Atomic Hobo - Nuclear War Podcast

I’ve always been interested in the history of the cold war, particularly the nuclear element if it. A twitter friend recommended this podcast to me a couple of years ago and I’ve listened to every single one. The way McDowell narrates is like a story intertwined in a history book, she’s funny, factual and has a way of making words come alive in your mind. She was a way of dealing with macabre subjects in a factual tone, thought provoking, yet dignified. Anyone interested in the cold war or nuclear war would be well advised to add to this list, and this is coming from someone who’d listened to a single podcast from anyone before. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks for the update for this subject. Well told as usual, though I believe the breakthrough noted was included in the 1940 ‘Tizard Mission’ a crate of essentially the country’s most sensitive technology, intended to pull the still neutral US closer in with cooperation, to allow the mass production of them and away from enemy bombing. Including the cavity magnetron, an important radar development, areas where the US was active too but the UK also had made progress, this was where the breakthrough in atomic science you mentioned was essentially given to the US, plus areas where the US was then nowhere, jet engines. The Quebec Agreement had a clause where both the US President and British Prime Minister would have to give final permission to use the weapon on an enemy. Truman stuck to that with the bombings of Japan, making Churchill the first and hopefully only PM to authorize nuclear release. Bevin, one of my political heroes, would go on to be the leading figure in persuading the US to do something unique in their history, agree to a binding security agreement which formed the basis of NATO in 1949. Despite what many think, it was not the US corralling Europe to form NATO, the pressure came from the other side of the Atlantic. Thanks again for all your great content.

Love these podcasts. Gradually working my way through them. Each has an enthusiasm and wit that keeps me enthralled and educated about the horror of nuclear catastrophe that has lurked in the background threatening the very existence of our society for decades. Great work Julie

I love Atomic Hobo! Julie McDowall has such a warm, relaxing voice and is so knowledgeable including social history and small details that make each episode fascinating. Julie also has great guests giving insight into films, books and Kristaps Andrejsons who grew up in Russian society and tells us about nuclear planning for citizens behind the iron curtain which is amazing. I am addicted and so will you be!