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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan  Episode 4: THE DECISION President Truman decides to give Emperor Hirohito one last chance  to surrender and warns that if he doesn't, Japan will face annihilation. But the emperor's top generals are determined to fight on - whatever the cost. Truman is now faced with perhaps the most momentous decision any president has ever made... You can hear the full cast and production team list for episode 4 in detail at the end of the episode.  Please note,  if you need to, you can hear the previous episodes further down in the feed.  Due to serious illness in the team, the production of this series had to be put on hold, we are playing both opening episodes in the series on limited release to enable you to catch up on the full story.  We hope Episode 5 will be released soon.   This drama has been made with the good will of everyone involved and not with huge funders behind it. If you would like to give something to the costs and to show your appreciation for all the work involved, please donate here https://buymeacoffee.com/presidentandemperor The President and the Emperor is written by  Guy Smith. The director is Jonathan Kydd. Produced by Ashley Byrne Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes Recorded at Studios in London and Chicago A Made in Manchester Production. With thanks to: The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov   Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Ashley Byrne talks to Nigel Plaskitt (voice of Hartley Hare from Pipkins) about his memories of his colleague, collaborator, friend and fellow puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew who has died at the age of 78 after a short illness.. You can hear a full interview about Zippy and George and Ronnie's life on Rainbow as well as the rest of his career in a podcast episode re-released recently. Just scroll down the feed. It's easy...go look.  Zippy and George make an appearance several times. RIP Ronnie Le Drew. A lovely man who will be missed by everyone at Distinct Nostalgia and Made in Manchester Productions. A Made in Manchester Production Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message We are truly shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Ronnie Le Drew who brought pleasure to millions, literally generations of children over so many years. We all grew up with Zippy and George and Rainbow. And the team here at Distinct Nostalgia got to know Ronnie well. And we were planning several joint projects. Sadly they won't be happening now.  But we can all remember Ronnie with a smile - and here Ashley is talking to Ronnie over an extended 2 hour show broadcast exactly 2 years ago in July 2024. There's appearance by Zippy, George and a surprise guest along the way. Enjoy! And condolences to all Ronnie's friends and family.  XXX A Made in Manchester Production.  Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan  Episode 3: BABY SATISFACTORILY BORN President Truman hears the Trinity Test of the first atom bomb has been a great success.  Meanwhile, in Tokyo Emperor Hirohito hears he has been misled about the strength of the Imperial Army and decides to make desperate attempts to secure an end to hostilities by using a secret backchannel. You can hear the cast and production team list for episode 3 in detail at the end of the episode. Otherwise the cast list is also listed below. You can hear the previous episodes in this feed.  Due to serious illness in the team, the production of this series had to be put on hold, we are playing both opening episodes in the series on limited release to enable you to catch up on the full story.  We hope Episode 4 will be released soon.   This drama has been made with the good will of everyone involved and not with huge funders behind it. If you would like to give something to the costs and to show your appreciation for all the work involved, please donate here https://buymeacoffee.com/presidentandemperor The President and the Emperor is written by  Guy Smith. The director is Jonathan Kydd. Produced by Ashley Byrne Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes Recorded at Studios in London and Chicago A Made in Manchester Production. With thanks to: The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov     Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Four of the original cast of Angels plus the creator join us to look back at one of the ground breaking series of British television - Angels - which began in 1975. First we hear from Paula Milne about how she created the show before four of the actors who got together as young women reunite to talk us through exactly what is was like to be thrust into the prime time spotlight five decades ago. Ashley is joined by: Erin Gerharty who played Maureen Morahan Clare Clifford who was Shirley Brent Julie Dawn Cole who played Jo Longhurst  and Karen David who was Sita Patel Angels is just one of several anniversaries we're marking this Christmas. If you scroll through the feed, the last episode of Distinct Nostalgia sees us reunite the cast of 1990s sitcom Game On and the episode before that is an interview with the legendary Derek Griffiths marking 50 years since he composed the music for the iconic children's series BOD. All this comes ahead of the launch of Distinct Radio in 2026, a new arts station which will be 24/7 history, arts, nostalgia. Keep listening and looking out for updates about that. One of the first shows will be a 90 minute special celebrating Rocky Horror at 50. Distinct Nostalgia is a Made in Manchester Production Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Two of the cast of 90s sitcom Game On remember the show’s heyday 30 years after it began in 1995.  