Witness Titanic
Witness Titanic is a podcast that treats the Titanic story like an inquiry, calling "witnesses" ranging from modern researchers to actual survivors of the 1912 sinking. Through their testimony, host James Penca explores what really happened in April 1912 and separates documented fact from legend. The show is produced and funded by its Patreon supporters and is also available in video form on YouTube. Each episode adds another piece of testimony to the ongoing investigation of the disaster.
Episodes
45. Greg DiNapoli - Pencil Artist
It has been said by those who sailed with her that Titanic had a personality. Our next witness, Greg DiNapoli, knows this all too well and has spent countless hours bringing her back to life with only pencil and paper. Join us as we chat about Titanic, Ken Marschall, lighthouses, and the ever-sloppy Titanic AI that keeps us up at night.To see Greg's incredible art, visit his website or Instagr
44. Sir Norman Hill - Shipping Advisory Committee Chairman
Last episode, Alexander Carlisle introduced us to the 1911 Shipping Advisory Committee and his opposition to their lifeboat recommendations. Sir Norman Hill was also on that committee and has requested the opportunity to testify in this episode. According to Hill, we've been lied to.Visit the Witness Titanic Instagram for Episode VisualsorWATCH this episode on YouTube------------------------------
43. Alexander Carlisle - Titanic's Designer
Why didn't Titanic have enough lifeboats? An age-old question with many contradictory answers. Using 114-year-old testimony, let's ask the man who ACTUALLY designed Titanic... but will you believe him?Visit the Witness Titanic Instagram for Episode VisualsorWATCH this episode on YouTube----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call wi
42. Paula F. Casey - Women's Voting Rights Speaker and Author
To understand Titanic, you have to meet the people for whom she was built — and we mean ALL the people, not just the first-class men. Today on Witness Titanic, we call a witness with almost no Titanic knowledge to offer! Instead she introduces us to the astounding women of the Progressive Era who will one day fight for — and WIN — the right to vote in America... they just have to make it to Americ
Titanic Content Creators' Roundtable - LIVE! Onboard the QUEEN MARY
Join your Chairman James Penca and an incredible assortment of other Titanic/Ocean Liner content creators for a casual chat during our Titanic Anniversary Weekend 2026. This LIVE event and episode are co-presented by Titanic Legacy Podcast and Titanic: Honor and Glory.Join us for Titanic Anniversary Weekend in 2027!FEATURING:Executive Producer of Titanic: Honor & Glory - Matt DeWinkeleer'Titan
Titanic Trivia Birthday Party '26
WITNESS TITANIC IS TWO YEARS OLD!!! And your Chairman is another year older as well... To celebrate the occasion, we are joined by my partner, the TERRIBLY funny, Katie Johantgen! Katie would not be considered a Titanic nut - far from it - but she has agreed to endure a game of Titanic trivia featuring questions sent in by the Witness Titanic Patrons!Let us know how many points YOU got!NOTICE:Podc
41. Don Lynch & Ken Marschall - LIVE! Onboard the QUEEN MARY
These witnesses need no introduction... Don Lynch is a renowned author and historian, Ken Marschall is the celebrated artist and Titanic visual historian... together they assisted James Cameron on his 1997 film, they dove to Titanic on multiple expeditions, and they brought us the must-have book "Titanic: An Illustrated History."This live testimony was recorded during our four-day Titanic Annivers
40. Olaus Abelseth - Third Class Passenger - LIVE! Onboard the QUEEN MARY
Originally part of our four-day Titanic Anniversary Weekend onboard the RMS Queen Mary, we present the first WITNESS TITANIC podcast episode recorded in front of a LIVE AUDIENCE! Together, surrounded by history, we dive into a Norwegian immigrant's account of the disaster as he remembered it in 1912... and how he remembered it in 1974...Featuring Paul Carganilla as our Senator/Reporter!Join us for
39. Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Broadway Historian
Two industries began within years of each other -- and both were gutted by modern technology. This week we discuss the MANY connections between ocean liners and Broadway, particularly two legendary Broadway producers who sailed on Titanic's maiden voyage and helped shape New York City for the next century.Hear more of Jennifer Ashley Tepper's untold stories of Broadway by picking up one of her boo
38. Herbert Pitman - 3rd Officer - Part Two
