America: The Story of the USA en Mercury Podcasts This is your deep‑dive guide to how the United States became what it is today - politically, culturally, and socially. We unpack the pivotal moments, defining conflicts, influential leaders, and overlooked voices that shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s identity. Designed for curious listeners, students, educators, and lifelong learners, this series blends accessible storytelling with historically grounded insight to help you understand not just what happened in America’s past, but why it still matters now. If you want a clear, compelling, and richly narrated journey through U.S. history, this is the podcast that brings the American story to life. Made in partnership with the British Association for American Studies. . AD FREE & BONUS CONTENT: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa . GET THE NEWSLETTER: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ BRANDS & ADVERTISING: liam@mercurypodcasts.com . America: A History is a part of the Mercury Podcast Network, hosted by your resident US expert Liam Heffernan, in partnership with The British Association for American Studies: baas.ac.uk https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e60d9b42-0595-11f1-bcaa-f7460f639a50/image/c4693ef5d57cba340401896d57e9e2a8.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress America: The Story of the USA no episodic The United States Past, Present, and Future Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This is your deep‑dive guide to how the United States became what it is today - politically, culturally, and socially. We unpack the pivotal moments, defining conflicts, influential leaders, and overlooked voices that shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s identity. Designed for curious listeners, students, educators, and lifelong learners, this series blends accessible storytelling with historically grounded insight to help you understand not just what happened in America’s past, but why it still matters now. If you want a clear, compelling, and richly narrated journey through U.S. history, this is the podcast that brings the American story to life. Made in partnership with the British Association for American Studies. . AD FREE & BONUS CONTENT: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa . GET THE NEWSLETTER: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ BRANDS & ADVERTISING: liam@mercurypodcasts.com . America: A History is a part of the Mercury Podcast Network, hosted by your resident US expert Liam Heffernan, in partnership with The British Association for American Studies: baas.ac.uk This is your deep‑dive guide to how the United States became what it is today - politically, culturally, and socially. We unpack the pivotal moments, defining conflicts, influential leaders, and overlooked voices that shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s identity.

Designed for curious listeners, students, educators, and lifelong learners, this series blends accessible storytelling with historically grounded insight to help you understand not just what happened in America’s past, but why it still matters now.

If you want a clear, compelling, and richly narrated journey through U.S. history, this is the podcast that brings the American story to life. Made in partnership with the British Association for American Studies.

.

AD FREE & BONUS CONTENT: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa . GET THE NEWSLETTER: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

BRANDS & ADVERTISING: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

. America: A History is a part of the Mercury Podcast Network, hosted by your resident US expert Liam Heffernan, in partnership with The British Association for American Studies: baas.ac.uk

]]> Mercury america@podcastsbyliam.com In the Making: The King is Back This week, we discuss the another assassination attempt on President Trump, this time in the form of a 31 year old Californian teacher who stormed security at the White House Correspondents Dinner. And as always, conspiracy theorists are on the case, but is there any merit to it? Plus, King Charles and Camilla visit Washington, in the UK's first state visit since 2007. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is teetering on the edge, as the Mandelson-Epstein scandal continues to ripple through British government. My guest this week is Nish Kumar, a comedian and presenter, best known for co-hosting Pod Save the UK and he is just back from a tour of the US. . Stories: 05:41 - White House Correspondents Dinner Shooting 16:48 - Jimmy Kimmel versus Trump... Again 30:44 - King Charles' US State Visit 40:07 - Keir Starmer 47:57 - The Sperm Racing World Cup . Sources: White House Correspondents Dinner Shooting: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/04/25/politics/live-news/trump-white-house-correspondents-dinner  Trump hates Jimmy Kimmel: https://apnews.com/article/trump-melania-kimmel-correspondents-dinner-6ab20d5675a5328b207b1f6a322bf3cc  Could Kimmel Be Cancelled? https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/could-jimmy-kimmel-get-canceled-fired-5535234/  The King’s US State Visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4g5lly7qg8t?post=asset%3A7c9229d2-21b5-4314-b503-8b2a477c3c37#post  Next UK Ambassador to the US: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-us-ambassador-trump-mandelson-b2824566.html  Starmer Says Labour Colleagues Want Him to Stay: https://metro.co.uk/2026/04/26/starmer-says-vast-majority-labour-wants-stay-prime-minister-28126238/  Peter Mandelson Timeline: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/17/peter-mandelson-failed-security-vetting-timeline-keir-starmer  Sperm Racing: https://www.spermracing.com/  Sperm Racing World Cup Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WumH-msuWzk . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we discuss the another assassination attempt on President Trump, this time in the form of a 31 year old Californian teacher who stormed security at the White House Correspondents Dinner. And as always, conspiracy theorists are on the case, but is there any merit to it? Plus, King Charles and Camilla visit Washington, in the UK's first state visit since 2007. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is teetering on the edge, as the Mandelson-Epstein scandal continues to ripple through British government. My guest this week is Nish Kumar, a comedian and presenter, best known for co-hosting Pod Save the UK and he is just back from a tour of the US. . Stories: 05:41 - White House Correspondents Dinner Shooting 16:48 - Jimmy Kimmel versus Trump... Again 30:44 - King Charles' US State Visit 40:07 - Keir Starmer 47:57 - The Sperm Racing World Cup . Sources: White House Correspondents Dinner Shooting: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/04/25/politics/live-news/trump-white-house-correspondents-dinner  Trump hates Jimmy Kimmel: https://apnews.com/article/trump-melania-kimmel-correspondents-dinner-6ab20d5675a5328b207b1f6a322bf3cc  Could Kimmel Be Cancelled? https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/could-jimmy-kimmel-get-canceled-fired-5535234/  The King’s US State Visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4g5lly7qg8t?post=asset%3A7c9229d2-21b5-4314-b503-8b2a477c3c37#post  Next UK Ambassador to the US: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-us-ambassador-trump-mandelson-b2824566.html  Starmer Says Labour Colleagues Want Him to Stay: https://metro.co.uk/2026/04/26/starmer-says-vast-majority-labour-wants-stay-prime-minister-28126238/  Peter Mandelson Timeline: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/17/peter-mandelson-failed-security-vetting-timeline-keir-starmer  Sperm Racing: https://www.spermracing.com/  Sperm Racing World Cup Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WumH-msuWzk . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we discuss the another assassination attempt on President Trump, this time in the form of a 31 year old Californian teacher who stormed security at the White House Correspondents Dinner.

And as always, conspiracy theorists are on the case, but is there any merit to it?

Plus, King Charles and Camilla visit Washington, in the UK's first state visit since 2007. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is teetering on the edge, as the Mandelson-Epstein scandal continues to ripple through British government.

My guest this week is Nish Kumar, a comedian and presenter, best known for co-hosting Pod Save the UK and he is just back from a tour of the US.

.

Stories:

05:41 - White House Correspondents Dinner Shooting

16:48 - Jimmy Kimmel versus Trump... Again

30:44 - King Charles' US State Visit

40:07 - Keir Starmer

47:57 - The Sperm Racing World Cup

.

Sources:

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3435 What is the Harlem Renaissance? The 1920s and 1930s in America were a time of seismic change. In the heart of New York City, the neighborhood of Harlem became the stage for a dazzling outpouring of creativity, intellect, and activism. Black writers, artists, musicians, and thinkers converged, forging a new vision of African American identity and culture. Their work challenged old stereotypes, inspired new movements, and left a legacy that still shapes America today. From jazz clubs and poetry readings to political debates and Southern tours, the Harlem Renaissance was more than an artistic movement—it was a revolution in how America saw itself. So in this episode, I’m asking… what is the Harlem Renaissance? . Special Guest: Sian Round, a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in English Literature at Swansea University. Her research explores the cultures of the US South, the Harlem Renaissance, and periodical publishing. Her current project, The Harlem Renaissance and the Southern Tour, 1919–1935, investigates how Black writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston engaged with the South after the Great Migration. . Highlights: 03:41 - The Great Migration 08:25 - Why Harlem? 12:53 - Never a Cohesive Movement 16:56 - Renaissance Literature 23:14 - When the Negro Was in Vogue 27:47 - The Cotton Club 32:26 - Influence versus Appropriation 40:01 - Legacy and Memory 42:12 - As Gay as it Was Black 44:56 - Beyond Harlem . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:34:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The 1920s and 1930s in America were a time of seismic change. In the heart of New York City, the neighborhood of Harlem became the stage for a dazzling outpouring of creativity, intellect, and activism. Black writers, artists, musicians, and thinkers converged, forging a new vision of African American identity and culture. Their work challenged old stereotypes, inspired new movements, and left a legacy that still shapes America today. From jazz clubs and poetry readings to political debates and Southern tours, the Harlem Renaissance was more than an artistic movement—it was a revolution in how America saw itself. So in this episode, I’m asking… what is the Harlem Renaissance? . Special Guest: Sian Round, a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in English Literature at Swansea University. Her research explores the cultures of the US South, the Harlem Renaissance, and periodical publishing. Her current project, The Harlem Renaissance and the Southern Tour, 1919–1935, investigates how Black writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston engaged with the South after the Great Migration. . Highlights: 03:41 - The Great Migration 08:25 - Why Harlem? 12:53 - Never a Cohesive Movement 16:56 - Renaissance Literature 23:14 - When the Negro Was in Vogue 27:47 - The Cotton Club 32:26 - Influence versus Appropriation 40:01 - Legacy and Memory 42:12 - As Gay as it Was Black 44:56 - Beyond Harlem . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The 1920s and 1930s in America were a time of seismic change. In the heart of New York City, the neighborhood of Harlem became the stage for a dazzling outpouring of creativity, intellect, and activism. Black writers, artists, musicians, and thinkers converged, forging a new vision of African American identity and culture.

Their work challenged old stereotypes, inspired new movements, and left a legacy that still shapes America today. From jazz clubs and poetry readings to political debates and Southern tours, the Harlem Renaissance was more than an artistic movement—it was a revolution in how America saw itself.

So in this episode, I’m asking… what is the Harlem Renaissance?

.

Special Guest:

Sian Round, a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in English Literature at Swansea University. Her research explores the cultures of the US South, the Harlem Renaissance, and periodical publishing. Her current project, The Harlem Renaissance and the Southern Tour, 1919–1935, investigates how Black writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston engaged with the South after the Great Migration.

.

Highlights:

03:41 - The Great Migration

08:25 - Why Harlem?

12:53 - Never a Cohesive Movement

16:56 - Renaissance Literature

23:14 - When the Negro Was in Vogue

27:47 - The Cotton Club

32:26 - Influence versus Appropriation

40:01 - Legacy and Memory

42:12 - As Gay as it Was Black

44:56 - Beyond Harlem

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3327 Study Notes: The Presidents - James Madison (1809 - 1817) America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. Today: and the latest in our Presidents series, is about the fourth President, James Madison - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. Today: and the latest in our Presidents series, is about the fourth President, James Madison - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

Today: and the latest in our Presidents series, is about the fourth President, James Madison - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 706 In the Making: The Louisiana Shooting and America’s Gun Problem This week, we focus on the recent shootings in Shreveport Louisiana, and what this could mean for gun law reform in the USA. We speak to Chris Marvin at Everytown for Gun Safety about the escalating number of gun violence deaths, and the 'thoughts and prayers' response from the speaker and state governor. Plus, we discuss Tim Cook stepping down as Apple CEO and the possible political implications. We take a look at The Onion's renewed quest to buy InfoWars. And Maryland are the first state to introduce laws against dynamic pricing, so are eggs finally going to get cheaper?! The guest today is Emma Long, an Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. . Stories Mentioned: Louisiana shooting: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/mass-shooting-eight-children-dead-louisiana-b2960649.html  More than one mass shooting a day: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/04/19/us/shreveport-louisiana-shooting  Gun violence data: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/03/05/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-us/  Tim Cook steps down: https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/20/tim-cook-stepping-down-as-apple-ceo-john-ternus-taking-over/  The Onion still wants to buy Infowars: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgr7dw55lwo  Maryland ban surveillance pricing: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/maryland-to-become-first-us-state-to-ban-surveillance-pricing/ . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we focus on the recent shootings in Shreveport Louisiana, and what this could mean for gun law reform in the USA. We speak to Chris Marvin at Everytown for Gun Safety about the escalating number of gun violence deaths, and the 'thoughts and prayers' response from the speaker and state governor. Plus, we discuss Tim Cook stepping down as Apple CEO and the possible political implications. We take a look at The Onion's renewed quest to buy InfoWars. And Maryland are the first state to introduce laws against dynamic pricing, so are eggs finally going to get cheaper?! The guest today is Emma Long, an Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. . Stories Mentioned: Louisiana shooting: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/mass-shooting-eight-children-dead-louisiana-b2960649.html  More than one mass shooting a day: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/04/19/us/shreveport-louisiana-shooting  Gun violence data: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/03/05/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-us/  Tim Cook steps down: https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/20/tim-cook-stepping-down-as-apple-ceo-john-ternus-taking-over/  The Onion still wants to buy Infowars: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgr7dw55lwo  Maryland ban surveillance pricing: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/maryland-to-become-first-us-state-to-ban-surveillance-pricing/ . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we focus on the recent shootings in Shreveport Louisiana, and what this could mean for gun law reform in the USA. We speak to Chris Marvin at Everytown for Gun Safety about the escalating number of gun violence deaths, and the 'thoughts and prayers' response from the speaker and state governor.

Plus, we discuss Tim Cook stepping down as Apple CEO and the possible political implications.

We take a look at The Onion's renewed quest to buy InfoWars.

And Maryland are the first state to introduce laws against dynamic pricing, so are eggs finally going to get cheaper?!

The guest today is Emma Long, an Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.

.

Stories Mentioned:

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3724 Is American Sport Ruined by Politics? Sport is often described as the great American escape; a place where the rules are clear, the stakes are simple, and the drama unfolds on the field rather than in the halls of power. But in reality, American sport has always been political. From Cold War Olympic boycotts to anthem protests, from global tournaments shaped by diplomacy to domestic leagues shaped by culture wars, sport is one of the most visible stages for national identity and political conflict. And today, with controversies surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and even a UFC event planned for the White House lawn, that relationship feels more charged than ever. So in this episode, I’m asking… is American sport ruined by politics? . Special Guest: Adam Burns, the Head of Politics at Brighton College, and the author and editor of Sports and the American Presidency: From Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump. . Highlights: 02:43 - Has American Sport Always Been Political? 06:53 - Presidents and Sport 10:10 - Global Sport and Diplomacy 17:47 - 2026 World Cup 23:26 - Geopolitics on the Sports Field 29:26 - UFC Freedom and Presidential Endorsements 37:34 - Athletes as Politicians 42:38 - Player vs Club vs Country 50:34 - Does Politics Ruin Sport? . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Sport is often described as the great American escape; a place where the rules are clear, the stakes are simple, and the drama unfolds on the field rather than in the halls of power. But in reality, American sport has always been political. From Cold War Olympic boycotts to anthem protests, from global tournaments shaped by diplomacy to domestic leagues shaped by culture wars, sport is one of the most visible stages for national identity and political conflict. And today, with controversies surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and even a UFC event planned for the White House lawn, that relationship feels more charged than ever. So in this episode, I’m asking… is American sport ruined by politics? . Special Guest: Adam Burns, the Head of Politics at Brighton College, and the author and editor of Sports and the American Presidency: From Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump. . Highlights: 02:43 - Has American Sport Always Been Political? 06:53 - Presidents and Sport 10:10 - Global Sport and Diplomacy 17:47 - 2026 World Cup 23:26 - Geopolitics on the Sports Field 29:26 - UFC Freedom and Presidential Endorsements 37:34 - Athletes as Politicians 42:38 - Player vs Club vs Country 50:34 - Does Politics Ruin Sport? . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sport is often described as the great American escape; a place where the rules are clear, the stakes are simple, and the drama unfolds on the field rather than in the halls of power. But in reality, American sport has always been political.

From Cold War Olympic boycotts to anthem protests, from global tournaments shaped by diplomacy to domestic leagues shaped by culture wars, sport is one of the most visible stages for national identity and political conflict.

And today, with controversies surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and even a UFC event planned for the White House lawn, that relationship feels more charged than ever.

So in this episode, I’m asking… is American sport ruined by politics?

.

Special Guest:

Adam Burns, the Head of Politics at Brighton College, and the author and editor of Sports and the American Presidency: From Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump.

.

Highlights:

02:43 - Has American Sport Always Been Political?

06:53 - Presidents and Sport

10:10 - Global Sport and Diplomacy

17:47 - 2026 World Cup

23:26 - Geopolitics on the Sports Field

29:26 - UFC Freedom and Presidential Endorsements

37:34 - Athletes as Politicians

42:38 - Player vs Club vs Country

50:34 - Does Politics Ruin Sport?

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3923 Study Notes: The Presidents - Thomas Jefferson (1801 - 1809) America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. Today: and continuing our Presidents series, is the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. Today: and continuing our Presidents series, is the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

Today: and continuing our Presidents series, is the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 707 In the Making: Orban Out, Conversion Therapy In This week, we discuss the recent election in Hungary, which saw incumbent Prime Minister lose in a historic landslide to his former ally, ousting him after 16 years in power. The War in Iran continues to escalate, with the US now blockading Iranian ports and the potential involvement of China not being ruled out. Plus, SCOTUS have overturned a Colorado state ban on conversion therapy, and I speak to Reverend Caleb Lines, who is critical of the decision. The guest today is Jacob Jarvis, host of American Friction. . Stories Mentioned: Viktor Orban loses election: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2d8zw2d3rkt  Donald Trump’s far-right plans in Europe: https://theconversation.com/hungarian-election-exposes-tensions-at-the-heart-of-donald-trumps-plans-to-boost-the-far-right-in-europe-280065  US blockade Iranian ports: https://apnews.com/article/us-iran-war-lebanon-israel-talks-hormuz-15-april-2026-f1b02d16f81d6fdcf68c0ed16d7a719d  Colorado’s 2019 conversion therapy ban: https://www.denverpost.com/2019/05/31/conversion-therapy-ban-lgbt-colorado/  SCOTUS overturn conversion therapy ban:https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-conversion-therapy-colorado-92b34295f9ef497a4a1cbeb56c9b74c6  Submit your 28th Amendment: https://forms.gle/rXtxVtpkPfVVtNUn8 . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:38:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we discuss the recent election in Hungary, which saw incumbent Prime Minister lose in a historic landslide to his former ally, ousting him after 16 years in power. The War in Iran continues to escalate, with the US now blockading Iranian ports and the potential involvement of China not being ruled out. Plus, SCOTUS have overturned a Colorado state ban on conversion therapy, and I speak to Reverend Caleb Lines, who is critical of the decision. The guest today is Jacob Jarvis, host of American Friction. . Stories Mentioned: Viktor Orban loses election: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2d8zw2d3rkt  Donald Trump’s far-right plans in Europe: https://theconversation.com/hungarian-election-exposes-tensions-at-the-heart-of-donald-trumps-plans-to-boost-the-far-right-in-europe-280065  US blockade Iranian ports: https://apnews.com/article/us-iran-war-lebanon-israel-talks-hormuz-15-april-2026-f1b02d16f81d6fdcf68c0ed16d7a719d  Colorado’s 2019 conversion therapy ban: https://www.denverpost.com/2019/05/31/conversion-therapy-ban-lgbt-colorado/  SCOTUS overturn conversion therapy ban:https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-conversion-therapy-colorado-92b34295f9ef497a4a1cbeb56c9b74c6  Submit your 28th Amendment: https://forms.gle/rXtxVtpkPfVVtNUn8 . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we discuss the recent election in Hungary, which saw incumbent Prime Minister lose in a historic landslide to his former ally, ousting him after 16 years in power.

The War in Iran continues to escalate, with the US now blockading Iranian ports and the potential involvement of China not being ruled out.

Plus, SCOTUS have overturned a Colorado state ban on conversion therapy, and I speak to Reverend Caleb Lines, who is critical of the decision.

The guest today is Jacob Jarvis, host of American Friction.

.

Stories Mentioned:

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4781 Why Don't Americans Get Sarcasm? Sarcasm is often treated as a cultural fault line - the old joke goes that Americans don’t get it, or don’t use it, or somehow take everything just a little too literally. But behind that joke is a much bigger story about how humor works in America: what Americans find funny, how comedy has evolved across the last century, and how jokes reveal deeper truths about national identity, power, and social norms. We’re going to look closer at the history of comedy in America - how it evolved, how it compares to the rest of the world, and what makes American comedy American. So in this episode, I’m asking… why don't Americans get sarcasm? . Special Guest: Beck Krefting a Professor of American Studies and Director of the Center for Leadership, Teaching, and Learning at Skidmore College. She is a leading scholar in feminist comedy studies, performance, and the cultural history of stand-up. Her acclaimed book, All Joking Aside: American Humor and Its Discontents, explores how comedians use “charged humor” to challenge social norms and push for justice. . Highlights: 02:00 - Comedic Styles and Politics 06:54 - Vaudeville and Blackface 11:35 - The History of Jewish Comedy 20:21 - The Emergence of Radio and TV 25:03 - Standup and Late Night TV 29:49 - The American Sense of Humour 33:56 - Is Hollywood Owned by the Left? 40:31 - The N Word 45:30 - Comedy Comes Full Circle . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Sarcasm is often treated as a cultural fault line - the old joke goes that Americans don’t get it, or don’t use it, or somehow take everything just a little too literally. But behind that joke is a much bigger story about how humor works in America: what Americans find funny, how comedy has evolved across the last century, and how jokes reveal deeper truths about national identity, power, and social norms. We’re going to look closer at the history of comedy in America - how it evolved, how it compares to the rest of the world, and what makes American comedy American. So in this episode, I’m asking… why don't Americans get sarcasm? . Special Guest: Beck Krefting a Professor of American Studies and Director of the Center for Leadership, Teaching, and Learning at Skidmore College. She is a leading scholar in feminist comedy studies, performance, and the cultural history of stand-up. Her acclaimed book, All Joking Aside: American Humor and Its Discontents, explores how comedians use “charged humor” to challenge social norms and push for justice. . Highlights: 02:00 - Comedic Styles and Politics 06:54 - Vaudeville and Blackface 11:35 - The History of Jewish Comedy 20:21 - The Emergence of Radio and TV 25:03 - Standup and Late Night TV 29:49 - The American Sense of Humour 33:56 - Is Hollywood Owned by the Left? 40:31 - The N Word 45:30 - Comedy Comes Full Circle . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sarcasm is often treated as a cultural fault line - the old joke goes that Americans don’t get it, or don’t use it, or somehow take everything just a little too literally. But behind that joke is a much bigger story about how humor works in America: what Americans find funny, how comedy has evolved across the last century, and how jokes reveal deeper truths about national identity, power, and social norms.

We’re going to look closer at the history of comedy in America - how it evolved, how it compares to the rest of the world, and what makes American comedy American.

So in this episode, I’m asking… why don't Americans get sarcasm?

.

Special Guest:

Beck Krefting a Professor of American Studies and Director of the Center for Leadership, Teaching, and Learning at Skidmore College. She is a leading scholar in feminist comedy studies, performance, and the cultural history of stand-up.

Her acclaimed book, All Joking Aside: American Humor and Its Discontents, explores how comedians use “charged humor” to challenge social norms and push for justice.

.

Highlights:

02:00 - Comedic Styles and Politics

06:54 - Vaudeville and Blackface

11:35 - The History of Jewish Comedy

20:21 - The Emergence of Radio and TV

25:03 - Standup and Late Night TV

29:49 - The American Sense of Humour

33:56 - Is Hollywood Owned by the Left?

40:31 - The N Word

45:30 - Comedy Comes Full Circle

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3382 Study Notes: The Presidents - John Adams (1797 - 1801) America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. Today: and continuing our Presidents series, is the second President of the United States, John Adams - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. Today: and continuing our Presidents series, is the second President of the United States, John Adams - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

Today: and continuing our Presidents series, is the second President of the United States, John Adams - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 686 In the Making: The Day A Whole Civilization Nearly Died This week, we discuss one of the wildest couple of day in modern politics, atter Trump's threat to wipe out a whole civilization sparked global panic, and an 11th hour ceasefire deal was announced with Iran. But who wins from this? Has Trump's reputation been damaged beyond repair? And is it time to start worrying about a nuclear war? Plus, reaction to Pam Bondi's firing, and the latest from NASA's record breaking mission to the moon. The guest today is Dr. Tim Galsworthy, lecturer in History and Military History at Lincoln Bishop University. . Stories Mentioned: Pam Bondi fired: https://news.sky.com/story/trump-latest-us-president-fires-attorney-general-pam-bondi-13526493  Artemis II breaks records: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-artemis-ii-crew-eclipses-record-for-farthest-human-spaceflight/  Trump agrees Iran ceasefire: https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-04-07-2026  Trump’s Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we discuss one of the wildest couple of day in modern politics, atter Trump's threat to wipe out a whole civilization sparked global panic, and an 11th hour ceasefire deal was announced with Iran. But who wins from this? Has Trump's reputation been damaged beyond repair? And is it time to start worrying about a nuclear war? Plus, reaction to Pam Bondi's firing, and the latest from NASA's record breaking mission to the moon. The guest today is Dr. Tim Galsworthy, lecturer in History and Military History at Lincoln Bishop University. . Stories Mentioned: Pam Bondi fired: https://news.sky.com/story/trump-latest-us-president-fires-attorney-general-pam-bondi-13526493  Artemis II breaks records: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-artemis-ii-crew-eclipses-record-for-farthest-human-spaceflight/  Trump agrees Iran ceasefire: https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-04-07-2026  Trump’s Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we discuss one of the wildest couple of day in modern politics, atter Trump's threat to wipe out a whole civilization sparked global panic, and an 11th hour ceasefire deal was announced with Iran.

But who wins from this?

Has Trump's reputation been damaged beyond repair?

And is it time to start worrying about a nuclear war?

Plus, reaction to Pam Bondi's firing, and the latest from NASA's record breaking mission to the moon.

The guest today is Dr. Tim Galsworthy, lecturer in History and Military History at Lincoln Bishop University.

.

Stories Mentioned:

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3558 What is Unit 731... and Why Did the USA Cover It Up? Unit 731 was a secret biological warfare and human‑experimentation program run by the Imperial Japanese Army before and during World War II. Its experiments - vivisection, deliberate infection with plague, anthrax and other pathogens, frostbite and pressure tests, and field releases of disease - killed thousands, and left a legacy of trauma across East Asia. After the war, many perpetrators avoided prosecution when U.S. authorities granted immunity in exchange for research data, a decision that raises urgent questions about ethics, power, and how states value scientific knowledge over justice. So in this episode, I’m asking… what is Unit 731, and why did the US cover it up? . Special Guest: Jenny Chan, the founder of Pacific Atrocities Education - https://pacificatrocities.org - an organization dedicated to documenting and teaching about wartime atrocities in the Asia‑Pacific, including Unit 731. She curates resources, produces educational materials, and works with survivors’ families and scholars to keep this history visible. . Highlights: 02:44 - The Origins of Unit 731 07:23 - The Experiments 10:49 - The Victims 17:12 - The Discovery of Unit 731 24:00 - Why Cover It Up? 28:28 - The Test is Classified 34:47 - The Ethics of Covering Up 40:42 - Institutional Trust . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Unit 731 was a secret biological warfare and human‑experimentation program run by the Imperial Japanese Army before and during World War II. Its experiments - vivisection, deliberate infection with plague, anthrax and other pathogens, frostbite and pressure tests, and field releases of disease - killed thousands, and left a legacy of trauma across East Asia. After the war, many perpetrators avoided prosecution when U.S. authorities granted immunity in exchange for research data, a decision that raises urgent questions about ethics, power, and how states value scientific knowledge over justice. So in this episode, I’m asking… what is Unit 731, and why did the US cover it up? . Special Guest: Jenny Chan, the founder of Pacific Atrocities Education - https://pacificatrocities.org - an organization dedicated to documenting and teaching about wartime atrocities in the Asia‑Pacific, including Unit 731. She curates resources, produces educational materials, and works with survivors’ families and scholars to keep this history visible. . Highlights: 02:44 - The Origins of Unit 731 07:23 - The Experiments 10:49 - The Victims 17:12 - The Discovery of Unit 731 24:00 - Why Cover It Up? 28:28 - The Test is Classified 34:47 - The Ethics of Covering Up 40:42 - Institutional Trust . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Unit 731 was a secret biological warfare and human‑experimentation program run by the Imperial Japanese Army before and during World War II. Its experiments - vivisection, deliberate infection with plague, anthrax and other pathogens, frostbite and pressure tests, and field releases of disease - killed thousands, and left a legacy of trauma across East Asia.

After the war, many perpetrators avoided prosecution when U.S. authorities granted immunity in exchange for research data, a decision that raises urgent questions about ethics, power, and how states value scientific knowledge over justice.

So in this episode, I’m asking… what is Unit 731, and why did the US cover it up?

.

Special Guest:

Jenny Chan, the founder of Pacific Atrocities Education - https://pacificatrocities.org - an organization dedicated to documenting and teaching about wartime atrocities in the Asia‑Pacific, including Unit 731. She curates resources, produces educational materials, and works with survivors’ families and scholars to keep this history visible.

.

Highlights:

02:44 - The Origins of Unit 731

07:23 - The Experiments

10:49 - The Victims

17:12 - The Discovery of Unit 731

24:00 - Why Cover It Up?

