We Didn't Start the Fire: The History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Reagan Mar 06, 2023

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Ronnie was one of America's most beloved and controversial presidents. From his early days as a B-movie actor and union president, to his pivotal role in heating up the Cold War, Reagan was an icon of the 80s (even for British kids like Tom!). But what was he really like? How did he become president? And did he really bring an end to the Cold War, or was it all just a Hollywood-style illusion?

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Begin Feb 27, 2023

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Menachem Begin was the sixth Prime Minister of Israel, and a signal of the state’s growing disillusionment. Since its founding, it had been run by socialist Ashkenazi elites, but Begin’s win signified a shift to a conservative coalition of marginalised Mizrahi and Jewish-religious communities. But what did this mean long term for Israel? How does it impact politics today? And what did it all mean for Billy? To discuss it all we’re joined by Henry Abramson, a Lecturer in Jewish History and Thought.

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Punk Rock Feb 20, 2023

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Fluffies and spikies, get ready to ROCK! It's the music scene that shook (and scared) the 70s, and could've ended Billy's career... this week we're talking punk! How did it all start? Who's THE definitive band? Why was it so scary? And how did Billy feel about it?! We're ready to nerd out, and we're joined by music journalist Michael Hann to delve into all things punk.

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Introducing... Jam Tomorrow Feb 16, 2023

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Our friends at Podmasters have a new podcast you’re going to love: Jam Tomorrow.

How did Britain’s dreams of a new postwar world go unfulfilled? And what does that mean for us today? In the first of a new documentary series from the makers of Oh God, What Now?, Ros Taylor looks at the legacy of the War itself. Ιdeals of the Blitz Spirit and dreams of wartime heroism still shape everything from pop culture and entertainment to the Brexit debate. But the truth of the War is more complex and less comforting. What will it take for us to see the Second World War – and ourselves – clearly?

If you'd like to hear more, just search for Jam Tomorrow wherever you get your podcasts, or hit this link! https://link.chtbl.com/JamTmrwFD

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Jade Bailey. Voiceovers by Imogen Robertson. Original music by Dubstar. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Jam Tomorrow is a Podmastersproduction.

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Watergate with Kurt Andersen Feb 13, 2023

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By the 1970s, Richard Nixon's paranoia has reached new heights. He's become consumed with wiretapping, secret recording devices and surveillances, and he's convinced everyone's out to get him. He's dipping his toes into criminality, and the cover ups on top of cover ups are become more and more incriminating. But how does he get to this point? What's the point of new return? And how does it impact his legacy? It's the original scandal that broke the non-existent internet... let's chat Watergate with host of Nixon At War, Kurt Andersen!

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Woodstock Feb 06, 2023

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Watch out for that brown acid - it’s WOODSTOCK time baby!! We’ve always wished we were alive for Woodstock (and not the ’94 one that Katie worked at…) But what was it really like behind the scenes? And how did a drug deal turn into the most famous music festival of all time? Luckily author and pal of the Woodstock stars, Bob Spitz is here to chat!

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Moonshot Jan 30, 2023

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It's episode 100, LET'S GO TO THE MOON! The 1969 Apollo 11 landing was iconic, but what happened to the earlier missions? What kind of impact did it have on pop culture and the Cold War? Why are there so many conspiracy theories? And most importantly - who was the first person to poo on the moon? Our old pal, science journalist Kit Chapman, has returned to gab about it all with us!

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Richard Nixon Back Again Jan 23, 2023

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Tricky Dicky’s back! He quite the comeback kid…It’s 1969, a slew of assassinations have recently hit the country, anti-war protests are taking over college campuses, and Nixon’s finally won the presidency for the Republicans. But how did it all happen, why was Nixon so damn awkward, and why did Elvis show up at the White House? Let’s chat Nixon with David Greenberg!

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Ho Chi Minh Jan 16, 2023

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Ho Chi Minh is a man of many mysteries and many names (including the Kissing President…). But to most, he’s the man who midwifed a nation and kicked out the colonisers. He’s the revolutionary head of the Viet Minh who lead Viet Nam to independence in 1945. And through it all he found time to be a ferry pastry chef! In 1969, Billy is struck by his death, so it’s time for us to reflect on the life of Uncle Ho, the Vietnamese Revolution, and course, the Vietnam War.

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Introducing... The Secret History of the Estonia Jan 10, 2023

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Here’s another podcast we think you’ll enjoy. It’s a tale of secrets, smugglers, spies, and how 852 people died on a ferry. From the team behind The Secret History of Flight 149, journalist Stephen Davis investigates the tragic sinking of the passenger ship, The Estonia, uncovering a mysterious trail that leads back to the Cold War. You can listen to the series by searching ‘The Secret History of the Estonia’ wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes are released weekly, with the whole series available ad-free on the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts (where you can also get ad-free and early access to Fire episodes!). You can also listen ad-free on Amazon Music.

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