Stay ConnectedForbidden History is a documentary podcast series which explores the past’s darkest corners, sheds light on the lives of intriguing individuals, and uncovers the truth buried deep in history’s most controversial legacies. Each episode will delve into the history archives to reveal new perspectives on familiar stories.
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From Bram Stoker's Dracula in 1897 to the modern phenomena of Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and True Blood, the legend of the vampire lives on. But how real are these mythical creatures? In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we delve into whether any aspects of the vampire myth are based in reality...
Cast List:
Jamie Theakston: Investigative reporter
Deborah Hyde: Editor, The Skeptic Magazine
Ross Andrews: Author & Historian
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Heather Osborn: Author & Historian
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Bozhidar Dimitrov: Director, Sozopol Museum
David Farrant: Vampire Hunter
Aro Draven: Contemporary Vampire
Lia Benninghof: Contemporary Vampire
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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To some, Satanism is a religion as valid as Christianity - to others it’s a dangerous cult. With thousands of devotees and popularity rising, it's time to unearth its origins, tales and beliefs. Is there a darker side to the ancient ritual Black Mass?
Cast List:
Jamie Theakston: Investigative reporter
Gavin Baddeley: Church Of Satan, UK
Jack Orr: Local guide at Hellfire Caves, West Wycombe
Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe: Author ‘Mysteries & Secrets of Time’
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Ross Andrews: Author & Historian
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Heather Osborn: Author & Historian
Edward Dashwood: Baronet, West Wycombe Estate
Aron Paramor: Occult Researcher
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Forbidden History presents History's Greatest Hoaxes: The Hitler Diaries (Extended)
In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the case of the Hitler Diaries which purported to be sixty-two volumes of Adolf Hitler's personal journals. Convinced of their reality, Rupert Murdoch paid over a half a million dollars to publish them. The hoax turned out to be one of the greatest case of fraud ever done to a newspaper.
Cast List:
Gerd Heidemann: Former Reporter, Die Stern
Guy Walters - Author & Historian
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist
Alex Boese: Author, The World's Greatest Hoaxes
Marcus Brigstocke: Author & Comedian
Magnus Linklater: Former News Editor, The Sunday Times
Gerhard Klussmeier: Author, The True Face of Konrad Kujau
Peter Hoffman: Museum of Contemporary History, Bonn
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Forbidden History presents History's Greatest Hoaxes
In 1912 the discovery of an unusual skull and jawbone in Sussex, England, led many to believe that a 'missing link' had finally been found. The revelation of a hoax, however, had wide reaching impact on anthropology and science.
Cast List:
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist
Miles Russell: Archaeologist & Charles Dawson Biographer
Alex Boese: Author, The World's Greatest Hoaxes
Marcus Brigstocke: Author & Comedian
Joe Nickell: Paranormal Investigator
Keith Moore: Head Librarian, Royal Society
Cathy Walling: Curator, Hastings Museum & Art Gallery
Jo Hatton: Keeper of Natural History, Horniman Museum
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Forbidden History presents History's Greatest Hoaxes
Papillon is one of the most popular books and films of the 1970s. It tells the dramatic story of the prison life of Henri Charrière, a convicted murderer with a large butterfly tattoo on his chest. But how much of his story was actually true? Was he ever imprisoned on Devil's Island? Or was it all fiction...?
Cast List:
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Alex Boese: Author, The World's Greatest Hoaxes
Marcus Brigstocke: Author & Comedian
Vladimir Lozinski: News Producer
Ronnie: Local Guide
Marcus Brigstocke: Author & Comedian
Jim Haynes: Publisher
Erwin James: Ex-Convict & Journalist
Michel Muszlak: Philosopher
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Forbidden History presents History's Greatest Hoaxes
In the 1990s, a British music and record promoter presented a black and white film and claimed it was footage of a Roswell-era alien autopsy. While many believed it to be real at the time, it is now recognised as a hoax, with the producers of the film going public with exactly what methods they used to make the programme so believable...
Cast List:
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist
Joe Nickell: Paranormal Investigator
Nick Pope: UK Ministry of Defense
Alex Boese: Author, The World's Greatest Hoaxes
Ray Santilli: Filmmaker
Marcus Brigstocke: Author & Comedian
John Humphreys: Special Effects Artist
Spyros Melaris: Cameraman
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Forbidden History presents: History's Greatest Hoaxes
Orson Welles's Mercury Theater radio adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel 'The War of the Worlds' was a simulated news broadcast which convinced many Americans that an invasion by Martians was underway... Newspapers claimed that it led to a massive panic around the country, but was the original audience actually that large?
Cast List:
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Nick Pope: UK Ministry of Defense
Marcus Brigstocke: Author & Comedian
Joe Nickell: Paranormal Investigator
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist
Alex Boese: Author, The World's Greatest Hoaxes
Clyde Lewis: RadioHost
Chris Gaylo: Local Resident
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Forbidden History presents History's Greatest Hoaxes
According to folklore a large sea monster lurks in the depths of Loch Ness in Scotland. Over the years, grainy photographs and inconclusive video footage has emerged to keep the legend alive. Is it a clever hoax or the real thing?
