Podcast Episodes

The deadly Vargas mudslides in Venezuela

In December 1999, torrential rain in Venezuela led to floods and mudslides. Government estimates put the number killed at 3,000 but other reports sug…

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Creating Cluedo

Air raids and blackouts during World War Two helped Anthony Pratt invent one of the most popular family board games: Cluedo.

But the musician's real i…

5 months, 2 weeks ago

The creation of the modern kitchen

In 1926, Austrian architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky created the modern kitchen. It was called the Frankfurt Kitchen and was something she didn’t l…

5 months, 2 weeks ago

The first PC virus

The first virus for personal computers in 1986 became known as 'Brain'. 'Welcome to the dungeon' was the message that flashed up on computer screens.…

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Battle of Gallipoli

It's 110 years since the end of the Battle of Gallipoli. It was one of the deadliest in World War One. Among the 40,000 dead was a large contingent o…

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Sazae-san: World's longest-running cartoon

In 1969, a cartoon about a traditional Japanese family premiered on Fuji TV.

More than 55 years later, Sazae-san still airs in its original time slot.…

5 months, 3 weeks ago

Tracey Emin’s unmade bed

In 1999, Dame Tracey Emin’s unmade bed was nominated for Britain’s prestigious Turner art prize opening up conversations about how we define art.

The …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

Isabel Allende: The House of the Spirits

In 1982, Isabel Allende published her debut novel, The House of the Spirits. The characters are based on her family, and the story reflects Chile’s 2…

5 months, 3 weeks ago

The Hillsborough Disaster

On 15 April 1989, there was a crowd crush at a football match in Sheffield, England, which led to the death of 97 fans.

It was the semi-final of the …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa's luxury train

In 1986, South African businessman Rohan Vos was sitting in the bath when he decided to pursue his passion and launch a vintage railway business. How…

5 months, 3 weeks ago