In this special bonus episode of History Behind the Headlines, historians Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter – plus host Matt Elton – pick the historical insights that stood out for them from across the past 12 months. From war in the Middle East to a new pope and surprising revelations about Adolf Hitler, we reveal the ways in which the past helps us make sense of today’s news.

Clips taken from:

Papal elections and tariff troubles: history behind the headlines (HistoryExtra podcast, 29th April 2025)

Why is it so hard for Israelis and Palestinians to make peace? (16th October 2025)

BONUS: What does Hitler’s DNA really tell us? (22nd November 2025)

If you have any questions that you'd like Rana and Hannah to tackle, get in touch: [email protected]

For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyextra.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This episode was hosted by Matt Elton with regular panellists Hannah Skoda and Rana Mitter and produced by Lewis Dobbs.

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