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
Aug 29, 2025 • 9min
John Lennon's final headline concerts
Join journalist Geraldo Rivera, known for exposing the shocking conditions at Willowbrook State School, as he recalls John Lennon and Yoko Ono's iconic benefit concerts in 1972. Rivera shares insider stories about organizing these groundbreaking events and the profound impact of his exposé, which highlighted the injustices faced by individuals with disabilities. Listeners will feel the electric atmosphere of Lennon's triumphant return to the stage and learn how music became a powerful tool for activism and change.
Aug 28, 2025 • 9min
The making of the Third Man: A film noir classic
Dive into the world of post-war Vienna as the creation of a film noir classic unfolds. Explore Orson Welles' enigmatic entrance and his powerful portrayal, which steals the spotlight despite limited screen time. Discover behind-the-scenes challenges, including Welles' unpredictable antics and the intriguing role of a cat that adds layers to the narrative. Reflect on the film's moral dilemmas, emphasizing themes of greed and human suffering, while celebrating its enduring legacy in cinematic history.
Aug 27, 2025 • 9min
Washington DC’s Mount Pleasant riot
In May 1991, a police shooting sparked chaos in Mount Pleasant, revealing deep frustrations within the Hispanic community. Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of violence and unrest, as shops burned and tensions flared. Personal stories highlight the resilience of immigrant residents amidst systemic challenges. The aftermath led to crucial discussions on discrimination and the community's evolving identity, battling gentrification while striving to preserve their cultural heritage. This tumultuous event marked a turning point, bringing visibility to ignored narratives.
7 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 10min
Creating CAPTCHA
Journey back to the dawn of internet security as creators introduce CAPTCHA to combat spam bots. Discover the amusing twists and challenges they faced in developing distorted text that even machines struggled with. Explore the reimagining of the Turing test, which sparked debates on AI capabilities. This fascinating tale highlights CAPTCHA's evolution and its critical role in online safety, seamlessly adapting to the ever-changing landscape of technology.
10 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 10min
The creation of the International Criminal Court
Judge Phillipe Kirsch, a Belgian-Canadian legal luminary, recounts his role in the historic 1998 Rome conference that birthed the International Criminal Court. He vividly describes the intense negotiations among global leaders, driven by the urgent need for accountability following atrocities like the Holocaust and Rwandan genocide. Kirsch shares memorable moments from the treaty's emotional signing and the challenges overcome, offering listeners an insider’s perspective on establishing a pivotal institution in international justice.
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!
