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Holland's Hidden Heroes Podcast

Holland's Hidden Heroes Podcast

Holland’s Hidden Heroes 13 Episodes Aug 21, 2026

Holland’s Hidden Heroes is a family-friendly history podcast about World War II resistance and Allied heroes in the Netherlands. Hosted by Lilian and her 12-year-old co-host Colin, the show shares true stories of Dutch civilians and Allied airmen who helped liberate the country — from rescuing downed pilots to resisting Nazi occupation. The podcast also explores Dutch traditions and major historical changes like land reclamation, making history engaging for kids, families, and curious listeners worldwide.

Episodes

14. Mad Tuesday: The Day Liberation Never Came
14. Mad Tuesday: The Day Liberation Never Came Aug 21, 2026 00:14:23 On September 5, 1944, a false radio broadcast made many people in the Netherlands believe that liberation had arrived. Streets filled with celebration as Dutch people prepared to welcome the Allied forces. Germans and their collaborators panicked. But the liberation didn’t come and the mood quickly changed.What happened on this chaotic day, and why did one false broadcast cause so much joy, confus
13. History Bites: Dutch food - 1
13. History Bites: Dutch food - 1 Jun 14, 2026 00:15:25 In this episode of Holland's Hidden Heroes, we're exploring some of the Netherlands' most iconic foods: drop (liquorice), cheese, hagelslag, stamppot, erwtensoep (pea soup), and the beloved Dutch tradition of gourmetten.Join us as we share our favourites, explain the traditions behind these dishes, and show you how to enjoy them like a true Dutchie.
12. Celebrations Under the Occupation
12. Celebrations Under the Occupation May 3, 2026 00:25:44 In this episode of Holland’s Hidden Heroes, we take you back to the Netherlands during the Second World War, a time of occupation, restriction, and resilience.We explore how Dutch traditions like Sinterklaas, the Elfstedentocht, Queen’s Day which is now King’s Day, and Carnival continued in different forms. Some were officially allowed, some moved indoors, and others became quiet acts of resistanc
11. Not free yet: Liberation of the Wadden islands
11. Not free yet: Liberation of the Wadden islands Apr 27, 2026 00:19:20 On May 5th, the Netherlands celebrated liberation. Streets filled with music, laughter and relief, the war was finally over.But on the Wadden Islands, the story was very different. Nazi flags still flew. Soldiers who should have surrendered remained. While the rest of the country celebrated, the islands were still waiting to be freed.This episode tells the story of the last place in Europe to expe
10. Taming the sea: Biggest water management projects in Dutch history
10. Taming the sea: Biggest water management projects in Dutch history Feb 27, 2026 00:14:39 Holland's Hidden Heroesdives into the two greatest water feats in Dutch history: the Zuiderzee Works and the Delta Works. Discover what it truly means to live below sea level and hear the stories behind the devastating 1953 North Sea Flood that changed the Netherlands forever.  Discover how Dutch heroes tamed the water—and find out how courage and clever ideas saved countless lives!Visit our w
09. Hidden in plain sight - Secret Stories from World War II
09. Hidden in plain sight - Secret Stories from World War II Jan 24, 2026 00:13:51 In this episode we uncover two extraordinary stories. When the Second world war began, many people were forced into hiding to survive. They vanished from daily life. But it wasn’t only people who had to be hidden. Weapons, radios, documents, and even entire ships were concealed to keep them out of enemy hands.We travel to Artis Zoo in Amsterdam, where people went into hiding in the most unexpected
08. History Bites: Dutch traditions - 1
08. History Bites: Dutch traditions - 1 Dec 13, 2025 00:14:04 In this episode, we explore Dutch traditions that stillshape life in the Netherlands today — from the adventurous children-dropping tradition, where kids are dropped off in the woods and must find their own way back. It’s a memorable experience that builds independence, teamwork, and confidence.You’ll also discover why Dutch children are required to swimin their clothes to earn their swimming dipl
07. Lost, but not forgotten - part 2
07. Lost, but not forgotten - part 2 Nov 8, 2025 00:18:50 Our guests — historian Michelle, together with studentsHarry (13) and Jack (11) — have created a heartfelt e-magazine in honour of the crew of the downed Wellington HE346. In this episode, they share how they collaborated with other children, uncover the story behind HE346, and explainhow the aircraft was recovered.An inspiring tale of remembrance, teamwork, and legacy.Link to HE346 e-magazine:The
06. Lost, but not forgotten - part 1
06. Lost, but not forgotten - part 1 Oct 25, 2025 00:14:31 During the Second World War, over 5,500 aircraft came down in the Netherlands. Many airmen never made it home — their families left waiting for answers that never came.Through an Aircraft Recovery Programme, the Dutch continue to search for those still missing — including the crew of BK716, now finally found and laid to rest.In this episode we tell their story, a story of loss, remembrance, and th
05. The Urker lighthouse: How Dutch Fishermen Rescued Allied Pilots in WWII
05. The Urker lighthouse: How Dutch Fishermen Rescued Allied Pilots in WWII Sep 27, 2025 00:21:05 In this episode, we travel to Urk — a Dutch fishing town that once was an island and played a remarkable role in World War II. When Allied airmen were shot down over the Netherlands, Urk’s brave fishermen rescued them from freezing waters, sheltered them in their homes, and guided them to safety. The vast reed fields of the Noordoostpolder, known as the “Dutch paradise for people in hiding,” becam
04. Beneath the trees: A hidden village for allies, resistance fighters and jews
04. Beneath the trees: A hidden village for allies, resistance fighters and jews Aug 26, 2025 00:20:02 During World War II, deep in the forests of the Netherlands, a remarkable secret village was built — a place that the Nazis never discovered. Hidden under moss, branches, and earth, this village became a home to Jewish families, Allied soldiers, resistance fighters, and even one deserted German soldier.For months, these brave individuals lived in extreme secrecy, relying on ingenuity, courage, and
03. It's raining food: Allied food drops over the Netherlands
03. It's raining food: Allied food drops over the Netherlands Aug 24, 2025 00:17:11 During the winter of 1944–1945, the Netherlands faced severe hunger. Brave Allied pilots from Britain, Canada, America, Australia, and other countries flew low over the country in daring missions called Operation Manna and Operation Chowhound, dropping thousands of food packages — like parachutes of hope — to save starving families. Soon after, trucks carrying supplies arrived in Operation Faust,

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