28:28 - The Test is Classified

34:47 - The Ethics of Covering Up

40:42 - Institutional Trust

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2883 Study Notes: The Presidents - George Washington (1789 - 1797) America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. Today: and the first of our Presidents series, is all about George Washington - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 03 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. Today: and the first of our Presidents series, is all about George Washington - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

Today: and the first of our Presidents series, is all about George Washington - his election, presidency, key achievements and legacy.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 730 In the Making: Artemis II Launches as Trump's Ballroom Stalls This week, UEA's Emma Long joins Liam to break down a packed slate of US political drama and historic scientific achievement. They explore Donald Trump’s controversial executive order to create a national voter list, the constitutional backlash from states, and the wider political strategy behind tightening mail‑in voting rules. They then unpack Trump’s underwhelming national address amid the escalating Iran conflict, rising global oil prices, and growing fears about America’s commitment to NATO. Plus, they turn to NASA’s Artemis II mission, which has just launched four astronauts on a historic journey around the moon. What will it mean, and what's the point? . Stories Mentioned: Trump’s national voter list: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-nationwide-voter-list-executive-order-legal-challenges-11765880  The latest in Iran: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c36r5p1l7w3t  NASA Artemis II website: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/  White House ballroom stalls: https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-construction-halted-9cafc70569a3a05fcbaa6cafddbeace4 . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:52:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, UEA's Emma Long joins Liam to break down a packed slate of US political drama and historic scientific achievement. They explore Donald Trump’s controversial executive order to create a national voter list, the constitutional backlash from states, and the wider political strategy behind tightening mail‑in voting rules. They then unpack Trump’s underwhelming national address amid the escalating Iran conflict, rising global oil prices, and growing fears about America’s commitment to NATO. Plus, they turn to NASA’s Artemis II mission, which has just launched four astronauts on a historic journey around the moon. What will it mean, and what's the point? . Stories Mentioned: Trump’s national voter list: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-nationwide-voter-list-executive-order-legal-challenges-11765880  The latest in Iran: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c36r5p1l7w3t  NASA Artemis II website: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/  White House ballroom stalls: https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-construction-halted-9cafc70569a3a05fcbaa6cafddbeace4 . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, UEA's Emma Long joins Liam to break down a packed slate of US political drama and historic scientific achievement.

They explore Donald Trump’s controversial executive order to create a national voter list, the constitutional backlash from states, and the wider political strategy behind tightening mail‑in voting rules.

They then unpack Trump’s underwhelming national address amid the escalating Iran conflict, rising global oil prices, and growing fears about America’s commitment to NATO.

Plus, they turn to NASA’s Artemis II mission, which has just launched four astronauts on a historic journey around the moon. What will it mean, and what's the point?

.

Stories Mentioned:

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3415 What is Mount Rushmore? Carved into the granite spine of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognisable images in American culture - four presidential faces staring out across South Dakota, invoked endlessly as a symbol of patriotism, democracy and national pride. But behind the postcard image lies a far more tangled story: a monument born from economic desperation, shaped by political ambition, sculpted by a man with deep ties to the Ku Klux Klan, and built on land the United States illegally seized from the Lakota Sioux. In this episode, we trace the mountain’s transformation from a state tourism scheme into a federally funded memorial, explore the complicated legacy of its sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and examine how the monument’s meaning has shifted across a century of American history. From the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie to the rise of automobile tourism, from the politics of Calvin Coolidge to the unfinished Hall of Records, Mount Rushmore is a story of artistry, myth‑making, erasure and unresolved trauma. So in this episode, we're asking… what is Mount Rushmore? . Special Guest: Matthew Davis is an acclaimed author and journalist whose work explores the intersections of history, culture and contested landscapes. His latest book, A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore, offers the most comprehensive narrative history of the memorial to date. . Highlights: 02:13 - The Origin Story 06:58 - Politics and Money 14:33 - Gutzon Borglum 25:37 - Mount Rushmore's Construction 30:05 - How Many Deaths? 38:33 - Native Impact 46:56 - Preservation of the site . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Carved into the granite spine of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognisable images in American culture - four presidential faces staring out across South Dakota, invoked endlessly as a symbol of patriotism, democracy and national pride. But behind the postcard image lies a far more tangled story: a monument born from economic desperation, shaped by political ambition, sculpted by a man with deep ties to the Ku Klux Klan, and built on land the United States illegally seized from the Lakota Sioux. In this episode, we trace the mountain’s transformation from a state tourism scheme into a federally funded memorial, explore the complicated legacy of its sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and examine how the monument’s meaning has shifted across a century of American history. From the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie to the rise of automobile tourism, from the politics of Calvin Coolidge to the unfinished Hall of Records, Mount Rushmore is a story of artistry, myth‑making, erasure and unresolved trauma. So in this episode, we're asking… what is Mount Rushmore? . Special Guest: Matthew Davis is an acclaimed author and journalist whose work explores the intersections of history, culture and contested landscapes. His latest book, A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore, offers the most comprehensive narrative history of the memorial to date. . Highlights: 02:13 - The Origin Story 06:58 - Politics and Money 14:33 - Gutzon Borglum 25:37 - Mount Rushmore's Construction 30:05 - How Many Deaths? 38:33 - Native Impact 46:56 - Preservation of the site . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Carved into the granite spine of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognisable images in American culture - four presidential faces staring out across South Dakota, invoked endlessly as a symbol of patriotism, democracy and national pride.

But behind the postcard image lies a far more tangled story: a monument born from economic desperation, shaped by political ambition, sculpted by a man with deep ties to the Ku Klux Klan, and built on land the United States illegally seized from the Lakota Sioux.

In this episode, we trace the mountain’s transformation from a state tourism scheme into a federally funded memorial, explore the complicated legacy of its sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and examine how the monument’s meaning has shifted across a century of American history.

From the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie to the rise of automobile tourism, from the politics of Calvin Coolidge to the unfinished Hall of Records, Mount Rushmore is a story of artistry, myth‑making, erasure and unresolved trauma.

So in this episode, we're asking… what is Mount Rushmore?

.

Special Guest:

Matthew Davis is an acclaimed author and journalist whose work explores the intersections of history, culture and contested landscapes. His latest book, A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore, offers the most comprehensive narrative history of the memorial to date.

.

Highlights:

02:13 - The Origin Story

06:58 - Politics and Money

14:33 - Gutzon Borglum

25:37 - Mount Rushmore's Construction

30:05 - How Many Deaths?

38:33 - Native Impact

46:56 - Preservation of the site

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3620 Study Notes: All 50 US States, Abbreviations and Capital Cities America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, All 50 US States, including their abbreviations and capital cities. It’s the most boring party trick in the world, but super handy for revision! . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, All 50 US States, including their abbreviations and capital cities. It’s the most boring party trick in the world, but super handy for revision! . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, All 50 US States, including their abbreviations and capital cities. It’s the most boring party trick in the world, but super handy for revision!

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 581 In the Making: Is Donald Trump Ok? This week, we discuss Christopher Columbus statues near the White House, another lawsuit for Bill Cosby, and with increasingly irrational behaviour, we genuinely want to know if the President is ok. . Stories Mentioned: A Christopher Columbus statue is erected next to the White House: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-places-statue-christopher-columbus-white-house-rcna264668 Bill Cosby liable for $59m in damages following civil trial: https://apnews.com/article/bill-cosby-verdict-sexual-assault-motsinger-83b384df93fd9bf862b553b19b5aa4f9 Donald Trump's diplomacy: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trump-s-iran-strategy-showcases-doctrine-of-unpredictability-amid-strike-threats-and-sudden-pause/ar-AA1ZhSzq?ocid=BingNewsSerp Hospital squatter: https://apnews.com/article/florida-tallahassee-healthcare-hospital-1722512e3e9b6dc2662bcb6c9097ca1d . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:25:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we discuss Christopher Columbus statues near the White House, another lawsuit for Bill Cosby, and with increasingly irrational behaviour, we genuinely want to know if the President is ok. . Stories Mentioned: A Christopher Columbus statue is erected next to the White House: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-places-statue-christopher-columbus-white-house-rcna264668 Bill Cosby liable for $59m in damages following civil trial: https://apnews.com/article/bill-cosby-verdict-sexual-assault-motsinger-83b384df93fd9bf862b553b19b5aa4f9 Donald Trump's diplomacy: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trump-s-iran-strategy-showcases-doctrine-of-unpredictability-amid-strike-threats-and-sudden-pause/ar-AA1ZhSzq?ocid=BingNewsSerp Hospital squatter: https://apnews.com/article/florida-tallahassee-healthcare-hospital-1722512e3e9b6dc2662bcb6c9097ca1d . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we discuss Christopher Columbus statues near the White House, another lawsuit for Bill Cosby, and with increasingly irrational behaviour, we genuinely want to know if the President is ok.

.

Stories Mentioned:

  • A Christopher Columbus statue is erected next to the White House: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-places-statue-christopher-columbus-white-house-rcna264668
  • Bill Cosby liable for $59m in damages following civil trial: https://apnews.com/article/bill-cosby-verdict-sexual-assault-motsinger-83b384df93fd9bf862b553b19b5aa4f9
  • Donald Trump's diplomacy: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trump-s-iran-strategy-showcases-doctrine-of-unpredictability-amid-strike-threats-and-sudden-pause/ar-AA1ZhSzq?ocid=BingNewsSerp
  • Hospital squatter: https://apnews.com/article/florida-tallahassee-healthcare-hospital-1722512e3e9b6dc2662bcb6c9097ca1d

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2873 What is CrossFit? It began as "a choose your own adventure” that let wildly different gyms wear the same name, and it "grew into one of the most influential and controversial fitness movements in the world." CrossFit exploded from a scrappy California experiment into a global fitness phenomenon that rewired how people train, belong, and build identity, while also exposing fault lines around leadership, safety, and culture. In this episode we explore the movement’s internet‑era rise, the low‑barrier licensing model that let thousands of “boxes” proliferate, and the tension between CrossFit’s empowering grassroots community and the toxic, exclusionary practices that later fractured the brand. We trace how the CrossFit Games and a cult‑like group identity amplified both the movement’s best outcomes - community, strength, accessibility - and its worst: inconsistent standards, competitive excess, and leadership failures. So in this episode, we're asking… what is CrossFit? . Special Guest: Alyssa Royse, is a writer, gym owner, and longtime advocate for inclusive, science‑based fitness. She founded Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle as a CrossFit affiliate and later publicly disassociated from the brand over concerns about culture, leadership, and safety. Alyssa combines frontline experience running a neighborhood box with marketing expertise and a public record of critique and reform, making her a leading voice on what CrossFit got right, what it broke, and how fitness communities can do better. . Highlights: 02:09 - The Dot Com Boom 07:20 - What Does CrossFit Stand For? 11:45 - The National Identity of CrossFit 17:58 - The Multimillion Dollar Question 22:14 - Stop Being Assholes 27:38 - Toxic Masculinity and the Cult of CrossFit 34:17 - Materialism 42:41 - Post-Greg . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast It began as "a choose your own adventure” that let wildly different gyms wear the same name, and it "grew into one of the most influential and controversial fitness movements in the world." CrossFit exploded from a scrappy California experiment into a global fitness phenomenon that rewired how people train, belong, and build identity, while also exposing fault lines around leadership, safety, and culture. In this episode we explore the movement’s internet‑era rise, the low‑barrier licensing model that let thousands of “boxes” proliferate, and the tension between CrossFit’s empowering grassroots community and the toxic, exclusionary practices that later fractured the brand. We trace how the CrossFit Games and a cult‑like group identity amplified both the movement’s best outcomes - community, strength, accessibility - and its worst: inconsistent standards, competitive excess, and leadership failures. So in this episode, we're asking… what is CrossFit? . Special Guest: Alyssa Royse, is a writer, gym owner, and longtime advocate for inclusive, science‑based fitness. She founded Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle as a CrossFit affiliate and later publicly disassociated from the brand over concerns about culture, leadership, and safety. Alyssa combines frontline experience running a neighborhood box with marketing expertise and a public record of critique and reform, making her a leading voice on what CrossFit got right, what it broke, and how fitness communities can do better. . Highlights: 02:09 - The Dot Com Boom 07:20 - What Does CrossFit Stand For? 11:45 - The National Identity of CrossFit 17:58 - The Multimillion Dollar Question 22:14 - Stop Being Assholes 27:38 - Toxic Masculinity and the Cult of CrossFit 34:17 - Materialism 42:41 - Post-Greg . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It began as "a choose your own adventure” that let wildly different gyms wear the same name, and it "grew into one of the most influential and controversial fitness movements in the world."

CrossFit exploded from a scrappy California experiment into a global fitness phenomenon that rewired how people train, belong, and build identity, while also exposing fault lines around leadership, safety, and culture.

In this episode we explore the movement’s internet‑era rise, the low‑barrier licensing model that let thousands of “boxes” proliferate, and the tension between CrossFit’s empowering grassroots community and the toxic, exclusionary practices that later fractured the brand.

We trace how the CrossFit Games and a cult‑like group identity amplified both the movement’s best outcomes - community, strength, accessibility - and its worst: inconsistent standards, competitive excess, and leadership failures.

So in this episode, we're asking… what is CrossFit?

.

Special Guest:

Alyssa Royse, is a writer, gym owner, and longtime advocate for inclusive, science‑based fitness. She founded Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle as a CrossFit affiliate and later publicly disassociated from the brand over concerns about culture, leadership, and safety.

Alyssa combines frontline experience running a neighborhood box with marketing expertise and a public record of critique and reform, making her a leading voice on what CrossFit got right, what it broke, and how fitness communities can do better.

.

Highlights:

02:09 - The Dot Com Boom

07:20 - What Does CrossFit Stand For?

11:45 - The National Identity of CrossFit

17:58 - The Multimillion Dollar Question

22:14 - Stop Being Assholes

27:38 - Toxic Masculinity and the Cult of CrossFit

34:17 - Materialism

42:41 - Post-Greg

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3377 Study Notes: Every War the USA Has Fought America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, Every War the USA Has Fought - a handy quickfire timeline of when and who. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 20 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, Every War the USA Has Fought - a handy quickfire timeline of when and who. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, Every War the USA Has Fought - a handy quickfire timeline of when and who.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 396 In the Making: Trump vs NATO and the Rise of Markwayne Mullin This week, after another chaotic week in US politics and global affairs, we look at the latest developments in Donald Trump’s escalating war in Iran, his claim that the US “no longer needs NATO,” and the growing international backlash as the conflict spirals beyond Washington’s control. We discuss the political and economic consequences of Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the resignation of America’s counterterrorism chief, and the domestic fallout as fuel prices surge. Domestically, extreme weather sweeps across the US - heatwaves in the west and snowstorms in the east - and how climate change, government shutdowns, and TSA staffing crises have collided to create nationwide travel chaos. And today we expect the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, so we explore what his appointment reveals about Trump’s governing style, loyalty politics, and the future of immigration enforcement. Plus, we speak with Tom Joseph, founder and treasurer of America's Main Street Party, that promises to reform the electoral process and take the money out of politics. . Stories Mentioned: Trump stands firm as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cx2lr40g17kt?page=8 Severe weather sweeps the US: https://apnews.com/article/travel-weather-storms-flights-airports-f485f93852f31ab2fbd0513a117c7e20 Markwayne Mullin confirmed as new DHS secretary: https://blog.ucs.org/shana-udvardy/if-confirmed-will-senator-markwayne-mullin-will-be-dhss-next-disaster/ America's Main Street Party: mainstreetparty.org . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:09:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, after another chaotic week in US politics and global affairs, we look at the latest developments in Donald Trump’s escalating war in Iran, his claim that the US “no longer needs NATO,” and the growing international backlash as the conflict spirals beyond Washington’s control. We discuss the political and economic consequences of Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the resignation of America’s counterterrorism chief, and the domestic fallout as fuel prices surge. Domestically, extreme weather sweeps across the US - heatwaves in the west and snowstorms in the east - and how climate change, government shutdowns, and TSA staffing crises have collided to create nationwide travel chaos. And today we expect the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, so we explore what his appointment reveals about Trump’s governing style, loyalty politics, and the future of immigration enforcement. Plus, we speak with Tom Joseph, founder and treasurer of America's Main Street Party, that promises to reform the electoral process and take the money out of politics. . Stories Mentioned: Trump stands firm as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cx2lr40g17kt?page=8 Severe weather sweeps the US: https://apnews.com/article/travel-weather-storms-flights-airports-f485f93852f31ab2fbd0513a117c7e20 Markwayne Mullin confirmed as new DHS secretary: https://blog.ucs.org/shana-udvardy/if-confirmed-will-senator-markwayne-mullin-will-be-dhss-next-disaster/ America's Main Street Party: mainstreetparty.org . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, after another chaotic week in US politics and global affairs, we look at the latest developments in Donald Trump’s escalating war in Iran, his claim that the US “no longer needs NATO,” and the growing international backlash as the conflict spirals beyond Washington’s control.

We discuss the political and economic consequences of Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the resignation of America’s counterterrorism chief, and the domestic fallout as fuel prices surge.

Domestically, extreme weather sweeps across the US - heatwaves in the west and snowstorms in the east - and how climate change, government shutdowns, and TSA staffing crises have collided to create nationwide travel chaos.

And today we expect the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, so we explore what his appointment reveals about Trump’s governing style, loyalty politics, and the future of immigration enforcement.

Plus, we speak with Tom Joseph, founder and treasurer of America's Main Street Party, that promises to reform the electoral process and take the money out of politics.

.

Stories Mentioned:

  • Trump stands firm as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cx2lr40g17kt?page=8
  • Severe weather sweeps the US: https://apnews.com/article/travel-weather-storms-flights-airports-f485f93852f31ab2fbd0513a117c7e20
  • Markwayne Mullin confirmed as new DHS secretary: https://blog.ucs.org/shana-udvardy/if-confirmed-will-senator-markwayne-mullin-will-be-dhss-next-disaster/
  • America's Main Street Party: mainstreetparty.org

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠⁠.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4930 What Did Bernie Goetz Do? New York City, 1984: a subway car rattles beneath Manhattan, four teenagers joke and sway on the poles, and a quiet, bespectacled white man takes a seat directly across from them. What happens next becomes one of the most explosive and racially charged criminal cases in modern American history. Bernhard Goetz’s shooting of four Black teenagers - an act he claimed was self‑defence - ignited a national firestorm about crime, fear, vigilantism, and the deep racial fault lines shaping American life. But behind the headlines lies a far more complicated story: a city in crisis, a media machine eager for a narrative, a justice system bending under political pressure, and a man whose own confession revealed far more than the public was ever told. We will discuss the real events on that subway car, the distorted coverage that followed, and the long shadow the case cast over policing, gun culture, and racial justice in the United States. In this episode, we're asking… what did Bernie Goetz Do? . Special Guest: Heather Thompson, a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, professor at the University of Michigan, and one of the leading scholars of mass incarceration, policing, and social movements in the United States. Her latest book, Fear and Fury: The 80s, the Getz Shootings and the Rebirth of America, offers the definitive re‑examination of the case, drawing on extensive archival research, interviews, and newly uncovered evidence to reveal how the Goetz shooting reshaped American attitudes toward crime, race, and justice. . Highlights: 03:21 - The chain of events 11:23 - Bernie's early life 18:22 - The pro-Goetz narrative 25:22 - Media and racism 33:27 - American history is episodic 41:14 - The cost of injustice 47:08 - A hinge moment in US justice . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast New York City, 1984: a subway car rattles beneath Manhattan, four teenagers joke and sway on the poles, and a quiet, bespectacled white man takes a seat directly across from them. What happens next becomes one of the most explosive and racially charged criminal cases in modern American history. Bernhard Goetz’s shooting of four Black teenagers - an act he claimed was self‑defence - ignited a national firestorm about crime, fear, vigilantism, and the deep racial fault lines shaping American life. But behind the headlines lies a far more complicated story: a city in crisis, a media machine eager for a narrative, a justice system bending under political pressure, and a man whose own confession revealed far more than the public was ever told. We will discuss the real events on that subway car, the distorted coverage that followed, and the long shadow the case cast over policing, gun culture, and racial justice in the United States. In this episode, we're asking… what did Bernie Goetz Do? . Special Guest: Heather Thompson, a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, professor at the University of Michigan, and one of the leading scholars of mass incarceration, policing, and social movements in the United States. Her latest book, Fear and Fury: The 80s, the Getz Shootings and the Rebirth of America, offers the definitive re‑examination of the case, drawing on extensive archival research, interviews, and newly uncovered evidence to reveal how the Goetz shooting reshaped American attitudes toward crime, race, and justice. . Highlights: 03:21 - The chain of events 11:23 - Bernie's early life 18:22 - The pro-Goetz narrative 25:22 - Media and racism 33:27 - American history is episodic 41:14 - The cost of injustice 47:08 - A hinge moment in US justice . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices New York City, 1984: a subway car rattles beneath Manhattan, four teenagers joke and sway on the poles, and a quiet, bespectacled white man takes a seat directly across from them. What happens next becomes one of the most explosive and racially charged criminal cases in modern American history.

Bernhard Goetz’s shooting of four Black teenagers - an act he claimed was self‑defence - ignited a national firestorm about crime, fear, vigilantism, and the deep racial fault lines shaping American life.

But behind the headlines lies a far more complicated story: a city in crisis, a media machine eager for a narrative, a justice system bending under political pressure, and a man whose own confession revealed far more than the public was ever told.

We will discuss the real events on that subway car, the distorted coverage that followed, and the long shadow the case cast over policing, gun culture, and racial justice in the United States.

In this episode, we're asking… what did Bernie Goetz Do?

.

Special Guest:

Heather Thompson, a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, professor at the University of Michigan, and one of the leading scholars of mass incarceration, policing, and social movements in the United States.

Her latest book, Fear and Fury: The 80s, the Getz Shootings and the Rebirth of America, offers the definitive re‑examination of the case, drawing on extensive archival research, interviews, and newly uncovered evidence to reveal how the Goetz shooting reshaped American attitudes toward crime, race, and justice.

.

Highlights:

03:21 - The chain of events

11:23 - Bernie's early life

18:22 - The pro-Goetz narrative

25:22 - Media and racism

33:27 - American history is episodic

41:14 - The cost of injustice

47:08 - A hinge moment in US justice

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brands & advertises: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3665 Study Notes: A Brief History of the Oscars America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, A Brief History of the Oscars - when and why the Academy Awards started, how they evolved, why they matter, and a few fun facts to finish. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 13 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, A Brief History of the Oscars - when and why the Academy Awards started, how they evolved, why they matter, and a few fun facts to finish. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, A Brief History of the Oscars - when and why the Academy Awards started, how they evolved, why they matter, and a few fun facts to finish.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 403 In the Making: Talarico's Rise, Trump's Legacy, and Girl Scouts Cashing in on Cannabis It's been a pivotal week in US politics, beginning with the death of Alexander Butterfield, the Nixon aide whose quiet revelation of Oval Office recordings changed American history. There's also the meteoric rise of Texas Democrat James Talarico, whose record‑breaking primary turnout and cross‑party appeal have sparked talk of flipping Texas blue and even future presidential ambitions. And Donald Trump’s escalating war in Iran, the spiraling oil crisis, and the geopolitical fallout of a conflict the administration appears unable to control. Joining the show today is Andrew Moran, the Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Met University . Stories Mentioned: The death of Alexander Butterfield (01:24) The rise of James Talarico (05:32) The legacy of Donald Trump (15:00) The downfall of Keir Starmer (40:47) The Girl Scouts' munchies cure (43:25) . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast It's been a pivotal week in US politics, beginning with the death of Alexander Butterfield, the Nixon aide whose quiet revelation of Oval Office recordings changed American history. There's also the meteoric rise of Texas Democrat James Talarico, whose record‑breaking primary turnout and cross‑party appeal have sparked talk of flipping Texas blue and even future presidential ambitions. And Donald Trump’s escalating war in Iran, the spiraling oil crisis, and the geopolitical fallout of a conflict the administration appears unable to control. Joining the show today is Andrew Moran, the Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Met University . Stories Mentioned: The death of Alexander Butterfield (01:24) The rise of James Talarico (05:32) The legacy of Donald Trump (15:00) The downfall of Keir Starmer (40:47) The Girl Scouts' munchies cure (43:25) . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's been a pivotal week in US politics, beginning with the death of Alexander Butterfield, the Nixon aide whose quiet revelation of Oval Office recordings changed American history.

There's also the meteoric rise of Texas Democrat James Talarico, whose record‑breaking primary turnout and cross‑party appeal have sparked talk of flipping Texas blue and even future presidential ambitions.

And Donald Trump’s escalating war in Iran, the spiraling oil crisis, and the geopolitical fallout of a conflict the administration appears unable to control.

Joining the show today is Andrew Moran, the Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Met University

.

Stories Mentioned:

  • The death of Alexander Butterfield (01:24)
  • The rise of James Talarico (05:32)
  • The legacy of Donald Trump (15:00)
  • The downfall of Keir Starmer (40:47)
  • The Girl Scouts' munchies cure (43:25)

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠⁠Mercury⁠⁠, in partnership with the ⁠⁠British Association for American Studies⁠⁠.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3140 Who Killed the Movie Star? American cinema has always been a mirror, reflecting the nation’s ambitions, anxieties, and appetite for spectacle. In today's episode, we trace the evolution of movie‑going from the travelling roadshows of Gone with the Wind to the streaming‑dominated landscape of today, where Netflix is king. We unpack how Hollywood scaled up, how the blockbuster was born, why the multiplex became a cultural institution, and what ultimately destabilised the movie star system. So in this episode, I’m asking… who killed the movie star? . Special Guest: Van Connor, a film critic, writer, and broadcaster. He is the host of acclaimed movie podcast OffScreen and a regular on TV and radio, but if long film analysis isn’t quite your thing, check out Fifteen Second Cinema on his social channels. . Highlights: 02:25 - Gone with the Wind and the Roadshow Era 11:18 - The Netflix of the 1950s 18:53 - Counterculture 22:36 - Lucas, Spielberg and the Hollywood Blockbuster 32:34 - Cocaine 43:31 - Generation PG-13 53:44 - SFX vs Movie Stars 58:55 - The Netflix Era . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast American cinema has always been a mirror, reflecting the nation’s ambitions, anxieties, and appetite for spectacle. In today's episode, we trace the evolution of movie‑going from the travelling roadshows of Gone with the Wind to the streaming‑dominated landscape of today, where Netflix is king. We unpack how Hollywood scaled up, how the blockbuster was born, why the multiplex became a cultural institution, and what ultimately destabilised the movie star system. So in this episode, I’m asking… who killed the movie star? . Special Guest: Van Connor, a film critic, writer, and broadcaster. He is the host of acclaimed movie podcast OffScreen and a regular on TV and radio, but if long film analysis isn’t quite your thing, check out Fifteen Second Cinema on his social channels. . Highlights: 02:25 - Gone with the Wind and the Roadshow Era 11:18 - The Netflix of the 1950s 18:53 - Counterculture 22:36 - Lucas, Spielberg and the Hollywood Blockbuster 32:34 - Cocaine 43:31 - Generation PG-13 53:44 - SFX vs Movie Stars 58:55 - The Netflix Era . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices American cinema has always been a mirror, reflecting the nation’s ambitions, anxieties, and appetite for spectacle. In today's episode, we trace the evolution of movie‑going from the travelling roadshows of Gone with the Wind to the streaming‑dominated landscape of today, where Netflix is king.

We unpack how Hollywood scaled up, how the blockbuster was born, why the multiplex became a cultural institution, and what ultimately destabilised the movie star system.

So in this episode, I’m asking… who killed the movie star?

.

Special Guest:

  • Van Connor, a film critic, writer, and broadcaster. He is the host of acclaimed movie podcast OffScreen and a regular on TV and radio, but if long film analysis isn’t quite your thing, check out Fifteen Second Cinema on his social channels.

.

Highlights:

02:25 - Gone with the Wind and the Roadshow Era

11:18 - The Netflix of the 1950s

18:53 - Counterculture

22:36 - Lucas, Spielberg and the Hollywood Blockbuster

32:34 - Cocaine

43:31 - Generation PG-13

53:44 - SFX vs Movie Stars

58:55 - The Netflix Era

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4741 Study Notes: How Does the US Government Work? America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, How Does the US Government Work? I’m gonna explain the three branches. The different levels of government and how they all interrelate. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, How Does the US Government Work? I’m gonna explain the three branches. The different levels of government and how they all interrelate. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, How Does the US Government Work? I’m gonna explain the three branches. The different levels of government and how they all interrelate.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 406 In the Making: Donald Trump and the War in Iran This week, we're discussing the rapidly escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, including: Trump’s “large‑scale combat operation” and the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei Iran’s retaliation across the Middle East The failed Democratic attempt to restrict Trump’s war powers The absence of a clear US strategy, exit plan, or defined objectives The risk of regional destabilisation and global economic fallout Whether this could spiral into a wider conflict Joining the show today is Stefan Grobe, a former American history professor, now political editor and host at Euronews. . Stories Mentioned: The Clintons testify on Epstein: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/26/hillary-bill-clinton-testify-about-jeffrey-epstein-files-will-it-be-filmed/88883149007/ Georgia Man Convicted for Second Degree Murder: https://apnews.com/article/georgia-school-shooting-trial-colin-gray-e9afe6e8289f474aa474242ee4bdca67 The War in Iran: https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/timeline-us-israeli-strikes-on-iran-as-war-breaks-out-in-middle-east/ar-AA1XgxMq?ocid=BingNewsSerp . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠Mercury⁠, in partnership with the ⁠British Association for American Studies⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:20:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we're discussing the rapidly escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, including: Trump’s “large‑scale combat operation” and the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei Iran’s retaliation across the Middle East The failed Democratic attempt to restrict Trump’s war powers The absence of a clear US strategy, exit plan, or defined objectives The risk of regional destabilisation and global economic fallout Whether this could spiral into a wider conflict Joining the show today is Stefan Grobe, a former American history professor, now political editor and host at Euronews. . Stories Mentioned: The Clintons testify on Epstein: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/26/hillary-bill-clinton-testify-about-jeffrey-epstein-files-will-it-be-filmed/88883149007/ Georgia Man Convicted for Second Degree Murder: https://apnews.com/article/georgia-school-shooting-trial-colin-gray-e9afe6e8289f474aa474242ee4bdca67 The War in Iran: https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/timeline-us-israeli-strikes-on-iran-as-war-breaks-out-in-middle-east/ar-AA1XgxMq?ocid=BingNewsSerp . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠Mercury⁠, in partnership with the ⁠British Association for American Studies⁠. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we're discussing the rapidly escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, including:

  • Trump’s “large‑scale combat operation” and the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei
  • Iran’s retaliation across the Middle East
  • The failed Democratic attempt to restrict Trump’s war powers
  • The absence of a clear US strategy, exit plan, or defined objectives
  • The risk of regional destabilisation and global economic fallout
  • Whether this could spiral into a wider conflict

Joining the show today is Stefan Grobe, a former American history professor, now political editor and host at Euronews.

