Best Jonny Whitlam Podcasts (2025)

1
S3E9: Wernher von Braun 57:10

14d ago57:10

57:10

This episode we dive into the ins and outs of Wernher von Braun’s wartime credentials, before the Americans would be faced with the decision of whether or not his file needed a paperclip to begin with. (It did!) Contrasting heavily from last episode’s Klaus Fuchs, we look at someone whose humanity always came second to his ambition as a scientist i…

1
S3E8: Klaus Fuchs: WW2 Nuclear Weapons Physicist and Spy 57:42

28d ago57:42

57:42

Excellent at mathematics, physics, and possibly even better at being an all round nice guy. Jonny tells us about the life of Klaus Fuchs and his roll in the melodrama of THE BOMB in 1945. Fleeing the Nazi regime, his relationship with Max Born, life as a German in WW2 Britain, his traumatic journey to Canada and his triumphant journey to the US and…

1
S3E7: Emil Jannings and Marlene Dietrich 1:04:02

1M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

Marlene Dietrich and Emil Jannings were two of the biggest stars in both Weimar Germany and Hollywood in the early 20th century…they’re not that bothered about each other, but they would star together in The Blue Angel, filmed precisely as Wall Street crashed, catapulting them off into wildly different directions, personally, professionally and pol…

1
S3E6: The Potsdam Conference 53:33

2M ago53:33

53:33

The Potsdam Conference... The Pozi Confs for those in the know, as you are soon to be. It’s like summer camp for if you’ve been a good boy and defeated Nazi Germany in Europe. You all get together and decide what the hell do we do now? Stalin and Molotov are there, having a BLAST. The newly elected Labour Party of the UK forgot their swimming trunk…

1
S3E5: Nazi WWII Surrender in Berlin 48:56

2M ago48:56

48:56

World War II is over in Europe. But technically, like how? Who's involved? What's in Karlshorst? What will Marshall Zhukov be drinking and who IS Julie Busted? Inquiring minds want to know. Join us as we start to find a bit more brevity & levity in this series of War and despair. And reflect on the madness of a few people making decisions for huge …

1
S3E4: The Battle of Berlin 1:17:36

3M ago1:17:36

1:17:36

++++Content warning for violence and sexual violence, not one for youngsters or those of a senitive nature to these topics ++++ The Curse of the Dodgy Microphone! We've been trying to find ways to record remotely, and Pip had a bit of trouble this time, but you'll pull through, we believe in you! In this episode Jonny leads Pip through some of the …

1
Gregory Kunde 2:52:25

3M ago2:52:25

2:52:25

Episode 21! What a pleasure to sit down with a living legend! Gregory Kunde is an international tenor whose career has spanned almost 50 years. He's been an inspiration to me as well as a teacher and mentor. I hope you all enjoy this chat and make sure to find and attend one of Greg's future performances. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Kunde…

1
S3E3: The Battle of Seelow Heights 37:02

3M ago37:02

37:02

80 years ago the Battle of Seelow Heights was the final hurdle for Stalin’s Red Army before reaching Hitler’s fascist capital, Berlin. Before the Battle of Berlin could begin, Soviet troops needed to cross the Oder river, break through several lines of German defences, and capture all the small towns and villages on the approach to Berlin. In this …

1
S3E2: Ravensbrück Concentration Camp Part 2: Prisoner Stories with Berlin con Pablo 1:14:20

4M ago1:14:20

1:14:20

We continue our discussion about Ravensbrück concentration camp and to reflect on the 80 year anniversary of its liberation with Pablo aka Berlin con Pablo, who's been guiding Spanish language vistiors to Berlin for many years! We each bring a story of an individual woman's survival of Ravensbrück: Neus Català, Yevgenia Lasarevna Klemm, and Odette …

1
S3E1: Ravensbrück Concentration Camp Part 1: The History of the Camp 1:06:40

4M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Spring 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II. We're kicking off this season, focused on WWII, by discussing Ravensbrück concentration camp, the only camp purpose built for women under the Nazi regime. In this first of two parts, we take a look at whom this camp was built for, who ran it day to day, and how it changed dramatical…

