Podcast appearances and mentions of helena merriman

Born in Sweden, to a family of writers and readers, Josie Ferguson moved to Scotland when she was two. She returned to Sweden in her twenties, where she completed a vocational degree in Clinical Psychology (MSc). Upon graduating, she moved to London to pursue a career in publishing, something she had dreamed about since delving into fictional worlds as a child, hidden under the duvet with a torch.She later moved to Asia in search of an adventure and a bit more sun. She currently works as a freelance book editor in Singapore, where she lives with her husband and two young children. While training to become a clinical psychologist, Josie learned about the complexity of human nature, something she explores as a writer. She believes books about the past can change the future and she aspires to write as many as possible. The Silence in Between is her debut.Our interview begins at 29:00We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Caitlin recommends: Wrong Answers Only by Tobias MaddenWe love Tobias' novels and Wrong Answers Only is just as delightful. Marco is overwhelmed by what life looks like after school and escapes to a gap-year cruise with his best friend. Brilliantly fun and heartfelt, as always. Listen to our previous chat with Tobias here. Michelle recommends: Water by John BoyneWater is a heartfelt novella following a woman who moves to an isolated Irish island to escape tragic events in her past. Stunning writing, a beautiful short story. It's the first in a quartet of novellas related to the elements. In this interview, we chat about:The incredible true story that gave Josie the spark of inspiration for Lisette's storyHow Josie approached the dual timeline and the research involved for bothWhy is life in East Berlin still so fascinating?How Josie once went on holiday in North KoreaThe 20-year journey to publication for Josie*Since we did this interview, The Silence in Between has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction prize. Congratulations, Josie!*Books and other things mentioned:Anne of Green GablesYou Belong With Me by Mhairi McFarlaneJacqueline Wilson (author)Michelle working at the Buxton International Festival. Take a look at the pop-up shop. Small Things Like These by Claire KeeganCode Name Verity by Elizabeth WeinNudism in East Germany by We Are History PodcastMichelle's Berlin recommendationsStasiland by Anna FunderThe War on Women by Sue Lloyd-RobertsTunnel 29 by Helena Merriman (and associated podcast)Follow @josie_ferguson_author on...

This week, we would like to introduce you to Strong Sense of Place, another podcast distributed by Realm. Secret corridors, hidden rooms, and trapdoors are the stuff of adventure and romance. Egyptian pyramids riddled with underground chambers and booby traps. An English country house with a priest hole and a trick bookcase. A speakeasy with a sliding panel that leads to a brothel and a gambling parlor. Who wouldn't want to go exploring?! And where would Gothic storytelling be without the secret passage in Horace Walpole's 'The Castle of Otranto?' Or the hidden door to the attic in 'Jane Eyre' that's protecting an epic secret? If your childhood was shaped by reading the enchanting adventures in 'The Secret Garden' and 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' or by solving the mystery of 'The Hidden Staircase' with Nancy Drew, this show is for you. In this episode, we discuss an amazing book heist from an ancient French monastery, debate if Ben Franklin was a werewolf hunter, get lost in the Mansion on O Street, and daydream about living in the New York Public Library. Then we recommend great books that lured us into magical portals, dangerous tunnels, secret passages, and other hidden spaces that prove irresistible.  Here are the books we discuss in the show: A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn https://bit.ly/3cLkQm3 The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow https://bit.ly/3AGfsJ7 Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman https://bit.ly/3Ry21li Underground by Will Hunt https://bit.ly/3CQjyB5 The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley https://bit.ly/3TG18ZR For more on the books we recommend, plus the other cool stuff we talk about, visit show notes at http://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2022-09-12-secret-passages Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we would like to introduce you to Strong Sense of Place, another podcast distributed by Realm. Secret corridors, hidden rooms, and trapdoors are the stuff of adventure and romance. Egyptian pyramids riddled with underground chambers and booby traps. An English country house with a priest hole and a trick bookcase. A speakeasy with a sliding panel that leads to a brothel and a gambling parlor. Who wouldn't want to go exploring?! And where would Gothic storytelling be without the secret passage in Horace Walpole's 'The Castle of Otranto?' Or the hidden door to the attic in 'Jane Eyre' that's protecting an epic secret? If your childhood was shaped by reading the enchanting adventures in 'The Secret Garden' and 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' or by solving the mystery of 'The Hidden Staircase' with Nancy Drew, this show is for you. In this episode, we discuss an amazing book heist from an ancient French monastery, debate if Ben Franklin was a werewolf hunter, get lost in the Mansion on O Street, and daydream about living in the New York Public Library. Then we recommend great books that lured us into magical portals, dangerous tunnels, secret passages, and other hidden spaces that prove irresistible.  Here are the books we discuss in the show: A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn https://bit.ly/3cLkQm3 The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow https://bit.ly/3AGfsJ7 Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman https://bit.ly/3Ry21li Underground by Will Hunt https://bit.ly/3CQjyB5 The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley https://bit.ly/3TG18ZR For more on the books we recommend, plus the other cool stuff we talk about, visit show notes at http://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2022-09-12-secret-passages Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story of the Berlin Wall will always fascinate.  And here it is, along with ideas for three places in Berlin you can visit to see the remaining sections and find out more. Author Rory MacLean summed up the impact first seeing the wall had on him: 'At the heart of the continent were watchtowers, barbed wire and border guards, instructed to shoot fellow citizens who wanted to live under a different government.'     Reading Suggestions Berlin: Imagine a City by Rory MacLean Berlin Biography of a City by Barney White-Spunner Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman     Links Checkpoint Charlie Haus am Checkpoint Charlie Museum Berlin Wall Memorial Site East Side Gallery  Guided tours of the East Side Gallery: either this one or this one General links  Berlin Tourist Information Centres Germany Travel Information City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Berlin series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions!  You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode.  That would be very much appreciated!                                                                                                   

