Journey Through Time

Gripping reconstruction of the night reactor four failed and why a critical safety test was overdue. Tense control-room drama as crew decisions collide with reactor instability. A fatal design flaw in the shutdown system triggers a catastrophic power spike and two massive explosions. Immediate chaos, the first casualty in the pump hall, and the spread of deadly radiation across Ukraine and beyond.

A deep look at how secrecy, impossible targets, and bureaucratic corner-cutting set the stage for the Chernobyl disaster. They chart the flawed reactor design, known safety warnings that were ignored, and the human bravery and failures during the night that changed history. The story connects environmental fallout to political collapse and local impacts as far away as rural Britain.

Explore how the Spanish Civil War inspired global resistance movements and the legacy it left on modern Spain. Delve into the appalling conditions faced by Republican refugees in French internment camps. Discover the impact of Spanish veterans on WWII resistance and the ironic use of Orwell's works during the Cold War. Uncover the stories of literary giants Hemingway and Gellhorn, and the glamorization of war correspondents. Finally, grapple with the issue of hidden mass graves and the ongoing recovery of suppressed history.

Unravel the chilling events of the Guernica bombing as David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell dive into the horrors of war. Discover how Picasso's iconic artwork captured the destruction and despair faced by civilians. Delve into Hitler's strategic tests in Spain and Stalin's involvement in the conflict. Explore the mixed fortunes of the Republican forces and the devastating impact on civilians, revealed through compelling journalism. This fascinating discussion brings to light Spain's role as a precursor to WWII.

Explore the chaotic backdrop of Barcelona's May Days and Orwell's perilous escape from Stalinist agents. Discover the intense clashes between communists and anarchists, driven by conflicting ideologies. Delve into the chilling influence of Soviet operatives and the brutal suppression faced by leftist factions. The podcast also reveals how Orwell's harrowing experiences informed his iconic works, Animal Farm and 1984, portraying the stark realities of totalitarianism. A gripping dive into a pivotal moment in history!

Explore the chaotic May Days in Barcelona and the internal conflict between communists and anarchists. Discover how key figures like Orwell navigated the dangers of Stalinist agents and how the Spanish Civil War influenced his iconic works such as Animal Farm and 1984. Learn about the challenges faced by international volunteers, including the devastating consequences of the Harama assault and how propaganda reshaped the narrative of heroism amidst chaos. Unravel the complex interplay of ideologies and the reality behind the romanticized tales.

The podcast delves into the fascinating story of the International Brigades and the diverse motivations of the 35,000 foreign volunteers who fought in the Spanish Civil War. It explores the first racially integrated military unit in the U.S. and the pivotal roles women played, from nurses to frontline fighters. Journalists like Hemingway shaped global perceptions of the conflict, while the podcast reveals the complexities of factionalism, the impact of Soviet influence, and Orwell's disillusionment with communism as warfare evolved.

Explore the chaotic roots of the Spanish Civil War, where clashes between Republicans and Nationalists ignited in 1936. Learn how foreign powers like Hitler and Mussolini intervened while Western democracies remained inactive, ultimately shaping the conflict's trajectory. Witness the arrival of the International Brigades, fueled by global outrage, and discover how icons like Hemingway and Orwell were drawn into the fray. The episode delves into the global implications of Spain's turmoil and how it foreshadowed the emerging shadows of World War II.

In what significant ways did the bestselling book ‘A Christmas Carol’ change Victorian behaviour around Christmas? From Christmas movies to the office Christmas party, what traditions do we have Charles Dickens to thank for? Why does this story still resonate in modern debates around poverty, responsibility, and compassion?  Join David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell exploring the enduring legacy of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’.  Social Producers: Emma Jackson, Harry Balden Assistant Producers: Alfie Rowe, Alfie Norris  Producer: Alice Horrell Head of History: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore how the three Ghosts of Christmas transformed Scrooge and highlighted societal ills. Discover Dickens' urgent message about poverty in Victorian England and the impact of child labor. Delve into Tiny Tim’s significance as a moral test for readers and the stark realities of neglect. The discussion reveals Scrooge as a reflection of societal greed and ultimately showcases the redemptive power of kindness and compassion during the festive season.