Matthew Cottle and Neil Stuke chat to Ashley about how it all began and how it tackled taboos and became a must watch for 20 somethings on a Friday night.  And don’t forget we’re marking more anniversaries. Look in the feed for a chat with Derek Griffiths about 50 years of kids classic BOD and standby for a big reunion of four of the original cart of Angels which began on BBC1 way back in 1975.  And coming soon Distinct Radio - 24/7 history and nostalgia - ‘discover the things you never knew you loved’… more details to follow.  Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Ahead of the launch of Distinct Radio, the new 24 hour station where you're encouraged to discover the things you never knew you loved, we're treating you to one of the first Distinct Nostalgia episode highlights on that new station - a short celebration of all things BOD with the legendary performer and creator of the music for that iconic children's show, the brilliant Derek Griffiths.  We're ahead of the game. BBC 4 is celebrating BOD tonight (Dec 20th) but we've got in first! Derek tells the story and sings - what more could you want. A real treat for kids of the 70s! Enjoy... This episode is an MIM Production for Distinct Radio which launches in the new year. Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan  Episode 2: THE ALTERNATIVE OPTION  President Truman is briefed on plans for the invasion of Japan which, the generals tell him, could cost hundreds of thousands of American casualties and take eighteen months to end the war. But he has a secret alternative option, which he believes, will force Japan to surrender with just one bomb... You can hear the cast and production team list in detail at the end of the episode. A Made in Manchester Production. This drama has been made with the good will of everyone involved and not with huge funders behind it. If you would like to give something to the costs and to show your appreciation for all the work involved, please donate here https://buymeacoffee.com/presidentandemperor Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message First Look Trailer for Part 2 of The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer. Episode 2 coming soon..... The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith. The director is Jonathan Kydd. Produced by Ashley Byrne Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes A Made in Manchester production. Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message As we await the arrival of Part 2 of The President and the Emperor, acclaimed actor Samuel Barnett who plays 'father of the bomb' Robert Oppenheimer chats about taking on historical figures as characters - and what it means to play the famous nuclear scientist.  Sam also reflects on the meticulousness of the script by Guy Smith and what he hopes listens around the world draw from this epic seven part drama. Samuel Barnett is In Conversation with Ashley Byrne A Made in Manchester Production LISTEN TO PART ONE OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE EMPEROR JUST BY SCROLLING THROUGH THIS FEED. YOU CAN ALSO HEAR INTERVIEWS WITH CLIFTON TRUMAN DANIEL WHO PLAYS HIS GRANDPA PRESIDENT TRUMAN - AND SADAO UEDA WHO PLAYS EMPEROR HIROHITO The President and The Emperor  brings to life the story behind one of the most consequential decisions in modern history, the dropping of the atomic bomb eighty years ago. Told in seven parts and produced by indie company Made in Manchester, the series draws on newly declassified US and Japanese documents, along with first-hand testimony, to present a dual-perspective account of the final days of the Second World War. At the heart of the drama are two isolated but powerful figures, President Harry S. Truman and Emperor Hirohito. They navigate moral and political dilemmas as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear devastation. In a unique casting move, Truman is portrayed by his real-life grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, adding an intimate connection to a role few could approach with such personal insight. He stars alongside acclaimed Japanese actor Sadao Ueda, who plays Hirohito with quiet intensity and emotional nuance. “This drama is not about who was right or wrong in the war,” Ueda says. “It presents historical facts dramatically from two different points of view. I hope the listener will reflect on what global conflict might mean if it ever happened again.” Samuel Barnett plays Robert Oppenheimer The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith, directed by Jonathan Kydd and produced by Ashley Byrne. The Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes. Guy Smith says: ''I wanted to find out what really took place behind the scenes in Washington and Tokyo in the weeks leading up to the most momentous - and controversial - decision in the history of modern warfare; the order to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. And, just as importantly, I wanted to find out if that world changing event could have been avoided.  Was it inevitable?  