: Today is the first Monday in September, and you're tuned into Book Choice on Fine Music Radio, sponsored by Exclusive Books, with me, your host Paige Nick. For our spring show, we have a great line up of book reviews and author interviews to help you add a new book or two, or three, to your pile. Here's what you have to look forward to over the next hour, Beverley Roos Muller, will be reviewing Tunnel 29, by Helena Merriman. The extraordinary true story of escapees who tunnelled back under the Berlin Wall to help their contacts escape during the cold war. Then we chat to Vanessa Levenstein about Trust, by Hernan Diaz, which was just announced as a Booker Prize longlist nominee. And here's a fun fact we'll delve into further a little later in the show, all the music in today's show, comes straight out of this incredible book. After that, John Hanks interviews Ashling McCarthy, about her first book, ‘Down at Jika Jika Tavern'. Then Shirley Gueller gives us the inside track on Attic Child, by Lola Jaye. A book that's had great international press. After that, we welcome a new guest reviewer to the show. Twanji Kalula brings all his financial savvy to review Genius, the new offering from xxx Bruce Whitfield. In the second half of today's show, we have a really exciting segment. Beryl Eichenberger interviews Internationally Bestselling author, Louisa Treger who was recently in South Africa to launch her new novel, Madwoman. And last but not least, another interview when Philip Todress chats to Professor June Bam-Hutchinson, who heads the San and Khoi Unit in the University of Cape Town's Centre for African Studies.

: Today is the first Monday in September, and you're tuned into Book Choice on Fine Music Radio, sponsored by Exclusive Books, with me, your host Paige Nick. For our spring show, we have a great line up of book reviews and author interviews to help you add a new book or two, or three, to your pile. Here's what you have to look forward to over the next hour, Beverley Roos Muller, will be reviewing Tunnel 29, by Helena Merriman. The extraordinary true story of escapees who tunnelled back under the Berlin Wall to help their contacts escape during the cold war. Then we chat to Vanessa Levenstein about Trust, by Hernan Diaz, which was just announced as a Booker Prize longlist nominee. And here's a fun fact we'll delve into further a little later in the show, all the music in today's show, comes straight out of this incredible book. After that, John Hanks interviews Ashling McCarthy, about her first book, ‘Down at Jika Jika Tavern'. Then Shirley Gueller gives us the inside track on Attic Child, by Lola Jaye. A book that's had great international press. After that, we welcome a new guest reviewer to the show. Twanji Kalula brings all his financial savvy to review Genius, the new offering from xxx Bruce Whitfield. In the second half of today's show, we have a really exciting segment. Beryl Eichenberger interviews Internationally Bestselling author, Louisa Treger who was recently in South Africa to launch her new novel, Madwoman. And last but not least, another interview when Philip Todress chats to Professor June Bam-Hutchinson, who heads the San and Khoi Unit in the University of Cape Town's Centre for African Studies.

