Witness History

In June 1954, the first CIA-backed coup took place in Guatemala, when President Jacobo Arbenz was overthrown in a operation organised by the US government. The Administration of Dwight D Eisenhower feared his policies - which included a land reform - could threaten the interests of one of the most powerful firms in the US at the time – the United Fruit Company.Arbenz was labelled a communist, and he was forced into a long exile that took him and his family to seek shelter across Europe and Latin America. Arbenz's son told Mike Lanchin in 2016 about the devastating impact the coup had on his family.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: The Arbenz family in 1955. Credit: RDB via Getty)

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of Dignitas in Switzerland, discusses the ethical and legal aspects of assisted dying, the freedom of choice, and the criticisms surrounding the practice. The podcast explores the founding of Dignitas, the process of assisted dying, and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones in the face of illness.

When visionary architect Antoni Gaudi died unexpectedly in 1926, his followers were left with incredible plaster of Paris models showing how to complete his famous church, La Sagrada Familia.The only problem was they were smashed “to smithereens” during the Spanish Civil War.New Zealand architect Mark Burry was part of a small team trying to piece together Gaudi’s vision for the Barcelona basilica.He tells Vicky Farncombe about his first week in the job.“There were literally thousands and thousands of pieces and lots of missing pieces. “By day three, I was in despair.”He also shares the spine-tingling moment he heard music in the church for the first time.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: La Sagrada Familia. Credit: Getty Images)

Survivor of the expulsion of Sudeten Germans, Helmut Scholz, recounts his traumatic journey from Czechoslovakia to Germany in a cattle truck. The podcast explores the harsh treatment faced by German speakers post-World War II, discussing historical background, consequences of appeasement, and struggles faced by individuals after expulsion.

Josephine McDermott shares her bungee jumping experience from the iconic Kawarau Suspension Bridge in New Zealand. The podcast dives into the origins of bungee jumping, the evolution of the sport from homemade cords to world records, and the challenges faced in establishing a bungee jumping business in Queenstown, making it a global adventure tourism destination.

The podcast explores the debut of the first mega cruise ship, the Sovereign of the Seas in 1988, featuring the interview with the ship's captain, Tor Stangeland. It delves into the impressive features of the ship, luxurious amenities, and the challenges of its maiden voyage. The evolution of cruise ships from elegance to modern efficiency is also discussed.

Discover how Pedro Zaragoza's leadership transformed Benidorm in the 1950s, from installing running water to allowing women to wear bikinis, shaping the town into a popular tourist destination on Spain's Costa Blanca.

Antonio Enríquez Savignac transformed a secluded Mexican island into Cancún in 1969, attracting over 20 million tourists yearly. His son, Juan, discusses its evolution, from infrastructure development to environmental challenges and crime issues. The podcast delves into Cancún's journey from a fishing village to a renowned tourist destination, showcasing government intervention and the legacy of Antonio's vision.

Listen to the fascinating story of Loftleioir Icelandic, the 'Hippie airline' that revolutionized transatlantic flying in the 1950s, with insights from Edda Helgason and Hans Indridason. Discover how they made transatlantic travel affordable for young Americans and the innovative strategies they used, like low fares and unique services. Explore the challenges faced by the airline industry and entertaining anecdotes from its history.

Chu Ming Silveira, a female architect, created Brazil's iconic egg-shaped telephone booth, Orelhão. The design was a huge success, with over 50,000 booths installed across Brazil. Chu Ming's innovative design influenced public phone booths in other countries as well. Despite her passing in 1997, her legacy lives on through Google's doodle in 2017, and her son, Alan Chu, sharing memories with Matt Pintus.