1
S2E11: Berlin: The Early Days with History of the Germans 1:10:07

5M ago1:10:07

1:10:07

Dearest Listener! Please enjoy this very special bonus episode! We welcome Dirk Hoffmann-Becking, from The History of the Germans Podcast. If there’s something this man doesn’t know about the Wittelsbachs, I sure as hell don’t want to hear about it! Dirk takes Jonny and I from the earliest context surrounding the founding of Berlin and introduces u…

1
Special Announcement - Women's Day Tour, 11:00, Sat Mar 8 0:42

6M ago0:42

0:42

‼️👉 Click here to sign up! 👈‼️ Link not working? Look up “Pay What You Want Tour - International Women's Day Special with Pip Roper” on eventbrite.com Pay What You Want Tour - International Women's Day Special with Pip Roper It’s international Women’s Day! Come along for a special tour led by Pip Roper of History Flakes, Gender Historian and highly…

1
S2E9: Josephine Baker 1:03:26

6M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Josephine Baker...Josi Bakes as we've taken to calling her, respectfully. Fizzing with energy, talent, and pure GUMPTION. The only African American woman to be inducted in the Pantheon of France. Her story takes us from the poverty and violence of segregated St. Louis, to the scandalously modern revues of interwar Europe. Beloved in Berlin, but fin…

1
S2E8: Stella Goldschlag with Matti Geyer 54:29

7M ago54:29

54:29

Join us for a discussion with Berlin tour guiding legend Matti Geyer, as we tackle the sad, mad and certainly very bad Stella Goldschlag. Born and raised to a secular Jewish Berlin family, she would take advantage of her ability to pass as 'aryan' to aid the Gestapo as a chief ‘Greifer’ or ‘catcher’ of Jewish people during the Nazi period. We talk …

1
George Fennell 2:19:43

7M ago2:19:43

2:19:43

Episode 20! Hey friends, Happy New Year! I hope everyone survived the holidays. In the episode of the Cigawi Podcast I had the unique opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives with my dad, George Fennell. He is a retired public school music educator and still active as a teacher, performer, and conductor. I hope you all enjoy this unique podca…

1
S2E7: Stalinallee & Karl-Marx-Allee 57:46

7M ago57:46

57:46

How to build a new country Step 1: No, not like that! Step 2: Stalin, do you like your birthday present? Step 3: We must make Stalin a nice birthday present, this time while singing a catchy song. Step 4: Oh, Stalin, are you dead? This episode Pip & Jonny explore how the grand buildings on Karl-Marx-Allee, formerly Stalinallee, came to be. The stor…

1
S2E6: Angela Davis 47:25

7M ago47:25

47:25

What happened when civil rights activist, one-time FBI’s most wanted, scourge of J Edgar Hoover, Angela Davis met the GDR? A lot actually. Want to find out? Join us as we dive into Angela’s early years and into her eventful 20s, growing up surrounded by threats of death and violence in the southern US to studying in Paris, Frankfurt and Berlin. And…

1
S2E5: 2024 Christmas Special with Berlin Companion 53:51

8M ago53:51

53:51

And what a special it is! We're joined by the Berlin Companion herself, Beata Gontarczyk-Krampe, author of the wonderful Berlin Companion blog. Beata's deep dives into Berlin history most people have never heard of are consitently fascinating and delightful. If you like this show, you'll love her blog! Beata blessed us with surprising stories of Be…

1
S2 E4: Frederick the Great 1:01:43

8M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

What makes a king “Great”? In this episode, we follow up on our exploration of Frederick’s intense and domineering father, the Soldier King, to uncover what shaped Frederick into a true Renaissance man. With secret lessons in music and literature, famously philosphers, the flute, and an incredible instinct for survival, Frederick became one of hist…

1
S2 E3: The Soldier King 1:02:57

9M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

THIS guy...This. Guy. Meet Friedrich Wilhelm II. The Soldier King. Father of Friedrich the Great, second ever King of Prussia. He's a fighter not a lover, unless you're over 6 foot, in which case watch out, he might love you so hard you'll be taken away to join his battalion of giant human toy soldiers. In what was a surprisingly fulfilling fall do…

