History's Secret Heroes

85
History #47

History's Heroes: the BBC's breathtaking, high stakes, story-led history podcast feed that shines a light on extraordinary people from across history.

Series include 'History's Youngest Heroes' with narration from Nicola Coughlan and 'History's Secret Heroes' with narration from Helena Bonham Carter.

In History's Youngest Heroes, actress Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls) tells twelve true stories of rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth. Before she became a Hollywood star, how did the young Audrey Hepburn take on the Nazis during World War Two? As a young activist, how did Nelson Mandela attempt to overthrow the South African government to end apartheid? Did Queen of England, Lady Jane Grey give up her faith or face the executioner's axe? Why did Terry Fox, a young man with a prosthetic leg, set out to run the length of Canada? Join Nicola to hear inspiring tales of young heroes both famous and forgotten, whose bravery demonstrates how young people can change history.

In History's Secret Heroes, Helena Bonham Carter recounts untold stories of heroes from World War Two whose acts of resistance, deception and courage helped defeat fascism. In each episode, Helena shines a light on the spies, Royal Air Force pilots, army officers, prisoners of war and double agents who risked their lives to save others. Learn all about forgotten stories of survival, bravery and espionage - from the opera singers who helped dozens of Jewish people escape Nazi Germany, to the woman that Winston Churchill would go on to call his favourite spy. Previous episodes have looked at the story of the American actor George Takei (Star Trek), who was imprisoned without trial along with 12,000 other Japanese Americans, and Bela Hazan, a young Jewish woman who went undercover at the Gestapo headquarters to fight against the Nazis. From secret missions behind enemy lines in occupied Europe, to underground resistance movements across Germany, France, Poland, Great Britain and beyond, History's Secret Heroes reveals how ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact.

Join Nicola and Helena for tales of deception, rebellion, risk and courage.