We rejoin 3rd Officer Pitman on the boat deck of Titanic just after midnight and follow him through the rest of the sinking... even the moment he would rather not speak of...Visit the Witness Titanic Instagram for Episode Visuals----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from modern experts to e
37. Herbert Pitman - 3rd Officer - Part One
To begin our 3rd season, we call the 3rd Officer to testify once more. Herbert John Pitman survived the Titanic disaster, he must have a story to tell... right?Visit the Witness Titanic Instagram for Episode VisualsorWATCH this episode on YouTube----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from mo
SEASON THREE, RIGHT AHEAD
Friday April 17th, we call our first witness of the new season!----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from modern experts to even the survivors of the sinking. Through their testimony, we navigate the uncertain waters of the Titanic legend, uncover what actually happened in April of 1912, an
2026 TITANIC ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND Onboard the R.M.S. Queen Mary
April 11th through the 14th, join us onboard the R.M.S. Queen Mary for the 3rd annual TITANIC ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND! Featuring four days of presentations, meet and greets, music, the live broadcast of the “Titanic: Honor and Glory” Real-Time Sinking Livestream, and LIVE recordings of the WITNESS TITANIC podcast!Once available -- tickets, presenters, and schedule will be found at:www.titanicweekend.c
36. "A Night to Remember" (1958) - Part Two
For the season two finale of WITNESS TITANIC, please enjoy the exciting conclusion of our watch-through of the 1958 classic, A NIGHT TO REMEMBER.We will reconvene for SEASON THREE this spring! Until then, join us this off-season for a read-through of the book A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, only on the WITNESS TITANIC PATREON!----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podc
35. "A Night to Remember" (1958) - Part One
To wrap up season two of WITNESS TITANIC, let's dive into the 1958 classic, "A Night to Remember." This film is based on Walter Lord's legendary book of the same name and features authentic survivor stories in every scene. Sync up this episode with the film to watch along, hear historic commentary, and discover just how much its influence can be seen in James Cameron's "Titanic."------------------
34. Günter Bäbler - Titanic Researcher & Author
We now call to the stand Günter Bäbler, a Titanic researcher and author so dedicated to understanding Titanic, he once kept a Junior Officer's sleep schedule of 4-hours-on and 4-hours-off for a whole week. His book “Guide to the Crew of Titanic” is a staple in the Witness Titanic library. This week, we ask him about all of this and more!BUY GÜNTER'S BOOK HEREVisit our Instagram for Episode Visuals
33. Harold Bride - Wireless Telegraph Operator - Part Two
In PART TWO of Harold Bride's testimony, we rejoin the boys in the wireless room, escape the ship with minutes to spare, and take a deep look at THE New York Times article that features his... "account."Visit our Instagram for Episode VisualsorWATCH this episode on YouTubeEDIT: I have been informed by listeners that we do NOT lose most of our body heat through the top of our head. It's an old myth
32. Harold Bride - Wireless Telegraph Operator - Part One
- --- -.. .- -.-- --- -. .-- .. - -. . ... ... - .. - .- -. .. -.-.He had been a telegraph operator for less than a year, but thanks to an iceberg - and a bombshell interview in the New York Times - today's witness was thrust into history. In PART ONE of Harold Bride's testimony, we enter the wireless room, begin the search for a rescue ship, and learn how this 22-year-old gave Titanic the voice s
31. Riccardo Rosi - Italian Titanic Researcher
Titanic was an international vessel that became an international sensation. Despite this, her stories can be inaccessible if you don't speak the right language. This week, we hear the testimony of a bilingual Titanic researcher working to bring English stories to Italy and Italian stories to our podcast.WATCH this episode on YouTube!Riccardo will also be uploading a version of this episode with It
30. The TITAN Implosion Report - Part Two
Why did this happen? Why carbon fiber? Why did they keep diving? Why did the "Mission Specialists" not see the red flags? Why did P.H. agree to do this? Answers to these and many other frustrating questions this week on WITNESS TITAN(ic).Full OceanGate / Lochridge MeetingWATCH this episode on YouTube!----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” w
29. The TITAN Implosion Report - Part One
For the first time on WITNESS TITANIC, we deep dive into a different tragedy. Through the newly released U.S. Coast Guard report, let's pinpoint the incredible true stories that led to the implosion of OceanGate's TITAN submersible. A tragedy forever linked to our unsinkable ship.A clip from Mission Specialist Fred Hagen's testimony, mentioned in this episodeWATCH this episode on YouTube!---------
