Have You Heard George's Podcast?

4.8 (232)
PERSONAL JOURNALS
SERIES

The award-winning and critically-acclaimed podcast from George the Poet delivers a fresh take on inner city life through a mix of storytelling, music and fiction.

EPISODE 1

Trailer - Season 4

Since its rise to international acclaim, the multi-award-winning "Have You Heard George’s Podcast?" has remained famously undefinable. In its explosive new season, however, this finally changes, as George the Poet pieces together fragments of the African and Caribbean independence struggles. Poignant tales of strength and sacrifice frame some of the most important yet least discussed events of the last six decades, from the perspective of history’s unsung heroes. George's verses flow over an evocative soundtrack, composed by long-time collaborator Benbrick, and brought to life by the BBC Concert Orchestra in Abbey Road. The season is peppered with timeless music from all corners of Black life - from Africa to the Caribbean and beyond. The fourth season of HYHGP? brings to light the hidden tragedies and triumphs that have shaped our world.

1 min
EPISODE 2

Drama in Ghana Pt I

Too many people don’t know that Ghana was the first African country to break free from colonial rule. Why does that matter? How could it not? Control of Africa’s resources keeps the rich world rich. What would happen if Ghana’s example set off an anti-colonial cascade across the continent? George revisits the country’s freedom struggle through the rise of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president. Written by George the Poet. Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet. Original music by Benbrick, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Sound Design by Benbrick.

24 min
EPISODE 3

Lumumba Pt I

Before Nigeria took over the African music scene, the Democratic Republic of Congo had us in a chokehold. But just like its minerals, the country’s music has yet to produce an industry that eases the economic suffering of its people, despite decades of supply and demand. Why? George goes to the genesis of the DRC’s economic reality by exploring the rise of Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first prime minister. Written by George The Poet Produced by Benbrick and George The Poet Original music by Benbrick, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Sound Design by Benbrick.

27 min
EPISODE 4

Lumumba Pt II

With enemies lurking in every corner, Patrice Lumumba is trapped in his own home. As the first democratically elected prime minister of the Congo, he planned to use the country’s natural wealth to improve the lives of its people, but secret actions by the US and Belgian governments stopped that from happening. These actions give a small indication of how far empires will go to hold onto power. Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the poet Original Score by Benbrick, recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra Sound Design by Benbrick.

26 min
EPISODE 5

Drama in Ghana Pt II

After achieving independence, Ghana gave support to freedom fighters across Africa. What went wrong? Written by George the Poet. Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet. Original score by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Sound Design by Benbrick.

24 min
EPISODE 6

Francophone Pt I

The power of Western languages over African economies is undeniable, and nowhere is this more obvious than in Black music. Despite "Francophone” meaning French-speaking, across Africa, it signifies so much more. George looks at the power dynamics between the English-speaking world, the French-speaking world and the Africans forced to navigate both. How did these languages become so important? And what do they reveal about the legacy of colonialism? Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick & George the Poet Original score composed by Benbrick and performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra

22 min
EPISODE 7

Francophone Pt II

When is a breakup not a breakup? When your ex controls every aspect of your life. After walking through the freedom struggles of Ghana and the Congo in previous episodes, George turns his attention towards the “former” French colonies of West and Central Africa. What happens when freedom is gifted conditionally, not won through revolution? Is all independence created equal? Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Original Score by Benbrick recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra Sound Design by Benbrick

27 min
EPISODE 8

Jamaican DemAhCrazy Pt I

When keeping it real goes…wrong? For a moment in the seventies, Jamaican democracy produced an ambitious plan to end inequality between countries. But when the island’s socialist leader, Michael Manley, flew too close to the sun, he got burnt. What was the New International Economic Order? Why did it rattle Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan so much? On this fast-paced tour of Jamaican history, George looks back at the rise and fall of the Third World’s biggest political project. Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Original score composed by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra

27 min
EPISODE 9

Jamaican DemAhCrazy Pt II

Shaken by the passing of his grandmother, George reflects on the post-colonial struggles of her generation. 1970s Jamaica provides an early case study of the weaponised debt that went on to re-colonise much of the global South. A look back on previous episodes illuminates patterns of exploitation and extraction across African/Western relations. This is the global context that frames the questionable role of the International Monetary Fund in the perpetuation of poverty. George is reminded by his grandmother’s legacy that fighting for justice is always an option. Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick & George the Poet With an original score composed by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.

26 min
EPISODE 10

Back to Common Ground

George responds to audience questions taken from Common Ground, the platform he co-created in Chapter 3. Listeners discuss everything from art to race using prompts from previous episodes, reaffirming the importance of the artist/audience relationship.

41 min
EPISODE 11

Once Upon a Time in Kampala

In Uganda’s capital city, a young cab driver forms an unlikely bond with a sex worker during the crippling lockdown of 2021. They are both forced to make tough decisions. Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick & George the Poet Original Music and Sound Design by Benbrick.

26 min

See All Season 4 (11)

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

4.3 (6766)

DAILY NEWS
Global investigations from the BBC. Uncovering gripping stories from around the world and telling them episode by episode. Delve into a World of Secrets. Latest season: The Child Cancer Scam. Your child is critically ill. It’s the worst news you can get. But to make the situation even more awful, you struggle to afford the care they need. So when someone tells you a foreign sponsor can help raise the money, you’ll do anything. You make a video: your child begs for help from strangers online. But it comes to nothing. You wait and wait for the cash that was donated. It never comes, and all the while your child is fighting for their life. Previously on World of Secrets: Death in Dubai. A woman falls from a tower block and her name starts trending. But behind the online rumours lies an even darker reality. The Abercrombie Guys. Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. And Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. Women accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of rape.