‘I wiped my tears away and had to carry on with the party.' When Serena is given an unexpected diagnosis, she has to make a life-changing decision. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘I stare at my own reflection, trying to remind myself that I'm not dead.' Joel never understood why he felt different to other people. Then a revelation in India sets him on a journey to find answers. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Steve Bond Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘When I wasn't high, I felt very sad and very scared.' Twenty years on, Gavanndra is struggling to make sense of a childhood trauma. Then she meets a psychologist who has an idea. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘A light breeze can quickly turn into a desert storm.' On his last day of the school year, 17-year-old Jordan starts seeing and hearing the world differently. Hours later, he's in a police station, struggling to hold onto himself before his mind unravels. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘It was unbelievably painful - I probably used a few Anglo-Saxon words.' Jon is at Peppa Pig World with his family when he notices something very unusual about his body. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Steve Bond Additional research: Ruby Gregory Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘He was interested in why I was so attached to this penguin' Bex is at university when she starts feeling anxious and overwhelmed. As Bex deteriorates, doctors are in a race against time to diagnose her. And that's where the penguin comes in. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 With special thanks to Rachel Roberts, principal viola with the LSO End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘It's like being trapped in a room with a terrifying creature.' A few months after her son was born, Helena realises something is wrong. Her search for answers leads to a difficult decision. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘My inbox on instagram was full of women saying thank you so much.' The pain began when Andrea was a teenager. When she was given a diagnosis, she wanted to find a way of explaining it to the world. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Steve Bond Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal

‘He was interested in why I was so attached to this penguin' Bex is at university when she starts feeling anxious and overwhelmed. As Bex deteriorates, doctors are in a race against time to diagnose her. And that's where the penguin comes in. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 With special thanks to Rachel Roberts, principal viola with the LSO End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘It was unbelievably painful - I probably used a few Anglo-Saxon words.' Jon is at Peppa Pig World with his family when he notices something very unusual about his body. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Steve Bond Additional research: Ruby Gregory Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘I wiped my tears away and had to carry on with the party.' When Serena is given an unexpected diagnosis, she has to make a life-changing decision. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘When I wasn't high, I felt very sad and very scared.' Twenty years on, Gavanndra is struggling to make sense of a childhood trauma. Then she meets a psychologist who has an idea. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘A light breeze can quickly turn into a desert storm.' On his last day of the school year, 17-year-old Jordan starts seeing and hearing the world differently. Hours later, he's in a police station, struggling to hold onto himself before his mind unravels. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘My inbox on instagram was full of women saying thank you so much.' The pain began when Andrea was a teenager. When she was given a diagnosis, she wanted to find a way of explaining it to the world. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Steve Bond Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal

‘It's like being trapped in a room with a terrifying creature.' A few months after her son was born, Helena realises something is wrong. Her search for answers leads to a difficult decision. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

‘I stare at my own reflection, trying to remind myself that I'm not dead.' Joel never understood why he felt different to other people. Then a revelation in India sets him on a journey to find answers. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Steve Bond Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

One afternoon, Helena Merriman walked into a doctor's surgery and was given a shock diagnosis. In this series, she interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Told through an immersive sound design, this intimate series shines a light on misunderstood conditions, asking how we cope when our bodies and minds behave in ways that don't make sense to us. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon

One afternoon, Helena Merriman walked into a doctor's surgery and was given a shock diagnosis. In this series, she interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Told through an immersive sound design, this intimate series shines a light on misunderstood conditions, asking how we cope when our bodies and minds behave in ways that don't make sense to us. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane are joined by the broadcaster Helena Merriman. The creator of the hit Radio 4 podcast Tunnel 29 shares her new series Room 5, which looks into how different diagnoses changed people's lives. Alongside that Helena gets the Fortunately seal of approval for a new acoustically friendly blog and is given the name of her next project. Before Helena logs in, Jane's trip to Heathrow turns into an epic odyssey and Fi discovers her right honourable alter-ego. Get in touch: fortunately.podcast@bbc.co.uk

Chris Pearson and Scott Bryan suggest listens for February. Helena Merriman talks about her new diagnosis based series Room 5, and how for her the audio medium is perfect for encouraging empathy in listeners. Moya Lothian-Mclean talks about her series Human Resources, investigating the British relationship with the Atlantic slave trade, and why she wants the subject talked about beyond history lessons. Plus broadcasting legend Scott Mills discusses Radio 1's Pop 101, his new series taking us through the history of Pop music, in a hundred and one objects. And we'll hear clips from: Feast is Feast with Big Zuu Go Love Yourself British Scandal: Coughing Major Panic Room Stars In Your Ears

On the bus home from her diagnosis of degenerative hearing condition otosclerosis, journalist and broadcaster Helena Merriman got thinking about the experiences of others on the receiving end of life-changing diagnoses. In this week's podzine, she talks to Mick about Room 5, her latest series for Radio 4, a collection of stories about lives that change in a heartbeat and the process of diagnosis and recovery.With the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics kicking off this week, Jen chats to skeleton gold medallist turned Eurosport pundit Amy Williams about how to get into winter sports in the UK, and what it's like to chuck yourself headfirst down an ice track.In the Bush Telegraph, Sue Gray's been, Theresa May – yes THERESA MAY – delivers perhaps the best Boris burn, there's good news all over the shop, and M&Ms get Hannah banging her head on her desk. Meanwhile, the team tries not to hurl as they revisit 1992's Wayne's World in Rated or Dated.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/standardissuespodcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

