About
A weekly podcast on how we prepared for nuclear war.
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Atomic Hobo - Nuclear War Podcast
English, Education, 1 season, 190 episodes, 3 days, 8 hours, 46 minutes
Atomic Hobo - Nuclear War Podcast
English, Education, 1 season, 190 episodes, 3 days, 8 hours, 46 minutes
Fallout Shelters in US Schools
Back in the archives this week. We look at a US civil defence booklet from 1969 about fallout shelters in schools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/30/2024 • 50 minutes, 38 seconds
1953: Churchill in Bermuda
Churchill and Eden head to Bermuda for a conference with Eisenhower. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/18/2023 • 29 minutes, 43 seconds
No Nukes and Kisses
Churchill sails across the Atlantic to meet Eisenhower - the new US President. But even though they are allies and friends from the war, there will be no nukes and kisses from Ike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/4/2023 • 24 minutes, 43 seconds
Hurricane! Britain gets the bomb
Britain gets the bomb! Then gets left behind again...Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/atomichobo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/27/2023 • 35 minutes, 14 seconds
Why Australia?
Why did Britain choose Australia for its first nuclear test - and why did Australia say yes?Join me on Patreon for extra podcast episodes www.patreon.com/atomichoboThank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/13/2023 • 19 minutes, 17 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 27
Ruth! Work! Up! In this episode we see the fine reward Ruth gets for rearing her child and guarding her from the ultimate horrors of the world. A bonus episode has been uploaded to my Patreon page for pod subscribers. It's another one on 1980s nuclear pop music. We look at RUSSIANS by Sting. You can get it here: www.patreon.com/atomichoboYou can get my book ATTACK WARNING RED: HOW BRITAIN PREPARED FOR NUCLEAR WAR HERE: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningredOr get a signed copy from me directly at www.juliemcdowall.comThank you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/7/2023 • 41 minutes, 36 seconds
Canadians Don't Flap!
Looking at a Canadian civil defence magazine from the 1960s, called Survival.Its main purpose was to overcome apathy amongst Canadians about nuclear war and civil defence, and it tried to do this with some humour!You can find the whole magazine on my Patreon page at www.patreon.com/atomichobo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/16/2023 • 36 minutes, 1 second
N.E.A.R.
In the 1960s, America considered the N.E.A.R. system: a little black box you plug into the wall which acts as a personal air raid alarm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/18/2023 • 15 minutes, 24 seconds
Atomic Wonderland
It's 1951 and Churchill is back in Downing Street - but is he living in "atomic wonderland"?You can support the podcast and get extra episodes here https://www.patreon.com/atomichobo?fan_landing=true&view_as=publicYou can make a one-off donation to the podcast here https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/atomichoboAnd you can buy my book here https://linktr.ee/attackwarningredThank you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/4/2023 • 24 minutes, 3 seconds
Sorry We Missed You!
Clement Attlee's efforts in 1950 to make America promise to consult Britain before launching the nukes.<a href="https://www.patreon.com/atomichobo?fan_landing=true&view_as=public">Join my Patreon here and get extra podcast episodes.</a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Attack-Warning-Red-Julie-McDowall/dp/1847926215/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VSGDARI5MZZ2&keywords=attack+warning+red+julie+mcdowall&qid=1693414023&sprefix=%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1"> Buy my book, ATTACK WARNING RED!, here </a> Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/30/2023 • 22 minutes, 21 seconds
Ted Turner's Doomsday Video
The short video recorded by CNN which would be broadcast if nuclear war started.You can buy my book, ATTACK WARNING RED here: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningredAnd you can support the podcast and get extra episodes at Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/atomichobo?fan_landing=true&view_as=public Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/21/2023 • 27 minutes, 18 seconds
Four Minutes to Midnight - 1981 BBC lecture
In 1981, Protect and Survive Monthly claimed they had been "attacked" in a BBC lecture. I found the lecture, and analyse it here. You can find it on YouTube at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqAocgZUpDo&t=641sYou can buy a copy of my book, ATTACK WARNING RED: HOW BRITAIN PREPARED FOR NUCLEAR WAR here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Attack-Warning-Red-Julie-McDowall/dp/1847926215/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1P6X47W5Y5L0Q&keywords=attack+warning+red+julie+mcdowall&qid=1692017642&sprefix=%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1And you can join my Patreon here www.patreon.com/atomichoboThank you for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/14/2023 • 46 minutes, 41 seconds
The Growling Bombers
The arrival in Britain of the B-29s in 1948. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/7/2023 • 23 minutes, 45 seconds
The Bloody Union Jack on Top of It!
