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
Feb 25, 2025 • 10min
The Nellie massacre
The Nellie massacre of 1983 stands as the darkest day in India's post-independence history, claiming around 3,000 lives. A journalist recounts the horrifying events and escalating tensions between Assamese and Bengali communities. Witness accounts reveal the chaos and brutality faced by innocent families, highlighting the emotional turmoil and fear gripping the region. The podcast dives deep into the ethnic conflicts that sparked this tragedy, reflecting on its lasting impact on the survivors and the community.
16 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 10min
Discovering the structure of haemoglobin
In 1959, an Austrian scientist sparked intrigue by using modeling clay to unlock the 3D structure of haemoglobin. His groundbreaking discovery took 22 years and was met with skepticism by peers. Utilizing X-ray crystallography, researchers overcame major hurdles to finally visualize this complex molecule. The journey culminated in a Nobel Prize win in 1962, a pivotal moment that not only celebrated their triumph but also advanced understanding of blood diseases. Dive into the emotional highs and lows of this remarkable scientific saga.
5 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 10min
Assassination of Malcolm X
Herman Ferguson, a member of Malcolm X's movement and an assistant principal, shares his firsthand experience of the tumultuous day in 1965 when Malcolm X was assassinated. He vividly recounts the emotional atmosphere at the funeral, highlighting the deep respect from supporters. Ferguson discusses Malcolm X's powerful messages of black empowerment that resonated deeply with the community, contrasting them with Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach. His reflections reveal the lasting impact of Malcolm's legacy on modern struggles for rights and identity.
Feb 20, 2025 • 10min
Murder at the Berlin Wall
Discover the gripping story of Czesław Kukuczka, who made a desperate bomb threat to escape from East Berlin. His tragic attempt to reach freedom ended with his death at the Berlin Wall, a mystery that mystified many for decades. The podcast delves into the tireless investigation that eventually led to the identification of his killer, former Stasi officer Martin Naumann. The dramatic courtroom scenes unfold as justice is sought, revealing profound implications for history and memory. Witness harrowing eye-witness accounts and the lengths people go for freedom.
Feb 19, 2025 • 10min
Bolivia’s first indigenous president
In this enlightening discussion, Álvaro García Linera, Bolivia's former Vice President under Evo Morales, delves into the remarkable ascent of Bolivia's first indigenous president. He shares the emotional impact of this historic election on indigenous communities and discusses the fight against poverty and the complexities of the coca leaf industry. García Linera reflects on the monumental protests that galvanized indigenous empowerment and offers insights into the transformative policies that shaped Bolivia's socio-political landscape during Morales's presidency.
Feb 18, 2025 • 10min
Bo: The death of a language
Anvita Abbi, a dedicated Indian linguist, recounts her poignant journey with Boa Sr., the last speaker of the Bo language. She shares how Boa, isolated from her community, communicated with birds as her ancestors before forming a bond with Anvita. Together, they cherished and documented ancient songs and tales, emphasizing the heartbreaking loss of one of the world's oldest languages. Abbi highlights the cultural impact of this loss and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity for future generations.
Feb 17, 2025 • 10min
The world's longest kiss
Ekkachai, one half of the Thai couple who set the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss, shares his unforgettable story. He reminisces about the couple's incredible feat of kissing for 58 hours and 35 minutes and what it took to prepare for such an endurance test. Ekkachai reveals the challenges they faced, from fatigue to the emotional hurdles of their eventual separation. His reflections highlight the bittersweet nature of their achievement, vowing that despite their differences, the memory of that record-breaking kiss will always hold a special place in his heart.
11 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 10min
Eva Peron: Argentina’s Evita
Discover the incredible journey of Eva Peron, from her humble beginnings to becoming a powerful figure in 1940s Argentina. Hear about her passionate speeches and groundbreaking role in supporting the poor through her foundation. Experience the electric atmosphere of her rallying cries and the profound connections she forged with the Argentine people. Explore the complexities of her legacy, marked by both adoration and controversy, and witness the enduring cultural impact she left behind.
Feb 13, 2025 • 10min
Paul Keating's Redfern speech
Explore the groundbreaking 1992 speech by Australia's Prime Minister in Redfern, a pivotal moment acknowledging historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. Hear insights from the speechwriter about its spontaneous development and profound impact. Discover themes of empathy and responsibility essential for understanding Indigenous experiences. Reflect on the speech's mixed outcomes in reconciliation efforts and its lasting legacy, highlighting the resilience of Indigenous culture and the ongoing journey towards acknowledgment in society.
Feb 12, 2025 • 10min
Mary Fisher's 'A Whisper of Aids' speech
Mary Fisher's courageous 1992 speech at the Republican National Convention tackled the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS, sharing her personal diagnosis as a mother. She passionately called on the Republican Party to show compassion and support for those affected. Recalling her desire for her children to grow up free of shame, Fisher's words became a legacy of empowerment. This impactful moment shifted public perceptions and inspired future generations to confront the AIDS crisis with awareness and hope.
