Witness History

Herman Ferguson, a member of Malcolm X's movement and an assistant principal, shares his firsthand experience of the tumultuous day in 1965 when Malcolm X was assassinated. He vividly recounts the emotional atmosphere at the funeral, highlighting the deep respect from supporters. Ferguson discusses Malcolm X's powerful messages of black empowerment that resonated deeply with the community, contrasting them with Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach. His reflections reveal the lasting impact of Malcolm's legacy on modern struggles for rights and identity.

Discover the gripping story of Czesław Kukuczka, who made a desperate bomb threat to escape from East Berlin. His tragic attempt to reach freedom ended with his death at the Berlin Wall, a mystery that mystified many for decades. The podcast delves into the tireless investigation that eventually led to the identification of his killer, former Stasi officer Martin Naumann. The dramatic courtroom scenes unfold as justice is sought, revealing profound implications for history and memory. Witness harrowing eye-witness accounts and the lengths people go for freedom.

In this enlightening discussion, Álvaro García Linera, Bolivia's former Vice President under Evo Morales, delves into the remarkable ascent of Bolivia's first indigenous president. He shares the emotional impact of this historic election on indigenous communities and discusses the fight against poverty and the complexities of the coca leaf industry. García Linera reflects on the monumental protests that galvanized indigenous empowerment and offers insights into the transformative policies that shaped Bolivia's socio-political landscape during Morales's presidency.

Anvita Abbi, a dedicated Indian linguist, recounts her poignant journey with Boa Sr., the last speaker of the Bo language. She shares how Boa, isolated from her community, communicated with birds as her ancestors before forming a bond with Anvita. Together, they cherished and documented ancient songs and tales, emphasizing the heartbreaking loss of one of the world's oldest languages. Abbi highlights the cultural impact of this loss and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity for future generations.

Ekkachai, one half of the Thai couple who set the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss, shares his unforgettable story. He reminisces about the couple's incredible feat of kissing for 58 hours and 35 minutes and what it took to prepare for such an endurance test. Ekkachai reveals the challenges they faced, from fatigue to the emotional hurdles of their eventual separation. His reflections highlight the bittersweet nature of their achievement, vowing that despite their differences, the memory of that record-breaking kiss will always hold a special place in his heart.

Discover the incredible journey of Eva Peron, from her humble beginnings to becoming a powerful figure in 1940s Argentina. Hear about her passionate speeches and groundbreaking role in supporting the poor through her foundation. Experience the electric atmosphere of her rallying cries and the profound connections she forged with the Argentine people. Explore the complexities of her legacy, marked by both adoration and controversy, and witness the enduring cultural impact she left behind.

Explore the groundbreaking 1992 speech by Australia's Prime Minister in Redfern, a pivotal moment acknowledging historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. Hear insights from the speechwriter about its spontaneous development and profound impact. Discover themes of empathy and responsibility essential for understanding Indigenous experiences. Reflect on the speech's mixed outcomes in reconciliation efforts and its lasting legacy, highlighting the resilience of Indigenous culture and the ongoing journey towards acknowledgment in society.

Mary Fisher's courageous 1992 speech at the Republican National Convention tackled the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS, sharing her personal diagnosis as a mother. She passionately called on the Republican Party to show compassion and support for those affected. Recalling her desire for her children to grow up free of shame, Fisher's words became a legacy of empowerment. This impactful moment shifted public perceptions and inspired future generations to confront the AIDS crisis with awareness and hope.

In January 1961, US President Dwight Eisenhower ended his time in the White House with a farewell address regarded as one of the greatest speeches made by a US president. He warned Americans against the "military-industrial complex", a phrase that he coined. In 2018, Louise Hidalgo looked back on the speech with Dwight Eisenhower's grandson, David Eisenhower, and one of his speechwriters, Stephen Hess.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: President Dwight Eisenhower. Credit: Bettmann/Contributor via Getty Images)

Dolores Ibárruri, renowned as La Pasionaria, was a passionate Communist leader whose stirring oratory inspired fighters during the Spanish Civil War. She shares her journey from a miner's daughter to a powerful voice of resistance, igniting hope with her battle cry, 'No pasaran!' The podcast highlights her advocacy for women's rights and the impact of her speeches against fascism. It also reflects on the emotional farewells of the International Brigade, capturing the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and the enduring legacy of this fierce revolutionary.