Britain's decision to build their own atomic bomb.You can listen to my book on Radio 4 here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/m001p1ky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/31/2023 • 18 minutes, 19 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 26
Standard life - for all of your life!Rat-trading, pylon-snapping, dog-barking, umbilical cord-chewing, starving, freezing Threads!Remember my book, ATTACK WARNING RED, goes out on Radio 4 this week, every day, as Book of the Week. Get in on radio, iPlayer, or on the BBC Sounds app. And if you like it, you can buy it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Attack-Warning-Red-Julie-McDowall/dp/1847926215/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YA0PURH07HLA&keywords=attack+warning+red+julie+mcdowall&qid=1690147483&sprefix=%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/24/2023 • 31 minutes, 22 seconds
Project Sunshine, Part 2
The secret plutonium experiments carried out in Cold War America.You can buy Attack Warning Red: How Britain Prepared for Nuclear War here: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningredThank you for listening.Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/20/2023 • 23 minutes, 54 seconds
Project Sunshine, Part 1
The gathering of children's bones in order to track fallout. Join me on Patreon for extra podcast episodes at www.patreon.com/atomichoboAnd you can buy my new book here: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningred Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/6/2023 • 27 minutes, 19 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 25
The survivors try to drag and hack dead crops from the ground and, high on the moor, Ruth's baby is born. A moment of hope and joy? Don't be daft! You can get my new book, ATTACK WARNING RED: HOW BRITIAN PREPARED FOR NUCLEAR WAR here: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningred Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/29/2023 • 19 minutes, 6 seconds
The Real Threads: Civil Defence in the US Fabric and Textile Industry
Looking at a 1970 booklet called Civil Defense in the Textile, Apparel and Related Industries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/22/2023 • 31 minutes, 56 seconds
Don't Mention The War!
Looking at the UK's new emergency alert test. You can buy my new book, ATTACK WARNING RED: HOW BRITAIN PREPARED FOR NUCLEAR WAR here: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningred Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/10/2023 • 30 minutes, 59 seconds
Free extract from ATTACK WARNING RED audiobook
An extract from my upcoming book's audiobook. This is taken from the book's final chapter, 'Nuclear War at the BBC', and looks at the controversy surrounding The War Game. We go from the glitzy 1967 Oscar ceremony to panicked talk of mass suicides if the film made it to British television.I hope you enjoy it.The audiobook is read by me, and can be pre-ordered NOW from all trusted audiobook retailers. It will then be available for full download on publication day, 6th April. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/4/2023 • 30 minutes, 5 seconds
The Trouble With Balloons
How balloons have been used in nuclear spying, testing and protesting.You can now pre-order my book, ATTACK WARNING RED, at this link: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningred Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/9/2023 • 24 minutes, 49 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 24
Another four minutes of Threads!You can now pre-order my book, ATTACK WARNING RED, at this link: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningredAnd you can support the podcast on Patreon and get extra episodes and other rewards here: https://www.patreon.com/atomichoboThank you for listening.Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/20/2023 • 24 minutes, 43 seconds
POP! Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
First in a new series looking at nuclear-themed pop music. This week, Dancing With Tears In My Eyes by Ultravox.You can now pre-order my book, ATTACK WARNING RED, at this link: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningredAnd you can support the podcast on Patreon and get extra episodes and other rewards here: https://www.patreon.com/atomichoboThank you for listening.Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/30/2023 • 25 minutes, 42 seconds
American Industrial Civil Defence
We look into my civil defence archive and find a thin yellow leaflet from the 60s called Civil Defense Training for Business and Industry.Remember you can now pre-order my book ATTACK WARNING RED: HOW BRITAIN PREPARED FOR NUCLEAR WAR at this link: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningredAnd you can join us on Patreon at this link: https://www.patreon.com/atomichoboThank you,Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/25/2023 • 32 minutes
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 23
Radioactive refugees, rats and regret. It's all here in Part 23!You can now pre-order my book ATTACK WARNING RED: HOW BRITAIN PREPARED FOR NUCLEAR WAR at this link. It's published on 6th April, and is available in hardback, e-book and audiobook: https://linktr.ee/attackwarningredThank you,Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/16/2023 • 35 minutes, 33 seconds
Neither snow nor rain nor nuclear war...