.

Stories Mentioned:

  • The Clintons testify on Epstein: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/26/hillary-bill-clinton-testify-about-jeffrey-epstein-files-will-it-be-filmed/88883149007/
  • Georgia Man Convicted for Second Degree Murder: https://apnews.com/article/georgia-school-shooting-trial-colin-gray-e9afe6e8289f474aa474242ee4bdca67
  • The War in Iran: https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/timeline-us-israeli-strikes-on-iran-as-war-breaks-out-in-middle-east/ar-AA1XgxMq?ocid=BingNewsSerp

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for ⁠Mercury⁠, in partnership with the ⁠British Association for American Studies⁠.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3159 Who is Huey P. Newton? Today, we journey into the life and legacy of one of the most influential and controversial figures of the Black Power era. From the streets of Oakland to the halls of academia, he co-founded the Black Panther Party and became a symbol of resistance, community empowerment, and revolutionary thought. We’re going to explore his early influences, the rise and philosophy of the Panthers, his confrontations with law enforcement, his intellectual contributions, his decline and tragic death, and the enduring impact of his vision on both American political thought and today’s movements for racial justice. So in this episode, I’m asking… who is Huey P. Newton? . Special Guest: Joe Street, an Associate Professor of American History at Northumbria University. He specializes in twentieth-century American and African American history, with a particular focus on the intersections of race, politics, and popular culture in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the author of Black Revolutionaries: A History of the Black Panther Party, which was shortlisted for the 2025 British Association for American Studies book prize . Highlights: 03:52 - Early life and the angry black man 10:53 - Faith, family and the Black Panthers 20:40 - Panthers in the community 28:08 - Systemic inequality 42:35 - Huey's later tragic years 47:52 - Newton's legacy . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Today, we journey into the life and legacy of one of the most influential and controversial figures of the Black Power era. From the streets of Oakland to the halls of academia, he co-founded the Black Panther Party and became a symbol of resistance, community empowerment, and revolutionary thought. We’re going to explore his early influences, the rise and philosophy of the Panthers, his confrontations with law enforcement, his intellectual contributions, his decline and tragic death, and the enduring impact of his vision on both American political thought and today’s movements for racial justice. So in this episode, I’m asking… who is Huey P. Newton? . Special Guest: Joe Street, an Associate Professor of American History at Northumbria University. He specializes in twentieth-century American and African American history, with a particular focus on the intersections of race, politics, and popular culture in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the author of Black Revolutionaries: A History of the Black Panther Party, which was shortlisted for the 2025 British Association for American Studies book prize . Highlights: 03:52 - Early life and the angry black man 10:53 - Faith, family and the Black Panthers 20:40 - Panthers in the community 28:08 - Systemic inequality 42:35 - Huey's later tragic years 47:52 - Newton's legacy . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today, we journey into the life and legacy of one of the most influential and controversial figures of the Black Power era. From the streets of Oakland to the halls of academia, he co-founded the Black Panther Party and became a symbol of resistance, community empowerment, and revolutionary thought.

We’re going to explore his early influences, the rise and philosophy of the Panthers, his confrontations with law enforcement, his intellectual contributions, his decline and tragic death, and the enduring impact of his vision on both American political thought and today’s movements for racial justice.

So in this episode, I’m asking… who is Huey P. Newton?

.

Special Guest:

  • Joe Street, an Associate Professor of American History at Northumbria University. He specializes in twentieth-century American and African American history, with a particular focus on the intersections of race, politics, and popular culture in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the author of Black Revolutionaries: A History of the Black Panther Party, which was shortlisted for the 2025 British Association for American Studies book prize

.

Highlights:

03:52 - Early life and the angry black man

10:53 - Faith, family and the Black Panthers

20:40 - Panthers in the community

28:08 - Systemic inequality

42:35 - Huey's later tragic years

47:52 - Newton's legacy

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3747 Study Notes: Every American National Holiday America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, Every American National Holiday - how they started, when they are, and what you should know before you go! . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 27 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, Every American National Holiday - how they started, when they are, and what you should know before you go! . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, Every American National Holiday - how they started, when they are, and what you should know before you go!

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 459 In the Making: Supreme Court Stops Trump’s Tariffs — What Happens Now? This week, we are joined by historian Tim Galsworthy for a packed episode covering one of the most chaotic stretches in US politics this year. We break down the Supreme Court’s landmark decision striking down Donald Trump’s global tariffs, the president’s furious response, and the emergency powers he’s now invoking to push through a 10% global tariff anyway. What does this mean for everyday Americans, and why are tariffs suddenly one of the most unpopular policies in the country? We also examine the latest security incident at Mar‑a‑Lago, where a 21‑year‑old armed man was shot and killed after entering the perimeter. With multiple attempts on Trump’s life in recent years, Tim explores why political violence is becoming disturbingly normalized in the US, and why assassination attempts rarely achieve what their perpetrators imagine. Across the Atlantic, the UK is reeling from the arrests of Prince Andrew and Lord Peter Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office. With both cases linked to the fallout from the Epstein files, Liam and Tim discuss whether this mounting pressure could finally force US lawmakers to act, and why Trump’s own base is fracturing over his refusal to release the full documents. Finally, we speak with Corbin Trent, former Communications Director for AOC and senior figure on Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign, about authenticity in political messaging, the rise of left‑wing candidates like Zohran Mamdani, and whether the Democratic Party’s future is more socialist than its leadership wants to admit. . Stories Mentioned: America’s Undoing: https://www.americasundoing.com/ Supreme Court says no: https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-trump-0485fcda30a7310501123e4931dba3f9 Trump’s 15% executive order: https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-trump-0485fcda30a7310501123e4931dba3f9 Section 122: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8r1e327z46o Andrew arrested: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/19/uk/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrest-what-we-know-intl Another Trump assassination attempt: https://news.sky.com/story/armed-man-shot-and-killed-after-entering-perimeter-of-mar-a-lago-13510785 . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for Mercury, in partnership with the British Association for American Studies. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we are joined by historian Tim Galsworthy for a packed episode covering one of the most chaotic stretches in US politics this year. We break down the Supreme Court’s landmark decision striking down Donald Trump’s global tariffs, the president’s furious response, and the emergency powers he’s now invoking to push through a 10% global tariff anyway. What does this mean for everyday Americans, and why are tariffs suddenly one of the most unpopular policies in the country? We also examine the latest security incident at Mar‑a‑Lago, where a 21‑year‑old armed man was shot and killed after entering the perimeter. With multiple attempts on Trump’s life in recent years, Tim explores why political violence is becoming disturbingly normalized in the US, and why assassination attempts rarely achieve what their perpetrators imagine. Across the Atlantic, the UK is reeling from the arrests of Prince Andrew and Lord Peter Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office. With both cases linked to the fallout from the Epstein files, Liam and Tim discuss whether this mounting pressure could finally force US lawmakers to act, and why Trump’s own base is fracturing over his refusal to release the full documents. Finally, we speak with Corbin Trent, former Communications Director for AOC and senior figure on Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign, about authenticity in political messaging, the rise of left‑wing candidates like Zohran Mamdani, and whether the Democratic Party’s future is more socialist than its leadership wants to admit. . Stories Mentioned: America’s Undoing: https://www.americasundoing.com/ Supreme Court says no: https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-trump-0485fcda30a7310501123e4931dba3f9 Trump’s 15% executive order: https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-trump-0485fcda30a7310501123e4931dba3f9 Section 122: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8r1e327z46o Andrew arrested: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/19/uk/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrest-what-we-know-intl Another Trump assassination attempt: https://news.sky.com/story/armed-man-shot-and-killed-after-entering-perimeter-of-mar-a-lago-13510785 . America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for Mercury, in partnership with the British Association for American Studies. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we are joined by historian Tim Galsworthy for a packed episode covering one of the most chaotic stretches in US politics this year.

We break down the Supreme Court’s landmark decision striking down Donald Trump’s global tariffs, the president’s furious response, and the emergency powers he’s now invoking to push through a 10% global tariff anyway. What does this mean for everyday Americans, and why are tariffs suddenly one of the most unpopular policies in the country?

We also examine the latest security incident at Mar‑a‑Lago, where a 21‑year‑old armed man was shot and killed after entering the perimeter. With multiple attempts on Trump’s life in recent years, Tim explores why political violence is becoming disturbingly normalized in the US, and why assassination attempts rarely achieve what their perpetrators imagine.

Across the Atlantic, the UK is reeling from the arrests of Prince Andrew and Lord Peter Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office. With both cases linked to the fallout from the Epstein files, Liam and Tim discuss whether this mounting pressure could finally force US lawmakers to act, and why Trump’s own base is fracturing over his refusal to release the full documents.

Finally, we speak with Corbin Trent, former Communications Director for AOC and senior figure on Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign, about authenticity in political messaging, the rise of left‑wing candidates like Zohran Mamdani, and whether the Democratic Party’s future is more socialist than its leadership wants to admit.

.

Stories Mentioned:

.

America: The Story of the USA is a Podcasts by Liam production for Mercury, in partnership with the British Association for American Studies.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/americathestoryoftheusa

Get in touch: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4708 What is the Black Panther Party? In this powerful episode of America: A History, Liam sits down with acclaimed historian Robyn Spencer‑Antoine to unpack the real story of the Black Panther Party - far beyond the leather jackets, headlines, and Hollywood mythology. Drawing on decades of scholarship, Spencer‑Antoine traces the Panthers’ origins in Oakland’s local civil rights struggles, the socioeconomic inequalities that shaped Black life in the Bay Area, and the global revolutionary ideas that influenced the movement. As she explains, the Panthers emerged from “this confluence of political consciousness, this sense of possibility, and a desire for a different future, a remaking of America. . Special Guest: Robyn Spencer-Antoine, an acclaimed historian and Associate Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center. She specializes in African American social protest after World War II, urban and working-class radicalism, and gender. She is also the author of The Revolution Has Come: Black Power, Gender, and the Black Panther Party in Oakland, a landmark study that re-centers women’s roles and organizational evolution within the Party,. . Highlights: 02:17 - The origins of the Black Panthers 08:42 - A uniquely Western movement 11:23 - Huey Newton 15:04 - Provocative versus passive activism 21:23 - The 10 point program 26:39 - The political leanings of the Black Panther party 34:43 - Stigma and stereotypes 42:48 - What happened to the Black Panthers? . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this powerful episode of America: A History, Liam sits down with acclaimed historian Robyn Spencer‑Antoine to unpack the real story of the Black Panther Party - far beyond the leather jackets, headlines, and Hollywood mythology. Drawing on decades of scholarship, Spencer‑Antoine traces the Panthers’ origins in Oakland’s local civil rights struggles, the socioeconomic inequalities that shaped Black life in the Bay Area, and the global revolutionary ideas that influenced the movement. As she explains, the Panthers emerged from “this confluence of political consciousness, this sense of possibility, and a desire for a different future, a remaking of America. . Special Guest: Robyn Spencer-Antoine, an acclaimed historian and Associate Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center. She specializes in African American social protest after World War II, urban and working-class radicalism, and gender. She is also the author of The Revolution Has Come: Black Power, Gender, and the Black Panther Party in Oakland, a landmark study that re-centers women’s roles and organizational evolution within the Party,. . Highlights: 02:17 - The origins of the Black Panthers 08:42 - A uniquely Western movement 11:23 - Huey Newton 15:04 - Provocative versus passive activism 21:23 - The 10 point program 26:39 - The political leanings of the Black Panther party 34:43 - Stigma and stereotypes 42:48 - What happened to the Black Panthers? . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this powerful episode of America: A History, Liam sits down with acclaimed historian Robyn Spencer‑Antoine to unpack the real story of the Black Panther Party - far beyond the leather jackets, headlines, and Hollywood mythology.

Drawing on decades of scholarship, Spencer‑Antoine traces the Panthers’ origins in Oakland’s local civil rights struggles, the socioeconomic inequalities that shaped Black life in the Bay Area, and the global revolutionary ideas that influenced the movement.

As she explains, the Panthers emerged from “this confluence of political consciousness, this sense of possibility, and a desire for a different future, a remaking of America.

.

Special Guest:

  • Robyn Spencer-Antoine, an acclaimed historian and Associate Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center. She specializes in African American social protest after World War II, urban and working-class radicalism, and gender. She is also the author of The Revolution Has Come: Black Power, Gender, and the Black Panther Party in Oakland, a landmark study that re-centers women’s roles and organizational evolution within the Party,.

.

Highlights:

02:17 - The origins of the Black Panthers

08:42 - A uniquely Western movement

11:23 - Huey Newton

15:04 - Provocative versus passive activism

21:23 - The 10 point program

26:39 - The political leanings of the Black Panther party

34:43 - Stigma and stereotypes

42:48 - What happened to the Black Panthers?

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3293 Study Notes: The 10 Most Popular Tourist Destinations in the US America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, The Top 10 Tourist Attractions in the USA, in reverse order, based on annual visitor numbers, and correct at the time of writing in December 2025. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 20 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, The Top 10 Tourist Attractions in the USA, in reverse order, based on annual visitor numbers, and correct at the time of writing in December 2025. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, The Top 10 Tourist Attractions in the USA, in reverse order, based on annual visitor numbers, and correct at the time of writing in December 2025.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 383 In the Making: Has American Politics Lost its Moral Compass? This week, on America: In the Making... An announcement on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (00:00) The death of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson (02:25) 11 more dead after US strikes on drug boats (07:19) Is morality in American politics dead? (21:51) And President Obama believes in aliens (40:22) Joining the show this week is Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. And also Jacob Jarvis, the host of American Friction, and a regular on The Bunker, so he loves podcasting about America almost as much as we do. . News sources: American Friction [podcast]: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/american-friction/id1744345702  Jesse Jackson’s Death: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jesse-jackson-dies-age-84-civil-rights-leader/  11 dead after US strikes on alleged drug boats: https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-drug-trafficking-trump-5504d20ac43e0f4796084d0f1cefe5ec  Drug dealers Trump has pardoned: https://www.complex.com/life/a/backwoodsaltar/drug-dealers-donald-trump-pardoned  Pam Bondi testimonial: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/fiery-exchanges-dominate-bondi-appearance-before-congress-4-takeaways/ar-AA1Wa41i?ocid=BingNewsSerp  How many countries has Trump attacked? https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/president-of-peace-really-countries-trump-has-bombed-in-his-second-term-article-153402053  2025 Government shutdown: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_federal_government_shutdown  Impact of ICE raids: https://truthout.org/articles/the-trauma-of-ice-raids-is-rippling-through-public-schools-across-the-us/  Affordability crisis continues: https://www.allianz.com/en/economic_research/insights/publications/specials_fmo/260211-US-affordability.html  Obama clarifies existence of aliens: https://www.nbcnews.com/video/barack-obama-clarifies-he-s-seen-no-evidence-of-aliens-257772101699 . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:44:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, on America: In the Making... An announcement on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (00:00) The death of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson (02:25) 11 more dead after US strikes on drug boats (07:19) Is morality in American politics dead? (21:51) And President Obama believes in aliens (40:22) Joining the show this week is Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. And also Jacob Jarvis, the host of American Friction, and a regular on The Bunker, so he loves podcasting about America almost as much as we do. . News sources: American Friction [podcast]: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/american-friction/id1744345702  Jesse Jackson’s Death: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jesse-jackson-dies-age-84-civil-rights-leader/  11 dead after US strikes on alleged drug boats: https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-drug-trafficking-trump-5504d20ac43e0f4796084d0f1cefe5ec  Drug dealers Trump has pardoned: https://www.complex.com/life/a/backwoodsaltar/drug-dealers-donald-trump-pardoned  Pam Bondi testimonial: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/fiery-exchanges-dominate-bondi-appearance-before-congress-4-takeaways/ar-AA1Wa41i?ocid=BingNewsSerp  How many countries has Trump attacked? https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/president-of-peace-really-countries-trump-has-bombed-in-his-second-term-article-153402053  2025 Government shutdown: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_federal_government_shutdown  Impact of ICE raids: https://truthout.org/articles/the-trauma-of-ice-raids-is-rippling-through-public-schools-across-the-us/  Affordability crisis continues: https://www.allianz.com/en/economic_research/insights/publications/specials_fmo/260211-US-affordability.html  Obama clarifies existence of aliens: https://www.nbcnews.com/video/barack-obama-clarifies-he-s-seen-no-evidence-of-aliens-257772101699 . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, on America: In the Making...

  • An announcement on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (00:00)
  • The death of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson (02:25)
  • 11 more dead after US strikes on drug boats (07:19)
  • Is morality in American politics dead? (21:51)
  • And President Obama believes in aliens (40:22)

Joining the show this week is Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.

And also Jacob Jarvis, the host of American Friction, and a regular on The Bunker, so he loves podcasting about America almost as much as we do.

.

News sources:

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2940 Who is Elizabeth Keckley? This week, we discuss a woman whose journey from bondage to the heart of the Lincoln White House is a story of extraordinary perseverance and ingenuity. Her rise to prominence as a celebrated dressmaker and confidante to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, her authorship of the groundbreaking memoir Behind the Scenes, and her philanthropic leadership during and after the Civil War, all mark her as a pivotal figure in American history. Yet, for much of the twentieth century, her story was marginalized - her achievements overshadowed by the very social barriers she fought to break down. Today, historians, artists, and writers are reclaiming her legacy, recognizing her not only as “Mrs. Lincoln’s dressmaker,” but as a businesswoman, author, activist, and Black female intellectual, whose life illuminates the intersections of race, gender, and power in nineteenth-century America. So in this episode, we explore her early years in slavery, her struggle for freedom, her career in Washington,, and the enduring impact she has had on American culture and scholarship, as I ask… who is Elizabeth Keckley? . Special Guest: Professor Rebecca Fraser, a leading scholar of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia, specializing in the intersections of gender, race, and intellectual life in nineteenth-century America. Her recent book, Black Female Intellectuals in Nineteenth Century America: Born to Bloom Unseen?, reconceptualizes the very notion of “intellectual” to include women whose voices and creative work have long been excluded from mainstream scholarship. . Highlights: 03:48 - Early life 08:16 - A day in the life of Elizabeth Keckley 13:51 - Robert and Anna 18:26 - Moving to St Louis 26:58 - Hustling to the White House 30:22 - Dressmaker to the First Lady 35:00 - Where did it all go wrong? 38:12 - Keckley the activist 42:56 - Keckley's legacy . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we discuss a woman whose journey from bondage to the heart of the Lincoln White House is a story of extraordinary perseverance and ingenuity. Her rise to prominence as a celebrated dressmaker and confidante to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, her authorship of the groundbreaking memoir Behind the Scenes, and her philanthropic leadership during and after the Civil War, all mark her as a pivotal figure in American history. Yet, for much of the twentieth century, her story was marginalized - her achievements overshadowed by the very social barriers she fought to break down. Today, historians, artists, and writers are reclaiming her legacy, recognizing her not only as “Mrs. Lincoln’s dressmaker,” but as a businesswoman, author, activist, and Black female intellectual, whose life illuminates the intersections of race, gender, and power in nineteenth-century America. So in this episode, we explore her early years in slavery, her struggle for freedom, her career in Washington,, and the enduring impact she has had on American culture and scholarship, as I ask… who is Elizabeth Keckley? . Special Guest: Professor Rebecca Fraser, a leading scholar of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia, specializing in the intersections of gender, race, and intellectual life in nineteenth-century America. Her recent book, Black Female Intellectuals in Nineteenth Century America: Born to Bloom Unseen?, reconceptualizes the very notion of “intellectual” to include women whose voices and creative work have long been excluded from mainstream scholarship. . Highlights: 03:48 - Early life 08:16 - A day in the life of Elizabeth Keckley 13:51 - Robert and Anna 18:26 - Moving to St Louis 26:58 - Hustling to the White House 30:22 - Dressmaker to the First Lady 35:00 - Where did it all go wrong? 38:12 - Keckley the activist 42:56 - Keckley's legacy . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we discuss a woman whose journey from bondage to the heart of the Lincoln White House is a story of extraordinary perseverance and ingenuity. Her rise to prominence as a celebrated dressmaker and confidante to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, her authorship of the groundbreaking memoir Behind the Scenes, and her philanthropic leadership during and after the Civil War, all mark her as a pivotal figure in American history.

Yet, for much of the twentieth century, her story was marginalized - her achievements overshadowed by the very social barriers she fought to break down. Today, historians, artists, and writers are reclaiming her legacy, recognizing her not only as “Mrs. Lincoln’s dressmaker,” but as a businesswoman, author, activist, and Black female intellectual, whose life illuminates the intersections of race, gender, and power in nineteenth-century America.

So in this episode, we explore her early years in slavery, her struggle for freedom, her career in Washington,, and the enduring impact she has had on American culture and scholarship, as I ask… who is Elizabeth Keckley?

.

Special Guest:

  • Professor Rebecca Fraser, a leading scholar of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia, specializing in the intersections of gender, race, and intellectual life in nineteenth-century America. Her recent book, Black Female Intellectuals in Nineteenth Century America: Born to Bloom Unseen?, reconceptualizes the very notion of “intellectual” to include women whose voices and creative work have long been excluded from mainstream scholarship.

.

Highlights:

03:48 - Early life

08:16 - A day in the life of Elizabeth Keckley

13:51 - Robert and Anna

18:26 - Moving to St Louis

26:58 - Hustling to the White House

30:22 - Dressmaker to the First Lady

35:00 - Where did it all go wrong?

38:12 - Keckley the activist

42:56 - Keckley's legacy

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3295 Study Notes: The Electoral College Explained America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, The Electoral College Explained - why it was created, how it works, and how it impacts a Presidential election. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 13 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, The Electoral College Explained - why it was created, how it works, and how it impacts a Presidential election. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: ⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, The Electoral College Explained - why it was created, how it works, and how it impacts a Presidential election.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: ⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 460 In the Making: Cree en Ti Mismo This week, on America: In the Making... the fallout from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance (15:47), teacher strikes continue in San Francisco (01:39), that AI video with the Obamas (05:34), the NAACP take on Elon Musk (38:06), and a cat sanctuary puts some kindness back in the world (12:15) Joining the show this week is Ira Chaleff, author of To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers, which is available to buy now. He is co-author of the original handbook given to every newly elected member of the US Congress and is Chair Emeritus of the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation. And Abre' Conner, Director of Environmental and Climate Justice at the NAACP . News sources: NAACP Taking Action: Tech companies ‘be on alert,’ NAACP says with new guiding principles for data centers | The Verge NAACP Playbook: https://naacp.org/articles/naacp-releases-playbook-frontline-communities-stop-dirty-data-centers  NYT Magazine Article: https://law.news.niu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/Pollution-Is-Killing-Black-Americans.-This-Community-Fought-Back.-.pdf  Bad Bunny and the Super Bowl: https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-kid-rock-super-bowl-halftime-698c46096a387cfec34e4cc2fba29d82  Turning Point’s halftime show: https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/millions-of-super-bowl-fans-tune-into-turning-point-usas-halftime-show-instead-of-bad-bunny/ar-AA1VWOUB?ocid=BingNewsSerp  Megyn Kelly on Piers Morgan: https://youtu.be/UmoekomrMww  Spanish speaking Americans: https://factually.co/fact-checks/society/percentage-of-us-population-that-speaks-spanish-e6d3f7  Teacher strikes in San Francisco: https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-teachers-strike-ec574f8ac7ef0e0041e9f136e9f99140  Trump’s Obama video: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/06/donald-trump-racist-meme-obama-explained/88544923007/  Trump not apologising: https://time.com/7372734/trump-obama-monkey-video-republican-criticism-racist-trope/  Cat Sanctuary: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/pet-sanctuary-takes-in-overflow-from-homeless-shelter-amid-unprecedented-cold-snap/  Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary: https://safehavenpet.org/ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠ Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:09:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, on America: In the Making... the fallout from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance (15:47), teacher strikes continue in San Francisco (01:39), that AI video with the Obamas (05:34), the NAACP take on Elon Musk (38:06), and a cat sanctuary puts some kindness back in the world (12:15) Joining the show this week is Ira Chaleff, author of To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers, which is available to buy now. He is co-author of the original handbook given to every newly elected member of the US Congress and is Chair Emeritus of the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation. And Abre' Conner, Director of Environmental and Climate Justice at the NAACP . News sources: NAACP Taking Action: Tech companies ‘be on alert,’ NAACP says with new guiding principles for data centers | The Verge NAACP Playbook: https://naacp.org/articles/naacp-releases-playbook-frontline-communities-stop-dirty-data-centers  NYT Magazine Article: https://law.news.niu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/Pollution-Is-Killing-Black-Americans.-This-Community-Fought-Back.-.pdf  Bad Bunny and the Super Bowl: https://apnews.com/article/bad-bunny-kid-rock-super-bowl-halftime-698c46096a387cfec34e4cc2fba29d82  Turning Point’s halftime show: https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/millions-of-super-bowl-fans-tune-into-turning-point-usas-halftime-show-instead-of-bad-bunny/ar-AA1VWOUB?ocid=BingNewsSerp  Megyn Kelly on Piers Morgan: https://youtu.be/UmoekomrMww  Spanish speaking Americans: https://factually.co/fact-checks/society/percentage-of-us-population-that-speaks-spanish-e6d3f7  Teacher strikes in San Francisco: https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-teachers-strike-ec574f8ac7ef0e0041e9f136e9f99140  Trump’s Obama video: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/06/donald-trump-racist-meme-obama-explained/88544923007/  Trump not apologising: https://time.com/7372734/trump-obama-monkey-video-republican-criticism-racist-trope/  Cat Sanctuary: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/pet-sanctuary-takes-in-overflow-from-homeless-shelter-amid-unprecedented-cold-snap/  Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary: https://safehavenpet.org/ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠ Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, on America: In the Making...

  • the fallout from Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance (15:47),
  • teacher strikes continue in San Francisco (01:39),
  • that AI video with the Obamas (05:34),
  • the NAACP take on Elon Musk (38:06), and
  • a cat sanctuary puts some kindness back in the world (12:15)

Joining the show this week is Ira Chaleff, author of To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers, which is available to buy now. He is co-author of the original handbook given to every newly elected member of the US Congress and is Chair Emeritus of the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation.

And Abre' Conner, Director of Environmental and Climate Justice at the NAACP

.

News sources:

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠⁠⁠

Get the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4201 Who is Paul Robeson? This week, we are discussing a gifted performer, a scholar, athlete, and, above all, a tireless activist. Born to a lineage marked by slavery and resilience, he rose to become one of the twentieth century’s greatest Renaissance figures, fighting for civil rights, and championing peace and internationalism. His legacy is inseparable from the complex development of American national identity. His cosmopolitan vision, his refusal to be “just an entertainer” in a segregated nation, and his insistence that the artist must “take sides” brought him both global adulation and the crushing weight of McCarthyite repression. We’re going to revisit his early influences, his multifaceted career, the full arc of his activism, and his impact on ideas of citizenship, art, and what it means to stand for justice in America and the world. So in this episode, I’m asking… who is Paul Robeson? . Special Guest: Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. . Highlights: 02:51 - A disdain for Uncle Tom 09:02 - Race and social mobility 17:50 - Black America and the Harlem renaissance 23:19 - Leaving the echo chamber 29:05 - Robeson and Wales 39:18 - McCarthyism 44:17 - HUAC . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we are discussing a gifted performer, a scholar, athlete, and, above all, a tireless activist. Born to a lineage marked by slavery and resilience, he rose to become one of the twentieth century’s greatest Renaissance figures, fighting for civil rights, and championing peace and internationalism. His legacy is inseparable from the complex development of American national identity. His cosmopolitan vision, his refusal to be “just an entertainer” in a segregated nation, and his insistence that the artist must “take sides” brought him both global adulation and the crushing weight of McCarthyite repression. We’re going to revisit his early influences, his multifaceted career, the full arc of his activism, and his impact on ideas of citizenship, art, and what it means to stand for justice in America and the world. So in this episode, I’m asking… who is Paul Robeson? . Special Guest: Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. . Highlights: 02:51 - A disdain for Uncle Tom 09:02 - Race and social mobility 17:50 - Black America and the Harlem renaissance 23:19 - Leaving the echo chamber 29:05 - Robeson and Wales 39:18 - McCarthyism 44:17 - HUAC . For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠ . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Get the newsletter: ⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we are discussing a gifted performer, a scholar, athlete, and, above all, a tireless activist. Born to a lineage marked by slavery and resilience, he rose to become one of the twentieth century’s greatest Renaissance figures, fighting for civil rights, and championing peace and internationalism.

His legacy is inseparable from the complex development of American national identity. His cosmopolitan vision, his refusal to be “just an entertainer” in a segregated nation, and his insistence that the artist must “take sides” brought him both global adulation and the crushing weight of McCarthyite repression.

We’re going to revisit his early influences, his multifaceted career, the full arc of his activism, and his impact on ideas of citizenship, art, and what it means to stand for justice in America and the world.

So in this episode, I’m asking… who is Paul Robeson?

.

Special Guest:

  • Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.

.

Highlights:

02:51 - A disdain for Uncle Tom

09:02 - Race and social mobility

17:50 - Black America and the Harlem renaissance

23:19 - Leaving the echo chamber

29:05 - Robeson and Wales

39:18 - McCarthyism

44:17 - HUAC

.

For an extended reading list and to learn more, join our Patreon community now: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa⁠

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Get the newsletter: ⁠https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/⁠

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3391 Study Notes: The Rules of American Football https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/study-notes-the-rules-of-american-football America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, The Rules of American Football - a brief history of the game, and everything you need to know, to understand what the heck is going on! . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 06 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 Study Notes: The Rules of American Football full 136 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, The Rules of American Football - a brief history of the game, and everything you need to know, to understand what the heck is going on! . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, The Rules of American Football - a brief history of the game, and everything you need to know, to understand what the heck is going on!

