Untold Legends

0.0 (0)
PERSONAL JOURNALS
WEEKLY SERIES

The world’s forgotten champions, ad-free

US$2,99/month or US$29,99/year

Ora Washington: The champion the world ignored. You might know this tennis and basketball star, were it not for the colour of her skin. Renee Montgomery investigates Ora’s story.

11/08/2022

Season 1 trailer: Ora

The Queen of two courts. Ora Washington is the star the world ignored. It’s time everyone knew her name. Ora was a black tennis champion in the era of racial segregation in the United States. She was a basketball star too. Hosted by Renee Montgomery, former basketball player, the co-owner of the WNBA team, Atlanta Dream and a self-described “sports history geek”. Discover Ora’s story from 29 August 2022.

3 min
28/08/2022

1. An empty chair

Who was Ora Washington? The southern farm girl who wanted more. But recognition came too late – why was the guest of honour at a star-studded event missing? Ora was a brilliant tennis and basketball player who fought to make her name in racially segregated America. We find out about her early life in Virginia. Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. #UntoldLegends

30 min
04/09/2022

2. A radical statement

“She loved to compete”: Ora takes her first tennis lesson. But race, sex and class prejudice stand in her way. It’s the 1920s and Ora has gone north to Philadelphia – a city of opportunity and danger. Racial tensions are high in her neighbourhood. What motivates her to start playing the so-called ‘gentleman’s game’? Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. #UntoldLegends

30 min
11/09/2022

3. Advantage Ora

Can she beat the best? Ora is the underdog against the crowd favourite, the formidable Isadora “Izzy” Channels of Chicago. It’s a brutally hot day in Harlem and the mood is tense. Everything is at stake. If Ora wins, she joins the black tennis elite. Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. #UntoldLegends

29 min
17/09/2022

4. Queen of two courts

Basketball beckons. The elite tennis player tries a new sport – and it’s a crowd puller. Ora’s quickness and agility translate to the basketball court, as her career takes off in tandem with tennis. But does America have room for a true queen of two courts? Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. #UntoldLegends

32 min
25/09/2022

5. Playing like a ‘real woman’

Ora is at the peak of her sports, but off the court, stars are expected to appear “sufficiently feminine”. If you didn’t, you faced prejudice. Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. This episode was updated on 29 September 2022, to correct some information about the basketball coach, Joe Rainey #UntoldLegends

28 min
03/10/2022

6. Defending her throne

Cracks appear after two decades at the top of black tennis. A new generation of elite athletes want her crown. But is Ora ready to retire? Her hair is greying now and she wears glasses on court. Can she pull off one more victory – against future great Althea Gibson - under the hot Alabama sun? Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. #UntoldLegends

26 min
09/10/2022

7. Flowers for Ora

“Possibly the best female athlete” of her era – why was Ora Washington forgotten? And we meet her family, who are relieved that their Aunt Ora’s achievements are now being acknowledged: “I felt so good that now, even though this is 2022, she's still being recognised”. Please note, this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. #UntoldLegends

35 min
06/02/2023 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Bonus: Ora Washington, a century later

A bonus episode for Black History Month in the US and Canada. Renee Montgomery reflects on the life and story of Ora Washington, the sports star the world ignored. What has and hasn’t changed since Ora was a champion of both tennis and basketball? Renee discusses the first season of the podcast with series executive producer Chrystal Genesis. Renee is a former basketball player and the co-owner of the WNBA team Atlanta Dream. She describes herself as a “sports history geek”, and is the host of season 1 of Untold Legends. #UntoldLegends

22 min
04/04/2024

Bonus: The Black 14

A bonus episode from the Amazing Sport Stories podcast – The Black 14. Sport, racism and protests are about to change the lives of “the Black 14” American footballers. It’s 1969 in the United States. They’ve arrived on scholarships at the University of Wyoming to play for its Cowboys American football team. It was a predominantly white college. The team is treated like a second religion. Then, the players make a decision to take a stand against racism in a game against another university. This is episode one of a four-part season from the Amazing Sport Stories podcast. Content warning: This episode contains lived experiences which involve the use of strong racist language

33 min
30/08/2024

Season 2 trailer: Hedy Lamarr

A refugee who escaped the Nazis, a feminist filmmaker and beauty icon, and one of Hollywood’s most famous golden-age stars. You might think you already know her story, but there’s another side to Hedy Lamarr - a genius history overlooked and a true untold legend of invention. This is the amazing story of how one of the most recognisable faces of her time was never seen for who she really was. A story of an Austrian-born entrepreneur and tinsel-town actress who invented the foundations for much of our digital world – the technology behind Bluetooth, GPS and Wifi – but was denied the credit she deserved. From her teenage appearance in a movie considered so sexual it was banned by Hitler, to the fame and fortune that followed, and her breakthrough idea based on “frequency-hopping” during World War Two - this is the story of untold legend Hedy Lamarr. Hosted by Andini, a fellow model and inventor along with special guest, Hollywood actress AnnaSophia Robb. Discover Hedy’s story from 2025.

