Fascinating People Fascinating Places

Mobuto Sese Seko, once described by Ronald Reagan as “a voice of good sense and goodwill” was one of the most powerful and controversial figures of the post-colonial era in Africa. From humble roots, his charisma and intelligence propelled him from obscurity to power of halls of Kinshasa.

Music and sound:

Simon-Pierre Boka Di Mpasi Londi, "La Zaïroise" United States Navy Band, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Grace O’Malley, her name conjures up images of a wild, sword-wielding pirate terrorizing merchants off the West coast of Ireland. But in reality, she was far from the stereotypical patch-eyed, wooden-legged pirate of folklore. From her point of view,...

Grace O’Malley, her name conjures up images of a wild, sword-wielding pirate terrorizing merchants off the West coast of Ireland. But in reality, she was far from the stereotypical patch-eyed, wooden-legged pirate of folklore. From her point of view, she wasn’t really a pirate at all.

In this episode, I explore the woman behind the myth. The high-ranking, educated, intelligent, leader of Connacht who won an admirer if not an ally in the form of Elizabeth I Queen of England...

On the 1st of December 1135, King Henry I of England died. His choice of successor was controversial but unequivocal. His daughter Matilda — previously crowned as Empress of the Holy Roman Empire — would be crowned as the first Queen of England. In t...

On the 1st of December 1135, King Henry I of England died. His choice of successor was controversial but unequivocal. His daughter Matilda -- previously crowned as Empress of the Holy Roman Empire -- would be crowned as the first Queen of England. In theory, she was the most powerful woman in Europe, but neither Henry’s plans nor hers came to fruition. In order to claim her throne, she’d have to overcome treachery, betrayal, and civil war...

With Germany divided, the GDR grapples with economic problems and unrest. The erection of the Berlin Wall draws US President John F Kennedy to Berlin, while the state represses the church, and embarks on a nationalized doping campaign to boost perfor...

With Germany divided, the GDR grapples with economic problems and unrest. The erection of the Berlin Wall draws US President John F Kennedy to Berlin, while the state represses the church, and embarks on a nationalized doping campaign to boost performance in sport. The arrival of Gorbachev signals the beginning of the end for Honecker and the Stasi...

In 1949, communist leaders formalized the division of a nation with the creation of the German Democratic Republic. In the West, this was portrayed as an opportunistic act by puppets of the Soviets who wished to impose their ideology on Eastern Europe. But the story of German communism began long before 1949. In this episode, I will examine the roots of the ideology. Its adherents, growth, and the factors that led to the creation of the totalitarian state widely known as East Germany...

In 1949, communist leaders formalized the division of a nation with the creation of the German Democratic Republic. In the West, this was portrayed as an opportunistic act by puppets of the Soviets who wished to impose their ideology on Eastern Europ...

The Great Exhibition of 1851 was the world's first global trade fair. Attendees included Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, and Karl Marx. But beyond the pomp and ceremony, there were fears of a violent insurrection. Critics implored the Queen to cancel the event. In this episode, I explore the exhibition's founders, critics, highlights, and enduring legacy. Coming Sunday 26 September.

Music licensed under Creative Commons 3.0. Handel - Zadok the Priest 2 June 2013 archive...