Witness of the Times

Season 2, Witness of the Times Episode 6 – Why Mesopotamia? The Land Between the Rivers That Built the World

Season 2, Episode 6 – Why Mesopotamia? The Land Between the Rivers That Built the World
In this episode—the final part of our mini-series on the origins of history—we ask a deceptively simple question: Why did civilization begin in Mesopotamia? Dr. Bruce Baker explores why this region, nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, became the cradle of human advancement. From the agricultural revolution that fed cities to innovations in irrigation, trade, governance, writing, and architecture—Mesopotamia birthed the foundational elements of civilization. We unpack how the abundance of water first gave rise to settlement and surplus, and how the loss of that abundance forced humanity’s first great innovations. From Sumer to Babylon, ziggurats to laws, priest-kings to written codes—this was mankind’s first golden age. Don’t miss this insightful journey into why here and why then.Welcome back to Witness of the Times.
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.
Credits:
Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Music: Jorgen Hallberg
Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.
 
 

Season 2, Witness of the Times – Episode: 5: Timekeepers of Civilization: How the Babylonians Made History Possible

In this episode of Witness of The Times, Dr. Bruce Baker picks up where he left off in Episode 4—exploring the origins of history itself. If writing gave us a way to record our past, it was the Babylonians who gave us the tools to measure when those events occurred. In this fascinating installment, we journey through the development of ancient timekeeping—from shadow clocks and water clocks to the Babylonians’ creation of the sexagesimal system, still used today to measure hours, minutes, and seconds. Dr. Baker explains how their astronomical observations and mathematical ingenuity turned time into a quantifiable—and highly valuable—commodity. From lunar cycles to political calendar tweaks (like why February is so short), this episode uncovers the innovations that made true history possible
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.
Credits:
Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Music: Jorgen Hallberg
Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.
 

Season 2,Witness of the Times: Episode 4: When History Began: The Invention of the Past

 Season 2,Witness of the Times: Episode 4: When History Began: The Invention of the Past
Hi folk’s Marc here, Welcome back to Witness of the Times. In today’s episode, we’re taking a step back… wayback. Dr. Bruce Baker joins us to unpack a question we rarely stop to ask: What is history? When did it begin, who started keeping it, and what does it really take for something to become… historical? In part one of this three-episode arc, we travel from prehistoric settlements to Sumerian scrolls, peeling back the layers of humanity’s earliest attempts to record time, trade, and tales. From copper chisels in Serbia to beer receipts in Mesopotamia, it’s a fascinating look at the dawn of written memory. So, settle in—because understanding where history begins might just change how you see the present. Welcome to Witness of the Times.
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.
Credits:
Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Music: Jorgen Hallberg
Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.

Season 2 Witness of the Times Episode 3 (The Girl Who Ran: Bobby Gibb and the Marathon That Changed Everything)

🎙️ Witness of the Times
Season 2, Episode 3 – The Girl Who Ran: Bobby Gibb and the Marathon That Changed Everything
Hi folks, Marc here. In the inspiring conclusion to our three-part series on trailblazing women who defied societal restrictions, Dr. Bruce Baker will explore the groundbreaking story of Roberta “Bobby” Gibb—the first woman to ever run and finish the Boston Marathon, despite being officially denied the opportunity.  Following our episodes on Dr. Mary Edwards Walker and the Soviet Union’s Night Witches, this final installment highlights how Bobby Gibb's courageous act reshaped public perception about gender and athletic ability. Raised in a Boston suburb and inspired by the annual tradition of the marathon, Bobby Gibb began training in secret, wearing nurse’s shoes and running up to 40 miles a day, determined to prove that women werecapable of endurance sports—even as the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) explicitly barred them from such competition. Denied entry into the 1966 race because women were deemed "physiologically incapable" of running a marathon. Gibb would return to run again in 1967 and 1968, each time finishing as the top woman. But it wasn’t until 1972 that the Boston Marathon officially allowed women to compete—and until 1996 that Bobby was formally recognized as a three-time winner. In 2021, a bronze statue titled “The Girl Who Ran”—designed by Gibb herself—was unveiled in Hopkinton, commemorating her historic start. Welcome to Witness of the Times!
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.
Credits:
Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Music: Jorgen Hallberg
Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.
 
