Since the World's been Turning: Recent Episodes
NZpodz
This podcast series is a journey through history, one guided by the lyrics of Billy Joel’s song “We Didn’t Start the Fire". Join us for an educational and fun exploration of the events, people, and inventions that helped to shape the modern world during the Cold War. These roughly half-hour episodes place a microscope on each of Billy Joel’s lyrics, discovering the rich detail that helps breathe life into the past. Narrated by Robin Harrison, each episode also features interviews with guest speakers, including experts in the field and friends and family of the people being discussed. Together, we’ll learn why Billy Joel wrote the lyrics he did and hopefully come to understand what he meant when he sang “We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning, since the world’s been turning.”
In this episode we’re returning to America and catching up with the Vietnam veterans who proudly served their country in the 1960s and 70s.
We explore the complex damages caused by war and one of the darker sides of the American dream: a problem with apparently no easy solution, in a country that prides itself on its military might.
Throughout modern history, there have been few things in popular culture as stigmatised as heavy metal music. Coated in all forms of macabre imagery and dealing with dark and provocative themes - metal has always sought to test the limits of what is socially acceptable.
In this episode, we’ll be telling many tragic stories about people who’ve suffered the ultimate loss and wound up putting their grief into the wrong places.
We’ll examine how this stigma affected heavy metal as a music genre, its fans, and even the connections between metal music and our patron saint Billy Joel himself.
Here to help us tell this story is our guest, co-founder of the International Institute of Metal Studies Brian Hickham. First he explains what is actually covered by the term “heavy metal.”
In this episode we’re looking at foreign debts in the 1980s, as we explore the economic system introduced by American President (and former B movie actor) Ronald Reagan.
The 80s also saw a massive debt crisis in Latin America, where it’s known as La Decada Perdida or the Lost Decade. Money might seem like a dry topic compared to some of the many colorful events and personalities we’ve profiled on this podcast: but in the increasingly globalized world of the late 20th century, everything is connected.
In the early 1980s, more than a decade after the Moon Landing, America saw the stratospheric rise of Sally Ride, the third female astronaut and the first woman from the United States to go into space. Overnight, she became a national hero: but she never felt comfortable with her celebrity status. She also became a pioneer when it came to promoting science education, particularly for girls.
Here with us to discuss Sally Ride is a very special guest, former NASA official from the Office of Communications, Alan Ladwig. Alan worked with Sally on numerous occasions at NASA, in the private sector, and in the academic world.
This time we’re focussing on one of the more seemingly innocuous inclusions in Billy Joel’s lyrics, the TV game show Wheel of Fortune.
Thriving off a deceptive simplicity, and a healthy amount of audiences yelling at their TV screens, this spruced up version of Hangman was at one point the highest rated television show in all of syndication.
However, the story of Wheel and its creator is far more complex than you might expect.
In this episode, we return to the Middle East and explore the country known as the Graveyard of Empires: Afghanistan.
More than 30 years before America’s War on Terror began, Russian troops invaded the mountainous region and plunged the country into conflict.
Joining us to talk about the Russian presence in Afghanistan is special guest, British military historian and author of over 60 books Anthony Tucker-Jones. He takes us through the background to, and the main events of the war – and how the conflict helped both to end the Cold War and led to the growth of militant Islam in the Middle East.
In this episode we’re back in the Middle East and one of the world’s most hotly-discussed countries – the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Today, it’s often depicted in Western media as a closed and repressive society. But prior to the Revolution of 1979, Iran looked very different.
We’re joined by a very special guest, Ervand Abrahamian, to discuss the downfall of the Shah, Iran’s last monarch, and the rise of the Islamic leader Ayatollah Khomeini. Ervand Abrahamian is widely regarded as a leading historian of modern Iran, and he’s lectured at the City University of New York for 40 years.
In this episode, we’re returning to a time before restrictive airline security, where - if you had a ticket - you could stroll onto a plane carrying anything you wanted. The 1960s - 70s are known now as the golden age of airline hijacking. It was a time of political crime, of massive, subversive, system challenging actions. It was also a time of personal crime, borderline petty grievances elevated to extreme lengths. Perhaps the most surprising thing about this era is just how seemingly insignificant the causes of some of these hijackings actually were.
We’ll receive some help telling this story from our guest, author and journalist Brendan I. Koerner, author of The Skies Belong to Us: Love and Terror in the Golden Age of Hijacking.
In this episode we’re returning to the Middle East and taking on a contentious and sad topic: the history of Palestine.
We’re joined by a very special guest, the Israeli-born historian Ilan Pappe [Eelahn Pah-pay] who is a Professor of History and the director of the European Centre for Palestine Studies at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. Prof Pappe shares his time between the UK and Israel.
He’s also the author of a number of books including The Biggest Prison on Earth: A History of the Occupied Territories and The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine, which challenge some conventional Israeli narratives about Israel and Palestine.
This episode we’re tossing on our cowboy hats and riding horseback all the way from Sunset Boulevard to the White House. The first celebrity U S president, Ronald Wilson Reagan, marked a turning point in world history. From the aggressive deregulation of Reaganomics, to the massive consequences of his aggressive foreign policy, Reagan’s influence on the world is undeniable. Working as a Military Filmmaker, Movie Star, Labour Organiser, Governor, and the President of the United States, Reagan’s career is an erratic one, full of all sorts of strange pivots and turns - including a walk across the aisle. A man of contradictions and controversy, revered and hated in equal measure - this is the story of Ronald Reagan.Were joined by special guest Dr Ross Baker, distinguished professor of Political Science at Rutgers University New Jersey
In this episode, we’re traveling back to the Middle East, and the birth of modern Israel. Key to the founding of the state of Israel in the 1940s was Menachem Begin – a soldier, a right-wing zealot and a Zionist.
Joining us to discuss the controversial figure who was Menachem Begin is special guest Avi Shilon. Avi is a historian who specializes in Israel studies. His published works include Menachem Begin: A Life, published by Yale University Press, and a biography of Begin’s fellow Israeli Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion.
While it struggled for radio play, Punk managed to take over the world anyway. Digging its teeth into the pillars holding up “respectable society”, it leaked its way out of the world’s cultural centres to disenfranchised, embittered youth and gave them the tools to fight back. This is music as war, music as identity, music as freedom. So, Cheers to our hundredth episode - let’s talk about Punk.
We have special guest Legs McNeil, co-author of the book Please Kill Me, which is inarguably the book on Punk Rock
This time we’re doing something a little unconventional for us.
