Best Irish Translated Podcasts (2025)

1
Deadly skies: the WW2 mission to fly over the Himalayas 47:27

2m ago47:27

47:27

During the Second World War, a promise by President Roosevelt to provide supplies to nationalist China led to the creation of an ill-fated air supply route from India, across a perilous stretch of the Himalayan foothills known as 'the hump'. Caroline Alexander tells Elinor Evans about the young American pilots who braved the world’s most dangerous …

1
Midwives & Mothers: A History of Birth in Ireland 28:47

1d ago28:47

28:47

In times past, childbirth was a profoundly communal and intimate experience, guided by the steady hands and wisdom of community midwives. Known as Bean Ghlúine—the Women of the Knee—these women were among the most important figures in rural Irish communities. In this episode, I’m joined by historian Emma Laffey to explore the world of birth and mid…

1
Royal sisters: the tragic lives of Queen Victoria's granddaughters 38:47

1d ago38:47

38:47

Victoria, Ella, Irene and Alix of Hesse were four young European princesses and granddaughters of Queen Victoria, whose marriages would change the face of early 20th-century Europe. Speaking to Elinor Evans, Frances Welch introduces the four sisters. She explores their relationships with one another, and reveals how their stories stretch from the c…

1
Spring Awakening 2:06:41

2d ago2:06:41

2:06:41

Episode #348: The Spring Revolution in Myanmar represents a continuation of long-standing struggles for a legitimate political order, according to Charlie Thame, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Thammasat University. Thame describes this uprising as a "redemptive revolution," striving to fulfill the promises of past movements like …

1
Calamity Jane: life of the week 46:15

3d ago46:15

46:15

Calamity Jane roars into the popular imagination atop the Deadwood Stage with a 'whip-crack-away' and her pistol ready-loaded. A bold and resourceful frontierswoman, Calamity held her own among the men of the American West. But she was also instrumental in the making of her own myth. Emily Briffett spoke to historian Karen Jones to piece together w…

1
Spiritual showmen: the 1920s occult 36:40

4d ago36:40

36:40

Tahra Bey became a celebrity with his apparent ability to control his pulse, stab himself without pain and even bury himself alive. Dr Dahesh, meanwhile, was a spiritualist who sparked an entire religious movement. Speaking to Lauren Good, Raphael Cormack explores the lives of these two figures who made a name for themselves in the occult scene of …

1
Cheese history: everything you wanted to know 40:16

5d ago40:16

40:16

Nothing beats a well-loaded cheeseboard. But while so many of us enjoy a stinky stilton and ripe brie, or chuck a reliable old cheddar into our basket at the supermarket each week, what do we actually know about the history of the cheese we eat? From sustaining Roman troops to becoming a staple in lunchboxes across the globe, the history of cheese …

1
Dispatches from the Edge 1:07:19

7d ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Episode #347: In the first part of this three-part series, three distinct yet intersecting voices reveal the human, political, and structural toll of the Myanmar crisis—and the inadequacy of ASEAN’s current response. Charles Santiago, a veteran Malaysian politician and currently the chair of the Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights, delivers a s…

1
Taking sides: how the Civil War turned friends into enemies 31:12

7d ago31:12

31:12

As 17th-century Britain edged ever closer to civil war, two friends, Bulstrode Whitelock and Ned Hyde, found their relationship under increasing strain. Minoo Dinshaw tells Ellie Cawthorne about how these two companions found themselves on opposite sides of a political and ideological divide, and reflects on how the Civil War caused painful rupture…

1
Here’s How 180 – Medieval Attitudes 1:06:42

7d ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Dr Kirill Bumin is Associate Dean of Metropolitan College of Boston University and Dr Mordechai Inbari is Professor of Religion at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. ***** That’s the diminutive Justin Barrett, formerly of Youth Defence and a string of other far-right organisations, Litler himself, talking to a commentator with the Canadi…

1
Glenmalure & Memories of a Lost World - How Did Electrification Change Rural Ireland? 36:54

8d ago36:54

36:54

Nestled deep in the Wicklow Mountains, Glenmalure was once a stronghold for rebels and a sanctuary from the outside world. But long after the echoes of rebellion faded, the valley remained a place apart, where the comforts of modern life arrived late. Glenmalure was only connected to the electricity grid and running water in the late 20th century, …

1
Were Roman women done dirty by modern translations? 37:09

9d ago37:09

37:09

The stories of ancient Rome are littered with despicable women, and those of the Julio-Claudian dynasty are especially infamous. But where do these stories come from? And why have they endured for centuries? Speaking to Elinor Evans, Joan Smith explores how Roman misogyny, mistranslations, and modern historians have shaped a distorted narrative – c…

1
Burn After Reforming 1:20:28

10d ago1:20:28

1:20:28

Episode #346: Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK, reflects on Myanmar’s multiple crises and shares his multi-decade relationship with the country. Initially engaged through public demonstrations, Farmaner’s work evolved into policy-oriented advocacy aimed at cutting off the military’s power through sanctions, revenue disruption, and denia…

