The History Podcast

Joe's research into his great-grandfather's work takes him to Ammendorf, south of Berlin - one of the key sites of Nazi Germany's chemical weapons production.Written and presented by Joe Dunthorne Produced by Eleanor McDowall Music by Jeremy Warmsley Mixing engineer, Mike Woolley Story consultant, Sarah Geis Executive producer, Alan Hall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4

Dangers lurk beneath the soil, in the town where Joe's great-grandfather worked.Written and presented by Joe Dunthorne Produced by Eleanor McDowall Music by Jeremy Warmsley Mixing engineer, Mike Woolley Story consultant, Sarah Geis Executive producer, Alan Hall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4

Drawn to a family legend about his German-Jewish family’s dramatic escape from Nazi Germany in 1936, the writer Joe Dunthorne accidentally discovers a far more disturbing history. A conversation with his granny, who spent her childhood brushing her teeth with the radioactive toothpaste her father Siegfried manufactured, leads Joe to finally read his great-grandfather's nearly 2000-page long unpublished memoir. Hidden on page 1692 he finds an unsettling confession.Written and presented by Joe Dunthorne, (based on his book Children of Radium: A Buried Inheritance) Produced by Eleanor McDowall Music by Jeremy Warmsley Mixing engineer, Mike Woolley Story consultant, Sarah Geis Executive producer, Alan Hall A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4

Drawn to a family legend about his German-Jewish family’s dramatic escape from Nazi Germany in 1936, the writer Joe Dunthorne accidentally discovers a far more unsettling history.A confession hidden on page 1692 of his great-grandfather Siegfried’s unpublished memoir leads Joe into a story of radioactive toothpaste, unexploded bombs and erased histories, exploring the many ways the past continues to haunt the present - even when we try to ignore it.A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4

The rise and fall of Thames Water reveals the dark side of privatization and the realities of modern capitalism. Once a beacon of efficiency, it now grapples with sewage in water and financial collapse. Tracing back to post-war ideologies, experts discuss how globalization has sparked populist movements, shaking faith in the free market. With pivotal moments like Brexit reshaping economies, the podcast questions whether there are viable alternatives to the current economic model. Can we find a way back to accountability and community control?

Explore the rollercoaster life of billionaire tycoon James Goldsmith, a dazzling playboy and corporate raider who dramatically changed his views on capitalism. Discover how he boldly predicted a stock market crash and later confronted globalization's harsh realities. Hear about the fervent rallying at the Rabble Army gathering, igniting calls for political change amidst 1990s upheaval. Uncover the hidden value he found in struggling companies and the political legacy of the Referendum Party, echoing through today's discourse.

Nick Leeson, a working-class kid from Watford turned infamous trader, shares his remarkable journey from being a financial superstar to a fugitive after the collapse of Barings Bank. He delves into the transformative effect of Thatcher’s Big Bang on London's financial landscape, creating both incredible opportunities and reckless decisions. The discussion highlights how this era of free-market capitalism fueled ambition—but ultimately led to downfall. Leeson reflects on the cultural shifts of the 80s and the lasting implications for today's economy.

A young banker, John Redwood, uncovers a radical idea: transforming Britain into a free market by privatizing state-owned industries. As Margaret Thatcher rises to power, the political landscape shifts dramatically, facing challenges from strikers and unions. The journey of privatizing British Telecom illustrates the cultural embrace of capitalism, featuring a monumental advertising campaign that ignites public interest in share ownership. This narrative not only reshapes the economy but also reflects the societal changes as millions transition from a state-controlled system to individual shareholders.

A nervous politician's journey transforms him into an ideological warrior for free markets, facing hecklers and hostility across Britain. From post-war struggles to Thatcher's rise, the episode traces pivotal shifts in political thought. It highlights the economic turmoil of the 70s, the emergence of radical ideas, and their lasting influence. As Donald Trump's ideals threaten global economics, the discussion questions whether free markets will endure or if a new era is dawning.

A fighter pilot's tragic loss ignites a passion for free-market capitalism in post-war Britain. This journey traces the evolution from a chicken farm to influential agribusiness. The impact of Friedrich Hayek's ideas on a disillusioned veteran shines a light on the struggle between government control and personal enterprise. Discover a visionary farmer's mission to shape politics through innovative practices, and reflect on whether today's economic principles can withstand the test of time as global dynamics shift.