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 341 no In the Making: The Return of the Epstein Files https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-the-return-of-the-epstein-files This week, we're talking about the DOJ's release of three million documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein, and Trump's suggestion of nationalising elections. Plus Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE discusses growing tension in the middle east, as the US and Iran inch ever closer to conflict. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guests: Clodagh Harrington from University College Cork. She is also host of the wonderful podcast A Chicken in Every Pot alongside Alex Waddan Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE, founder of the International Civil Society Action Network, and host of the excellent podcast If You Were in Charge. . Mentioned in this Episode: A Chicken in Every Pot: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-chicken-in-every-pot/id1780348590 ICAN: https://icanpeacework.org/ If You Were in Charge :https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/if-you-were-in-charge/id1770618616 Clintons agree to testify: https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/general/bill-and-hillary-clinton-agree-to-testify-in-house-about-jeffrey-epstein/ar-AA1VwJQU?ocid=BingNewsSerp DOJ releases epstein files: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-publishes-35-million-responsive-pages-compliance-epstein-files Met Police to investigate Peter Mandelson: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/clynp40ekrdt?page=4 Josh D’Amaro to Become Disney CEO: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/disney-ceo-announcement/ Trump wants to nationalise elections: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0mke841zj0o FBI raid Fulton Country election office: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/winners-losers-from-james-harden-trade-to-cleveland-cavaliers/ar-AA1VCscN?ocid=BingNewsSerp US shoot down Iranian drone: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-carrier-shoots-down-iranian-drone-as-tensions-escalate-and-diplomatic-talks-hit-a-snag/ar-AA1VABf1?ocid=BingNewsSerp . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 In the Making: The Return of the Epstein Files full 152 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we're talking about the DOJ's release of three million documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein, and Trump's suggestion of nationalising elections. Plus Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE discusses growing tension in the middle east, as the US and Iran inch ever closer to conflict. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guests: Clodagh Harrington from University College Cork. She is also host of the wonderful podcast A Chicken in Every Pot alongside Alex Waddan Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE, founder of the International Civil Society Action Network, and host of the excellent podcast If You Were in Charge. . Mentioned in this Episode: A Chicken in Every Pot: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-chicken-in-every-pot/id1780348590 ICAN: https://icanpeacework.org/ If You Were in Charge :https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/if-you-were-in-charge/id1770618616 Clintons agree to testify: https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/general/bill-and-hillary-clinton-agree-to-testify-in-house-about-jeffrey-epstein/ar-AA1VwJQU?ocid=BingNewsSerp DOJ releases epstein files: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-publishes-35-million-responsive-pages-compliance-epstein-files Met Police to investigate Peter Mandelson: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/clynp40ekrdt?page=4 Josh D’Amaro to Become Disney CEO: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/disney-ceo-announcement/ Trump wants to nationalise elections: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0mke841zj0o FBI raid Fulton Country election office: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/winners-losers-from-james-harden-trade-to-cleveland-cavaliers/ar-AA1VCscN?ocid=BingNewsSerp US shoot down Iranian drone: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-carrier-shoots-down-iranian-drone-as-tensions-escalate-and-diplomatic-talks-hit-a-snag/ar-AA1VABf1?ocid=BingNewsSerp . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we're talking about the DOJ's release of three million documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein, and Trump's suggestion of nationalising elections.

Plus Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE discusses growing tension in the middle east, as the US and Iran inch ever closer to conflict.

All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.

.

Special Guests:

  1. Clodagh Harrington from University College Cork. She is also host of the wonderful podcast A Chicken in Every Pot alongside Alex Waddan
  2. Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE, founder of the International Civil Society Action Network, and host of the excellent podcast If You Were in Charge.

.

Mentioned in this Episode:

  1. A Chicken in Every Pot: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-chicken-in-every-pot/id1780348590
  2. ICAN: https://icanpeacework.org/
  3. If You Were in Charge :https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/if-you-were-in-charge/id1770618616
  4. Clintons agree to testify: https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/general/bill-and-hillary-clinton-agree-to-testify-in-house-about-jeffrey-epstein/ar-AA1VwJQU?ocid=BingNewsSerp
  5. DOJ releases epstein files: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-publishes-35-million-responsive-pages-compliance-epstein-files
  6. Met Police to investigate Peter Mandelson: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/clynp40ekrdt?page=4
  7. Josh D’Amaro to Become Disney CEO: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/disney-ceo-announcement/
  8. Trump wants to nationalise elections: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0mke841zj0o
  9. FBI raid Fulton Country election office: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/winners-losers-from-james-harden-trade-to-cleveland-cavaliers/ar-AA1VCscN?ocid=BingNewsSerp
  10. US shoot down Iranian drone: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-carrier-shoots-down-iranian-drone-as-tensions-escalate-and-diplomatic-talks-hit-a-snag/ar-AA1VABf1?ocid=BingNewsSerp

.

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]]> 3333 no What is The Last of the Mohicans? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-last-of-the-mohicans Set in the forests of upstate New York during the French and Indian War, James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel has become one of the most enduring works of early American literature. It helped define the frontier myth, shaped American ideas about Native peoples, and influenced generations of writers, filmmakers, and cultural storytellers. Today, as we mark its 200th anniversary, we explore its themes, its historical context, and its complicated legacy. So in this episode, I’m asking… what is The Last of the Mohicans? ... Special guest for this episode: Professor Thomas Ruys Smith, a scholar of American literature and culture at the University of East Anglia. His work spans the 19th century, with particular expertise in the intersections of literature, history, and national identity. He has written extensively on American storytelling traditions, frontier mythology, and the cultural imagination of the early United States. ... Highlights from this episode: 02:09 - Standing the test of time 06:21 - America's newfound sense of self 10:36 - The story of The Last of the Mohicans 15:40 - Romanticising colonisation 21:23 - What the frontier means for America 27:09 - White male heroes 31:29 - Native American representations 35:57 - National identity isn't just black and white 40:32 - A more colourful America 47:05 - I'm freakin' Hawkeye ... Additional Resources: The Last of the Mohicans — Free eBook https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/940 LitCharts: Themes and Analysis https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-last-of-the-mohicans (litcharts.com in Bing) SparkNotes: Summary and Themes https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mohicans/ Novelguide: Theme Analysis https://novelguide.com/the-last-of-the-mohicans/theme-analysis (novelguide.com in Bing) Montclair State University: Theme PDF https://cyber.montclair.edu/Resources/B2F9F/501012/ThemeOfLastOfTheMohicans.pdf (cyber.montclair.edu in Bing) Encyclopedia Britannica: Cooper Biography https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Fenimore-Cooper (britannica.com in Bing) Library of Congress: Cooper Collection https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-fenimore-cooper/about-this-collection/ (loc.gov in Bing) American Literature: Cooper Overview https://americanliterature.com/author/james-fenimore-cooper (americanliterature.com in Bing) The Cambridge History of American Literature — Cooper chapter https://www.cambridge.org Oxford Bibliographies: James Fenimore Cooper https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com The Cambridge Companion to James Fenimore Cooper https://www.cambridge.org Playing Indian by Philip Deloria (on Native representation) https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780300080674 (hup.harvard.edu in Bing) The Invention of the American West by Richard Slotkin https://www.amazon.com/Regeneration-Through-Violence-Mythology-1600-1860/dp/0806132290 (amazon.com in Bing) National Park Service: French and Indian War Overview https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/french-and-indian-war.htm (nps.gov in Bing) History.com: French and Indian War https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/french-and-indian-war (history.com in Bing) Native American and Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA) https://naisa.org Smithsonian NMAI: Native Representation in Literature https://americanindian.si.edu (americanindian.si.edu in Bing) The White Man’s Indian by Robert Berkhofer https://www.amazon.com/White-Mans-Indian-Images-American/dp/0674957867 (amazon.com in Bing) Roger Ebert Review of the 1992 Film https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-last-of-the-mohicans-1992 (rogerebert.com in Bing) The New Yorker: Revisiting the Novel https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/revisiting-the-last-of-the-mohicans (newyorker.com in Bing) BFI: Michael Mann’s Adaptation https://www.bfi.org.uk ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0000 What is The Last of the Mohicans? full 134 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Set in the forests of upstate New York during the French and Indian War, James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel has become one of the most enduring works of early American literature. It helped define the frontier myth, shaped American ideas about Native peoples, and influenced generations of writers, filmmakers, and cultural storytellers. Today, as we mark its 200th anniversary, we explore its themes, its historical context, and its complicated legacy. So in this episode, I’m asking… what is The Last of the Mohicans? ... Special guest for this episode: Professor Thomas Ruys Smith, a scholar of American literature and culture at the University of East Anglia. His work spans the 19th century, with particular expertise in the intersections of literature, history, and national identity. He has written extensively on American storytelling traditions, frontier mythology, and the cultural imagination of the early United States. ... Highlights from this episode: 02:09 - Standing the test of time 06:21 - America's newfound sense of self 10:36 - The story of The Last of the Mohicans 15:40 - Romanticising colonisation 21:23 - What the frontier means for America 27:09 - White male heroes 31:29 - Native American representations 35:57 - National identity isn't just black and white 40:32 - A more colourful America 47:05 - I'm freakin' Hawkeye ... Additional Resources: The Last of the Mohicans — Free eBook https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/940 LitCharts: Themes and Analysis https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-last-of-the-mohicans (litcharts.com in Bing) SparkNotes: Summary and Themes https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mohicans/ Novelguide: Theme Analysis https://novelguide.com/the-last-of-the-mohicans/theme-analysis (novelguide.com in Bing) Montclair State University: Theme PDF https://cyber.montclair.edu/Resources/B2F9F/501012/ThemeOfLastOfTheMohicans.pdf (cyber.montclair.edu in Bing) Encyclopedia Britannica: Cooper Biography https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Fenimore-Cooper (britannica.com in Bing) Library of Congress: Cooper Collection https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-fenimore-cooper/about-this-collection/ (loc.gov in Bing) American Literature: Cooper Overview https://americanliterature.com/author/james-fenimore-cooper (americanliterature.com in Bing) The Cambridge History of American Literature — Cooper chapter https://www.cambridge.org Oxford Bibliographies: James Fenimore Cooper https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com The Cambridge Companion to James Fenimore Cooper https://www.cambridge.org Playing Indian by Philip Deloria (on Native representation) https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780300080674 (hup.harvard.edu in Bing) The Invention of the American West by Richard Slotkin https://www.amazon.com/Regeneration-Through-Violence-Mythology-1600-1860/dp/0806132290 (amazon.com in Bing) National Park Service: French and Indian War Overview https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/french-and-indian-war.htm (nps.gov in Bing) History.com: French and Indian War https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/french-and-indian-war (history.com in Bing) Native American and Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA) https://naisa.org Smithsonian NMAI: Native Representation in Literature https://americanindian.si.edu (americanindian.si.edu in Bing) The White Man’s Indian by Robert Berkhofer https://www.amazon.com/White-Mans-Indian-Images-American/dp/0674957867 (amazon.com in Bing) Roger Ebert Review of the 1992 Film https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-last-of-the-mohicans-1992 (rogerebert.com in Bing) The New Yorker: Revisiting the Novel https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/revisiting-the-last-of-the-mohicans (newyorker.com in Bing) BFI: Michael Mann’s Adaptation https://www.bfi.org.uk ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Set in the forests of upstate New York during the French and Indian War, James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel has become one of the most enduring works of early American literature. It helped define the frontier myth, shaped American ideas about Native peoples, and influenced generations of writers, filmmakers, and cultural storytellers.

Today, as we mark its 200th anniversary, we explore its themes, its historical context, and its complicated legacy.

So in this episode, I’m asking… what is The Last of the Mohicans?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Professor Thomas Ruys Smith, a scholar of American literature and culture at the University of East Anglia. His work spans the 19th century, with particular expertise in the intersections of literature, history, and national identity. He has written extensively on American storytelling traditions, frontier mythology, and the cultural imagination of the early United States.

...

Highlights from this episode:

02:09 - Standing the test of time

06:21 - America's newfound sense of self

10:36 - The story of The Last of the Mohicans

15:40 - Romanticising colonisation

21:23 - What the frontier means for America

27:09 - White male heroes

31:29 - Native American representations

35:57 - National identity isn't just black and white

40:32 - A more colourful America

47:05 - I'm freakin' Hawkeye

...

Additional Resources:

  1. The Last of the Mohicans — Free eBook
  2. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/940
  3. LitCharts: Themes and Analysis
  4. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-last-of-the-mohicans (litcharts.com in Bing)
  5. SparkNotes: Summary and Themes
  6. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mohicans/
  7. Novelguide: Theme Analysis
  8. https://novelguide.com/the-last-of-the-mohicans/theme-analysis (novelguide.com in Bing)
  9. Montclair State University: Theme PDF https://cyber.montclair.edu/Resources/B2F9F/501012/ThemeOfLastOfTheMohicans.pdf (cyber.montclair.edu in Bing)
  10. Encyclopedia Britannica: Cooper Biography
  11. https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Fenimore-Cooper (britannica.com in Bing)
  12. Library of Congress: Cooper Collection
  13. https://www.loc.gov/collections/james-fenimore-cooper/about-this-collection/ (loc.gov in Bing)
  14. American Literature: Cooper Overview
  15. https://americanliterature.com/author/james-fenimore-cooper (americanliterature.com in Bing)
  16. The Cambridge History of American Literature — Cooper chapter
  17. https://www.cambridge.org
  18. Oxford Bibliographies: James Fenimore Cooper
  19. https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com
  20. The Cambridge Companion to James Fenimore Cooper
  21. https://www.cambridge.org
  22. Playing Indian by Philip Deloria (on Native representation)
  23. https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780300080674 (hup.harvard.edu in Bing)
  24. The Invention of the American West by Richard Slotkin
  25. https://www.amazon.com/Regeneration-Through-Violence-Mythology-1600-1860/dp/0806132290 (amazon.com in Bing)
  26. National Park Service: French and Indian War Overview
  27. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/french-and-indian-war.htm (nps.gov in Bing)
  28. History.com: French and Indian War
  29. https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/french-and-indian-war (history.com in Bing)
  30. Native American and Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA)
  31. https://naisa.org
  32. Smithsonian NMAI: Native Representation in Literature
  33. https://americanindian.si.edu (americanindian.si.edu in Bing)
  34. The White Man’s Indian by Robert Berkhofer
  35. https://www.amazon.com/White-Mans-Indian-Images-American/dp/0674957867 (amazon.com in Bing)
  36. Roger Ebert Review of the 1992 Film
  37. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-last-of-the-mohicans-1992 (rogerebert.com in Bing)
  38. The New Yorker: Revisiting the Novel
  39. https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/revisiting-the-last-of-the-mohicans (newyorker.com in Bing)
  40. BFI: Michael Mann’s Adaptation https://www.bfi.org.uk

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3340 no Study Notes: A Brief History of the 50 States https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/study-notes-a-brief-history-of-the-50-states America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, A Brief History of the 50 States. I’ll explain how the United States grew from the 13 original states into the 50 states we have today, explaining the legal process of admission, major land acquisitions, political forces that shaped statehood, and the final additions of Alaska and Hawaii. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0000 Study Notes: A Brief History of the 50 States full 133 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, A Brief History of the 50 States. I’ll explain how the United States grew from the 13 original states into the 50 states we have today, explaining the legal process of admission, major land acquisitions, political forces that shaped statehood, and the final additions of Alaska and Hawaii. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, A Brief History of the 50 States. I’ll explain how the United States grew from the 13 original states into the 50 states we have today, explaining the legal process of admission, major land acquisitions, political forces that shaped statehood, and the final additions of Alaska and Hawaii.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 389 no In the Making: Is America About to Strike Iran? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-is-america-about-to-strike-iran This week, we're talking about Trump showing signs of cooling on ICE in Minnesota, social media giants feel the pressure, plus Mr. Potato Head finds himself at the center of a legal dispute. Plus, the US are lining up for a possible strike on Iran, but when will they make their move, and what will this mean for Iran, America, and the world? All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by Theo Zenou, Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University. He earned his PhD in American history from Cambridge University and writes for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal UnHerd and others. . Links to Stories in this Episode: Donald Trump describes 'very good call' with Tim Walz Who Was Alex Pretti? Judge orders ICE chief to appear in court or risk contempt | AP News Greg Bovino, architect of Trump's immigration sweeps, departs Minneapolis | AP News Why Rhode Island might ditch its Mr. Potato Head license plates | AP News TikTok settles just before social media addiction trial to begin - BBC News Seahawks, Patriots set to meet in Super Bowl rematch - CBS News Composer Philip Glass drops Kennedy Center world premiere over Trump takeover | Reuters . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:30:00 -0000 In the Making: Is America About to Strike Iran? full 132 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we're talking about Trump showing signs of cooling on ICE in Minnesota, social media giants feel the pressure, plus Mr. Potato Head finds himself at the center of a legal dispute. Plus, the US are lining up for a possible strike on Iran, but when will they make their move, and what will this mean for Iran, America, and the world? All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by Theo Zenou, Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University. He earned his PhD in American history from Cambridge University and writes for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal UnHerd and others. . Links to Stories in this Episode: Donald Trump describes 'very good call' with Tim Walz Who Was Alex Pretti? Judge orders ICE chief to appear in court or risk contempt | AP News Greg Bovino, architect of Trump's immigration sweeps, departs Minneapolis | AP News Why Rhode Island might ditch its Mr. Potato Head license plates | AP News TikTok settles just before social media addiction trial to begin - BBC News Seahawks, Patriots set to meet in Super Bowl rematch - CBS News Composer Philip Glass drops Kennedy Center world premiere over Trump takeover | Reuters . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we're talking about Trump showing signs of cooling on ICE in Minnesota, social media giants feel the pressure, plus Mr. Potato Head finds himself at the center of a legal dispute.

Plus, the US are lining up for a possible strike on Iran, but when will they make their move, and what will this mean for Iran, America, and the world?

All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.

.

Special Guest:

This week, we are delighted to be joined by Theo Zenou, Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University. He earned his PhD in American history from Cambridge University and writes for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal UnHerd and others.

.

Links to Stories in this Episode:

Donald Trump describes 'very good call' with Tim Walz

Who Was Alex Pretti?

Judge orders ICE chief to appear in court or risk contempt | AP News

Greg Bovino, architect of Trump's immigration sweeps, departs Minneapolis | AP News

Why Rhode Island might ditch its Mr. Potato Head license plates | AP News

TikTok settles just before social media addiction trial to begin - BBC News

Seahawks, Patriots set to meet in Super Bowl rematch - CBS News

Composer Philip Glass drops Kennedy Center world premiere over Trump takeover | Reuters

.

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2365 no What Was the American Revolutionary War? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-was-the-american-revolutionary-war This week, we explore what is arguably the most consequential event in the creation of the United States, reshaping the Western world by enshrining new concepts of liberty, equality, and self-governance. So I want to know what really caused it, why people risked their lives for it, and how are modern day debates about power, justice and identity still shaped by it, as I ask… what is the American Revolutionary War? ... Special guest for this episode: Liz Covart, the award-winning creator and host of Ben Franklin’s World. Her work, both academic and public, shines in exploring how early Americans navigated 18th-century complexity: loyalty and revolution, community and conflict, the realities of freedom and the challenges of pluralism. She is also the founder of Scholar.DIY, a public benefit company that empowers scholars to transform their expertise into compelling digital stories. ... Highlights from this episode: 02:56 - A world of empires 08:51 - Taxation without representation 17:21 - The revolution for social mobility 25:48 - Shaping American identity 29:27 - Key battles 34:12 - A mutual enemy 39:22 - The defining moments in America's victory 45:06 - Impact of independence on marginalised groups 49:29 - Liberty and equality for some ... Additional Resources: Encyclopedia Britannica: Timeline of the American Revolution — Detailed chronology and major themes American Battlefield Trust: Revolution Timeline — Comprehensive timeline, maps, major battles Library of Congress: Revolution Primary Sources — Original documents and teaching resources Have Fun With History: 10 Most Important People in the American Revolution — In-depth profiles and legacy discussions Mount Vernon: 10 Facts About the Revolutionary War — Focus on George Washington’s leadership and decision-making American Revolution.org: Best Primary Sources — Diaries, letters, maps, memoirs, political cartoons Khan Academy: Philosophical Foundations of the Revolution — Enlightenment, natural rights, social contract History Education Foundation: Key Ideas of the American Revolution — Summarizes liberty, equality, self-governance, republicanism Fiveable: Philosophical Foundations Study Guide — Detailed overview of major intellectual influences JSTOR: The American Revolution, A Philosophical Interpretation — Academic deep dive into the ideological legacy American Battlefield Trust: France in the American Revolution — Military alliance background, impact, and aftermath World History Encyclopedia: French Involvement — Social, financial, and diplomatic dimensions Smithsonian: The Impact of the Revolution Abroad — Influence in Europe, global response American Battlefield Trust: Battle Facts and Summaries — Maps, analyses, and narratives Ideological Origins of the American Revolution — Enlightenment and revolutionary ideology Patrick Henry — Iconic oratory and the Constitution Valley Forge — Hardship and transformation The Revolution's African American Soldiers — Untold stories of military service Women and the Constitutional Moment of 1787 — Gender, citizenship, and constitutional debates American Revolution.org Primary Sources — First-person narratives, letters, cartoons, and maps Schoolshistory.org.uk: American Revolution Primary Sources — British and colonial perspectives, visual collections 10 Best American Revolution Podcasts To Follow — Discover more expert interviews and stories Ben Franklin’s World: Official Podcast Homepage — Full episode archive, show notes, and guest bios ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0000 What Was the American Revolutionary War? full 131 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we explore what is arguably the most consequential event in the creation of the United States, reshaping the Western world by enshrining new concepts of liberty, equality, and self-governance. So I want to know what really caused it, why people risked their lives for it, and how are modern day debates about power, justice and identity still shaped by it, as I ask… what is the American Revolutionary War? ... Special guest for this episode: Liz Covart, the award-winning creator and host of Ben Franklin’s World. Her work, both academic and public, shines in exploring how early Americans navigated 18th-century complexity: loyalty and revolution, community and conflict, the realities of freedom and the challenges of pluralism. She is also the founder of Scholar.DIY, a public benefit company that empowers scholars to transform their expertise into compelling digital stories. ... Highlights from this episode: 02:56 - A world of empires 08:51 - Taxation without representation 17:21 - The revolution for social mobility 25:48 - Shaping American identity 29:27 - Key battles 34:12 - A mutual enemy 39:22 - The defining moments in America's victory 45:06 - Impact of independence on marginalised groups 49:29 - Liberty and equality for some ... Additional Resources: Encyclopedia Britannica: Timeline of the American Revolution — Detailed chronology and major themes American Battlefield Trust: Revolution Timeline — Comprehensive timeline, maps, major battles Library of Congress: Revolution Primary Sources — Original documents and teaching resources Have Fun With History: 10 Most Important People in the American Revolution — In-depth profiles and legacy discussions Mount Vernon: 10 Facts About the Revolutionary War — Focus on George Washington’s leadership and decision-making American Revolution.org: Best Primary Sources — Diaries, letters, maps, memoirs, political cartoons Khan Academy: Philosophical Foundations of the Revolution — Enlightenment, natural rights, social contract History Education Foundation: Key Ideas of the American Revolution — Summarizes liberty, equality, self-governance, republicanism Fiveable: Philosophical Foundations Study Guide — Detailed overview of major intellectual influences JSTOR: The American Revolution, A Philosophical Interpretation — Academic deep dive into the ideological legacy American Battlefield Trust: France in the American Revolution — Military alliance background, impact, and aftermath World History Encyclopedia: French Involvement — Social, financial, and diplomatic dimensions Smithsonian: The Impact of the Revolution Abroad — Influence in Europe, global response American Battlefield Trust: Battle Facts and Summaries — Maps, analyses, and narratives Ideological Origins of the American Revolution — Enlightenment and revolutionary ideology Patrick Henry — Iconic oratory and the Constitution Valley Forge — Hardship and transformation The Revolution's African American Soldiers — Untold stories of military service Women and the Constitutional Moment of 1787 — Gender, citizenship, and constitutional debates American Revolution.org Primary Sources — First-person narratives, letters, cartoons, and maps Schoolshistory.org.uk: American Revolution Primary Sources — British and colonial perspectives, visual collections 10 Best American Revolution Podcasts To Follow — Discover more expert interviews and stories Ben Franklin’s World: Official Podcast Homepage — Full episode archive, show notes, and guest bios ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we explore what is arguably the most consequential event in the creation of the United States, reshaping the Western world by enshrining new concepts of liberty, equality, and self-governance. So I want to know what really caused it, why people risked their lives for it, and how are modern day debates about power, justice and identity still shaped by it, as I ask… what is the American Revolutionary War?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Liz Covart, the award-winning creator and host of Ben Franklin’s World. Her work, both academic and public, shines in exploring how early Americans navigated 18th-century complexity: loyalty and revolution, community and conflict, the realities of freedom and the challenges of pluralism. She is also the founder of Scholar.DIY, a public benefit company that empowers scholars to transform their expertise into compelling digital stories.

...

Highlights from this episode:

02:56 - A world of empires

08:51 - Taxation without representation

17:21 - The revolution for social mobility

25:48 - Shaping American identity

29:27 - Key battles

34:12 - A mutual enemy

39:22 - The defining moments in America's victory

45:06 - Impact of independence on marginalised groups

49:29 - Liberty and equality for some

...

Additional Resources:

  1. Encyclopedia Britannica: Timeline of the American Revolution — Detailed chronology and major themes
  2. American Battlefield Trust: Revolution Timeline — Comprehensive timeline, maps, major battles
  3. Library of Congress: Revolution Primary Sources — Original documents and teaching resources
  4. Have Fun With History: 10 Most Important People in the American Revolution — In-depth profiles and legacy discussions
  5. Mount Vernon: 10 Facts About the Revolutionary War — Focus on George Washington’s leadership and decision-making
  6. American Revolution.org: Best Primary Sources — Diaries, letters, maps, memoirs, political cartoons
  7. Khan Academy: Philosophical Foundations of the Revolution — Enlightenment, natural rights, social contract
  8. History Education Foundation: Key Ideas of the American Revolution — Summarizes liberty, equality, self-governance, republicanism
  9. Fiveable: Philosophical Foundations Study Guide — Detailed overview of major intellectual influences
  10. JSTOR: The American Revolution, A Philosophical Interpretation — Academic deep dive into the ideological legacy
  11. American Battlefield Trust: France in the American Revolution — Military alliance background, impact, and aftermath
  12. World History Encyclopedia: French Involvement — Social, financial, and diplomatic dimensions
  13. Smithsonian: The Impact of the Revolution Abroad — Influence in Europe, global response
  14. American Battlefield Trust: Battle Facts and Summaries — Maps, analyses, and narratives
  15. Ideological Origins of the American Revolution — Enlightenment and revolutionary ideology
  16. Patrick Henry — Iconic oratory and the Constitution
  17. Valley Forge — Hardship and transformation
  18. The Revolution's African American Soldiers — Untold stories of military service
  19. Women and the Constitutional Moment of 1787 — Gender, citizenship, and constitutional debates
  20. American Revolution.org Primary Sources — First-person narratives, letters, cartoons, and maps
  21. Schoolshistory.org.uk: American Revolution Primary Sources — British and colonial perspectives, visual collections
  22. 10 Best American Revolution Podcasts To Follow — Discover more expert interviews and stories
  23. Ben Franklin’s World: Official Podcast Homepage — Full episode archive, show notes, and guest bios

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3525 no Study Notes: US Time Zones Explained https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/study-notes-us-time-zones-explained America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, US time zones: what they are, why they exist, and a few quick tips so you don’t miss a lecture (or a podcast recording) ever again. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0000 Study Notes: US Time Zones Explained full 130 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, US time zones: what they are, why they exist, and a few quick tips so you don’t miss a lecture (or a podcast recording) ever again. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.

This week, US time zones: what they are, why they exist, and a few quick tips so you don’t miss a lecture (or a podcast recording) ever again.

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 427 no In the Making: The End of the Special Relationship https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-the-end-of-the-special-relationship This week, on America: In the Making… Will Greenland be the death of the UK-US special relationship? AI-generated confusion after Monkeys escape a zoo in Missouri, and One small step for Congress, one giant leap for mankind. I speak to Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, about Trump’s failed efforts to decimate the NASA budget. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by Emma Long, an Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. . Useful Links: Trump has threatened Europe with higher tariffs. What happens now? | The Independent The exchange of messages between Norway's prime minister and President Trump | Reuters Keir Starmer about to hold emergency press conference Trump Shares Map of US Including Greenland, Canada, Venezuela - Newsweek Congress passes $24.4 billion NASA budget, rejecting Trump's deep cuts As Musk works to slash federal spending, his own firms have received billions in government contracts - ABC News The Planetary Society Army has put 1,500 soldiers on standby for possible Minnesota deployment | AP News Multiple monkeys on the loose in St. Louis | AP News Supreme Court weighs Trump's firing of the Fed's Lisa Cook by social media | Reuters Fed Chair Jerome Powell stands up to Trump : NPR . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 22 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0000 In the Making: The End of the Special Relationship full 129 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, on America: In the Making… Will Greenland be the death of the UK-US special relationship? AI-generated confusion after Monkeys escape a zoo in Missouri, and One small step for Congress, one giant leap for mankind. I speak to Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, about Trump’s failed efforts to decimate the NASA budget. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by Emma Long, an Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. . Useful Links: Trump has threatened Europe with higher tariffs. What happens now? | The Independent The exchange of messages between Norway's prime minister and President Trump | Reuters Keir Starmer about to hold emergency press conference Trump Shares Map of US Including Greenland, Canada, Venezuela - Newsweek Congress passes $24.4 billion NASA budget, rejecting Trump's deep cuts As Musk works to slash federal spending, his own firms have received billions in government contracts - ABC News The Planetary Society Army has put 1,500 soldiers on standby for possible Minnesota deployment | AP News Multiple monkeys on the loose in St. Louis | AP News Supreme Court weighs Trump's firing of the Fed's Lisa Cook by social media | Reuters Fed Chair Jerome Powell stands up to Trump : NPR . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, on America: In the Making…

  1. Will Greenland be the death of the UK-US special relationship?
  2. AI-generated confusion after Monkeys escape a zoo in Missouri, and
  3. One small step for Congress, one giant leap for mankind. I speak to Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, about Trump’s failed efforts to decimate the NASA budget.

.

Special Guest:

This week, we are delighted to be joined by Emma Long, an Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.

