Hardcore History is a podcast series well known for its sharp and distinct style and unique subject matter.
Not only is this show dedicated to exploring some of the lesser-known parts of history,
but it is also devoted to exploring them with a more modern and critical eye so that we can gain even more insight into our past.
Host Dan Carlin is known for his out-of-the-box thinking, which he can lend to his historical analysis.
If you want to see what all of the fuss is about, why not start with this list as I take you through the best episodes of this fantastic series? Read on below!
Table of Contents
Episode 62 – Supernova In The East I
The first part of Dan’s five-part epic series perfectly sets the stage for the crazy stories that he is about to explore in subsequent parts but is also a fantastic showcase of his immense storytelling chops.
The first part of this long-running series explores the early years of the Asia-Pacific war. It explores some
of the atrocities committed by the Japanese army in the name of power, this time from an entirely different angle.
This episode is a perfect introduction to Dan’s out-of-the=box thinking, as he twists the events around to see how things could have turned out should they have gone a little differently.
This episode is also perfect if you’re looking for something completely different in your listening experience.
It doesn’t just focus on one aspect of the historical event but instead looks at many parts of the conflict to try and see what else could have happened.
This episode is an absolute must-hear.
Listen on dancarlin.com.
Episode 60 – The Celtic Holocaust
This is an epic episode that spans an immense six hours as it explores Julius Caesar’s horrifying subjugation of the Celtic people of Gaul.
The interesting twist of this episode is that it is narrated by Caesar himself as if he were confessing to his war crimes.
If you want to learn about an oft-untouched part of human history, you need to check this episode out.
It is fascinating to hear the Roman general speak about these events, as he describes the brutalities that he ordered to be carried out against the Celts.
If you are interested in learning more about the ancient world, this is the episode. Of course, because of the content explored in this episode,
and the amount of detail it goes into, the episode does have a very significant runtime which can initially seem very daunting.
Trust me, though; it will fly by very quickly, as it is a genuinely fascinating story told effectively. It is truly some of the best that this show has to offer, so make sure to check it out for yourself.
Listen on dancarlin.com.
Episode 59 – (Blitz) The Destroyer Of Worlds
Nuclear weapons are, without argument, easily humanity’s most evil invention. When first invented,
just the mere idea of a weapon with such destructive capabilities was enough to send shockwaves around the world.
This led to an era of anxiety, as the threat of sudden nuclear decimation loomed heavily over everyone’s minds.
In this episode, Dan looks back at the birth of the atomic bomb and examines its effects on the world.
He focuses mainly on the fear that it caused and how it affected the lives of those who lived during the height of the Cold War.
The episode is incredibly informative and gives listeners great insight into the history of the development of nuclear weapons.
The episode also explores some of the many anti-nuclear measures put into place to prevent a nuclear apocalypse from occurring or mitigate its effects should it happen.
This makes the episode profoundly unsettling but entirely engaging throughout its impressive six-hour length.
The episode also speculates on what could potentially happen should nuclear war break out or should we lose control of such terrifying weaponry.
Some of the ideas put forward by Dan may initially sound crazy, but they seemingly become more plausible the more he explains them.
Listen on dancarlin.com.
Episode 56 – Kings Of Kings
Not many are aware of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which is a shame because it was one of the most impressive human civilizations that this world has ever seen.
Dan takes us through the early days of the empire through to its decline, which is a truly incredible and fascinating story depicting a civilization long since rendered to the distant past.
This topic also naturally lends itself to discussions of what fate may await civilizations of today and what a hypothetical end to our current society may well look like.
Though such a discussion is decidedly heavy and maybe a little bit too much for some to stomach, it is highly fascinating,
and will help you further understand the world we live in and how its many moving parts fit together.
Listen on dancarlin.com.
Episode 68 – Human Resources
Unfortunately, with the slave trade still very much active and a massive human rights issue in today’s world, this episode is still highly relevant.
This episode explores the long history of slavery and why it has proven to be so consistently present throughout
human history, and why it only took until the last few hundred years to be resolved.
This episode is extremely interesting and will give you a lot to think about when it comes to human trafficking.
It will also help you to better understand the modern-day slavery problem and how to combat it.
This episode will help you understand one of the darkest aspects of human history and the ramifications that can still be felt today.
And, true to style, Dan also explores the issue with an out-of-the-box approach to try and illuminate some new discussions on the subject.
Listen on dancarlin.com.
