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- 42 minutes 39 secondsThe President and the Emperor Episode Two
The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan
Episode 2: THE ALTERNATIVE OPTION
President Truman is briefed on plans for the invasion of Japan which, the generals tell him, could cost hundreds of thousands of American casualties and take eighteen months to end the war. But he has a secret alternative option, which he believes, will force Japan to surrender with just one bomb...
You can hear the cast and production team list in detail at the end of the episode.
A Made in Manchester Production.
This drama has been made with the good will of everyone involved and not with huge funders behind it. If you would like to give something to the costs and to show your appreciation for all the work involved, please donate here https://buymeacoffee.com/presidentandemperor
7 November 2025, 2:00 pm - 2 minutes 4 secondsEXCLUSIVE: The President And The Emperor Part 2 Trailer
First Look Trailer for Part 2 of The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer.
Episode 2 coming soon.....
The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.The director is Jonathan Kydd.
Produced by Ashley Byrne
Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes
A Made in Manchester production.
3 November 2025, 5:00 am - 23 minutes 11 secondsEXCLUSIVE NEW DRAMA - The President and the Emperor - In Conversation with Samuel Barnett who plays Robert Oppenheimer
As we await the arrival of Part 2 of The President and the Emperor, acclaimed actor Samuel Barnett who plays 'father of the bomb' Robert Oppenheimer chats about taking on historical figures as characters - and what it means to play the famous nuclear scientist. Sam also reflects on the meticulousness of the script by Guy Smith and what he hopes listens around the world draw from this epic seven part drama.
Samuel Barnett is In Conversation with Ashley Byrne
A Made in Manchester Production
LISTEN TO PART ONE OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE EMPEROR JUST BY SCROLLING THROUGH THIS FEED. YOU CAN ALSO HEAR INTERVIEWS WITH CLIFTON TRUMAN DANIEL WHO PLAYS HIS GRANDPA PRESIDENT TRUMAN - AND SADAO UEDA WHO PLAYS EMPEROR HIROHITO
The President and The Emperor brings to life the story behind one of the most consequential decisions in modern history, the dropping of the atomic bomb eighty years ago.
Told in seven parts and produced by indie company Made in Manchester, the series draws on newly declassified US and Japanese documents, along with first-hand testimony, to present a dual-perspective account of the final days of the Second World War.
At the heart of the drama are two isolated but powerful figures, President Harry S. Truman and Emperor Hirohito. They navigate moral and political dilemmas as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear devastation.
In a unique casting move, Truman is portrayed by his real-life grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, adding an intimate connection to a role few could approach with such personal insight.
He stars alongside acclaimed Japanese actor Sadao Ueda, who plays Hirohito with quiet intensity and emotional nuance.
“This drama is not about who was right or wrong in the war,” Ueda says. “It presents historical facts dramatically from two different points of view. I hope the listener will reflect on what global conflict might mean if it ever happened again.”
Samuel Barnett plays Robert Oppenheimer
The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith, directed by Jonathan Kydd and produced by Ashley Byrne. The Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes.
Guy Smith says: ''I wanted to find out what really took place behind the scenes in Washington and Tokyo in the weeks leading up to the most momentous - and controversial - decision in the history of modern warfare; the order to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.
And, just as importantly, I wanted to find out if that world changing event could have been avoided. Was it inevitable? Or could the conflict have been ended without the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
The more I dug into the archives and examined first hand accounts of those who were there at the White House and Imperial Palace, I discovered an extraordinary story full of intrigue, drama and turmoil.
Now, as the world once again moves closer to the threat of nuclear conflict than at any time since the Cold War, I hope The President and the Emperor provides listeners with a timely warning on the dangers of escalating tensions and failing to explore all possible opportunities to stop man's inhumanity to man.'
With thanks to:
The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu
The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov
12 September 2025, 6:00 am - 36 minutes 57 secondsExclusive New Drama: The President and the Emperor - Episode One
The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan
Episode 1: THE NEW COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
April 1945 and the new president, Harry S. Truman, is briefed for the first time on the Manhattan Project - America's top secret operation to build an atomic bomb. And as allied forces advance across the Pacific, Emperor Hirohito fears it will only be a matter of time before Japan is defeated.
The Cast
Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman
Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito
Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson
Mark Takeshi Ota - Lord Koichi Kido
Mike Grady - General Leslie Groves
Leo Ashizawa - Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo
Samuel Barnett - Dr J Robert Oppenheimer
Takatsuna Mukai - Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki
Jonathan Kydd - Dr Robert Stearns
Samuel Barnett - English Radio announcer
Takatsuna Mukai - Studio Engineer
Jonathan Kydd - American Radio Announcer.
The narrator is Lorelei King
The music is by Andy Street
The historian is Guy Walters
and historical observers were Kazuhiko and
Shigehiko Togo.The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.The director is Jonathan Kydd.
Produced by Ashley Byrne
Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes
Recorded at the Voices Sound Studio, Soho, London
A Made in Manchester production.
