Happened Here

From humble beginnings in the American city of St. Louis to becoming a symbol of the French Resistance, Josephine Baker captivated the world. Her dance electrified audiences, while her bravery saved lives. Then after the war she fought for African American rights alongside Dr Martin Luther King. Discover the incredible life of this performer turned war hero, a true icon who defied convention. Written by James Rampton and performed by Aniya Picou.

Second Sleep explores the fascinating world of biphasic sleep through the eyes of a young girl in medieval Dorset. While her family tends to chores during ‘the watch’, the girl slips out of bed and embarks on a secret journey to a nearby nunnery, captivated by the soft chants that fill the night air. Written and performed by Olivia Bell. Sound editor Viel Richardson.

In this week's HappenedHere podcast, we take you to 1835 when Charles Darwin set foot on the remote Galapagos Islands during his voyage on HMS Beagle. His meticulous observations of the wildlife would later form the basis of his revolutionary Theory of Evolution. Written by Hamish Roberts, performed by Shama Rahman and hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor Viel Richardson.

This short podcast centres on a meeting in 1882 between renowned Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde and renowned American poet and essayist Walt Whitman. From different generations, one effete, one a realist, would they find common ground? Written by Harry Tucker, performed by Stephen Fry and hosted by Lulu Freeman. Sound Editor Viel Richardson

Our true short podcast story is about a Spanish journalist who suspected cheating would occur at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games. So he joined the Spanish intellectual disability basketball team to find out…

Written by Jon Champion, performed by Aniya Picou. Hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor Will Jacob

A short, true story about the Paralympics for our podcast. Commonly known as Murderball because of its vicious game play, in 2024 Sarah Adam became the first woman selected for Team USA in Paralympic wheelchair rugby. Written by Ben Jacob, performed by Joanna Lumley, and hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor: Will Jacob.

This short podcast is written by one of our writers recalling the day she and her friends went to see their favourite singer, Taylor Swift on her first UK tour in 2009. Written by Kate Reid and read by friend and fellow concert-goer, Olivia Stamp. Hosted by Joanna Lumley; Sound Editor Will Jacob.

This podcast comprises two true stories relating to 15,000 year old sculptures found in a cave system in France.

The first story describes the astonishment and wonderment at finding of the clay bison, the second how a century old mystery was solved with the help of experts from thousands of miles away.

Both are written by Robbie Stamp, performed by Cassius Konneh, and hosted by Lulu Freeman. Sound Editor: Will Jacob.

Another short podcast story from Olympic Games past. This one is about the perseverance of a novice swimmer from Equatorial Guinea given a wildcard to the 2000 Sydney Games. 

Written by Sarah Fleming, performed by Shama Rahman and hosted by Kass Conneh. Sound Editor Will Jacob

Another Olympic story. This story considers the Black Power Salute given at a medal ceremony in the 1968 Olympics, its impact and its legacy. 

Written by James Rampton, performed by Cassius Konneh. Host: Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor Will Jacob.