The Podcaster Poking at France’s Biggest Secrets

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Catherine PorterJanuary 25, 2026 at 06:01 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Philippe Collin, a French journalist and podcaster, is gaining popularity in France for his historical podcast series, "Facing History," which has garnered over 40 million downloads. The podcast delves into uncomfortable and often overlooked aspects of French history, particularly France's complex role during World War II, including collaboration with Nazi Germany. Collin aims to reactivate the memory of the French resistance and encourage listeners to defend the values of the French Republic. His work has sparked reappraisals of historical figures among historians and politicians. Collin, who previously worked at France Inter, has dedicated the last four years to creating these historical podcast series.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Russia 30% France Inter 40% D-Day 40% Germany ×250% Nazis 50% Paris ×260% Nazi Germany ×270% World War II ×470% France ×780% Philippe Collin ×790%

Keywords

world war ii 100% podcast 90% philippe collin 90% french history 80% nazi germany 70% french collaboration 70% memory of the resistance 60% facing history 60% french republic 50%