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
Sep 8, 2025 • 10min
Festac ’77: Nigeria’s largest festival of African arts and culture
Viola Burley Leak, an African American artist who showcased her work at Nigeria's monumental 1977 festival, shares vibrant stories from this cultural extravaganza. She recounts the spectacular opening ceremony and the electric atmosphere that celebrated Pan-African heritage. The conversation touches on the social tensions present, including critiques of the military dictatorship and the artistic responses it provoked. Viola's reflections illuminate how Festac '77 became a symbol of resistance and a critical moment for African arts amidst a charged political landscape.
Sep 5, 2025 • 10min
‘How I sold my clothes and created $5 billion Vinted empire'
Milda Mitkutė, a Lithuanian entrepreneur and co-founder of Vinted, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a late-night idea into a thriving online marketplace for second-hand clothing. She discusses the early challenges, including forgetting the ‘buy’ button, and how a new strategy revitalized their brand. Milda also highlights Vinted's rapid growth into a global platform, its significance in promoting sustainable fashion, and the personal values that drive their mission.
Sep 4, 2025 • 11min
World's first womb transplant baby
In this captivating discussion, Professor Pernilla Dahm-Kähler, a trailblazer in obstetrics, shares her experience as part of the groundbreaking medical team that facilitated the world's first womb transplant baby, Vincent. She details the emotional journey of Malin Stenberg, who received the donated womb, overcoming challenges of IVF and surgical complexities. The conversation culminates with a heartwarming perspective from ten-year-old Vincent, who reflects on the significance of this medical breakthrough and the hope it brings to countless women seeking parenthood.
Sep 3, 2025 • 10min
The Chindits
Discover the Chindits, the unconventional special forces of World War II, who operated behind enemy lines in Burma with innovative tactics. Led by the eccentric Orde Wingate, their strategies forever changed modern warfare. Relive their daring guerrilla missions and the camaraderie that defined their legacy, alongside fascinating anecdotes that mix humor with the gravity of war. These extraordinary soldiers navigated the jungles with courage, leaving an indelible mark on military history.
Sep 2, 2025 • 11min
The founding of USAID
The founding of USAID marks a pivotal moment in international aid, driven by the visionary economist Barbara Ward. Discover how her insights shaped U.S. foreign assistance during the Cold War, particularly through projects like the Volta River Dam in Ghana. Archival recordings reveal the conversations with President Kennedy, illuminating strategies to combat totalitarianism. This intriguing narrative connects pivotal historical events and influential figures, showcasing the evolution of global aid in the context of geopolitical tensions.
16 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 10min
Discovering the Titanic
In 1985, the Titanic’s wreck was uncovered in the North Atlantic, bringing a profound emotional journey for the explorers. They were drawn to the haunting remains, from debris to recognizable features like large boilers. Personal survivor accounts shared harrowing experiences from that fateful night, emphasizing the human stories behind the tragedy. The discussion reflects on the Titanic's historical impact and the importance of preserving such narratives to honor those lost.
Aug 29, 2025 • 9min
John Lennon's final headline concerts
Join journalist Geraldo Rivera, known for exposing the shocking conditions at Willowbrook State School, as he recalls John Lennon and Yoko Ono's iconic benefit concerts in 1972. Rivera shares insider stories about organizing these groundbreaking events and the profound impact of his exposé, which highlighted the injustices faced by individuals with disabilities. Listeners will feel the electric atmosphere of Lennon's triumphant return to the stage and learn how music became a powerful tool for activism and change.
Aug 28, 2025 • 9min
The making of the Third Man: A film noir classic
Dive into the world of post-war Vienna as the creation of a film noir classic unfolds. Explore Orson Welles' enigmatic entrance and his powerful portrayal, which steals the spotlight despite limited screen time. Discover behind-the-scenes challenges, including Welles' unpredictable antics and the intriguing role of a cat that adds layers to the narrative. Reflect on the film's moral dilemmas, emphasizing themes of greed and human suffering, while celebrating its enduring legacy in cinematic history.
Aug 27, 2025 • 9min
Washington DC’s Mount Pleasant riot
In May 1991, a police shooting sparked chaos in Mount Pleasant, revealing deep frustrations within the Hispanic community. Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of violence and unrest, as shops burned and tensions flared. Personal stories highlight the resilience of immigrant residents amidst systemic challenges. The aftermath led to crucial discussions on discrimination and the community's evolving identity, battling gentrification while striving to preserve their cultural heritage. This tumultuous event marked a turning point, bringing visibility to ignored narratives.
Aug 26, 2025 • 10min
Creating CAPTCHA
Journey back to the dawn of internet security as creators introduce CAPTCHA to combat spam bots. Discover the amusing twists and challenges they faced in developing distorted text that even machines struggled with. Explore the reimagining of the Turing test, which sparked debates on AI capabilities. This fascinating tale highlights CAPTCHA's evolution and its critical role in online safety, seamlessly adapting to the ever-changing landscape of technology.
