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
5 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 10min
Geneva Conventions
Gabriel Martinez is the great-great-great-grandnephew of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross. He shares poignant readings from Dunant's 'A Memory of Solferino,' revealing the harrowing aftermath of the 1859 Battle of Solferino. The discussion covers Dunant's urgent call for international laws to protect wounded soldiers and his mobilization of volunteers during chaos. Listeners learn how these efforts culminated in the Geneva Conventions and the establishment of humanitarian principles that remain vital in warfare today.
8 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 10min
The rise and fall of BlackBerry
Discover the rise of BlackBerry, the phone that once ruled communication and its immense cultural impact, earning the nickname 'Crackberry.' Hear from former co-CEO Jim Balsillie about the thrilling battles against Apple and the pivotal moments that marked the brand's decline. Explore its role in pivotal events like the 2011 Egyptian protests, where encrypted communications changed the game. Learn about BlackBerry's swift fall, from the failed Z10 launch to the missteps that led to its exit from the mobile market by 2022.
Aug 20, 2025 • 10min
The book that changed Norway’s view of immigrants
A young Russian woman's book reshaped Norway's attitude towards undocumented immigrants, igniting a government crisis and policy reform. Her family’s perilous journey from North Ossetia highlights the struggles of navigating life without asylum. The narrative dives into the hardships faced by those living in fear of deportation and showcases the power of storytelling in activism. It emphasizes resilience in the immigrant experience and touches on entrepreneurship, as the author ventures into tech with AI software amidst shifting immigration landscapes.
8 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 10min
One man’s escape from McCarthyism
In the thick of McCarthyism, Victor Grossman shares his gripping journey from the U.S. Army to the Soviet Union. He recounts the fears of living under FBI scrutiny and the tension of being a committed communist. His daring escape involved a dangerous swim across the Danube River, leading to a dramatic life in East Germany. Victor's reflections reveal the complexities of his choices against the backdrop of Cold War anxieties and political repression, providing a unique lens on history.
9 snips
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.
9 snips
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.
