Specifically, I want to learn about the history of the middle east from around the 1800s until present. Given my current circumstances, podcasts are the most efficient way for me to learn new subjects. Thanks!
I hope that someone gives you a specific answer to this but I have a rather more general recommendation. It's not specifically related to the Middle East but in 2010 BBC Radio 4, in association with the British Museum, released this series called A History of the World in 100 Objects. There are 100 podcasts, each one is 15 minutes long and details a different object. Objects span from approx. 2 million years old, right the way up until the 2000s and are from all over the world. There are several objects specfically from Middle Eastern countries that you might be interested in because the context that the objects were created in is explained - that is Empires, political systems, religions etc. There's also a book compliation of the series for those who prefer.
Here's a link to the podcasts if you're interested anyway: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00nrtd2/episodes/downloads