The Watergate Scandal, even all these years on, is still a controversial issue; in the historical community, potentially more controversial than ever.
So, we’re making two separate episodes hearing from guests with two different perspectives on the issue. We are joined by very special guest Geoff Shepard who was the youngest lawyer for Nixons White house staff . He has written three books on the topic of Watergate and gives a different perspective to how the history remembers the scandal.
In this episode, we’re heading to the world’s most famous music festival, Woodstock.
This pivotal moment in cultural history was held in the summer of 1969, and more than 50 years later it still has a mesmeric hold over our imaginations. At the time though, it was an unlikely success.
With the help of special guest Joel Makower, we go behind the scenes. Joel is a journalist by training and the author of Woodstock: The Oral History, which is available in paper form and on audiobook, through Audible.
In this episode we look into the epic story of how man got to the moon.
Our guest is historian David Whitehouse, author of “Apollo 11: The Inside Story.” David is a former BBC science editor and Asteroid ‘4036 Whitehouse’ is named after him.
This episode, we’re telling the story of one of the most tumultuous events in contemporary American political history - the 1968 presidential election.
Our guest for this episode it Dr Luke Nichter, Professor of History at Chapman University, California. His area of specialty is the Cold War, the modern presidency, and U.S. political and diplomatic history, from John F. Kennedy through Watergate. Dr Nichter’s latest book, The Year that Broke Politics, has just been released and is all about the 1968 presidential election.R
We’re returning to South East Asia and the theme of colonialism, as we explore the story of Ho Chi Minh – the Communist leader who passed away before he could see the end of the Vietnam War.
It’s difficult to cover Ho Chi Minh’s history in one episode, but to help us we’re joined by special guest Professor Tuong Vu, who gives us a snapshot of Ho Chi Minh’s life and activities. Tuong is a professor of political science at the University of Oregon and he has written extensively about political movements in Vietnam, including the Communist revolution.
In this episode we explore one of the most significant medical advances of the mid-20th century: hormonal birth control.
The Pill is commonly associated with better family planning, and a rise in women going out to work, as well as the more relaxed attitude towards sexuality that became more prevalent in the swinging 1960s, and the hippy movement of the 70s.
But which came first: the Pill itself, or the drive for social change? Our special guest, Lara [Fray] Friedenfelds, is a historian of reproduction, health and parenting in America, and she joins us to discuss the development and the impact of The Pill.
This episode, we’re examining one of the most hotly debated events in American history. Over the past fifty plus years, the assassination of President John F Kennedy, has become increasingly defined by the litany of conspiracy theories that have sprung up around it. The sheer and wide reaching tragedy of the event itself, has, for many, faded with age. And so we’ll attempt to turn the clock back to the 1960s, and try to recapture how this was felt at the time, by the Kennedys, by America and by the world at large.
Our guest on this episode is Phillip Shenon, author of “A Cruel and Shocking Act: The True History of the Kennedy Assassination.” Phillip was also a reporter at the New York Times for more than twenty years, where he provided extensive political coverage of affairs in the heart of Washington.
In this episode we take a look at one of the juiciest scandals of the mid-20th century: the Profumo affair.
It’s the media circus that ushered in the swinging 60s: and it’s got everything – English politicians, Cold War spies, wild parties, young showgirls and even a high society osteopath.
We’re joined by special guest Stephen Dorrill, who talks us through the colorful characters and events of the time. Stephen is the co-author of Honeytrap: The Secret Worlds of Stephen Ward, and a recently retired lecturer and honorary research fellow at the University of Leicester.
This episode we’re looking at the life and work of one of America’s most polarising political and religious figures, Malcolm X.
Also known as Malcolm Little, and el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, Malcolm X was a prominent voice in Black empowerment and served as a more provocative and anti-establishment counterpart to Civil Rights Leaders such as Martin Luther King.
This episode we’re looking at the life and work of one of America’s most polarising political and religious figures, Malcolm X.
Also known as Malcolm Little, and el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, Malcolm X was a prominent voice in Black empowerment and served as a more provocative and anti-establishment counterpart to Civil Rights Leaders such as Martin Luther King.
In this episode, we’re telling the story of one of Catholicism's least remembered, yet most relevant, figures of the 20th century.
Pope Paul VI, who was born Giovanni Montini, arguably changed the relationship Lay-Catholics have with Church Leadership forever, with his determination to uphold traditional Church teachings on Birth Control. Yet Pope Paul’s career and legacy cannot be boiled down to just this one decision, however impactful. A multifaceted and complex figure, Pope Paul made a variety of socially progressive changes and thoroughly helped bring the Catholic Church into the 20th century.
Our special guest for this episode is Michele Dillon a professor of Sociology and the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of New Hampshire.
This episode, we go back to the ring and explore the tumultuous and complex world of American Professional Boxing in the 1960s.
Sonny Liston’s challenge of Floyd Patterson, is one of the most high profile, vicious, and tragic stories in the history of boxing. With tendrils extending out into organised crime, and even the oval office, it proves that sport can be as political as anything else, and that behind any important game, there’s a great story to be told.
So enter the ring with us, as we navigate just what happened when Sonny Liston beat Floyd Patterson.
In this episode, we’re looking at the life of an American legend: a fighter pilot, astronaut, and politician. He’s John Glenn, the man who left an indelible impression on 20th century US history.
We’re joined by special guest, American political and presidential historian Jeff Shesol. Jeff’s the author of Mercury Rising, John Glenn, John Kennedy and the Cold War.
This time, we return to the United States and the battle for Civil Rights. This conflict would involve President Kennedy, and his Attorney General brother. It would lead to the mobilisation of several (30,000) troops, the most for a single disturbance in United States history.
While racism still exists in the United States today, and is in many ways as dangerous as ever, the desegregation of Universities in the American South cannot be taken for granted. Debatably, it all dates back to this historic conflict. So stay with us, as we dive into the frightening, and sobering history of the Ole Miss riots.
Our guest for the week is special guest, William Doyle. William is the author of James Meredith - An American Insurrection, along with the co-author of Meredith’s autobiography “A Mission from God”.
In this episode, we look at the astonishing rise of The Beatles – the band once described as “Bigger than Jesus”.
We’re joined by special guest Dr Kenneth L. Campbell, a history professor at Monmouth University in New Jersey where he teaches a course on Beatles’ history. Dr Campbell is also the author of “The Beatles and the 1960s: Reception, Revolution and Social Change”, and “American Popular Culture and the Beatles”
For the second time this series, or third if you count our episode on Doctor Zhivago, we find ourselves discussing the work of film director David Lean. Famous for his epics that pushed the limits of Hollywood technology and budgets, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ is undoubtedly his most ambitious work, an epic amongst epics.