Cast List:
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Alex Boese: Author, The World's Greatest Hoaxes
Darren Naish: Palaeozoologist, University of Southampton
Dick Raynor: Loch Ness Investigator
Joe Nickell: Paranormal Investigator
Steve Feltham: Record Holding Nessie Hunter
Marcus Brigstocke: Author & Comedian
Roland Watson: Nessie Blogger
Adrian Shine: Leader of the Loch Ness Project
Craig Wallace: Maritime Engineer
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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A very small percentage of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan has been excavated by archaeologists - what treasures could still lie undisturbed beneath the city in hidden tombs? Investigative journalist Jamie Theakston travels to Jordan to see what he can find…
Cast List:
Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe: Author ‘Mysteries & Secrets of Time’
Alan Butler: Author ‘Before the Pyramids’
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Dr. Suleiman Farajat: Former Director of Petra Site
Clive Prince: Co-Author, The Templar Revelation
Simon Cox: Author ‘Decoding the Lost Symbol’
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Journalist
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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The history books tell us that Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his bunker in Berlin towards the end of WWII. In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we investigate theories that the man shot in the head was a double and that the real Hitler escaped from Germany…
Cast List:
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Gerrard Williams: Author, Grey Wolf - The Escape of Adolf Hitler
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Journalist
Ross Andrews: Author & Historian
Heather Osborn: Author & Historian
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we explore the history of the Knights Templar, and attempt to uncover their secrets, speaking to some of those who challenge the accepted traditional view of the order…
Cast List:
Robert Howells: Author, ‘The Last Pope’
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Journalist
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Ross Andrews: Author & Historian
Marie Goncalvez: Local Historian & Guide
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In recent decades the Vatican has been rocked by various scandals; the Vatican bank, child abuse, the Magdalene laundries, as well as serious allegations against Pope Benedict XVI and his number two, Cardinal Bertone. Simultaneously, rumours continue to stir around what they're hiding in the Vatican Apostolic Archive...
Cast List:
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist
Philip Willan: Author & Journalistspecialising in Italian parapolitics
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Rob Allyn: Vatican Historian
Robert Howells: Author, ‘The Last Pope’
Padre Fortea: Exorcist
John Dickie: Professor & Author
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Journalist
Eric Meyers: Narrator
NB: This episode was originally researched and broadcast in 2017
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In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we examine the murder of Benito Mussolini and possible motivations behind it other than the official story. Theories include his ultimate uselessness to Hitler and the supposed existence of incriminating letters from Churchill…
Cast List:
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Massimo Pollidoro: Investigative Journalist
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Journalist
Alice Salvagnin: Local Guide in Milan
Clive Irving: Former Investigative Journalist
Annalisa Alghisi: Local Guide
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, Jamie Theakston joins Andrew Gough as they explore an underground complex near Naples, Italy, looking for the truth behind Oracles - people who were famed in the ancient world for being able to communicate with the gods, foretell the future and give advice to those seeking divine aid.
Cast List:
Jamie Theakston: Investigative reporter
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Graziano Ferrari: Local Caver & Archaeologist
Alan Butler: Author ‘Before the Pyramids’
Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe: Author ‘Mysteries & Secrets of Time’
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Johann Reichhart was a German state executioner who is reported to have killed around 3,000 people during WWII. Reichhart went from dispatching enemies of the Nazis, many of whom were resisting National Socialism, to executing Nazi war criminals…
Cast List:
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Reporter
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos: Author & Psychologist
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Enno Muller: Berlin Bunker Owner
Helen Fry: Author & Historian
Fritz Lustig: Former ‘Listener’ at Latimer House
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Jesus Christ, the son of God, is the key figure in the New Testament - the stories of his healings, miracles, arrest and crucifixion are legendary. In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we investigate if there’s any historical evidence for the existence of Jesus and the events relating to him depicted in the Bible.
Cast List:
Jamie Theakston: Investigative reporter
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Dr. Matt Green: Author & Historian
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Dr Eyal Miron: Guide & Historian
Marty Friedlander: Guide & Historian
Raphael Lataster: Academic & Author
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Secret societies such as the Freemasons, the Bilderberg Group and Bohemian Grove are said to have political influence. In this episode, we investigate these clandestine groups to see if they really are setting the agenda or is it all just fake news?
Cast List:
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Journalists
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Robert Lomas: Freemason & Author of “The Hiram Key”
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Andrew Kakabadse: Author of ‘Bilderberg People: Elite Power and Consensus in World Affairs’
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Dr. Matt Green: Author & Historian
David V. Barrett: Author “A Brief History of Secret Societies: The Hidden Powers of Clandestine Organizations and Elites from the Ancient World to the Present Day”
David Robert Grimes: Author “The Irrational Ape”
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we investigate the Dead Sea Scrolls and examine the Qumran Caves where they were discovered to find out who wrote them and why they were hidden away…
Cast List:
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Journalist
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Danny Herman: Historian & Archaeologist
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Khader Baidun: Antiques Dealer
Pnina Shor: Head of Dead Sea Scrolls Project
Oren Gutfeld: Archaeologist
Noam Mizrahi: Dead Sea Scroll Specialist
David Elkington: Author & Historian
Roger Webb: Professor at University of Surrey
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Who was the real James Bond? In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we explore the truth behind the world-famous fictional spy, revealing those elements of the character that were drawn from creator Ian Fleming's own experiences.
Cast List:
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Journalist
Jon Baker: Film Armorer
Ajay Chowdhury: Co-Author, Some Kind of Hero
Peter Croll: James Bond Enthusiast
Maryam d’Abo - Interviewee
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Alan Judd: Security Analyst and Author
Stephen Lane: CEO, Prop Store
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Alessandro Palazzi: Bartender
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we examine the hidden remnants of the Berlin Wall, a notorious symbol of division, and tell the story of the Stasi, East Germany's State Security Service.
