Forbidden Diary: True WWII Prison Survival Story

About Forbidden Diary: True WWII Prison Survival Story

Audio-drama based on a WWII diary written by Natalie Crouter during her internment in a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines. Three weeks after the first bombings of the Philippines on December 8, 1941, Natalie, her family, and 500 civilians were marched at gunpoint to a deserted U.S. military post (Season One: 1941). Thus began their survival of body and mind from 1942 to 1945. Natalie’s story is a fascinating, real-life view of wartime captivity and a gripping tale of courage, tenacity, and hope. Included are interviews with Jim Zobel, historian and archivist at the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, VA, and Curt Brooks who was interned in a civilian prison in Manila during WWII. The cover art incorporates a sketch entitled, "The Double Fence," by Fern Harrington Miles. To read about Fern and other prison artists interned with Natalie, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-artist-credits. Original artifacts, prison art and Natalie's original diary entry, can be viewed by going to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen and clicking on See Pictures. You can also see the Forbidden Diary cast by going to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast.

Publisher

Sai Mun Gani Productions

Category

history · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Jan 2022

Latest episode

27 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

52 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Aug 2026

   1944, Part 2 - Episode 28: Mata Itsu no Hi ka, Tomibe-San (NEW EPISODE!)

   The prisoners say farewell to the beneficent Tomibe-san as the unstable and mercurial Lt. Oura takes over as Camp Holmes’ Commandant. Miss McKim and Tomibe-san say a poignant goodbye. The upcoming episodes for Season Four, Part Two are the following: Episode 29: It Won’t be Long Now Episode 30: Many Happy Returns Episode 31: Stormy Weather Episode 32: All I Want for Christmas Episode 33: Road Trip To see the Forbidden Diary cast, go to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-cast. Support the show

2. 

   18 Nov 2025

   1944, Part 1 - Episode 27: The Wise Prince (SEASON FINALE)

   Natalie hosts Japanese class in her underground cubicle. Mr. Tomibe struggles to stop the name calling in Camp. The Crouters fight over food. Natalie helps Nida. High Command punishes Mr. Tomibe. The audio of children singing A Sailor Went to Sea is courtesy of the 14th Henrietta Street Museum, Dublin, Ireland. https://14henriettastreet.ie. Support the show Original artifacts, prison art and Natalie's original diary entry can be viewed by going to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen and cl...

3. 

   4 Nov 2025

   1944, Part 1 - Episode 26: Going Underground

   Natalie pitches a very public fit over people rejecting family living and finds herself having to explain why to Bedie. The Crouters and other families dig living spaces under the barracks. Mr. Tomibe reads a story to Miss McKim’s Japanese class. Stay tuned for the Season finale: Episode 27: The Wise Prince. Support the show Original artifacts, prison art and Natalie's original diary entry can be viewed by going to www.storiestovoice.com/fd-listen and clicking on See Pictures. You can also se...

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

20 ratings

Spotify

4.8 / 5

9 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

63

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Forbidden Diary: True WWII Prison Survival Story

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.