 

Season 2 Witness of the Times Episode 2 (Marina Raskova & The Night Witches)

 Witness of The Times – Season 2, Episode 2: Marina Raskova & the Night Witches
Hi folk’s, Marc here. In this powerful episode of Witness of The Times, Dr. Bruce Baker takes us on an unforgettable journey into the extraordinary lives of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment—better known as the Night Witches—and the trailblazing Soviet pilot Marina Raskova, who made their missions possible. Following last episode’s exploration of Mary Edwards Walker, the only female recipient of the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor, we now shift from the battlefields of the American Civil War to the icy skies of World War II’s Eastern Front.
Through gripping narration and historical insights, Dr. Baker reveals how, despite centuries of exclusion from direct combat roles, women in the Soviet Union broke barriers to become frontline aviators. These fearless women piloted fragile, open-cockpit biplanes in daring night raids that terrorized German forces and earned them a chilling nickname from their enemies: the Night Witches. This episode honors the courage, ingenuity, and indomitable spirit of the women who defied expectations and changed history. Welcome to Witness of the Times.
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.
Credits:
Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Music: Jorgen Hallberg
Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.
 

Season 2 Witness of the Time Episode 1 (The courage of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker)

Season 2, Episode 1: The Courage of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker
Hi folk’s Marc here, launching Season 2 of Witness of the Times. This season, we’re broadening our scope—as Dr. Bruce Baker will bring you incredible stories from across the globe that deserve more attention. Dr. Baker kicks things off with a gripping tale of bravery: the life of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only female recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Her story is one of relentless determination—breaking barriers in medicine, defying gender norms, and risking her life on the battlefield during the Civil War. From being arrested as a spy to fighting for women's rights and dress reform, Walker’s legacy is a testament to what it means to stand firm in your convictions, no matter the personal cost. In this episode, we dive into her heroic acts, the controversies she sparked, and her hard-won recognition—decades after her death. Join Dr. Baker as he explores courage in its many forms and discover why Dr. Walker’s name still inspires us today. Welcome to Witness of the Times!
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.
Credits:
Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Music: Jorgen Hallberg
Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.
 

Season 2 Witness of the Times Episode 0 (Expanding Horizons)

🎙️ Witness of the Times
 Season 2 Introduction: Expanding Horizons with Dr. Bruce Baker
Hi folks, Marc here, excited to kick off Season 2 of Witness of the Times. This season, we’re widening our lens—bringing you captivating stories from around the world that have long deserved more attention. Get ready to hear tales of courageous women who defied immense odds, explore powerful civilizations that once challenged the might of Rome, and dive deep into the legacies of Mediterranean historians who preserved the past. We'll also tackle big questions like, “What is history, anyway?” Join me as I uncover fascinating people, places, and events on this global journey through time. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good story, Witness of the Times will both educate and entertain you. Tune in for a season filled with discovery—you won’t want to miss a moment of these incredible adventures into the wonders of history. Welcome to Witness of the Times!
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.
Credits:
Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Music: Jorgen Hallberg
Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.