Cast List
Jamie Theakston: Investigative Reporter
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Dr. Matt Green: Author & Historian
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Dr. Christopher Nehring: Curator - German Spy Museum
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Peter Keup: Former Stasi Prisoner
Felix Mueller: Local Guide - East Berlin
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In Malta lies an incredible underground complex dating back over 5000 years, known as the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. This World Heritage Site is an ancient temple containing the remains of 7,000 humans. Among these remains, strange, elongated skulls were found, demonstrating baffling anomalies which have confounded experts for over a century. But why are they so strange? Who did they belong to? Could they be from another world, as some people have suggested? Why have some of them mysteriously disappeared?
Cast List:
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Silvia DeBono - Historian
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Hugh Newman: Author & Researcher
Dr. Janina Ramirez: Cultural historian, broadcaster and author based at the University of Oxford
Sharon Sultana: Curator & Expert, Heritage Museum, Malta
Dr. Peggy Brunache: Historian, archaeologist and lecturer at University of Glasgow
Dr. Luke Daly-Groves: Historian, author and lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire
Emilio Persiano: Taxi Driver
Dr. Anton Mifsud: Paediatrician
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Near Mount Ararat in Türkiye lies a mysterious boat-shaped feature in the hillside. Could this be historical evidence for the last resting place of Noah's Ark? In this episode, we follow amateur archaeologist, Andrew Jones, and his team as they use cutting-edge archaeological methods to investigate, while experts examine if these discoveries are hard proof of the Biblical legend.
Cast List:
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Andrew Jones: Amateur Archaeologist
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Jeff Sohlstrom: Ground Penetrating Radar Analyst
Klint Janulis: Archaeologist & Former Special Forces Operative
Matt Daniels: 3D Imaging Analyst
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Dr. Sheila K. Hoffman: Art Historian, Iconologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts
Professor David Montgomery: Author ‘The Rocks Don’t Lie’ and Professor of Earth Science at the University of Washington
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Zafer Onay: Local Guide
Dr. Selena Wisnom: Assyriologist, The Queen’s College, University of Oxford
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Moses is a major figure in religious history, renowned as the deliverer of the Israelites and the bearer of the Ten Commandments. In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, our team of experts question if there is any scientific truth behind Moses, or if his existence is simply myth…
Cast List:
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers: Community Educator for Reformed Judaism
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Dr. Bob Bianchi: Art historian
Dr. Sheila K. Hoffman: Art Historian, Iconologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts
Ahmed Osman: Author & Egyptologist
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Graham Phillips: Author & Historical Investigator
Dr. Rick Doblin: Founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
Dr. Simon Boxall: Oceanographer University of Southampton
Carrie Kirkpatrick: Author & Priestess
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In this episode, we delve into the mysterious waters of the Bermuda Triangle. This stretch of water off the coast of Florida has long been notorious for strange disappearances and unexplained sightings. Investigators weigh up the possible causes – are there scientific explanations such as bad weather? Or is there something more mysterious hidden in the depths…
Cast List:
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Joe Nickell: Paranormal Investigator
Cary Gordon Trantham: Private Pilot
Dr. Hugh Willoughby: Department of Earth & Sciences at Florida International University
David Childress: Author
Dave Malcolm: Former AUTEC Weapons Technician
Yaniel Garriga: Pilot
Dr. Philippe Rouja: Marine Anthropologist, Custodian of Shipwrecks
Dr. Simon Boxall: School of Ocean & Earth Science, University of Southampton
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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As the Nazis waged war for world domination, they began to develop a strange mythology of occult rites and pagan beliefs. In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, experts investigate just how far the Nazis may have gone to transform their party into a new, cult-like religion.
Cast List:
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Eric Kurlander: Professor of History & Author
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Gavin Bone: Author & Lecturer of Magic & Runes
Klint Janulis: Archaeologist & Former Special Forces Operative
Neil Tobin: Magician, Psychic Entertainer & Playwright
Philip Heselton: Wiccan & Author
Janet Farrar: Wicca Priestess
Kirsten John-Stucke: Director of the Kreismuseum, Wewelsburg Castle
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In the second instalment of this two-part episode, we continue to follow expert treasure hunters in their search of ‘Yamashita’s treasure’. Legend has it that Japanese soldiers buried this vast collection of stolen relics and gold in the jungle in Southeast Asia at the end of WWII… will the treasure hunters find the hoard of valuables they’re looking for?
Cast List:
Klint Janulis: Archaeologist & Former Special Forces Operative
Klaus Dona: Historian & Explorer
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Ricardo Trota Jose: Professor at University of Philippines
Patrick Nicholas: Researcher & Explorer
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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A collection of valuable relics and gold is said to have been hidden in caves and tunnels throughout the Philippines by Japanese soldiers during the last days of WWII. In this two-part episode, we follow expert treasure hunters as they follow new leads in their hunt for ‘Yamashita’s treasure’…
Cast List:
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Klaus Dona: Historian & Explorer
Klint Janulis: Archaeologist & Former Special Forces Operative
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Henry Roxas: Son of Rogelio Roxas
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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The location of King Solomon’s Mines has been the objective of treasure hunters and archaeologists for hundreds of years. But now new evidence has led to an amazing discovery. And the clues come from a very unlikely thing…
Cast List:
Hugh Newman: Author & Researcher
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Dr. Peggy Brunache: Historian, archaeologist and lecturer at University of Glasgow
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Bena Mantel: Archaeologist
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Professor Erez Ben-Yosef: Archaeologist
Dr Andrew Boakye: Lecturer in Religions & Theology at the University of Manchester
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Fergus Milton: Prehistoric Metalworking Demonstrator at Butser Ancient Farm
Dr. Ellena Lyell: University of Exeter
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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The spectacular rock-hewn pillars of Göbekli Tepe in southern Türkiye have baffled archaeologists for decades. Who built this incredible monument over 12,000 years ago, and why? Could the builders have mastered agriculture, and were they the first settled communities of humans in the world? In this episode, experts investigate intriguing new theories, offering clues to unlocking the secrets of this ancient site.