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Recent Reviews
  • Brvzq
    For courage in these times now
    Excellent, good stories and production. Tear jerking and inspirational
  • nickname1234569870
    Great for anyone whose not usually a history buff
    I’m not usually a history buff, but I very much enjoyed both series of this podcast so far. I think keeping the episodes shorter in length helps me stay engaged.
  • Jerseygirl from SC
    Brings us back to a different time….
    This podcast is wonderful. And it reminds us of a time when individuals had integrity. When secrets were kept for a lifetime because it was the right thing to do. When truth was truth and lies were not commodities to be bargained with. Tom Brokaw called this “The Greatest Generation”. This podcast reminds us why. Thank you for bringing us back to a different time……so different from today.
  • Phatwagons
    Wow!! AMAZING!
    This has quickly become my favorite podcast in the WWII genre and my second-favorite podcast out of all the pods I listen to!! The research and writing are top notch and keeps me on the edge of my seat!
  • Raftala
    History’s Secret Heroes
    Loved it! Sadly, I paid the subscriber fee to only get 20 shows.
  • Atergos
    Listening Perfection
    The stories themselves are utterly stunning. Every aspect of production, research, and presentation is remarkably well done. Altogether this makes an engrossing and enlightening exercise. Bravo!
  • VietSchlong
    Jewish actress tells world war 2 lies
    More court history and lies about WW2
  • Kimmy Cakes 7
    Hidden Gem
    This is one of my top fav history podcasts!! These stories are hidden secrets and need to be told. Thank you for sharing.
  • tcrazyhouse5
    Keep them coming….
    I love hearing about the unsung heroes. Great podcast
  • Historical insomniac
    HBC is the perfect voice for this fascinating podcast
    Every episode is a gift. History brought to life, often with the voices of those involved, to reveal extraordinary examples of courage, ingenuity and empathy. Wonderful.
  • Pottymouth Librarian
    Love this!!
    This podcast is so well done, all parts from the host, the presentation and all of the guest speakers that have a connection in one way or another to the person that the podcast is presenting! Please do more!
  • JennSumm
    Wonderful
    Thank you for this engaging podcast and for bringing to light so many heroes.
  • JerseyOma
    So glad I found this Pod
    As a history buff, this pod is right up my alley! Highlighting the quiet heros of WW 2 is just what I was looking for.
  • Denver Listening
    The PERFECT Combination -
    Magnificent TRUE stories, and a fabulous narrator - Helena Bonham Carter. I’ve already binged the entire second season.
  • Contessa delle Sciolle
    AT LAST. !!
    A 5 star series. From beginning to end of each episode I am mesmerised from beginning to the end of each chapter .
  • koutsombola
    Superb
    What a marvelous number of spectacular true stories. Bravo to the great BBC & the posh voice of Ms. Carter.
  • oldjohnhall
    Love it
    Love everything about it! Can’t wait for the next series!
  • MamanElodie
    Most Marvelous Show
    Accidentally found Season 1 and enjoy the subject and Ms Bonham Carter’s narrative voice. Very excited to see there is a Season 2 and learning so much about true bravery and resilience. Thank you to the BBC team!
  • Via'sPuppa
    Love this show
    I’ve read many of the books that are mentioned. I’m am enjoying the learning processs. It’s a wonderful journey!!
  • Domilove1
    Learned & Loved Bonham Carter
    I learned about many of our most courageous ancestors and many ways that resistance occurred during WW2. Helena Bonham Carter was an excellent, amazing guide through important stories of history we all need to know. I loved that women were often centered and their heroism provides us inspiration as we face weird times again.
  • whogivesa
    Ripping Yarns!
    These true adventures are exciting, thought-provoking, and often amusing as well. The image of the brave ladies of the 6888 squaring up to airplane hangar-loads of mail with rats thrown in will stay with me!
  • Kristin the History Teacher
    Great short histories, wonderfully told.
    As a student of WWII, I am constantly searching for and listening to WWII podcasts. Though the topics aren’t new, the storytelling is fantastic.
  • Nellygoat
    More please!
    Such a fantastic podcast. Inspiring stories that are beautifully narrated.
  • emilylippert
    Great show!
    What a wonderful collection of the stories of unsung heroes. Thank you for shedding light on these stories of bravery and humanity.
  • ccm&co
    Fascinating
    The history of unsung heroes comes alive through detailed and empathetic story telling. Each episode uncovers fascinating tales of ordinary people who do extraordinary acts to support the safety of others.
  • RKCS6841
    Always great
    Always inspiring
  • Ashyoung84
    Love!
    I love this podcast. Please release more episodes soon!
  • Bunk1303
    More please!
    One of my absolute favorite podcasts! Very well written and told. I don’t have enough good words in my vocabulary to describe this podcast!
  • rfomley
    Excellent
    Superb story telling with marvelous research
  • Tiffany#1000
    Love this podcast!
    I love this podcast. My only complaint is there isn’t anymore to listen too!
  • hdh ngacdhrefv
    Awesome
    This is the best history podcast ever
  • Tede Elizabeth
    Inspirational
    Such amazing stories! I am so grateful for being able to hear about these truly incredible people.
  • English history buff
    Thanks
    This is inspirational and uplifting. Well told. If you need to feel better about the world, this is the podcast to listen. Thank you.
  • heatherbc911
    Inspirational history
    Thank you for telling stories in a way that are inspirational. I end every episode feeling like I can do anything!
  • cheyday12
    So good!
    Loved it! Please make a Season 2!!!
  • Chanceroni
    Deeply moving stories of human courage and love
    One of the best podcasts I’ve ever heard. Thank you. We need these stories of valor and decency more than ever, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
  • chuffed99999
    Quality story telling about genuine heroes
    Loving the presentation of these moving and powerful stories of real people who changed the world.
  • ThisbeStowe
    AMAZING!!
    best podcast ever! very entertaining and enlightening!!! thank you!
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