Freedom Summer

In this week’s episode, we delve into pivotal moments that have shaped our nation's journey toward justice and equality as we explore a powerful chapter in American history: Freedom Summer. Dr.  Bruce Baker takes us back to the turbulent summers of 1964 and 1965 in Cherokee County, Georgia—a time when segregation still gripped communities and equality was far from guaranteed. Dr. Baker recounts the experiences of courageous African Americans who risked their safety and stood firm against racial injustice. We’ll hear the gripping stories of Freedom Summer, including the bold actions of young men who attempted to sit in seats marked “whites only” at a local movie theater, challenging entrenched boundaries of segregation. Dr. Baker also tells us about two extraordinary young women, Priscilla Strickland and Cynthia Durham, whose determination to attend Cherokee County High School in 1965 set a new standard for bravery in the fight for civil rights. Their experiences, along with the efforts of The Freedom League, are reminders of the strength and resolve needed to secure justice and equality. Freedom Summer was more than a single season—it was a testament to the power of collective action in confronting racial injustice. The sacrifices made during this pivotal time continue to resonate, reminding us of the enduring narrative of American democracy and the struggle for civil rights. Stay tuned for a compelling journey into a summer that changed history. This is Witness of the Times.
 

Beyond The Rails/Georgia's Devastating Train Tales

Episode Title: Beyond the rails/Georgia’s devastating train tales
Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, we explore two devastating train tragedies that left an indelible mark on Georgia’s history. Dr. Bruce Baker joins us to recount the harrowing stories of the Mill Pond Trestle collapse and the derailment of the Little Hook Train—accidents that occurred within twenty miles and twenty years of each other.
Our journey begins with the collapse of the Mill Pond Trestle, as reported by the Lee County Journal on November 11, 1904. James P. Harrison, a prominent Atlanta citizen and part-owner of the Atlanta Marble Company, along with A.C. Gaddis, superintendent of the company’s railroad, lost their lives when their train, loaded with marble, plunged over forty feet as the trestle gave way near Ball Ground, Georgia. The thunderous noise of the collapse reverberated through the area, fading into silence and leaving a lasting impact on the local community.
Our second story centers around the tragic derailment of the “Little Hook Train,” another heartbreaking accident that claimed the lives of dedicated workers. In this episode, we honor the memories of those lost in these tragedies and reflect on the legacy they left behind.
Listen to this episode to learn about:
The circumstances and impacts of the Mill Pond Trestle collapse.
The tragic derailment of the Little Hook Train.
The historical and personal legacy of those who lost their lives in these events.
Support the Show: If you enjoy Witness of the Times, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show.
Have questions about the stories we cover? Email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com.
Credits:
Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Hosts: Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Music: Jorgen Hallberg
Thank you for tuning in to Witness of the Times!
 

The Steele's Bridge Incident

On this week’s episode we’re unraveling a piece of Cherokee County history that speaks to resilience, conflict, and a forgotten act of sabotage. Nestled in the heart of the Bridge Mill Community lies Steel’s Bridge Road, once a route that led to an old wooden covered bridge spanning the Etowah River. Today, the remnants of that bridge rest beneath the waters of Lake Allatoona, a lake constructed by the Corps of Engineers in the wake of World War II. But this isn’t just a story of a submerged structure; it’s a poignant chapter in our history that takes us back to the turmoil of World War I—a tragedy we should never forget.
During the Great War, while many brave young men answered the call to service, others chose a different path, seeking refuge from the draft. In the greater Atlanta area, “anti-draft clubs” sprang up, fostering defiance against conscription and aiding those who resisted. By June 1918, federal authorities and local police knew that dozens of these men were hidden in the remote areas of Cherokee County, prompting a dramatic response. On Sunday, June 16th, 1918, fifty soldiers from Camp Gordon embarked on a mission, accompanied by federal agents and journalists, in a convoy of Velie trucks and police cars, to capture those evading the draft.
But on that fateful day, as they journeyed north past Woodstock and toward Canton, a catastrophe unfolded on Steel’s Bridge. The calamity that took place that day was an act not of misfortune, but of deliberate sabotage—and the men responsible for it have never been found and held accountable.
In today’s episode, we honor the memory of those soldiers who perished on Steel’s Bridge and reflect on a time when war, disease, and defiance intersected in a small Georgia town. Stay tuned as we dive into the full story of the Steel’s Bridge sabotage—a reminder of the countless unseen battles fought not only in fields far away but also in the quiet, hidden corners of our own hometowns.  With Veteran’s Day only a week away, this is Witness of the Times.