‘He was interested in why I was so attached to this penguin' Bex is at university when she starts feeling anxious and overwhelmed. As Bex deteriorates, doctors are in a race against time to diagnose her. And that's where the penguin comes in. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon Commissioning Editor: Richard Knight #Room5 With special thanks to Rachel Roberts, principal viola with the LSO End song: Miffed by Tom Rosenthal If you have a story you'd like to share you can email: room5@bbc.co.uk

Helena Merriman is a radio and podcast producer who discovered she was going deaf when her second child was 4 months old and she realised she wasn't being woken up by him crying in the night. She was working on her podcast Tunnel 29 at the time and found great solace in her work. She now has a BBC Radio 4 series 'Room 5'. It's based on her conversations with other people who have gone into an anonymous consultant's room, where they have received a shock diagnosis which has changed their lives forever.We talked about how pregnancy fast-tracked her otosclerosis, how an operation to improve her hearing left her with extreme tinnitus, and how her children have adapted to her hearing loss. She also shared some tips about living with tinnitus, which will be very welcome in our household where my husband is also adapting to living with tinnitus. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Three years ago, BBC radio broadcaster Helena Merriman received a shock diagnosis related to hearing loss after giving birth to her son. This prompted her to explore how people handle life-changing news about their health in a new radio series called Room 5 that airs on Radio 4 this week. Helena joins Emma to discuss the power of resilience. One of the first female bus drivers in the UK says she is fighting to keep her job after a new bus design left her unable to reach the pedals. Emma speaks to Tracey Scholes from Manchester who says that because of her height - five feet - she can no longer drive the new buses safely. The bus company involved say other staff of a similar height to Tracey are able to drive the vehicles safely. New figures from the Office of National Statistics show that an estimated 1.3 million people in the UK have "long Covid" – defined as symptoms lasting more than four weeks. We know that women are more likely to be affected by long Covid, and that it can also occur in children. Dr Nisreen Alwan is Associate Professor in Public Health at the University of Southampton. In Sudan, thousands of people have again taken to the streets of the capital, Khartoum, to protest against military rule, following the resignation of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Reports from medics on the ground say more than 50 people have lost their lives since a military coup took place in October last year. For several years, there has been continued unrest in the country, and headlines around the world have shown women at the forefront of the revolution and pro-democracy movement - but is that the full story? And how are things for women there now? Raga Makawi, a Sudanese democracy activist and editor at African Arguments and Will Ross, the BBC's Africa Editor join Emma. Almost 300 years after the Witchcraft Acts were repealed, a bill has been bought forward in the Scottish parliament to pardon those convicted. This comes after a two-year campaign to clear the names of nearly 4,000 people accused of witchcraft, of whom well over half were executed. Zoe Venditozzi co-founded the campaign and co-hosts the Witches of Scotland podcast. Marion Gibson is Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures at the University of Essex and author of Witchcraft: the basics.

On 9 November 1989, the commander of a Berlin Wall border crossing yielded to demands and allowed guards to open the checkpoints. By the end of the day parts of the wall were being chipped off as souvenirs. In this episode, Helena Merriman takes us through the surprise overnight building of the wall which cut neighbourhoods, streets and families in half. She then takes us through the many methods of escape attempted by East Berliners. In particular, we are introduced to Joachim Rudolph who, very unusually, tunnelled back to the East after his escape in order to help others. Helena is the award-winning creator of the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 podcast, Tunnel 29, and the author of a book of the same title.© GeorgeLouis See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This year marks 60 years since the building of the Berlin Wall, appearing practically overnight on the 12th -13th of August 1961. It separated families, friends, lovers and even parents from their babies. The wall wouldn't come down for another 28 years, and during that time, at least 140 people would die trying to flee from East to West - but many more succeeded. Tunnel 29 tells the incredible true story of a group of university students who dug a tunnel right under the feet of Berlin Wall border guards, to help a group of friends and family and strangers escape. Journalist Helena Merriman first told the story in the hit BBC podcast Tunnel 29 and has now published a book called Tunnel 29: Love, Espionage and Betrayal: the True Story of an Extraordinary Escape Beneath the Berlin Wall. Named for the number of escapees they helped, it was the biggest and most audacious escape mission since the erection of the wall the year before. Kathryn speaks to Helena Merriman about the incredible heroism of a group of ordinary students.

