Scots, on it goes. Sandbrook is the modern historian and Holland the ancient/medieval expert. Pure enjoyment!  You can find the podcast on Spotify and Youtube.

The Book Club, also featuring Dominic Sandbrook, on this podcast accompanied by Tabitha Syrett, who provides an acerbic counterpoise to Sandbrook’s straight take on novels all over the map, from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, to Madline Miller’s Circe. The list of books grows weekly and shows no signs of letting up. What I appreciate most is how they draw you into the world of the author and the novel without giving away key plot points; you must read the books to satisfy your curiosity. You can also subscribe to their rather informative newsletter at https://www.thebookclubhq.com/

This is history and literature made accessible through witty banter, insight, and unadorned enthusiasm. Highly recommended, both.