1
S2 E2: The East German Coffee Crisis 44:38

9M ago44:38

44:38

Wanna have a coffee? Well, I hope you're not an East German in the '70s & '80s, 'cos it's gonna be tough (and taste like wood). On this episode of History Flakes Pip & Jonny dive deep into the lukewarm cup of coffee that is East Germany's struggle to procure the brown stuff for its people. To do that we've enlisted the help of TikTok's own Call Me …

1
Special Episode - Tour of Zentralfriedhof Friedrichsfelde 1:21:47

10M ago1:21:47

1:21:47

Come enjoy an atmospheric walk around a cemetery bursting with history! Let's explore the Zentralfriedhof Friedrichsfelde in this beautiful, golden Autumn together. Listen at home, or follow along with a blog post, map, and photos - you could even follow the route as you walk through the cemetery! How do you do that? Check out this link to find a m…

1
S2 E1: Nosferatu and F.W. Murnau 51:06

10M ago51:06

51:06

Dear Listener, Come closer to the fire, pull your shawl a little tighter about your shoulders...pay no attention to the pale looking figure staring longingly at your neck from the shadows. It is our great pleasure to kick off History Flakes Season 2 with a celebration of Halloween and the story of film maker F. W. Murnau and his most infamous film …

1
Amy Harris 2:16:41

10M ago2:16:41

2:16:41

Episode 19! Amy Harris is a soprano and also the general manager of the Berlin Academy of American Music (BAAM). I really enjoyed our conversation and her unique perspective! Be sure to check out her website www.amyharrissoprano.com and BAAM's website www.baamorch.de. Be kind everybody! Support the show…

1
Episode 13: History Flakes Live! Max Schmeling 30:11

12M ago30:11

30:11

Let's dive into the wild and bruising life of Germany’s best-known pugilist, Max Schmeling—the man who went from Weimar wonder to darling of Nazi propaganda, and somehow managed to emerge in post-WWII West Germany with an intact reputation. Schmeling’s life reads like a script from the golden age of cinema—coming of age in the chaos of Weimar Germa…

1
Episode 12: History Flakes Live! Anita Berber 31:09

12M ago31:09

31:09

Anita Berber, pioneering dance performer extraordinaire, or violent thieving drug-addled lunatic? Why not both!? Join us during our first live recording as we talk about the life and times of Anita Berber, the ultimate performance wunderkind of Weimar Berlin. There’s quite a bit bubbling up under the surface, and the inter-war peace feels pretty te…

1
Episode 11: Markus Wolf, Stasi Foreign Intelligence Chief - Part Two 1:08:52

1y ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Finally, the most important part of any super spy’s career… Le Sex. Markus Wolf continues to prove himself second to none in spy mastery. We hear about his highs and lows…but mostly highs because he wrote the book on himself which we’re using and he’s both humble but amazing actually (and epic in bed). Join us as we try to remain un-seduced by Mark…

1
Jonny Whitlam 2:39:16

1y ago2:39:16

2:39:16

Episode 18! This was a fun one. Jonny Whitlam is a Berlin tour guide and very active on social media as well. Make sure to check out his Instagram/TikTok @whitlamsberlintours and his website: www.whitlam-berlin-tours.com. He also co-hosts a podcast with Pip Roper called History Flakes-The Berlin History Podcast. I talk a lot of shit especially abou…

1
Episode 10: Markus Wolf, Stasi Foreign Intelligence Chief - Part One 48:38

1y ago48:38

48:38

Who’s the greatest spy that ever spied and love machine spreading Communism throughout the world? WOLF! Markus Wolf that is. Join us as we discuss the early days of the elusive and seductive spy master of East Germany. Born in Germany, raised partially in the Soviet Union during WWII to committed communist parents, Wolf is perfectly placed to estab…

1
Episode 9: Tempelhofer Feld 49:54

1y ago49:54

49:54

Where can you find a former air field, military parading ground, amusement park, Turkish cemetery, concentration camp and kite surfer’s paradise?! Not all at the same time, it’s Tempelhofer Feld of course!!! We’re going through the history of this one incredible site which dates back over 800 years, starting on the fringes of what will become the m…

