Witness History Podcast
History told by the people who were there. For nine minutes every weekday, Witness History takes you back to moments which have shaped our world.
Witness History is a short BBC World Service podcast about history that takes you inside big moments from the past through first-hand testimony and archive. Each weekday, in around nine minutes, we revisit one moment that helped shape the world and hear it through the voice of someone who was there. Scientists, artists, campaigners, soldiers, leaders and everyday people tell their true stories.
When you subscribe to Witness History, you’ll be taken inside turning points in world affairs, from West Africa’s fight back against Boko Haram in 2015, to the behind-closed-doors talks that led to the US-Cuba “thaw” and the surprise announcement of restored relations.
You’ll discover what it was like to experience disasters and how people recovered from them, including the Tabasco floods in Mexico, Portugal's worst train disaster, and the huge clean-up after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
You’ll explore culture and ideas too: Sweden’s Expedition Robinson, often credited as the first modern reality TV game show; the friendship between The Beatles’ George Harrison and Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar; and the night a tiger attack brought Las Vegas superstars Siegfried and Roy’s show to a sudden end.
And if you’re curious about inventions, we’ll tell you how air fryers, BlackBerry, YouTube, Alexa, GPS, superglue, the shopping cart (shopping trolley) and bubble tea were created.
If you’re new to Witness History, the appeal is simple: real voices, one strong true story, and a fresh way to understand today through events from history – all in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of tea or a walk around the block. Join millions of BBC World Service podcast listeners around the globe and enjoy the insight, context and detail Witness History will bring you.
Episodes to download
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The Romans In Britain
Tue 13 Mar 2012
In 1982 a British director found himself in a court battle over sex and nudity on stage.
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World War II concerts
Mon 12 Mar 2012
Throughout World War II, Myra Hess organised concerts in London's National Gallery.
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The Theremin
Sun 11 Mar 2012
In 1929 a Russian inventor brought an electronic musical instrument to the USA.
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Stalin's Daughter
Thu 8 Mar 2012
The daughter of the Soviet dictator, Svetlana defected to the West in 1967
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Discovery of Penicillin
Wed 7 Mar 2012
How scientists turned penicillin into the world's first anti-biotic medicine.
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The films of Andy Warhol
Tue 6 Mar 2012
In the 1960s, the pop artist Andy Warhol, turned his attention to film-making.
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The Zeebrugge disaster
Mon 5 Mar 2012
It is 25 years since a car ferry capsized outside the Belgian port.
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The Home Brew Computer Club
Sun 4 Mar 2012
Californian computer enthusiasts met to share ideas - including the founders of Apple
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The first flight of Concorde
Thu 1 Mar 2012
On 2 March 1969 the supersonic airliner took to the skies for the first time.
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The assassination of Georgi Markov
Tue 28 Feb 2012
The Bulgarian dissident was attacked with a poisoned umbrella on his way to Bush House.
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The killing of Olof Palme
Mon 27 Feb 2012
On 28 February 1986, the Swedish Prime Minister was killed on a Stockholm street.
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Mary Quant and the miniskirt
Sun 26 Feb 2012
A 2012 episode looks back at the work of the pioneering designer, who has died aged 93
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From the silent screen to talkies
Thu 23 Feb 2012
In the late 1920s Hollywood made the change from silent films to movies with soundtracks.
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The Damascus Spring
Wed 22 Feb 2012
Twelve years ago Syria experienced a brief burst of political openness.
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Moose Murders
Tue 21 Feb 2012
Nearly 30 years ago Moose Murders made history as the biggest flop ever on Broadway.
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Nixon in China
Mon 20 Feb 2012
It is 40 years since the US President went to China and met Chairman Mao.
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Sucked out of a Plane
Sun 19 Feb 2012
In February 1989, nine people were sucked out of a plane over the Pacific Ocean.
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Japanese internment
Fri 17 Feb 2012
In February 1942 all Japanese Americans were ordered to internment camps.
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The bombing of Darwin
Thu 16 Feb 2012
In February 1942 Japan launched the largest ever attack against Australia.
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The Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan
Wed 15 Feb 2012
On 15 February 1989, the last Soviet soldiers rolled out of Afghanistan.
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Sister Dorothy Stang
Mon 13 Feb 2012
In February 2005 a Catholic nun working in the Amazon was murdered.
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The Stolen Generation
Sun 12 Feb 2012
Debra Hocking was taken from her indigenous Australian family as a baby.
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Deep Blue versus Kasparov
Thu 9 Feb 2012
It was the first time a computer had beaten a reigning world champion chess player.
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50 years of Silicone Breast Implants
Wed 8 Feb 2012
In 1962 Timmie Jean Lindsey became the first woman in the world to have the operation.
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Charonne Metro deaths
Tue 7 Feb 2012
It is 50 years since nine French peace protestors died during a demonstration in Paris.
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Drugs in Mexico
Mon 6 Feb 2012
On 7 February 1985 a US drug enforcement agent was abducted in Guadalajara.
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The Hama massacre
Wed 1 Feb 2012
It is 30 years since thousands of Syrians were killed by their own army.