Here to talk about the man who works out those specifics, is our guest Steven Caton (Kayton), a professor of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University. Steve is the author of the book “Lawrence of Arabia, a film’s Anthropology.”
For the second time this series, or third if you count our episode on Doctor Zhivago, we find ourselves discussing the work of film director David Lean. Famous for his epics that pushed the limits of Hollywood technology and budgets, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ is undoubtedly his most ambitious work, an epic amongst epics. Taking over a year to shoot, and shot largely on location in the Middle East, it had the second largest budget of any film made at the time, all while starring a borderline unknown. This project was one long-talked about in Hollywood, that had been attempted multiple times in the past few decades with little success.
In this episode, we return to Cuba and to the regime of socialist leader Fidel Castro. We’re traveling to the Bay of Pigs, the site of a botched invasion carried out by Cuban exiles, and financed by the US Government.
Today, it’s remembered as a minor disaster, but it’s one of the most significant early events of the Cold War.
This time we’re heading to the turbulent city of Berlin. Over its four-hundred-year lifetime, Berlin has been through unparalleled amounts of change. Finding itself at the epicentre of two world wars, and then split in half by the Cold War, history never takes a break in Berlin.
Here to talk about Berlin is our guest on this episode, retired British army officer and author Sir Barnabas (Barney) White-Spunner. Barney is the author of Berlin: The Story of a City, and a commander of the British Empire.
In this episode we take a look at an enigmatic cultural icon and a Nobel Prize-winner, who’s been well-known for six decades – he’s Bob Dylan, one of the world’s most famous singer- songwriters.
We’re joined by special guest Dennis McDougal, a music journalist based in Memphis, Tennessee, and the author of Dylan: The Biography.
In this episode, we’re seeing Earth through the eyes of a Martian named Smith, and everything looks a little bit off. Robert A. Heinlein’s seminal science fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land was released on the first of June, 1961, and to this day remains an influential and pivotal work in the history of science fiction and American Literature at large.
Its story, of a human born on Mars coming back and discovering Earth for the first time, is a timeless one. It has rippled through history, making its imprint on everything from religion to the Oxford English Dictionary. But who was Robert Heinlein, the man behind this novel? How did this Democrat-turned-Republican, debatably-pro-war, ex-navy-officer become a legend in the 1960s counterculture?
Were joined by special guest Vice President of the Heinlein Society, Ken Walters
This episode takes us into the 1960s, as we return to the legacy of WWII, and look at a chilly figure who has fascinated historians for decades.
He’s Adolf Eichmann, the man responsible for the transportation network that took hundreds of thousands of people to the Nazi death camps. In 1960, he’s finally captured in Argentina.
Here to help us unpack Eichmann is special guest Giacomo Lichtner, a cultural historian of modern Europe and associate professor of history at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Giacomo has worked extensively on the portrayals of facism in cinema, and he also lectures about the Holocaust itself.
In this episode we explore the life of iconic 20th century fiction writer – Ernest Hemingway. Throughout his life Hemingway cultivated an image of hyper-masculinity: he was a heavy drinker, a big game hunter, a deep sea fisher, and a war correspondent.
He was present at some of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century, and they influenced his work.
But the larger-than-life writer also had a softer side. To help us get to know Hemingway, we’re joined by special guest, writer Mary V. Dearborn. Mary’s the author of Ernest Hemingway: A Biography.
We return to the theme of colonialism as we visit the Belgian Congo. It’s a tale of two countries: one a huge territory deep inside the equatorial rainforest, and the other a tiny European nation, led by a King with imperial dreams.
We’re joined by a special guest Adam Hochschild, a writer, historian and the author of King Leopold’s Ghost, the story of King Leopold and the Congo.
A cultural touchstone and masterpiece of suspense, this week’s episode features Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal film, Psycho.
Perhaps more than any film we’ll discuss during this series, Psycho is a film so completely entrenched in the cultural consciousness that it’s hard to separate the film from its myth.
Here to talk about the history of Psycho is Andrew Hunt, a professor of history at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
In this episode we’re talking about the Twist. The dance that took the teenage world by storm in the 1950s and 1960s. More broadly, we’re talking about its various different recordings, and the artist whose cover of the song made it into a smash hit phenomenon, Chubby Checker.
Here, helping us with this episode is Musicologist, Music Historian and Rock Musician, Dr Alexander Carpenter of the University of Alberta, Canada.
Today many people know about his assassination, and his rumoured affair with Marilyn Monroe – but there was a lot more to Kennedy than that.
Special guest Frederik Logevall, JFK’s biographer, a professor at Harvard University, joins us to tell us about John F Kennedy: his politics, his family, and his time.
Todays episode looks into the process of paying for radio time which is called Payola.
A dominant trend in the 1930s onwards, Payola was a core part of the music industry and a huge influence on the dominant trends in popular music. Interestingly, while the practice is illegal, and suggests a rich-get-richer musical hierarchy, it played a surprisingly positive role in pushing forward songs from more niche genres such as Country and R&B at a pivotal time in history, thus presenting a wider range of music to American audiences.
Because of this, the issue remains a complex one with a lot of moral gray areas.
So what is the story of Payola? How dominant really was it? And in what sort of form does it exist today?
In this episode we go back to the origins of the split between North and South Korea, as we learn about another famous statesman: Syngman Rhee. He was a gifted scholar, a revolutionary, a prickly, authoritarian ruler – and a dangerous driver.
We’re joined for this episode by special guest David Fields, a historian and associate director of the Centre for East Asian Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
In this episode we’re looking at the revolutionary spy plane that defined post World War 2 military surveillance, the Lockheed U-2. The U-2 is still a key device today in the gathering of military intelligence. Its intensely aerodynamic design allows it to fly incredibly high, right near the edge of the atmosphere.
In this episode we’re looking at debatably the most notorious product failure in American history.
A flop that puts Crystal Pepsi and Google Glass to shame, the Ford Edsel has become synonymous with failure. A new line of cars designed by Ford to try and compete in the upper-middle budget range, the Edsel suffered from poor planning, poor marketing, and even poorer design. Only collected nowadays by car collectors as a joke, or a historical artifact, the story of the Edsel begs the following questions. How does a company as big as Ford, mess up this badly? Who was responsible? And what impact has the Edsel left on the American Motor Industry today?
In this episode we return to the Cold War and discuss yet another controversial political figure - Fidel Castro, the revolutionary firebrand who came to power in Cuba in the late 1950s.
