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My grandad worked on the bomb that dropped on Hiroshima. Could another man - Leo Szilard - have stopped it?

BBC World Service


    • Jul 5, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 25 EPISODES

    4.3 from 948 ratings Listeners of The Bomb that love the show mention: strasser, atomic bomb, nuclear weapons, lise, original sin, nazis, invasion, manhattan, destruction, rhodes, surrender, sacks, grandfather, bleeding, japanese, bbc, wondered, war, episode 3, guilt.


    Ivy Insights

    The Bomb podcast is an incredibly well-done and well-reported series that delves into the development of the atomic bomb and its aftermath. It offers a unique and compelling perspective on one of the most significant developments of the 20th century. The podcast is divided into two seasons, each offering a different window into this fascinating history. For Americans in particular, it provides interesting insights and prisms through which to view familiar historical events.

    One of the best aspects of The Bomb podcast is its storytelling. The hosts do an excellent job of presenting the information in a smooth and gripping manner, leaving listeners wanting more after each episode. The production quality is also top-notch, with great sound and music that enhance the overall experience. Additionally, the podcast features interviews with individuals who have personal connections to the events being discussed, adding an extra layer of depth to the storytelling.

    Another strong point of The Bomb podcast is its ability to shed light on lesser-known aspects of this history. It brings forth information that many listeners may not have heard before, making for a truly informative experience. For example, it explores the story of Leo Szilard, who desperately wanted to keep knowledge of the atomic bomb secret but ultimately had his hopes dashed. The podcast also delves into the character of Klaus Fuchs, providing insights into his motivations as a spy.

    While there are many positive aspects to The Bomb podcast, there are also some potential drawbacks. One criticism mentioned by a listener was that in Season 1, there was a demonization of Emily Strausser's grandfather without considering the larger context and many others involved in building the bomb. Another critique was that there could have been more focus on Japan's actions leading up to Hiroshima and Nagasaki instead of solely portraying them as victims.

    In conclusion, The Bomb podcast is an exceptional piece of work that offers a captivating exploration of the development and aftermath of the atomic bomb. Its storytelling abilities, high production value, and ability to shed light on lesser-known aspects of this history make it a must-listen for anyone interested in the topic. While there are some potential drawbacks, the overall value of this podcast outweighs any criticisms.



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    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2022 30:57


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    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 30:51


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    S2.6 Camp Y

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 38:45


    Lives on the line. The Fuchs family is drawn into the espionage as the atomic bomb project takes a deadly turn. Klaus is at the covert Manhattan Project laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. In this desert terrain, he has lost contact with the Soviets. As the countdown to detonation begins, there's only one person who can be trusted. #thebomb

    S2.5 An irreversible reaction

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2022 28:55


    A double life gets more dangerous. Fuchs joins America's bomb project and the race with Russia is on. But as the nuclear mission ramps up, security tightens too. Now at the heart of the mission, his skills in science and espionage are tested to the limit. #thebomb

    S2.4 A stable bond

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2022 37:25


    The spy meets his spymaster - presenter Rosa Ellis' great-aunt Ursula. She's a housewife and mother living in the English countryside. And she also works for the Soviets. Fuchs and Ursula have a secret list of information that Russia urgently needs to win the nuclear race. Together, they could be the most dangerous spies on the planet. #thebomb

    S2.3 Unstable elements

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    S2.2 A split life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2022 40:02


    The world's most dangerous spy? A young scientist's journey into espionage. From a German pacifist family to a Soviet spy ring. Physicist Klaus Fuchs flees Nazi rule for England and joins the race to develop an atomic bomb – whoever gets there first wins the war. Presenter Rosa Ellis discovers how Fuchs' double life begins. #thebomb

    S2.1 A grave matter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2022 20:38


    The man who stole the atomic bomb. And why he did it. Klaus Fuchs was a talented scientist - but he was also a Soviet spy. He worked on the British American atomic bomb project, whilst handing nuclear secrets to the Russians. Host Rosa Ellis uncovers the double lives of Klaus Fuchs and her great-aunt Ursula. #thebomb

    Bonus: The sound design

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    7 The doomsday clock

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 29:57


    The world’s first nuclear bomb drops on the unsuspecting city of Hiroshima. On 7 August 1945, the world is changed forever. In this final episode, featuring first-hand accounts of the attack that day, Emily Strasser asks how the bomb changed humanity. Have we really come to terms with it? #thebomb

    6 The first atomic bomb

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 27:21


    Time is running out. As Manhattan Project scientists test the world’s first nuclear bomb, Leo Szilard knows it’s the last chance to stop the US government from dropping the bomb on Japanese civilians. Working with colleagues at Chicago’s Met Lab, Szilard does all he can to alert the US President. But will his message get there in time? #thebomb

    5 Enemy alien

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 25:52


    The FBI pursues Leo Szilard as he loses control of the project to create a nuclear bomb. With his influence waning, the leaders of the Manhattan Project now threaten his liberty. But as the world’s first nuclear bomb comes within touching distance, Szilard fears it might soon be used on a city in Japan. #thebomb

    4 Pearl Harbour

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 32:46


    An attack on Pearl Harbour changes everything. After a surprise Japanese attack destroys US ships, the US declares war on Japan, and intensifies its efforts to create the first nuclear bomb. Caught in the middle of it all, Leo Szilard starts to lose his grip on the project. #thebomb

    3 The Einstein letter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2020 22:08


    A vital message must be delivered to US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Fearing the Nazis are on the verge of creating the first nuclear bomb, Leo Szilard needs to convince the US Government to take the threat seriously. In his hour of need, he reaches out to an old friend, Albert Einstein. #thebomb

    2 Race to the bomb

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    The prologue

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2020 2:57


    “My grandfather in front of a mushroom cloud”. This is the story of why I wanted to know if the Bomb could have been stopped. Episode 1 available from 1 August. #thebomb

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