.

Useful Links:

  1. Trump has threatened Europe with higher tariffs. What happens now? | The Independent
  2. The exchange of messages between Norway's prime minister and President Trump | Reuters
  3. Keir Starmer about to hold emergency press conference
  4. Trump Shares Map of US Including Greenland, Canada, Venezuela - Newsweek
  5. Congress passes $24.4 billion NASA budget, rejecting Trump's deep cuts
  6. As Musk works to slash federal spending, his own firms have received billions in government contracts - ABC News
  7. The Planetary Society
  8. Army has put 1,500 soldiers on standby for possible Minnesota deployment | AP News
  9. Multiple monkeys on the loose in St. Louis | AP News
  10. Supreme Court weighs Trump's firing of the Fed's Lisa Cook by social media | Reuters
  11. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stands up to Trump : NPR

.

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4028 no Who is JFK? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-jfk Today, we turn our focus to a figure who remains as enigmatic as he is iconic. Ascending to the presidency at one of the tensest moments in American and world history, he energized a nation with his call for a “New Frontier,” navigated the shoals of the Cold War, and inspired Americans with his vision for space and civil rights. Yet behind his polished image lay personal struggles, political obstacles, and a legacy marked as much by tragedy as by promise. So in this episode, on the anniversary of his inauguration, I’m asking… who is President John F. Kennedy? .. Special guest for this episode: Barbara Perry, a distinguished scholar from the University of Virginia’s Miller Center and one of the preeminent experts on the Kennedy family and presidency. She has authored and edited numerous books, including Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier and Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch. ... Highlights from this episode: John F. Kennedy's presidency, despite its brevity, was marked by significant achievements in civil rights and the space race. Kennedy's early life and family background played a crucial role in shaping his political ambitions and character. The complexities of JFK's personal life, including his infidelities, contrast sharply with his public persona as a devoted leader. The impact of JFK's assassination continues to resonate in American culture and politics, symbolizing a profound national tragedy. ... Additional Resources: Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier by Barbara Perry Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch by Barbara Perry Miller Center: JFK Life Before the Presidency Miller Center: Domestic Affairs Miller Center: Impact and Legacy JFK Library: Life of John F. Kennedy JFK Library: PT-109 JFK Library: The 1960 Election JFK Library: The New Frontier National Archives: JFK in Congress JFK Library: Civil Rights History.com: JFK and Marilyn Monroe History Hit: JFK’s Affairs History Hit: Camelot Encyclopedia Britannica: John F. Kennedy Britannica: New Frontier JFK Assassination and Conspiracy Theories National Archives: 1960 Election Results Miller Center: Barbara Perry University of Virginia: Barbara Perry CV and Bio Political Dictionary: Camelot JFK Library: The Space Program Rice University: JFK Moon Speech Miller Center: JFK and the Space Race ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0000 Who is JFK? full 128 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Today, we turn our focus to a figure who remains as enigmatic as he is iconic. Ascending to the presidency at one of the tensest moments in American and world history, he energized a nation with his call for a “New Frontier,” navigated the shoals of the Cold War, and inspired Americans with his vision for space and civil rights. Yet behind his polished image lay personal struggles, political obstacles, and a legacy marked as much by tragedy as by promise. So in this episode, on the anniversary of his inauguration, I’m asking… who is President John F. Kennedy? .. Special guest for this episode: Barbara Perry, a distinguished scholar from the University of Virginia’s Miller Center and one of the preeminent experts on the Kennedy family and presidency. She has authored and edited numerous books, including Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier and Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch. ... Highlights from this episode: John F. Kennedy's presidency, despite its brevity, was marked by significant achievements in civil rights and the space race. Kennedy's early life and family background played a crucial role in shaping his political ambitions and character. The complexities of JFK's personal life, including his infidelities, contrast sharply with his public persona as a devoted leader. The impact of JFK's assassination continues to resonate in American culture and politics, symbolizing a profound national tragedy. ... Additional Resources: Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier by Barbara Perry Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch by Barbara Perry Miller Center: JFK Life Before the Presidency Miller Center: Domestic Affairs Miller Center: Impact and Legacy JFK Library: Life of John F. Kennedy JFK Library: PT-109 JFK Library: The 1960 Election JFK Library: The New Frontier National Archives: JFK in Congress JFK Library: Civil Rights History.com: JFK and Marilyn Monroe History Hit: JFK’s Affairs History Hit: Camelot Encyclopedia Britannica: John F. Kennedy Britannica: New Frontier JFK Assassination and Conspiracy Theories National Archives: 1960 Election Results Miller Center: Barbara Perry University of Virginia: Barbara Perry CV and Bio Political Dictionary: Camelot JFK Library: The Space Program Rice University: JFK Moon Speech Miller Center: JFK and the Space Race ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today, we turn our focus to a figure who remains as enigmatic as he is iconic. Ascending to the presidency at one of the tensest moments in American and world history, he energized a nation with his call for a “New Frontier,” navigated the shoals of the Cold War, and inspired Americans with his vision for space and civil rights. Yet behind his polished image lay personal struggles, political obstacles, and a legacy marked as much by tragedy as by promise.

So in this episode, on the anniversary of his inauguration, I’m asking… who is President John F. Kennedy?

..

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Barbara Perry, a distinguished scholar from the University of Virginia’s Miller Center and one of the preeminent experts on the Kennedy family and presidency. She has authored and edited numerous books, including Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier and Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. John F. Kennedy's presidency, despite its brevity, was marked by significant achievements in civil rights and the space race.
  2. Kennedy's early life and family background played a crucial role in shaping his political ambitions and character.
  3. The complexities of JFK's personal life, including his infidelities, contrast sharply with his public persona as a devoted leader.
  4. The impact of JFK's assassination continues to resonate in American culture and politics, symbolizing a profound national tragedy.

...

Additional Resources:

Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of the New Frontier by Barbara Perry

Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch by Barbara Perry

Miller Center: JFK Life Before the Presidency

Miller Center: Domestic Affairs

Miller Center: Impact and Legacy

JFK Library: Life of John F. Kennedy

JFK Library: PT-109

JFK Library: The 1960 Election

JFK Library: The New Frontier

National Archives: JFK in Congress

JFK Library: Civil Rights

History.com: JFK and Marilyn Monroe

History Hit: JFK’s Affairs

History Hit: Camelot

Encyclopedia Britannica: John F. Kennedy

Britannica: New Frontier

JFK Assassination and Conspiracy Theories

National Archives: 1960 Election Results

Miller Center: Barbara Perry

University of Virginia: Barbara Perry CV and Bio

Political Dictionary: Camelot

JFK Library: The Space Program

Rice University: JFK Moon Speech

Miller Center: JFK and the Space Race

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3618 no America: The Story of the USA Returns Soon https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/america-the-story-of-the-usa-returns-soon In July 2023, I launched a bit of a passion project, with my old lecturers at the University of East Anglia. America: A History was born. But a lot has changed in two and half years. And we thought it was about time we did too... Introducing, America: The Story of the USA, in partnership with the British Association for American Studies. Returns 19th January. ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0000 America: The Story of the USA Returns Soon bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In July 2023, I launched a bit of a passion project, with my old lecturers at the University of East Anglia. America: A History was born. But a lot has changed in two and half years. And we thought it was about time we did too... Introducing, America: The Story of the USA, in partnership with the British Association for American Studies. Returns 19th January. ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In July 2023, I launched a bit of a passion project, with my old lecturers at the University of East Anglia.

America: A History was born.

But a lot has changed in two and half years.

And we thought it was about time we did too...

Introducing, America: The Story of the USA, in partnership with the British Association for American Studies.

Returns 19th January.

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 386 no Is Capitalism Killing Christmas? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/is-capitalism-killing-christmas The tree is up, the lights are on, and the presents are (probably) wrapped. Only two more sleeps until the day when sacred, family-oriented togetherness merges with ruthless consumer culture… or, as it’s more commonly known, Christmas. So in this episode we’re going to dive into the murky, tinsel-covered contradiction of the holiday season, as I ask… is Capitalism killing Christmas? ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now. Brian Earl the creator and host of the excellent podcast Christmas Past… a very merry welcome back to Brian Earl… ... Highlights from this episode: Christmas has evolved significantly from its religious roots into a commercially driven holiday, with advertising and consumerism deeply intertwined. The Puritans' resistance to Christmas in early America reflects a long-standing conflict between celebration and moral values within American culture. Consumerism and Christmas are inextricably linked; it's hard to separate the two without losing the holiday's modern meaning. Historical variations in Christmas celebrations across America reveal regional differences in traditions, influenced by factors like local culture and economy. The rise of industrialism in the 19th century played a crucial role in shaping the consumer habits associated with the Christmas season. Charitable giving during Christmas often serves to highlight socioeconomic divides while simultaneously fostering a sense of community and shared goodwill. ... Additional Resources: Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys Smith Christmas Past by Brian Earl The Modern Christmas in America: A Cultural History of Gift Giving by Williams Waits The Commercialization of the Calendar: American Holidays and the Culture of Consumption Christmas in America: A History by Penne L. Restad How the Puritans Banned Christmas. Yankee Magazine. Colonial Williamsburg ‘The Twelve Myths of Christmas’ and Early American Christmas traditions An Early American Christmas The Oxford Handbook of Christmas – “Commercialism and Consumerism.” John Schmalzbauer. [Oxford Academic, 2020]. Exploring capitalism, disenchantment, enchantment, and debates on secular/commercial Christmas. The Commercialization of the Calendar: American Holidays and the Culture of Consumption, 1870–1930 by Leigh Schmidt The Golden Age of Department Stores at Christmas by The Retro Network A Brief History of Commercializing Christmas by Tim Harford Brand Vision: Best 50 Christmas Marketing Campaigns of All Time 20 Holiday Advertising Campaigns That Revolutionized Marketing The Artist Behind the Coca-Cola Santa Claus Haddon Sundblom and the Coca-Cola Santas Christmas as Cyclical Repetition - Easy Sociology Capitalism and the Holidays: How Money Grows on Christmas Trees Christmas over-consumption: Why we shop the way we do (even climate activists!) A Conscious Christmas: Rethinking Consumerism and Supporting Social En The Christmas spirit: is it now about consumerism or caring? ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Is Capitalism Killing Christmas? full 127 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The tree is up, the lights are on, and the presents are (probably) wrapped. Only two more sleeps until the day when sacred, family-oriented togetherness merges with ruthless consumer culture… or, as it’s more commonly known, Christmas. So in this episode we’re going to dive into the murky, tinsel-covered contradiction of the holiday season, as I ask… is Capitalism killing Christmas? ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now. Brian Earl the creator and host of the excellent podcast Christmas Past… a very merry welcome back to Brian Earl… ... Highlights from this episode: Christmas has evolved significantly from its religious roots into a commercially driven holiday, with advertising and consumerism deeply intertwined. The Puritans' resistance to Christmas in early America reflects a long-standing conflict between celebration and moral values within American culture. Consumerism and Christmas are inextricably linked; it's hard to separate the two without losing the holiday's modern meaning. Historical variations in Christmas celebrations across America reveal regional differences in traditions, influenced by factors like local culture and economy. The rise of industrialism in the 19th century played a crucial role in shaping the consumer habits associated with the Christmas season. Charitable giving during Christmas often serves to highlight socioeconomic divides while simultaneously fostering a sense of community and shared goodwill. ... Additional Resources: Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys Smith Christmas Past by Brian Earl The Modern Christmas in America: A Cultural History of Gift Giving by Williams Waits The Commercialization of the Calendar: American Holidays and the Culture of Consumption Christmas in America: A History by Penne L. Restad How the Puritans Banned Christmas. Yankee Magazine. Colonial Williamsburg ‘The Twelve Myths of Christmas’ and Early American Christmas traditions An Early American Christmas The Oxford Handbook of Christmas – “Commercialism and Consumerism.” John Schmalzbauer. [Oxford Academic, 2020]. Exploring capitalism, disenchantment, enchantment, and debates on secular/commercial Christmas. The Commercialization of the Calendar: American Holidays and the Culture of Consumption, 1870–1930 by Leigh Schmidt The Golden Age of Department Stores at Christmas by The Retro Network A Brief History of Commercializing Christmas by Tim Harford Brand Vision: Best 50 Christmas Marketing Campaigns of All Time 20 Holiday Advertising Campaigns That Revolutionized Marketing The Artist Behind the Coca-Cola Santa Claus Haddon Sundblom and the Coca-Cola Santas Christmas as Cyclical Repetition - Easy Sociology Capitalism and the Holidays: How Money Grows on Christmas Trees Christmas over-consumption: Why we shop the way we do (even climate activists!) A Conscious Christmas: Rethinking Consumerism and Supporting Social En The Christmas spirit: is it now about consumerism or caring? ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The tree is up, the lights are on, and the presents are (probably) wrapped. Only two more sleeps until the day when sacred, family-oriented togetherness merges with ruthless consumer culture… or, as it’s more commonly known, Christmas. So in this episode we’re going to dive into the murky, tinsel-covered contradiction of the holiday season, as I ask… is Capitalism killing Christmas?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now.
  2. Brian Earl the creator and host of the excellent podcast Christmas Past… a very merry welcome back to Brian Earl…

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. Christmas has evolved significantly from its religious roots into a commercially driven holiday, with advertising and consumerism deeply intertwined.
  2. The Puritans' resistance to Christmas in early America reflects a long-standing conflict between celebration and moral values within American culture.
  3. Consumerism and Christmas are inextricably linked; it's hard to separate the two without losing the holiday's modern meaning.
  4. Historical variations in Christmas celebrations across America reveal regional differences in traditions, influenced by factors like local culture and economy.
  5. The rise of industrialism in the 19th century played a crucial role in shaping the consumer habits associated with the Christmas season.
  6. Charitable giving during Christmas often serves to highlight socioeconomic divides while simultaneously fostering a sense of community and shared goodwill.

...

Additional Resources:

  1. Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys Smith
  2. Christmas Past by Brian Earl
  3. The Modern Christmas in America: A Cultural History of Gift Giving by Williams Waits
  4. The Commercialization of the Calendar: American Holidays and the Culture of Consumption
  5. Christmas in America: A History by Penne L. Restad
  6. How the Puritans Banned Christmas. Yankee Magazine.
  7. Colonial Williamsburg ‘The Twelve Myths of Christmas’ and Early American Christmas traditions
  8. An Early American Christmas
  9. The Oxford Handbook of Christmas – “Commercialism and Consumerism.” John Schmalzbauer. [Oxford Academic, 2020]. Exploring capitalism, disenchantment, enchantment, and debates on secular/commercial Christmas. The Commercialization of the Calendar: American Holidays and the Culture of Consumption, 1870–1930 by Leigh Schmidt
  10. The Golden Age of Department Stores at Christmas by The Retro Network
  11. A Brief History of Commercializing Christmas by Tim Harford
  12. Brand Vision: Best 50 Christmas Marketing Campaigns of All Time
  13. 20 Holiday Advertising Campaigns That Revolutionized Marketing
  14. The Artist Behind the Coca-Cola Santa Claus
  15. Haddon Sundblom and the Coca-Cola Santas
  16. Christmas as Cyclical Repetition - Easy Sociology
  17. Capitalism and the Holidays: How Money Grows on Christmas Trees
  18. Christmas over-consumption: Why we shop the way we do (even climate activists!)
  19. A Conscious Christmas: Rethinking Consumerism and Supporting Social En
  20. The Christmas spirit: is it now about consumerism or caring?

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

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Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2365 no BONUS: Disney, Christmas, and 2026 https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-disney-christmas-and-2026 In our last bonus episode of the year, I wanted to share some episodes that can get you through the holiday season, linked below, and give you a little tease of what's to come in 2026. Spoiler alert: we are going bigger, better and bolder than ever before, so follow the podcast right now and be part of something mega! ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? What is Disney's America? Why is Santa So American? I Am... Jody Williams ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 20 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Disney, Christmas, and 2026 bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In our last bonus episode of the year, I wanted to share some episodes that can get you through the holiday season, linked below, and give you a little tease of what's to come in 2026. Spoiler alert: we are going bigger, better and bolder than ever before, so follow the podcast right now and be part of something mega! ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? What is Disney's America? Why is Santa So American? I Am... Jody Williams ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In our last bonus episode of the year, I wanted to share some episodes that can get you through the holiday season, linked below, and give you a little tease of what's to come in 2026.

Spoiler alert: we are going bigger, better and bolder than ever before, so follow the podcast right now and be part of something mega!

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth?

What is Disney's America?

Why is Santa So American?

I Am... Jody Williams

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 528 no Why is Santa So American? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-is-santa-so-american Last year, I asked ‘Who is Santa Claus?’ We discussed the origins and early incarnations of the figure we now understand to be Santa through a more global lens. So this year, I want to continue this conversation, but look specifically at how he became America’s poster boy for Christmas, and why this could be challenged in future, as I ask… why is Santa so American? ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of the New Area Studies Research Centre. In 2023, he published The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, and his new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now. Vaughn Joy, whose doctoral research, Selling Out Santa, focuses specifically on Hollywood Christmas Films in the age of McCarthy. ... Highlights from this episode: The discussion revolved around the transformation of Santa Claus into an American cultural icon over the years. We explored how Santa's early depictions varied regionally across America, reflecting different cultural influences and customs. The podcast highlighted the role of commercialism in shaping Santa’s image, especially during the rise of department stores in the late 19th century. Santa Claus has evolved through various literary and film interpretations, reflecting societal values and changes in American culture. The conversation touched on the implications of Santa's myth on children's expectations around Christmas and societal values of generosity and goodwill. We examined how modern iterations of Santa are influenced by current events and cultural shifts, showcasing his adaptability in American folklore. ... Additional Resources: Amazon.com: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman edited by Thomas Ruys Smith Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys Smith Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy by Vaughn Joy Old Santeclaus with Much Delight: The Children's Friend: A New-Year's Present, to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore A Mischievous St. Nick from the Smithsonian American Art Museum Santa Claus (1898) A Little Girl Who Did Not Believe in Santa Claus (1907) Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1897) Is There a Santa Claus? By Jacob Riis Miracle On 34th Street 1947/ 1994 Double Pack The Little Messenger Birds: Or, the Chimes of the Silver Bells by Caroline Butler Thomas Nast - Hello!, Santa Claus! (originally published in "Harper's Weekly," December 20, 1884) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Why is Santa So American? full 126 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Last year, I asked ‘Who is Santa Claus?’ We discussed the origins and early incarnations of the figure we now understand to be Santa through a more global lens. So this year, I want to continue this conversation, but look specifically at how he became America’s poster boy for Christmas, and why this could be challenged in future, as I ask… why is Santa so American? ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of the New Area Studies Research Centre. In 2023, he published The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, and his new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now. Vaughn Joy, whose doctoral research, Selling Out Santa, focuses specifically on Hollywood Christmas Films in the age of McCarthy. ... Highlights from this episode: The discussion revolved around the transformation of Santa Claus into an American cultural icon over the years. We explored how Santa's early depictions varied regionally across America, reflecting different cultural influences and customs. The podcast highlighted the role of commercialism in shaping Santa’s image, especially during the rise of department stores in the late 19th century. Santa Claus has evolved through various literary and film interpretations, reflecting societal values and changes in American culture. The conversation touched on the implications of Santa's myth on children's expectations around Christmas and societal values of generosity and goodwill. We examined how modern iterations of Santa are influenced by current events and cultural shifts, showcasing his adaptability in American folklore. ... Additional Resources: Amazon.com: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman edited by Thomas Ruys Smith Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys Smith Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy by Vaughn Joy Old Santeclaus with Much Delight: The Children's Friend: A New-Year's Present, to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore A Mischievous St. Nick from the Smithsonian American Art Museum Santa Claus (1898) A Little Girl Who Did Not Believe in Santa Claus (1907) Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1897) Is There a Santa Claus? By Jacob Riis Miracle On 34th Street 1947/ 1994 Double Pack The Little Messenger Birds: Or, the Chimes of the Silver Bells by Caroline Butler Thomas Nast - Hello!, Santa Claus! (originally published in "Harper's Weekly," December 20, 1884) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Last year, I asked ‘Who is Santa Claus?’ We discussed the origins and early incarnations of the figure we now understand to be Santa through a more global lens. So this year, I want to continue this conversation, but look specifically at how he became America’s poster boy for Christmas, and why this could be challenged in future, as I ask… why is Santa so American?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of the New Area Studies Research Centre. In 2023, he published The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, and his new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now.
  2. Vaughn Joy, whose doctoral research, Selling Out Santa, focuses specifically on Hollywood Christmas Films in the age of McCarthy.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The discussion revolved around the transformation of Santa Claus into an American cultural icon over the years.
  2. We explored how Santa's early depictions varied regionally across America, reflecting different cultural influences and customs.
  3. The podcast highlighted the role of commercialism in shaping Santa’s image, especially during the rise of department stores in the late 19th century.
  4. Santa Claus has evolved through various literary and film interpretations, reflecting societal values and changes in American culture.
  5. The conversation touched on the implications of Santa's myth on children's expectations around Christmas and societal values of generosity and goodwill.
  6. We examined how modern iterations of Santa are influenced by current events and cultural shifts, showcasing his adaptability in American folklore.

...

Additional Resources:

Amazon.com: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman edited by Thomas Ruys Smith

Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys Smith

Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy by Vaughn Joy

Old Santeclaus with Much Delight: The Children's Friend: A New-Year's Present, to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve

'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

A Mischievous St. Nick from the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Santa Claus (1898)

A Little Girl Who Did Not Believe in Santa Claus (1907)

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1897)

Is There a Santa Claus? By Jacob Riis

Miracle On 34th Street 1947/ 1994 Double Pack

The Little Messenger Birds: Or, the Chimes of the Silver Bells by Caroline Butler

Thomas Nast - Hello!, Santa Claus! (originally published in "Harper's Weekly," December 20, 1884) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2883 no BONUS REPLAY: The Christmas Goose & Our Favourite On Screen Santa https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-replay-the-christmas-goose-our-favourite-on-screen-santa In this special festive bonus episode, Liam & guests discuss their own personal Christmas traditions, their favourite screen Santa Claus and what, if anything, we would change or add to the myth of Santa. Happy holidays everyone! ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past ... Highlights from this episode: The importance of traditions like Santa Claus in family celebrations. Brian explains the Christmas Goose. Tom reflects on the evolution of Santa Claus in modern holiday culture and media. How children's understanding of Santa changes as they grow older. The fleeting nature of childhood magic during Christmas celebrations. The portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving role. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 13 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS REPLAY: The Christmas Goose & Our Favourite On Screen Santa bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special festive bonus episode, Liam & guests discuss their own personal Christmas traditions, their favourite screen Santa Claus and what, if anything, we would change or add to the myth of Santa. Happy holidays everyone! ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past ... Highlights from this episode: The importance of traditions like Santa Claus in family celebrations. Brian explains the Christmas Goose. Tom reflects on the evolution of Santa Claus in modern holiday culture and media. How children's understanding of Santa changes as they grow older. The fleeting nature of childhood magic during Christmas celebrations. The portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving role. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special festive bonus episode, Liam & guests discuss their own personal Christmas traditions, their favourite screen Santa Claus and what, if anything, we would change or add to the myth of Santa.

Happy holidays everyone!

...

Special guest for this episode:


...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The importance of traditions like Santa Claus in family celebrations.
  • Brian explains the Christmas Goose.
  • Tom reflects on the evolution of Santa Claus in modern holiday culture and media.
  • How children's understanding of Santa changes as they grow older.
  • The fleeting nature of childhood magic during Christmas celebrations.
  • The portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving role.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 679 no I Am... Jody Williams https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/i-am-jody-williams This edition of the podcast is a very special one. Firstly, it’s our 100th main episode, which is astonishing, so I want to thank everyone who has played any part in making this podcast - from everyone at UEA and behind the scenes to every guest who has donated their time and expertise. This genuinely would not have been possible without all of you. On which note, today also marks the first of our ‘I Am…’ series, where we are joined by someone who has made an indelible mark on America, if not the world, to tell their story in their own words. ... Special guest for this episode: Jody Williams, a Nobel Peace Laureate, who changed international law by founding the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). She is now a founding member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, and her tireless determination to make the world a better, safer, and more equitable place has had an unfathomable impact on millions. ... Additional Resources: My Name Is Jody Williams: A Vermont Girl's Winding Path to the Nobel Peace Prize by Jody Williams Jody Williams – Biographical - NobelPrize.org Jody Williams | Peace Jam Jody Williams: A realistic vision for world peace | TED Talk Homepage - ICBLCMC NobelPrize.org ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0000 I Am... Jody Williams full 125 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This edition of the podcast is a very special one. Firstly, it’s our 100th main episode, which is astonishing, so I want to thank everyone who has played any part in making this podcast - from everyone at UEA and behind the scenes to every guest who has donated their time and expertise. This genuinely would not have been possible without all of you. On which note, today also marks the first of our ‘I Am…’ series, where we are joined by someone who has made an indelible mark on America, if not the world, to tell their story in their own words. ... Special guest for this episode: Jody Williams, a Nobel Peace Laureate, who changed international law by founding the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). She is now a founding member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, and her tireless determination to make the world a better, safer, and more equitable place has had an unfathomable impact on millions. ... Additional Resources: My Name Is Jody Williams: A Vermont Girl's Winding Path to the Nobel Peace Prize by Jody Williams Jody Williams – Biographical - NobelPrize.org Jody Williams | Peace Jam Jody Williams: A realistic vision for world peace | TED Talk Homepage - ICBLCMC NobelPrize.org ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This edition of the podcast is a very special one. Firstly, it’s our 100th main episode, which is astonishing, so I want to thank everyone who has played any part in making this podcast - from everyone at UEA and behind the scenes to every guest who has donated their time and expertise. This genuinely would not have been possible without all of you.

On which note, today also marks the first of our ‘I Am…’ series, where we are joined by someone who has made an indelible mark on America, if not the world, to tell their story in their own words.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jody Williams, a Nobel Peace Laureate, who changed international law by founding the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). She is now a founding member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, and her tireless determination to make the world a better, safer, and more equitable place has had an unfathomable impact on millions.

...

Additional Resources:

My Name Is Jody Williams: A Vermont Girl's Winding Path to the Nobel Peace Prize by Jody Williams

Jody Williams – Biographical - NobelPrize.org

Jody Williams | Peace Jam

Jody Williams: A realistic vision for world peace | TED Talk

Homepage - ICBLCMC

NobelPrize.org

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3758 no BONUS: The Industry of Comic Book Collectibles https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-industry-of-comic-book-collectibles In this bonus episode, comic book expert Julian Chambliss sticks around to discuss his own childhood comic book collection, and reveals the one rare comic book he wishes he could find... ... Special guest for this episode: Julian Chambliss, a Professor of English at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on race, culture, and power in real and imagined spaces, with a particular interest in comic book history/ ... Highlights from this episode: Comic books have played a significant role in fostering a love for reading among children. The accessibility of comic books in the United States was much greater during the speaker's childhood. Collecting comics can lead to acquiring valuable editions, but many childhood collections were discarded. The comic book market is complex and often confusing, especially regarding the value of certain issues. The speaker expresses a desire to own a rare comic called Lobo, known for its historical significance. Comic book conventions are places where collectors can search for rare finds and engage with others in the community. ... Additional Resources: Origins and History History of American comics - Wikipedia History Of American Comics: From Victorian Roots To The Modern Multimedia Era (Toons Mag) American comic book - Wikipedia Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois – Wikipedia + Guinness World Records, Guinness World Records: First Comic A History of the Comic Book - Random History Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages Comic Book Ages Explained - Biowars Silver Age Comics - Comic Buying Center The Flash: The Silver Age - Slings & Arrows Modern Age of Comic Books - Wikipedia 20 Major Comic Events That Shaped Us – GoCollect Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting Why Comic Books Remain Popular Among Collectors - Big News Network U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share | Grand View Research Cross-Media Adaptations The Impact of Comic Books on Popular Culture - Comicbooklist.com From Pop Art Panels to Record Breaking Blockbusters - The Science Survey The Transformation of Comic Books Into Movies - WhatsAfterTheMovie.com A Brief History of Comic Book Movies - Springer Representation and Diversity Kamala Khan - Wikipedia (Ms. Marvel) Black Panther First Appearance - Comic Book Addicts Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship Julian C. Chambliss – Michigan State University Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men – Cambridge Scholars Publishing/Open Library, Open Library Comics Studies as an Academic Field The Oxford Handbook of Comic Book Studies - Oxford University Press, Amazon UK The Power of Comics: History, Form & Culture - Duncan & Smith Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms The Rise of Digital Comics: Trends and Technologies - electricomics.net The Rise of Webcomics Explained - Toons Mag Evolution of Digital Comics and Graphic Novels - EMB Global Other Notable Reference Titles Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 06 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Industry of Comic Book Collectibles bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, comic book expert Julian Chambliss sticks around to discuss his own childhood comic book collection, and reveals the one rare comic book he wishes he could find... ... Special guest for this episode: Julian Chambliss, a Professor of English at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on race, culture, and power in real and imagined spaces, with a particular interest in comic book history/ ... Highlights from this episode: Comic books have played a significant role in fostering a love for reading among children. The accessibility of comic books in the United States was much greater during the speaker's childhood. Collecting comics can lead to acquiring valuable editions, but many childhood collections were discarded. The comic book market is complex and often confusing, especially regarding the value of certain issues. The speaker expresses a desire to own a rare comic called Lobo, known for its historical significance. Comic book conventions are places where collectors can search for rare finds and engage with others in the community. ... Additional Resources: Origins and History History of American comics - Wikipedia History Of American Comics: From Victorian Roots To The Modern Multimedia Era (Toons Mag) American comic book - Wikipedia Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois – Wikipedia + Guinness World Records, Guinness World Records: First Comic A History of the Comic Book - Random History Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages Comic Book Ages Explained - Biowars Silver Age Comics - Comic Buying Center The Flash: The Silver Age - Slings & Arrows Modern Age of Comic Books - Wikipedia 20 Major Comic Events That Shaped Us – GoCollect Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting Why Comic Books Remain Popular Among Collectors - Big News Network U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share | Grand View Research Cross-Media Adaptations The Impact of Comic Books on Popular Culture - Comicbooklist.com From Pop Art Panels to Record Breaking Blockbusters - The Science Survey The Transformation of Comic Books Into Movies - WhatsAfterTheMovie.com A Brief History of Comic Book Movies - Springer Representation and Diversity Kamala Khan - Wikipedia (Ms. Marvel) Black Panther First Appearance - Comic Book Addicts Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship Julian C. Chambliss – Michigan State University Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men – Cambridge Scholars Publishing/Open Library, Open Library Comics Studies as an Academic Field The Oxford Handbook of Comic Book Studies - Oxford University Press, Amazon UK The Power of Comics: History, Form & Culture - Duncan & Smith Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms The Rise of Digital Comics: Trends and Technologies - electricomics.net The Rise of Webcomics Explained - Toons Mag Evolution of Digital Comics and Graphic Novels - EMB Global Other Notable Reference Titles Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, comic book expert Julian Chambliss sticks around to discuss his own childhood comic book collection, and reveals the one rare comic book he wishes he could find...