To some he’s a tyrant, and to others, he’s the hero who deposed a corrupt regime and defied America for decades. We’re joined by a very special guest, the historian and journalist Tony Perrottet. Tony is the author of several non-fiction books including Cuba Libre: Che, Fidel and the Improbable Revolution That Changed World History. He’s also a contributing editor at the Smithsonian Magazine in Washington, and has written for media outlets including The New York T
In this episode we’re spinning the story of one the world’s most timelessly popular toys, the Hula Hoop.
While it’s often thought of today as a fad of the past, the Hula Hoop has actually existed in a variety of different forms for centuries, and is debatably still as popular today as ever.
Joining us to talk about it is Bunny B Star, the founding director and owner of Australian Hula Hoop company, Hoop Empire.
This episode explores one of the darkest versions of the American Dream - the deadly world of the Mafia.
For more than a century, the organized crime groups also known as the Cosa Nostra have inspired fear and fascination in America, as they change and evolve along with society.
We’re joined by a very special guest, former journalist and accomplished author Geoff Schumacher - the vice president of exhibits and programmes at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas
In this episode we’re looking at the history of the unsung pioneers of space travel, Monkeys and Chimpanzees!
Before rockets were safe enough to take humans, and even after, NASA and rival organizations sent apes into space to test conditions without risking human life. These primates risked life and limb, faced incredible danger and adversity, and saw more than most humans ever will. Now, over 50 years since the height of the space race, there are new questions to be asked.
With a modern perspective on animal welfare, the conditions these apes were put under are dubious to say the least.
Our guest for this episode is , Matthew Wood, Author of “Space Race, How the Cold War put humans on the Moon”
This time we’re looking at another epic of classic Hollywood cinema, Ben-Hur. Widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, Ben-Hur had more than enough drama happen off screen to fill all 4 hours of the blockbuster’s running time.
What is the story of Ben-Hur? And what impact has it left today?
This episode takes us to a poignant time in the history of rock music: the brief and brilliant life of Buddy Holly. We travel back in time to learn about the young man behind the music: who accomplished such a lot, and could have achieved so much more.
We’re joined by special guest, Philip Norman. Philip’s the author of Buddy: Philip Norman. He’s also written extensively about other rock legends, including The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.
In this episode we’re looking at what is arguably the greatest medical catastrophe in recent history, the Thalidomide Scandal. A drug designed to reduce morning sickness in pregnant women, Thalidomide caused more than 10,000 children in the late 1950s and early 1960s to be born with intense physical disabilities. Pushed primarily under the name Contergan by German company Chemie Grunenthal, the history of Thalidomide is one of corporate greed, negligible accountability, and minimal consequences.
To help us explore this complex and difficult subject, we have two guests. The first, James Essinger, author of “Frankie: The Woman Who Saved Millions from Thalidomide” and Thalidomider, academic speaker Kev Donnelon
In this episode we’re looking at the lives of America’s first real celebrity killers, 19 year old Charles Starkweather and his 14 year old girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate.
The object of perverse levels of public attention, the pair participated in a series of Spree Killings between December 1967 and January 1968 that would go on to inspire movies, music, and extensive, unrelenting, news coverage.
This episode takes us back to the world of sport, and the era of California Baseball, when major league teams packed their bags and headed West in search of new opportunities.
The Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants are the most famous teams that chose to leave, but others followed suit, and major league baseball also eventually made its way into America’s deep south.
We’re joined once again by very special guest, baseball historian Andy McCue. Andy’s the author of Mover and Shaker: Walter O’Malley, the Dodgers and Baseball’s Westward Expansion.
In this episode we discuss the most famous French leader of the 20th century - General Charles de Gaulle. He’s the stubborn military commander who defied the Germans during WWII, and became the voice of hope that inspired thousands.
After the war, he was also the President who restored order to war-torn France. He returned to power again in 1958, when he handled the Algerian crisis, and founded France’s fifth republic.
We’re joined in this episode by very special guest, Lord Peter Ricketts, long time diplomat, and the former British ambassador to France between 2012 and 2016.
In this episode we’re traveling back to the Middle East in the 1950s - and to the time when the United States conducted its first major military intervention in the area - in Lebanon.
What were the origins of the Lebanese crisis, and what led the Americans to intervene? Looking back today, did it make a difference?
We’re returning to the movies in this episode, digging into the first of David Lean's canonical epic films, The Bridge On the River Kwai.
A defining film both in the history of war movies, and in cinema in general, The Bridge On the River Kwai is as grand as it was excessively ambitious.
Here to help explain is our guest, Film Historian and Blogger Wendy Whittick.
This episode takes us to communist China in the 1950s, where we explore the life of Premier Zhou Enlai.
Zhou Enlai was the suave revolutionary who became Chairman Mao’s most skilled diplomat.
In the West, he’s known as the man who helped foster a warmer relationship between China and America - and who gave a humane face to a brutal regime.
We’re joined by special guest Michael Dillon, Professor of History at King’s College, London, and the author of Zhou Enlai: The Enigma Behind Chairman Mao.
In this episode we’re focussing on one of the most often talked about periods of the cold war, the Space Race. More specifically we’re travelling back to the very start of it, with the launch of the first satellite - Sputnik One.
This metal sphere, barely bigger than a beach ball, would not only spark a decades-long scientific arms race between the world's two biggest political powers, but would end up drastically affecting the place of Science and Technology in the modern world.
But how did this come to be?
Here to help us answer that question we have Roger Launius, the former chief historian for NASA and curator of the National Space Museum at the Smithsonian.
This episode takes us into the life of one of the 20th century’s most iconic authors, edgy beat writer and cultural icon Jack Kerouac.
Reading his most famous book, On the Road, is still a rite of passage for many teens and people in their early 20s: and his coming of age tale continues to inspire writers, musicians and actors.
We’re joined by special guest Brian Hassett, a lifelong “beat” and the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Jack Kerouac (and numerous other books on Kerouac and the beat generation).
This episode takes us into the life and times of one of the best-known sportsmen of the 1950s, star baseball player Mickey Mantle.
Mickey was the charismatic golden boy who rose from the mines of Oklahoma to become perhaps the best-known Yankee slugger of all time. He’s also someone who struggled immensely with fame, and with demons of his own.
We take a look at the man behind the myth.
This weeks episode covers Russian Author and Poet Boris Pasternak, whose epic novel Doctor Zhivago, released in 1957, became an instant classic, won him the Nobel Prize, and ended up a weapon in the Cold War.
