
Greece joins the European Union (1981)
05/1/2026 | 16 mins.
This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all.From a Europe recovering from World War II to the fledgling Greece emerging from a military dictatorship, this episode unravels how Greece’s desire for democracy and economic stability led it to find solace with the European Economic Community (EEC), building the foundation for the current European Union. We highlight complex narratives, from the tension of Turkey's potential EU membership to internal upheavals in Greece. We discuss key figures, like Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis and European Commission President Roy Harris Jenkins, who played instrumental roles in this diplomatic dance. We also venture into the criticism, debates, and fears which swirled around Greece's union with the EU, worrying voices about potential loss of economic benefit, national sovereignty, and cultural identity. An entrancing look at the intricate, multifaceted journey of a nation, join us as we uncover Greece's footprint on the spacious landscape of the European Union — an unforgettable exploration of an event whose ripples still influence present - day narratives. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance. Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)
29/12/2025 | 21 mins.
This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all. Listen to the story of life and legacy of one of the most monumental figures in global history - Nelson Mandela. A beacon of human resilience, we cover the racial segregation rampant in South Africa during his birth in 1918, through the pivotal milestones of his life and struggle towards freedom and equality. Experience Mandela's journey, painted in stark contrasts of struggle and triumph, resilience and tragedy. In tracing the footsteps of Mandela and acknowledging the depths of his journey against adversity, we unveil the transformative power of an individual’s determination and resilience to usher societal change. Subscribe to our show for a regular dose of bedtime history. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance. Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

Opium Wars and the establishment of European spheres of influence in China (19th century)
22/12/2025 | 15 mins.
This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all. In this episode we draw the curtains back on Britannia's potentially nefarious plot to tilt the Asian trading silver-balance to their side using opium, sparking a fiery conflict that would leave indelible scars. Discover how the echoes of European influence resonate through the transformative architecture, linguistic developments, and cultural nuances that help shape China's identity today. We shall become acquainted with the resilient figures who graced this historic stage, such as the steadfast Lin Zexu and strategic Lord Palmerston. Unwrap this deeply human tale that blends diverse threads of power, influence, and cultural evolution, creating an intriguing narrative that decorated the landscape of 19th-century China, and subtly moulded its contemporary identity. Satisfy your historical curiosity with 'Sleep with History'. Subscribe to our show. This episode is hosted by Sera Chance. Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)
15/12/2025 | 18 mins.
This Winter: the original Season 1 collection - the episodes that started it all. In this first episode of Sleep with History we'll traverse the battlefields, castles, and corridors of power during a period marked by honor, treachery, innovation, and resilience. We are about to explore the Hundred Years' War, a monumental conflict that shaped European destiny. Discover what led to this century-long struggle between two mighty powers, England and France. What was the role of legendary figures like Joan of Arc and Henry V? How did technological innovations like the devastating longbow forever change warfare? And what impact did this prolonged conflict have on the daily lives of ordinary people? More than a battle for territorial control, learn how the Hundred Years' War was a clash of cultures, identities, and rivalries simmering for generations but also a period of creativity and innovation, even amidst the turmoil of war. Gain insights into the decline of feudalism, the emergence of modern nation-states, and the birth of a new era in European history. Join us on this voyage to a fascinating era of knights and kings, battles and sieges. Our sleepcasts are produced to inform, entertain and promote a good night's rest. Awaken refreshed and informed, with Sleep with History. Don't forget to subscribe to make you you don't miss future episodes. This episode is hosted by Chris Slone. Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm

Founding of the City of Constantinople (330 CE)
10/12/2025 | 24 mins.
In the twilight of a faltering Roman Empire, the foundations of Constantinople were set, a city born from the vision of Constantine the Great amidst a time of tumult and transformation. As the empire writhed under the weight of internal strife and external threats, this new capital emerged as a beacon of hope and renewal, straddling the vibrant collision of Europe and Asia. It was here, on the cusp of two continents, that Constantine sculpted his legacy, intertwining the spiritual with the sovereign, crafting a city that would stand as a fulcrum of culture, trade, and faith. Drift with us into the serene echoes of Constantinoples inception, where history whispers tales of resurgence and dreams of empire. This episode is hosted by Jessica Morgan. Check out more of our shows and get your free trial of Whisper Premium: www.whisper.fm Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/channel/whisper-fm/id6466174594 Whisper.fm on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whisper_fm



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