Holland’s Hidden Heroes is a family-friendly history podcast about World War II resistance and Allied heroes in the Netherlands.
Hosted by Lilian and her 12-year-old co-host Colin, the show shares true stories of Dutch civilians and Allied airmen who helped liberate the country. From rescuing downed pilots to resisting Nazi occupation. The podcast also explores Dutch traditions and major historical changes like land reclamation, making history engaging for kids, families, and curious listeners worldwide.
In this episode, we’re looking at how the German occupation changed the Netherlands in very visible ways.
We’ll talk about streets and parks that were given new names during the occupation, and about the enormous impact of the Atlantic Wall, which forced more than 300,000 Dutch people to leave their homes.
Let’s dive into these two lesser-known stories from the Second World War.
Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.
Find us online
Website: (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’sHidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast(@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) •Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
21 Aug 2026
14. Mad Tuesday: The Day Liberation Never Came
On September 5, 1944, a false radio broadcast made many people in the Netherlands believe that liberation had arrived. Streets filled with celebration as Dutch people prepared to welcome the Allied forces. Germans and their collaborators panicked. But the liberation didn’t come and the mood quickly changed.
What happened on this chaotic day, and why did one false broadcast cause so much joy, confusion and panic?
Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.
Find us online
Website: (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’sHidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast(@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) •Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
14 Jun 2026
13. History Bites: Dutch food - 1
In this episode of Holland's Hidden Heroes, we're exploring some of the Netherlands' most iconic foods: drop (liquorice), cheese, hagelslag, stamppot, erwtensoep (pea soup), and the beloved Dutch tradition of gourmetten.
Join us as we share our favourites, explain the traditions behind these dishes, and show you how to enjoy them like a true Dutchie.
3 May 2026
12. Celebrations Under the Occupation
In this episode of Holland’s Hidden Heroes, we take you back to the Netherlands during the Second World War, a time of occupation, restriction, and resilience.
We explore how Dutch traditions like Sinterklaas, the Elfstedentocht, Queen’s Day which is now King’s Day, and Carnival continued in different forms. Some were officially allowed, some moved indoors, and others became quiet acts of resistance.
We also look at the surprising role of the RAF Royal Air Force, who dropped propaganda leaflets over the Netherlands during events like Queen’s Day and Sinterklaas, spreading messages of hope and encouragement from the Allied forces.
This is a powerful story about tradition, hope, and silent defiance in the darkest of times.
Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.
Find us online
Website: (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’sHidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast(@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) •Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
3 Apr 2026
11. Not free yet: Liberation of the Wadden islands
On May 5th, the Netherlands celebrated liberation. Streets filled with music, laughter and relief, the war was finally over.
But on the Wadden Islands, the story was very different. Nazi flags still flew. Soldiers who should have surrendered remained. While the rest of the country celebrated, the islands were still waiting to be freed.
This episode tells the story of the last place in Europe to experience liberation, from the violent Georgian uprising, to a tense standoff with 120 SS soldiers, and a surprisingly creative Canadian operation to bring freedom at last.Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.
Find us online
Website: (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’sHidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast(@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) •Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
27 Feb 2026
10. Taming the sea: Biggest water management projects in Dutch history
💧 Holland's Hidden Heroesdives into the two greatest water feats in Dutch history: the Zuiderzee Works and the Delta Works. Discover what it truly means to live below sea level and hear the stories behind the devastating 1953 North Sea Flood that changed the Netherlands forever.
Discover how Dutch heroes tamed the water—and find out how courage and clever ideas saved countless lives!
Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
24 Jan 2026
Hidden in plain sight - Secret Stories from World War II
In this episode we uncover two extraordinary stories.
When the Second world war began, many people were forced into hiding to survive. They vanished from daily life. But it wasn’t only people who had to be hidden. Weapons, radios, documents, and even entire ships were concealed to keep them out of enemy hands.
We travel to Artis Zoo in Amsterdam, where people went into hiding in the most unexpected place. And we explore the incredible story of the Abraham Crijnsen, a Dutch warship that disguised itself as a tropical island to escape the enemy.
Sometimes the best hiding spot is in plain sight.
Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.
Find us online
Website: (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’sHidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast(@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) •Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
13 Dec 2025
08. History Bites: Dutch traditions - 1
In this episode, we explore Dutch traditions that stillshape life in the Netherlands today — from the adventurous children-dropping tradition, where kids are dropped off in the woods and must find their own way back. It’s a memorable experience that builds independence, teamwork, and confidence.