In her book Lara: The Untold Love Story that Inspired Dr Zhivago, Anna Pasternak blows the doors of history wide open and changes the way we remember Boris, both for good and for ill.
This episode we have a unique situation for our podcast. While we’ve always been blessed with amazing guests, people who are experts in their field - we’re rarely given the opportunity to speak to people directly involved in the events themselves. Hence, we couldn’t be more excited to share with you that for this episode we’re joined by Terrence Roberts of the Little Rock Nine.
Back in 1957 Terrence, alongside eight other teenagers, would be the first Black students to integrate into a previously white high school in the American South. Caught in the middle of a political battlefield, Terrence and his schoolmates had the eyes of the entire world on them. They faced abuse from their classmates, teachers, and untold numbers of locals who showed up outside the school every morning to protest.
But who were the Little Rock Nine? and What was it like to be there?
This episode takes us to Egypt in 1956, when the nationalisation of the Suez Canal by General Nasser led to the “mother of all conspiracies”.
Behind closed doors, Great Britain and France made a secret plot with Israel to gain control of the waterway, and retain their influence in the Arab world. The conspiracy spelled the end of British Prime Minister Anthony Eden’s political career: and the Suez Canal Crisis is considered the nail in the coffin of the British Empire.
As we explore this topic we’re joined once more by special guest Khaled Fahmy, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Professor of Modern Arabic Studies at the University of Cambridge.
In this weeks episode, we’re taking a look at the bestselling novel that scandalized America in the 1950s, Peyton Place by Grace Metalious.
Its themes include abortion, incest and alcoholism, and even today, it probably deserves a trigger warning.
It’s also a subversively feminist book: it gives a glimpse into hidden aspects of women’s lives, and it explores society’s changing attitudes towards sex.
We’re joined by special guest Dave O. Dodge, the author of The Seasons of Grace: The Unauthorized Backstory of Peyton Place.
This time around, we’re exploring the life and work of movie star, fashion icon, and eventual royal - the princess of Monaco herself, Grace Kelly. Setting new expectations of poise and - no pun intended - grace, in America after the events of the Second World War, Grace Kelly would define the generation of Post-Affluence.
But what was her inner life like? How did she navigate her short but explosive career in Hollywood? And what did she leave as her legacy, in the principality of Monaco?
This episode takes us behind the Iron Curtain, as we explore the life and times of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, the mercurial figure who was once Josef Stalin’s “court jester”. After Stalin’s death, Khrushchev longed to restore the USSR to the “shining heights of communism”.
He dreamed of a more peaceful, tolerant and prosperous state. But as Khrushchev navigated national and global events, he was often his own worst enemy: he was clever and compassionate, but also rash, egocentric and impulsive. Later in his life, he was also haunted by his own participation in Stalin’s purges of the 1930s.
We’re joined by special guest Professor William Taubman, an academic at Amherst College and a Pulitzer prize-winning Soviet historian, who wrote Nikita Khrushchev’s biography: Khrushchev- the Man and His Era.
This episode takes us into the troubled heart of Alabama in the 1950s: when the state was the scene of racial inequality, tension and violence.
It was in Alabama that Rosa Parks, the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement” refused to give up her bus seat for a white man, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott was born. The boycott garnered interest from activists all over the world, and it led to the rise of a charismatic young preacher, named Martin Luther King Jr.
We’re joined by special guest Cole Manley, a PhD student at the University of Columbia. Cole is the author of the book, “The Unlikely World of the Montgomery Bus Boycott”, which explores the global impact of the protest.
The Hungarian revolution is a pivotal moment in the Cold War, as the first real example of a Soviet-occupied country attempting to break out from under the iron curtain. It shows us how widely the smallest choice made in the Kremlin could ripple out, and just how drastic the consequences could be.
Were joined by Dr Gerhard Schüsselbauer, the director of the Pan-European Studies Institute in Vlotho, Germany.
This episode focuses on one of the most influential and controversial actress/model of the 20th Century, Brigitte Bardot. Throughout her career, Bardot not only changed fashion forever but also ushered in a new era of cultural attitudes towards sex, specifically sexually empowered women.
This week we’re booking our tickets, signing up for Fastpass and heading out into the California countryside to visit Disneyland.
Arguably the most singular and innovative idea of Walt Disney, a man known for his singular and innovative ideas, the word Disneyland has become synonymous with adventure, joy, and painfully long queue times. But how did it come to be?
Here to help us answer that question is theme-park engineer turned Disneyland historian, Alastair Dallas.
Author of the book, Inventing Disneyland, Alastair was such an expert on Disneyland, that he’s inspired us to experiment a little with the format of this episode.
In this episode we discuss the life and times of the uncontested king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley. From humble beginnings in Mississippi and Tennessee, Elvis shot to superstardom in the 1950s. More than 60 years later, he’s still a household name. Although his life was tragically short, he lives on in the memories of his fans - some of whom dedicated shrines to him.
Our guest is Ray Connolly, the author of ‘Being Elvis: A Lonely Life’. Ray, a veteran music journalist, was one of the only reporters to interview the star, who many people heard and saw, but few truly knew.
In this episode we’re diving into one of the most significant stories of all time, Peter Pan. A tale as immortal as its ever child-like protagonist, Pan’s adventures have been revamped and retold countless times in the hundred and fifty years since its conception.
From its initial telling as a satirical fantasy laced with personal tragedy in turn of the century Britain, through its re-shaping into a hyper Americanized piece of post World War two escapism by both Walt Disney and Broadway, to finally winding up as an ever underperforming piece of IP in the Hollywood Machine, the history of how we tell Peter’s story has become as captivating as the story itself. But where did it come from? And why do we, time and again, find ourselves returning to the story of the boy who wouldn’t grow up?
In this episode we explore the man behind the hit 1950’s Disney TV show, the man beneath the raccoon skin cap.
This Texas legend is perhaps most famous for his part in the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, which served to only build on his prodigious legend. Known in his day as the ‘King of the Frontier’, tales of his exploits would inspire and entertain millions over a century later when he hit television screens in 1950’s America.
The Disney TV show was a huge hit. By 1960 Americans had spent, in today's money, two billion dollars on Davy Crockett merchandise.
To explore the life of this iconic American we’re joined by Bill Cotter. Bill is a Disney insider and expert, having worked there for decades and he’ll help guide us through Davy Crockett's reincarnation as a Disney sensation.
This episode takes us into the world of the Brooklyn Dodgers, the New York baseball team whose rise to glory won them fans around the world - and whose departure, to more profitable pastures, left a legacy of bitterness.