3 min

11 Episodes

The day’s top stories from BBC News. Keeping you informed on the important global events, including the latest on US politics and developments in Ukraine and Gaza. Delivered twice a day at weekends, daily at weekends. Follow or subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Also listen to The Happy Pod, every Saturday, for the happiest stories of the week. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

1.0 (2)

DAILY NEWS
Season 7: World of Secrets presents: The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam. Also: Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. Women accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of rape. And: The Abercrombie Guys. Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. Delve into a World of Secrets: the global investigations podcast from the BBC. Uncovering stories around the world and telling them, episode by episode, with gripping storytelling. Latest season: World of Secrets presents, The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam. It was the biggest gold discovery in history…until it wasn’t. In 1995, Canadian mining company Bre-X announced to the world it had found a significant amount of gold deep in the jungles of Indonesia. Stock prices soared as investors worldwide fought to stake their claim. But when Bre-X’s chief geologist mysteriously fell from a helicopter over the jungle, the story of the billion dollar discovery began to unravel. Nearly three decades later, no one has ever been held accountable. Now, host Suzanne Wilton takes listeners from the jungles of Indonesia to small town Alberta, Canada, to investigate what really happened and find out more about the man behind the biggest goldmine fraud of all time. Produced for the BBC World Service and CBC by BBC Scotland Productions. The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam was first published in May 2024. Previous seasons of World of Secrets: Season 6: The Bad Guru. A yoga school in London. A guru running from the police. How did Miranda get sucked in? Journalist Cat McShane investigates the international yoga movement headed by Gregorian Bivolaru, the spiritual guide arrested by French police in November 2023 and charged with human trafficking, organised kidnapping, rape and organised abuse of weakness by members of a sect. Season 5: Finding Mr Fox. Investigating a plot to smuggle around a hundred millions of dollars’ worth of drugs from Brazil to Europe and the miscarriage of justice that followed. But where is the man Brazilian police believe to be at the centre of it all? Season 4: Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods. Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed – then owner of Harrods, one of the most famous shops in the world – is accused of rape and attempted rape by women who worked for him. Now they refuse to be silenced any longer. Season 3: The Apartheid Killer. All the victims were black and the youngest was just 12 years old. Some relatives are still searching for the graves. They were killed during a three-year bloodbath in the 1980s, in the South African city of East London – by one person. He killed so many, he lost count. In piecing together this story, we expose the disturbed past and racial injustices of South Africa itself. Season 2: The Disciples. The cult of Nigerian prophet TB Joshua. A story of miracles, faith and manipulation, told by people from around the world, who gave up everything for one of the most powerful religious figures of the century. Lured by TB Joshua’s claimed healing powers, they live as disciples in a guarded Lagos compound, cut off from family and friends. Season 1: The Abercrombie Guys. An investigation into claims of sexual exploitation made against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. He and his British partner were accused by several men, recruited for sex events they hosted around the world.

0.0 (0)

DOCUMENTARY
Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. Join us for the latest insights and analysis on what's happening inside Donald Trump's White House. Listen on BBC Sounds. Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher. As well as political analysis, we also specialise in social media. Each week Marianna Spring brings listeners the latest updates from the BBC’s Undercover Voters, our award-winning investigation into the content that is recommended to US voters on social media. The team is also joined by special guests each week, like CNN anchor, Christiane Amanpour, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Rachel Maddow, and Succession actress, J Smith-Cameron. Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday night on BBC Radio 4 and every weekend on the BBC News YouTube Channel and also BBC News TV Channel. Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from special guests, including Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the Department for Homeland Security during the Trump presidency before becoming a whistleblower. That programme is broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live too. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with us on email at Americast@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. By the way, you can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say ‘”Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers. See ya’ll later...

0.0 (0)

POLITICS
Three essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Audrey Brown. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.

5.0 (1)

NEWS
In the third season of her podcast, Dua Lipa: At Your Service, pop powerhouse Dua Lipa has candid, uplifting and insightful conversations with the people who inspire her most about topics like reinvention, sex and relationships, psychedelics, and more. Season Three will include conversations with internationally renowned artists, thought leaders and cultural icons. Season Three of At Your Service will also invite listeners to explore the vast landscape of human experiences, and celebrates the power in sharing stories and insights into the world around us. Following Season Three's premiere with Chicken Shop Date host Amelia Dimoldenberg, Dua will welcome an extraordinary lineup of guests including BLACKPINK's Jennie Kim, renowned relationship expert Esther Perel, star of Netflix's You and podcaster Penn Badgley, drag icon Sasha Velour, and the incomparable Billie Eilish. New episodes of At Your Service will be released every Friday at 12pm UK time. The Dua Lipa: At Your Service podcast is the sweeping companion piece to Dua's Service95 newsletter, a global style, culture, and society editorial platform created to help the reader make sense of the world.