Dahl's 5th Article
BONUS EPISODE! Join me in the weeds for a FIFTH newspaper article recounting Charles Dahl's escape from Titanic. And in the spirit of hyper-fixation, let's rank the articles by the likelihood they actually contain Mr. Dahl's testimony.Big thanks again to Johannes Kristian Dahl for sending me the article that inspired these episodes.And thanks to Jørn Magnus Karlsen for providing me with a better p
28. Charles Dahl - Third Class Passenger
This week on Witness Titanic, we journey into the uncertain and often fabricated world of the 1912 newspaper. Stops in Cleveland, Chicago, Minneapolis, Minot and Tromsø will piece together a rare account of a third-class passenger... if it is to be believed.Thanks to Johannes Kristian Dahl for sparking the creation of this episode!Click here for Episode VisualsorWATCH this episode on YouTube!-----
27. Frederick Barrett - Leading Stoker
Of the 53 men stoking the boilers at the time of the iceberg collision, only 7 survived the sinking. This week, we speak with one of those lucky few... a true Titanic legend.Click here for Episode VisualsorWATCH this episode on YouTube!Listen to The Proposal from TITANIC THE MUSICAL!Buy Gunter's Book here!----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inqui
The Birthday Episode
To celebrate one year of WITNESS TITANIC, I call YOU to come forward and take the stand.From the bottom of my Titanic heart, thank you all for listening.----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from modern experts to even the survivors of the sinking. Through their testimony, we navigate the u
26. Elizabeth Lines - First Class Passenger
This week, we dissect the testimony of a passenger who overheard a private conversation between Titanic’s villainous owner and push-over Captain the DAY BEFORE the disaster. It’s the most damning known evidence against Bruce Ismay and his demand for speed records… At least, that’s how the story goes…Let’s see what our witness actually heard.Click here for Episode VisualsorWATCH this episode on You
25. Mike Brady - Maritime Historian - Recalled
"Your Friend" Mike Brady returns to provide another day of testimony for our Inquiry. Back in Episode 4, he spoke with us about the ships that formed Titanic - today, we speak about the ships Titanic formed. The good and the bad...Click here for Episode VisualsorWATCH this interview on YouTube!MIKE'S LINKS:https://patreon.com/oceanlinerdesignshttps://www.youtube.com/@OceanlinerDesignshttps://www.y
24. Col. Archibald Gracie - First Class Passenger
OUR NEXT WITNESS AS VOTED ON BY THE WITNESS TITANIC PATRONSThroughout the sinking, Archibald Gracie crosses paths with Titanic's richest and most famous passengers, he remains onboard until the very end, and best of all... he might be responsible for the most outrageous Easter Egg in the 1997 film...Click here for Episode Visualsor WATCH this episode on YouTube!ARCHIE'S BOOK IS AVILABLE FOR F
23. Matt DeWinkeleer, Nico Murgia & Peter Harwell - "THG" Researchers
RECORDED ONBOARD THE RMS QUEEN MARY — These researchers from TITANIC: HONOR AND GLORY not only work to recreate Titanic virtually, they were also the first three people in 38 years to see Titanic's most elusive artifact. This week, hear their testimony as they recount how they sparked the search for the lost "Diana of Versailles" statuette.Special thanks to RMS Titanic Inc. for taking us along for
Titanic Podcasters' Roundtable - LIVE! onboard the RMS Queen Mary
"Witness Titanic" | "Titanic Talk" | "Titanic: Legacy" - three podcasts in one podcast? What is happening?!Tune in for a very unique LIVE livestream from the RMS Queen Mary on Titanic Anniversary Weekend 2025... featuring: Alexandra Boyd & Nelson Aspen ("Titanic Talk" podcast), Paul Carganilla ("Titanic: Legacy" podcast), & James Penca ("Witness Titanic" podcast).We hope your will join us
22. Frederick Fleet - Lookout
SEASON TWO, RIGHT AHEAD!Click here for Episode VisualsorWATCH this episode on YouTube!----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from modern experts to even the survivors of the sinking. Through their testimony, we navigate the uncertain waters of the Titanic legend, uncover what actually happen
The Inquiry Reconvenes
A short word from your inquiry Chairman, James Penca, about upcoming NEW EPISODES of WITNESS TITANIC!----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from modern experts to even the survivors of the sinking. Through their testimony, we navigate the uncertain waters of the Titanic legend, uncover what
21. "TITANIC" (1997) - Part Two
