Witness History

On 22 July 2005, an unarmed Brazilian man was shot dead by anti-terrorism police at Stockwell Tube station, in London.Jean Charles de Menezes was shot seven times in the head because he was mistaken for a terror suspect. The killing made headlines all over the world and his family demanded justice.Matt Pintus spoke to Jean Charles’ cousin and best friend, Patricia da Silva, in 2022. 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: A memorial for Jean Charles de Menezes outside Stockwell Tube station. Credit: Oli Scarff / Getty Images)

Urmilla Deshpande, granddaughter of Irawati Karve, shares the incredible journey of India's first female anthropologist. She discusses Irawati's groundbreaking research on unstudied tribes, where she ventured deep into rainforests even with her children. Urmilla elaborates on Irawati's bold challenge against racial theories during her PhD in Germany, emphasizing integrity in the face of prejudice. The conversation highlights her rich legacy and the impact of her pioneering spirit on future generations, inspiring a reexamination of women’s contributions to anthropology.

Ryan Paris, the Italian singer behind the iconic hit 'Dolce Vita,' shares his experiences from the Italo disco movement of the 1980s. He discusses how the genre emerged from the ashes of American disco, driven by innovative Italian producers. Paris humorously recounts the hunt for his stage name and the thrill of his song's rise to fame on 'Top of the Pops.' He also reflects on the current resurgence of Italo disco and its nostalgic appeal, capturing the hearts of a new generation.

Brian Tobin, Canada's Minister for Fisheries and Oceans in 1995, vividly recounts the Turbot War, a dramatic clash over fishing rights with Spain. He describes a tense standoff at sea that began with gunfire, as Canadian authorities sought to protect depleted fish stocks. Tobin shares how accusations of illegal fishing sparked outrage and political turmoil, leading to high-stakes negotiations. The importance of sustainable fishing practices and the lasting legacy of this maritime dispute are highlighted, providing a captivating insight into international relations and environmental conservation.

Euclid Tsakalotos, former finance minister of Greece and economics professor, offers an insider's perspective on the country's 2015 debt crisis. He shares gripping details from a make-or-break 17-hour summit in Brussels, where tensions ran high as Greece faced potential exit from the Eurozone. Tsakalotos recounts how European leaders, including Angela Merkel, reacted under pressure and the dramatic moment when a door was locked to ensure negotiation continuity. His reflections illuminate the dire straits the Greek populace endured during this tumultuous time.

Cathy Ashton, a notable figure in international diplomacy and former EU High Representative, recounts her role in the groundbreaking Iran nuclear deal of 2015. She shares insights on the delicate balancing act faced by negotiators amid high stakes and skepticism. From unconventional distractions like doodling to the complexities of cultural respect, the journey of reaching an agreement is vividly portrayed. Ashton also reflects on the consequences of the U.S. withdrawal in 2018, highlighting its impact on global security and diplomatic relations.

Discover the fascinating origins of Voice of America, which emerged during World War II to combat Nazi propaganda. Listen to Eugene Kern’s wild journey into wartime broadcasting, where he found himself producing a Finnish program despite not speaking the language. As the broadcasts expanded, they reached over 3,000 programs in 40 languages by war’s end. The podcast also tackles the modern challenges faced by the agency, including censorship and funding cuts, all while highlighting its pivotal role in shaping international communication.

Héctor Cristiani, grandson of animation pioneer Quirino Cristiani, reveals fascinating stories about his grandfather's legacy. Cristiani created the first animated feature film but famously declined an offer from Walt Disney. They discuss Quirino’s innovative yet rudimentary animation techniques and how he crafted political satire during early cinema. Héctor shares the challenges of preserving his grandfather's memory and the significance of creative independence in the face of mainstream success.

Agustina Paz Frontera, a key figure from the Ni Una Menos movement and co-founder of LATFEM, shares her insights on the wave of protests that surged in Argentina after the tragic femicide of a young girl. She highlights the emotional awakening spurred by personal tragedies and the solidarity that brought thousands to the streets. The conversation explores how their activism catalyzed significant legislative changes, transforming societal attitudes towards women's rights and representation, both locally and globally.

This podcast tells the incredible story of a geneticist who helped create Argentina's first national genetics bank to identify children stolen during the military dictatorship. The emotional struggles of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, tirelessly searching for their kidnapped grandchildren, are beautifully intertwined with the scientific breakthroughs in genetic testing. Personal reunions unfold as hope triumphs over trauma, highlighting the profound importance of identity and family against a backdrop of historical injustice.