Cast List:
Dr. Martin Sweatman: University of Edinburgh
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Dr. Janina Ramirez: Cultural historian, broadcaster and author based at the University of Oxford
Hugh Newman: Author & Researcher
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Dr. Peggy Brunache: Historian, archaeologist and lecturer at University of Glasgow
Dr. Julia Gresky: German Archaeological Institute
Professor Necmi Karul: Lead Archaeologist, Karahan Tepe
Professor Avi Gopher: Tel Aviv University
Gil Haklay: Israel Antiquities Authority
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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The Turin Shroud, which bears the image of the body of Christ, is believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus and proof of his existence. In this episode, experts investigate whether this iconic relic is authentic or an elaborate hoax…
Cast List:
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Professor Bruno Barberis: International Centre for the Study of the Shroud of Turin
Joe Nickell: Paranormal investigator and author “Inquest on the Shroud of Turin”
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Barrie Schwortz: Official Documenting Photographer for the Shroud of Turin Research Project
Dr. Matteo Borrini: Liverpool John Moores University
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Dr. Sheila K. Hoffman: Art Historian, Iconologist and Senior Lecturer, University of Massachusetts
Stephen J. Mattingly: Professor of Microbiology, University of Texas
Luigi Garlaschelli: Professor of OrganicChemistry,University of Pavia
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In this episode, we delve into the enigmatic crystal skulls, believed by some to be ancient relics of the Aztec and Maya civilizations, endowed with supernatural powers. Experts follow new leads to determine whether these crystal skulls are authentic artefacts or modern-day forgeries.
Cast List:
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Joe Nickell: Paranormal Investigator
Bill Homann: Owner of The Mitchell – Hedges skull
Dr. Ashwini Bharathula: Material Scientist & Artist
Star Johnsen-Moser: Spiritual Healer
Israel Casanova: Shaman
Elizabeth Cunningham: Participant
Patrick Dreher: Crystal Carver
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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As the Nazi war machine tore through Europe, they plundered museums in search of holy relics that would grant them untold power and prestige. In this episode, experts investigate how close Hitler was to discovering the Holy Grail and its promise of eternal life.
Cast List:
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Klint Janulis: Archaeologist & Former Special Forces Operative
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Noah Charney: Art Historian & Author
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Harald Pernkopf: Guide at Altaussee Salt Mine
Joanna Lamparska: Journalist & Author
Tomasz Bonek: Journalist & Author
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Dr. Franz Kirchweger: Curator and Hofburg Palace
Andreas Clemens: Guide at Historischer Kunstbunker
Katarzyna Pakula: Keeper of Conservation at St. Mary’s Basilica
Dr. Sheila K. Hoffman: Art Historian, Iconologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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Ancient pyramids are among the greatest wonders of the world and exist across many civilizations. In this episode of the Forbidden History podcast, we explore the origins of these structures, as experts question if they were independently constructed or perhaps the design of something more mysterious…
Cast List:
Klint Janulis: Archaeologist & Former Special Forces Operative
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Dr. Bob Bianchi: Art historian
Dr. Meredith Brand: Archaeologist & Egyptologist
Hugh Newman: Author & Megalith Enthusiast
Dr. Sergio Gómez Chávez: Archaeologist
Marianne Tames-Demauras: Egyptologist & Archaeological Scientist
Dr. Sheila K. Hoffman: Art Historian, Iconologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts
Sam Osmanagich: Author & Pyramid Researcher
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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The Vatican is home to fifty miles of classified files that could reveal top-secret information. In this episode, experts investigate the Vatican’s possible ties to the Nazis, their Mafia banking connection, rumoured murders and even extraterrestrials. Just what else is hiding in the Vatican's secret archives?
Cast List:
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist who has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
John Dickie: Author, historian, and Professor of Italian Studies at University College London
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Philip Willan: Author & Journalistspecialising in Italian parapolitics
Josh Peck: Author & Biblical researcher
Father Jean-Baptiste Kikwaya: Astronomer at the Vatican Observatory
Professor Chris Impey: Astronomer, author and University Distinguished Professor
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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When Hitler seized power in 1933, he had one aim in mind – to convince the German people to go to war.
In this episode, a team of experts investigate the methods that Hitler and the Nazi Party used to indoctrinate a peaceful population and turn it into a finely-tuned war machine – from monopolising the airwaves to mechanising the country through use of the ‘people’s car’. We discuss some of the locations that still stand as gruesome reminders of the Nazis’ efforts to control the will of the people, such as the Olympic Park from the 1936 Berlin Olympics and Joseph Goebbels’ Propaganda Ministry. We also explore the colossal crumbling holiday park of Prora, home to the shady ‘Strength Through Joy’ programme, which sought to brainwash people on vacation and on cruise ships, including the Wilhelm Gustloff - the site of the deadliest disaster in maritime history.