The United States Postal Service and its plans to keep delivering the mail after nuclear war.Support the pod on Patreon and get extra episodes at www.patreon.com/atomichoboOr leave a tip via Paypal at www.paypal.me/atomichoboAnd you can pre-order my book here https://linktr.ee/attackwarningredThank you.Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/11/2023 • 28 minutes, 25 seconds
One Minute of Threads, Part 22
"Buggered if I'll be shot by a traffic warden!"One minute of Threads, devoted to the moment when the iconic traffic warden appears, and tickets our hearts and minds!Join my Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichoboOr leave a tip via Paypal at www.paypal.me/atomichoboThank you for listening. Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/6/2022 • 23 minutes, 50 seconds
Listeners' Letters of Last Resort
"Finally, I am sorry, that I failed you, your crew and the country."Listeners sent me their letters of last resort: what would they write if they were the British PM?Support the pod on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichoboLeave a tip via Paypal at www.paypal.me/atomichoboThank you for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/8/2022 • 25 minutes, 49 seconds
Prime Ministers and the Bomb: LIZ TRUSS
First in a new series looking at British PMs and the Bomb. We talk decisions, submarines and madness, and whether her letters ever actually got out to sea.You can support the podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichobo Or you can leave a tip via Paypal at www.paypal.me/atomichoboRemember to e-mail you own letter of last resort via my website at www.juliemcdowall.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/24/2022 • 24 minutes, 5 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 21
Pinching prawn cocktail crisps and boozing in the graveyard. Things are grim in post-nuclear Sheffield!Join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichobo or leave a one-off tip for the podcast via Paypal at www.paypal.me/atomichoboThank you for listening. Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/17/2022 • 25 minutes, 20 seconds
Sheffield Special - Part 3
The final part of our THREADS journey to Sheffield.Join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichoboOr leave a tip for the pod at wwww.paypal.me/atomichoboThank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/10/2022 • 24 minutes, 51 seconds
Sheffield Special - Part 2
Second part of our THREADS visit to Sheffield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/7/2022 • 25 minutes, 42 seconds
Sheffield Special - Part 1
The first episode from our Threads tour and podcast meet-up in Sheffield.Please consider joining us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichoboThank you for listening.Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/3/2022 • 26 minutes, 20 seconds
Getting Frustrated In Battle Creek
Back into the archives, looking at the instructions for Shelter Managers in Battle Creek, Michigan. Handling frustration, misery and bed-hopping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/7/2022 • 30 minutes, 47 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 20
"Shoot the buggers, I don't care!" Desperation down in the town hall bunker. Support the pod on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichoboThank you for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/8/2022 • 25 minutes, 13 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 19
We reach the dreaded hospital scene! Amputations, blood on the staircase, tearful nurses, sloshing salt in a bucket... You can support the pod on Patreon or leave a tip on my Paypal at these links. If you do: THANK YOU.www.patreon.com/atomichobowww.paypal.me/atomichoboThank you for listening.Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/25/2022 • 34 minutes, 48 seconds
The Hawaii False Alarm
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/18/2022 • 21 minutes, 55 seconds
Where Have All The Sirens Gone?
What happened to Britain's air raid sirens after the Cold War?Please be warned this episode starts with the sound of a siren!Thank you for listening. Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/11/2022 • 22 minutes, 9 seconds
Kaliningrad, Part 2
Looking at how close Russian and NATO are on the map due to the existence of Kaliningrad, and the vulnerability of the Suwalki Gap which could test NATO's collective defence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/7/2022 • 24 minutes, 7 seconds
Kaliningrad, Part 1
The origins of Kaliningrad, going back to the First World War and the creation of the Polish Corridor, and taking in train crashes, ghost stations and lost amber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/27/2022 • 23 minutes, 53 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 18
Another four minutes of THREADS, touching on nuclear winter and disaster syndrome.Support the pod on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichoboThanks for listening.Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/22/2022 • 26 minutes, 10 seconds
Quick Announcement!
