Each week, we aim to bring you interesting information about interesting people in about five minutes in the form of short biographies which can also be read on our website.
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5 Minute History brings you short histories of events, places, companies, products, and all sorts of other things. The show is split into seasons, each of which consists of ten episodes. Each episode, as the title of the show suggests, is only a few minutes long, so you can quickly learn the facts without all of the fluff that maybe you don't need to know.
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5 Minute Disasters is a podcast that delivers bite-sized episodes exploring some of the world's most catastrophic events, from natural disasters to human-made tragedies. Each episode, lasting approximately five minutes, dives into the causes, consequences, and lasting impacts of these events, offering listeners a concise but comprehensive overview. Whether it's hurricanes, industrial accidents, or historical calamities, the podcast aims to engage and inform audiences with well-researched, fa ...
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Welcome to 5 Minute Mysteries, your new favourite podcast for quick and captivating dives into the world's most intriguing enigmas. Each week, we unravel a different mystery—from baffling disappearances and strange objects to unexplained events and mysterious places—all in just five minutes. Whether you're a curious mind or a mystery lover, our bite-sized episodes are designed to spark your imagination and leave you wondering what really happened. Tune in for a fascinating journey through th ...
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Welcome to 5 Minute Warfare, the podcast where we explore history's most pivotal battles, military strategies, and key moments of conflict in around five minutes. From ancient skirmishes and medieval sieges to the modern-day theatres of war, each episode delivers a concise and engaging breakdown of the tactics, innovations, and historical figures that shaped the course of warfare. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious listeners alike, 5 Minute Warfare makes understanding the complexiti ...
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Welcome to 5 Minute Murder, the podcast where each week we explore the dark and gripping world of murder, murderers, serial killers, and assassinations—all in about five minutes. From infamous historical cases to chilling unsolved mysteries, we delve into the details that continue to captivate and haunt us. Whether it's a notorious figure or a crime that has left more questions than answers, we bring you concise, fascinating insights into the darker side of human history. Prepare yourself fo ...
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The Truth About Cancer video podcast is an eight-part video series. It is a continuation of the discussions begun in TAKE ONE STEP: A Conversation About Cancer with Linda Ellerbee. Each episode is two to five minutes long. Participating in the podcast discussions are U.S. News and World Report health editor Dr. Bernadine Healy; breast cancer surgeon and Breast Cancer Research stamp mastermind Dr. Ernie Bodai; neurologist and leading palliative care expert Dr. Richard Payne; and counseling ps ...
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In the tenth episode of season 19 of 5 Minute Biographies, we explore the extraordinary life of Helen Keller, a woman who overcame incredible obstacles to become a symbol of perseverance and achievement. Left deaf and blind as a toddler due to illness, she defied all expectations with the help of her devoted teacher, Anne Sullivan. Keller went on t…
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In the ninth episode of season 19 of 5 Minute Biographies, we take a look at the life and career of Natalie Wood, the Hollywood star whose talent and beauty made her one of the most beloved actresses of her time. Rising to fame as a child in Miracle on 34th Street, she went on to deliver unforgettable performances in classics like Rebel Without a C…
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In Episode 31 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast, we investigate the brutal murder of Mary Ann Nichols, the first confirmed victim of Jack the Ripper. On 31 August 1888, Nichols' body was discovered in the dark streets of Whitechapel, London, marking the beginning of one of history’s most infamous unsolved murder sprees. Her death sent shockwaves throu…
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In the eighth episode of season 19 of 5 Minute Biographies, we explore the life and legacy of Frank Herbert, the visionary author behind Dune, one of the most influential science fiction novels of all time. With its richly detailed universe, political intrigue, and environmental themes, Dune redefined the genre and inspired generations of writers a…
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In Episode 33 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, one of the deadliest natural disasters in Japanese history. Striking the Tokyo-Yokohama region on 1 September, the powerful earthquake and the subsequent fires destroyed entire cities, leaving over 140,000 people dead. The disaster reshaped J…
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In Episode 30 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast, we delve into the disturbing case of John Wayne Gacy, one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. Known as the Killer Clown, Gacy was a seemingly respectable businessman and entertainer who led a horrifying double life. Between 1972 and 1978, he lured and murdered at least 33 young men …
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In Episode 27 of the 5 Minute Mysteries podcast, we investigate the chilling Hinterkaifeck murders, one of Germany’s most baffling unsolved crimes. In 1922, the six inhabitants of a remote Bavarian farm were brutally murdered with a mattock, yet no clear motive or suspect was ever identified. Strange occurrences, including unexplained footprints, m…
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The Battle of Agincourt: The Longbow's Deadly Legacy
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8:25In Episode 26 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we revisit the legendary Battle of Agincourt and the deadly legacy of the English longbow. Fought on 25 October 1415 during the Hundred Years’ War, Agincourt saw King Henry V’s vastly outnumbered army achieve a stunning victory against the French. The battle became a defining moment in medieval warfare…
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In Episode 74 of the 5 Minute History podcast, we explore the turbulent history of prohibition, a period marked by ambitious reform, organised crime, and unintended consequences. From the temperance movements of the 19th century to the enactment of the 18th Amendment in the United States, the banning of alcohol was meant to curb social problems but…