Or could the conflict have been ended without the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? The more I dug into the archives and examined first hand accounts of those who were there at the White House and Imperial Palace, I discovered an extraordinary story full of intrigue, drama and turmoil. Now, as the world once again moves closer to the threat of nuclear conflict than at any time since the Cold War, I hope The President and the Emperor provides listeners with a timely warning on the dangers of escalating tensions and failing to explore all possible opportunities to stop man's inhumanity to man.' With thanks to: The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan  Episode 1: THE NEW COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF  April 1945 and the new president, Harry S. Truman, is briefed for the first time on the Manhattan Project - America's top secret operation to build an atomic bomb. And as allied forces advance across the Pacific, Emperor Hirohito fears it will only be a matter of time before Japan is defeated. The Cast  Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman  Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito  Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson Mark Takeshi Ota - Lord Koichi Kido  Mike Grady - General Leslie Groves  Leo Ashizawa - Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo  Samuel Barnett - Dr J Robert Oppenheimer  Takatsuna Mukai - Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki  Jonathan Kydd - Dr Robert Stearns  Samuel Barnett - English Radio announcer Takatsuna Mukai - Studio Engineer Jonathan Kydd - American Radio Announcer. The narrator is Lorelei King  The music is by Andy Street The historian is Guy Walters and historical observers were Kazuhiko and Shigehiko Togo. The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith. The director is Jonathan Kydd. Produced by Ashley Byrne Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes Recorded at the Voices Sound Studio, Soho, London A Made in Manchester production. With thanks to: The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov This drama has been made with the good will of everyone involved and not with huge funders behind it. If you would like to give something to the costs and to show your appreciation for all the work involved, please donate here https://buymeacoffee.com/presidentandemperor Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Ahead of the launch tomorrow (Sunday August 31st) of the epic new landmark drama about the decision to drop the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Sadao Ueda chats to Ashley Byrne about playing Emperor Hirohito. Sadao grew up in Japan and here he talks about what he was taught about the devastating events at school in the 1970s. He also reflects on taking on a part he's really wanted to play all his acting career.  Sadao Ueda is in conversation with Ashley Byrne. A Made in Manchester Production    Coming soon ....The President and The Emperor  brings to life the story behind one of the most consequential decisions in modern history, the dropping of the atomic bomb eighty years ago. Told in seven parts and produced by indie company Made in Manchester, the series draws on newly declassified US and Japanese documents, along with first-hand testimony, to present a dual-perspective account of the final days of the Second World War. At the heart of the drama are two isolated but powerful figures, President Harry S. Truman and Emperor Hirohito. They navigate moral and political dilemmas as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear devastation. In a unique casting move, Truman is portrayed by his real-life grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, adding an intimate connection to a role few could approach with such personal insight. He stars alongside acclaimed Japanese actor Sadao Ueda, who plays Hirohito with quiet intensity and emotional nuance. “This drama is not about who was right or wrong in the war,” Ueda says. “It presents historical facts dramatically from two different points of view. I hope the listener will reflect on what global conflict might mean if it ever happened again.” Samuel Barnett plays Robert Oppenheimer The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith, directed by Jonathan Kydd and produced by Ashley Byrne. The Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes. Guy Smith says: ''I wanted to find out what really took place behind the scenes in Washington and Tokyo in the weeks leading up to the most momentous - and controversial - decision in the history of modern warfare; the order to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. And, just as importantly, I wanted to find out if that world changing event could have been avoided.  Was it inevitable?  