Dan Snow's History Hit

Dan Snow sits down with Peter Snow, a former foreign correspondent for ITN in the 70s, to discuss his exciting adventures capturing historic events before the internet. They reminisce about witnessing the Fall of the Berlin Wall, exploring Mao's China, and filming the Battle of El Alamein in Egypt. Peter shares tales of handing film to strangers on airport runways and the thrill of traveling as a reporter in a pre-satellite era.

Delving into the pivotal Battle of El Alamein, the podcast explores the strategic movements, key figures, and deception tactics used during the crucial WWII confrontation. It vividly portrays the tensions and valor of the soldiers and delves into the impact of the battle on British morale, shaping their resolve in the war.

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb discusses the trial of Charles I, exploring the legal process, war crime charges, and debate on the king's execution. The podcast delves into the prelude to the Civil War, military law experts, and the accusations of tyranny against Charles I.

Peter Bergamin, Lecturer at the University of Oxford, discusses the complex history of Zionism, its origins, and its impact on the Middle East. They delve into Theodore Herzl's vision, the historical roots of Zionism, immigration movements, the Balfour Declaration, the founding of Israel, and the distinctions between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.

Brian Michael Jenkins, leading authority on U.S. national security, joins Dan to discuss the legacy of epidemics, from ancient plagues to modern outbreaks. They explore the devastating impact on economies, social disorder, and political repercussions. Insights shed light on parallels between past pandemics and the current COVID-19 crisis, offering valuable lessons on societal responses to such crises.

Ronald Drabkin, author of 'Beverly Hills Spy: The Double-Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor', joins Dan to discuss Frederick Rutland, a British naval pilot turned double-agent for Japan in 1930s Hollywood. They delve into Rutland's pivotal role in espionage, his lavish lifestyle, and his contributions to the Japanese navy's advancements, leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack.

Join Dan Snow as he discusses the HMS Wager shipwreck with David Grann, exploring mutiny, survival, and moral dilemmas faced by the crew. Delve into the challenges of leadership, psychological deterioration, and loyalty in the face of harsh conditions.

Bestselling historian Norman Ohler joins to discuss Nazi experiments with psychedelics influencing CIA research. They delve into mind control programs, truth serums, and the connection between Third Reich experiments and US drug policy. The untold story of LSD origins from Nazi Germany to the American military unfolds, revealing the dark history of espionage and psychedelics.

Exploring the mysterious case of the Mary Celeste, theories range from insurance fraud to violent mutiny. Discover the myths of ghost ships and phantom vessels. Delve into the detailed information about the crew and the eerie incident in 1872. Unravel the enduring enigma of the Mary Celeste ghost ship and the theories surrounding its disappearance.

Join Mishka Sinha, co-curator of the 'Untold Lives' exhibition at Kensington Palace, as she delves into the hidden world of the Georgian court staff. Discover the roles of royal servants, the unique connections between governesses and infants, and the fascinating stories of overlooked historical figures at the exhibition.