1
Otto von Bismarck: life of the week 43:33

10d ago43:33

43:33

Few 19th-century leaders have a CV quite like Otto von Bismarck's. This formidable statesman's cunning, charisma and eye for an opportunity helped him drive the unification of Germany and engineer a stunning defeat of France in 1871. Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizen, Katja Hoyer introduces a man whose rise would change the face of European …

1
The Einstein murders 39:02

11d ago39:02

39:02

In the summer of 1944, as the German forces were retreating in northern Italy, a small group of soldiers made a detour to a remote villa in search of Albert Einstein's cousin. Robert Einstein posed no threat to the Nazi regime, but nonetheless they were determined to hunt him down. The tragic events that followed are the basis of a new book by the …

1
Bonus Episode: Light Forest 56:21

12d ago56:21

56:21

The host of Insight Myanmar was invited to speak on the Light Forest Podcast. Here is a description of this platform: "The Light Forest podcast is a journey of exploration to bring more Light into how we live and regenerate our planet away from 'Dark Forest' systems of extraction and fear. Join me for conversations with change makers from around th…

1
The Beaker People: everything you wanted to know 39:58

12d ago39:58

39:58

Who were the Beaker People? What was their contribution to the building of Stonehenge? And did their arrival in Britain really lead to the obliteration of the indigenous population? Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizen, Mike Parker-Pearson answers the most pressing questions on the prehistoric culture that changed Britain for good. The HistoryE…

1
The Art of Doing Nothing 1:08:28

14d ago1:08:28

1:08:28

Episode #345: Does any and all engagement with the junta equate to some form of complicity? Moe Thuzar of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute challenges this notion by offering a nuanced perspective on ASEAN’s role in the Myanmar crisis following the 2021 coup. She argues that ASEAN’s diplomacy aims to exert influence and advocate for the Myanmar people’s …

1
Gods, demons, witches and exorcists: inside an ancient Assyrian library 40:57

14d ago40:57

40:57

In the seventh century BC, the ancient Assyrian king Ashurbanipal created a gigantic library in his capital city – one that contained centuries of wisdom. And this vast wealth of ancient knowledge can reveal a lot about how the people of the Near East thought about their gods. Dr Selena Wisnom tells David Musgrove more about the Assyrians' religiou…

1
Glendalough & The History Tourists Are Never Told 35:00

16d ago35:00

35:00

Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Its medieval monastery and stunning mountain landscape attract around one million tourists every year. However behind the postcard-perfect scenery lies a history that rarely makes it into the tourist brochures. In this episode, I veer off the well-trodden paths to uncover the…

1
Peaks, perils, and pioneers: the deadly history of mountaineering 37:36

16d ago37:36

37:36

What has prompted humans throughout history to risk life and limb to conquer some of the world's highest mountains? Author and climber Daniel Light talks to Rachel Dinning about why humans have always been drawn to mountains, the evolution of mountaineering as a sport, and the stories of the individuals who risked everything to make it to the top o…

1
Rangoon Confidential 2:16:31

17d ago2:16:31

2:16:31

Episode #344: Dominic Faulder’s decades of reporting on Myanmar began serendipitously in 1981, when a Thai coup disrupted his travel plans and led to an impromptu journey to Burma for Thingyan. He was immediately struck by the atmosphere—enticing yet oppressive—and quickly became fascinated by the country's complexity, secrecy, and resilience. In t…

1
Josephine Baker: life of the week 47:17

17d ago47:17

47:17

Showbusiness, spying and civil rights - the extraordinary life of Josephine Baker had it all. From difficult beginnings, Baker transformed herself into the world's first black superstar, before turning her talents to espionage on behalf of the French Resistance. Hanna Diamond tells Ellie Cawthorne more about Baker's showbiz lifestyle, tireless camp…

1
Women who ruled over Africa 41:58

18d ago41:58

41:58

From rainmaking queens to dogged isolationists, the lives and reigns of Africa’s female rulers have long been shrouded in mystery, misunderstanding and misogyny. Over the centuries and throughout the continent, these individuals navigated the rigid traditions of their own cultures to wield power – even to the detriment of their subjects. Speaking t…

1
The Taiping Rebellion: everything you wanted to know 58:04

19d ago58:04

58:04

It's considered to be the bloodiest civil war in history, but there's a fair chance you've never heard of it. The Taiping Rebellion convulsed China from 1850 to 1864, leading to over 20 million deaths and severely weakening the Qing dynasty, but it remains little known outside of China today. Speaking to Rob Attar, Professor Stephen R Platt answers…