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In the seventh episode of season 19 of 5 Minute Biographies, we celebrate the life of Lucille Ball, the comedic genius who revolutionised television and became one of the most beloved entertainers of all time. Best known for I Love Lucy, she broke barriers as both a performer and a pioneering businesswoman in the entertainment industry. With her im…
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In Episode 32 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating looting of the National Museum of Iraq, one of the greatest cultural losses in modern history. In April 2003, amid the chaos following the US-led invasion of Iraq, the museum was ransacked, with thousands of priceless artefacts stolen or destroyed. Treasures spanning millen…
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In Episode 29 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast, we examine the tragic assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., a moment that shook the world and marked a turning point in the civil rights movement. On 4 April 1968, King was fatally shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. His death sparked grief, outrage, and wi…
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In Episode 26 of the 5 Minute Mysteries podcast, we uncover the baffling mystery of the Amber Room, a priceless masterpiece that vanished without a trace during World War II. Originally crafted in the 18th century for the Prussian king, this opulent chamber, adorned with glowing amber panels, gold leaf, and mirrors, was later gifted to Russia and i…
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In Episode 25 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we explore the formidable war elephants of ancient India—massive battlefield beasts that struck fear into enemies and shaped the course of warfare for centuries. Used by Indian armies as early as the 4th century BCE, these towering creatures were armoured, trained for combat, and deployed to crush infa…
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In Episode 73 of the 5 Minute History podcast, we take a journey through the rich and fascinating history of Paris. From its origins as a small settlement of the Parisii tribe to its rise as a global centre of art, culture, and politics, the French capital has witnessed centuries of transformation. Discover how Paris evolved through Roman rule, med…
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In the sixth episode of season 19 of 5 Minute Biographies, we take a look at the life and legacy of John Denver, the singer-songwriter whose music captured the beauty of nature and the spirit of the open road. With hits like Take Me Home, Country Roads, Annie’s Song, and Rocky Mountain High, Denver became one of the most beloved folk and country ar…
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In Episode 31 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. Triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, the tsunami unleashed towering waves that struck coastal communities across 14 countries, leaving destruction in its w…
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In Episode 28 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast, we examine the chilling case of Bridget Cleary, a woman whose brutal murder in 1895 became one of Ireland’s most infamous crimes. Believed by her husband and family to be a changeling, Bridget was subjected to a horrific ritual intended to drive out what they claimed was a fairy imposter. Her tragic dea…
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In Episode 25 of the 5 Minute Mysteries podcast, we explore the enigmatic crystal skulls, a collection of intricately carved quartz skulls that have sparked debate, fascination, and controversy for over a century. Claimed by some to be ancient Mesoamerican artefacts with mystical powers and dismissed by others as 19th-century forgeries, these skull…
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In Episode 24 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we delve into the brutal and often overlooked conflict of the Korean War. Fought between 1950 and 1953, this Cold War battleground saw fierce combat between North and South Korea, backed by global superpowers in a deadly proxy war. From trench warfare along the 38th parallel to relentless aerial bombar…
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Join us for Episode 72 of the 5 Minute History podcast as we tackle the fascinating history of rugby. From its legendary origins at Rugby School to its rise as a global sport, rugby has evolved into one of the most physically demanding and widely celebrated games in the world. Discover how the sport split into Rugby Union and Rugby League, the impa…
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In the fifth episode of season 19 of 5 Minute Biographies, we uncover the intriguing life of Mata Hari, the enigmatic dancer-turned-spy whose name became synonymous with seduction and espionage. Born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, she reinvented herself as an exotic performer in early 20th-century Europe, captivating audiences and powerful men alike.…
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Episode 30 of 5 Minute Disasters explores the catastrophic 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the most devastating volcanic disaster in United States history. On 18 May, a powerful explosion shattered the mountain, triggering a massive landslide and releasing an ash cloud that darkened skies for miles. The blast obliterated forests, destroyed homes…
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Episode 27 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast examines the baffling and still-unsolved murder of Julia Wallace in 1931. Found brutally beaten in her Liverpool home, her death became one of Britain’s most perplexing mysteries. Her husband, William Herbert Wallace, was arrested, convicted, and later acquitted in a rare legal reversal, leaving the case sh…
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In episode 24 the of 5 Minute Mysteries podcast, we dive into the enduring enigma of D. B. Cooper, the unidentified man behind the only unsolved case of air piracy in American history. In 1971, Cooper hijacked a Northwest Orient Airlines flight, extorted $200,000 in ransom, and then parachuted into the night—never to be seen again. Despite decades …
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The English Civil War: Muskets, Pikes and the Fall of a King