With thanks to:
The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu
The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov
This drama has been made with the good will of everyone involved and not with huge funders behind it. If you would like to give something to the costs and to show your appreciation for all the work involved, please donate here https://buymeacoffee.com/presidentandemperor
31 August 2025, 11:00 am - 19 minutes 59 secondsEXCLUSIVE NEW DRAMA - The President and the Emperor - In Conversation with Sadao Ueda who plays Emperor Hirohito
Ahead of the launch tomorrow (Sunday August 31st) of the epic new landmark drama about the decision to drop the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Sadao Ueda chats to Ashley Byrne about playing Emperor Hirohito. Sadao grew up in Japan and here he talks about what he was taught about the devastating events at school in the 1970s. He also reflects on taking on a part he's really wanted to play all his acting career.
Sadao Ueda is in conversation with Ashley Byrne.
A Made in Manchester Production
Coming soon ....The President and The Emperor brings to life the story behind one of the most consequential decisions in modern history, the dropping of the atomic bomb eighty years ago.
Told in seven parts and produced by indie company Made in Manchester, the series draws on newly declassified US and Japanese documents, along with first-hand testimony, to present a dual-perspective account of the final days of the Second World War.
At the heart of the drama are two isolated but powerful figures, President Harry S. Truman and Emperor Hirohito. They navigate moral and political dilemmas as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear devastation.
In a unique casting move, Truman is portrayed by his real-life grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, adding an intimate connection to a role few could approach with such personal insight.
He stars alongside acclaimed Japanese actor Sadao Ueda, who plays Hirohito with quiet intensity and emotional nuance.
“This drama is not about who was right or wrong in the war,” Ueda says. “It presents historical facts dramatically from two different points of view. I hope the listener will reflect on what global conflict might mean if it ever happened again.”
Samuel Barnett plays Robert Oppenheimer
The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith, directed by Jonathan Kydd and produced by Ashley Byrne. The Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes.
Guy Smith says: ''I wanted to find out what really took place behind the scenes in Washington and Tokyo in the weeks leading up to the most momentous - and controversial - decision in the history of modern warfare; the order to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.
And, just as importantly, I wanted to find out if that world changing event could have been avoided. Was it inevitable? Or could the conflict have been ended without the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
The more I dug into the archives and examined first hand accounts of those who were there at the White House and Imperial Palace, I discovered an extraordinary story full of intrigue, drama and turmoil.
Now, as the world once again moves closer to the threat of nuclear conflict than at any time since the Cold War, I hope The President and the Emperor provides listeners with a timely warning on the dangers of escalating tensions and failing to explore all possible opportunities to stop man's inhumanity to man.'
With thanks to:
The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu
The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov
30 August 2025, 7:00 pm - 1 minute 46 secondsFirst look Trailer 2 - The President and The Emperor....Coming Soon starring some big name British actors including Christopher Strauli, Samuel Barnett, Mike Grady & Jonathan Kydd as well as President Truman's grandson as his grandpa
First Look Trailer 2 for The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer.
Episode 1 coming soon.....
The President and the Emperor Cast - Episode One
Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman
Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito
Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson
Mark Takeshi Ota - Lord Koichi Kido
Mike Grady - General Leslie Groves
Leo Ashizawa - Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo
Samuel Barnett - Dr J Robert Oppenheimer
Takatsuna Mukai - Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki
Jonathan Kydd - Dr Robert Stearns
Samuel Barnett - English Radio announcer
Takatsuna Mukai - Studio Engineer
Jonathan Kydd - American Radio Announcer.
The narrator is Lorelei King
The music is by Andy Street
The historian is Guy Walters
and historical observers were Kazuhiko and
Shigehiko Togo.The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.The director is Jonathan Kydd.
Produced by Ashley Byrne
Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes
A Made in Manchester production.
18 August 2025, 2:00 pm - 2 minutes 3 secondsFirst Look Trailer - The President and the Emperor ....coming soon
A First Look Teaser for The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer.
Episode 1 coming soon.....
The President and the Emperor Cast - Episode One
Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman
Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito
Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson
Mark Takeshi Ota - Lord Koichi Kido
Mike Grady - General Leslie Groves
Leo Ashizawa - Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo
Samuel Barnett - Dr J Robert Oppenheimer
Takatsuna Mukai - Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki
Jonathan Kydd - Dr Robert Stearns
Samuel Barnett - English Radio announcer
Takatsuna Mukai - Studio Engineer
Jonathan Kydd - American Radio Announcer.
The narrator is Lorelei King
The music is by Andy Street
The historian is Guy Walters
and historical observers were Kazuhiko and
Shigehiko Togo.The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.The director is Jonathan Kydd.
Produced by Ashley Byrne
Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes
A Made in Manchester production.
