I love listening to podcasts. Whether it’s when I go running or take the train to work, there is never an excuse not to listen to a podcast and get smarter in the process. With the exploding popularity of them, I round up here some podcasts who I listen to regularly that deal with ancient Egypt in some way. Give them a listen!

(1) In our Time with Melvyn Bragg

Melvyn Bragg and his team have tackle a wide range of topics in roundtable-type discussions with several experts. Topics range from modern political events to natural history and beyond. Each have an important contribution to the world as we know it today. I always found the conversations candid, stimulating, and enlightening – see here my highlights of episodes:

• Tutankhamun (26 Dec 2019)
• Akhenaten (1 Oct 2009)
• Archaeology and Imperialism (14 Apr 2005)

(2) Afterlives with Kara Cooney

From her release of a ‘biography’ on Hatshepsut to her most recent on learning about the present through studying the past (The Good Kings, check it out!), Kara Cooney has been on a mission to ask Egyptology some very tough, but overdue questions. Her engaging, accessible demeanour has translated into some excellent discussions on her episodes. Highlights include:

• Advice on studying Egyptology as a career choice
• Crash courses on several topics, e.g., sickness and death in Egypt and the religious roots of authoritarianism

(3) Stuff the British Stole

When we visit museums and read about the objects in their collections, we frequently encounter a lack of information as to where the object comes from. This podcast explores objects the British “acquired” throughout its history over the past few centuries. Co-produced by the CBC and ABC Australia, host Mark Fennell visits several UK collections. On his journey, he speaks with a range of experts in exploring how important, iconic objects came to be in British museums. Egyptian objects may not yet have featured in the podcast, but take the Rosetta Stone and you’d certainly have a thought-provoking episode. Personally, Fennell’s account of how several Benin Bronzes landed in UK collections was eye-opening. The history behind their acquisition was brutal: a sad reminder of the effects of colonialism.

(4) History of Egypt Podcast with Dominic Perry

Dominic Perry’s exploration of the vast history of dynastic Egypt begins at the dawn of Egyptian civilisation. Over the course of the 250+ episodes, he presents an engaging, accessible discussion of the main tenets of each period. Outside this historical narrative, Perry also presents mini-episodes on a wide range of topics: from interviews with Egyptologists, to an exploration of general topics (e.g. love songs).

(5) ARCE Podcast

The American Research Center in Egypt only recently joined the podcasting world. ARCE puts their episodes together in series on topics. The first series explored the life of Tutankhamun and brings the listener up-to-date with what they need to know for the centennial of the tomb’s discovery. I also greatly appreciated their discussion around kingship, composed of five episodes. I eagerly look forward to hearing upcoming podcasts.

Which podcast are you listening to these days? Let me know in the comments.