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7:43In episode 23 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we dive into the English Civil War, a brutal conflict that tore a nation apart and led to the unprecedented execution of a king. Fought between 1642 and 1651, the war saw Parliament’s Roundheads clash with the Royalist Cavaliers in a struggle over power, governance, and the future of England. From the …
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All aboard for Episode 71 of the 5 Minute History podcast as we journey through the fascinating history of railways. From the early wooden tracks of ancient civilisations to the steam-powered revolution of the 19th century and the high-speed trains of today, railways have transformed transport, industry, and society. Discover how pioneers like Geor…
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In the fourth episode of season 19 of 5 Minute Biographies, we delve into the life of Ernest Hemingway, one of the most celebrated and influential writers of the 20th century. Known for his distinctive writing style, adventurous spirit, and larger-than-life persona, Hemingway’s works captured the raw essence of war, love, and human endurance. From …
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Episode 29 of 5 Minute Disasters tells the harrowing story of the Peshtigo Fire, the deadliest wildfire in American history. On 8 October 1871, the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, was consumed by an inferno so intense that it melted metal and created firestorms. With winds fanning the flames and no means of escape, over 1,500 people perished in …
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5 Minute Murder returns with Episode 26, uncovering the tragic murder of Jane McCrea, a young woman whose brutal death in 1777 became a powerful symbol of the American Revolution. Killed during the conflict between British Loyalist forces and Patriot militias, her murder at the hands of Native American warriors allied with the British sparked outra…
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In episode 23 the of 5 Minute Mysteries podcast, we examine the haunting case of the Sodder children, one of America’s most baffling unsolved disappearances. On Christmas Eve in 1945, a fire destroyed the Sodder family home in West Virginia, but when the flames were extinguished, five of the ten children were missing—without a trace. No remains wer…
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The Hundred Years War: England vs France for a Century
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7:59In episode 22 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we explore the Hundred Years’ War, the epic conflict that saw England and France locked in battle for over a century. Fought between 1337 and 1453, this war was not just a struggle for the French throne but a series of brutal campaigns that reshaped medieval Europe. From the longbow’s devastating power…
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Join us for Episode 70 of the 5 Minute History podcast as we explore the history of the police service. From its early roots in community-led law enforcement to the establishment of modern policing, this episode traces the evolution of maintaining law and order. Discover how figures like Sir Robert Peel shaped the principles of policing, the impact…
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In the third episode of season 19 of 5 Minute Biographies, we explore the extraordinary life of Malcolm X, one of the most influential and controversial figures of the American civil rights movement. From his troubled early years to his transformation into a powerful advocate for Black empowerment, Malcolm X’s journey was one of resilience, self-di…
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The 2009 Air France Flight 447 Crash: Mystery Over the Atlantic
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8:13Episode 28 of 5 Minute Disasters explores the tragic 2009 Air France Flight 447 crash, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in modern history. The Airbus A330 disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean while en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, claiming the lives of all 228 passengers and crew on board. For nearly two years, the mystery surrounding t…
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In episode 25 of the 5 Minute Murder podcast, we delve into the chilling case of Pedro Alonso López, one of history’s most prolific serial killers. Known as The Monster of the Andes, López confessed to the brutal murders of over 300 young girls across Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru during the 1970s and early 1980s. His crimes, marked by deception and …
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In episode 22 the of 5 Minute Mysteries podcast, we explore one of history’s strangest and most inexplicable events—the Dancing Plague of 1518. In the summer of that year, dozens of people in Strasbourg, France, were suddenly struck by an uncontrollable urge to dance, continuing for days and even weeks without rest. As the bizarre phenomenon spread…
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In episode 21 of the 5 Minute Warfare podcast, we delve into one of history’s greatest rivalries—Rome versus Carthage. The Punic Wars, fought between 264 and 146 BCE, were a brutal series of conflicts that shaped the ancient Mediterranean world. From epic naval battles to Hannibal’s legendary march over the Alps, these wars saw tactical brilliance,…
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Explore the fascinating journey of artistic expression in Episode 69 of the 5 Minute History podcast as we delve into the history of art. From the earliest cave paintings to the digital creations of the modern era, art has reflected human creativity, culture, and technological advancements. Discover how ancient civilisations, the Renaissance master…
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In episode 2 of season 19 of the 5 Minute Biographies podcast, we take a look at the life of a true pioneer of rock and roll, who was known for his unmistakable voice, heartfelt ballads, and signature dark sunglasses. Born in Texas, he rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like Oh, Pretty Woman, Crying, and Only the Lonely, captivating audiences with…
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The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Ecological Devastation on the High Seas
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9:30In episode 27 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989, an environmental catastrophe that poured nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil into the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska. In just five minutes, we uncover the human errors and corporate negligence that led to the disaster, the…
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