You’ll also discover why Dutch children are required to swimin their clothes to earn their swimming diploma — and why this practical skill can be truly life-saving. Of course, we hop on our bikes to understand why cycling is such an important part of Dutch daily life, even when the wind is so strongthere is an official Championship for Cycling Against the Wind.
We end the episode by celebrating New Year’s Eve,Dutch-style, with bright fireworks and delicious oliebollen, sweet dough balls that are traditionally enjoyed only at the end of the year.
8 Nov 2025
07. Lost, but not forgotten - part 2
Our guests — historian Michelle, together with studentsHarry (13) and Jack (11) — have created a heartfelt e-magazine in honour of the crew of the downed Wellington HE346. In this episode, they share how they collaborated with other children, uncover the story behind HE346, and explainhow the aircraft was recovered.
An inspiring tale of remembrance, teamwork, and legacy.
Link to HE346 e-magazine:The long journey home – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/10/01/the-long-journey-home/)Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.
Visit our website: (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)Facebook: Holland’sHidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast(@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) •Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
25 Oct 2025
06. Lost, but not forgotten - part 1
During the Second World War, over 5,500 aircraft came down in the Netherlands. Many airmen never made it home — their families left waiting for answers that never came.
Through an Aircraft Recovery Programme, the Dutch continue to search for those still missing — including the crew of BK716, now finally found and laid to rest.
In this episode we tell their story, a story of loss, remembrance, and the effort to bring missing airmen home. And we discuss why it is important we keep stories like this alive.
Note:References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, notmodern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.
Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) •Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
27 Sept 2025
05. The Urker lighthouse
In this episode, we travel to Urk — a Dutch fishing town that once was an island and played a remarkable role in World War II.
When Allied airmen were shot down over the Netherlands, Urk’s brave fishermen rescued them from freezing waters, sheltered them in their homes, and guided them to safety. The vast reed fields of the Noordoostpolder, known as the “Dutch paradise for people in hiding,” became a crucial resistance stronghold.
At the heart of it all stood the Urker lighthouse, which not only served as a beacon for Allied pilots to navigate their routes, but also became a hub of quiet resistance — its keeper outsmarted Nazi patrols, tricked enemy boats, and even saved hundreds of church bells..
Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.
Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
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26 Aug 2025
04. Beneath the trees
A hidden village the Nazis couldn't find.
In the heart of the Netherlands, resistance fighters built a secret village — right under the noses of 200 SS soldiers. Jewish refugees, Allied military, resistance members, and even a deserted German soldier found shelter here in huts hidden beneath moss, branches, and earth. No noise. No trace.
In this episode we take you into the story of the hidden village, a place of hope and survival. Discover how they built it, who lived there and what their daily life was like.
Note: References to "Germans" here mean Nazi Germany of the past, not modern Germany, whose people hold very different values and beliefs.
Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
24 Jul 2025
03. It's raining food
In this episode, we’re traveling back in time to the Netherlands in World War II. Imagine this: people were so hungry they didn’t know when their next meal would come. But just when things seemed darkest, the Allies—brave pilots and crews from around the world—came to the rescue. Planes filled the skies, dropping packages of food to save the day!
Why did these planes fly such dangerous missions? How did the food reach the people who needed it most? And what special care was given to help children who were especially hungry and weak?
This is a story of bravery, big hearts, and how people came together to help each other in a time of great need.
Visit our website: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast – Their Story (https://their-story.org/2025/05/31/hollands-hidden-heroes/)
Facebook: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/16hJe9NPyM/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
Instagram: Holland’s Hidden Heroes Podcast (@hollandshiddenheroespodcast) • Instagram-foto's en -video's (https://www.instagram.com/hollandshiddenheroespodcast?igsh=MXVsb25meTliMW5ucQ==)
Email: hollandshiddenheroes@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
10 Jun 2025
02. The England Voyagers of the Royal Dutch Airlines - part 2
This episode explores the lives of Royal Dutch Airlines England Voyagers and the surprising role of carrier pigeons during World War II, highlighting a vital part of aviation history.
9 Jun 2025
01. The England Voyagers of the Royal Dutch Airlines - part 1
Trix Terwindt, a former KLM flight attendant, recounts her daring escape from the Nazi-occupied Netherlands and subsequent work as a secret agent for MI9 during World War II.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
18
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
17
Social presence
0
YouTube
63
Engagement
0
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