We’re joined by special guest Andy McCue, the author of Mover and Shaker: Walter O’Malley, the Dodgers and Baseball’s Westward Expansion.
This week, we're diving into the life and work of Hollywood icon James Dean. Coming of age just after WW2, "Jimmy" was part of the first generation of teenagers. He would let the world into their inner lives through his star-making turn in Rebel Without a Cause. A driven, charismatic, and complicated man, Dean remains instantly recognizable today. His journey from Indiana farm-boy to international icon is one filled with complex romances, immense dedication, and hard work.
We'd like to thank this week's guest, Dorothy Schulz; Curator of the Fairmount Historical Museum, and invite you to enjoy the episode below!
No history of the 20th century would be complete without the inclusion of Albert Einstein. He’s best-known for developing the general theory of relativity, and for contributing to the development of quantum theory. But although Einstein is perhaps the greatest physicist the world has ever seen, his scientific achievements were only one part of a rich and colourful life. The eternal rebel and self-described “bird of passage” will be embroiled in, and marked by, some of the most turbulent events of the century.
On today’s episode we discuss the biggest hit of the 1950s - Rock around the Clock, a song that drove young audiences wild and sparked a musical revolution. We also take a look at the band who made the tune so successful, Bill Haley and His Comets, and their astronomical rise to stardom. Bill was originally a country and western singer, but wanted to make songs that appealed to everyone - and began mixing it up! Fame did not always bring him happiness, but today he’s rightfully recognised as one of the pioneers of rock and roll.
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu shook the world. For the first time a colonial power had lost a pitched battle to the people it had colonised. The French defeat at the hands of the Vietnamese, precipitated the decline of the French Colonial Empire. It marked a new chapter in world history and showed that the Powers that be, were losing their grip, and a new world order was in ascendancy. It was the prelude to the cold war clash that would consume Vietnam, and see a superpower brought low. The Battle of Dien Bien Phu turned America’s eyes to Vietnam, and would demonstrate the tenacity and determination the Vietnamese people possessed. Lessons that should have been learned from this battle were not. This shocking victory was as unexpected as it was complete. The Vietnamese annihilated the arrogant French forces.
This episode looks into the fascinating story and impact of the miracle fabric Dacron. The fabric created in 1951 caused a fashion revolution. The company behind it, DuPont has a marred reputation that declined alongside their leading fabric. Join us as we enter the world of polyester suits, and discover the story of THE fabric of the 60’s and 70’s
This episode focuses on the life of arguably the most famous conductor in history – Arturo Toscanini. A musical child prodigy, Toscanini rose to the prestigious role of conductor at the astonishing age of just 19. His reputation for perfection saw him admired by audiences and musicians alike, and made him famous across Italy and then the rest of the world. His reputation for affairs, however, also put his family under strain. Crossing back and forth across the Atlantic, Toscanini’s fame helped him escape the Fascists in Italy and he began recording concerts for the NBC Symphony Orchestra during World War II. He later conducted concerts on television and became a legend above all the rest. Dr. Stephen Alltop – conductor, musician, and senior lecturer at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University in Illinois – joins us to discuss the legacy of Toscanini. Remember to like and subscribe!
This weeks episode chronicles the life of a man who rose from nothing, to lead Argentina and win the love of its people. Juan Peron is a pivotal figure in Latin American history, and left an indelible mark on the nation, one that continues to have influence to this day. He would achieve great things while in power, but his final term in office ended in chaos that dragged Argentina into near civil war. To explore the life of this incredible man, we’re joined by Dr Jill Hedges, the deputy director of analysis at Oxford Analytica and author of Juan Peron: The life of the People’s Colonel.
Hello fans! This week’s episode tells the dark tale of Roy Cohn – a shadowy lawyer who appeared in two of the most controversial eras in American politics: McCarthyism and Trumpism. Central to getting the Rosenbergs executed, Cohn became an attack dog during the anti-communist witch hunts of Senator Joe McCarthy. As a defense lawyer in New York City, Cohn then helped gangsters literally get away with murder. In the 1970s, Cohn then took a young real estate developer, Donald Trump, under his wing and taught him to never apologise, never admit defeat, always attack, and do whatever you can to control the narrative. We’re joined by Christopher Elias, professor of history and author of the book Gossip Men: J. Edgar Hoover, Joe McCarthy, Roy Cohn, and the Politics of Insinuation, who helps us understand the man who bridged the world of the legal and the illegal, and who left a lasting impression on American society in his wake. Remember to like and subscribe!
This episode explores life in the Communist bloc. A collection of states in Eastern Europe that were under the oppressive thumb of the Soviet Union. Life within the bloc contrasts sharply with life in the West. Berlin, being split in two, provided a clear example of this. To help us explore life in the Bloc is Dr Gerhard Schüsselbauer Director of the Pan-European Studies Institute. We dive into life within the bloc and specifically life in Berlin during this pivotal period of Modern European history, that ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Next on the lyrics of 'we didnt start the fire' chronicles the life of a man who struggled and triumphed in spite of racism and disability. Roy Campanella was one of the biggest baseball stars of his era. He helped break the colour barrier and begin the integration of America's game, and following his tragic car crash he became an inspiration to other disabled Americans. To help us understand the impact of his life, we’re joined today by Neil Lanctot, Historian and author of Negro League Baseball – The Rise and Ruin of a Black Institution, and most recently, Approaching Storm which details the clashes around America’s involvement in World War One.
Hello fans! This episode tells the story of Winthrop Rockefeller, grandson of the wealthiest man in modern history (John D. Rockefeller) and Governor of Arkansas from 1967 to 1971. Coming from a lot of money, Winthrop was also a war veteran, and in the late 1940s he was considered America’s most eligible bachelor. His highly publicised wedding to actress and model Jievute “Bobo” Paulekiute was soon eclipsed by their highly publicised divorce. Historian Janet Harris from the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute in Arkansas joins us to explain how there was so much more to Winthrop than what appeared in the tabloids, however, including his tireless work to improve the lives of the poorest people in Arkansas.
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Sergei Prokofiev one of the 20th century’s greatest composers. The child prodigy from rural Ukraine revolutionised Russian music with dazzling performances in St. Petersburg, performances so modern that they enthralled many and enraged others. While his talent often left him socially isolated, Prokofiev’s musical revolution soon collided with the effects of Russian’s political revolution, leaving him cut off from the world and restricting his creativity. We’re joined by concert pianist and Yale School of Music professor, Boris Berman, who helps us explore how despite his circumstances, Prokofiev was still able to change music forever.
