12 Years That Shook the World

In 1937, Erwin Haber, a Jewish boy from Austria, had just turned 13. But months later when the Nazis take over his country, Erwin will be forced to navigate the world without his parents— and help his little sister and grandmother survive the Nazi reign of terror. Featuring Museum researcher Dr. Belinda Blomberg. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution. View Episode Transcript Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to podcast@ushmm.org.

15 Sep 202224min

When Frieda Belinfante’s home country of the Netherlands is invaded by the Nazis in 1940, she leaves her flourishing music career to join the resistance movement. In defiance of the Nazi regime, Frieda, a lesbian, will risk her life to protect Jews, musicians, and other members of her community. Featuring Museum historian Dr. Jake Newsome. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution. View Episode Transcript Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to podcast@ushmm.org.

15 Sep 202227min

Explore the lives of real people, who make unexpected choices that have major impacts. In this season of 12 Years That Shook the World, we bring you more stories from Holocaust history that may surprise you. View Episode Transcript Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to podcast@ushmm.org.

15 Sep 20221min

When the Germans invade the Soviet Union in 1941, three Jewish brothers prepare to fight back. Tuvia, Zus, and Asael Bielski hide in a dense forest, and form a group of resistance fighters. While surviving in the forbidding wilderness, they also rescue Jews, and try to hold on to a sense of community. Featuring historian Dr. J. Luke Ryder. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution. View Episode Transcript Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to podcast@ushmm.org.

28 Apr 202125min

All her life, Pauline Kneissler wanted to become a nurse. And in 1939, she is recruited by the Nazis to be a nurse in a secret killing operation. Will she be forced to murder? Or will she choose to become a killer? Featuring historian Dr. Patricia Heberer-Rice. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution. View Episode Transcript Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to podcast@ushmm.org

21 Apr 202112min

Hans Scholl, his sister Sophie, and his friends at the University of Munich secretly form a resistance group called “The White Rose.” They distribute messages condemning the Nazi regime, and speak out on behalf of Jews. Until one morning in 1943, they’re caught. Featuring Dr. Rebecca Dupas. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution. View Episode Transcript Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to podcast@ushmm.org

14 Apr 202122min

Kurt Gerstein, a Nazi SS officer, is asked to supply the chemical Zyklon B to the Auschwitz killing center in 1942. But once Gerstein sees that the chemical will be used to murder Jews in gas chambers— he makes an unexpected move. Featuring historian Dr. Jürgen Matthäus. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution. View Episode Transcript Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to podcast@ushmm.org

7 Apr 202120min

While visiting Vienna, Austria with her family in March 1938, American Helen Baker finds herself caught up in a pivotal moment. She watches as the Nazis move in and annex Austria. Then, she steps into the story, herself. Featuring historian Dr. Rebecca Erbelding. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution. View Episode Transcript Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to podcast@ushmm.org

31 Mar 202122min