15 August 2025, 12:00 am - 25 minutes 33 secondsComing Soon - Exclusive New Drama - The President and the Emperor - Here's Clifton Truman Daniel who plays his grandfather President Harry S Truman in conversation with Ashley Byrne
Ahead of the launch of the epic new landmark drama about the decision to drop the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Clifton Truman Daniel chats to Ashley Byrne about playing his grandfather in The President and the Emperor. Clifton talks candidly about his relationship with his grandpa and how he learned about his family history when he was growing up. He also reflects on the impact the decision his grandfather made has had on the world and on the work he's done to foster peace the region.
Clifton Truman Daniel is in conversation with Ashley Byrne.
A Made in Manchester Production
Coming soon ....The President and The Emperor brings to life the story behind one of the most consequential decisions in modern history, the dropping of the atomic bomb eighty years ago.
Told in seven parts and produced by indie company Made in Manchester, the series draws on newly declassified US and Japanese documents, along with first-hand testimony, to present a dual-perspective account of the final days of the Second World War.
At the heart of the drama are two isolated but powerful figures, President Harry S. Truman and Emperor Hirohito. They navigate moral and political dilemmas as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear devastation.
In a unique casting move, Truman is portrayed by his real-life grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, adding an intimate connection to a role few could approach with such personal insight.
He stars alongside acclaimed Japanese actor Sadao Ueda, who plays Hirohito with quiet intensity and emotional nuance.
“This drama is not about who was right or wrong in the war,” Ueda says. “It presents historical facts dramatically from two different points of view. I hope the listener will reflect on what global conflict might mean if it ever happened again.”
Samuel Barnett plays Robert Oppenheimer
The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith, directed by Jonathan Kydd and produced by Ashley Byrne. The Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes.
Guy Smith says: ''I wanted to find out what really took place behind the scenes in Washington and Tokyo in the weeks leading up to the most momentous - and controversial - decision in the history of modern warfare; the order to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.
And, just as importantly, I wanted to find out if that world changing event could have been avoided. Was it inevitable? Or could the conflict have been ended without the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
The more I dug into the archives and examined first hand accounts of those who were there at the White House and Imperial Palace, I discovered an extraordinary story full of intrigue, drama and turmoil.
Now, as the world once again moves closer to the threat of nuclear conflict than at any time since the Cold War, I hope The President and the Emperor provides listeners with a timely warning on the dangers of escalating tensions and failing to explore all possible opportunities to stop man's inhumanity to man.'
With thanks to:
The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu
The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov
8 August 2025, 5:00 pm - 34 minutes 36 secondsAndy Peebles Last Interview - Ashley chats to the legendary former Radio 1 DJ who was the last to interview John Lennon
Ashley had the pleasure of interviewing the legendary Andy Peebles just weeks before he died for a programme about Steve Strange. Though the interview was about Steve, the conversation included many anecdotes related to Andy's long career overall including his famous interview with John Lennon. Here we play most of the interview in tribute to Andy and his memory.
Enjoy and RIP Andy!
12 April 2025, 11:00 pm - 1 hour 2 seconds40 Years of EastEnders - In conversation with former Albert Square storyliner David Payne
In the fourth episode of Distinct Nostalgia's EastEnders at 40 series, Ashley sits down with former Albert Square storyliner David Payne. David, who worked on the show from 2015 to 2017, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind some of EastEnders' most gripping storylines. From the homophobic murder of Paul Coker to Stacey Fowler's postpartum psychosis, David shares the challenges and triumphs of crafting compelling narratives for one of Britain's most beloved soaps. Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes stories and gain a deeper understanding of how the drama of Walford is brought to life. Look out for more episodes celebrating EastEnders' 40 years over the weekend. And don't forget, there are dozens of EastEnders and other soap interviews and reunions in the Distinct Nostalgia archive
Produced by Ashley Byrne
Research by Andrew Edwards
An Made in Manchester Production
And don't forget we need your support. Distinct Nostalgia has no budget. You can buy us a coffee by clicking this link.
buymeacoffee.com/distinctnostalgia23 February 2025, 9:00 am - 29 minutes 26 seconds40 Years of EastEnders - back to the early 2000s when Dame Sheila Hancock played Steve Owen's disturbed mum Barbara
Join us for the third episode of Distinct Nostalgia's special series celebrating EastEnders at 40. In this episode, Dame Sheila Hancock, who brought the unforgettable Barbara Owen to life in 2000 and 2001, sits down with Ashley to discuss her time on the show. Barbara, a complex character with a troubled relationship with her children, especially her son Steve, left a lasting impact on Walford. Sheila shares behind-the-scenes stories, her thoughts on Barbara's dramatic storylines, and what it was like to be part of such a beloved soap. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with one of EastEnders' most memorable guest stars.
Look out for more episodes celebrating EastEnders' 40 years over the weekend. And don't forget, there are dozens of EastEnders and other soap interviews and reunions in the Distinct Nostalgia archive.
Produced by Ashley Byrne
Research by Andrew Edwards
An Made in Manchester Production
And don't forget we need your support. Distinct Nostalgia has no budget. You can buy us a coffee by clicking this link.
buymeacoffee.com/distinctnostalgia21 February 2025, 6:00 pm - More Episodes? Get the App