• Did History Actually Teach Us Anything? Trailer
    Nov 27 2024
    Welcome to Did History Actually Teach us Anything? The podcast where we unravel the most well-known tales of calamity, mishap, and unforeseen consequences that have shaped the course of history, and consider whether we've actually learned anything from them all these years later... In this podcast, we examine the historical events that you may think you know about already and the causes that led to them, be they icebergs or bakers ovens. We will consider whether these tragedies could have been avoided, and some of the surprising things we do differently now as a result. But this podcast, isn't just about dates and events. It's about learning from the past, drawing insights from hindsight, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexities of what really happened in these events we think we know so well. So get ready to encounter remarkable individuals, pivotal moments and fascinating insights that will make you appreciate health and safety and environmental management as far more than just red tape.
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    2 Min.
  • The Black Death (The Plague) - 1347
    Jan 2 2026
    The Black Death, one of the most fatal pandemics in human history, arrived in Europe in 1347 and spread across the continent at terrifying speed, leaving a trail of fear, chaos and unimaginable loss in its wake. It is estimated that between 25 and 30 million people died, leaving entire communities depopulated, trade routes collapsed and labour shortages, leading to social and economic upheaval. In this episode, we will discover the crucial factors such as overcrowding and poor sanitation that allowed the disease to spread so rapidly. We will examine the profound impact it had on society, and how it informs our modern approach to public safety today.
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    19 Min.
  • The Radium Girls - 1917
    Dec 2 2025
    Who were the Radium Girls? In this episode, we discover the story of a group of women in 1917 who, by believing they were valiantly contributing to the war effort, suffered a terrible fate and ended up significantly changing workplace safety laws forever. Scientific awareness, safer workplace practices and workplace regulations were all born out of the unsafe use of radium in World War I factories, and the tragic consequences it had for these young women.
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    17 Min.
  • The Minamata Bay Mercury Poisoning - 1951-1968
    Nov 2 2025
    Between 1951 and 1968, a chemical factory dumped extreme amounts of mercury into Minamata Bay, a small town in south east Japan, poisoning fish and devastating the lives of those who relied on them for food. Over 1,500 people died, thousands were left disabled, including many unborn babies, and millions were exposed to toxic mercury levels. Join us as we learn why the incident remains a symbol of the need for stringent environmental regulations to prevent industrial pollution and protect public health.
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    16 Min.
  • Tenerife Airport Disaster - 1977
    Oct 2 2025
    The Tenerife Airport Disaster occurred on March 27 1977, when two Boeing 747 passenger jets collided on the runway at Los Rodeos Airport. Simple but fatal errors in communication, alongside very poor visibility resulted in a disaster that makes this the deadliest accident in aviation history outside terrorism. On this episode, we explore what life was like for those who lived in the local area, as well as how aviation history was changed forever.
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    17 Min.
  • The Great Fire of London - 1666
    Sep 2 2025
    In this podcast episode, we delve into the events that unfolded during the Great Fire of London. Join us as we explore how a small bakery in Pudding Lane became the unfortunate spark that ignited the city. Fanned by powerful winds, the flames quickly engulfed buildings and continued their relentless path of destruction for days. Surprisingly, the official death toll stood at a mere six individuals, but the aftermath of the fire left a staggering 85% of London's population without homes.
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    25 Min.
  • The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius - 79AD
    Aug 2 2025
    In this episode of our podcast, we explore the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in August 79 AD. We detail the series of pyroclastic surges and ash clouds unleashed during the eruption, which launched a colossal column of volcanic ash and gases into the sky. We also discuss the ferocious pyroclastic flows, swift currents of hot gas and volcanic debris which reached temperatures exceeding several hundred degrees Celsius, hauntingly preserving the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum for future discovery. This event had a major impact on the region and is remembered as one of the deadliest natural disasters in history.
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    16 Min.
  • Easter Island Ecological Collapse
    Jul 2 2025
    In this episode, we explore the devastating ecological collapse of Easter Island, one of the world’s most remote islands famous for its huge statues, vanished entirely, taking all tree species with it. Forest harvesting began around 900 and peaked by 1400. By 1722, when European explorers came across the island, it was already deforested. The consequences of deforestation had been dire: the ecosystem collapsed, resources diminished, and population dwindled. Trapped without food, resources, and a way off the island, the people turned on each other. Explore the cautionary tale of Easter Island and its vital lessons for our world today...
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    11 Min.