3.6 (5)

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

0.0 (0)

DAILY NEWS
The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.

0.0 (0)

BUSINESS
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.

0.0 (0)

HISTORY
The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

0.0 (0)

BUSINESS NEWS
Jamie Bartlett, host of the hit podcast The Missing Crypto queen, is back with another gripping, investigative serial. In his new series, Jamie tells the story of Megan Bhari, an inspirational 16 year old girl who in 2012 launches a charity to grant wishes to seriously ill children. The charity is called Believe in Magic and it attracts the support of the biggest boy band in the world: One Direction. Believe in Magic soon becomes a household name in the child cancer community, putting on parties, sending thoughtful gifts and organizing trips to Disney. Megan is adored by all those she helps and is given an award by the then Prime Minister David Cameron. What’s even more remarkable is that Megan is herself extremely unwell. She announces that she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. She raises money online for life saving treatment in the United States. But a group of internet sleuths start to suspect that Meg isn’t ill at all. When they discover Megan is in a Disney resort rather than a US hospital, they decide to hire a private detective to prove Megan is faking her illness–and expose the truth to the world. But events take an unexpected turn. And the internet sleuths-who are all parents of seriously ill children themselves-begin to wonder if they've got it all wrong. "It wasn't meant to end like this," says one. Author Jamie Bartlett and producer Ruth Mayer investigate the truth about Megan Bhari, tracing back over the sleuths’ incredible discoveries, meeting Megan’s old friends and supporters, and exploring the medical profession’s most mysterious condition. After months of investigation, Jamie and Ruth discover a secretive investigation into the truth about Megan’s medical condition. The conclusion is shocking–and will have far-reaching consequences for everyone involved. Believe in Magic is a BBC Studios production.

0.0 (0)

TRUE CRIME
The Inquiry gets beyond the headlines to explore the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world.

0.0 (0)

NEWS COMMENTARY
The latest news, insight, analysis and big name guests from the Premier League, WSL and the Football League, plus Scottish, International and European football. Join us! Get in touch with us @5liveSport on social media and remember to leave us your ratings and reviews.

2.0 (1)

FOOTBALL
Global perspectives on one big story. In-depth insights from the BBC, the world's most trusted international news provider. Make sense of the news with our experts around the world, every Monday to Friday. Episodes will be ready by 10:30 GMT. Host Katya Adler and our BBC teams guide you through one major global news story each episode. From Beijing to Boston, Baghdad to Bangalore, our unrivalled reach will take you beyond the headlines to help understand and explore what’s happening. The Global News Podcast brings you the latest updates and, on The Global Story, we will drill deep into a single story. From the climate emergency, to the burning questions around Artificial Intelligence, to the movements of money and markets, and the power of the ballot and the bullet. Katya Adler has been a BBC correspondent and editor for more than 25 years, covering conflicts in the Middle East, political and economic crises in Europe, and drug cartels in Mexico. The Global Story team would like to hear your stories and experiences on the issues that we’re covering on the podcast. Please get in touch: theglobalstory@bbc.com #TheGlobalStory and tell us your thoughts on what you would like us to talk about.

0.0 (0)

DAILY NEWS
Mark Chapman, former Manchester City and Real Salt Lake defender Nedum Onuoha and Statman Dave are alongside some of the biggest names from the Premier League to share their insight, experiences and stories. Planet Premier League delves into the biggest stories from some of the biggest clubs in Europe including the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, West Ham, Aston Villa, Newcastle and many more. Want to know why Erling Haaland's xG is so high? What Mo Salah's heat map is like week to week? Kevin de Bruyne's pass completion rate? Virgil van Dijk's clean sheets? Bukayo Saka's goal and assist rates? There's plenty of tactical breakdowns every week on the pod. Is the Premier League the biggest league in the world and how is soccer viewed outside of the UK? How does it compare to the likes of La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1? And with the success of English clubs in Europe, what knock on effect does the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League have on the Premier League?

0.0 (0)

FOOTBALL
F1 Back at Base - A deep dive into the high-octane world of Formula 1 with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. F1 Chequered Flag: Home of Formula 1.

0.0 (0)

SPORT

View Subscription FAQs

Renee Montgomery

Host

Ora Washington: The champion the world ignored. You might know this tennis and basketball star, were it not for the colour of her skin. Renee Montgomery investigates Ora’s story.