Quick announcement about the podcast and the book. You can now pre-order my book, ATTACK WARNING RED: HOW BRITAIN PREPARED FOR NUCLEAR WAR, by Julie McDowall.Here is the Amazon link:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1847926215/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_SVZQW251FATSTHY45NF8It's also available on all other book shop sites. Thank you for pre-ordering and for supporting my work.You can support me on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichobo or leave a tip at www.paypal.me/atomichoboThank you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/8/2022 • 2 minutes, 53 seconds
SPECIAL EPISODE - Interview with Nicholas Meyer, director of THE DAY AFTER
Interview with Nick Meyer, director of THE DAY AFTER. Getting fired from the movie, censorship, sponsors fleeing, being pushed to depression and to thoughts of suicide - he tells us about the struggle to make the film. And what was the reaction in the Pentagon and from Ronald Reagan? Did the White House make any demands?He also talks about the insults thrown at him after broadcast.My thanks to Nick Meyer for speaking to me via Zoom.Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/atomichobo or leave a tip at www.paypal.me/atomichoboThanks for listening. Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/26/2022 • 41 minutes, 44 seconds
SPECIAL EPISODE - Interview with Joshua Pollack
An interview with Josh Pollack, editor of the Non Proliferation review. I ask him how might NATO react to nuclear use in Ukraine? How long will the nuclear taboo hold? And he offers a reminder that there are nuclear threats beyond the Cold War scenario of Russia v the West.Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/atomichobo or drop a tip at www.paypal.me/atomichobo No ads and no waffle! Thank you for listening.Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/23/2022 • 32 minutes, 50 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 17
Examining the next four minutes of THREADS. This week, filthy water, dried blood, tetchy council workers, and following the notorious Protect and Survive aadvice on dealing with a corpse in the house. Support the podcast and get extra episodes at www.patreon.com/atomichobo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/16/2022 • 28 minutes, 46 seconds
SPECIAL EPISODE - Interview with Pavel Podvig about Russia's nuclear forces
Interview with Pavel Podvig about Russia's nuclear forces. Support the podcast on Patreon and get extra episodes at www.patreon.com/atomichobo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/12/2022 • 31 minutes, 11 seconds
Victory Parade - Moscow May 1985
Looking back at the Soviet Victory Day celebrations of May 1985.Support the podcast on Patreon and get bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/atomichobo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/9/2022 • 28 minutes, 29 seconds
SPECIAL EPISODE - Interview with Richard Spencer about Kharkiv Metro
The Times journalist tells us about conditions in the Heroiv Pratsi metro station in Kharkiv.Support the podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichoboOr give a one-off donation at www.paypal.me/atomichoboThank you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/5/2022 • 33 minutes, 4 seconds
SPECIAL EPISODE - Interview with Mark Galeotti on Russia and the Nuclear Threat
Interview with Professor Mark Galeotti on Russia, the war in Ukraine, and the nuclear threat. What might prompt Putin to use nuclear weapons? When did Russia last test their tactical nukes? Can Putin's Generals say no if he issues a nuclear launch order? Support ATOMIC HOBO on Patreon at www.patreon.com/atomichoboLeave a tip at www.paypal.me/atomichoboThank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/3/2022 • 33 minutes, 27 seconds
Azovstal and Soviet Industrial Civil Defence
The bunker beneath the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, and the Soviet industrial civil defence ideas which created it. Support the podcast and get extra episodes on www.patreon.com/atomichoboThank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/26/2022 • 27 minutes, 54 seconds
Four Minutes of The War Game
A new series looking at THE WAR GAME (1966). First episode free to all listeners, and subsequent THE WAR GAME episodes will be for Patrons only. Become a podcast patron at www.patreon.com/atomichobo Weekly podcast episodes will continue as normal, with FOUR MINUTES OF THE WAR GAME as bonus Patreon content.Thank you for listening.Julie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/18/2022 • 29 minutes, 55 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part XVI
Another four minutes of THREADS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/11/2022 • 33 minutes, 36 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part XV
The latest in our in-depth look at THREADS, the greatest nuclear war film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/4/2022 • 27 minutes, 15 seconds
Bash the Octopus on the Head! - Massive Retaliation
The New Look and the doctrine of massive retaliation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/31/2022 • 19 minutes, 31 seconds
The Norwegian Rocket Incident
The 1995 Norwegian Rocket Incident, and the danger of launch on warning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/21/2022 • 18 minutes, 57 seconds
The Credible Threat of Tactical Nukes
What are tactical nuclear weapons, and how does their threat differ from the thumping thermonuclear monsters? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/14/2022 • 27 minutes, 48 seconds
The Madman Theory
Putin's nuclear alert and the madman theory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/8/2022 • 29 minutes, 49 seconds
Kevin Keegan and Crossbows: SPOTLIGHT, January 1982
Round-up of nuclear news from Jan 1982, featuring Kevin Keegan and crossbows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/24/2022 • 18 minutes, 15 seconds
America, Why Won't You Write?
