Ministry Of History

Podcast

Ministry of History Podcast

Welcome to the Ministry of History Podcast (formerly The History Buff), where we bring history to life through immersive storytelling and deep dives into fascinating historical topics. Hosted by Artie, the Minister of History and a Berlin-based historian and tour guide, the podcast unravels the complexities, drama, and humanity of history—from pivotal moments to hidden forgotten stories. Whether you're a casual listener or a history buff, join us to explore the events, people, and cultures that shaped our world.There are two formats of episodes:Solo episodes (up to 20 mins)Discussions or interviews (up to one hour)The Ministry of History offers much more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ministry of History Podcast

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The Berlin Wall (Part 4): From Division to Defiance

The Berlin Wall (Part 4): From Division to Defiance

In this episode, we shift our focus from the Berlin Wall itself to the lives of the people on either side. We'll explore how Berlin evolved into a bastion of counterculture and artistic expression, with distinct influences and circumstances in both the East and the West. Joining me for this discussion is fellow Berlin tour guide Ryan, an expert in this fascinating topic. Together, we'll delve into the unique cultural landscapes that flourished in a divided city.From the East German punk and squatting movements to the cultural melting pot of occupied West Berlin, we explore how this divided city transformed into Europe's epicentre of defiance.You can watch the video of this episode on Youtube.For more fascinating insights from Ryan, you can follow him on Instagram.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Berlin Wall (Part 3): Escapes, Attempts and Tragedy

The Berlin Wall (Part 3): Escapes, Attempts and Tragedy

In the next episode of the Berlin Wall series, I am joined by another fellow Berlin tour guide - Tina (or as I call her Miss Ernestina). In this third part of the series, I discuss with Tina the various escapes - both successes and failures - and the tragic deaths at the Wall.With the sealing of the border and building of the Berlin Wall in August 1961, this meant that East Germans that wanted to leave East Germany had to find new ways to do so, and in this episode we delve into those gripping and all-too often tragic stories. Hear about Conrad Schumann's leap to freedom, which became an enduring image of the Cold War. Learn about the multiple daring escapes of the Bethke brothers, involving a blow up mattress, a zip-wire and two light aircraft! And listen to the heartbreaking story of Peter Fechter, whose very public shooting and death at the Wall became a symbol of the it's brutality. Join us as we explore these remarkable tales of courage and the human cost of division.You can also watch the video of this episode on YouTube.Check out the home video of the Bethke brothers escape flight over Berlin here.Tina is a fantastic guide who offers many different fascinating tours of Berlin. Check out her website or her Instagram for more information!The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Berlin Wall (Part 2): The Building of the Wall

The Berlin Wall (Part 2): The Building of the Wall

The Ministry of History is charting the story of one of history's most infamous barriers - The Berlin Wall, which divided a city in the heart of a divided Europe for 28 years. As a Berlin tour guide, this is something that I talk about a lot, and it's something visitors Berlin continue to be fascinated by. In the last episode, I discussed the end of the Second World War, the division of Germany and the beginnings of the Cold War, which set the stage for the events of this episode.In this second episode of The Berlin Wall series, I am joined by Quincy, a fellow Berlin tour guide, to talk about the events surrounding that fateful night in August 1961 where the last hole in the Iron Curtain, the border between East and West Berlin, was sealed off literally overnight. Berliners woke up on the morning of 13 August to find themselves cut off from friends, family and work.But why was the Berlin Wall built in the first place? How was the mammoth task of sealing off the 155 kilometre border surrounding West Berlin actually put into practice? Who planned it? How did the West react? Listen to find out!This episode is available to watch as a video on YouTube.Quincy is launching his own online magazine about history and culture in Berlin, which you will be able to find here.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Berlin Wall (Part 1): The Prelude to Division

The Berlin Wall (Part 1): The Prelude to Division

The Ministry of History is very excited to launch a new series about the Berlin Wall! As a Berlin tour guide, it is obviously a big part of my work as the Berlin Wall is a very prominent (and recent!) part of Berlin's history and is very popular with visitors to the city. Over five episodes we will talk about various aspects of its existence including the events leading up to its construction, the actual building of the Wall, escapes and deaths, life in East and West Berlin and also how the Wall fell and it consequences.In this first episode, I will explain to you the events that led to the Berlin Wall's construction, including the beginnings of the Cold War and the Berlin Crisis, in a simple bitesize episode. For the rest of the series, I will be joined by fellow tour guides here in Berlin to help explain the fascinating and pivotal story of this barrier built to separate a people, but which came to symbolise the division of an entire world and the tension between them during the Cold War.This episode is available to watch as a video on YouTube.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Voyager: Trailblazers of the Galaxy

Voyager: Trailblazers of the Galaxy

The two Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977 and were designed and built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. They were being sent on a "grand tour" of the outer planets of our solar system - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, taking advantage of a rare alignment of these planets. The two probes sent back astounding images and data of all four of these planets, completing their planetary mission in 1989. But it didn't end there - the two pioneering spacecraft sailed on on their trajectory out of our solar system beyond the planets and are now tens of billions of kilometres from Earth. Despite the fact that the probes have now entered interstellar space (the space between the stars), NASA is still receiving invaluable data from both of them. What makes Voyager special is that they both carry "golden disks" which contain sights and sounds of Earth as a greeting for any intelligent life form that might encounter them on their lonely voyage as they sail on through the galaxy, potentially for eternity.You can find out more about this fascinating mission on NASA's JPL website.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Watergate: The Political Scandal That Brought Down a US President

