Dan Carlin's Hardcore History - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I have not found a better, more entertaining podcast anywhere! I cannot say enough good about any of Dan Carlin’s work. On multiple occasions I found myself seeing a completely different view of events I thought I knew well. For example, Dan’s explanation of European military mobilization timelines leading up to the First World War was a take I had never considered and really painted a picture of the multitude of interconnected variables and how they affected each nation’s actions.

There is so much work that goes into each podcast and they are not released frequently. Dan has a few other podcasts that are more frequent if that’s what you like but hardcore history is only released when ready and up to the standard expected by fans. In my opinion, it is worth whatever wait required; these podcast are art!

I have paid for his premium podcasts and I highly recommend anyone do the same. Blueprint for Armageddon is worth every cent.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History is magnificent. The episodes are exceptional in every way. They are well written, Dan’s voice is the quintessential podcast voice, and they tell a story over hours. As every episode ends, I want to immediately start the next. While I’m listening I am enthralled. Dan could describe wet paint drying in a way to make it sound as exciting as overtime in a national championship game. However, the topics he chooses are always interesting, varied, and he makes a deep dive into the topic. Regardless of the subject matter and my personal familiarity with it, Dan always has an interesting, unique, and thought provoking take on the subject. Stop reading my review and download an episode. Also, I’m his back catalogue-the series on the Punic wars is the best.

Even if you grew up not liking history class, this podcast is so well constructed that he just may captivate you. As a person who is deeply interested in social sciences and philosophy, this is quite marvelous. From the context of the time, to the series of events, to cheeky humor, to the questions he asked, to his great job of being unbiased. There’s just so much to love. Phenomenal from the top down.

Incredibly in-depth historically, Dan is a consummate story teller. If every teacher was able to weave such a compelling narrative I have no doubt that there would be many more students interested in history. I have listened to each episode multiple times and each listen garners more perspective. My only complaint is that there simply aren’t enough episodes to satisfy my voracious appetite. However, with how meticulous and thorough the production of each episode is I can understand how time consuming the process must be. I hope in the future Dan decides to cover more historical periods and is able to keep getting this podcast out!

I listened to several episodes, I really wanted to give it a chance, since it was highly recommended- but I just couldn’t get past the continual justification of atrocities because “it was the norm.” I realize that he is making an honest effort, I’d give credit in circumstances when this is true, but most of the time he was outright wrong, and ignoring significant political and social events in the times in question. There is no attribution to any research for his arguments, be it primary, secondary, physical, or academic research at all, making the whole thing come across as what is is… a privileged white guy talking about history through his perspective for the same audience with a sickeningly apologist tint. I don’t think Carlin is intending to be oblivious, his is just too blinded by his world view to describe history in any other way.

The performance is well done but it’s definitely a performance. I was expecting less a dramatized performance and a more factual presentation of history. That’s not what this is. This podcast is not academic, it’s dramatic and so it’s hard to differentiate between the performers worldview and the facts he’s reporting. I found I was constantly trying to separate the two and struggling to have my own thoughts. I would not recommend this podcast if your a free thinking person. I would recommend it if you want to feel confident in your preconceived opinion as long as they align with the performers.