More on the story of Tube Alloys and how Britain got the Bomb. This week, when USA went cool and stopped replying to our letters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/7/2022 • 18 minutes, 47 seconds
John Anderson and the Missed Bus
A look at John Anderson and the birth of the Tube Alloys project. #TubeAlloys! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/31/2022 • 21 minutes, 34 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part XIV
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/26/2022 • 29 minutes, 38 seconds
Miss Nagasaki
The beauty contest which took place in Nagasaki in 1946, and what it tells us about public perception of the Bomb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/10/2022 • 19 minutes, 15 seconds
Xmas Special - NUCLEAR WINTER with Dr Steve Arnold
A special episode for Christmas about the chilly, smoky misery of nuclear winter. With Dr Steve Arnold of Leeds University, an expert in atmospheric chemistry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/27/2021 • 43 minutes, 50 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part XIII
Reaching the most awful four minutes of the film. Michael? Michael! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/20/2021 • 32 minutes, 25 seconds
SPOTLIGHT, Part 2
The nuclear news from January 1981, taken from the 'Spotlight' section of that month's Protect and Survive Monthly magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/13/2021 • 26 minutes, 33 seconds
SPOTLIGHT, Part 1
Looking at the 'Spotlight' news section from nuclear war prep mag, Protect and Survive Monthly. What was happening in Jan 1981? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/6/2021 • 27 minutes, 17 seconds
The Lake of Jade
Trinitite, the green glassy substance created by the world's first nuclear detonation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/29/2021 • 21 minutes, 14 seconds
Purple Fire
The bombing of Nagasaki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/17/2021 • 24 minutes, 43 seconds
Kokura's Luck
The flight of Bockscar from Tinian to its rendezvous point, and then onwards to the primary nuclear target: Kokura. Why did the city escape nuclear destruction that day? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/8/2021 • 21 minutes, 30 seconds
A Vixen on a Feather Bed
The series of 'minor' nuclear experiments in Australia known as Vixens. They were small and sub-critical, but threw contamination over the Maralinga test site. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/1/2021 • 26 minutes, 32 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part XII
Another four minutes of the greatest nuclear war film. In this week's segment, the bomb drops. Attack Warning Red! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/27/2021 • 37 minutes, 19 seconds
Willy Wonka's Nuclear Factories
What sweet treats lay within Britain's buffer depots? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/3/2021 • 19 minutes, 6 seconds
Sound An Alarm
The 1971 film 'Sound An Alarm', looking at the work of the UKWMO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/28/2021 • 26 minutes, 54 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part XI
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/20/2021 • 30 minutes, 32 seconds
The NHS and Nuclear War
Another short extract from the book about the health service's plans for nuclear war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/21/2021 • 18 minutes, 56 seconds
Royal Observer Corps
A short extract from my upcoming book. I explore an ROC Monitoring Post and describe the work of the Corps during the Blitz and the Cold War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/14/2021 • 24 minutes, 10 seconds
Interview with Rita May (Mrs Kemp in THREADS)
I spoke to the wonderful Rita May about her memories of THREADS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/7/2021 • 19 minutes, 22 seconds
Short extract from the book...
I read two pages from the Civil Defence Corps chapter of my book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/31/2021 • 16 minutes, 38 seconds
Cauliflower and Plym: Britain's First Atomic Bomb
Cauliflower and Plym: not a cocktail, but two unusual elements of Britain's first atomic test, Operation Hurricane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/24/2021 • 22 minutes, 47 seconds
A Saturday Job After Nuclear War
Looking at proposals for jobs for adolescents after nuclear attack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/17/2021 • 22 minutes, 21 seconds
Target North West
The 1982 booklet 'Target North West' evaluated civil defence plans for the NW of England. We look at the chapter on Law and Order. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/10/2021 • 29 minutes, 6 seconds
Interview with director of THREADS, Mick Jackson
I phoned Mick Jackson in LA to discuss THREADS. We also talked about A Guide To Armageddon, and The Day After, plus liquorice and all manner of nuclear horror. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/19/2021 • 32 minutes, 41 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part X
The classic nuclear war film, minute by horrifying minute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/12/2021 • 30 minutes, 7 seconds
Minuteman
What made the Minuteman so special, why did it spook the Soviets, and does it threaten us? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/29/2021 • 16 minutes, 11 seconds
How To Survive An Atomic Bomb, Part II
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3/22/2021 • 22 minutes, 9 seconds
How To Survive An Atomic Bomb
The 1950 book on surviving an atomic bomb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/16/2021 • 25 minutes, 39 seconds
Thirteen Days, Part II
Second part of our look at THIRTEEN DAYS, the film about the Cuban Missile Crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/8/2021 • 31 minutes, 44 seconds
Thirteen Days