1
Episode 8: Ruhleben Football Association 39:32

1y ago39:32

39:32

Are you enjoying the Football? Or do you feel like it’s very much happening at you?! Either way, enjoy the latest episode of History Flakes! How else would you know that there was an English Football league in Berlin during WWI? Crazy! Find about Derby Legend Steve Bloomer and what the hell Bumberino is, I think you’re gonna like it! ++++++ You can…

1
Geoff Loff 3:36:38

1y ago3:36:38

3:36:38

Episode 17! Today I sat down with conductor and pianist Geoff Loff. We shared some funny stories, some laughs, and a few beers. He was a super fun guest! Make sure to follow his career at the Komische Oper Berlin, his Instagram, and his website: http://www.geoffloff.com Take care everybody and hope you enjoy! Support the show…

1
Episode 7: Broadcasting to the Enemy in WWII 39:16

1y ago39:16

39:16

This episode is a 3 in 1! We talk about 3 distinct characters broadcasting to enemy soldiers during WW2. William Joyce, aka Lord Haw Haw, a seemingly confused Irishman with a pretty serious alcohol problem. Mildred Gillers, aka Axis Sally, a failing, racist actress, who would be labelled as particularly stupid by the FBI, and Iva Toguri D'Aquino ak…

1
Episode 6: Law & Justice in Nazi Germany (Part 2) 48:52

1y ago48:52

48:52

Ok, let’s see how this guy ends. In part 2 of our episode on Law and Justice in Nazi Germany we talk about some of the big legal events which make life increasingly difficult for those categorised 'undesirable' by the Nazi regime and sees Roland progress in his attempt to gain full control of the Nazi legal system, right the way up to this sudden a…

1
Episode 5: Law & Justice in Nazi Germany Part 1: Establishing the Dictatorship 52:22

1+ y ago52:22

52:22

Strap in nerds. In the first episode of our first two-parter, we use the career of Roland Freisler to track some of the huge legal changes that would secure the dictatorship of the Third Reich. We get up to 1934 here, where the Nazis are on the cusp of becoming the one and only political force in the country, having outlawed all other parties. Watc…

1
Episode 4: All That Jazz in Berlin 48:05

1+ y ago48:05

48:05

This episode we'll be talking about Jazz's reception in Berlin and Germany more broadly, from its early arrival in the 20s to the Third Reich's attempts to stamp it out. Minister for Propaganada and Enlightenment Joseph Goebbels has a plan to make really cool and great white supremacist music actually… but the results are as one might expect. We al…

1
Mane Galoyan 1:56:42

1+ y ago1:56:42

1:56:42

Episode 16! Hi friends! I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the great young professionals in the opera world: soprano, Mane Galoyan. In this podcast she shares her origin story as well as advice for young singers. Be sure to check out the schedule page on her website and enjoy our chat! Be kind everyone! https://www.manegaloyan.com/ Supp…

1
Episode 3: S-Bahn Murderer 58:39

1+ y ago58:39

58:39

Just weeks before the beginning of the Second World War, a dark spectre begins to stalk a particular section of the S-Bahn train line in Berlin. The press under Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels is loathe to publish news of anything but glorious German victory and the crimes of their supposed enemies within and without. As more and more wome…

1
Episode 2: Salka Viertel 42:49

1+ y ago42:49

42:49

You know how it is, you want Greta Garbo in your next Hollywood Talkie, but she's awkward and weird and won't get on the phone, you need Salka Viertel. Weimar Theatre Actress, Consummate Hostess, tireless anti-fascist, Garbo whisperer. You might not have heard of Salka Viertel but some of the greatest connections and collaborations made in the earl…

1
Episode 1: The November Revolution 45:12

1+ y ago45:12

45:12

It’s November in Germany, so you know that there's History afoot. Join Jonny Whitlam and Pip Roper as we discuss some of the context leading up to the November Revolution, (29th October-9th November) and try to detangle the confusion of those in the thick of it. Kaiser Wilhelm II doesn’t know when to leave the party, Rosa Luxemburg’s fresh out of p…

