Reviews
I’ve always been interested in the history of the cold war, particularly the nuclear element if it. A twitter friend recommended this podcast to me a couple of years ago and I’ve listened to every single one. The way McDowell narrates is like a story intertwined in a history book, she’s funny, ...Read full review »
I eat cakes via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 02/23/24
Thanks for the update for this subject. Well told as usual, though I believe the breakthrough noted was included in the 1940 ‘Tizard Mission’ a crate of essentially the country’s most sensitive technology, intended to pull the still neutral US closer in with cooperation, to allow the mass...Read full review »
Graham@ via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 08/01/23
Love these podcasts. Gradually working my way through them. Each has an enthusiasm and wit that keeps me enthralled and educated about the horror of nuclear catastrophe that has lurked in the background threatening the very existence of our society for decades. Great work Julie
Mostyn4146 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 02/23/23
It was a good podcast on a pretty morbid subject but of late it’s become an advertisement for the patreon shows beginning and end. That is of course when there’s an episode to listen to, sometimes it’s several weeks between shows and in my opinion the research levels have become pretty low... ,
wrongalz via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 09/19/22
A very deeply researched podcast on all aspects of nuclear war and civil defence of the Cold War period. Julie is a passionate and knowledgeable host who makes a heavy subject very engaging and humorous.
Agorty via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 07/25/22
I love Atomic Hobo! Julie McDowall has such a warm, relaxing voice and is so knowledgeable including social history and small details that make each episode fascinating. Julie also has great guests giving insight into films, books and Kristaps Andrejsons who grew up in Russian society and tells...Read full review »
4oclocktimefortea via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 07/22/22
Julie brings such a wealth of knowledge and sense of humour to some rather bleak topics. It’s so refreshing to hear a female voice in this kind of space, as they can be often a little intimidating and right-wing. Can’t wait for the book! Also I’d recommend the rather odd 1984 Australian nuclear...Read full review »
Rin-a-ding-ding via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 07/13/22
I grew up when the Cold War was in someways at its height but also in decline. During the 90s I was relieved that the threat of nuclear war had gone. Naively I was wrong And we are now in another phase of history, Julie macdowall is an excellent narrator And there are a diverse range of...Read full review »
twish71 via Apple Podcasts · Ireland · 07/09/22
Julie MacDowell is amazing and an excellent journalist. I've always been fascinated and terrified of the nuclear threat, and this podcast feeds my curiosity.Read full review »
maoilaine via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 07/05/22
A fascinating insight into the madness of nuclear weapons.
Notacatflap via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 02/04/22
This podcast is great - as a kid growing up in the 80s fear of nuclear war was a constant companion. This podcast is a good antidote to those memories.
Higgy-baby2010 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 01/18/22
Fab show, thanks so much for all your time and research into these topics. They’re the perfect length for me and a great level of detail. Great work, keep it up!
Tom 🌜✨🌛 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 12/14/21
I grew in the 80’s so this podcast really takes me back thinking about nuclear war and watching Threads.
BobbyRanger via Apple Podcasts · Japan · 09/03/21
Love this podcast - followed from the start.
Royster75 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 08/30/21
Atomic Hobo has reignited my fascination of all things nuclear. Julie is great at making this extremely frightening topic interesting, relatable and funny.
Hross42877 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 08/30/21
Julie does a great job with this show & keeps it very interesting & informative. It is nice that this podcast covers a lot of things that just aren’t that talked about when it comes to the Cold War & nuclear war in general. The only thing I can somewhat disagree with Julie on is the...Read full review »
Gunnut81 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/18/21
It’s a subject that I thought I would have no interest in but I am hooked because of the podcasters enthusiasm knowledge and intoxicating voice
jackealston via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 06/14/21
A perfect podcast. Low budget, done by an enthusiast who informs and is also witty. The kind of thing the internet was designed for.
coventry blaze via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 02/22/21
This podcast is brilliant. So informative and really well set up.
Chris Láo Sēn via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 02/13/21
Love her incredible attention to detail. I love this Podcast. The host is great
podcast55fan via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 12/22/20
I watched Threads again and afterwards my search for more information about it led me to this wonderful podcast. The host is an very charming young lady with a great accent who takes a deep dive into all aspects of nuclear war. Her research is meticulous without ever being boring or preachy....Read full review »
Gman Brad via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/15/20
Riveting! The host makes an extremely difficult topic (difficult bc of complexity and emotional component) accessible and fascinating. Extraordinarily well researched. This is a real gem
ineffffableme via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/25/20
This show has a completely different view nuclear war than I grew up with, probably a far more realistic one. As a teen I was obsessed with various end of the world scenarios, mostly because I was convinced that I would not only survive but thrive in a post apocalyptic environment. This show has...Read full review »
Recycler4570 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/08/20
Very interesting series on how Britain prepared for nuclear war in the latter half of the twentieth century, covering many varied topics. I find this interesting as a British person, but it will undoubtedly be of interest to others - ludicrous, absurd, serious and always informative!
Hexagor via Apple Podcasts · Netherlands · 04/02/20
This podcast shines a light on an area of history that doesn’t get talked about that much, and manages to be both entertaining and chill inducing in equal measure!