The Kevin Costner film about the Cuban Missile Crisis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/23/2021 • 25 minutes, 3 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part IX
Scrutinising the nuclear war film, minute by minute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/15/2021 • 31 minutes, 24 seconds
The Surrey Streetwatchers
Surrey's plans for community patrols and streetwatchers, to keep the peace in their isolated post-nuclear villages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/8/2021 • 27 minutes, 13 seconds
Fylingdales and the Four-Minute Warning
The famous "golf balls" on the moor at Fylingdales, and how they would have delivered the four-minute warning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/1/2021 • 24 minutes, 18 seconds
Tracking the Bone Seeker: The Baby Tooth Survey
The Baby Tooth Survey and how it tracked fallout in the US population Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/25/2021 • 22 minutes, 38 seconds
Sex Bombs
The pairing of atomic bombs with sex. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/18/2021 • 21 minutes, 6 seconds
Underground Nuclear Testing, Part II
What happens when underground tests go wrong? We look at the notorious SEDAN test. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/11/2021 • 23 minutes, 30 seconds
Underground Nuclear Testing
Craters, fallout fears, and deep gouges in the earth. What is an underground nuclear test? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/4/2021 • 20 minutes, 7 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part VIII
Examining four minutes of the nuclear war film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/28/2020 • 21 minutes, 15 seconds
Ladybug, Ladybug
The 1963 film about the fear of nuclear attack in an American school. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/21/2020 • 24 minutes, 41 seconds
The Russian Woodpecker
The Duga radar near Chernobyl which watched the skies for nuclear attack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/15/2020 • 19 minutes, 39 seconds
The Irish Triangle
Why did so many trawlers sink in the Irish Sea during the Cold War? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/30/2020 • 17 minutes, 6 seconds
Priscilla and the Pigs
The Priscilla Test and its experiments on pigs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/23/2020 • 16 minutes, 19 seconds
Pennies and Gravediggers
Nuclear retaliation in the age of Harold Macmillan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/12/2020 • 17 minutes, 21 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part VII
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/2/2020 • 18 minutes, 33 seconds
Fail Safe
We look at the harrowing nuclear war film, and ask how realistic it was. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/26/2020 • 31 minutes, 39 seconds
1983: Cruise Missiles in Britain
The controversial arrival of cruise missiles at Greenham Common and Molesworth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/19/2020 • 16 minutes, 3 seconds
Disaster Syndrome and Project East River
The human response to disaster, and how the American authorities tried to manage our nuclear terror. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/12/2020 • 20 minutes, 46 seconds
Sick Presidents and Broken Biscuits
Can a sick or dangerous President be replaced, and how does he launch a nuclear attack? We look at the 25th Amendment, the Biscuit, and the Football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/6/2020 • 19 minutes, 58 seconds
Panic!
Panic in wartime: how the people react. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/28/2020 • 28 minutes, 2 seconds
Soviet Nuclear Testing in Kazakhstan
The horrible legacy of nuclear testing at the Semipalatinsk site. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/22/2020 • 20 minutes, 26 seconds
Hack Green Nuclear Bunker
A tour of the Cheshire bunker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/13/2020 • 31 minutes, 56 seconds
Tsar Bomba, Part II
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/6/2020 • 27 minutes, 19 seconds
Tsar Bomba
The biggest nuclear bomb ever made. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/30/2020 • 21 minutes, 27 seconds
Special Episode: Interview with William Perry and Tom Collina
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/16/2020 • 45 minutes, 59 seconds
Nuclear War Games, Part II
Second part of our look at Square Leg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/3/2020 • 19 minutes, 23 seconds
Nuclear War Games: Square Leg, Pt 1
The 1980 nuclear war exercise, Square Leg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/26/2020 • 18 minutes, 1 second
Four Minutes of Threads, Part VI
Examining four minutes of the classic nuclear war film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/19/2020 • 18 minutes, 30 seconds
The Creation of the Hydrogen Bomb
The debates about the invention of this new thermonuclear horror. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/12/2020 • 18 minutes, 30 seconds
Spies for Peace
The daring bunker break-in of 1963 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/10/2020 • 20 minutes, 28 seconds
On The Beach
The film about the slow radiation death of Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/7/2020 • 22 minutes, 14 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part V
Examining the nuclear film, minute by minute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/31/2020 • 29 minutes, 35 seconds
The Green Goddess
The trusty old machines of the Auxiliary Fire Service, and how they'd have been used in nuclear war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/24/2020 • 25 minutes, 56 seconds
Yikes! It's the Strath Report!
The secret 1955 report which told the truth about thermonuclear war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/17/2020 • 20 minutes, 20 seconds
The Waking Point
A look at the 1951 civil defence recruitment film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/11/2020 • 15 minutes, 57 seconds
Civil Defence Corps Can Put On A Show!