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Julian Chambliss, a Professor of English at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on race, culture, and power in real and imagined spaces, with a particular interest in comic book history/

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Comic books have played a significant role in fostering a love for reading among children.
  • The accessibility of comic books in the United States was much greater during the speaker's childhood.
  • Collecting comics can lead to acquiring valuable editions, but many childhood collections were discarded.
  • The comic book market is complex and often confusing, especially regarding the value of certain issues.
  • The speaker expresses a desire to own a rare comic called Lobo, known for its historical significance.
  • Comic book conventions are places where collectors can search for rare finds and engage with others in the community.

...

Additional Resources:

Origins and History


Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages


Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting


Cross-Media Adaptations


Representation and Diversity


Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship


Comics Studies as an Academic Field


Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms


Other Notable Reference Titles

  • Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright
  • Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet
  • Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg
  • Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan
  • The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger
  • Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt
  • The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 502 no Why Does America Love Comic Books? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-does-america-love-comic-books Comic books are woven into the fabric of American pop culture, evolving from humble newspaper strips to a multi billion dollar industry. Their stories have inspired hope during wars, reflected societal anxieties during culture shifts, and consistently adapted to embrace new technologies and audiences. Today, comic book heroes and genres remain vibrant symbols of American imagination and reinvention, their influence reaching well beyond the printed page to movies, fashion, digital art, and fandom communities nationwide. So in this episode, we will explore its origins, cultural impact, and enduring popularity, as I ask… why does America love comic books? ... Special guest for this episode: Julian Chambliss, a Professor of English at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on race, culture, and power in real and imagined spaces, with a particular interest in comic book history/ ... Highlights from this episode: Comic books have transformed from simple newspaper strips into a significant component of American pop culture, highlighting their incredible evolution and widespread appeal. The connection between comic book narratives and societal anxieties reflects the historical context of American culture during significant events, like wars and societal shifts. Comic book characters, especially superheroes, serve as symbols of American values, often embodying the ideals of hope, justice, and the fight against tyranny, as seen in figures like Captain America. The enduring popularity of comic books can be attributed to their diverse storytelling capabilities, allowing them to transcend genres and reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds. ... Additional Resources: Origins and History History of American comics - Wikipedia History Of American Comics: From Victorian Roots To The Modern Multimedia Era (Toons Mag) American comic book - Wikipedia Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois – Wikipedia + Guinness World Records, Guinness World Records: First Comic A History of the Comic Book - Random History Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages Comic Book Ages Explained - Biowars Silver Age Comics - Comic Buying Center The Flash: The Silver Age - Slings & Arrows Modern Age of Comic Books - Wikipedia 20 Major Comic Events That Shaped Us – GoCollect Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting Why Comic Books Remain Popular Among Collectors - Big News Network U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share | Grand View Research Cross-Media Adaptations The Impact of Comic Books on Popular Culture - Comicbooklist.com From Pop Art Panels to Record Breaking Blockbusters - The Science Survey The Transformation of Comic Books Into Movies - WhatsAfterTheMovie.com A Brief History of Comic Book Movies - Springer Representation and Diversity Kamala Khan - Wikipedia (Ms. Marvel) Black Panther First Appearance - Comic Book Addicts Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship Julian C. Chambliss – Michigan State University Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men – Cambridge Scholars Publishing/Open Library, Open Library Comics Studies as an Academic Field The Oxford Handbook of Comic Book Studies - Oxford University Press, Amazon UK The Power of Comics: History, Form & Culture - Duncan & Smith Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms The Rise of Digital Comics: Trends and Technologies - electricomics.net The Rise of Webcomics Explained - Toons Mag Evolution of Digital Comics and Graphic Novels - EMB Global Other Notable Reference Titles Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Why Does America Love Comic Books? full 124 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Comic books are woven into the fabric of American pop culture, evolving from humble newspaper strips to a multi billion dollar industry. Their stories have inspired hope during wars, reflected societal anxieties during culture shifts, and consistently adapted to embrace new technologies and audiences. Today, comic book heroes and genres remain vibrant symbols of American imagination and reinvention, their influence reaching well beyond the printed page to movies, fashion, digital art, and fandom communities nationwide. So in this episode, we will explore its origins, cultural impact, and enduring popularity, as I ask… why does America love comic books? ... Special guest for this episode: Julian Chambliss, a Professor of English at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on race, culture, and power in real and imagined spaces, with a particular interest in comic book history/ ... Highlights from this episode: Comic books have transformed from simple newspaper strips into a significant component of American pop culture, highlighting their incredible evolution and widespread appeal. The connection between comic book narratives and societal anxieties reflects the historical context of American culture during significant events, like wars and societal shifts. Comic book characters, especially superheroes, serve as symbols of American values, often embodying the ideals of hope, justice, and the fight against tyranny, as seen in figures like Captain America. The enduring popularity of comic books can be attributed to their diverse storytelling capabilities, allowing them to transcend genres and reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds. ... Additional Resources: Origins and History History of American comics - Wikipedia History Of American Comics: From Victorian Roots To The Modern Multimedia Era (Toons Mag) American comic book - Wikipedia Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois – Wikipedia + Guinness World Records, Guinness World Records: First Comic A History of the Comic Book - Random History Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages Comic Book Ages Explained - Biowars Silver Age Comics - Comic Buying Center The Flash: The Silver Age - Slings & Arrows Modern Age of Comic Books - Wikipedia 20 Major Comic Events That Shaped Us – GoCollect Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting Why Comic Books Remain Popular Among Collectors - Big News Network U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share | Grand View Research Cross-Media Adaptations The Impact of Comic Books on Popular Culture - Comicbooklist.com From Pop Art Panels to Record Breaking Blockbusters - The Science Survey The Transformation of Comic Books Into Movies - WhatsAfterTheMovie.com A Brief History of Comic Book Movies - Springer Representation and Diversity Kamala Khan - Wikipedia (Ms. Marvel) Black Panther First Appearance - Comic Book Addicts Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship Julian C. Chambliss – Michigan State University Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men – Cambridge Scholars Publishing/Open Library, Open Library Comics Studies as an Academic Field The Oxford Handbook of Comic Book Studies - Oxford University Press, Amazon UK The Power of Comics: History, Form & Culture - Duncan & Smith Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms The Rise of Digital Comics: Trends and Technologies - electricomics.net The Rise of Webcomics Explained - Toons Mag Evolution of Digital Comics and Graphic Novels - EMB Global Other Notable Reference Titles Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Comic books are woven into the fabric of American pop culture, evolving from humble newspaper strips to a multi billion dollar industry. Their stories have inspired hope during wars, reflected societal anxieties during culture shifts, and consistently adapted to embrace new technologies and audiences.

Today, comic book heroes and genres remain vibrant symbols of American imagination and reinvention, their influence reaching well beyond the printed page to movies, fashion, digital art, and fandom communities nationwide.

So in this episode, we will explore its origins, cultural impact, and enduring popularity, as I ask… why does America love comic books?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Julian Chambliss, a Professor of English at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on race, culture, and power in real and imagined spaces, with a particular interest in comic book history/

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Comic books have transformed from simple newspaper strips into a significant component of American pop culture, highlighting their incredible evolution and widespread appeal.
  • The connection between comic book narratives and societal anxieties reflects the historical context of American culture during significant events, like wars and societal shifts.
  • Comic book characters, especially superheroes, serve as symbols of American values, often embodying the ideals of hope, justice, and the fight against tyranny, as seen in figures like Captain America.
  • The enduring popularity of comic books can be attributed to their diverse storytelling capabilities, allowing them to transcend genres and reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

...

Additional Resources:

Origins and History


Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages


Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting


Cross-Media Adaptations


Representation and Diversity


Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship


Comics Studies as an Academic Field


Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms


Other Notable Reference Titles

  • Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright
  • Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet
  • Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg
  • Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan
  • The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger
  • Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt
  • The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3113 no BONUS: Can a Woman Ever Be Pope? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-can-a-woman-ever-be-pope In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the intriguing question of whether a woman could ever become pope. Plus, we discuss the current hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church and the significant barriers women face in being ordained. We also come back to the goodness that Pope Leo XIV seems to embody, suggesting that regardless of religious titles, it's the inherent kindness that truly matters. ... Special guest for this episode: Kathleen Cummings, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Notre Dame, with a focus on the history of women, Catholicism and American religion. Her books include A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American. John Doughney, a childhood friend of Pope Leo. They attended Catholic school together in Chicago, and he now lives in Texas, running a beautiful stained glass business with his wife. ... Highlights from this episode: The Catholic Church's hierarchical structure makes it highly unlikely for women to become priests in the near future, let alone a pope. The slow pace of change within the Catholic Church means that any significant reforms will take generations to implement, if they happen at all. Pope Leo XIV's past education under female theologians suggests potential for progressive change, but resistance remains strong regarding women's ordination. The idea of faith as a justification for values is discussed, emphasizing that goodness is not inherently linked to religious beliefs. John's reflections on growing up in a blue-collar family highlight how community and tradition shape individual values and beliefs. The conversation touches on the intersection of faith, politics, and morality, urging listeners to reflect on the true essence of serving one's fellow man. ... Additional Resources: A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American by Kathleen Cummings 'We knew there was something special about him,' says childhood friend of Pope Leo How a humble Chicago schoolboy Robert Prevost with a veteran father rose to become America's first Pope  by the Daily Mail Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985 by the Peru News Agency Stained Glass by John & Nancy Doughney ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 29 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Can a Woman Ever Be Pope? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the intriguing question of whether a woman could ever become pope. Plus, we discuss the current hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church and the significant barriers women face in being ordained. We also come back to the goodness that Pope Leo XIV seems to embody, suggesting that regardless of religious titles, it's the inherent kindness that truly matters. ... Special guest for this episode: Kathleen Cummings, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Notre Dame, with a focus on the history of women, Catholicism and American religion. Her books include A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American. John Doughney, a childhood friend of Pope Leo. They attended Catholic school together in Chicago, and he now lives in Texas, running a beautiful stained glass business with his wife. ... Highlights from this episode: The Catholic Church's hierarchical structure makes it highly unlikely for women to become priests in the near future, let alone a pope. The slow pace of change within the Catholic Church means that any significant reforms will take generations to implement, if they happen at all. Pope Leo XIV's past education under female theologians suggests potential for progressive change, but resistance remains strong regarding women's ordination. The idea of faith as a justification for values is discussed, emphasizing that goodness is not inherently linked to religious beliefs. John's reflections on growing up in a blue-collar family highlight how community and tradition shape individual values and beliefs. The conversation touches on the intersection of faith, politics, and morality, urging listeners to reflect on the true essence of serving one's fellow man. ... Additional Resources: A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American by Kathleen Cummings 'We knew there was something special about him,' says childhood friend of Pope Leo How a humble Chicago schoolboy Robert Prevost with a veteran father rose to become America's first Pope  by the Daily Mail Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985 by the Peru News Agency Stained Glass by John & Nancy Doughney ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the intriguing question of whether a woman could ever become pope. Plus, we discuss the current hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church and the significant barriers women face in being ordained.

We also come back to the goodness that Pope Leo XIV seems to embody, suggesting that regardless of religious titles, it's the inherent kindness that truly matters.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Kathleen Cummings, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Notre Dame, with a focus on the history of women, Catholicism and American religion. Her books include A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American.
  • John Doughney, a childhood friend of Pope Leo. They attended Catholic school together in Chicago, and he now lives in Texas, running a beautiful stained glass business with his wife.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Catholic Church's hierarchical structure makes it highly unlikely for women to become priests in the near future, let alone a pope.
  • The slow pace of change within the Catholic Church means that any significant reforms will take generations to implement, if they happen at all.
  • Pope Leo XIV's past education under female theologians suggests potential for progressive change, but resistance remains strong regarding women's ordination.
  • The idea of faith as a justification for values is discussed, emphasizing that goodness is not inherently linked to religious beliefs.
  • John's reflections on growing up in a blue-collar family highlight how community and tradition shape individual values and beliefs.
  • The conversation touches on the intersection of faith, politics, and morality, urging listeners to reflect on the true essence of serving one's fellow man.

...

Additional Resources:

A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American by Kathleen Cummings

'We knew there was something special about him,' says childhood friend of Pope Leo

How a humble Chicago schoolboy Robert Prevost with a veteran father rose to become America's first Pope  by the Daily Mail

Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985 by the Peru News Agency

Stained Glass by John & Nancy Doughney

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 858 no Who is Pope Leo XIV? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-pope-leo-xiv From the heart of Chicago’s South Side to the highest office in the Catholic Church, the journey of Robert Provost is as improbable as it is inspiring. So in today’s episode, we’re exploring the life, legacy, and cultural significance of the first American Pope. From his early years in Illinois, via his transformative missionary work in Peru, all the way to the papacy, this is a story that both reflects and reshapes the American Catholic experience. So… who is Pope Leo XIV? ... Special guest for this episode: Kathleen Cummings, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Notre Dame, with a focus on the history of women, Catholicism and American religion. Her books include A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American. John Doughney, a childhood friend of Pope Leo. They attended Catholic school together in Chicago, and he now lives in Texas, running a beautiful stained glass business with his wife. ... Highlights from this episode: Robert Provost's journey from Chicago's south side to the papacy is truly remarkable. This episode highlights the cultural significance of Pope Leo XIV as the first American Pope. We delve into how Pope Leo's early life influenced his commitment to servant leadership. Pope Leo XIV's missionary work in Peru profoundly shaped his understanding of social justice and community. The podcast explores the unique dynamics of being an American Pope in a diverse global church. We discuss how Pope Leo XIV's choice of name signifies hope and a commitment to social teaching. ... Additional Resources: A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American by Kathleen Cummings 'We knew there was something special about him,' says childhood friend of Pope Leo How a humble Chicago schoolboy Robert Prevost with a veteran father rose to become America's first Pope  by the Daily Mail Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985 by the Peru News Agency Stained Glass by John & Nancy Doughney ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Pope Leo XIV? full 123 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast From the heart of Chicago’s South Side to the highest office in the Catholic Church, the journey of Robert Provost is as improbable as it is inspiring. So in today’s episode, we’re exploring the life, legacy, and cultural significance of the first American Pope. From his early years in Illinois, via his transformative missionary work in Peru, all the way to the papacy, this is a story that both reflects and reshapes the American Catholic experience. So… who is Pope Leo XIV? ... Special guest for this episode: Kathleen Cummings, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Notre Dame, with a focus on the history of women, Catholicism and American religion. Her books include A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American. John Doughney, a childhood friend of Pope Leo. They attended Catholic school together in Chicago, and he now lives in Texas, running a beautiful stained glass business with his wife. ... Highlights from this episode: Robert Provost's journey from Chicago's south side to the papacy is truly remarkable. This episode highlights the cultural significance of Pope Leo XIV as the first American Pope. We delve into how Pope Leo's early life influenced his commitment to servant leadership. Pope Leo XIV's missionary work in Peru profoundly shaped his understanding of social justice and community. The podcast explores the unique dynamics of being an American Pope in a diverse global church. We discuss how Pope Leo XIV's choice of name signifies hope and a commitment to social teaching. ... Additional Resources: A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American by Kathleen Cummings 'We knew there was something special about him,' says childhood friend of Pope Leo How a humble Chicago schoolboy Robert Prevost with a veteran father rose to become America's first Pope  by the Daily Mail Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985 by the Peru News Agency Stained Glass by John & Nancy Doughney ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From the heart of Chicago’s South Side to the highest office in the Catholic Church, the journey of Robert Provost is as improbable as it is inspiring.

So in today’s episode, we’re exploring the life, legacy, and cultural significance of the first American Pope. From his early years in Illinois, via his transformative missionary work in Peru, all the way to the papacy, this is a story that both reflects and reshapes the American Catholic experience. So… who is Pope Leo XIV?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Kathleen Cummings, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Notre Dame, with a focus on the history of women, Catholicism and American religion. Her books include A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American.
  • John Doughney, a childhood friend of Pope Leo. They attended Catholic school together in Chicago, and he now lives in Texas, running a beautiful stained glass business with his wife.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Robert Provost's journey from Chicago's south side to the papacy is truly remarkable.
  • This episode highlights the cultural significance of Pope Leo XIV as the first American Pope.
  • We delve into how Pope Leo's early life influenced his commitment to servant leadership.
  • Pope Leo XIV's missionary work in Peru profoundly shaped his understanding of social justice and community.
  • The podcast explores the unique dynamics of being an American Pope in a diverse global church.
  • We discuss how Pope Leo XIV's choice of name signifies hope and a commitment to social teaching.

...

Additional Resources:

A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American by Kathleen Cummings

'We knew there was something special about him,' says childhood friend of Pope Leo

How a humble Chicago schoolboy Robert Prevost with a veteran father rose to become America's first Pope  by the Daily Mail

Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985 by the Peru News Agency

Stained Glass by John & Nancy Doughney

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

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]]> 2378 no BONUS: Fannie Lou Hamer - An Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-fannie-lou-hamer-an-unsung-hero-of-the-civil-rights-movement In this special bonus episode, we learn about Fannie Lou Hamer, an activist and one of the lesser known heroes of the civil rights movement, who championed for voter equality in the US, and risked her own safety for justice. ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. ... Highlights from this episode: In this bonus episode, we further unpack the significance of the Voting Rights Act and its historical context, which is crucial for understanding today's political landscape. Fannie Lou Hamer emerged as a central figure in the civil rights movement, emphasizing the power of grassroots activism to effect real change in voting rights. We encourage listeners to explore Fannie Lou Hamer's life, as her story exemplifies the struggles faced by ordinary individuals fighting for their right to vote. The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party was co-founded by Hamer in 1964, challenging the all-white Democratic Party and advocating for Black political participation. Hamer's famous quote, 'I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired,' reflects the frustration and resilience of those fighting against voter suppression. As we continue to discuss voting rights, we invite everyone to engage in informed discussions and explore the resources linked in our show notes. ... Additional Resources: National Archives Voting Rights Act (1965) Milestone Documents: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act Civil Rights History Project – Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/civil-rights-movement/ The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – Fannie Lou Hamer and Voting Rights: https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/fannie-lou-hamer-and-fight-voting-rights Primary Source Spotlight: Voting Rights Act of 1965: https://primarysourcenexus.org/2019/02/primary-source-spotlight-voting-rights-act-1965/ Supreme Court of the United States: Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021) – Full Opinions: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-1257_g204.pdf Shelby County v. Holder (2013) Decision – Wikipedia Guide and Analysis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_County_v._Holder Brennan Center for Justice – Effects of Shelby County v. Holder on the Voting Rights Act: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/effects-shelby-county-v-holder-voting-rights-act Smithsonian Magazine – Fannie Lou Hamer’s Dauntless Fight for Black Americans’ Right to Vote: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/fannie-lou-hamers-dauntless-fight-for-black-americans-right-vote-180975610/ TIME Magazine – Rosa Parks and Voting Rights Activism: https://time.com/5933396/rosa-parks-voting-rights/ The National Constitution Center – History and Legacy of the Voting Rights Act: https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-history-and-legacy-of-the-voting-rights-act Wikipedia: Timeline of Voting Rights in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_voting_rights_in_the_United_States Smith v. Allwright (1944) Decision – White Primaries: https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/archive/html/vce/features/0404_01/smith.html SNCC Digital Gateway – People Who Led the Movement: Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and Ella Baker: https://snccdigital.org/people/ PBS LearningMedia – The Black Codes, Reconstruction, and Voting: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/f5b1df5d-399b-4895-b561-0d2fcd040c49/reconstruction-the-black-codes/ National Park Service – The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: https://www.nps.gov/semo/index.htm Learning for Justice – Why the Voting Rights Act Matters: https://www.learningforjustice.org/why-the-1965-voting-rights-act-is-crucial-for-democracy American Civil Liberties Union – Voting Rights Act: Major Dates in History: https://www.aclu.org/news/topic/voting-rights-act-major-dates-history ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 22 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Fannie Lou Hamer - An Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus episode, we learn about Fannie Lou Hamer, an activist and one of the lesser known heroes of the civil rights movement, who championed for voter equality in the US, and risked her own safety for justice. ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. ... Highlights from this episode: In this bonus episode, we further unpack the significance of the Voting Rights Act and its historical context, which is crucial for understanding today's political landscape. Fannie Lou Hamer emerged as a central figure in the civil rights movement, emphasizing the power of grassroots activism to effect real change in voting rights. We encourage listeners to explore Fannie Lou Hamer's life, as her story exemplifies the struggles faced by ordinary individuals fighting for their right to vote. The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party was co-founded by Hamer in 1964, challenging the all-white Democratic Party and advocating for Black political participation. Hamer's famous quote, 'I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired,' reflects the frustration and resilience of those fighting against voter suppression. As we continue to discuss voting rights, we invite everyone to engage in informed discussions and explore the resources linked in our show notes. ... Additional Resources: National Archives Voting Rights Act (1965) Milestone Documents: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act Civil Rights History Project – Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/civil-rights-movement/ The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – Fannie Lou Hamer and Voting Rights: https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/fannie-lou-hamer-and-fight-voting-rights Primary Source Spotlight: Voting Rights Act of 1965: https://primarysourcenexus.org/2019/02/primary-source-spotlight-voting-rights-act-1965/ Supreme Court of the United States: Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021) – Full Opinions: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-1257_g204.pdf Shelby County v. Holder (2013) Decision – Wikipedia Guide and Analysis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_County_v._Holder Brennan Center for Justice – Effects of Shelby County v. Holder on the Voting Rights Act: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/effects-shelby-county-v-holder-voting-rights-act Smithsonian Magazine – Fannie Lou Hamer’s Dauntless Fight for Black Americans’ Right to Vote: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/fannie-lou-hamers-dauntless-fight-for-black-americans-right-vote-180975610/ TIME Magazine – Rosa Parks and Voting Rights Activism: https://time.com/5933396/rosa-parks-voting-rights/ The National Constitution Center – History and Legacy of the Voting Rights Act: https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-history-and-legacy-of-the-voting-rights-act Wikipedia: Timeline of Voting Rights in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_voting_rights_in_the_United_States Smith v. Allwright (1944) Decision – White Primaries: https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/archive/html/vce/features/0404_01/smith.html SNCC Digital Gateway – People Who Led the Movement: Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and Ella Baker: https://snccdigital.org/people/ PBS LearningMedia – The Black Codes, Reconstruction, and Voting: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/f5b1df5d-399b-4895-b561-0d2fcd040c49/reconstruction-the-black-codes/ National Park Service – The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: https://www.nps.gov/semo/index.htm Learning for Justice – Why the Voting Rights Act Matters: https://www.learningforjustice.org/why-the-1965-voting-rights-act-is-crucial-for-democracy American Civil Liberties Union – Voting Rights Act: Major Dates in History: https://www.aclu.org/news/topic/voting-rights-act-major-dates-history ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus episode, we learn about Fannie Lou Hamer, an activist and one of the lesser known heroes of the civil rights movement, who championed for voter equality in the US, and risked her own safety for justice.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In this bonus episode, we further unpack the significance of the Voting Rights Act and its historical context, which is crucial for understanding today's political landscape.
  • Fannie Lou Hamer emerged as a central figure in the civil rights movement, emphasizing the power of grassroots activism to effect real change in voting rights.
  • We encourage listeners to explore Fannie Lou Hamer's life, as her story exemplifies the struggles faced by ordinary individuals fighting for their right to vote.
  • The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party was co-founded by Hamer in 1964, challenging the all-white Democratic Party and advocating for Black political participation.
  • Hamer's famous quote, 'I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired,' reflects the frustration and resilience of those fighting against voter suppression.
  • As we continue to discuss voting rights, we invite everyone to engage in informed discussions and explore the resources linked in our show notes.

...

Additional Resources:


...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 333 no IN THE MAKING: Will the Epstein Scandal Actually Change Anything? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/will-the-epstein-scandal-actually-change-anything This week, we're talking about Jeffrey Epstein files, why both sides of the political aisle are uniting and, as the house is set to approve a bill forcing the release of the files in full, could this finally be the beginning of the end for President Trump and the MAGA era? All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by friend of the show Alyssa Royse, a business owner from Seattle, who talks to us about her own experience of sexual assault when she was a teenager (not related to Epstein). . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Will the Epstein Scandal Actually Change Anything? full 122 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we're talking about Jeffrey Epstein files, why both sides of the political aisle are uniting and, as the house is set to approve a bill forcing the release of the files in full, could this finally be the beginning of the end for President Trump and the MAGA era? All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by friend of the show Alyssa Royse, a business owner from Seattle, who talks to us about her own experience of sexual assault when she was a teenager (not related to Epstein). . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we're talking about Jeffrey Epstein files, why both sides of the political aisle are uniting and, as the house is set to approve a bill forcing the release of the files in full, could this finally be the beginning of the end for President Trump and the MAGA era?

All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.

.

Special Guest:

This week, we are delighted to be joined by friend of the show Alyssa Royse, a business owner from Seattle, who talks to us about her own experience of sexual assault when she was a teenager (not related to Epstein).

.

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2001 no What is the Voting Rights Act? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-voting-rights-act This week I am discussing one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in US history. Signed during the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, it stands as a monument to the unfinished struggle for democracy. So I want to go beyond the legal text, and peel back the layers of history, injustice, activism, and resilience that not just made it possible, but continue to define its relevance, as I ask… what is the Voting Rights Act? ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. ... Highlights from this episode: The Voting Rights Act emerged from a long struggle for democracy, deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement and its ongoing relevance today. Grassroots activism and mass protests were essential in the fight for voting rights, culminating in significant legislative changes like the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The historical context of Reconstruction highlights the ongoing fight against systemic racism and the need for continued vigilance in protecting voting rights. The preclearance provision in the Voting Rights Act effectively prevented thousands of discriminatory voting changes until it was weakened by the Supreme Court in 2013. ... Additional Resources: National Archives Voting Rights Act (1965) Milestone Documents: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act Civil Rights History Project – Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/civil-rights-movement/ The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – Fannie Lou Hamer and Voting Rights: https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/fannie-lou-hamer-and-fight-voting-rights Primary Source Spotlight: Voting Rights Act of 1965: https://primarysourcenexus.org/2019/02/primary-source-spotlight-voting-rights-act-1965/ Supreme Court of the United States: Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021) – Full Opinions: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-1257_g204.pdf Shelby County v. Holder (2013) Decision – Wikipedia Guide and Analysis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_County_v._Holder Brennan Center for Justice – Effects of Shelby County v. Holder on the Voting Rights Act: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/effects-shelby-county-v-holder-voting-rights-act Smithsonian Magazine – Fannie Lou Hamer’s Dauntless Fight for Black Americans’ Right to Vote: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/fannie-lou-hamers-dauntless-fight-for-black-americans-right-vote-180975610/ TIME Magazine – Rosa Parks and Voting Rights Activism: https://time.com/5933396/rosa-parks-voting-rights/ The National Constitution Center – History and Legacy of the Voting Rights Act: https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-history-and-legacy-of-the-voting-rights-act Wikipedia: Timeline of Voting Rights in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_voting_rights_in_the_United_States Smith v. Allwright (1944) Decision – White Primaries: https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/archive/html/vce/features/0404_01/smith.html SNCC Digital Gateway – People Who Led the Movement: Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and Ella Baker: https://snccdigital.org/people/ PBS LearningMedia – The Black Codes, Reconstruction, and Voting: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/f5b1df5d-399b-4895-b561-0d2fcd040c49/reconstruction-the-black-codes/ National Park Service – The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: https://www.nps.gov/semo/index.htm Learning for Justice – Why the Voting Rights Act Matters: https://www.learningforjustice.org/why-the-1965-voting-rights-act-is-crucial-for-democracy American Civil Liberties Union – Voting Rights Act: Major Dates in History: https://www.aclu.org/news/topic/voting-rights-act-major-dates-history ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What is the Voting Rights Act? full 121 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week I am discussing one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in US history. Signed during the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, it stands as a monument to the unfinished struggle for democracy. So I want to go beyond the legal text, and peel back the layers of history, injustice, activism, and resilience that not just made it possible, but continue to define its relevance, as I ask… what is the Voting Rights Act? ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. ... Highlights from this episode: The Voting Rights Act emerged from a long struggle for democracy, deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement and its ongoing relevance today. Grassroots activism and mass protests were essential in the fight for voting rights, culminating in significant legislative changes like the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The historical context of Reconstruction highlights the ongoing fight against systemic racism and the need for continued vigilance in protecting voting rights. The preclearance provision in the Voting Rights Act effectively prevented thousands of discriminatory voting changes until it was weakened by the Supreme Court in 2013. ... Additional Resources: National Archives Voting Rights Act (1965) Milestone Documents: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act Civil Rights History Project – Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/civil-rights-movement/ The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – Fannie Lou Hamer and Voting Rights: https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/fannie-lou-hamer-and-fight-voting-rights Primary Source Spotlight: Voting Rights Act of 1965: https://primarysourcenexus.org/2019/02/primary-source-spotlight-voting-rights-act-1965/ Supreme Court of the United States: Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021) – Full Opinions: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-1257_g204.pdf Shelby County v. Holder (2013) Decision – Wikipedia Guide and Analysis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_County_v._Holder Brennan Center for Justice – Effects of Shelby County v. Holder on the Voting Rights Act: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/effects-shelby-county-v-holder-voting-rights-act Smithsonian Magazine – Fannie Lou Hamer’s Dauntless Fight for Black Americans’ Right to Vote: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/fannie-lou-hamers-dauntless-fight-for-black-americans-right-vote-180975610/ TIME Magazine – Rosa Parks and Voting Rights Activism: https://time.com/5933396/rosa-parks-voting-rights/ The National Constitution Center – History and Legacy of the Voting Rights Act: https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-history-and-legacy-of-the-voting-rights-act Wikipedia: Timeline of Voting Rights in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_voting_rights_in_the_United_States Smith v. Allwright (1944) Decision – White Primaries: https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/archive/html/vce/features/0404_01/smith.html SNCC Digital Gateway – People Who Led the Movement: Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and Ella Baker: https://snccdigital.org/people/ PBS LearningMedia – The Black Codes, Reconstruction, and Voting: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/f5b1df5d-399b-4895-b561-0d2fcd040c49/reconstruction-the-black-codes/ National Park Service – The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: https://www.nps.gov/semo/index.htm Learning for Justice – Why the Voting Rights Act Matters: https://www.learningforjustice.org/why-the-1965-voting-rights-act-is-crucial-for-democracy American Civil Liberties Union – Voting Rights Act: Major Dates in History: https://www.aclu.org/news/topic/voting-rights-act-major-dates-history ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week I am discussing one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in US history. Signed during the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, it stands as a monument to the unfinished struggle for democracy.

