The History Buff

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.