08. History Bites: Dutch traditions - 1

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

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

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

09. 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

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. 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