So I want to go beyond the legal text, and peel back the layers of history, injustice, activism, and resilience that not just made it possible, but continue to define its relevance, as I ask… what is the Voting Rights Act?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Voting Rights Act emerged from a long struggle for democracy, deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement and its ongoing relevance today.
  • Grassroots activism and mass protests were essential in the fight for voting rights, culminating in significant legislative changes like the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  • The historical context of Reconstruction highlights the ongoing fight against systemic racism and the need for continued vigilance in protecting voting rights.
  • The preclearance provision in the Voting Rights Act effectively prevented thousands of discriminatory voting changes until it was weakened by the Supreme Court in 2013.

...

Additional Resources:


...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2623 no BONUS: Chief Seattle, Cultural Appropriation, and Native Legacies https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-chief-seattle-cultural-appropriation-and-native-legacies In this bonus episode, we shed light on the historical significance of Chief Seattle while confronting the challenges of finding credible sources about Native American history. We explore how his voice has been filtered through settler perspectives, creating a shadowy figure in the archives, and discuss the cultural appropriation that often distorts Indigenous narratives. As we navigate through the noise that surrounds Chief Seattle, we aim to uncover the real stories of Indigenous history, particularly in urban settings like Seattle, where the past continually resurfaces. Join us as we delve into the intertwined histories of Indigenous and settler communities and reflect on how those relationships evolve over time. ... Special guest for this episode: Coll Thrush, a professor of history at the University of British Columbia, with a teaching focus on Indigenous and settler colonial histories. His books include the acclaimed Native Seattle. ... Highlights from this episode: Chief Seattle remains a somewhat elusive figure, with historical records often filtered through settler perspectives. Urban and Indigenous histories are not mutually exclusive; they are intertwined and shape each other significantly. Cultural appropriation and the use of Native imagery in cities raise important questions about respect and representation. Indigenous communities in Washington have experienced a resurgence in culture and political presence over the last fifty years. Historical injustices, such as the treatment of Indigenous peoples in boarding schools, continue to impact present-day relations. Apologies for past wrongs, like those issued by political leaders, must be accompanied by meaningful actions to foster true reconciliation. ... Additional Resources: Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place by Coll Thrush Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name: The Change of Worlds for the Native People and Settlers on Puget by David Buerge Chief Seattle Speech | The Suquamish Tribe What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay? – The Discourse Treaty of Point Elliott, 1855 | GOIA ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 15 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Chief Seattle, Cultural Appropriation, and Native Legacies bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, we shed light on the historical significance of Chief Seattle while confronting the challenges of finding credible sources about Native American history. We explore how his voice has been filtered through settler perspectives, creating a shadowy figure in the archives, and discuss the cultural appropriation that often distorts Indigenous narratives. As we navigate through the noise that surrounds Chief Seattle, we aim to uncover the real stories of Indigenous history, particularly in urban settings like Seattle, where the past continually resurfaces. Join us as we delve into the intertwined histories of Indigenous and settler communities and reflect on how those relationships evolve over time. ... Special guest for this episode: Coll Thrush, a professor of history at the University of British Columbia, with a teaching focus on Indigenous and settler colonial histories. His books include the acclaimed Native Seattle. ... Highlights from this episode: Chief Seattle remains a somewhat elusive figure, with historical records often filtered through settler perspectives. Urban and Indigenous histories are not mutually exclusive; they are intertwined and shape each other significantly. Cultural appropriation and the use of Native imagery in cities raise important questions about respect and representation. Indigenous communities in Washington have experienced a resurgence in culture and political presence over the last fifty years. Historical injustices, such as the treatment of Indigenous peoples in boarding schools, continue to impact present-day relations. Apologies for past wrongs, like those issued by political leaders, must be accompanied by meaningful actions to foster true reconciliation. ... Additional Resources: Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place by Coll Thrush Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name: The Change of Worlds for the Native People and Settlers on Puget by David Buerge Chief Seattle Speech | The Suquamish Tribe What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay? – The Discourse Treaty of Point Elliott, 1855 | GOIA ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, we shed light on the historical significance of Chief Seattle while confronting the challenges of finding credible sources about Native American history. We explore how his voice has been filtered through settler perspectives, creating a shadowy figure in the archives, and discuss the cultural appropriation that often distorts Indigenous narratives.

As we navigate through the noise that surrounds Chief Seattle, we aim to uncover the real stories of Indigenous history, particularly in urban settings like Seattle, where the past continually resurfaces. Join us as we delve into the intertwined histories of Indigenous and settler communities and reflect on how those relationships evolve over time.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Coll Thrush, a professor of history at the University of British Columbia, with a teaching focus on Indigenous and settler colonial histories. His books include the acclaimed Native Seattle.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Chief Seattle remains a somewhat elusive figure, with historical records often filtered through settler perspectives.
  • Urban and Indigenous histories are not mutually exclusive; they are intertwined and shape each other significantly.
  • Cultural appropriation and the use of Native imagery in cities raise important questions about respect and representation.
  • Indigenous communities in Washington have experienced a resurgence in culture and political presence over the last fifty years.
  • Historical injustices, such as the treatment of Indigenous peoples in boarding schools, continue to impact present-day relations.
  • Apologies for past wrongs, like those issued by political leaders, must be accompanied by meaningful actions to foster true reconciliation.

...

Additional Resources:

Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place by Coll Thrush

Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name: The Change of Worlds for the Native People and Settlers on Puget by David Buerge

Chief Seattle Speech | The Suquamish Tribe

What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay? – The Discourse

Treaty of Point Elliott, 1855 | GOIA

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 746 no Who is Chief Seattle? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-chief-seattle This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native American rights culminated in a speech that would go down in history, and ultimately lead to his legacy as the namesake for what is now one of the most famous cities in the world. So in this episode, I want to know… who is Chief Seattle? ... Special guest for this episode: Coll Thrush, a professor of history at the University of British Columbia, with a teaching focus on Indigenous and settler colonial histories. His books include the acclaimed Native Seattle. ... Highlights from this episode: Chief Seattle, a prominent indigenous leader, played a crucial role in the early 19th century as both a warrior and a diplomat. His legacy is tied to a historic speech advocating for Native American rights, emphasizing the sacred connection to the earth. The complexities of Chief Seattle's life illustrate the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples during the rise of settler colonialism in the Pacific Northwest. Despite his significant contributions, Chief Seattle's own tribe, the Duwamish, still fights for federal recognition and rights today. ... Additional Resources: Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place by Coll Thrush Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name: The Change of Worlds for the Native People and Settlers on Puget by David Buerge Chief Seattle Speech | The Suquamish Tribe What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay? – The Discourse Treaty of Point Elliott, 1855 | GOIA ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Chief Seattle? full 120 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native American rights culminated in a speech that would go down in history, and ultimately lead to his legacy as the namesake for what is now one of the most famous cities in the world. So in this episode, I want to know… who is Chief Seattle? ... Special guest for this episode: Coll Thrush, a professor of history at the University of British Columbia, with a teaching focus on Indigenous and settler colonial histories. His books include the acclaimed Native Seattle. ... Highlights from this episode: Chief Seattle, a prominent indigenous leader, played a crucial role in the early 19th century as both a warrior and a diplomat. His legacy is tied to a historic speech advocating for Native American rights, emphasizing the sacred connection to the earth. The complexities of Chief Seattle's life illustrate the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples during the rise of settler colonialism in the Pacific Northwest. Despite his significant contributions, Chief Seattle's own tribe, the Duwamish, still fights for federal recognition and rights today. ... Additional Resources: Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place by Coll Thrush Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name: The Change of Worlds for the Native People and Settlers on Puget by David Buerge Chief Seattle Speech | The Suquamish Tribe What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay? – The Discourse Treaty of Point Elliott, 1855 | GOIA ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native American rights culminated in a speech that would go down in history, and ultimately lead to his legacy as the namesake for what is now one of the most famous cities in the world. So in this episode, I want to know… who is Chief Seattle?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Coll Thrush, a professor of history at the University of British Columbia, with a teaching focus on Indigenous and settler colonial histories. His books include the acclaimed Native Seattle.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Chief Seattle, a prominent indigenous leader, played a crucial role in the early 19th century as both a warrior and a diplomat.
  • His legacy is tied to a historic speech advocating for Native American rights, emphasizing the sacred connection to the earth.
  • The complexities of Chief Seattle's life illustrate the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples during the rise of settler colonialism in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Despite his significant contributions, Chief Seattle's own tribe, the Duwamish, still fights for federal recognition and rights today.

...

Additional Resources:

Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place by Coll Thrush

Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name: The Change of Worlds for the Native People and Settlers on Puget by David Buerge

Chief Seattle Speech | The Suquamish Tribe

What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay? – The Discourse

Treaty of Point Elliott, 1855 | GOIA

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2335 no What is Disney's America... and Why Didn't It Happen? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-disneys-america-and-why-didnt-it-happen Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth. Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but less than a year after being announced, it was scrapped. But why? What was so different about this park compared to others? What was the public reaction? And when Disney was able to launch other parks, even cruise ships, and anything else it wanted, what went so spectacularly wrong with this? So this week, I want to know… what was Disney’s America… and why didn’t it happen? ... Special guest for this episode: Jared Bahir Browsh, an Assistant Teaching Professor, cultural historian, and author at the University of Colorado, Boulder, with an interest in the relationship between culture, money, power, and identity in the United States and globally. His piece on The Conversation about the collapse of Disney’s America. Sabrina Mittermeier, a research associate at the University of Kassel with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she also wrote a paper specifically on Disney’s America. ... Highlights from this episode: Disney's America was an ambitious project aimed at creating an immersive historical theme park, but ultimately it faced significant backlash and was cancelled due to various cultural and financial factors. The early 90s were a transformative time for Disney, with a strong emphasis on capitalism and expansion, and Disney's America was seen as a reflection of that cultural landscape. Critics pointed out that Disney's America struggled to balance entertainment with the complexities of American history, leading to concerns about how history would be portrayed in a theme park setting. The failure of Disney's America highlighted the challenges of creating a theme park that deals with serious historical themes, especially in a location close to significant Civil War battlefields and historical sites. ... Additional Resources: Inside the collapse of Disney’s America, the US history-themed park that almost was by Jared Bahir Browsh “Windows to the Past”: Disney’s America, the Culture Wars, and the Question of Edutainment by Sabrina Mittermeier Staging a Comeback: Broadway, Hollywood, and the Disney Renaissance by Peter Kunze ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What is Disney's America... and Why Didn't It Happen? full 119 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth. Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but less than a year after being announced, it was scrapped. But why? What was so different about this park compared to others? What was the public reaction? And when Disney was able to launch other parks, even cruise ships, and anything else it wanted, what went so spectacularly wrong with this? So this week, I want to know… what was Disney’s America… and why didn’t it happen? ... Special guest for this episode: Jared Bahir Browsh, an Assistant Teaching Professor, cultural historian, and author at the University of Colorado, Boulder, with an interest in the relationship between culture, money, power, and identity in the United States and globally. His piece on The Conversation about the collapse of Disney’s America. Sabrina Mittermeier, a research associate at the University of Kassel with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she also wrote a paper specifically on Disney’s America. ... Highlights from this episode: Disney's America was an ambitious project aimed at creating an immersive historical theme park, but ultimately it faced significant backlash and was cancelled due to various cultural and financial factors. The early 90s were a transformative time for Disney, with a strong emphasis on capitalism and expansion, and Disney's America was seen as a reflection of that cultural landscape. Critics pointed out that Disney's America struggled to balance entertainment with the complexities of American history, leading to concerns about how history would be portrayed in a theme park setting. The failure of Disney's America highlighted the challenges of creating a theme park that deals with serious historical themes, especially in a location close to significant Civil War battlefields and historical sites. ... Additional Resources: Inside the collapse of Disney’s America, the US history-themed park that almost was by Jared Bahir Browsh “Windows to the Past”: Disney’s America, the Culture Wars, and the Question of Edutainment by Sabrina Mittermeier Staging a Comeback: Broadway, Hollywood, and the Disney Renaissance by Peter Kunze ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth.

Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but less than a year after being announced, it was scrapped. But why?

What was so different about this park compared to others? What was the public reaction? And when Disney was able to launch other parks, even cruise ships, and anything else it wanted, what went so spectacularly wrong with this?

So this week, I want to know… what was Disney’s America… and why didn’t it happen?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jared Bahir Browsh, an Assistant Teaching Professor, cultural historian, and author at the University of Colorado, Boulder, with an interest in the relationship between culture, money, power, and identity in the United States and globally. His piece on The Conversation about the collapse of Disney’s America.
  • Sabrina Mittermeier, a research associate at the University of Kassel with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she also wrote a paper specifically on Disney’s America.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Disney's America was an ambitious project aimed at creating an immersive historical theme park, but ultimately it faced significant backlash and was cancelled due to various cultural and financial factors.
  • The early 90s were a transformative time for Disney, with a strong emphasis on capitalism and expansion, and Disney's America was seen as a reflection of that cultural landscape.
  • Critics pointed out that Disney's America struggled to balance entertainment with the complexities of American history, leading to concerns about how history would be portrayed in a theme park setting.
  • The failure of Disney's America highlighted the challenges of creating a theme park that deals with serious historical themes, especially in a location close to significant Civil War battlefields and historical sites.

...

Additional Resources:

Inside the collapse of Disney’s America, the US history-themed park that almost was by Jared Bahir Browsh

“Windows to the Past”: Disney’s America, the Culture Wars, and the Question of Edutainment by Sabrina Mittermeier

Staging a Comeback: Broadway, Hollywood, and the Disney Renaissance by Peter Kunze

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3662 no BONUS: The Wild World of Disney Adults https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-wild-world-of-disney-adults In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides. What are yours? Email america@podcastsbyliam.com with your opinions, or leave a comment on Spotify and you might be featured on the show next week. ... Special guest for this episode: Sabrina Mittermeier, a research associate at the University of Kassel following a PhD in American Cultural History, with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she is one of the foremost academics on all things Disneyland. ... Highlights from this episode: The concept of 'Disney adults' has exploded on social media, especially TikTok, showcasing a unique subculture. Sabrina's deep dive into Disney fandom reveals both the joys and absurdities of adult fans. Disney parks have become a global phenomenon, shaping pop culture and immersive entertainment experiences. There's a strong argument that Disney has fundamentally influenced animation and entertainment worldwide. Many fans of Disney have formed lasting friendships through their shared passion for the parks. Controversies surrounding Disney weddings highlight the divide between casual visitors and dedicated fans. ... Additional Resources: A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms by Sabrina Mittermeier Fan Phenomena: Disney edited by Sabrina Mittermeier Understanding Disney: The Manufacture of Fantasy by Janet Wasko In Front of Ira by Sabrina Mittermeier and Torsten Kathke ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 01 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Wild World of Disney Adults bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides. What are yours? Email america@podcastsbyliam.com with your opinions, or leave a comment on Spotify and you might be featured on the show next week. ... Special guest for this episode: Sabrina Mittermeier, a research associate at the University of Kassel following a PhD in American Cultural History, with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she is one of the foremost academics on all things Disneyland. ... Highlights from this episode: The concept of 'Disney adults' has exploded on social media, especially TikTok, showcasing a unique subculture. Sabrina's deep dive into Disney fandom reveals both the joys and absurdities of adult fans. Disney parks have become a global phenomenon, shaping pop culture and immersive entertainment experiences. There's a strong argument that Disney has fundamentally influenced animation and entertainment worldwide. Many fans of Disney have formed lasting friendships through their shared passion for the parks. Controversies surrounding Disney weddings highlight the divide between casual visitors and dedicated fans. ... Additional Resources: A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms by Sabrina Mittermeier Fan Phenomena: Disney edited by Sabrina Mittermeier Understanding Disney: The Manufacture of Fantasy by Janet Wasko In Front of Ira by Sabrina Mittermeier and Torsten Kathke ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides.

What are yours?

Email america@podcastsbyliam.com with your opinions, or leave a comment on Spotify and you might be featured on the show next week.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Sabrina Mittermeier, a research associate at the University of Kassel following a PhD in American Cultural History, with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she is one of the foremost academics on all things Disneyland.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The concept of 'Disney adults' has exploded on social media, especially TikTok, showcasing a unique subculture.
  • Sabrina's deep dive into Disney fandom reveals both the joys and absurdities of adult fans.
  • Disney parks have become a global phenomenon, shaping pop culture and immersive entertainment experiences.
  • There's a strong argument that Disney has fundamentally influenced animation and entertainment worldwide.
  • Many fans of Disney have formed lasting friendships through their shared passion for the parks.
  • Controversies surrounding Disney weddings highlight the divide between casual visitors and dedicated fans.

...

Additional Resources:

A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms by Sabrina Mittermeier

Fan Phenomena: Disney edited by Sabrina Mittermeier

Understanding Disney: The Manufacture of Fantasy by Janet Wasko

In Front of Ira by Sabrina Mittermeier and Torsten Kathke

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 756 no Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/is-disneyland-the-happiest-place-on-earth When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has raked in hundreds of billions of dollars. But have you ever stopped to wonder what fuels this enduring love affair with Disney? In this episode, we explore the cultural significance of Disneyland: its roots, its innovative beginnings, and how it has shaped family entertainment. And ultimately, we unpack why Disneyland is famously dubbed “the happiest place on Earth” and whether that claim can really hold true. ... Special guest for this episode: Sabrina Mittermeier. a research associate at the University of Kassel following a PhD in American Cultural History, with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she is one of the foremost academics on all things Disneyland. ... Highlights from this episode: Disneyland opened in 1955, marking the beginning of an iconic theme park legacy that continues to thrive. The emotional connection people have with Disneyland stems from its immersive experiences and nostalgic ties to childhood. Understanding Disneyland's cultural impact requires recognizing its evolution into a global brand with diverse interpretations. Walt Disney's vision of Disneyland was not just about entertainment; it was about creating a community-centered experience for families. The financial strategies behind Disneyland's success involved innovative partnerships and risk-taking that changed the entertainment landscape. Disneyland's branding and marketing have created a perception of it as 'the happiest place on Earth', but this is influenced by various socio-economic factors. ... Additional Resources: A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms by Sabrina Mittermeier Fan Phenomena: Disney edited by Sabrina Mittermeier Understanding Disney: The Manufacture of Fantasy by Janet Wasko In Front of Ira by Sabrina Mittermeier and Torsten Kathke ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? full 118 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has raked in hundreds of billions of dollars. But have you ever stopped to wonder what fuels this enduring love affair with Disney? In this episode, we explore the cultural significance of Disneyland: its roots, its innovative beginnings, and how it has shaped family entertainment. And ultimately, we unpack why Disneyland is famously dubbed “the happiest place on Earth” and whether that claim can really hold true. ... Special guest for this episode: Sabrina Mittermeier. a research associate at the University of Kassel following a PhD in American Cultural History, with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she is one of the foremost academics on all things Disneyland. ... Highlights from this episode: Disneyland opened in 1955, marking the beginning of an iconic theme park legacy that continues to thrive. The emotional connection people have with Disneyland stems from its immersive experiences and nostalgic ties to childhood. Understanding Disneyland's cultural impact requires recognizing its evolution into a global brand with diverse interpretations. Walt Disney's vision of Disneyland was not just about entertainment; it was about creating a community-centered experience for families. The financial strategies behind Disneyland's success involved innovative partnerships and risk-taking that changed the entertainment landscape. Disneyland's branding and marketing have created a perception of it as 'the happiest place on Earth', but this is influenced by various socio-economic factors. ... Additional Resources: A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms by Sabrina Mittermeier Fan Phenomena: Disney edited by Sabrina Mittermeier Understanding Disney: The Manufacture of Fantasy by Janet Wasko In Front of Ira by Sabrina Mittermeier and Torsten Kathke ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has raked in hundreds of billions of dollars. But have you ever stopped to wonder what fuels this enduring love affair with Disney?

In this episode, we explore the cultural significance of Disneyland: its roots, its innovative beginnings, and how it has shaped family entertainment. And ultimately, we unpack why Disneyland is famously dubbed “the happiest place on Earth” and whether that claim can really hold true.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Sabrina Mittermeier. a research associate at the University of Kassel following a PhD in American Cultural History, with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she is one of the foremost academics on all things Disneyland.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Disneyland opened in 1955, marking the beginning of an iconic theme park legacy that continues to thrive.
  • The emotional connection people have with Disneyland stems from its immersive experiences and nostalgic ties to childhood.
  • Understanding Disneyland's cultural impact requires recognizing its evolution into a global brand with diverse interpretations.
  • Walt Disney's vision of Disneyland was not just about entertainment; it was about creating a community-centered experience for families.
  • The financial strategies behind Disneyland's success involved innovative partnerships and risk-taking that changed the entertainment landscape.
  • Disneyland's branding and marketing have created a perception of it as 'the happiest place on Earth', but this is influenced by various socio-economic factors.

...

Additional Resources:

A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms by Sabrina Mittermeier

Fan Phenomena: Disney edited by Sabrina Mittermeier

Understanding Disney: The Manufacture of Fantasy by Janet Wasko

In Front of Ira by Sabrina Mittermeier and Torsten Kathke

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3249 no BONUS: Cultural Appropriation or Recognition? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-cultural-appropriation-or-recognition In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten. This follows on from our previous episode, Who is Pocahontas? as we continue our discussions on Native American culture and history. ... Special guest for this episode: Camilla Townsend, the author of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma. She is also a Distinguished Professor of History at Rutgers University, and is one of the world’s foremost scholars on Native American history. Her work has vastly improved our understanding of Native people. ... Highlights from this episode: This episode dives deeper into the complexities of Pocahontas's representation in popular culture and history. Camilla Townsend emphasizes the importance of Native American voices in museums and cultural discussions. We explored the dual-edged nature of stereotypes, providing both visibility and perpetuating harm to Native Americans. The conversation highlights the urgent need for accountability regarding historical treatment and representation of Native Americans. Listeners are encouraged to seek out various resources to gain a fuller understanding of Pocahontas's life and legacy. We discussed the significance of acknowledging the historical realities over simplified symbols in American consciousness. ... Additional Resources: Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma: The American Portraits Series by Camilla Townsend Pocahontas, Powhatan, Opechancanough: Three Indian Lives Changed by Helen Rountree Pocahontas and the English Boys: Caught between Cultures in Early Virginia by Karen Kupperman ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 25 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Cultural Appropriation or Recognition? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten. This follows on from our previous episode, Who is Pocahontas? as we continue our discussions on Native American culture and history. ... Special guest for this episode: Camilla Townsend, the author of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma. She is also a Distinguished Professor of History at Rutgers University, and is one of the world’s foremost scholars on Native American history. Her work has vastly improved our understanding of Native people. ... Highlights from this episode: This episode dives deeper into the complexities of Pocahontas's representation in popular culture and history. Camilla Townsend emphasizes the importance of Native American voices in museums and cultural discussions. We explored the dual-edged nature of stereotypes, providing both visibility and perpetuating harm to Native Americans. The conversation highlights the urgent need for accountability regarding historical treatment and representation of Native Americans. Listeners are encouraged to seek out various resources to gain a fuller understanding of Pocahontas's life and legacy. We discussed the significance of acknowledging the historical realities over simplified symbols in American consciousness. ... Additional Resources: Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma: The American Portraits Series by Camilla Townsend Pocahontas, Powhatan, Opechancanough: Three Indian Lives Changed by Helen Rountree Pocahontas and the English Boys: Caught between Cultures in Early Virginia by Karen Kupperman ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten.

This follows on from our previous episode, Who is Pocahontas? as we continue our discussions on Native American culture and history.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Camilla Townsend, the author of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma. She is also a Distinguished Professor of History at Rutgers University, and is one of the world’s foremost scholars on Native American history. Her work has vastly improved our understanding of Native people.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • This episode dives deeper into the complexities of Pocahontas's representation in popular culture and history.
  • Camilla Townsend emphasizes the importance of Native American voices in museums and cultural discussions.
  • We explored the dual-edged nature of stereotypes, providing both visibility and perpetuating harm to Native Americans.
  • The conversation highlights the urgent need for accountability regarding historical treatment and representation of Native Americans.
  • Listeners are encouraged to seek out various resources to gain a fuller understanding of Pocahontas's life and legacy.
  • We discussed the significance of acknowledging the historical realities over simplified symbols in American consciousness.

...

Additional Resources:

Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma: The American Portraits Series by Camilla Townsend

Pocahontas, Powhatan, Opechancanough: Three Indian Lives Changed by Helen Rountree

Pocahontas and the English Boys: Caught between Cultures in Early Virginia by Karen Kupperman

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 521 no Who is Pocahontas? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-pocahontas The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla Townsend of Rutgers University. We begin by examining Pocahontas's early life, born in the late 1590s to Powhatan, the chief of a confederacy of tribes in Virginia. While Pocahontas was indeed the daughter of a powerful leader, she was not a princess in the conventional sense. Her upbringing was steeped in the realities of tribal warfare. We take a critical look at the impact of European colonization on Native American tribes, illustrating how Pocahontas' story is intertwined with broader themes of conflict and survival. As the English settlers arrived, the Powhatan Confederacy faced numerous challenges, and Pocahontas, initially a child during these turbulent times, became a key figure in the complex interactions that followed. We discuss her first encounter with John Smith and the misunderstandings that arose from their relationship, debunking the myth of a romantic liaison. Instead, this is a young girl trying to navigate her world amidst cultural upheaval and violence. And we look at Pocahontas' capture by the English, her eventual marriage to John Rolfe, and the implications of her forced conversion to Christianity. Townsend’s insights into Pocahontas's life in England reveal a young woman grappling with her identity and the expectations of her new reality. ... Special guest for this episode: Camilla Townsend, the author of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma. She is also a Distinguished Professor of History at Rutgers University, and is one of the world’s foremost scholars on Native American history. Her work has vastly improved our understanding of Native people. ... Highlights from this episode: Pocahontas is often misunderstood due to the Disney movie, which simplifies her complex story significantly. She was born in the late 1590s as the daughter of Powhatan, a paramount chief over numerous tribes. Her upbringing was shaped by the societal expectations of her tribe, where women played essential roles but were not viewed as equals to men. Despite being a lower-ranking daughter, Pocahontas showed remarkable intelligence and adaptability, learning languages quickly and engaging with the English explorers. Pocahontas's relationship with the British was complicated, marked by both skirmishes and attempts at diplomacy, which was often overlooked in popular narratives. Her eventual marriage to John Rolfe was seen as a strategic alliance, reflecting the broader conflicts and power dynamics between Native Americans and settlers. ... Additional Resources: Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma: The American Portraits Series by Camilla Townsend ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Pocahontas? full 117 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla Townsend of Rutgers University. We begin by examining Pocahontas's early life, born in the late 1590s to Powhatan, the chief of a confederacy of tribes in Virginia. While Pocahontas was indeed the daughter of a powerful leader, she was not a princess in the conventional sense. Her upbringing was steeped in the realities of tribal warfare. We take a critical look at the impact of European colonization on Native American tribes, illustrating how Pocahontas' story is intertwined with broader themes of conflict and survival. As the English settlers arrived, the Powhatan Confederacy faced numerous challenges, and Pocahontas, initially a child during these turbulent times, became a key figure in the complex interactions that followed. We discuss her first encounter with John Smith and the misunderstandings that arose from their relationship, debunking the myth of a romantic liaison. Instead, this is a young girl trying to navigate her world amidst cultural upheaval and violence. And we look at Pocahontas' capture by the English, her eventual marriage to John Rolfe, and the implications of her forced conversion to Christianity. Townsend’s insights into Pocahontas's life in England reveal a young woman grappling with her identity and the expectations of her new reality. ... Special guest for this episode: Camilla Townsend, the author of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma. She is also a Distinguished Professor of History at Rutgers University, and is one of the world’s foremost scholars on Native American history. Her work has vastly improved our understanding of Native people. ... Highlights from this episode: Pocahontas is often misunderstood due to the Disney movie, which simplifies her complex story significantly. She was born in the late 1590s as the daughter of Powhatan, a paramount chief over numerous tribes. Her upbringing was shaped by the societal expectations of her tribe, where women played essential roles but were not viewed as equals to men. Despite being a lower-ranking daughter, Pocahontas showed remarkable intelligence and adaptability, learning languages quickly and engaging with the English explorers. Pocahontas's relationship with the British was complicated, marked by both skirmishes and attempts at diplomacy, which was often overlooked in popular narratives. Her eventual marriage to John Rolfe was seen as a strategic alliance, reflecting the broader conflicts and power dynamics between Native Americans and settlers. ... Additional Resources: Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma: The American Portraits Series by Camilla Townsend ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla Townsend of Rutgers University.

