Outlander as Public History: Dr. Alex Dold on Making History and Reading Accessible
Mon Jan 26 2026
If you’re a fan of Outlander, the historical fiction series set in Scotland, like I am, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I talk with Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold, a literary scholar and historian known as the “Doctor of Outlander,” about her academic journey and career path. We discuss how historical fiction can become public history — inviting people to connect with history beyond textbooks and classrooms.
During this episode, you’ll learn how Outlander and other historical fiction can build bridges between fans, public audiences, and academic inquiry. Alex also shares insights from her own path — from studying literature in Germany to completing a PhD in Scotland on Outlander as public history. You'll hear how that journey reshaped her understanding of how stories can make reading and history more accessible for everyone.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How historical fiction functions as public historyWhy stories like Outlander make history feel accessible and emotionally resonantDr. Alex Dold’s academic journey — from pursuing language and literature to transforming it into public-facing scholarshipPractical ways listeners can continue engaging with history and reading outside formal academic spacesWhy This Matters
Historical fiction often gets dismissed as “just entertainment.” Alex’s work reframes it as public history. It's a way that everyday readers and viewers connect with the past and develop meaningful questions. This episode invites listeners to:
see the Outlander stories they love as gateways to learning,recognize curiosity as a valid path to knowledge, andthink about how reading habits can lead to deeper exploration.Guest Info
Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold is a literary scholar and historian whose research focuses on historical fiction as public history. She completed her PhD in history examining the Outlander novels at the University of the Highlands and Islands, Centre for History, Dornoch. Dr. Dold explored the role of Outlander in shaping how people engage with history beyond traditional academic spaces.
You can find out more about Dr. Dold and her scholarship below:
https://alexdold.com/
Outlander
Dr. Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning The Outlander series. You can learn more about about the series and Diana here.
The final season of Outlander airs in March 2026 on STARZ.
I'd love to hear from you - send me a text!
Hi Friend - Thanks for listening!
Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.
More
If you’re a fan of Outlander, the historical fiction series set in Scotland, like I am, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I talk with Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold, a literary scholar and historian known as the “Doctor of Outlander,” about her academic journey and career path. We discuss how historical fiction can become public history — inviting people to connect with history beyond textbooks and classrooms. During this episode, you’ll learn how Outlander and other historical fiction can build bridges between fans, public audiences, and academic inquiry. Alex also shares insights from her own path — from studying literature in Germany to completing a PhD in Scotland on Outlander as public history. You'll hear how that journey reshaped her understanding of how stories can make reading and history more accessible for everyone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How historical fiction functions as public historyWhy stories like Outlander make history feel accessible and emotionally resonantDr. Alex Dold’s academic journey — from pursuing language and literature to transforming it into public-facing scholarshipPractical ways listeners can continue engaging with history and reading outside formal academic spacesWhy This Matters Historical fiction often gets dismissed as “just entertainment.” Alex’s work reframes it as public history. It's a way that everyday readers and viewers connect with the past and develop meaningful questions. This episode invites listeners to: see the Outlander stories they love as gateways to learning,recognize curiosity as a valid path to knowledge, andthink about how reading habits can lead to deeper exploration.Guest Info Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold is a literary scholar and historian whose research focuses on historical fiction as public history. She completed her PhD in history examining the Outlander novels at the University of the Highlands and Islands, Centre for History, Dornoch. Dr. Dold explored the role of Outlander in shaping how people engage with history beyond traditional academic spaces. You can find out more about Dr. Dold and her scholarship below: https://alexdold.com/ Outlander Dr. Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning The Outlander series. You can learn more about about the series and Diana here. The final season of Outlander airs in March 2026 on STARZ. I'd love to hear from you - send me a text! Hi Friend - Thanks for listening! Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.