Witness History
BBC World Service
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.
For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.
Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.
We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.
You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal ; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.
For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.
Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.
We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.
You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal ; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 18, 2025 • 11min
Spot the Dog
Dive into the charming origins of the interactive children's book, inspired by a curious toddler. Discover how Eric Hill’s creation of Spot the Dog blossomed into a global phenomenon with over 65 million copies sold. The podcast highlights nostalgic moments, whimsical adventures, and the character's journey from page to screen. Uncover the delightful legacy of Spot and how he has inspired generations, all while celebrating the art of storytelling in children's literature. A delightful look into creativity and its lasting impact!
Aug 15, 2025 • 10min
Pramoedya Ananta Toer: The banned author of Indonesia
Incarcerated on Buru Island, an Indonesian writer transformed his oppression into art, crafting the Buru Quartet through storytelling. His powerful narratives highlight the struggles against colonial rule and political suppression. The podcast reveals how literature became a beacon of resilience and hope for prisoners. It also explores the lasting impact of his works, which challenge dominant historical narratives and advocate for human rights. Discover how this defiant voice continues to inspire the fight for free speech.
Aug 14, 2025 • 11min
Jakarta’s ban on dancing monkeys
Femke den Haas, a passionate Dutch animal rights activist and co-founder of the Jakarta Animal Aid Network, shares her inspiring journey to end the exploitation of dancing monkeys in Jakarta. She recounts the harrowing experience that triggered her activism, particularly the plight of a monkey named Johnny. Femke details the campaign that led to the 2013 ban and the subsequent efforts to rehabilitate and relocate the affected monkeys, highlighting the emotional transformations these animals undergo as they learn to thrive in a natural environment.
Aug 13, 2025 • 11min
Discovery of the 'Hobbit'
Peter Brown, an Australian paleoanthropologist, is the guest discussing the fascinating discovery of Homo floresiensis, nicknamed the 'Hobbit'. He shares how initial excitement turned into a groundbreaking revelation when a small skeleton was identified as a distinct species challenging our understanding of human evolution. The conversation highlights the Hobbit's unique traits, lifestyle, and theories about its extinction, all while addressing public fascination with such extraordinary findings.
11 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 10min
Borobudur Temple
Discover the awe-inspiring journey of Borobudur Temple, the world's largest Buddhist monument, hidden by jungle until its 1983 reopening. Hear firsthand accounts from restoration workers who faced harsh conditions to revive this cultural gem. Learn about the temple's architectural grandeur and its deep spiritual connections for pilgrims. The dedication to preserving its legacy sets a standard for global restoration efforts while highlighting Indonesia's rich cultural heritage.
Aug 11, 2025 • 10min
The Santa Cruz Massacre
Max Stahl, a British filmmaker known for documenting East Timor's fight for independence, shares gripping insights about the Santa Cruz massacre. He vividly recounts the tragic shooting of unarmed activists by Indonesian troops during a memorial march in 1991. Stahl emphasizes the bravery of those protesting for their freedom and his role in capturing the harrowing event on film. Archive materials and first-hand accounts bring a powerful perspective to this significant chapter in history, shedding light on resilience in the face of brutality.
9 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 11min
1965 Singaporean independence
On August 9, 1965, Singapore announced its independence from Malaysia, a moment brimming with emotion as Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew faced the nation. Personal stories from that pivotal day reveal the anxiety and uncertainty felt during this drastic shift. The podcast delves into the tumultuous journey towards independence, covering rising tensions and unexpected proclamations. It also highlights Singapore's transformation from a struggling state to a thriving global player, showcasing the resilience and national pride that emerged.
7 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 11min
Brazil’s biggest bank heist
Antonio Celso Dos Santos, a former federal police chief, recounts the audacious 2005 Banco Central heist in Fortaleza, Brazil. The thieves ingeniously disguised themselves as a landscaping crew while digging a tunnel 80 meters long into the bank vault. Santos shares the thrilling details of the investigation, including breakthrough moments that led to tracking the gang. The heist, though impressive in execution, sparked significant consequences, highlighting the intricate dance between crime and law enforcement.
4 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 11min
The Assam-Tibet earthquake
Frank Kingdon-Ward, a British botanist, recounts his harrowing experience during the 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake while camping in Tibet with his wife, Jean. He vividly describes the earth trembling beneath them and their overwhelming fear as they faced destruction. The catastrophic impact of the quake, which claimed around 4,800 lives, leaves them stranded with limited supplies. Their perilous two-week journey to safety reveals both the challenges of navigating chaos and the strength of their bond in the face of nature's fury.
5 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 10min
When Stalin silenced Shostakovich
Explore the tumultuous relationship between composer Dmitri Shostakovich and Stalin's oppressive regime. Discover how a scathing review transformed Shostakovich's career and led him to create the politically charged Symphony No. 5. Hear eyewitness accounts that reveal the dangers he faced under censorship, as well as the enduring impact of his work. Dive into the debate over whether his compositions were acts of defiance or conformity, and gain insights from his son about the legacy of a musical genius shaped by tyranny.