Cast List:
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Lindsay Moran: Author and former CIA operative
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Tony McMahon: Former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
Nick Jackson: Archaeologist and historian
Dr. Luke Daly-Groves: Historian, author and lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Tommy Spree: Curator at the Anti-War Museum in Berlin
Matt Menneke: Historian and Tour Guide
Janina Ramirez: Cultural historian, broadcaster and author based at the University of Oxford
Andre Massoud
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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In this episode, we take a look at the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, where the small U.S. town of Salem was gripped by mass hysteria involving witchcraft. 20 innocent men and women were executed, but were later pardoned. Many believe that Salem, Massachusetts, remains haunted, with some using modern witchcraft to appease vengeful spirits and lift this legendary curse.
Cast List:
Sam Baltrusis: Author & Historian
Lynn Picknett: Historian and researcher specialising in exposing historical conspiracies. She is also the co-author of several notable works
Dominic Selwood: Historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
Andrew Gough: Writer, presenter and editor of The Heretic Magazine
Richard Felix: A historian and lecturer specialising in local and paranormal history.
Dr. Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
Dr. Sheila K. Hoffman: Art Historian, Iconologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts
Thomas Vallor: Salem Historian
Nick Dickinson: Witch, Headmistress of Circe Academy in Salem
Jacqui Allouise: Witch, owner of The Cauldron Black in Salem
Eric Meyers: Narrator
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The Forbidden History podcast is back. In our third season, we continue to delve deep into some of history’s most controversial legacies, stepping into the past and uncovering stories that have shaped our world. Out now on your favourite podcast platforms.
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Bonus Episode: What was it like to be a prisoner at the infamous Alcatraz Federal Prison? In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we take a deep dive into the lives of its notorious inmates, and one of its most high-profile escape attempts.
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In this episode, we explore the life of one of the world’s more notorious gangsters, Al Capone. From his humble beginnings on the streets of New York, to his peak in the 1920s as the undisputed King of Chicago, we take a look at his speedy rise and his equally rapid fall. What crimes did he commit to get himself locked up in Alcatraz?
Cast List:
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Bonus Episode: In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we do a deep dive into the incredible life of legendary baseball player, who once happened to be a member of the Black Panthers, Jackie Robinson.
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In this episode, we hear the incredible story of the 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the Black Panthers, who fought their way through Nazi occupied Europe in WWII. As an all-black tank battalion, they were keen to prove their abilities through combat for the benefit of all like them across the United States. For the Black Panthers, it was a fight not only against the powerful enemy abroad, but a racist system at home.
Cast List:
· Shalina Patel: Historian, teacher and writer.
· Selena Carty: Cultural & Ancestral Genealogist and historian specialising in Global African, Black, Indigenous military contributions.
· Robert F. Jefferson Jr.: Associate Professor of History at the University of New Mexico
· Ed Lengel: American author and military historian. Vice President for Museum Experience at the U.S. National Medal of Honor Museum
· Wayne Robinson: Specialist historian of the 761st Tank Battalion
· Private E.G. McConnell: Member of the 761st Tank Battalion
· Staff Sargent. Floyd Dade: Member of the 761st Tank Battalion
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Bonus Episode: In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we explore another iconic female Viking discovery, the Birka Warrior. From its excavation in 1878, to the 2017 DNA uncovering, revealing the remains to be those of a female, we take a deep dive into what factors made them believe the remains were of a male warrior for over 100 years.
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In this episode, we take a look one of the most influential finds in Viking archaeology; the 1904 discovery of the remnants of an incredible royal burial within the Oseberg Ship. We explore how the excavation rewrote understandings of Viking history and sparked many fascinating theories about who the entombed really were.
Cast List:
· Tim Sutherland: Archaeologist – University of York, UK
· Neil Price: Archaeologist specialising in the study of Viking Age-Scandinavia
· Tor Øydvin: Historian at the Museum of Cultural History, Oslo, Norway
· Ellen Marie Næss: Archaeologist and lecturer at the Museum of Cultural History, Oslo, Norway
· Terje Gansum: Archaeologist – Vestfold Fylkeskommune, Norway
· Hanne Lovise Aannestad: Archaeologist – Museum of Cultural History, Oslo, Norway
· Einar Erlingsen: The New Oseberg Viking Ship Foundation, Tønsberg, Norway
· Ole Harald Flaten: Skipper of the Saga Oseberg
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Bonus Episode: In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we explore the life of Hessy Levinsons Taft, the girl who won the ‘most beautiful Aryan baby’ Nazi propaganda contest as an infant in 1935. As it turned out, Hessy was actually Jewish.
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From the 1930s until the end of World War Two, the Nazis unleashed unspeakable horrors upon the minorities of Europe. In this episode, we take a look at their appalling pursuit of a pure Aryan race where, among other horrific ways, they established disturbing eugenics programs, both at home and across continent.
Cast List:
· Andrew Gough: Author and historian
· Jane Thynne: British novelist, journalist and broadcaster
· Nicholas O’Shaugnessy: Professor of Communications and post-Cold War German history at Queen Mary University of London
· Lisa Pine: Author and historian, specialising in the history of Nazi Germany
· Frank McDonough: Specialist author and historian on the Third Reich
· Adrian Weale: Writer, journalist, illustrator and photographer
· Terry Charman: Historian, author and curator at the Imperial War Museum
· Gisela Heidenreich: Born under the Lebensborn program in 1943 in Oslo, Norway while it was under Nazi control
· Nigel H. Jones: British journalist and biographer
· Jim Meigs: Journalist, magazine editor and writer
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Bonus Episode: How did the religion of Christianity go from being persecuted in the Roman Empire, to becoming its state religion in less than 200 years? In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we take a deep dive into the rise of Christianity within the Roman Empire.
