Witness History
BBC World Service
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about 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 how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines’ life and Omar Sharif’s legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives’ ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
12 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 11min
Back to the Future
Bob Gale, the American co-writer and producer of Back to the Future, takes a nostalgic trip back to 1985, sharing insights on the film's creation. He reveals the original concept involved a refrigerator instead of a DeLorean and a chimp instead of Einstein the dog. Gale discusses the numerous script rejections and the hurdles faced during production. He also highlights the film’s unexpected impact on pop culture and its enduring legacy, making it a beloved classic. A must-listen for any film buff or time travel enthusiast!
Jul 2, 2025 • 10min
Drill, baby, drill!
Discover the intriguing origins of the slogan 'drill, baby, drill' and how it electrified the 2008 Republican National Convention. Learn about Michael Steele's late-night epiphany that led to its birth and transformed U.S. energy discourse. The podcast explores the slogan's evolution through American politics, including its reframing by Donald Trump. Plus, gain insight into the shift in energy production and the cultural impact of such catchphrases on public sentiment. It's a fascinating look at how a simple phrase can shape policy and perception.
Jul 1, 2025 • 11min
Cecil the lion
The tragic killing of Cecil the Lion by an American dentist ignited worldwide outrage and a heated discussion on trophy hunting and conservation. Personal accounts from conservationists reveal the emotional impact of Cecil’s death, emphasizing the moral implications of hunting practices. The media frenzy surrounding the event showcased public protests and celebrity involvement, fueling a movement towards better animal rights. In response, conservation efforts grew, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies to protect dwindling lion populations.
Jun 30, 2025 • 10min
Ai Weiwei: Imprisoned for art
In this engaging discussion, Ai Weiwei, a renowned Chinese contemporary artist and activist, recounts transforming the tragedy of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake into the poignant artwork 'Straight,' using salvaged steel rebar. He reflects on his brutal 81-day imprisonment due to his dissent against government oppression and the emotional toll on his family. Ai emphasizes how art serves as a powerful tool for activism, accountability, and remembrance, illustrating resilience in the face of adversity and the struggle for creative expression.
Jun 27, 2025 • 11min
Italian happiness trains
Bianca D’Aniello, an Italian woman who was a child passenger on the infamous 'happiness trains', shares her poignant journey from Salerno to Mestre. She recounts the emotional mix of hope and fear as she waved goodbye to her family for what was supposed to be a better life. Despite the promise of new beginnings, her experience was marred by the harsh realities of Italy’s fascist regime and her struggles with loneliness. Bianca's reflections shed light on the bittersweet nature of her journey, highlighting themes of love, belonging, and the impact of war on childhood.