Watergate: The Political Scandal That Brought Down a US President

In 1974, Richard Nixon became the first, and to this day only, US President to resign from office. This followed the scandal surrounding the 1972 break-ins at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate Building in Washington D.C., orchestrated by Nixon's administration. Nixon initially tried to cover up his involvement, but his secret recordings of Oval Office meetings were subpoenaed by the Supreme Court, leading to his downfall. The Watergate scandal significantly impacted US politics, fostering widespread public distrust in politics and politicians. Its legacy is seen in the "-gate" suffix attached to contemporary controversies, symbolising scandal (e.g. Billygate, Bottlegate, Partygate, Bountygate, Punchgate, Donutgate and many, MANY more...).The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Jane Grey: The Teenager Who Ruled England for Just Nine Days

Jane Grey: The Teenager Who Ruled England for Just Nine Days

Known as "The Nine Days Queen", Jane Grey is often overlooked in history books as an English monarch, simply due to the fact that her reign was so short. In 1553 King Edward VI, Henry VIII's only son, was dying and he wanted to ensure that the English throne passed to another Protestant. On the advice of his scheming Chief Minister, the Duke of Northumberland, he signed over the throne to an obscure fifteen-year-old noblewoman from Leicestershire... who just happened to be Northumberland's daughter in law, Lady Jane Grey. In doing so, Edward sidelined his older half-sisters, Mary and Elizabeth. Mary was outraged by this, and when Jane was duly proclaimed Queen on 10 July 1553, Mary started gathering forces to support her claim to the throne as Henry VIII's eldest child. Things very quickly unravelled for the poor young Jane, and she lost her crown just nine days later on 19 July. Shortly after being proclaimed Queen Mary I, Mary put Jane on trial for high treason as a usurper, and she was beheaded on 12 February 1554.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ayrton Senna: The Story of a Brazilian Sporting Hero

Ayrton Senna: The Story of a Brazilian Sporting Hero

To commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the tragic death of Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, the Ministry of History has made an episode about his life. Whilst I was in Senna's native São Paulo a couple of months back, I sat down to discuss Senna's life with local tour guide Bruno. Senna's life may have been cut tragically short, but his influence on the racing sport is still felt today. After his death it was revealed he had donated hundreds of millions of dollars of his personal fortune to charities in Brazil and his legacy includes the Senna Institute which provides education to poorer children in Brazil. Upon his death at just 34 years old, such was his hero status in Brazil, that the government declared three days of mourning, and he was buried with full state honours.Join us as we delve into the story of this highly complex individual, whose softly spoken, sensitive, compassionate and highly emotional demeanour stood in stark contrast to his aggressive and ruthless driving techniques, all while navigating the depths of a deep Christian faith.If you're ever in Säo Paolo, then do check out Bruno and the tours he offers. He's fantastic!The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Pilot's Salt: The Use of Drugs During the Second World War

Pilot's Salt: The Use of Drugs During the Second World War

Explore the wartime pharmacological history in this discussion episode, where I am joined by Jonathan, a fellow Berlin tour guide, to shed light on the pervasive use of amphetamines during the Second World War. Delve into the motivations, consequences, and the intricate relationship between soldiers and stimulants. We'll also talk about Adolf Hitler's addiction problem - he was addicted to many different drugs in the last ten years of his life, including methamphetamine, cocaine and pain killers. Join us for a stimulating look into a chapter of history where drugs played a strategic role in the theatre of war.Apologies for the poor quality of audio, this is back when I was using very basic microphones!The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance: The World's Oldest Alliance Still in Force Today

The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance: The World's Oldest Alliance Still in Force Today

It all began with the Treaty of Windsor in 1373, which formally allied Portugal and what was then England (superseded by Great Britain in 1707). Since then there have been numerous developments and treaties to strengthen the alliance, with the two countries working together on trade, war and diplomacy. In June 2023, the two countries celebrated the 650th anniversary of the alliance, with the Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa being hosted at Buckingham Palace by King Charles III for celebrations. In this episode, we'll dissect the complexities, tracing the evolution of this enduring relationship between the two countries. There have been ups and downs to the alliance, but one thing remains true: Portugal and Britain have maintained a steadfast friendship despite challenges, marked by substantial emigration flows in both directions for each nation, with each country contributing to the others culture in wonderful ways. Join us for a thoughtful examination of the shared endeavours, treaties, and geopolitical shifts that define the most enduring diplomatic alliance in history.The bond between these two countries is so deep and special, that Portugal is the real ‘Special Relationship’ for Britain. Forget the USA.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Lidice: The Annihilation of an Entire Czech Village

Lidice: The Annihilation of an Entire Czech Village

A few weeks back, we covered Operation Anthropoid, the assassination of high-ranking Nazi Reinhard Heydrich. On today's episode, we will cover the horrific Nazi reprisals that the Germans carried out in response to the assassination. Following the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazis falsely accused Lidice's residents of aiding the assassins. On 10 June 1942, in a horrific act of reprisal, the entire village was obliterated, with its male population systematically executed, while women and children were sent to concentration camps. This event stands as one of the most notorious atrocities committed by the Nazis during the war.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ukraine's Story (Part 11): The Russo-Ukrainian War

Ukraine's Story (Part 11): The Russo-Ukrainian War

In the final episode of Ukraine's Story, we will be brought right up to the present day, and talk about the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014. It is a complex conflict that arose following Russia's annexation of Crimea. The war escalated in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk and Luhansk, where pro-Russian separatist movements declared independent republics. The conflict has been characterised by a blend of conventional warfare and irregular tactics, with Russia allegedly supporting the separatists. Despite multiple ceasefire agreements, sporadic fighting and tensions persist, fuelling geopolitical and humanitarian concerns.But something we today all remember, it is etched into our collective memories, is waking up on 24 February 2022 to see the horrifying images of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which Ukrainians are still to this day trying bravely to repel. We don't know what will happen, but this episode will take you all through the war right up to towards the end of 2023.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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