Podcast Episodes

Seggae riots in Mauritius

Mauritian musician Kaya, who pioneered a new genre called seggae, fusing reggae and sega, died in police custody on 21 February 1999.

His death sparked three days of rioting. People believed Kaya had …

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago

Battle for the capital: Bonn v Berlin

In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell and Germany had to decide which city would be the new capital.

The contenders were the West German city of Bonn and the East German city of Berlin and the two fought it …

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago

First winter ascent of Everest

On 17 February 1980, the first people climbed Everest in winter.

John Beauchamp hears from Leszek Cichy and Krzysztof Wielicki from Poland who were the men who did it.

It was at the height of the Cold …

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago

Discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb

On 16 February 1923, the sealed burial chamber of ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaoh Tutankhamun was opened for the first time.

Mike Gallagher takes us back to the Valley of the Kings and the discov…

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago

'I developed Pokémon'

On 27 February 1996, gamers were first introduced to characters Pikachu, Eevee, and Charmander when the first Pokémon games were released in Japan.

Known as Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Gr…

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago

First Danish queen for 600 years

In January 1972, King Frederick IX of Denmark died after a short illness at the age of 72.

He was succeeded by his daughter Margrethe who became the first Queen of Denmark in 600 years.

Watching her p…

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago

'Hot Autumn': When Italy’s workers revolted

In 1969 and 1970, thousands of workers in Italy went on strike, protesting against low pay and poor working conditions. It became known as the ‘Hot Autumn’.

Renzo Baricelli represented tyre workers at…

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago

'I told the world Pope Benedict XVI was resigning'

On 11 February 2013, Benedict XVI shocked the world by becoming the first pope in nearly 600 years to quit. All other popes in the modern era had held the position from election until death.

He said …

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago

The Pope and Jews

In April 1986, Pope John Paul II made a historic visit to a Rome synagogue.

It was aimed at healing centuries of deep wounds between Jews and Catholics.

Giacomo Saban, who welcomed the pontiff to the s…

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago

Pope John Paul I’s sudden death

Cardinal Albino Luciani became Pope John Paul I on 26 August 1978. He died unexpectedly 33 days later.

He was discovered in the early morning lying on his bed, a collection of sermons in his hand.

He …

Published on 2 years, 10 months ago