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PODCAST

Compact Disasters

Compact Disasters

Compact Disasters is a podcast that delivers bite-sized episodes exploring some of the world"s most catastrophic events, from natural disasters to human-made tragedies. Each episode, lasting less time than it takes to enjoy a coffee, dives into the causes, consequences, and lasting impacts of these events, offering listeners a concise but comprehensive overview. Whether it"s hurricanes, industrial accidents, or historical calamities, the podcast aims to engage and inform audiences with

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

09:16

The Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse

Compact Disasters ·

2025/06/14

In 1981, a night of dancing and celebration at the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City turned into one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history. In this episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we unpack the shocking collapse of two skywalks packed with people, the design flaw that sealed their fate, and the lasting legacy on engineering practices worldwide. Tune in for a chilling reminder that sometimes disaster is hiding right above our heads. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and

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08:26

The Costa Concordia Wreck

Compact Disasters ·

2025/06/07

When the Costa Concordia set sail, no one expected a disaster worthy of Titanic comparisons—but that’s exactly what happened. In episode 34 of 5 Minute Disasters, we dive into the chaotic wreck of the cruise liner off the coast of Italy in 2012. With a captain’s fateful decisions, a dramatic evacuation, and a ship lying on its side like a stranded whale, this story has all the hallmarks of a modern maritime tragedy. Hit play and find out how a luxury voyage turned into one of the most infamous

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08:46

The Great Kantō Earthquake

Compact Disasters ·

2025/03/22

In Episode 33 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, one of the deadliest natural disasters in Japanese history. Striking the Tokyo-Yokohama region on 1 September, the powerful earthquake and the subsequent fires destroyed entire cities, leaving over 140,000 people dead. The disaster reshaped Japan’s urban landscape and exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, leading to significant changes in disaster preparedness. Amidst the tragedy, social

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08:40

The Looting of the National Museum of Iraq

Compact Disasters ·

2025/03/15

In Episode 32 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating looting of the National Museum of Iraq, one of the greatest cultural losses in modern history. In April 2003, amid the chaos following the US-led invasion of Iraq, the museum was ransacked, with thousands of priceless artefacts stolen or destroyed. Treasures spanning millennia, from ancient Mesopotamian civilisations to Assyrian and Babylonian relics, were lost to looters and black-market trade. The looting highlighted the

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09:14

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

Compact Disasters ·

2025/03/08

In Episode 31 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. Triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, the tsunami unleashed towering waves that struck coastal communities across 14 countries, leaving destruction in its wake. With a death toll exceeding 230,000 and millions more displaced, the disaster reshaped global responses to tsunamis and emergency preparedness. Join

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08:43

The 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption

Compact Disasters ·

2025/03/01

Episode 30 of 5 Minute Disasters explores the catastrophic 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the most devastating volcanic disaster in United States history. On 18 May, a powerful explosion shattered the mountain, triggering a massive landslide and releasing an ash cloud that darkened skies for miles. The blast obliterated forests, destroyed homes, and claimed 57 lives, leaving behind a transformed landscape and an unprecedented case study for volcanologists. In this episode, we examine the events

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08:29

The Peshtigo Fire

Compact Disasters ·

2025/02/22

Episode 29 of 5 Minute Disasters tells the harrowing story of the Peshtigo Fire, the deadliest wildfire in American history. On 8 October 1871, the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, was consumed by an inferno so intense that it melted metal and created firestorms. With winds fanning the flames and no means of escape, over 1,500 people perished in the blaze. Overshadowed by the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred on the same night, the Peshtigo Fire remains a largely forgotten tragedy. In this

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08:13

The 2009 Air France Flight 447 Crash: Mystery Over...

Compact Disasters ·

2025/02/15

Episode 28 of 5 Minute Disasters explores the tragic 2009 Air France Flight 447 crash, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in modern history. The Airbus A330 disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean while en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, claiming the lives of all 228 passengers and crew on board. For nearly two years, the mystery surrounding the crash puzzled investigators until the aircraft’s black boxes were finally recovered from the ocean depths. This episode delves into the catastrophic

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09:30

The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Ecological Devastation on...

Compact Disasters ·

2025/02/08

In episode 27 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989, an environmental catastrophe that poured nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil into the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska. In just five minutes, we uncover the human errors and corporate negligence that led to the disaster, the immediate and long-lasting ecological devastation, and the impact on local communities and wildlife. Join us as we explore one of the most infamous oil

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09:12

The Eruption of Krakatoa: The Volcano that Shook the...

