The History Buff

The History Buff is back—reborn as the Ministry of History Podcast!This season promises the same captivating solo episodes and lively co-hosted discussions you've come to love. Anna and Artie are wrapping up their epic Tudor series with six new episodes, diving into everything from Henry VIII’s final years to the reign of Elizabeth I, the last Tudor. There's also some bonus episodes coming up for you this season...Season 4 (the first season as the Ministry of History Podcast!) will begin on Christmas Day, so after indulging in festive treats, join us for the season premiere with a fascinating and touching Christmas story.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.

Anna Morris and I are back with another episode of The Tudors: A Real Game of Thrones! In this third instalment, we will be discussing the young life of Henry VIII and his early reign.Henry VIII is arguably England's most famous monarch. This is partly because of the drama and intrigue caused by his multiple marriages to six different women (with two of these ending in beheadings of the wife!) but also because England went through an enormous amount of change under his rule (more on that in later episodes). Henry wasn't originally meant to inherit the throne, his older brother Arthur was meant to do so, but Arthur died in 1502 at 15-years-old. This led to Henry becoming king and one of the most influential monarchs in history.What was Henry's young life like? Was he always the tyrant he became known for by the end of his life? How was his relationship with his father, Henry VII? What were Henry's priorities when he first came to the throne? Listen to this episode to find out!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.

Welcome to the second episode of THE TUDORS: A REAL GAME OF THRONES! Join Anna and me as we delve into the fascinating rule of the first Tudor monarch, Henry VII.Fresh off his triumphant victory at Bosworth Field in August 1485, Henry Tudor ended the brutal Wars of the Roses by marrying Elizabeth of York, uniting the warring houses of York and Lancaster. But his challenges were far from over. Winning the throne was just the beginning—now he had to secure and defend it.What kind of monarch would Henry VII become? How would he heal a war-torn England and refill the much depleted treasury? And how would he solidify his fragile claim to the throne? Tune in to discover the answers to these riveting questions and more!Don't miss this captivating exploration of history, intrigue, and power in The Tudors: A Real Game of Thrones.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.