1
Brian Deedrick 1:55:42

1+ y ago1:55:42

1:55:42

Episode 15! Today I sat down with opera director Brian Deedrick. Brian has been one of the champions of opera and theater in the world and a dear friend of mine. He's had an amazing international career: https://www.operabase.com/artists/brian-deedrick-2329/en. Hope you enjoy our chat! Remember to download and subscribe! Support the show…

1
Perry Eff 2:25:32

2y ago2:25:32

2:25:32

Episode 14! I sit down with Scottish born, but Berlin based, comedian Perry Eff. Perry and partner Shawn Jay host a comedy show every week at the Pala restaurant called Berlin Rooftop comedy. He also travels the world doing stand-up. Here's the website for Backlash and Rooftop Comedy: https://www.shawnjay.com/backlashcomedy I hope you enjoy our cha…

1
Allan R. Scott 2:36:49

2y ago2:36:49

2:36:49

Episode 13! Hi everyone! Here's my conversation with Maestro Allan R. Scott. I've always been so impressed with Allan's musical instincts and insight. Not only is he a wonderful musician, he's a great ambassador for music. I'm so honoured that he could make time for my podcast in his busy schedule. You can find his expanded biography and performanc…

1
Shaun Choo 1:27:33

2y ago1:27:33

1:27:33

Episode 12! Hi guys, I had a pretty tough and busy winter and spring, but I'm back and with the fantastic young pianist Shaun Choo. As usual, we talk about whatever comes up, but I'd like to highlight in the notes here a music festival in Berlin 10-15 July that Shaun single handedly organised called Fiestravaganza. All concerts are free and will fe…

1
Garrett Keast 2:15:47

2+ y ago2:15:47

2:15:47

Episode 11! I'm back after a pause for some gigs and a bout with corona. Garrett Keast is the founder and conductor of the Berlin Academy of American Music. Their album, Transatlantic, has received 5 star reviews from BBC Music. Dec. 3, 2022 his orchestra gives a concert at the Konzertsaal Siemans Villa in Berlin featuring music by Caroline Shaw, J…

1
Andrew Nolen 2 2:11:53

3y ago2:11:53

2:11:53

Episode 10! One of the coolest guys I know Andrew Nolen comes over for a chat. We touch on a variety of topics ranging from modern opera to Top Gun 2. Hope you all enjoy! Be kind to one another! Love, Eric Support the showBy Eric Fennell

1
Kat Koan 3:11:24

3+ y ago3:11:24

3:11:24

Episode 9! Berlin based musician Kat Koan joins me back in my home studio. Kat just released a new album in LP format available on her website: www.katkoan.com. Check out her video on Youtube: Lost Souls. She also has great content on her Instagram including videos made with her husband Patrick Tichy who was also a guest on my podcast. The play-in …

1
Matija Meic´ 2:17:06

3+ y ago2:17:06

2:17:06

Episode 8! This is my first podcast recorded outside my home studio. I sit down with my friend and colleague and Croatian baritone Matija Meic´. We're singing in Rigoletto together in Munich's Gätnerplatztheater. He's a next generation baritone who will be making his debut singing Rigoletto this month. Enjoy and be kind everyone! Matija' webpage: O…

1
Patrick Tichy 2:25:37

3+ y ago2:25:37

2:25:37

Episode 7! Patrick Tichy is an internationally acclaimed cinematographer and one of my best hockey buddies here in Berlin. Check out his website at Patricktichy.com and his Instagram at tichypatrick. Stay well everybody and be kind! Support the showBy Eric Fennell

1
Garrett Keast 1:46:45

3+ y ago1:46:45

1:46:45

Episode 6! Garrett Keast is hopefully the first of many conductors I get on the podcast. He's the founder and music director of the Berlin Academy of American Music. He just released an album called Transatlantic which also features soprano Chen Reiss and flutist Stathis Karapanos. Check out Garrett's website: here. Check out Buzzsprout: click here…

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