The shows and displays of the Civil Defence Corps Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/5/2020 • 15 minutes, 29 seconds
Kicking the Air Raid Warden
The wardens of WW2 and the various kicks, slaps and abuse they got in the blitz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/26/2020 • 15 minutes, 2 seconds
PYTHON
The top secret PYTHON plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/19/2020 • 16 minutes, 31 seconds
STORYTIME: Second-Hand Time
A quick review of this oral history of the fall of the Soviet Union Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/16/2020 • 11 minutes, 6 seconds
The Scourge of the Lefties!
Sir Rhodes Boyson's campaign to rid schools of Peace Studies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/12/2020 • 13 minutes, 9 seconds
STORYTIME: Shadows on the Tundra
Short extracts and reviews of my favourite history books to entertain you during the lockdown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/9/2020 • 11 minutes, 38 seconds
Stay At Home!
Looking at the "stay put" message of the public information campaigns on coronavirus and nuclear war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/6/2020 • 20 minutes, 39 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part IV
Analysing the nuclear war film, minute by minute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/2/2020 • 23 minutes, 18 seconds
Special episode - The Knowledge with Lewis Dartnell
The author explains how to reboot civilisation after an apocalypse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/29/2020 • 41 minutes, 49 seconds
The Neutron Bomb
The unique horror of the enhanced radiation weapon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/24/2020 • 19 minutes, 18 seconds
Tidy Up for Nuclear War!
The 1950s film 'The House In The Middle' suggested tidy gardens and freshly-painted fences could help keep a house safe under nuclear attack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/11/2020 • 17 minutes, 4 seconds
Enola Gay
The plane which dropped the bomb on Hiroshima Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/1/2020 • 18 minutes, 36 seconds
Atomic Pop Music of the 1950s
Gruesome, comic and cheeky: atomic-themed pop music of the 1950s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/23/2020 • 20 minutes, 52 seconds
Firestorm - Dresden, Hamburg, Hiroshima
The firestorms of Dresden, Hamburg and Hiroshima. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/16/2020 • 26 minutes, 8 seconds
Windscale and Atomic Milk
The Windscale nuclear fire and how it affected local milk supplies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/9/2020 • 19 minutes, 35 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 3
Analysing another 4 minutes of the nuclear war film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/2/2020 • 31 minutes, 13 seconds
Mocking Protect and Survive
How the campaign was ridiculed in comedy, film and the media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/26/2020 • 23 minutes, 42 seconds
Operation RYAN
Blood, burgers and lightbulbs - could they tell Soviet spies if nuclear war was coming? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/12/2020 • 21 minutes, 3 seconds
The Great Cat and Dog Massacre
What happened to pets and zoo animals in WW2? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/8/2020 • 18 minutes, 3 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads, Part 2
Looking at four minutes of the nuclear war film, Threads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/22/2019 • 25 minutes
Kitchen Patriots
Fighting the war with potatoes and a well-stocked fallout room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/16/2019 • 22 minutes, 8 seconds
The Nuclear NHS
How do you get to hospital after nuclear war? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/8/2019 • 24 minutes, 16 seconds
Four Minutes of Threads
We examine four minutes of the film THREADS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/17/2019 • 24 minutes, 26 seconds
Dr Strangelove and the Dead Hand
A look at the real Soviet Doomsday Machine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/10/2019 • 17 minutes, 24 seconds
A British Guide To The End Of The World
An interview with the director of the upcoming BBC film about Britain's preparation for nuclear war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/3/2019 • 35 minutes, 53 seconds
Brother In The Land
What the novel tells us about nuclear war Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/13/2019 • 21 minutes, 56 seconds
Special episode: Interview with Taras Young
Taras joins us to discuss his new book, Nuclear War In The UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/6/2019 • 39 minutes, 23 seconds
Greenham Common: "Dirty" Women and Angry Locals
What did locals think of the huge women's peace camp at Greenham Common? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/22/2019 • 25 minutes, 18 seconds
"Excruciating pain!": When the BBC Offended the Civil Defence Corps
A Panorama episode from 1960 which upset the Civil defence Corps Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/15/2019 • 30 minutes, 26 seconds
1980s Nuclear Pop Music
A look at some of the best nuclear hits of the 80s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/8/2019 • 32 minutes, 26 seconds
The Road
What Cormac McCarthy's novel tells us about a post-nuclear world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/1/2019 • 29 minutes, 52 seconds
It's Crackers!