This year marks 60 years since the building of the Berlin Wall, appearing practically overnight on the 12th -13th of August 1961. It separated families, friends, lovers and even parents from their babies. The wall wouldn't come down for another 28 years, and during that time, at least 140 people would die trying to flee from East to West - but many more succeeded. Tunnel 29 tells the incredible true story of a group of university students who dug a tunnel right under the feet of Berlin Wall border guards, to help a group of friends and family and strangers escape. Journalist Helena Merriman first told the story in the hit BBC podcast Tunnel 29 and has now published a book called Tunnel 29: Love, Espionage and Betrayal: the True Story of an Extraordinary Escape Beneath the Berlin Wall. Named for the number of escapees they helped, it was the biggest and most audacious escape mission since the erection of the wall the year before. Kathryn speaks to Helena Merriman about the incredible heroism of a group of ordinary students.

Helena Merriman: Tunnel 92: Love, espionage and betrayal... with TRE´s Giles Brown

This week, Author and BBC reporter Helena Merriman shares the story of the covert construction of the Berlin Wall, and the way it tore families apart. Hear heartbreaking accounts of "orphaned" children whose parents were alive and well on the other side, lovers separated, and the desperate measures East German citizens took in attempts to escape oppression. How many were able to flee?Helana's book, Tunnel 29: The True Story of an Extraordinary Escape Beneath the Berlin Wall https://www.amazon.com/Tunnel-29-Extraordinary-Escape-Beneath/dp/1541788842Connect with Spycraft 101:IG: @spycraft101Patreon: Spycraft 101Buy the book: here on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Spy-Shots-Tales-World-Espionage/dp/B09BY3WH71/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1628473373&sr=1-2

There were many attempts to escape over and under the Berlin Wall but Tunnel 29 was highly unusual for tunnelling into East Berlin rather than out to the West. Led by Joachim Rudolph, who had himself escaped to West Berlin in 1961, a group of students and refugees tunnelled into the eastern half of the city in an attempt to rescue friends and relatives. This was an extremely perilous mission with the risk of death ever present from the tunnel collapsing or the Stasi discovering their work. Even more bizarrely the whole endeavour was funded and documented by an American film crew as NBC bidding to win the ratings war back in the USA. To tell this heroic tale Dan is joined by broadcast journalist Helena Merriman. Helen presented and produced Tunnel 29 for the BBC and has written a book, Tunnel 29: The True Story of an Extraordinary Escape Beneath the Berlin Wall, all about this incredible escape. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There were many attempts to escape over and under the Berlin Wall but Tunnel 29 was highly unusual for tunnelling into East Berlin rather than out to the West. Led by Joachim Rudolph, who had himself escaped to West Berlin in 1961, a group of students and refugees tunnelled into the eastern half of the city in an attempt to rescue friends and relatives. This was an extremely perilous mission with the risk of death ever present from the tunnel collapsing or the Stasi discovering their work. Even more bizarrely the whole endeavour was funded and documented by an American film crew as NBC bidding to win the ratings war back in the USA. To tell this heroic tale Dan is joined by broadcast journalist Helena Merriman. Helen presented and produced Tunnel 29 for the BBC and has written a book, Tunnel 29: The True Story of an Extraordinary Escape Beneath the Berlin Wall, all about this incredible escape. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The true story of the most remarkable escape tunnel under the Berlin Wall, from the creator of the acclaimed BBC podcast. He's just escaped from one of the world's most brutal regimes. Now, he decides to tunnel back in. It's summer 1962 and Joachim Rudolph, a student, is digging a tunnel under the Berlin Wall. Waiting on the other side in East Berlin - dozens of men, women and children, all willing to risk everything to escape. From the award-winning creator of the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 podcast, Tunnel 29 is the true story of the most remarkable escape tunnel dug under the Berlin Wall. Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews with the survivors and thousands of pages of Stasi documents, Helena Merriman brilliantly reveals the stranger-than-fiction story of the ingenious group of student-diggers, the glamorous red-haired messenger, the American News network which films the escape and the Stasi spy who betrays it. For what Joachim doesn't know as he burrows closer to East Germany, is that the escape operation has been infiltrated. As the escapees prepare to crawl through the cold, wet darkness, above them, the Stasi are closing in. Tunnel 29 is about what happens when people lose their freedom - and how some will do anything to win it back.

