S4 E20 Ilse Koch: The Witch of Buchenwald

In this episode of The Dark History Podcast, we examine the life and crimes of Ilse Koch — the woman whose name became synonymous with cruelty inside Buchenwald concentration camp. You’ll hear a first-person composite account based on survivor testimony, followed by a detailed investigation into Koch’s early life, her rise within the Nazi regime, and the brutality she inflicted on prisoners.

We look closely at the allegations that made her infamous: the selection of tattooed prisoners, the killings connected to the pathology block, and the accusations surrounding objects said to be made from human skin. We also break down the legal battles that followed the war, including her convictions, sentence reduction, re-arrest, and her final years in prison.

This episode avoids sensationalism. Instead, it places Koch within the wider structure of Nazi authority and explores how ordinary people can become active participants in atrocity. It is a difficult story, but understanding it is essential when studying the mechanics of genocide and the consequences of unchecked power.

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