For the SEASON FINALE of WITNESS TITANIC, let's dive back in for the exciting conclusion of James Cameron's 1997 film.Syncing this episode with the movie is not required, but if you aren't as familiar with the film, it is highly recommended.----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from modern
20. "TITANIC" (1997) - Part One
To wrap up season one of WITNESS TITANIC, we dive into the words of James Cameron's "TITANIC" film. Sync up this episode with the legendary 1997 movie to watch along, add our historic commentary, and learn how often survivor testimony shaped the script.Syncing this episode with the movie is not required, but if you aren't as familiar with the film, it is highly recommended.------------------------
19. Roberto Prieto-Labrador - Architectural Historian
Titanic existed in a time of class division and WILD interior design choices. This week, we speak to a Titanic enthusiast who happens to work with centuries-old buildings in the UK and has some fascinating insight on why the classes look and feel the way they do.Click here for Episode Visuals----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we c
18. Lawrence Beesley - Second Class Passenger - PART THREE
The exciting conclusion of Mr. Beesley's testimony takes us aboard the rescue ship Carpathia, includes the emotional arrival in New York, and Lawrence's thoughts on who is to blame for the loss of Titanic. Lawrence's entire book can be found for free here:https://www.gutenberg.org/files/6675/6675-h/6675-h.htm----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcas
17. Mark Chirnside - Maritime Author
Have you ever wondered how much work goes into the writing of your favorite history books? This week, we are joined by celebrated maritime author Mark Chirnside for a look at the many road blocks and pitfalls that come with Titanic research. ----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from m
16. Lawrence Beesley - Second Class Passenger - PART TWO
The week, we rejoin 2nd Class passenger Lawrence Beesley on the night of the disaster and hear - in his own words - of his escape from Titanic, and the sights and sounds that will stay with him forever. ----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from modern experts to even the survivors of
15. Steve Hall - Titanic Author
This week, enjoy the testimony of renown Titanic author Steve Hall. Steve and James talk through Steve's extensive career, time travel, and the infamous Titanic "Switch Theory."For more on Steve and his work, visit his website https://stevehall.nl/----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from
14. Lawrence Beesley - Second Class Passenger - PART ONE
This week's witness is one of Titanic's most famous survivors, and as a Second Class passenger, he is also one of the most unique. In PART ONE, Lawrence Beesley's curious mind and tragic words take us aboard Titanic BEFORE the iceberg. ----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from modern
13. Alfred Crawford - Bedroom Steward
Last week, we heard of Ella White's escape from Titanic including her frustrations with a pair of "Stewards" who didn't know how to row a lifeboat... This week, we hear from one of those Stewards...It was tradition onboard ships like Titanic to skip a certain unlucky number when labeling cabins, deckchairs, etc. Well, this practice clearly didn't make a difference, so please enjoy episode THIRTEEN
12. Ella White - First Class Passenger
It's well known that women had a better chance at surviving the Titanic disaster than men, but have you ever actually heard from one? Allow me to introduce you to Ella. A Titanic "thank you" to Katie Johantgen for lending her voice to this week's witness!----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great
Final Day of Titanic Expedition 2024
It's been over a month since the 2024 Titanic Expedition returned home with 2.2 million photos, 24 hours of HD footage, and so much more. In this Bonus Episode of WITNESS TITANIC, I come to you from the final day of the expedition to share what life was like on this historic trip. I hope you enjoy the peek behind the scenes!Our inquiry continues next week when we call our first female survivo
11. Diana of Versailles - Titanic's Newest Survivor
Most onboard Titanic saw their story come to an end in 1912... the story of today's witness, however, was just beginning. After 112 years on the ocean floor, Diana was rediscovered, and though she may be an inanimate bronze statuette, she has so much to tell us. This week, WITNESS TITANIC host James Penca dives into Diana's history, analyzes her new photographs, and recounts what it was like to wi
10. Rory Golden - Diver, Explorer
