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
Nov 29, 2024 • 9min
The end of the US HIV travel ban
Clemens Ruland, an HIV-positive traveler and advocate, shares his groundbreaking journey as the first person to legally enter the U.S. after the travel ban was lifted in 2010. He reflects on the stigma and fear surrounding the HIV epidemic, as well as the bureaucratic hurdles he faced during the ban. The discussion highlights the emotional and political significance of the moment, showcasing a pivotal change in immigration policy and societal attitudes towards those living with HIV. Clemens’ story embodies resilience and the fight for acceptance.
Nov 28, 2024 • 10min
The deepest man-made hole in the world
David Smythe, a Scottish geophysicist from the University of Glasgow, shares his experiences working on the Kola Superdeep Borehole, the deepest man-made hole on Earth. He discusses the ambitious Soviet drilling project aimed at understanding the Earth's crust during the Cold War. Listeners will hear about the collaboration between East and West, the challenges of harsh living conditions, and the high-stakes moments of triumph in the drilling process, including the excitement of recovering lost equipment.
Nov 27, 2024 • 9min
Thich Quang Duc: Buddhist monk who set himself on fire
In a harrowing act of protest, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk set himself on fire in 1963, stirring global outrage and highlighting the tensions between the South Vietnamese government and the Buddhist community. Eyewitness accounts reveal the emotional toll of this profound sacrifice, as witnesses grappled with the moral implications. The act not only intensified unrest but also drew significant international attention to the struggles for religious rights in Vietnam, marking a pivotal moment in the country's history.
Nov 26, 2024 • 10min
The Iran-Contra Affair
Dive into the heart of the Iran-Contra affair, a scandal that rocked Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Discover how covert arms deals to Iran tied into hostage negotiations. Hear about the CIA's attempts to cover up evidence and the fallout from congressional hearings. Explore the tangled web of U.S. foreign policy and the secret operations that led to significant consequences, revealing the high stakes of geopolitical tensions in the 1980s. This reflection on a pivotal moment in history highlights intrigue, personal motivations, and the impact of political decisions.
Nov 25, 2024 • 10min
Strictly Come Dancing
Karen Smith, co-creator and executive producer of Strictly Come Dancing, shares her insights on revolutionizing ballroom dance for modern audiences. She discusses the challenges faced in transforming Come Dancing into a global sensation, emphasizing the importance of captivating celebrity pairings. Smith also details how set design and diverse judges enhance viewer experience. The conversation touches on the show's unexpected journey from initial skepticism to international acclaim, revealing the hard work behind the glitzy facade that keeps audiences enthralled.
Nov 22, 2024 • 10min
Creation of the UFC
Campbell McLaren, the TV producer behind the UFC, discusses the groundbreaking birth of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993, emphasizing its unruly and chaotic fights. He reveals how he used controversy for clever marketing, which drew fierce criticism, most notably from Senator John McCain. McLaren also shares insights on the early struggles and pushback the organization faced, including a powerful New York Times article that threatened its future. His unique perspective brings to life the dramatic inception of a now-global phenomenon.
Nov 21, 2024 • 9min
Lord of the Flies
Delve into the profound themes of 'Lord of the Flies,' exploring human nature through the lens of schoolboys stranded on an island. Insights from Golding's daughter illuminate the author’s inspirations and wartime experiences. Discover the contrast between romantic childhood notions and the harsh moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Witness the heartbreaking moments marking the destruction of innocence, as symbolized by Piggy’s death and the shattered conch. Reflect on how World War II shaped Golding's perspectives and ultimately, this iconic narrative.
Nov 20, 2024 • 10min
Handover of Macau
Discover the gripping emotions surrounding Macau's handover from Portuguese to Chinese rule in 1999. Hear firsthand accounts of mixed feelings that defined the transition, from celebration to apprehension. Explore the significance of the 'One Country, Two Systems' policy and its effect on local identities. Dive into the intricate impacts on the community and the geopolitical landscape during this historic moment, all told through the eyes of those who experienced it firsthand.
Nov 19, 2024 • 10min
The Siege of Yarmouk
The harrowing stories of Yarmouk during the Syrian civil war reveal relentless suffering, with residents facing airstrikes and starvation. Amidst despair, one musician finds solace through music, offering hope to children while battling the chaos around him. Personal anecdotes speak to the resilience of families and the painful memories of a torn community. The journey of a pianist highlights the transformative power of art, underscoring how creativity can emerge from the ashes of conflict.
7 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 9min
Iran's secret Christian 'house churches'
Explore the courageous journey of Iranian Christians who faced persecution after the 1979 revolution. Discover how Naghmeh Panahi and her husband established secret house churches despite serious risks. Hear about transformative moments during interrogations that deepened faith. Witness the growth of this underground movement, fueled by passionate young believers. Delve into the emotional tale of a woman's advocacy for her imprisoned husband, highlighting resilience and the fight for freedom amidst oppression.