The gigantic stockpile of crackers in America's fallout shelters, and what happened to them when they turned rancid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/25/2019 • 22 minutes, 58 seconds
Gold Phones and Red Phones: Telephones in Nuclear War
How Britain, America and the USSR made use of telephones in their plans for nuclear war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/18/2019 • 28 minutes, 8 seconds
False Alarm!
How did we respond to false nuclear alerts in the Cold War? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/8/2019 • 23 minutes, 57 seconds
Protect and Survive Monthly
A look through the back issues of PROTECT AND SURVIVE MONTHLY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/22/2019 • 28 minutes, 11 seconds
Inside the Soviet Union (Part 2)
The second part of my interview with Kristaps Andrejsons of The Eastern Border podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/14/2019 • 27 minutes, 40 seconds
Inside the Soviet Union with Kristaps Andrejsons
Life, paranoia, and the nuclear threat as seen from Soviet Latvia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/7/2019 • 42 minutes, 5 seconds
Atomic Dog Tags
1950s America issued dog tags to kids so their burned bodies could be identified after nuclear war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/30/2019 • 25 minutes, 13 seconds
Australia
Was it safe Down Under? How Australia prepared for, and imagined, nuclear war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/24/2019 • 26 minutes, 53 seconds
Operation Alert and the Angry Mothers
America's Operation Alert and how it was disrupted by mums and babies and toys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/16/2019 • 21 minutes, 42 seconds
Kiev and the Soviet metro systems
How the Soviet metro stations could be used as fallout shelters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/9/2019 • 26 minutes, 13 seconds
The York Experiment
What happened when three Yorkshire ladies spent 48 hours in a shelter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/2/2019 • 26 minutes, 57 seconds
1980s Nuclear TV
What the critics made of British nuclear TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/19/2019 • 46 minutes, 4 seconds
Underground Art
Protecting art and treasure from nuclear attack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/28/2019 • 19 minutes, 49 seconds
The Police and Nuclear War
The role of the police in nuclear war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/14/2019 • 28 minutes, 43 seconds
West Germany
How West Germany prepared for nuclear war Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/7/2019 • 25 minutes, 10 seconds
The Bomb Will Drive You Mad
The psychological effects of nuclear war Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/1/2019 • 26 minutes, 23 seconds
The Last Word - The BBC and Nuclear War
The role of the BBC before and after nuclear attack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/10/2019 • 27 minutes, 8 seconds
Trains in Nuclear War
The use of trains in nuclear war Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/3/2019 • 18 minutes, 19 seconds
Who'll Save The Queen?
Plans to save the Queen from nuclear war Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/25/2019 • 37 minutes, 2 seconds
New Zealand
What would happen to New Zealand in a nuclear war? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/3/2019 • 23 minutes, 6 seconds
What Would You Do?
What would you do if the bomb dropped? Listeners share their plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/27/2019 • 27 minutes, 53 seconds
The Sea
The sea in nuclear war Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/20/2019 • 18 minutes, 31 seconds
Ireland
Ireland and nuclear civil defence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/13/2019 • 29 minutes, 3 seconds
Forced Labour
Forced labour after nuclear war Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/6/2019 • 24 minutes, 56 seconds
The Bible and the Bomb
How the Bible influenced the nuclear debate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/28/2018 • 23 minutes, 22 seconds
Some Place Where There Isn't Any Sky
Children's fears of the bomb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/21/2018 • 19 minutes, 46 seconds
How To Run Away!
Using the car to escape the bomb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/14/2018 • 22 minutes, 29 seconds
Fallout on the Farm
Nuclear advice for farmers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/30/2018 • 25 minutes, 29 seconds
Prague
A look inside a Prague civilian bunker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/26/2018 • 25 minutes, 9 seconds
Survive Beside The Seaside
Would you like to survive beside the seaside? Looking at the RSG system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/19/2018 • 38 minutes, 21 seconds
Stockpiling food for nuclear war
Stockpiling is back in the news. How did it work in the Cold War? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/29/2018 • 23 minutes, 46 seconds
Advising the Householder
An early information campaign Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/15/2018 • 20 minutes, 23 seconds
Chernobyl - Special episode
Special edition about Chernobyl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/17/2018 • 45 minutes, 32 seconds
Threads
Why Threads terrifies me so much Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/10/2018 • 26 minutes, 12 seconds
Shoot Thy Neighbour
The American debate on "shelter morality" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/20/2018 • 20 minutes, 13 seconds
Letters of Last Resort
Launching nuclear war from beyond the grave Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/6/2018 • 18 minutes, 4 seconds