Season 12 • Episode 952

952 - The Atomic Bomb, 80 Years Later

Sep 26, 2025

14:10

Episode Description

About this episode:

Eighty years ago, the United States introduced the globe to atomic warfare, devastating the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In this episode: Author Leslie Sussan tells the story through the eyes of her father, who filmed the aftermath of this disaster on orders from the President of the United States.

Guest:

Leslie Sussan is an attorney and author, who wrote the book, "Choosing Life: My Father's Journey in Film from Hollywood to Hiroshima".

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department.

Show links and related content:

Choosing Life: My Father's Journey in Film from Hollywood to Hiroshima—Choosing Life
Atomic Cover-Up—PBS
Documenting Hiroshima and Nagasaki attacks profoundly impacted a military filmmaker and his daughter—WBUR

Transcript information:

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