Witness History

An 18-second clip of a young man standing in front of an elephant enclosure at San Diego Zoo in California, describing their “really long trunks” was the first video to be posted onto YouTube in April 2005.It was uploaded by co-founder Jawed Karim, who with friends Chad Hurley and Steve Chen, cooked up the idea for the video-sharing service while working together at PayPal.Twenty years later, it is now available in 100 countries and has almost three billion users around the world.Produced and presented by Reena Stanton-Sharma using archive interviews.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 football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: YouTube web page. Credit: Samantha Sin/AFP via Getty Images)

In April 1944, a tragic rehearsal for D-Day called Exercise Tiger turned into chaos when a German fleet attacked, resulting in the loss of 749 American servicemen. The story highlights the military's decision to keep the incident secret to maintain morale and protect D-Day plans. Eyewitness accounts, including a veteran's reflections, bring a personal touch to this forgotten piece of history. The podcast uncovers how a tank linked to the disaster sparked renewed interest and remembrance for those who served.

In November 1995, a proposal of having an annual day focused on celebrating books was put forward at the UNESCO conference in Paris.The idea came from a long-established Spanish celebration ‘The Day of Books and Roses’.The first World Book Day was on 23 April 1996.Although some countries now celebrate World Book Day on different dates, it’s marked on 23 April in the majority of countries.Pere Vicens is a book publisher from Barcelona in Spain and one of the creators of World Book Day. He tells Gill Kearsley the origins of this now annual event.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 football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: World Book Day in Spain. Credit: John MIlner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Aki Ra, a former child soldier for the Khmer Rouge, shares his harrowing journey from laying landmines to becoming a deminer in Cambodia. He discusses the tragic aftermath of a conflict that left millions affected by unexploded devices. Aki reveals his personal reckoning after encountering villagers harmed by the very mines he once planted, leading to a transformative commitment to repairing the damage. This compelling conversation highlights the enduring impact of war and the power of redemption in healing a nation.

In April 1975, Cambodia faced a chilling upheaval as the Khmer Rouge seized power, leading to a devastating four-year reign of terror. A young boy's harrowing tale reveals the panic and forced exodus of families from urban centers to rural camps. Personal stories illustrate the brutal realities of life in labor camps, where survival often came at a heart-wrenching cost. The regime's impact echoes through time, with two million lives lost and a quest for justice that remains fraught with challenges.

Discover the fascinating journey behind the invention of the white LED lightbulb from Japan in 1993. Learn about Professor Shuji Nakamura's resilience in overcoming funding issues and skepticism without a PhD. Dive into the challenges faced during the development of blue LEDs and the innovative phosphor technique that made white light possible. Explore how the widespread adoption of this energy-efficient technology has transformed modern lighting and its profound environmental impact.

In April 2005, nine Australians tried to smuggle heroin from Indonesia, leading to a gripping tale of tragedy and controversy. Families faced immense emotional turmoil amid strict drug laws. A bishop's unique connection adds personal insight into the harrowing prison realities. The story explores mixed public opinions and the Australian government's pleas for mercy. It also touches on the haunting experiences of those involved, showcasing how these events ripple through society and impact lives long after.

In this engaging discussion, guest Kai Frobel, a Professor at the Bund Environmental Organization and a key figure behind Germany's Green Belt, shares his passionate journey in environmental activism. He recounts the dramatic transformation of the land once known as the ‘death zone’ of the Berlin Wall into a vibrant ecological haven. Kai emphasizes the urgency of protecting this unique habitat enriched with rare species, reflecting on the emotional reunification of people and nature after decades of division.

Dr. David Tuggle, a pediatric surgeon, recounts his harrowing experience during the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. He vividly describes the chaos he faced while treating survivors at the Children's Hospital amid devastation. The emotional toll on medical teams is palpable as they race against time to save young lives, including a gripping story about a survivor named Dana Bradley who endured an emergency amputation. Tuggle reflects on the resilience of the community and the profound impact of this tragedy on those involved.

Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning Liberian activist, shares her remarkable journey mobilizing thousands of women to end Liberia's civil war. She recounts the powerful non-violent protests that pressured President Charles Taylor into negotiations. Gbowee discusses their strategic activism, including a famous sex strike that galvanized attention. Her stories emphasize the strength of collective action and the transformative impact of peaceful resistance in the face of tyranny, ultimately leading to a hopeful future for Liberia.