History is one of the richest categories in terms of podcasts. Louise and DMR go digging for the History shows you should be listening to and they are joined by Ellie Cawthorne, the host of The History Extra podcast, from the makers of BBC History Magazine. --- episode notes --- Here's a list of all the podcasts that we recommend and talk about in this episode (in order of when we mention them): Part 1 (Podworld's top 4): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/youre-dead-to-me/id1479973402 (You're Dead to Me) (BBC Radio 4, presented by Greg Jenner); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-memory-palace/id299436963 (The Memory Palace) (Nate DiMeo); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/making-gay-history-lgbtq-oral-histories-from-the-archive/id1162447122 (Making Gay History) (Eric Marcus); https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahH6qhTXFoaXZVvSTf5pm?si=h0PcHcD5RSm2BycSYos5Kg (Flex's Semi Factual History Lessons) (Spotify Studios, presented by Flex Mami) Part 2 (guest interview): Our special guest for the History episode is Ellie Cawthorne from the https://www.historyextra.com/article-type/podcast/ (History Extra Podcast) (from the makers of BBC History Magazine). Ellie recommends the following podcasts: the https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep1-tunnel-29-the-escape/id1205462850?i=1000453738437 (Tunnel 29 mini series) from the Intrigue podcast (BBC Radio 4, presented by Helena Merriman), https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/13-minutes-to-the-moon/id1459657136 (13 Minutes to the Moon) (BBC World Service), https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stuff-you-should-know/id278981407 (Stuff You Should Know) (iHeartRadio) and https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/youre-wrong-about/id1380008439 (You're Wrong About) (Michael Hobbes & Sarah Marshall). Part 3 (extras): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/aaron-mahnkes-cabinet-of-curiosities/id1396546917 (Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities) (iHeartRadio and Grim & Mild); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/our-fake-history/id1021703062 (Our Fake History) (PodcasOne); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/gastropod/id918896288 (Gastropod) (Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dan-carlins-hardcore-history/id173001861 (Dan Carlin's Hardcore History) (Dan Carlin); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/someone-knows-something/id1089216339 (Someone Know Something) (CBC Podcasts); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/criminal/id809264944 (Criminal) (Criminal & Radiotopia, presented by Phoebe Judge); You Must Remember This (Karina Longworth); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/you-must-remember-manson/id1315652782 (You Must Remember Manson) (Karina Longworth); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lore/id978052928 (Lore) (Aaron Mahnke and Grim & Wild) Listener recommendations: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sidedoor/id1168154281 (Sidedoor) (Smithsonian Institute); https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-history-of-the-world-in-100-objects/id351096296 (A History of the World in 100 Objects) (BBC Radio 4) Credits: This episode of Podworld was produced and edited by Louise Blain (https://twitter.com/Shiny_Demon (@shiny_demon)) and David Maher Roberts (https://twitter.com/dmrpod (@dmrpod)). Graphics by Dylan Channon. Research by Ella Maher Roberts. Theme music by Dan Phillipson (via Premiumbeat). And a big thank you to the team at https://twitter.com/dialect_inc (Dialect) for their never-ending support!

Following on from this week's British Podcast Awards ceremony, Amanda Litherland speaks to some of this year's winners. Firstly, the awards co-creator Matt Deegan takes up behind the scenes at the virtual ceremony, which involved 19 outside broadcasts. Then we hear from the team behind Best New Podcast, The Log Books. Tash Walker, Adam Smith and Shivani Dave discuss how they used the archive logs of Switchboard - the LGBTQ+ helpline, to tell stories from the community in the 70s and 80s. Helena Merriman, creator of Best Radio Podcast and Moment Of The Year winner Tunnel 29, gives tips on successful storytelling. And we speak to Podcast of the Year and Best Sex & Relationships podcast - Brown Girls Do It Too. Presenters Poppy Begum and Rubina Pabani, and producer Rayhan Rahman talk about how their podcast has opened up conversations around sex in the British-Asian community.

For most of her life, Janice Wilson suffered from strange and terrifying attacks at night. She would wake up, suddenly, feeling as though she was being choked or strangled. The next day, there would be blood on her pillow. Sometimes she’d have up to 50 of these attacks a night. It left her terrified and exhausted. For years, doctors put it down to psychological problems due to a trauma in her past. Then she met a doctor who found the astonishing, true cause. In “The Diagnosis”, Janice and the doctor who diagnosed her come together in a studio, to tell this remarkable story. The programme is presented and produced by Helena Merriman, who was inspired to tell other people’s stories of diagnosis after receiving her own surprise diagnosis a few years ago. Editor: Emma Rippon

“We have a tunnel.” The diggers are on the hunt for money and make an unlikely alliance.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“If you don't have a coffee, then bring me a cognac.” Ellen's plan is derailed. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

I said "ok, I'll do it”. Ellen, Mimmo's girlfriend, agrees to play a dangerous role.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“I choose the codename Fred.” A hairdresser becomes a Stasi spy.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

“That's the first time I saw her again.” Wolfdieter's show trial begins. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“And then my interrogation began.” The escape operation unravels. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“We had no chance to be together.” The diggers hatch a new plan, unaware the Stasi are onto them. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“If we could hear them, they could hear us.” The diggers reach the terrifying death strip.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“I started dancing with Eveline.” A final twist in the final chapter.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