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In this episode, we take a look at the historical evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion, from the realities behind the legend, to piecing together what we know for certain and what is missing. We explore how little detail the Bible truly contains – including no reference to a cross – and the lack of archaeological evidence.
Cast List:
· Karen Bellinger: Anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian
· Dr Andrew Boakye: Lecturer in Religions & Theology at the University of Manchester
· Janina Ramirez: A cultural historian, broadcaster and author based at the University of Oxford
· Tony McMahon: A former BBC news producer, author, print journalist and historian
· Dominic Selwood: A historian, barrister, bestselling author, novelist and frequent contributor to national newspapers including The Independent, The Spectator and The Daily Telegraph
· Peter Stanford: Writer, editor, journalist and presenter, known for his biographies and writings on religion and ethics
· Gunnar Samuelsson: Author and Associate Professor in New Testament Studies at the University of Gothenburg.
· Bena Mantel: Licensed tour guide, lecturer and archaeologist.
· Peggy Brunache: Historian, archaeologist and lecturer at University of Glasgow
· Israel Hershkovitz: Anatomist Professor at Tel Aviv University
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Bonus Episode: What happened to the innocent ship crew of the Hoki Maru? In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we take a deep dive into their story as Japanese prisoners of war.
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This episode is an explorative retelling of Operation Hailstone, a great sinking of Japanese battle ships by US forces in WW2, in Chuuk Lagoon in the Federated States of Micronesia. We follow a local team as they dive a newly discovered wreck, and recount stories of the epic battle along the way, including those from the perspective of local indigenous people.
Cast List:
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Bonus Episode: In this episode of Forbidden Fruit,we do a deep dive into the famous female fighters of history, from the first superstar British women fighter, Lady Bareknuckles, in 1750s Georgian London, to British boxer, Nicola Adams, taking home the world’s first Olympic women’s boxing gold medal in the London 2012 Olympics.
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In this episode, we explore the underground female bare knuckle prizefighting that took place in the squalors of Georgian London. We cover the historical context of how this came to be and tell the story of important places and people attributed to this topic.
Cast List:
· Lucy Inglis: Eighteenth-century historian and author, and curator of an award-winning blog about Georgian London.
· Mick Crumplin: Former surgeon and expert on medical techniques used throughout history.
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Bonus Episode: In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we take a deep dive into the life of CIA operative Frank Olson. We explore his career, partaking in some of the CIA's most clandestine experiments, and how his participation ultimately led to his death.
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In this episode, we explore the CIA mind control experiments of the 1950s, specifically the top secret program ‘MK Ultra’, who utilised LSD. We'll recount various chilling experiments and explore the mysterious death of one of their top scientists.
Cast List:
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Bonus Episode: In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we take a deep dive into the life of Christina, Queen of Sweden, who once owned the Devil’s Bible.
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In this episode, we follow the 800-year history of a medieval Bible manuscript, famous for its giant illustration of the Devil contained within its pages. We recount its journey across Europe as it changes hands between emperors and queens, and the history it sees along the way – as well as the cursed legends that follow it.
Cast List:
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Bonus Episode: In this episode of Forbidden Fruit, we take a deep dive into the Romanov’s relationship to the British Royal Family, and explore the question ‘Could Tsar Nicholas and his family have been saved by his cousin, King George V?’
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In this episode, we look at the murders of the last Tsars (royal family) of Russia in 1918, including the decline of Tsar Nicholas as ruler and the increasing instability of Russia throughout WWI. We cover their grizzly deaths at the hands of the new communist regime, and finish by looking at a century of conspiracy theories that followed their deaths, including a theory that one of his daughters survived.
Cast List:
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Forbidden History is back. In our second season, we continue to explore the past’s darkest corners, delve into the history archives and reveal new perspectives on familiar stories. Series two starts May 24th.
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In April 1943, during the dark days of World War II, four teenage boys in Birmingham, England were hunting for birds’ eggs in a remote woodland called, Hagley Wood.
The slightest of the boys stopped at a large Wych Elm tree. Climbing up and peering down he discovered it was hollow. Spotting something in the centre, the boy carefully reached through the branches and pulled out the item for a closer look.
His hope for a bird’s nest were soon forgotten when he realised what he was holding was a human skull.
Their chance encounter upon the remains of a woman in the Wych Elm sparked a murder case that has gone unsolved for 80 years. To this day her identity and the circumstances surrounding her death are still unknown; the mystery continuing to both baffle and surprise investigators.
With an unknown phantom graffitiing clues to the victim’s identity, case files being redacted, and vital evidence seemingly disappearing, many conspiracy theories have circled this story capturing worldwide attention. Some speak of government interference, others drawing direct links to Nazi Germany and espionage.
With the help of new technology can we finally crack this 80-year-old case? In this episode we re-examine the remaining evidence of the case, unravel the conspiracies surrounding the mystery, and with the help of new forensic facilities finally try to shine a light on the true identity of the Woman in the Wych Elm.
Cast List:
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It’s 1943, and a tall moustached man is crossing the road to his hotel in New York City, pausing only to feed the birds. He rides the elevator up to the 33rd floor, and heads to his room, 3327. He is nothing more than an old man whose life is clouded by unpaid debts and whose only real interest seems to be caring for pigeons.