RECORDED DURING TITANIC EXPEDITION 2024For the first time on WITNESS TITANIC, we call to the stand someone who has TRULY witnessed Titanic with their own two eyes. Rory Golden is not only the funniest historian you'll ever meet, he also dove to Titanic in a submersible three times! This week, our witness talks about his expeditions and discoveries while we watch the live ROV feed from the ocean fl
09. Dr. David Gallo - Oceanographer
RECORDED DURING TITANIC EXPEDITION 2024This week's witness is Dr. David Gallo, renown Oceanographer, Co-Leader of the 2024 Titanic Expedition, and accomplished lecturer on the world's oceans, climate change, and deep-sea exploration. This episode was recorded onboard the research vessel of Expedition 2024 just hours before arrival at the Titanic wreck site. NOTICE:I worked for RMS Titanic, In
08. Daniel Buckley - Third Class Passenger
In our final episode before Expedition 2024, let's venture into Third Class for the first time! Daniel Buckley defies the odds, tells us about those infamous third-class gates, and provides a little surprise that even I wasn't expecting! NOTICE:I mention early in the episode that we would talk about Daniel's life after Titanic but we run out of time. So I will say here that, sadly, Daniel onl
07. Tomasina Ray - Artifact Specialist
This week, we interview Tomasina Ray, Director of Collections (and now President) of RMS Titanic Inc. She witnesses Titanic every day as the caretaker of the 5,500 artifacts recovered by RMST. She is also a member of the 2024 Expedition team - but doesn't know it at the time of recording!WATCH this episode on YouTube----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the pod
06. Charles Lightoller - 2nd Officer - PART TWO
712 passengers and crew survived the Titanic disaster, but only a handful did so after ending up in the freezing Atlantic waters. This week, witness the epic escape of one of those few. Let's continue questioning the highest ranking surviving officer, Charles Lightoller.NOTICE:"Lowering Capacity" is not an official rating, but a limit determined by each officer's own judgement.Col. Archibald
"LIVE" FROM ABOVE TITANIC
Hello from the middle of the Atlantic! No new episode this week, so I recorded this quick bonus episode from the research vessel of Titanic Expedition 2024 to give you an idea of what it's like at 41.43 N 49.56 W. Things are going well, we are terribly busy, but I'm doing my best to stay present and keep Witness Titanic episodes coming! Next week we will continue the investigation with the co
05. Charles Lightoller - 2nd Officer - PART ONE
This week's witness is the most questioned of Titanic's 712 survivors. 2nd Officer Charles Lightoller remembers the sea trials, the delivery to Southampton, last-minute preparations and, of course, that fateful Sunday... but how truthful are his memories? Let's discuss!NOTICE:I'm told I have an odd way of saying the 2nd Officer's last name. I attempt to break this habit in later episodes!Passenger
04. Mike Brady - Maritime Historian
Before he heads off on a trans-Atlantic voyage of his own, we hear from Mike Brady, the documentarian and illustrator behind the YouTube channel Oceanliner Designs. Join us as we talk through his list of ships that set the table for our great Titanic story.WATCH this episode on YouTubeVisit Mike's channel here!@OceanlinerDesigns----------------------------------------------Welcome to WITNESS TITAN
03. J. Bruce Ismay - First Class Passenger - PART TWO
Today we rejoin Bruce Ismay aboard Titanic for the collision, sinking and rescue. No Hollywood magic here. This is the Titanic disaster in a survivor's own words. NOTICE:I mention there is "no evidence" to say Ismay pushed Captain Smith to go faster. You may believe the experiences of passenger Elizabeth Lines would count as evidence. If so, I encourage you to listen to episode 26 where we ca
02. J. Bruce Ismay - First Class Passenger - PART ONE
Our inquiry's first witness is none other than Managing Director of the White Star Line and surviving first-class passenger, Mr. J. Bruce Ismay. In PART ONE of his testimony, he relays his unique experiences from Titanic's conception to the night of the sinking.Stay tuned for PART TWO when Ismay recounts the collision, sinking and rescue. NOTICE:The testimony of passenger Elizabeth Lines is k
01. The Inquiry Begins
Welcome to WITNESS TITANIC — the podcast “inquiry” where we call witnesses of Titanic’s great story, from modern experts to even the survivors of the sinking. Through their testimony, we navigate the uncertain waters of the Titanic legend, uncover what actually happened in April of 1912, and ultimately witness Titanic ourselves.WATCH this episode on YouTubeThis podcast is made possible by the gene
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