“I choose the codename Fred.” A hairdresser becomes a Stasi spy.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“I didn't want to be a part of this new world.” Joachim is on holiday in East Germany when he hears Berlin is to be divided. The wall is built and the escapes begin. Joachim has to decide whether he'll be among them. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. It's also the story of the Stasi spy who betrays the tunnel, the American TV network which funds it and the love that develops between refugees who find freedom together. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“We have a tunnel.” The diggers are on the hunt for money and make an unlikely alliance.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

“I didn't want to be a part of this new world.” Joachim is on holiday in East Germany when he hears Berlin is to be divided. The wall is built and the escapes begin. Joachim has to decide whether he'll be among them.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. It's also the story of the Stasi spy who betrays the tunnel, the American TV network which funds it and the love that develops between refugees who find freedom together.The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

“If you don't have a coffee, then bring me a cognac.” Ellen's plan is derailed.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

I said "ok, I'll do it”. Ellen, Mimmo's girlfriend, agrees to play a dangerous role.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

“That's the first time I saw her again.” Wolfdieter's show trial begins.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

“We had no chance to be together.” The diggers hatch a new plan, unaware the Stasi are onto them.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

“If we could hear them, they could hear us.” The diggers reach the terrifying death strip.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

“And then my interrogation began.” The escape operation unravels.Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel.Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt#tunnel29

“I started dancing with Eveline.” A final twist in the final chapter. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“If we could hear them, they could hear us.” The diggers reach the terrifying death strip. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“We had no chance to be together.” The diggers hatch a new plan, unaware the Stasi are onto them. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“I started dancing with Eveline.” A final twist in the final chapter. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“If you don’t have a coffee, then bring me a cognac.” Ellen's plan is derailed. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

I said "ok, I'll do it”. Ellen, Mimmo's girlfriend, agrees to play a dangerous role. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“That’s the first time I saw her again.” Wolfdieter's show trial begins. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“And then my interrogation began.” The escape operation unravels. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“I didn’t want to be a part of this new world.” Joachim is on holiday in East Germany when he hears Berlin is to be divided. The wall is built and the escapes begin. Joachim has to decide whether he'll be among them. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. It’s also the story of the Stasi spy who betrays the tunnel, the American TV network which funds it and the love that develops between refugees who find freedom together. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“I choose the codename Fred.” A hairdresser becomes a Stasi spy. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

“We have a tunnel.” The diggers are on the hunt for money and make an unlikely alliance. Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound Design: Eloise Whitmore Translation and additional research: Sabine Schereck Editor: Richard Knight Joachim Rudolph's original interviews voiced by Mark Edel Hunt #tunnel29

Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena MerrimanSound design: Eloise WhitmoreEditor: Richard Knight#tunnel29

Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Helena Merriman tells the extraordinary true story of a man who dug a tunnel into the East, right under the feet of border guards, to help friends, family and strangers escape. The series is based on original interviews with the survivors as well as thousands of documents from the Stasi archives and recordings from the tunnel. Producer & Presenter: Helena Merriman Sound design: Eloise Whitmore Editor: Richard Knight #tunnel29

Helena Merriman with numbers about water shortage, plastic recycling and American jobs.

On 30 June this year, a study was released in one of the world's top scientific journals. It explained how a group of scientists who had been measuring the amount of ozone in the stratosphere had made a startling observation: the hole in the ozone layer had shrunk. Here, they said, was the first clear evidence that the ozone layer had begun to heal. So how did this happen? Helena Merriman tells a story that involves dogged scientific endeavour, the burgeoning green movement of the 1980s and the signing of what has been described as the most successful treaty ever created. Producers: Lucy Proctor and Hannah Sander.