Or could the conflict have been ended without the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? The more I dug into the archives and examined first hand accounts of those who were there at the White House and Imperial Palace, I discovered an extraordinary story full of intrigue, drama and turmoil. Now, as the world once again moves closer to the threat of nuclear conflict than at any time since the Cold War, I hope The President and the Emperor provides listeners with a timely warning on the dangers of escalating tensions and failing to explore all possible opportunities to stop man's inhumanity to man.' With thanks to: The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message First Look Trailer 2 for The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer. Episode 1 coming soon..... The President and the Emperor Cast - Episode One  Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman  Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito  Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson Mark Takeshi Ota - Lord Koichi Kido  Mike Grady - General Leslie Groves  Leo Ashizawa - Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo  Samuel Barnett - Dr J Robert Oppenheimer  Takatsuna Mukai - Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki  Jonathan Kydd - Dr Robert Stearns  Samuel Barnett - English Radio announcer Takatsuna Mukai - Studio Engineer Jonathan Kydd - American Radio Announcer. The narrator is Lorelei King  The music is by Andy Street The historian is Guy Walters and historical observers were Kazuhiko and Shigehiko Togo. The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith. The director is Jonathan Kydd. Produced by Ashley Byrne Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes A Made in Manchester production. Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A First Look Teaser for The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer. Episode 1 coming soon..... The President and the Emperor Cast - Episode One  Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman  Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito  Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson Mark Takeshi Ota - Lord Koichi Kido  Mike Grady - General Leslie Groves  Leo Ashizawa - Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo  Samuel Barnett - Dr J Robert Oppenheimer  Takatsuna Mukai - Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki  Jonathan Kydd - Dr Robert Stearns  Samuel Barnett - English Radio announcer Takatsuna Mukai - Studio Engineer Jonathan Kydd - American Radio Announcer. The narrator is Lorelei King  The music is by Andy Street The historian is Guy Walters and historical observers were Kazuhiko and Shigehiko Togo. The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith. The director is Jonathan Kydd. Produced by Ashley Byrne Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes A Made in Manchester production. Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Ahead of the launch of the epic new landmark drama about the decision to drop the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Clifton Truman Daniel chats to Ashley Byrne about playing his grandfather in The President and the Emperor. Clifton talks candidly about his relationship with his grandpa and how he learned about his family history when he was growing up. He also reflects on the impact the decision his grandfather made has had on the world and on the work he's done to foster peace the region. Clifton Truman Daniel is in conversation with Ashley Byrne. A Made in Manchester Production    Coming soon ....The President and The Emperor  brings to life the story behind one of the most consequential decisions in modern history, the dropping of the atomic bomb eighty years ago. Told in seven parts and produced by indie company Made in Manchester, the series draws on newly declassified US and Japanese documents, along with first-hand testimony, to present a dual-perspective account of the final days of the Second World War. At the heart of the drama are two isolated but powerful figures, President Harry S. Truman and Emperor Hirohito. They navigate moral and political dilemmas as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear devastation. In a unique casting move, Truman is portrayed by his real-life grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, adding an intimate connection to a role few could approach with such personal insight. He stars alongside acclaimed Japanese actor Sadao Ueda, who plays Hirohito with quiet intensity and emotional nuance. “This drama is not about who was right or wrong in the war,” Ueda says. “It presents historical facts dramatically from two different points of view. I hope the listener will reflect on what global conflict might mean if it ever happened again.” Samuel Barnett plays Robert Oppenheimer The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith, directed by Jonathan Kydd and produced by Ashley Byrne. The Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes. Guy Smith says: ''I wanted to find out what really took place behind the scenes in Washington and Tokyo in the weeks leading up to the most momentous - and controversial - decision in the history of modern warfare; the order to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. And, just as importantly, I wanted to find out if that world changing event could have been avoided.  Was it inevitable?  Or could the conflict have been ended without the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? The more I dug into the archives and examined first hand accounts of those who were there at the White House and Imperial Palace, I discovered an extraordinary story full of intrigue, drama and turmoil. Now, as the world once again moves closer to the threat of nuclear conflict than at any time since the Cold War, I hope The President and the Emperor provides listeners with a timely warning on the dangers of escalating tensions and failing to explore all possible opportunities to stop man's inhumanity to man.' With thanks to: The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov Support the show