Journey Through Time

Discover the harrowing origins of the Great Fire of London, sparked by a bakery mishap in 1666. Dive into Samuel Pepys' diary as he recounts the chaos unfolding in a city gripped by superstition and past plagues. Explore how London's wooden structures made it exceptionally vulnerable to disaster. Unravel the community's response amidst leadership failures and opportunism in the face of catastrophe. This fiery tale not only reshaped a city but also marked the end of an era.

In this engaging discussion, guest Steven Johnson, a renowned author and co-founder of Notebook LM, dives into the history of artificial intelligence. He highlights Alan Turing's pivotal role in shaping AI during WWII and explores how gaming influenced technological advancements. The conversation covers the dramatic peaks and troughs of AI's evolution, including the landmark defeat of Garry Kasparov by Deep Blue. Johnson also addresses the societal implications of large language models like GPT-3 and the transformative potential of AI in education and knowledge work.

The podcast dives into the terrifying aftermath of the Great Storm of 1703. It contrasts the devastation with the heroic stories of survivors, revealing the challenges they faced. The discussion highlights Daniel Defoe's intriguing journey from a struggling merchant to an iconic author, shaped by this disaster. The conversation also wrestles with themes of morality and divine judgment, exploring how society interpreted the storm as a sign of retribution. Lastly, it reflects on resilience and the importance of acknowledging this calamity in history.

Discover the chilling tale of the Great Storm of 1703, one of England’s deadliest natural disasters, claiming 10,000 lives. Explore how Daniel Defoe documented this catastrophe and shifted the landscape of journalism. Learn why this horrific storm faded from collective memory despite its widespread destruction. The story delves into the powerful winds, the dramatic impact on Bristol, and the fateful decisions of lighthouse creator Henry Winstanley as he faced the tempestuous sea.

Why did the audience of Macbeth begin hurling theatre seats and food then cobble stones and bricks? What caused the militia, drafted in by New York’s mayor, to fire on the crowd? How did this riot change theatre and Shakespeare forever?  Join David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell as the Astor Place Riots unfold, leaving many innocent New Yorkers dead.  To find out more about Find My Past visit: https://www.findmypast.co.uk/journey-through-time Email: journeythroughtime@goalhanger.com  X: @ThroughTimePod Blue Sky: @ThroughTimePod Instagram: @ThroughTimePod Assistant Producer: Alice Horrell Producer: Callum Hill Senior Producer: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A heated rivalry over Shakespeare ignites a violent clash in 1849 New York, marking the deadliest civilian riot since the Revolutionary War. Tensions escalate due to class struggles, immigration, and anti-British sentiment. The podcast dives into the fierce competition between actors Edwin Forrest and William McCready, revealing how their personal conflicts mirror broader societal divides. It also explores the role of theater as a battleground for social issues, along with the untold contributions of women during wartime.

Discover the thrilling lives of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two fierce female pirates who defied gender norms on the high seas. Delve into their audacious crimes and the dangerous bounty hunters that pursued them. Explore the reality of piracy versus the myths, revealing the mundane struggles behind their romanticized tales. Tension mounts as Calico Jack's crew faces a dramatic confrontation in Jamaica, and the harrowing choices of pirate women are brought to light, challenging societal expectations and highlighting their resilience.

Discover the thrilling lives of notorious female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read as they navigate the turbulent waters of the Caribbean. Their scandalous love affair and defiance of societal norms unveil a fascinating chapter in history. Explore Calico Jack Rackham's rise to infamy and his complex relationships with his crew and lovers. The podcast delves into the moral quandaries of piracy and the vibrant haven of Nassau, illustrating how these figures shaped perceptions of loyalty, gender, and rebellion on the high seas.

Discover the remarkable legacy of Eleanor Rathbone, a pioneer of the welfare state who tirelessly advocated for women's rights and child welfare. Uncover the stories behind the two million 'superfluous women' of the 1921 census and how Rathbone sought to redefine caregiving as valuable work. Delve into the complex dynamics of historic partnerships among women and their impact on social reform. This engaging discussion highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in shaping societal attitudes and welfare policies.

Delve into the chilling tale of Burke and Hare, whose gruesome murders shocked 19th century Britain. Discover how their shocking betrayal led to one facing a grisly fate while the other walked free. Explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding body snatching and the societal outcry that culminated in the Anatomy Act of 1832. Their dark legacy reveals a disturbing intersection of greed, morality, and justice as the narrative unfolds with horrifying twists and emotional tales of victims and survivors.