Feedback returns with the BBC Radio issues that matter most to you - from the coverage of Junior Doctors' debate and David Bowie's death, to a tough listen in The Archers and a documentary that invites you to see with your ears. When David Bowie died, Radio 4's news programmes dedicated much of the day's coverage to the star. Many listeners felt the coverage was disproportionate. Jamie Angus, editor of the Today programme, speaks to presenter Roger Bolton to address complaints that the BBC let emotion override objectivity. Jamie Angus also hears listeners' views on how his programme has been covering the Junior Doctors' contract debate. Listeners on both sides have concerns and question whether the BBC is picking the right people to represent the arguments and whether statements from the BMA and the government are being properly scrutinised. Rob Titchener's relentless abuse of his wife Helen has been captivating many of the Ambridge faithful, but has also been forcing some to turn off their radios. Listeners debate whether the storyline is unmissable drama in the best tradition of the programme, or a subject that is just too painful to return to day in, day out. And stop, stand still and listen. That's what listeners did when journalist Helena Merriman told them to during her documentary Batman and Ethan. The programme featured Ethan, a blind ten year old learning to explore the world through a technique called echolocation, which uses sound to create a picture of his environment. Roger Bolton speaks to Helena about recreating something that only blind people can understand, and asks if highlighting the unusual technique risks creating unrealistic expectations for many blind people. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Ethan was born blind. He's now a 10 year-old boy who collects sounds on his 51 dictaphones, composes music, and performs on stage in concerts. Until now he's been home-schooled, but last year he was offered a place at St Mary's Music School in Scotland - one of the best in the country. The problem is he struggles to get around. This is where Batman comes in. His real name is Daniel Kish and like Ethan he's blind. He's a master of echolocation. He makes clicking noises - like a bat - to build a picture of the world around him. Neuroscientists have done experiments on him and found that he's managed to activate the visual part of his brain. He's taught people all over the world to "see through sound" and he's so good at it that he goes hiking, cycling and rock-climbing. "Batman" (Daniel) comes to Scotland to spend 10 days with Ethan, to teach him echolocation and help him prepare for his new school. The documentary follows Ethan's progress as he learns from Daniel Kish. Listeners are introduced to the principles of echolocation, they follow Ethan practicing at home, on the train and at his new school. They're brought into Ethan's world, through music composed specially by Ethan, and they're with him on his birthday, on long walks in the Scottish hills, right through to his experience at school. We follow Ethan up to his final day of term to find out how he's done, and see how he copes with his biggest challenge yet: playing an accordion solo with the orchestra at the school concert. Produced and presented by Helena Merriman.

Recent high profile cases of unarmed black men dying at the hands of the US police have sparked outrage, protests and civil unrest in several American cities. The deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Walter Scott and Freddie Gray are - some claim - evidence of long-standing problems with police racism and excessive violence. But what do we really know about what's happening? Helena Merriman explores the issues of racism, bias and police use of force. And the head of President Obama's taskforce on police reform, Charles Ramsey, tells us that fixing the problem will involve much more than just fixing the police. (Photo copyright: Reuters)

Should we beware the machines? Professor Stephen Hawking has warned the rise of Artificial Intelligence could mean the end of the human race. He's joined other renowned scientists urging computer programmers to focus not just on making machines smarter, but also ensuring they promote the good and not the bad. How seriously should we take the warnings that super-intelligent machines could turn on us? And what does AI teach us about what it means to be human? Helena Merriman examines the risks, the opportunities and how we might avoid being turned into paperclips. Producer: Sally Abrahams.

A recent study has shown that sad music has become increasingly popular, but why do people choose to listen to it, and what goes on in the brain and the body when they do so? Helena Merriman speaks to Japanese pianist and music researcher Dr Ai Kawakami who has some surprising answers about some of the positive feelings people experience when they listen to sad music. American writer Amanda Stern tells Helena why she regularly listens (and cries) to sad music and British composer Debbie Wiseman, known for her moving TV and film scores, explains what makes a piece of music sound sad. You'll also hear pieces of sad music suggested by BBC listeners from all over the world. (Photo: A woman with headphones on, listening to sad music. BBC copyright)

Hong Kong's government is preparing to clear the streets after weeks of protest. The demonstrators want direct talks with Beijing over who gets on the ballot for the 2017 Hong Kong election. But there is more than politics at play. China has had almost a generation to win hearts and minds in Hong Kong - a time when the mainland population has become increasingly nationalistic. What has gone wrong in Hong Kong? Our four experts tell a story of snobbery, arrogance and perhaps unrealistic expectations on both sides. Helena Merriman presents.

For thousands of years, in every corner of the world, people have been gardening – including in war and in prisons. Helena Merriman explores the peculiar magic of garden and asks why people take so much pleasure in it. She talks to the designer of 58 of China's public gardens, finds out what swimming mice reveal about the secret properties of soil and hears about the extraordinary lengths one man went to create a garden in Guantanamo Bay. (Image of a Classical Chinese Garden. Credit: Shutterstock)

Helena Merriman goes on the trail of Egypt's secret police files to find out the stories of those whose names were listed in them and to find out whether the files - now in the possession of the new state security police - will ever be made public.

In 1948, London hosted what became known as the "Austerity Olympics".The games were held just three years after the end of World War II - in a city where streets were still scarred by bombing and Londoners still lived on rationing.The Olympics helped lift the mood of the nation.Helena Merriman talks to Dorothy Tyler, who competed in the high jump in 1948.This programme was first broadcast in 2010.PHOTO: Dorothy Tyler in action (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)