1
On The Waterfront 1:06:10

21d ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Episode #343: “I literally thought the world was crumbling!” Chloe, a young woman born and raised in Myanmar’s Inle Lake region, speaks viscerally about the country’s recent, devastating earthquake. The lake, known for its picturesque floating gardens and villages built on stilts, is one of Myanmar’s most iconic cultural landmarks. But the area is …

1
How to choose a pope 40:57

21d ago40:57

40:57

All eyes have been on the Vatican in recent days, as the conclave have decided who will be the next pope. But how does the process today compare to that of past centuries? What have been some of the most dramatic papal elections down the centuries? And was there ever really a female pope? Matt Elton caught up with expert in papal history Rebecca Ri…

1
34. Chinese Poet Han Dong Reads His Own Poetry! With Translator Nicky Harman 35:37

22d ago35:37

35:37

In this episode of Elixir, Helen is talking to the translator Nicky Harman about the Chinese poet Han Dong (1961-) Discover poetry through the heart of another… Find out more about the poems on Elixir and read them here! Receive our newsletter! The Elixir Poetry Podcast website: https://www.helenwing.com/the-elixir-poetry-podcast Support The Elixir…

1
How composer Leoš Janáček set his daughter’s last words to music 46:04

22d ago46:04

46:04

As 20-year-old Olga Janáčková lay dying from typhoid fever, her father wrote down everything she said. Later, he transformed those words—and gasps—into music. The grieving father, Czech composer Leoš Janáček, called the ultra-short musical pieces "speech melodies." In this episode, language writer Michael Erard invites cellist Petronella Torin to p…

1
How composer Leoš Janáček set his daughter’s last words to music 46:03

23d ago46:03

46:03

As 20-year-old Olga Janáčková lay dying from typhoid fever, her father wrote down everything she said. Later, he transformed those words—and gasps—into music. The grieving father, Czech composer Leoš Janáček, called the ultra-short musical pieces "speech melodies." In this episode, language writer Michael Erard invites cellist Petronella Torin to p…

1
A History of Ireland's Last Great Wilderness 30:10

23d ago30:10

30:10

Vast, windswept, and seemingly untouched—the landscape around the Sally Gap in Wicklow is a place where history appears to vanish into the heather and mist. With no houses and few traces of human settlement, this moorland feels like a true wilderness. Yet, the story of this landscape is one forged by ancient forces, human ambition, and exploitation…

1
VE Day: a people's history 29:07

23d ago29:07

29:07

Nazi Germany had finally been defeated. And, for 24 hours, Britons could let their hair down and celebrate. But not everyone was in the mood to party. As 2025 marks the 80th anniversary, John Willis tells the story of VE Day via the experiences of ordinary Britons who lived through it. Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizen, he discusses what the…

1
An Irish Bhikkhu in Burma 2:16:31

24d ago2:16:31

2:16:31

Episode #342: Dhammaloka, born Laurence Carroll in Dublin around 1856, was a unique figure in the history of Buddhism and anti-colonial resistance. Much of what we know today about Dhammaloka comes from Laurence Cox, Alicia Turner, and Brian Bocking in “The Irish Buddhist.” Carroll left Ireland as a teenager, becoming a sailor and tramp, living on …

1
Nikola Tesla: life of the week 40:44

24d ago40:44

40:44

Nikola Tesla is remembered as an enigmatic, eccentric genius who harnessed the power of electricity. But if we strip away some of this myth, what can we really say about the inventor's life and legacy? For this Life of the Week episode, Iwan Morus joins Ellie Cawthorne to reveal how Tesla believed he could invent a death ray, whether he was really …

1
What caused the Irish Famine? 44:57

25d ago44:57

44:57

In the 1840s, famine hit Ireland with devastating consequences. But what were the circumstances that turned a potato blight into a catastrophe that shattered societal structures and caused around a million deaths? Padraic X Scanlan speaks to Ellie Cawthorne about the causes and impact of the famine, linking the disaster to the economic structures o…

1
The unification of Italy: everything you wanted to know 46:11

26d ago46:11

46:11

In 1861, the kingdom of Italy was proclaimed, unifying the various Italian states under one national banner. But what did it mean to be 'Italian' in the mid-19th century? How did the pope react to the concept of a united Italy? And why did so many British women fall in love with Garibaldi? In conversation with Spencer Mizen, historian David Laven a…

1
The Unfriendly Skies 1:49:16

28d ago1:49:16

1:49:16

Episode #341: As the military has suffered setbacks in the field, its use of indiscriminate aerial bombing has only increased, taking a deadly toll on civilians and leaving a legacy of trauma for survivors. In this episode, we take you inside a conversation with resistance artists and researchers who have been working with A New Burma, through thei…

1
Public vs private: history behind closed doors 43:05

28d ago43:05

43:05

What's the difference between private and public life – and where should we draw the line between the two? Over the centuries, these boundaries have often been blurred, as Tiffany Jenkins explores in her book Strangers and Intimates. In this episode, she speaks to Lauren Good about everything from the rigid separation of public and personal spheres…

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