Compact Disasters ·

2025/02/01

In episode 26 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we revisit the catastrophic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883, one of the most powerful volcanic events in recorded history. In just five minutes, we explore how the island's violent explosion devastated nearby regions, unleashing colossal tsunamis and killing tens of thousands of people. The eruption sent shockwaves around the globe, both literally and figuratively, altering weather patterns and painting the skies with vivid sunsets for years. Join us as

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08:50

The Great Molasses Flood

Compact Disasters ·

2025/01/25

In episode 25 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we delve into the strange and tragic story of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. In just five minutes, we recount how a massive storage tank in Boston’s North End burst, unleashing a 25-foot wave of molasses that tore through the streets, destroying buildings and claiming 21 lives. This bizarre disaster not only caused widespread devastation but also led to significant changes in safety regulations and corporate accountability. Join us as we explore

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09:12

The Black Death

Compact Disasters ·

2025/01/19

In the 24th episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we delve into the devastating story of the Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. In just five minutes, we explore how this plague swept through Europe, Asia, and North Africa in the 14th century, killing millions and reshaping societies. From its mysterious origins and terrifying symptoms to the profound social, economic, and cultural consequences, this episode uncovers the impact of a disaster that changed the course of history

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09:04

The Destruction of the Library of Alexandria

Compact Disasters ·

2025/01/12

In the twenty-third episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we explore the tragic story of the destruction of the Library of Alexandria, one of history’s greatest cultural losses. In just five minutes, we recount how this ancient centre of knowledge, renowned for its vast collection of texts from across the ancient world, was lost to history through a mix of war, neglect, and political turmoil. The episode delves into the mystery surrounding its downfall, the invaluable knowledge it may have contained, and

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08:38

Malaysian Airlines Flight 370: The Plane that...

Compact Disasters ·

2025/01/05

In the twenty-second episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we delve into the enduring mystery of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which disappeared on 8 March 2014 with 239 people on board. In just five minutes, we recount the timeline of the flight, the painstaking search efforts, and the fragments of evidence that have been uncovered. The episode explores the theories surrounding its disappearance and the profound impact it had on aviation safety and the families of those lost. Join us as we unravel the

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09:12

The Dust Bowl

Compact Disasters ·

2024/12/28

In the twenty-first episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we explore the Dust Bowl, a devastating environmental catastrophe that swept through the Great Plains of the United States during the 1930s. In just five minutes, we examine how poor agricultural practices, combined with severe drought, turned once-fertile farmland into barren wasteland, displacing millions of people. The episode looks at the human suffering caused by massive dust storms, known as “black blizzards,” and the long-term impact on

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09:13

The Apollo 1 Tragedy

Compact Disasters ·

2024/12/21

In the twentieth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we recount the tragic Apollo 1 disaster of 1967, a devastating event that claimed the lives of three NASA astronauts—Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger B. Chaffee. In just five minutes, we explore how a fire broke out during a routine pre-flight test, engulfing the command module and highlighting critical design flaws and safety oversights. The episode examines the impact of this tragedy on the Apollo programme and how it led to crucial changes that

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08:57

The Spanish Flu Pandemic

Compact Disasters ·

2024/12/14

In the nineteenth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we examine the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, one of the deadliest outbreaks in human history. In just five minutes, we explore how this devastating influenza virus spread rapidly across the globe during the final months of World War I, infecting a third of the world’s population and claiming an estimated 50 million lives. The episode looks at the unique characteristics of the virus, its disproportionate impact on young, healthy adults, and the social

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08:27

The Great Smog of London

Compact Disasters ·

2024/12/07

In the eighteenth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we delve into the Great Smog of London, a deadly environmental disaster that engulfed the city in December 1952. In just five minutes, we explore how a combination of coal smoke, industrial pollution, and a weather phenomenon created a toxic fog that lingered for five days, claiming thousands of lives. The episode examines the devastating health impacts, the paralysis of daily life, and the long-term changes in environmental policy spurred by this

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09:10

The Concorde Crash of 2000

Compact Disasters ·

2024/11/30

In the seventeenth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we examine the tragic Concorde crash of July 2000, which marked the end of an era for supersonic passenger travel. In just five minutes, we recount the chain of events that led to the catastrophic crash shortly after take-off from Paris, resulting in the deaths of all 113 people on board. The episode explores the causes of the accident, including debris on the runway, and its far-reaching impact on the future of aviation. Join us as we reflect on

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08:42

The Johnstown Flood

Compact Disasters ·

2024/11/23

In episode 16 of 5 Minute Biographies, we take a look at the Johnstown Flood of 1889, which was one of the deadliest disasters in American history, claiming over 2,200 lives. It occurred when the South Fork Dam in Pennsylvania collapsed after days of heavy rain, unleashing 20 million tons of water onto the town of Johnstown. The flood destroyed homes, swept away entire neighbourhoods, and caused fires, leaving the community in ruins. Despite relief efforts led by the Red Cross, the tragedy exposed

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55 results

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