Witness History

Explore the gripping tale of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, an Irish priest who became a beacon of hope for Allied prisoners during Nazi-occupied Rome. His daring rescue operations in Vatican City saved countless lives amidst the turmoil of World War II. Witness the bravery of those involved in the Rome Escape Line, as they risked everything to protect refugees from oppression. Personal narratives and archival accounts bring this remarkable story of courage and compassion to life, highlighting human resilience in dark times.

Roland Reisley, the last founding member of Usonia, shares his unique experiences living in this extraordinary community designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. At 100 years old, he reflects on what it was like to collaborate with the legendary architect, revealing the blend of innovation and controversy that defined Usonia. Reisley discusses the principles behind the architecture, emphasizing harmony with nature and affordability. He recounts the community's creation during the Great Depression and highlights how these designs fostered a profound sense of belonging among residents.

Travel back to 1992 and discover the groundbreaking moment when astronomers confirmed the first exoplanets! Learn about the challenges they faced while timing pulsars and the excitement of uncovering worlds beyond our solar system. The captivating stories behind their names, like Poltergeist and Phobetor, reveal a cosmic connection to horror. Explore how these discoveries have transformed our understanding of the universe and inspired the search for extraterrestrial life, sparking a revolution in astronomical science.

Explore the life of Carolina Maria de Jesus, a single mother living in the tough conditions of a São Paulo favela. Her remarkable diary captures the daily struggles, resilience, and aspirations of those facing poverty. Transforming from an overlooked scavenger to a celebrated author, Carolina's journey reflects the harsh realities of favela life and the power of storytelling. Hear personal insights from her daughter, Vera, about the impact of Carolina's work and the societal challenges they confronted as a family.

Discover the journey of two brothers who traded nightlife for an extraordinary dream of building the world's largest model train set. Their project, Miniatur Wunderland, evolved from a nostalgic inspiration into a top tourist destination visited by celebrities. Hear about the challenges they faced, from funding struggles to creative obstacles, and how a single phone call fueled their ambition. Explore the fascinating world they've created, showcasing the beauty of model trains and the surprising stories behind their construction.

Dolly Rathebe, South Africa's first international film star and jazz musician, rose to fame after being discovered by chance as a glamorous nightclub singer in the groundbreaking film 'Jim Comes to Jo'burg.' She shares her inspiring journey of overcoming apartheid's barriers at just 21, her transformative experiences in the film industry, and how she embraced her shyness to become a celebrated star. Dolly's stories reflect her significant cultural impact and the persistent struggle for black representation in cinema.

Helen Hatt, a New Age traveller and witness to the 1985 Battle of the Beanfield, shares her gripping account of that tumultuous day. She recounts how a peaceful convoy heading to Stonehenge was met with a violent police blockade, sparking chaos and confusion. Hatt discusses the cultural significance of the gathering and the emotional aftermath faced by participants, including trauma and legal challenges. Her stories shed light on a pivotal moment in British counterculture history, illuminating the clash between freedom and authority.

On 31 May 2006, police launched one of the largest raids in Swedish history, seizing servers from The Pirate Bay - a hugely popular but highly controversial file-sharing website.Co-founder Peter Sunde managed to copy a backup meaning the site could relaunch just days later. He became a folk hero among internet users who relied on the platform for free access to pirated films and music. Sunde and his fellow founders were eventually jailed for assisting in the unauthorised distribution of copyrighted content.He’s been speaking to Maddy Savage about The Pirate Bay’s battle with Hollywood and the global music industry. A PodLit production. 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 football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Peter Sunde speaking to reporters outside court in Stockholm during his trial. Credit: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images)

Explore the transformative impact of Chinua Achebe's groundbreaking novel set in pre-colonial Nigeria. Discover how Achebe's experiences shaped his dedication to authentic African narratives. Uncover the cultural tensions and struggles behind the creation of 'Things Fall Apart.' Delve into the novel's spiritual reflections on colonialism and personal stories of resilience. Finally, learn how Achebe influenced figures like Nelson Mandela, emphasizing the significance of cultural dignity in literature.

Rob Baker, the lead guitarist of the iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip, shares poignant insights from the band's final tour and their unforgettable last performance with frontman Gord Downie. He reveals the band's emotional journey as they transformed a farewell tour into a powerful celebration of their legacy. Baker recounts the heartfelt connections forged with fans across Canada, emphasizing resilience in the face of Downie's terminal illness and the profound impact their music has left on many.