Past Lives is a weekly history podcast dedicated to illuminating the lived experiences of ordinary people throughout history—peasants, laborers, artisans, merchants, soldiers, and the enslaved—rather than focusing solely on kings and generals. The show blends narrative storytelling with in-depth interviews featuring leading historians and authors, covering topics ranging from the history of bookselling to mass extinction and humanity's long-term future. Its tone is thoughtful, curious, and intellectually rigorous, appealing to listeners interested in social history, everyday life in the past, and the broader human story across eras from the Stone Age to the near-present. The podcast emphasizes empathy and connection, encouraging audiences to see themselves reflected in the struggles and triumphs of those who came before. As an independent production supported by Patreon, it offers bonus content like historian interviews, book clubs, and Q&As for its community of history enthusiasts, making it a great fit for fans of deep-dive historical analysis, social and cultural history, and interdisciplinary discussions bridging history and science.