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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

09:23

The Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster

Compact Disasters ·

2025/07/19

In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia was just minutes from landing when it broke apart high above Earth, killing all seven astronauts aboard. In this episode, we explore how a routine mission turned tragic, from the unnoticed damage during launch to the catastrophic failure during re-entry. It’s a story of foam, fire, and fatal assumptions that reshaped NASA and left a permanent mark on space exploration. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get your

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09:10

Meltdown at Three Mile Island

Compact Disasters ·

2025/07/12

In 1979, America came dangerously close to a nuclear catastrophe. In this episode, we unpack the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island, the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history. From a stuck valve and human error to mass panic and global fallout for the nuclear industry, this disaster changed how the world views atomic energy. Tune in to discover how a small malfunction nearly sparked a much bigger crisis. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you get

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09:48

The Brazilian Amazon Deforestation Crisis

Compact Disasters ·

2025/07/05

The lungs of the Earth are under attack. In this episode, we explore the ongoing deforestation crisis in the Brazilian Amazon — a disaster unfolding not with explosions, but with chainsaws and bulldozers. Learn how illegal logging, agriculture, and political tensions are devastating the rainforest, fuelling climate change, and threatening countless species. It’s a man-made crisis with global consequences — and it’s still happening today. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving

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09:00

The 2008 Global Financial Crisis

Compact Disasters ·

2025/06/28

In 2008, the world watched as banks collapsed, stock markets crashed, and economies unravelled. In this episode, we explore how risky loans, financial greed, and a housing bubble combined to trigger the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression. From Wall Street to high streets around the globe, millions felt the shockwaves — and the aftershocks are still being felt today. Tune in to discover how the global economy nearly fell off a cliff in just a few minutes. Please consider supporting

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09:37

The Sinking of the RMS Lusitania

Compact Disasters ·

2025/06/21

In 1915, the RMS Lusitania was a symbol of luxury and speed — until a German U-boat turned it into a symbol of tragedy. In this episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we explore the torpedo strike that sent the grand ocean liner to the bottom of the sea, the international outrage that followed, and how one sinking ship helped push the world closer to total war. It’s a tale of war, warning signs, and one very deadly decision on the high seas. Please consider supporting the show by subscribing and leaving a

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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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60 results

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