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The next episode in the series covers the fascinating life of Gamal Abdul Nasser, revolutionary and former president of Egypt. Nasser emerged at a time when Egypt was controlled by the British and through determination and powerful leadership he led a coup that saw Egyptians control Egypts future. Infamously he would nationalize the Suez canal, sparking a huge diplomatic incident. While also acting as a leader of sorts to many countries also seeking to move past their recent colonial pasts. He was an incredible speaker, a beloved leader and shaped the Arab world as we know it today.
Stay tuned for the upcoming episode
This episode tells the story of a shadowy figure in a shadowy world – Georgy Malenkov, the cunning and ruthless bureaucrat who worked his way up in the Communist Party of the Soviet Union to become Stalin's presumptive successor. Little known in the West, Malenkov's ambitions and betrayals ultimately led to his untimely undoing. Professor Ronald Suny from the University of Michigan helps us understand the psyche of this complex man, one who dreamed of incredible power, very nearly succeeded, but soon ended up as one of history's minor footnotes.
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Next on the list of lyrics for ‘We didn’t start the fire’ is one of the key leaders of the 20th century a man who greatly impacted the world we live in today. Josef Stalin. There have been numerous documentaries and podcasts done on this important figure so to grapple with this expansive subject, we have chosen to focus on Stalin’s early life and try to find and understand what made this man into the ruthless dictator he was.
We are joined by guest Ronald Suny - who has just recently released a book Stalin: Passage to Revolution - which highlights his early life.
We hope you enjoy and don’t forget to like and subscribe to ‘Since the Worlds been turning’
Hello fans! We're doing something a little different this week. Since we have reached the chorus of Billy Joel’s song, "We Didn’t Start the Fire," having covered the first two verses of lyrics, this week's episode will focus on the song itself. What did Billy Joel mean when he sang "We didn't start the fire, it was always burning since the world's been turning"? Who are "we" and what is "the fire"? Listen in and find out!
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This episode tells the life story of the philosopher and poet, George Santayana. While not everyone today might know who Santayana was, and even fewer are likely to have read his work, almost everyone has at some point repeated some of his wisdom.
An unassuming man, George Santayana has nonetheless inspired countless writers and caused millions to stop and think.
**This mega-star came from humble origins to be the highest paid entertainer in the world. He left quiet middle America for the bright lights of Las Vegas after having built a career playing bars and nightclubs. His iconic combination of classical music, and pop music drew huge crowds. 30 million people watched his TV show, and he earned 300,000 dollars a week playing in Las Vegas. His lawsuits were infamous, as he defended himself from allegations of homosexuality, that threatened to sink his career. These allegations were true, Liberace struggled with his sexuality his entire life, before dying of AIDS. Joining us today to help explore the sometimes tragic life of this superstar is Bo Ayars. For over 5000 shows Bo was Musical Director for Liberace, author of One Baton, A number 2 pencil, 88 keys, and Liberace. An insider autobiography that explores the world of Liberace and music.
We hope you enjoy and don’t forget to like and subscribe**
For this Since the World's been turning episode we explore another boxing great. The only man to ever retire as the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world Rocky Marciano. He was one of the real-life boxers that inspired Slyvester Stallone's Rocky’s movies. We’re joined again by Lou Eisen, boxing expert and author of the soon to be released book, Boxing Greatests Controversies: Blunders, Bloodfeuds and Bad Decisions. Marciano’s is a story of triumph against the odds, and true grit. Its the story of how a man who came from nothing was able to win it all.
This week’s episode focuses on the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, or as Billy Joel put it “England’s got a new queen.” Today, it’s almost impossible to imagine the United Kingdom without the Queen. She is the country’s longest reigning monarch and has provided it with a continuous sense of identity and stability throughout almost 70 tumultuous years of change and uncertainty. Through decolonisation and war to political upheaval and the recent pandemic, the Queen has always been there. In 1952, at the young age of just 27, she took on the job that quickly made her the most famous woman in the world. This is the story of the day she took on that enormous responsibility.
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This episode is about Vaccine and in particular the one Billy Joel mentions in his song is the polio vaccine of 1954. In our modern day the topic about vaccines has become popular again with the COVID-19 vaccines being distributed throughout the world to help save us from this deadly virus.
Similar to COVID, polio was also a deadly disease and at is peak in the 1940s and 1950s, polio would paralyse or kill over half a million people worldwide every year. How the vaccine was created involves a president, a lawyer, a scientist, his rival and countless unmanned volunteers and researchers. Just how terrifying this disease was, is difficult to comprehend today. Modern medicine struggled to understand the very basics of the disease, while for decades it crippled countless children. Joining us today is Associate Professor Helen Petousis-Harris.
We hope you enjoy and don’t forget to like and subscribe.
Dwight (“Ike”) D. Eisenhower, the general who served as Supreme Allied Commander of the Western Allies in Europe during World War II and then later became the 34th President of the United States. His popular appeal as a strong and level-headed leader was characterised by the simple election slogan, “I like Ike.” He presided over an apparent golden age of the American Dream in the 1950s, but this common perception hid the reality of what life was like for many of his citizens, particularly African Americans. Although he was highly respected, in his efforts to avoid nuclear war with the Soviet Union, he also carried out many controversial foreign policies in Asia and Latin America. Like all leaders, he was a complex individual.
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For this weeks episode we will explore the Catcher in the Rye. A famous book that came out in 1951 written by J.D. Sallinger. The book would soon become very popular and controversial. With 70 million copies sold world wide the Catcher in the Rye is one of the most popular books ever written. We are joined in this episode by Susan Mizruchi professor of English Literature at Boston University who has studied the book many times.
We hope you enjoy and don’t forget to like and subscribe.
Hello fans,
First hitting the Broadway stage in 1951 with one of the biggest stars in the business, Gertrude Lawrence, in the leading role, The King and I became an instant hit. Having been revived many times since its original production, and inspiring an Oscar-winning film adaptation in 1956, the musical challenged 1950s audiences to consider issues of race, imperialism, and the values of cultural exchange. To help us better understand this poignant piece of musical history, we’re joined once more by musical expert Mark Robinson, who’s latest book The Magical Mice of Broadway is out now.
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Marlon Brando - arguably the greatest actor of all time . Modernising the craft of acting, Brando brought a natural realism to the screen that nobody had ever seen before and won two Oscars in the process. But he could be notoriously difficult to work with, sometimes ignoring directors and not learning his lines. Off screen, his life was equally colourful; he advocated for Native American rights, fathered (at least) 11 children, and struggled with his weight. Susan Mizruchi, author of "Brando's Smile: His Life, Thought, and Work," joins us to explain why Marlon Brando remains the godfather of acting.
