Fascinating People Fascinating Places

Every year, a multitude of young people flock to the quaint Christian community of Taize in Eastern France. Founded by Swiss visionary Roger Schütz, this ecumenical ministry serves as a haven where both Christians and non-believers find solace. It's a place for reflection, prayer, study, and meaningful interactions with peers from across the world. Join us as we dive into the story of Taize, explo...

Explore the intriguing life of Mobuto Sese Seko, a figure once described by Ronald Reagan as "a voice of good sense and goodwill." He stands as one of the most influential and controversial figures of the post-colonial era in Africa. Rising from humble beginnings, his charisma and intelligence catapulted him from obscurity to the corridors of power in Kinshasa. Music and sound: Simon-Pierre Boka D...

Prepare to set sail on a captivating journey as we unveil the truth behind the legendary Grace O'Malley. Her name may evoke visions of a fierce sword-wielding pirate prowling the waters off the West coast of Ireland, but the reality of this remarkable woman is far more complex than the stereotypical tales of folklore. In this episode, we peel back the layers of myth to discover the true Grace O'Ma...

Join us in this compelling episode as we journey back to a pivotal moment in history. On December 1, 1135, England faced a momentous change when King Henry I passed away. His successor was none other than his daughter, Matilda, a woman of remarkable power and ambition. Matilda's journey from being crowned as Empress of the Holy Roman Empire to becoming the first Queen of England was both controver...

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. Feature subjects: Erich Honecker, Erich Mielke,...

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...

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...

As the Nazi regime was defeated, East Germans hoped for a brighter future. Political exiles such as Erich Honecker returned to Berlin and set about rebuilding the nation. But, the fragile alliance of World War II soon collapsed. The Western nations found themselves at odds with the Soviets and Germany was divided. In this episode, I explore the origins of communism in Germany, the rise and the fal...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve deep into the enigmatic persona of one of history's most reviled figures - the depraved and sadistic Roman emperor. Allegations of incest, murder, and even the eccentric promotion of his beloved horse to consul have cemented his infamy in popular culture. But do these enduring tales truly capture the essence of this ancient tyrant, or is there more to hi...

Roman Emperor Caligula raised an army and marched across Gaul with every intention of invading Great Britain. Having set sail, he neared the famous white cliffs of Dover before returning course and disembarking in France. Upon his return, two soldiers: Gaius and Lucius, are surprised to find themselves tasked with something other than battle. This is an original production brought to you by Daniel...