4.6 (953)

DOCUMENTARY
Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world. History fans can learn about pivotal wars and societal upheavals, such as the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the political intrigue of the Russian Revolution. Those fascinated by the lives of kings and queens can journey to Versailles to meet Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King, or to Ancient Egypt to meet Cleopatra and Nerfertiti. Or perhaps you’re looking to explore the history of religion, from Buddhism’s early teachings to the Protestant Reformation. If you’re interested in the stories behind iconic works of art, music and literature, dive in to discussions on the artistic genius of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. From Gothic architecture to the works of Shakespeare, each episode of In Our Time offers new insight into humanity’s cultural achievements. Those looking to enrich their scientific knowledge can hear episodes on black holes, the Periodic Table, and classical theories of gravity, motion, evolution and relativity. Learn how the discovery of penicillin revolutionised medicine, and how the death of stars can lead to the formation of new planets. Lovers of philosophy will find episodes on the big issues that define existence, from free will and ethics, to liberty and justice. In what ways did celebrated philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx push forward radical new ideas? How has the concept of karma evolved from the ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism to today? What was Plato’s concept of an ideal republic, and how did he explore this through the legend of the lost city of Atlantis? In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.

4.6 (5082)

HISTORY
The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. In each episode of You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner is joined by a comedian and an expert historian to learn and laugh about the past. History isn’t just about dates and textbooks – it’s about extraordinary characters, amazing stories, and some very questionable fashion choices. How long did it take to build an Egyptian pyramid? What does the Bayeux Tapestry reveal about medieval life? Why did it take nearly half a millennium for Joan of Arc to become a saint? And was Catherine the Great really all that great? Whether you want to explore ancient landmarks like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu, dance through the history of Broadway and Bollywood, or find out how the Tudors rose to power, Greg and his guests promise to teach you something new that you won’t have heard in history lessons. Previous episodes of You’re Dead To Me have covered everything from royals to revolutionaries, actors to activists and divas to dictators. Take a stroll through the history of high-heeled shoes or get the scoop on the history of ice cream. Maybe you’d like to paint like the cave artists of the Palaeolithic era, work out like a Victorian bodybuilder, or fight like a Spartan? We’ve even hosted a special, live episode with the BBC Concert Orchestra to explore the dramatic life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Whatever your historical interests, Greg and his guests make even the trickiest topics easy to follow. Join them for a history lesson that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening - with no homework required.

4.7 (2925)

HISTORY
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.

4.2 (934)

DAILY NEWS
How the nuclear bomb shaped world history. The scientists who raced to build weapons, the spies who stole the technology and the superpowers who grappled with deployment. In Season 3, nuclear war is terrifyingly close. Can the superpowers of the Soviet Union and the USA prevent apocalypse? Nina Khrushcheva and Max Kennedy, relatives of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and US President John F Kennedy, tell the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Season 2 is about Klaus Fuchs, the brilliant young physicist from a pacifist German family whose spying for Russia changed history. Season 1 tells the story of Leo Szilard, and the scientist’s discovery of the lethal potential for nuclear weapons in the race to beat Nazi Germany.

4.3 (982)

HISTORY

View Subscription FAQs

George The Poet

Host

4.8

out of 5

232 Ratings

Amazing

12/20/2023

ellej000

Came here from a suggestion from another podcast. I’m a writer myself and I was searching for inspiration in other work because i was so stuck on one part of a story I’m writing. I started listening from the Ep Bedtime story but I have NOT BEEN ABLE TO STOP. I’m a listener in the USA and its mind blowing how similar the up bringing in London and here can be so similar. You have so much heart in your episodes its so inspiring. Your podcast made me realize how important it is to LIVE to experience before putting anything on paper. Thank you for sharing your experience the way you do. And thank you for continuing to bring such a vivid story of your experience. Thank you.
Beautiful!!!

10/07/2023

Huruma Rugagi

I’ve always been told by my Black American friends that Black history needs to be understood through music. Well I’ve tried, but I’m not musically gifted and China Anne McClain’s Black history bit in A.N.T. Farm was as far as my ungifted self could understand through music until now. Instead, I read books, like “Caste” and listened to podcasts, like “1918” as the information-gathering that best approximated what the Black experience that they wanted me to feel. But those mostly isolated the experiences of trauma, not life in all of its complexity and richness and connection and insightful life lessons. This is the bridge I needed to understand Black history in the way that my friends wanted me to understand, to feel the music and to understand the culture and life experiences through the music. Thank you for building this bridge. This podcast is absolutely beautiful in both its rhythmic poetry and its heart-felt insightfulness. As a White American living in Kenya with my Rwandan-born/DR Congo-grown partner, I have enough life experiences to believe that you are doing all the stories justice with absolute care and insightfulness. Beautiful. Thank you for this gift. I have always needed this.
The sound the words are everything

07/18/2021

whoischan

As a fellow podcaster for she gets it pod… I’m so happy your back for another season!!! I share this with others!!!! I believe we the people should always have more when it comes to music!!!! No one should be suffering after they create vibes, music and art for the world. Corporations should not build generational wealth off our backs. It’s wrong!!! We are the creators!!! Def time to own it
Pod in God Mode

12/07/2020

Autumn Flew

💯unique thought provoking relevant. Best podcast ever.

The award-winning and critically-acclaimed podcast from George the Poet delivers a fresh take on inner city life through a mix of storytelling, music and fiction.