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Sugar Ray Robinson arguably the greatest pound for pound boxer of all time, a man who could knock someone out while going backwards. His rivalry with the equally fascinating Jake LaMotta, defined his career. We’ll look into Sugar Rays rise to the top and his fall by the end of his career. This week we're joined by boxing historian Lou Eisen, who was mentored by Muhammed Ali's trainer Angelo Dundee. Listen in, to learn about Sweet Thunder, the Middleweight champion of the world, Sugar Ray Robinson"
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Want to learn more about the deadliest weapon ever built – the hydrogen bomb – which in the 1950s gave the United States and the Soviet Union the power to destroy the world. While the h-bomb took humanity terrifyingly close to the brink of a nuclear apocalypse several times during the Cold War, it may have also stopped World War 3 from happening. Historian of science Alex Wellerstein joins us to explain how this most dangerous invention shaped, and continues to shape, the modern world.
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In the aftermath of World War 2, the United States was the only country to possess the most powerful weapon ever developed, the atomic bomb. US intelligence estimated that it would take the Soviet nuclear programme at least another 10 years to catch up. However, much to the surprise of the Americans, the Soviets detonated their first atomic bomb in 1949. It was obvious that spies had helped them steal America's nuclear secrets. This episode focuses on the American husband and wife who were charged with handing over those secrets, betraying their country, and placing the entire world in grave danger – Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. We are joined by a very special guest, their son Michael, who shares his side of this incredible story
This episode explores one of Hollywoods biggest icons and the woman beneath the fame. The real Marilyn Monroe. We will dive deep into the her career highlights and her tragic personal life. This week's guest Greg Schreiner, (the President and a founding member of the longest running fan club in existence today - Marilyn Remembered) will give his insight on the topic. So join us for a detailed look into the life of this pop culture icon.
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The focus of this episode will be covering three topics. North Korea, South Korea and Panmunjom. The ongoing conflict in Korea, a tragedy that has dragged on for more than 70 years. The Korean War, fought between 1950 and 1953, never ended with a peace treaty, only a ceasefire, and Korea remains divided and in a state of high alert to this day. American history professor Dolores Janiewski helps us understand why the US led a UN coalition into Korea and why their mission only partially succeeded.
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This episode focuses on one of the biggest inventions of the 20th century - Television. No other medium has had such a dramatic impact on society and culture. People managed to see for the first time, momentous historical events, such as the Vietnam War and the Moon Landing from the comfort of their homes. Television impacted society at all levels, from sports to music, to culture, and to politics. We are joined by Mike Conway, from the Indiana Media school in the USA, to discuss the impact that Television had on society.
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This episode we cover one of America's greatest companies-Studebaker. A company that went from horse drawn carriages to automobiles. Throughout the 20th century Studebaker was an emblem of American industrial might. Their cars were beloved by millions and their factory was the beating heart of South-Bend Indiana. We're joined by Studebaker National Museum archivist Andrew Beckman, to help explore the rise and fall of this mega-manufacturer.
The man behind one of the darkest periods of American political history. In the early 1950s, Senator McCarthy stoked Cold War paranoia and launched a nationwide witch-hunt to oust communists from society. Without evidence, he destroyed people’s lives. The era now bears his name and “McCarthyism” has become synonymous for baseless accusations, fear, and lies. Political scientist Dan Zirker helps us understand how this one man made such a terrible impact, the legacy of which the United States has never fully recovered.
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This week’s episode tells the life story of baseball superstar, Joe DiMaggio. Tara Krieger from the Society for American Baseball Research joins us to explain how a fisherman’s son ended up becoming a Yankee hero, marrying Marilyn Monroe, and changing cultural perceptions of Italian Americans. So, in the words of Simon and Garfunkel – “Here’s to you, Joe DiMaggio.”
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Walter Winchell was America's biggest news broadcaster. Yet today he is almost forgotten. Winchell came from poverty, before rising to the peak of American society, making or breaking the careers of movie stars and politicians. We're joined by Professor Joe Saltzman, so listen in as we explore the eventful life of this hugely influential man, and understand how a friend of the president and broadcaster with 2/3rds of America as his audience is now forgotten.
The Rodgers and Hammerstein wartime romance that forever changed Broadway. Joined by musical director and historian, Mark Robinson, we'll learn how 'South Pacific' brought American theatre audiences face to face with a message about race that is still as relevant today as it was 70 years ago.
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This episode tells the fascinating story of Johnnie Ray, the ‘inventor of the rock star’ who was also partially deaf. Before The Rolling Stones, before The Beatles, before Johnny Cash, and before Elvis – Johnnie Ray cut loose on stage, showing the world what a modern entertainer could do. But though his star burned bright, it burned fast; the biggest musical star in the world in 1952 was largely forgotten by the 1960s. We’re joined by his nephew, Randy Ray, who sheds light on Johnnie’s career and private life, which were often just as turbulent as each other.
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This second installment continues our two-part series on Harry Truman by delving into the events of his presidency, from finishing World War 2, to rebuilding an international system torn apart, all while trying to fend off opposition back home and preventing the outbreak of World War 3.
For centuries, China was ruled by dynasties and warlords. At the beginning of the 20th century, however, change was imminent. With contributions from Dr Jason Young of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, this episode chronicles the events that led to the rise of communism in China under the leadership of Mao Zedong.
This first installment of our two part series on Harry Truman looks at his early life as a struggling farmer and businessman, a soldier in World War I, and an up and coming politician that culminates with becoming the 33rd president of the United States. We’re joined by Dr Robert Patman from the University of Otago
In this episode, we look at the life of America’s sweetheart, Doris Day. A talented singer and actress, Doris was loved by fans all over the world. However, her private life was full of ups and downs. We’re joined by musicologist, Dr Gregory Camp, from the University of Auckland
This podcast series is a journey through history, one guided by the lyrics of Billy Joel’s song “We Didn’t Start the Fire". Join us for an educational and fun exploration of the events, people, and inventions that helped to shape the modern world during the Cold War. These roughly half-hour episodes place a microscope on each of Billy Joel’s lyrics, discovering the rich detail that helps breathe life into the past. Narrated by Robin Harrison, each episode also features interviews with guest speakers, including experts in the field and friends and family of the people being discussed. Together, we’ll learn why Billy Joel wrote the lyrics he did and hopefully come to understand what he meant when he sang “We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning, since the world’s been turning.”