It's hard to believe that this is a man who once changed the world.
In this episode we follow the story of Nichola Tesla. The father of the modern electricity system, the showman who dazzled audiences of hundreds, and a true visionary of the modern age. A life seemingly straight out of the script of a Hollywood blockbuster; he rose from nothing, had the world at his feet, and then lost it all.
He was unknown to most of the world and yet the father of our modern age. Most would accredit the great technological advancements of the modern world, such as electricity and radio, to the famed inventors of Thomas Edison and Guglielmo Marconi, but it was the work of Tesla that created the foundations for it all. A true visionary who was born to the wrong century, a man who dreamt of sending images to watches while the world still came to grips with the light bulb.
So how did an obscure young man from Serbia create the modern world? And why did someone to whom we still owe so much today end his life destitute and alone?
Cast List:
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On the 13th of June 1886, the body of Ludwig II, the so-called Mad King of Bavaria, was found floating in two feet of water on Lake Starnberg, Germany.
The official verdict given by the authorities was suicide by drowning. But the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and the strange events that took place in the lead up to it have led many to believe it was no suicide.
Instead, they believe he was in fact killed by his own government, who have covered up his murder for over 100 years.
If you unravel the life of this unconventional monarch, you reveal the story behind one of Germany’s most enduring mysteries. A king loved by his people but hated by his government. Throughout his life, the young king did repeatedly test the patience of his ministers. More interested in music, the arts and architecture, the royal’s fascination for the whimsical seemed to leave little time for affairs of state. With expenditures growing and debts mounting as he chased his dreams for romantic architecture, is it only a story that his government would form a plot to seize power?
The death of King Ludwig II of Bavaria has been the subject of intrigue and investigation for over a century. How did a king once famous for his eccentric behaviour and fairy-tale castles end up being declared insane, removed from his throne, and found floating face down in shallow water near the shores of a remote Lake?
In this episode we explore the history of Bavaria’s supposedly mad king and question was his death the result of a deteriorating mental state, or were more darker forces at play?
Cast List:
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It is August 1978; Georgi Markov is in his London flat when the phone rings. He’s greeted by the sound of a cold and distorted voice.
“Georgi Markov you’re going to die”.
Markov is used to these death threats; he could set his watch by them. And so, he replies in his usual laconic way, “Killing me will only make me a martyr”.
He is about to hang up but for once the voice has a comeback.
“Not this time. This time you will not become a martyr. It will look as if you died of natural causes. You will be killed by a poison that the West can neither detect nor treat”.
A month later, Markov would be dead. But little did the murderer know that by giving Markov this warning they would turn what looked like a natural death into a full-scale murder inquiry.
It would become the most famous assassination of the Cold War, and yet to this day no one has been charged with his murder. However recently declassified documents may shed light on who was responsible and uncover the shadowy work of a mysterious organisation known as Service 7 or, more bluntly, the ‘Murder Bureau’.
In this episode we re-examine the case files of this long unsolved assassination, explore the tactics and gadgetry used in a secret war played out across Europe and unravel the history of the illusive Murder Bureau.
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According to all four gospels, Jesus chose one person as the first witness of his resurrection. One person, who was entrusted with spreading this momentous news; a follower whose life is still shrouded by conspiracy, the mysterious Mary Magdalene.
2000 years on, Mary continues to be one of the churches most disputed subjects. Some believe she was a prostitute; many claim she was Jesus’s most devoted disciple and was at the heart of the Christian faith. However, some suggest she was much more.
In Southern France two treasure hunters are pursuing a new lead in their search for her remains, arguably the remains of the most significant woman in history.
Pat Jokl and his friend Ronnie are history enthusiasts who have spent 20 years trying to uncover the whereabouts of Mary Magdalene’s Tomb. After the resurrection, the Bible sheds little light on what happened to her next with many believing she was deliberately written out of history. In this episode we follow Pat Jokl and his team on their biblical treasure hunt, tracing what many believe to be the journey Mary Magdalene took after the resurrection to spread the true word of the Christian faith.
With an unearthed set of 13th century documents from the French archive suggesting a medieval aristocrat stole the Saint’s remains, Pat believes he’s one step closer to finding Mary Magdalene’s burial site in Southern France. Armed with new equipment and this vital lead could this be moment he solves one of the bible’s greatest mysteries? Could this be the moment he finally finds Mary Magdalene?
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It is the early 1980s, and in a house in West Germany a man called Gerd Heidemann is flicking through a book with mounting excitement. Sentences leap from the page:
‘The burning of the books was not a good idea of Goebbels’,
‘I have violent flatulence, and – says Eva – bad breath’,
‘The measures against the Jews are too strong for me’.
The book he is reading is one of over sixty volumes of the revelatory personal diaries of Adolf Hitler himself. Through Heidemann they will be purchased for millions of dollars and published in the world’s leading newspapers and magazines. However, on publication day, with the world captivated by the opportunity to read the inner-most thoughts of the most notorious dictator in history, the scoop of the century falls apart. The diaries are total fakes and not even particularly good ones.
In this episode we explore the story of Gerd Heidemann and how he and many others fell victim to a now notorious conman and forger. Starting with how Heidemann was captivated by a historic find he couldn’t ignore, to how simple forgeries made their way through authentication unscathed, to finally how the historic find of the century was shattered on the day of its publication.
So how were some of the world’s foremost journalists conned, and who was behind a fraud that has gone down in media history?
