Holland's Hidden Heroes Podcast

In this episode of Holland's Hidden Heroes , we're exploring some of the Netherlands' most iconic foods: drop (liquorice), cheese, hagelslag, stamppot, erwtensoep (pea soup), and the beloved Dutch tradition of gourmetten. Join us as we share our favourites, explain the traditions behind these dishes, and show you how to enjoy them like a true Dutchie.

In this episode of Holland’s Hidden Heroes , we take you back to the Netherlands during the Second World War, a time of occupation, restriction, and resilience. We explore how Dutch traditions like Sinterklaas, the Elfstedentocht, Queen’s Day which is now King’s Day, and Carnival continued in different forms. Some were officially allowed, some moved indoors, and others became quiet acts of resista...

On May 5th, the Netherlands celebrated liberation. Streets filled with music, laughter and relief, the war was finally over. But on the Wadden Islands, the story was very different. Nazi flags still flew. Soldiers who should have surrendered remained. While the rest of the country celebrated, the islands were still waiting to be freed. This episode tells the story of the last place in Europe to ex...

Holland's Hidden Heroesdives into the two greatest water feats in Dutch history: the Zuiderzee Works and the Delta Works. Discover what it truly means to live below sea level and hear the stories behind the devastating 1953 North Sea Flood that changed the Netherlands forever.   Discover how Dutch heroes tamed the water—and find out how courage and clever ideas saved countless lives! Visit our...

In this episode we uncover two extraordinary stories. When the Second world war began, many people were forced into hiding to survive. They vanished from daily life. But it wasn’t only people who had to be hidden. Weapons, radios, documents, and even entire ships were concealed to keep them out of enemy hands. We travel to Artis Zoo in Amsterdam, where people went into hiding in the most unexpecte...

In this episode, we explore Dutch traditions that stillshape life in the Netherlands today — from the adventurous children-dropping tradition, where kids are dropped off in the woods and must find their own way back. It’s a memorable experience that builds independence, teamwork, and confidence. You’ll also discover why Dutch children are required to swimin their clothes to earn their swimming dip...

Our guests — historian Michelle, together with studentsHarry (13) and Jack (11) — have created a heartfelt e-magazine in honour of the crew of the downed Wellington HE346. In this episode, they share how they collaborated with other children, uncover the story behind HE346, and explainhow the aircraft was recovered. An inspiring tale of remembrance, teamwork, and legacy. Link to HE346 e-magazine:...

During the Second World War, over 5,500 aircraft came down in the Netherlands. Many airmen never made it home — their families left waiting for answers that never came. Through an Aircraft Recovery Programme, the Dutch continue to search for those still missing — including the crew of BK716, now finally found and laid to rest. In this episode we tell their story, a story of loss, remembrance, and...

In this episode, we travel to Urk — a Dutch fishing town that once was an island and played a remarkable role in World War II. When Allied airmen were shot down over the Netherlands, Urk’s brave fishermen rescued them from freezing waters, sheltered them in their homes, and guided them to safety. The vast reed fields of the Noordoostpolder, known as the “Dutch paradise for people in hiding,” becam...

During World War II, deep in the forests of the Netherlands, a remarkable secret village was built — a place that the Nazis never discovered. Hidden under moss, branches, and earth, this village became a home to Jewish families, Allied soldiers, resistance fighters, and even one deserted German soldier. For months, these brave individuals lived in extreme secrecy, relying on ingenuity, courage, an...

During the winter of 1944–1945, the Netherlands faced severe hunger. Brave Allied pilots from Britain, Canada, America, Australia, and other countries flew low over the country in daring missions called Operation Manna and Operation Chowhound, dropping thousands of food packages — like parachutes of hope — to save starving families. Soon after, trucks carrying supplies arrived in Operation Faust,...

In World War II, the brave KLM England Voyagers risked their lives to fly from Nazi-occupied Netherlands to Britain. In this episode, you’ll meet two of these remarkable heroes and discover how they kept hope alive through dangerous skies. But airplanes weren’t the only messengers! During the war, carrier pigeons also carried secret notes across enemy lines — tiny feathered aviators with big jobs...

In World War II, brave KLM pilots and crew called the England Voyagers risked everything to escape Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Flying in secret, they carried messages, people, and hope across dangerous skies to help the Allies. Who were these daring men and women? What did it mean to leave everything behind and fly to freedom? In this episode you’ll hear the amazing story of Trix Terwindt , one of...