Journey Through Time

Delve into the chilling climax of the Salem Witch Trials, where shocking accusations spiraled out of control. Discover how pivotal figures like Increase Mather shifted public opinion and halted the executions. Explore the fallout, including public recantations and the community's struggle with its dark past. The discussion reveals the trials' lingering legacy, likening them to contemporary scapegoating and societal tensions. Reflect on the broader lessons about denial, bias, and the dangers of division that resonate even today.

Now the witch trials have been set up, what evidence is used to send many innocent people to their death? Why are young women shrieking and convulsing at the sight of those accused? Finally, what are Sarah’s tips for surviving an allegation of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts?  Join Sarah Churchwell and David Olusoga as they explore the dramatic courtroom scenes of the Salem Witch Trials.  Email: journeythroughtime@goalhanger.com  X: @ThroughTimePod Blue Sky: @ThroughTimePod Instagram: @JourneyThroughTimePod Social Producer: Emma Jackson, Harry Balden Producer: Alice Horrell Head of History: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What were the Salem Witch Trials that resulted in the deaths of more than 20 innocent people? Why was this puritan community in New England so vulnerable to being gripped by a violent witch hunt? What were the crimes of Tituba, the first woman accused of witchcraft? Join David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell on the first of their three part series discussing the Salem Witch Trials.  Email: journeythroughtime@goalhanger.com  X: @ThroughTimePod Blue Sky: @ThroughTimePod Instagram: @JourneyThroughTimePod Social Producer: Emma Jackson, Harry Balden Producer: Alice Horrell Head of History: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What did it feel like to be at the centre of the most popular Reality TV moment of the century? Why was the nation captivated by Big Brother? What can we learn about a country from who wins their game shows?  Sarah Churchwell and David Olusoga are joined by Sir Peter Bazalgette, acclaimed television producer behind UK Big Brother, to discuss all this and more.  Email: journeythroughtime@goalhanger.com  X: @ThroughTimePod Blue Sky: @ThroughTimePod Instagram: @JourneyThroughTimePod Social Producer: Emma Jackson, Harry Balden Producer: Alice Horrell Head of History: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What unbelievable and ethically dubious Reality TV concepts made it onto our screens in the 2000s? What was behind Big Brother’s game changing popularity?  How did Trump’s time on The Apprentice pave the way for his presidency? Join David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell as they explore the latest chapter in the story of Reality TV’s worldwide success.  Email: journeythroughtime@goalhanger.com  X: @ThroughTimePod Blue Sky: @ThroughTimePod Instagram: @JourneyThroughTimePod Social Producer: Emma Jackson, Harry Balden Producer: Alice Horrell Head of History: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who was Lance Loud, America's first openly gay TV celebrity? What ethically dubious tactics did producers pioneer in MTV's hit show 'The Real World' to manipulate participants and storylines? What does it mean when reality TV becomes a form of social experiment? Join Sarah Churchwell and David Olusoga as they explore the developments that brought us the reality TV we know and love. Email: journeythroughtime@goalhanger.com  X: @ThroughTimePod Blue Sky: @ThroughTimePod Instagram: @JourneyThroughTimePod Social Producer: Emma Jackson, Harry Balden Producer: Alice Horrell Head of History: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David shares his thrilling experience on Celebrity Traitors. The hosts trace reality TV's roots back to WWII, revealing its profound impact on society. They delve into how this genre reshapes celebrity culture and viewer intimacy. Candid Camera's innovative techniques are explored, showcasing the blend of humor and authenticity. The conversation highlights the monumental significance of An American Family, the first landmark in reality TV, while grappling with the ethical dilemmas of documenting real lives.

Discover why the Confederate States believed cutting off cotton supplies would secure British support during the Civil War. Learn about the unique humanitarian efforts in Lancashire to help starving mill workers and how British stockpiling strategies changed the landscape. Delve into the political debates and relief efforts that influenced public opinion, as well as the role Liverpool played in supporting the Confederacy. Uncover dramatic naval encounters involving British-built raiders and how they sparked tensions between the US and Britain.

Tensions between Britain and America nearly led to war over the capture of Confederate officers in 1861. The hosts delve into the Trent Affair, discussing Captain Wilkes's controversial actions and the fierce British public outrage. They reveal how Prince Albert's final letter softened Britain’s ultimatum, providing a diplomatic off-ramp. The aftermath saw both nations relieved, yet lingering tensions remained. The conversation hints at whether the Confederacy's cotton diplomacy could still sway Britain into the conflict.

David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell dive into the intricate history of the UK-US relationship, highlighting its complexities during the American Civil War. They explore Barack Obama's perspectives on trust versus fear in society. Discussions reveal surprising British ties to the Confederacy, driven by economic interests in cotton. The podcast unpacks how British capital significantly fueled American growth and how mixed sentiments about the Civil War led to Britain's cautious neutrality. Intriguing insights into diplomatic maneuvers add depth to this historical exploration.