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
Aug 28, 2024 • 9min
Waris Dirie
Waris Dirie, a Somali model turned advocate, shares her incredible journey from escaping child marriage and undergoing FGM to becoming a fashion icon. She vividly recounts her remarkable walk across the Somali desert to reclaim her freedom. Discover how a serendipitous meeting with a photographer in London launched her modeling career. Waris also discusses her transformation into an advocate against FGM, challenging cultural norms while emphasizing the power of self-reliance and personal leadership.
Aug 27, 2024 • 10min
The writer of Mary Poppins
Brian Sibley, an author and journalist with a flair for film and literature, is joined by Kitty Travers, a family member of PL Travers, sharing insights about the enigmatic author. They dive into the fascinating life of PL Travers, her quirky personality, and her complex feelings toward the Disney adaptation of 'Mary Poppins.' Kitty recounts personal anecdotes that illuminate Travers’ eccentricities and interests in Celtic mysticism. The conversation reflects on the tension between creative control and adaptation, revealing the deeper emotional landscape of Travers' life and legacy.
Aug 26, 2024 • 9min
Canada’s first UFO landing pad
Margo Lagassee, a passionate believer in extraterrestrial life, and Paul Boisvert, a key figure in creating Canada's first UFO landing pad, share insights from their experiences in St. Paul. They discuss how this quirky project emerged in 1967 to celebrate Canada's centennial, capturing the townsfolk's playful spirit. Paul humorously imagines feeding intergalactic visitors traditional Canadian dishes, while Margo reflects on the cultural significance of welcoming aliens. Their stories highlight a unique intersection of community creativity and the allure of the unknown.
Aug 23, 2024 • 10min
Spain's La Tomatina
In 1945, a playful tomato fight sparked in Buñol, setting the stage for Spain's lively La Tomatina festival. What began as a teenage rivalry grew into a legendary annual event where thousands flock to hurl tomatoes at each other. Amidst the backdrop of Franco's regime, this whimsical rebellion transformed into a symbol of joy and community spirit. Eyewitness Goltran Zanon shares nostalgic memories, reflecting on how a simple moment of mischief became a global phenomenon, uniting people in a hilarious, juicy tradition!
Aug 22, 2024 • 10min
India’s first female bartender
Shatbhi Basu, celebrated as India's first female bartender, shares her inspiring journey through a male-dominated industry since 1981. She discusses the societal attitudes toward women serving alcohol, highlighting the barriers she faced until a pivotal 2007 ruling finally allowed female bartenders to thrive. Shatbhi opens up about the challenges of fostering inclusivity and breaking down gender stereotypes, showcasing her passion for cocktail-making and the ongoing fight for gender equality in the workplace.
Aug 22, 2024 • 10min
Argentina's five presidents in two weeks
Eduardo Duhalde, the fifth President of Argentina during a severe economic crisis, shares his firsthand experiences of the 2001 turmoil. He discusses the chaos that led to five presidents in two weeks and the desperate protests from citizens facing inflation. Duhalde describes the challenges of restoring order amidst civil unrest and the difficult decisions he had to make, including currency devaluation. His insights provide a gripping look into the complexity of leadership during one of Argentina's most turbulent times.
Aug 20, 2024 • 9min
Nazis in Egypt
In a riveting discussion, Johann Von Leers, a key Nazi propagandist, and Frank Gelli, a member of a far-right group, delve into Egypt's controversial recruitment of former Nazis post-World War II. They explore how Egypt’s President Nasser utilized these figures to shape an anti-Israel narrative. Gelli shares personal insights from his 1964 meeting with Von Leers, revealing unsettling alliances formed in a tumultuous political landscape. The conversation sheds light on the enduring impact of anti-Semitic ideologies and the fates of Nazi exiles in Egypt.
Aug 19, 2024 • 10min
The celebrity murder case that divided France
In this riveting discussion, Bertrand Cantat, the French rock star entangled in a notorious murder case, reflects on his tumultuous relationship with actress Marie Trintignant. Journalist Michelle Fines dives into the polarized public reaction, highlighting the complex dynamics of their affair and the media’s portrayal. The tragic murder raised critical feminist discussions in France, emphasizing societal biases and the legacy of Marie’s case in empowering domestic violence victims to speak out. The conversation reveals the profound impact of love, violence, and perception.
Aug 16, 2024 • 10min
Saving lives after the 2002 Bali bombings
Professor Fiona Wood, a renowned plastic surgeon celebrated for her pioneering work with burn victims, recounts her vital role in the aftermath of the 2002 Bali bombings. She discusses the chaotic medical environment and the urgent need for innovative solutions. Wood highlights her development of the revolutionary 'spray-on skin' technique, which changed the game for treating severe burns. Her experiences reveal the challenges faced by both patients and caregivers, showcasing resilience and the power of medical innovation born from tragedy.
Aug 15, 2024 • 9min
How the CIA caught 'Carlos the Jackal'
Billy Waugh, a former CIA operative, shares gripping insights into the capture of Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, infamously known as 'Carlos the Jackal.' Waugh details the cunning tactics employed during the intense hunt, emphasizing the dangers faced while tracking a shadowy terrorist. Listeners learn about the strategic surveillance that led to a dramatic identification outside a hospital in Khartoum. The podcast also highlights the broader implications of Carlos's arrest and the intricate international efforts involved in bringing him to justice.