Cast List:
Guy Walters: A British author, historian, and journalist, he has written several books on WWII. As a journalist for The Times, he writes on historical topics for the national press.
Dr Linda Papadopoulos: The Reader in Psychology at London Metropolitan University, with a 17-year career working as a research scientist and practicing psychologist.
Magnus Linklater: A journalist, writer, and former newspaper editor, he was the Executive Editor of Features at the Sunday Times during the Hitler Diaries scandal.
Gerd Heidemann: A former journalist for Stern Magazine, he was the first to bring the diaries to the attention of the media.
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It’s 1940 and there’s a serial killer on the streets of Berlin looking for his next victim.
Elfreda Franka is travelling home on the late train after work. Sitting alone in the dark carriage she stares out of the window as the train pulls into a station.
Another passenger gets onboard.
Curious but unable to make out their features, Elfrieda continues to stare out into the pitch black as the train departs. The stranger quietly approaches Elfrieda and before she can sense danger, she feels a cold, hard and heavy object strike her. She was not the first and wouldn’t be the last victim of the S-Bahn murderer.
This is a true story about the crimes of a mass murderer, who assaulted and fatally attacked women on a killing spree that lasted nine months. In this episode we follow the work the Criminal Politici and their lead investigator Police Commissioner Wilhelm Ludtke, as he and his team of detectives worked tirelessly to track down this illusive killer.
However, as the body count mounted the detectives not only had to track down this violent phantom but had to do so against the ever-growing interferences and limitations of Nazi High Command. This is the story of a hunt for truth in a political landscape where the “truth” was whatever Hitler deemed it to be.
Despite a thorough investigation, how did the killer avert the police for so long? Why did Nazi High command want to keep it a secret? And how did they finally catch the illusive killer?
Cast List:
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It’s the early morning of June the 26th, 1718 and in the basement of the Peter and Paul Fortress in St Petersburg, Russia, lies a young man. His face is covered in bruises, his back is bleeding, and his eyes are sunken holes in their sockets, wreathed in black.
The door is flung open, and another man strides into the prison chamber. In his hand is a hard leather whip about three and a half feet long, ending in a beak-like hook. He walks over to the prisoner, who closes his eyes and quietly sobs. He knows what’s coming.
The prisoner is Tsarevich Alexei, heir to the Russian throne. His torturer is his own father, Tsar Peter the Great.
Peter the Great was one of the most bloody and brutal rulers in Russian history. Known for leading his own torture interrogations, and using forced labour to construct his architectural visions, his son is only one of thousands of people who will suffer at his hands during his reign. Yet he is remembered as one of Russia’s greatest ever rulers. Creating a navy, a city, and being one of the first Tsars to travel Europe in 100 years, his love of science and learning saw him transform his antiquated realm into a European power of the modern age.
But given the high price paid by his people, his predisposition for violence, and how the future of his reign was cemented by torture, can he truly be seen as Peter ‘the Great’ today?
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It’s the morning of September 18th, 1931, and through the walls of their apartment in Munich, Germany, a man and woman can be heard arguing. The man is Adolf Hitler, who would go on to lead as German Chancellor and be one of the world’s most infamous dictators who committed heinous crimes against humanity. The woman, his 23-year-old niece, Geli Raubal.
Within hours of the argument, Geli was dead from a gunshot wound to the chest. The gun was Hitler’s.
The official verdict ruled her death a suicide, but with rumours of an inappropriate relationship with her uncle did Geli Raubal kill herself or was it a Nazi murder cover-up?
In this episode we look at Geli Raubal’s life and death under closer examination, to see how conclusions drawn in the case are now being questioned as to their accuracy. Does the evidence suggest she was involved in a violent altercation before her fatal shooting? Is the angle of the gunshot wound unusual for a suicide attempt? Do multiple witness statements contradict Hitler’s testimony?
These events and the secrecy surrounding the investigation have caused many to question the official verdict with suggestions of incest, murder, and a cover up within the Nazi Party just before they seized power. So, what is the truth? Was this suicide or murder? And how did this case affect the Nazi Party’s rise to power?
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On the 25th of August 1942, during the height of the Second World War, a flying boat destined for Reykjavik in Iceland crashed into the side of a hill in the Scottish Highlands. Among those who lost their lives was the VIP they were transporting. He was Prince George, Duke of Kent, brother of King George VI of the United Kingdom and uncle to the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
During his lifetime, George became one of the best-known public figures of the age, yet after his mysterious death the details of his life were seemingly erased from history. Some believe that this is the result of a government cover up, but what were they trying to hide?
In his youth the duke was one of the more scandalous members of the royal family. Wherever he would travel rumours would follow him of fleeting affairs, drug addictions, illegitimate children, and relationships with men.
In his later life, once settled and married, some have theorised his involvement in espionage through WWII, with stories of him attending secret meetings with representatives of global powers. Others however paint a far darker picture of the duke’s true intentions suggesting the theory he was plotting to overturn the British Government, fraternising with the enemy and negotiating peace with Adolf Hitler.
In this episode, we examine the life of Prince George, Duke of Kent and discover just what had the prince been involved in, and did it play a part in his untimely death?
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Forbidden History is a documentary podcast series which explores the past’s darkest corners, sheds light on the lives of intriguing individuals, and uncovers the truth buried deep in history’s most controversial legacies. Hosted by Janine Harouni, each episode will delve into the history archives to reveal new perspectives on familiar stories. Series one starts October 12th.
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