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
Jul 17, 2025 • 11min
The 'Turbot War'
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.
Jul 16, 2025 • 10min
Greece’s debt crisis
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.
7 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 10min
The Iran nuclear deal
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.
8 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 11min
The start of Voice of America
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.
5 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 10min
The man who said ‘no’ to Disney
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.
Jul 10, 2025 • 10min
Ni Una Menos women’s movement in Argentina
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.
Jul 9, 2025 • 11min
Argentina’s national genetics bank created to identify stolen babies
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.
Jul 8, 2025 • 11min
The mystery of Evita’s corpse
Discover the bizarre journey of Eva Perón's embalmed corpse, mysteriously hidden by military officials fearing her iconic status could spark protests. Explore how her devoted supporters and power struggles shaped the fate of her remains over decades. Dive into surreal historical moments, from shocking events like mislabelled meat to groundbreaking achievements, including the moon landing and Apollo 13. Each tale unveils extraordinary circumstances that left lasting impacts on history.
9 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 11min
Argentina’s 'trial of the juntas'
Luis Moreno Ocampo, a renowned lawyer and the first prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, shares his insights on Argentina's groundbreaking 1985 trial against the military juntas. He discusses the harrowing testimonies from victims of the Dirty War, where thousands disappeared under a brutal regime. Ocampo highlights the challenges faced by the legal team in pursuing justice amidst societal denial, and the trial's lasting impact on human rights accountability globally. The conversation explores the ongoing struggle for truth and reconciliation in Argentina.
5 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 10min
Dancing in the Street: David Bowie and Mick Jagger
Join Bernard Doherty, the Live Aid press officer, as he shares insider stories about the unforgettable duet between music legends David Bowie and Mick Jagger at the 1985 Live Aid concert. Discover how the duo tackled potential technical issues with a recording of 'Dancing in the Street' in just 18 hours. Doherty unveils hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, like impromptu cricket games and anecdotes about the music video’s spontaneous filming. This collaboration not only delivered a magical performance but also united audiences for a noble cause.