PDXRedcoat via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/04/20
If you're not a buff of Cold War nuclear and civil defence issues, The Atomic Hobo is a good, well researched show from where you can enter this rather dark corner of 20th century history. Julie is an amiable, chatty host who knows her stuff, conducts decent research and is Threads mad. The...Read full review »
Fizzlepop2020 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 03/02/20
Very interesting podcast. Makes me scared but relieved with every podcast. Julie’s soft Scottish voice is a bit contrary to the subject matter. LOVE THIS PODCAST
Dagda9 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/24/20
After growing up in the 80s and been terrified of the looming apocalypse this brings it all back . Julie reminds us that we still on the brink
stuffthedog via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 02/10/20
Always interesting, always entertaining. Julie has put a great Cold War podcast together.
James Drumting via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 02/10/20
Love listening to Julie, her fabulous Scottish accent alone makes it all worthwhile. But the way she brings up recent almost forgotten history is the best reason to tune in.
HHSFD guy via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 12/24/19
Not just for nuke nerds. Simultaneously chilling, charming—and even on occasion humorous. And who could resist Julie’s charm, and her Scottish accent?
Rico Boothman via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/11/19
Finally a podcaster with the same obsession that I have, nuclear war! Julie presents wonderfully, great personality and just the right amount of humor. No annoying ads! No senseless babbling! Thanks Julie for all the hard work, time and dedication that it takes to make this podcast PARAMOUNT! I...Read full review »
GBJ1973 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/19/19
A fascinating dive into an obscure historical subject. Julie is a wonderful host, charming, funny and informed. Highly recommend for history geeks. I only wish the episodes were longer.
DavidbutnotthatDavid via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/05/19
Sure the subject matter can get a bit dark, but Julie really does talk about it in a way that gets you thinking, though a bit of wry humor, personal insights and yes....a killer accent! It is mind blowing the attention to detail that has gone into how countries have planned to survive nuclear...Read full review »
Nellista via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 11/02/19
Love the accent, the music, the topic ... so good!!! ❤️
Tamshelby via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 10/22/19
Highlight of any week is to listen to the Atomic Hobo by the brilliant Julie McDowall. As someone with an interest in this subject I find the podcast consistently revelatory, informative, well researched and pitch perfect. Julie is a superb host, engaging, charming, humorous, all with an...Read full review »
Tazlingle via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/12/19
I grew up in the 70’s and recently became more and more interested in the Cold War, it being such a dominant facor in my youth. This podcast has many great episodes with loads of information. I’m loving it!
dekoningdekoning via Apple Podcasts · Netherlands · 10/12/19
As a child of the 80s I find this podcast especially interesting, but I recommend it to everyone. I love Julie's style and delivery and the bits of humour too. The podcast is the perfect length for my work out too.Read full review »
DomRH via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/10/19
Fascinating look at how the world planned to deal with nuclear war. Details and stories you will only find on this podcast.
Cool5317534 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/21/19
I came to this podcast fairly recently after an appearance by Julie on Radio 5 and have worked through nearly the entire back catalogue. It’s full of fascinating, often disturbing and occasionally humorous facts about the plans put in place by Britain (and others) for the aftermath of a nuclear...Read full review »
NewcyJim via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 09/19/19
I have been listening to The Atomic Hobo since Julie’s first appearance on Dan Snow’s History Hit and have finally (today) caught up. It’s a fascinating, informative and sometimes speculative podcast. Assuming that I’m of a similar age to Julie it’s great to reminisce about the period though I...Read full review »
DickieF1 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 09/18/19
Been listening from the start and I am exasperated in the constant use of the same source and archive material. After Julies recent visit to the British Library I was hopeful of some fresh material to use for the podcast and for her upcoming book and after listening to the podcasts since I have...Read full review »
PadMC via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 09/16/19
I heard of this podcast on adrift (another great podcast ) this podcast fascinates me and terrifies me In equal measure. It is beautifully researched and told,although the subject matter is somewhat harrowing. I am reading the children's book mentioned. brother In the land To my pupils so...Read full review »
hobo bmb via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 09/08/19
I first heard if this podcast after listening to Julie’s first appearance on Dan Snow’s History Hit. I listened to a few Atomic Hobo episodes and absolutely loved it so I’m now working through the back catalogue! Julie is incredibly knowledgable and has such a great way of presenting and is very...Read full review »
CeriBeriBoo via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 09/02/19
Julie knows probably more about the Cold War in a British context than anyone else. This is brilliantly researched but from a human rather than academic standpoint. Unfortunately it will give you nightmares you have been warned.
Russell gawat via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/01/19
Interesting, informative, nicely edited. I especially enjoy the great atmosphere the background sounds create and the Glasgow dialect. The shows aren't artificially stretched so they're short and on point. Keep up the great work!Read full review »
Monstermanny via Apple Podcasts · Germany · 08/19/19
I have been enjoying this series. Well researched, right amount of humour and wide variety. Keep up the good work.
Dale of Calgary via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 08/14/19
I really like this podcast but can’t seem to listen to anything other than the most recent 3 episodes (others come up as “unavailable”)...
Vezza1234 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 07/16/19
Juli knows her scary stuff loved this podcast.
Peterbees via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 07/16/19
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