Trapped History Season 5 Launches with Forgotten Heroes and Unheard Voices

In a world where historical narratives often revolve around a familiar cast of celebrated names, the award-nominated podcast Trapped History has become a refreshing anomaly. Since its debut in 2022, the show has brought forward stories of unsung heroes and marginalized voices, challenging mainstream perceptions of the past. Now, the critically acclaimed series returns with Season Five, promising another powerful lineup of guests and untold tales.

Podcast cover art for Trapped History Season Five featuring hosts Oswin Baker and Carla O'Shaughnessy against a backdrop of historical imagery.

Table of Contents

Who’s Behind the Mic?

Trapped History is co-hosted by two dynamic voices: historian Oswin Baker, and broadcast journalist Carla O’Shaughnessy. Together, they deliver thoughtful commentary, deep research, and personal reflection that keep listeners hooked for every episode. Each show runs approximately forty minutes and is released bi-monthly.

What Makes Trapped History Stand Out?

Focus on Overlooked Changemakers: The show highlights those history books have often neglected—from grassroots activists to creative visionaries.
Personal Stories from Influential Guests: Prominent figures share not just their admiration for forgotten heroes, but how these lives have impacted their own.
Interactive Elements: Each guest nominates a lesser-known figure for potential feature, creating a pipeline of future episodes and content for social media.

A Look Back: Star-Studded and Thought-Provoking

Previous seasons featured guests like:

Mishal Husain – BBC presenter
Jeremy Corbyn – Politician and activist
Sathnam Sanghera – Writer and columnist

These contributors offered unique perspectives while elevating historical voices that deserve wider recognition.

Season Five Launches with Global Resonance

Premiering July 1, 2025, Season Five dives deeper into stories of resilience, transformation, and identity.

Opening Episode:

“Confronting Horror: Helen Bamber’s Legacy”

Guest: Nihal Arthanayake (BBC presenter and author)
Focus: Helen Bamber’s work post-WWII in supporting survivors of atrocities

Other Highlights This Season:

“Connie Converse: The Lost Singer-Songwriter”
- Guest: Jazz singer Sarah-Jane Morris
“The Great Men of History: Replaying the Same Old Shtick”
- Guest: Helen Lewis, writer at The Atlantic
“Love in the Depths of Hell: Margarete, Milena and Ravensbruck”
- Guest: Author Gwen Strauss
“Lisa Lyon: The Body is a Statement”
- Guest: Jet from The Gladiators
“Madame Phuong: Recasting the American War in Vietnam”
- Guest: Madame Phuong
“Halls of Fame: From the Pantheon to Trump’s Garden of Heroes”
- Guest: London-based artist Habib Hajallie

From Instagram Project to Global Podcast

What began as a modest Instagram storytelling project in 2020 has grown into a full-fledged podcast, thanks to Oswin Baker’s passion for unearthing hidden narratives. Initially a social researcher focusing on marginalized groups, Oswin expanded the project with Carla into audio format in 2022.

The show is produced by a tight-knit team of three, who collaborate from a community youth center studio.

Why “Trapped History” Matters Now More Than Ever

“If I never hear another history show about Winston Churchill, it won’t be soon enough,” says Oswin. “He’s important, yes—but we need a richer, broader conversation about the past.”

Trapped History is not just a podcast; it’s a cultural movement that reshapes how we understand influence, power, and legacy.

Impact and Recognition

Instagram Followers: Over 45,000 strong
Email Subscribers: 6,000 engaged listeners
Top 20% Podcast Globally (Buzzsprout rankings)
Independent Podcast Awards Finalist, 2024

This growing community of loyal listeners is a testament to the show’s resonant storytelling and relevance.

Where to Listen

Catch new episodes of Trapped History Season Five from July through September on:

Spotify
Apple Podcasts
TrappedHistory.com
Instagram and Facebook

Final Thoughts: A Podcast That Unearths the Past to Inform the Future

In an age of information overload and revisionist history, Trapped History stands out for its commitment to truth, justice, and human complexity. Season Five offers more than stories—it provides emotional insights, academic rigor, and social relevance. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, this season will open your eyes to the people and moments that shaped our world—but never made the headlines.