We begin by examining Pocahontas's early life, born in the late 1590s to Powhatan, the chief of a confederacy of tribes in Virginia. While Pocahontas was indeed the daughter of a powerful leader, she was not a princess in the conventional sense. Her upbringing was steeped in the realities of tribal warfare.

We take a critical look at the impact of European colonization on Native American tribes, illustrating how Pocahontas' story is intertwined with broader themes of conflict and survival. As the English settlers arrived, the Powhatan Confederacy faced numerous challenges, and Pocahontas, initially a child during these turbulent times, became a key figure in the complex interactions that followed.

We discuss her first encounter with John Smith and the misunderstandings that arose from their relationship, debunking the myth of a romantic liaison. Instead, this is a young girl trying to navigate her world amidst cultural upheaval and violence.

And we look at Pocahontas' capture by the English, her eventual marriage to John Rolfe, and the implications of her forced conversion to Christianity. Townsend’s insights into Pocahontas's life in England reveal a young woman grappling with her identity and the expectations of her new reality.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Camilla Townsend, the author of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma. She is also a Distinguished Professor of History at Rutgers University, and is one of the world’s foremost scholars on Native American history. Her work has vastly improved our understanding of Native people.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Pocahontas is often misunderstood due to the Disney movie, which simplifies her complex story significantly.
  • She was born in the late 1590s as the daughter of Powhatan, a paramount chief over numerous tribes.
  • Her upbringing was shaped by the societal expectations of her tribe, where women played essential roles but were not viewed as equals to men.
  • Despite being a lower-ranking daughter, Pocahontas showed remarkable intelligence and adaptability, learning languages quickly and engaging with the English explorers.
  • Pocahontas's relationship with the British was complicated, marked by both skirmishes and attempts at diplomacy, which was often overlooked in popular narratives.
  • Her eventual marriage to John Rolfe was seen as a strategic alliance, reflecting the broader conflicts and power dynamics between Native Americans and settlers.

...

Additional Resources:

Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma: The American Portraits Series by Camilla Townsend

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2551 no BONUS: Why Did the Amish Leave Europe? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-why-did-the-amish-leave-europe This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity. So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish? ... Special guest for this episode: Steven Nolt, a professor of history and Anabaptist studies and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. He’s also authored or coauthored no less than sixteen books on Amish, Mennonite, and Pennsylvania German history and contemporary life, including The Amish: A Concise Introduction. ... Highlights from this episode: The Amish migration to America began with around 500 individuals in the 18th century, indicating their small initial population. By the early 20th century, the Amish population in Europe dwindled due to out-migration and changes in civic responsibilities. After World War I, many German Mennonites assimilated, leading to tensions with Dutch Mennonites after World War II. The last technically recognized Amish congregation in Europe merged into the Mennonite Conference around 1936, marking a significant cultural shift. The Beachy Amish movement has led to the establishment of new churches in Europe since the 1950s, reflecting a modern adaptation of traditions. Today, while traditional Amish lifestyles are largely absent in Europe, some Mennonite groups maintain a connection to Amish ancestry. ... Additional Resources: The Amish – A Concise Introduction by Steven Nolt Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies | Elizabethtown College Beachy Amish Mennonite Fellowship - GAMEO What the Amish Teach Us: Plain Living in a Busy World by Donald Kraybill Amish History: 10 Common Questions Answered - Amish America How Are Amish Communities Organized? (Church District vs. Settlement vs. Affiliation) - Amish America Rumspringa: An Amish Tradition - Easy Sociology ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 18 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Why Did the Amish Leave Europe? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity. So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish? ... Special guest for this episode: Steven Nolt, a professor of history and Anabaptist studies and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. He’s also authored or coauthored no less than sixteen books on Amish, Mennonite, and Pennsylvania German history and contemporary life, including The Amish: A Concise Introduction. ... Highlights from this episode: The Amish migration to America began with around 500 individuals in the 18th century, indicating their small initial population. By the early 20th century, the Amish population in Europe dwindled due to out-migration and changes in civic responsibilities. After World War I, many German Mennonites assimilated, leading to tensions with Dutch Mennonites after World War II. The last technically recognized Amish congregation in Europe merged into the Mennonite Conference around 1936, marking a significant cultural shift. The Beachy Amish movement has led to the establishment of new churches in Europe since the 1950s, reflecting a modern adaptation of traditions. Today, while traditional Amish lifestyles are largely absent in Europe, some Mennonite groups maintain a connection to Amish ancestry. ... Additional Resources: The Amish – A Concise Introduction by Steven Nolt Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies | Elizabethtown College Beachy Amish Mennonite Fellowship - GAMEO What the Amish Teach Us: Plain Living in a Busy World by Donald Kraybill Amish History: 10 Common Questions Answered - Amish America How Are Amish Communities Organized? (Church District vs. Settlement vs. Affiliation) - Amish America Rumspringa: An Amish Tradition - Easy Sociology ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity.

So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Steven Nolt, a professor of history and Anabaptist studies and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. He’s also authored or coauthored no less than sixteen books on Amish, Mennonite, and Pennsylvania German history and contemporary life, including The Amish: A Concise Introduction.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Amish migration to America began with around 500 individuals in the 18th century, indicating their small initial population.
  • By the early 20th century, the Amish population in Europe dwindled due to out-migration and changes in civic responsibilities.
  • After World War I, many German Mennonites assimilated, leading to tensions with Dutch Mennonites after World War II.
  • The last technically recognized Amish congregation in Europe merged into the Mennonite Conference around 1936, marking a significant cultural shift.
  • The Beachy Amish movement has led to the establishment of new churches in Europe since the 1950s, reflecting a modern adaptation of traditions.
  • Today, while traditional Amish lifestyles are largely absent in Europe, some Mennonite groups maintain a connection to Amish ancestry.

...

Additional Resources:

The Amish – A Concise Introduction by Steven Nolt

Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies | Elizabethtown College

Beachy Amish Mennonite Fellowship - GAMEO

What the Amish Teach Us: Plain Living in a Busy World by Donald Kraybill

Amish History: 10 Common Questions Answered - Amish America

How Are Amish Communities Organized? (Church District vs. Settlement vs. Affiliation) - Amish America

Rumspringa: An Amish Tradition - Easy Sociology

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 791 no Who Are the Amish? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-are-the-amish This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity. So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish? ... Special guest for this episode: Steven Nolt, a professor of history and Anabaptist studies and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. He’s also authored or coauthored no less than sixteen books on Amish, Mennonite, and Pennsylvania German history and contemporary life, including The Amish: A Concise Introduction. ... Highlights from this episode: This episode dives into the Amish community, highlighting their rich history and culture that often challenges common stereotypes. We learn that the Amish, rooted in the Anabaptist movement, emphasize personal choice in faith and community involvement. The discussion reveals that while many Amish are born into the faith, a significant percentage choose not to join as adults. Stephen Knoll points out that the Amish approach technology with caution, focusing on how it impacts their community values. The podcast emphasizes the importance of humility and submission as core values in Amish life, significantly influencing their daily practices. Contrasting Amish life with modern society, the episode raises questions about social isolation and community dynamics in both contexts. ... Additional Resources: The Amish – A Concise Introduction by Steven Nolt Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies | Elizabethtown College What the Amish Teach Us: Plain Living in a Busy World by Donald Kraybill Amish History: 10 Common Questions Answered - Amish America How Are Amish Communities Organized? (Church District vs. Settlement vs. Affiliation) - Amish America Rumspringa: An Amish Tradition - Easy Sociology ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Who Are the Amish? full 116 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity. So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish? ... Special guest for this episode: Steven Nolt, a professor of history and Anabaptist studies and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. He’s also authored or coauthored no less than sixteen books on Amish, Mennonite, and Pennsylvania German history and contemporary life, including The Amish: A Concise Introduction. ... Highlights from this episode: This episode dives into the Amish community, highlighting their rich history and culture that often challenges common stereotypes. We learn that the Amish, rooted in the Anabaptist movement, emphasize personal choice in faith and community involvement. The discussion reveals that while many Amish are born into the faith, a significant percentage choose not to join as adults. Stephen Knoll points out that the Amish approach technology with caution, focusing on how it impacts their community values. The podcast emphasizes the importance of humility and submission as core values in Amish life, significantly influencing their daily practices. Contrasting Amish life with modern society, the episode raises questions about social isolation and community dynamics in both contexts. ... Additional Resources: The Amish – A Concise Introduction by Steven Nolt Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies | Elizabethtown College What the Amish Teach Us: Plain Living in a Busy World by Donald Kraybill Amish History: 10 Common Questions Answered - Amish America How Are Amish Communities Organized? (Church District vs. Settlement vs. Affiliation) - Amish America Rumspringa: An Amish Tradition - Easy Sociology ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity.

So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Steven Nolt, a professor of history and Anabaptist studies and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. He’s also authored or coauthored no less than sixteen books on Amish, Mennonite, and Pennsylvania German history and contemporary life, including The Amish: A Concise Introduction.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • This episode dives into the Amish community, highlighting their rich history and culture that often challenges common stereotypes.
  • We learn that the Amish, rooted in the Anabaptist movement, emphasize personal choice in faith and community involvement.
  • The discussion reveals that while many Amish are born into the faith, a significant percentage choose not to join as adults.
  • Stephen Knoll points out that the Amish approach technology with caution, focusing on how it impacts their community values.
  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of humility and submission as core values in Amish life, significantly influencing their daily practices.
  • Contrasting Amish life with modern society, the episode raises questions about social isolation and community dynamics in both contexts.

...

Additional Resources:

The Amish – A Concise Introduction by Steven Nolt

Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies | Elizabethtown College

What the Amish Teach Us: Plain Living in a Busy World by Donald Kraybill

Amish History: 10 Common Questions Answered - Amish America

How Are Amish Communities Organized? (Church District vs. Settlement vs. Affiliation) - Amish America

Rumspringa: An Amish Tradition - Easy Sociology

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3448 no IN THE MAKING: Trump Deploys the National Guard in Chicago and Dolly Parton is NOT Dead https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-donald-trump-deploys-the-national-guard-in-chicago This week, we're talking about Donald Trump expanding his deployment of the National Guard to Chicago, the Federal shutdown enters its second week with little optimism over a resolution, and a Mississippi golf course gets an unexpected visitor. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: Alyssa Royse, the owner of Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle, who is deeply passionate about fighting to preserve a fair and equal democracy in the US. . Featured in this episode: Treasury Department Considers Minting a $1 Trump Coin: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/03/treasury-department-trump-dollar-coin-00593368  The shutdown continues: https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-federal-workers-pay-health-care-415768faa14b4e54525d5e6d18ac97b4  Shutdown affects US airports: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx27z97ryr0o  Dolly Parton is not dying: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15172709/Dolly-Parton-sets-record-straight-health-issues-sister-concern-prayers.html  The National Guard Rollout: https://apnews.com/article/immigration-chicago-portland-memphis-trump-arrests-b36199b00e0511e687c10fa83fd838b5  Alligator on the Golf Course: https://apnews.com/article/vince-whaley-alligator-sanderson-farms-pga-tour-950794673062998659bc76ecd7c92f72 . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Trump Deploys the National Guard in Chicago and Dolly Parton is NOT Dead full 115 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we're talking about Donald Trump expanding his deployment of the National Guard to Chicago, the Federal shutdown enters its second week with little optimism over a resolution, and a Mississippi golf course gets an unexpected visitor. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: Alyssa Royse, the owner of Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle, who is deeply passionate about fighting to preserve a fair and equal democracy in the US. . Featured in this episode: Treasury Department Considers Minting a $1 Trump Coin: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/03/treasury-department-trump-dollar-coin-00593368  The shutdown continues: https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-federal-workers-pay-health-care-415768faa14b4e54525d5e6d18ac97b4  Shutdown affects US airports: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx27z97ryr0o  Dolly Parton is not dying: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15172709/Dolly-Parton-sets-record-straight-health-issues-sister-concern-prayers.html  The National Guard Rollout: https://apnews.com/article/immigration-chicago-portland-memphis-trump-arrests-b36199b00e0511e687c10fa83fd838b5  Alligator on the Golf Course: https://apnews.com/article/vince-whaley-alligator-sanderson-farms-pga-tour-950794673062998659bc76ecd7c92f72 . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we're talking about Donald Trump expanding his deployment of the National Guard to Chicago, the Federal shutdown enters its second week with little optimism over a resolution, and a Mississippi golf course gets an unexpected visitor.

All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.

.

Special Guest:

Alyssa Royse, the owner of Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle, who is deeply passionate about fighting to preserve a fair and equal democracy in the US.

.

Featured in this episode:

Treasury Department Considers Minting a $1 Trump Coin: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/03/treasury-department-trump-dollar-coin-00593368 

The shutdown continues: https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-federal-workers-pay-health-care-415768faa14b4e54525d5e6d18ac97b4 

Shutdown affects US airports: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx27z97ryr0o 

Dolly Parton is not dying: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15172709/Dolly-Parton-sets-record-straight-health-issues-sister-concern-prayers.html 

The National Guard Rollout: https://apnews.com/article/immigration-chicago-portland-memphis-trump-arrests-b36199b00e0511e687c10fa83fd838b5 

Alligator on the Golf Course: https://apnews.com/article/vince-whaley-alligator-sanderson-farms-pga-tour-950794673062998659bc76ecd7c92f72

.

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2260 no What Were the Latino Urban Riots? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-were-the-latino-urban-riots This week, I am issuing an apology on behalf of myself and the podcast. In the previous 90 episodes of this show, we have discussed slavery, the African American experience, immigration, Asian American and Native American history numerous times. And yet, we have not directly addressed the problematic experiences of Mexican, Latino and Hispanic people in the US… until now. So this week, we are visiting 1960s Chicago, a city that poured fuel on the already explosive issue of Civil Rights, during a period of extraordinary national transformation, as I ask… what were the Latino Urban Riots? ... Special guest for this episode: Lilia Fernández, a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies History at the University of Illinois, Chicago, specialising in the history of Latinos in the mid-to-late 20th century United States. Her books include Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago Lorrin Thomas, an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Rutgers University. Her research explores ideas about rights and equality in the twentieth century Americas, with a focus on Latin American history, and her books include Puerto Rican Citizen: History and Political Identity in Twentieth-Century New York City. ... Highlights from this episode: The long and complex history of Latino migration to U.S. cities, especially Chicago and New York How urban renewal and housing discrimination intensified racial segregation The role of police brutality and surveillance in triggering community uprisings The 1966 Puerto Rican riot in Chicago and the 1967 riot in New York — what really happened The impact of the Civil Rights Act and rising expectations for racial equality How media narratives distorted the nature of Latino protest and resistance ... Additional Resources: Rethinking the Struggle for Puerto Rican Rights – The Rutgers Latino Studies Research Initiative by Lorrin R Thomas and Aldo A Lauria Santiago Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago by Lilia Fernandez Amazon.com: Puerto Rican Citizen: History and Political Identity in Twentieth-Century New York City by Lorrin Thomas Home | Latino Americans | PBS Humboldt Park Riots: Chicago Puerto Ricans Stand Up Against Violence by David Josiah The 1966 Division Street Uprising & the Puerto Rican community in Chicago from Unsung History Forgotten Latino Urban Riots and Why They Can Happen Again - Latino USA ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What Were the Latino Urban Riots? full 114 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, I am issuing an apology on behalf of myself and the podcast. In the previous 90 episodes of this show, we have discussed slavery, the African American experience, immigration, Asian American and Native American history numerous times. And yet, we have not directly addressed the problematic experiences of Mexican, Latino and Hispanic people in the US… until now. So this week, we are visiting 1960s Chicago, a city that poured fuel on the already explosive issue of Civil Rights, during a period of extraordinary national transformation, as I ask… what were the Latino Urban Riots? ... Special guest for this episode: Lilia Fernández, a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies History at the University of Illinois, Chicago, specialising in the history of Latinos in the mid-to-late 20th century United States. Her books include Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago Lorrin Thomas, an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Rutgers University. Her research explores ideas about rights and equality in the twentieth century Americas, with a focus on Latin American history, and her books include Puerto Rican Citizen: History and Political Identity in Twentieth-Century New York City. ... Highlights from this episode: The long and complex history of Latino migration to U.S. cities, especially Chicago and New York How urban renewal and housing discrimination intensified racial segregation The role of police brutality and surveillance in triggering community uprisings The 1966 Puerto Rican riot in Chicago and the 1967 riot in New York — what really happened The impact of the Civil Rights Act and rising expectations for racial equality How media narratives distorted the nature of Latino protest and resistance ... Additional Resources: Rethinking the Struggle for Puerto Rican Rights – The Rutgers Latino Studies Research Initiative by Lorrin R Thomas and Aldo A Lauria Santiago Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago by Lilia Fernandez Amazon.com: Puerto Rican Citizen: History and Political Identity in Twentieth-Century New York City by Lorrin Thomas Home | Latino Americans | PBS Humboldt Park Riots: Chicago Puerto Ricans Stand Up Against Violence by David Josiah The 1966 Division Street Uprising & the Puerto Rican community in Chicago from Unsung History Forgotten Latino Urban Riots and Why They Can Happen Again - Latino USA ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, I am issuing an apology on behalf of myself and the podcast. In the previous 90 episodes of this show, we have discussed slavery, the African American experience, immigration, Asian American and Native American history numerous times. And yet, we have not directly addressed the problematic experiences of Mexican, Latino and Hispanic people in the US… until now.

So this week, we are visiting 1960s Chicago, a city that poured fuel on the already explosive issue of Civil Rights, during a period of extraordinary national transformation, as I ask… what were the Latino Urban Riots?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Lilia Fernández, a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies History at the University of Illinois, Chicago, specialising in the history of Latinos in the mid-to-late 20th century United States. Her books include Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago
  • Lorrin Thomas, an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Rutgers University. Her research explores ideas about rights and equality in the twentieth century Americas, with a focus on Latin American history, and her books include Puerto Rican Citizen: History and Political Identity in Twentieth-Century New York City.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The long and complex history of Latino migration to U.S. cities, especially Chicago and New York
  • How urban renewal and housing discrimination intensified racial segregation
  • The role of police brutality and surveillance in triggering community uprisings
  • The 1966 Puerto Rican riot in Chicago and the 1967 riot in New York — what really happened
  • The impact of the Civil Rights Act and rising expectations for racial equality
  • How media narratives distorted the nature of Latino protest and resistance

...

Additional Resources:

Rethinking the Struggle for Puerto Rican Rights – The Rutgers Latino Studies Research Initiative by Lorrin R Thomas and Aldo A Lauria Santiago

Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago by Lilia Fernandez

Amazon.com: Puerto Rican Citizen: History and Political Identity in Twentieth-Century New York City by Lorrin Thomas

Home | Latino Americans | PBS

Humboldt Park Riots: Chicago Puerto Ricans Stand Up Against Violence by David Josiah

The 1966 Division Street Uprising & the Puerto Rican community in Chicago from Unsung History

Forgotten Latino Urban Riots and Why They Can Happen Again - Latino USA

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3198 no BONUS: Writing the Life of Dr. Drew https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-writing-the-life-of-dr-drew Dr. Charles Drew, a groundbreaking figure in the field of blood transfusion and a pioneer in medical history, deserves far more recognition than he typically receives. In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into his incredible life and legacy with Dr. Craig Miller, who recently authored a book on Dr. Drew, collaborating closely with his daughter Charlene. We explore how Drew's impact reverberated through the African American community and discuss the surprising lack of extensive literature about his contributions. Craig shares fascinating insights from his research journey, including some enlightening moments with Charlene as they navigated the delicate balance of memory and history. We uncover the profound influence Drew had on medicine and society, and why his story is one that should be told and celebrated. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Craig Miller, an attending vascular surgeon with the United States Veterans Administration, based in Dublin, Ohio. He is also the author of Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew. ... Highlights from this episode: Dr. Charles Drew was a pioneering figure in blood transfusion and storage, significantly impacting medical practices today. Craig Miller's collaboration with Dr. Drew's daughter, Charlene, was crucial for the accuracy and depth of the biography. The podcast episode highlights the surprising lack of resources available about Dr. Drew, despite his monumental contributions to medicine. The discussion speculates on the historical influence Dr. Drew could have had if he had lived past 1950, intertwining with major civil rights movements. Charlene Drew Jarvis's career as a neuroscientist and political figure shows the lasting legacy of her father's impact on her life. The episode underscores the importance of remembering lesser-known historical figures like Dr. Drew, who greatly shaped modern medical practices. ... Additional Resources: Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew by Craig A. Miller Craig A. Miller, M.D. | Author & Medical Historian The life and legacy of Charles Drew, the African American doctor who pioneered blood banks ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 04 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Writing the Life of Dr. Drew bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Dr. Charles Drew, a groundbreaking figure in the field of blood transfusion and a pioneer in medical history, deserves far more recognition than he typically receives. In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into his incredible life and legacy with Dr. Craig Miller, who recently authored a book on Dr. Drew, collaborating closely with his daughter Charlene. We explore how Drew's impact reverberated through the African American community and discuss the surprising lack of extensive literature about his contributions. Craig shares fascinating insights from his research journey, including some enlightening moments with Charlene as they navigated the delicate balance of memory and history. We uncover the profound influence Drew had on medicine and society, and why his story is one that should be told and celebrated. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Craig Miller, an attending vascular surgeon with the United States Veterans Administration, based in Dublin, Ohio. He is also the author of Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew. ... Highlights from this episode: Dr. Charles Drew was a pioneering figure in blood transfusion and storage, significantly impacting medical practices today. Craig Miller's collaboration with Dr. Drew's daughter, Charlene, was crucial for the accuracy and depth of the biography. The podcast episode highlights the surprising lack of resources available about Dr. Drew, despite his monumental contributions to medicine. The discussion speculates on the historical influence Dr. Drew could have had if he had lived past 1950, intertwining with major civil rights movements. Charlene Drew Jarvis's career as a neuroscientist and political figure shows the lasting legacy of her father's impact on her life. The episode underscores the importance of remembering lesser-known historical figures like Dr. Drew, who greatly shaped modern medical practices. ... Additional Resources: Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew by Craig A. Miller Craig A. Miller, M.D. | Author & Medical Historian The life and legacy of Charles Drew, the African American doctor who pioneered blood banks ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Dr. Charles Drew, a groundbreaking figure in the field of blood transfusion and a pioneer in medical history, deserves far more recognition than he typically receives.

In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into his incredible life and legacy with Dr. Craig Miller, who recently authored a book on Dr. Drew, collaborating closely with his daughter Charlene.

We explore how Drew's impact reverberated through the African American community and discuss the surprising lack of extensive literature about his contributions. Craig shares fascinating insights from his research journey, including some enlightening moments with Charlene as they navigated the delicate balance of memory and history.

We uncover the profound influence Drew had on medicine and society, and why his story is one that should be told and celebrated.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Craig Miller, an attending vascular surgeon with the United States Veterans Administration, based in Dublin, Ohio. He is also the author of Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Dr. Charles Drew was a pioneering figure in blood transfusion and storage, significantly impacting medical practices today.
  • Craig Miller's collaboration with Dr. Drew's daughter, Charlene, was crucial for the accuracy and depth of the biography.
  • The podcast episode highlights the surprising lack of resources available about Dr. Drew, despite his monumental contributions to medicine.
  • The discussion speculates on the historical influence Dr. Drew could have had if he had lived past 1950, intertwining with major civil rights movements.
  • Charlene Drew Jarvis's career as a neuroscientist and political figure shows the lasting legacy of her father's impact on her life.
  • The episode underscores the importance of remembering lesser-known historical figures like Dr. Drew, who greatly shaped modern medical practices.

...

Additional Resources:

Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew by Craig A. Miller

Craig A. Miller, M.D. | Author & Medical Historian

The life and legacy of Charles Drew, the African American doctor who pioneered blood banks

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Was the Moon Landing a Hoax?

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 599 no IN THE MAKING: Do the Right Thing and End the US Government Shutdown https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-do-the-right-thing-and-end-the-us-government-shutdown This week, I'm going solo for an ad hoc episode discussing the US government shutdown, as the federal budget stalls in congress. Non-essential services are now frozen, as many Americans find themselves out of work until this situation is resolved. So what is it, why does it keep happening, and why is it continuing? All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Useful Links: Four ways the US government shutdown could end - BBC News US government shutdown: What does it mean and who will it impact? | US News | Sky News . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Do the Right Thing and End the US Government Shutdown full 113 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, I'm going solo for an ad hoc episode discussing the US government shutdown, as the federal budget stalls in congress. Non-essential services are now frozen, as many Americans find themselves out of work until this situation is resolved. So what is it, why does it keep happening, and why is it continuing? All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Useful Links: Four ways the US government shutdown could end - BBC News US government shutdown: What does it mean and who will it impact? | US News | Sky News . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, I'm going solo for an ad hoc episode discussing the US government shutdown, as the federal budget stalls in congress.

Non-essential services are now frozen, as many Americans find themselves out of work until this situation is resolved.

So what is it, why does it keep happening, and why is it continuing?

All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.

.

Useful Links:

Four ways the US government shutdown could end - BBC News

US government shutdown: What does it mean and who will it impact? | US News | Sky News

.

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 822 no Who is Dr. Charles Drew? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-dr-charles-drew This week, we are shining a light on someone who is often overlooked, and yet his contributions to medical science revolutionised patient care, not just in America but around the world. Yet, his life also highlights issues of race, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence amidst major systemic barriers. So on this episode, I want to know.. who is Dr. Charles Drew? ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Craig Miller, an attending vascular surgeon with the United States Veterans Administration, based in Dublin, Ohio. He is also the author of Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew. ... Highlights from this episode: Dr. Charles Drew's life exemplifies the intersection of race, resilience, and excellence in medicine. His pioneering work in blood banking revolutionized medical practice and saved countless lives during wartime. Despite his monumental contributions, Drew remains an overlooked figure in American medical history. Drew's early life in an integrated neighborhood shaped his ambition and work ethic in medicine. The challenges Drew faced in academia highlight the systemic barriers for black Americans in education. His legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations of physicians and surgeons. ... Additional Resources: Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew by Craig A. Miller Craig A. Miller, M.D. | Author & Medical Historian The life and legacy of Charles Drew, the African American doctor who pioneered blood banks ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Dr. Charles Drew? full 112 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we are shining a light on someone who is often overlooked, and yet his contributions to medical science revolutionised patient care, not just in America but around the world. Yet, his life also highlights issues of race, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence amidst major systemic barriers. So on this episode, I want to know.. who is Dr. Charles Drew? ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Craig Miller, an attending vascular surgeon with the United States Veterans Administration, based in Dublin, Ohio. He is also the author of Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew. ... Highlights from this episode: Dr. Charles Drew's life exemplifies the intersection of race, resilience, and excellence in medicine. His pioneering work in blood banking revolutionized medical practice and saved countless lives during wartime. Despite his monumental contributions, Drew remains an overlooked figure in American medical history. Drew's early life in an integrated neighborhood shaped his ambition and work ethic in medicine. The challenges Drew faced in academia highlight the systemic barriers for black Americans in education. His legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations of physicians and surgeons. ... Additional Resources: Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew by Craig A. Miller Craig A. Miller, M.D. | Author & Medical Historian The life and legacy of Charles Drew, the African American doctor who pioneered blood banks ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we are shining a light on someone who is often overlooked, and yet his contributions to medical science revolutionised patient care, not just in America but around the world.

Yet, his life also highlights issues of race, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence amidst major systemic barriers. So on this episode, I want to know.. who is Dr. Charles Drew?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Craig Miller, an attending vascular surgeon with the United States Veterans Administration, based in Dublin, Ohio. He is also the author of Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Dr. Charles Drew's life exemplifies the intersection of race, resilience, and excellence in medicine.
  • His pioneering work in blood banking revolutionized medical practice and saved countless lives during wartime.
  • Despite his monumental contributions, Drew remains an overlooked figure in American medical history.
  • Drew's early life in an integrated neighborhood shaped his ambition and work ethic in medicine.
  • The challenges Drew faced in academia highlight the systemic barriers for black Americans in education.
  • His legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations of physicians and surgeons.

...

Additional Resources:

Genius Unbroken: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew by Craig A. Miller

Craig A. Miller, M.D. | Author & Medical Historian

The life and legacy of Charles Drew, the African American doctor who pioneered blood banks

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Was the Moon Landing a Hoax?

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3072 no BONUS: The Underwhelming Reality of Plymouth Rock https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-underwhelming-reality-of-plymouth-rock In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the aftermath of the Mayflower's journey and the complex relationships that unfolded upon its arrival. Joining me is Peter Mancall, who sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of the English colonists on Native American communities. We explore how the devastation from diseases brought by Europeans led to significant displacement of indigenous peoples, setting the stage for the tumultuous history that followed. Peter offers a stark reminder of how history can sometimes be simplified, as we discuss the significance of Plymouth Rock—more of a metaphorical landmark than a grand historical monument. We also touch on the broader narrative of colonial voyages and what they reveal about our collective memory of American history. ... Special guest for this episode: Peter Mancall, a Professor of History, Anthropology, and Economics at the University of Southern California. His research interests include Colonial North America and Native American history, and he has published numerous influential articles on the pilgrim’s voyage to Plymouth. ... Highlights from this episode: The devastating epidemic from 1616 to 1619 wiped out a significant portion of Native American populations, which had profound implications for early colonial encounters. Initially, the settlement at Plymouth involved minimal violence, but the relationship deteriorated significantly leading to events like the Pequot War, showcasing the shift in dynamics. Plymouth Rock, while symbolically important, is actually quite underwhelming in reality, serving as a metaphor more than a historic landmark. The focus on the Mayflower overshadows many other significant voyages and events in early American history that deserve equal attention and recognition. The Mayflower's fame has led to a cultural fixation that often clouds our understanding of the broader historical narrative and other critical figures in colonial history. Understanding that while the Mayflower tells a compelling human story, it is just one small piece of the much larger and complex tapestry of American history. ... Additional Resources: The complicated legacy of the Pilgrims is finally coming to light 400 years after they landed in Plymouth by Peter Mancall The Evolving American Meaning of the Pilgrims and Plymouth | TIME by Peter Mancall General Society of Mayflower Descendants Mayflower 400: were the Pilgrims asylum seekers or subversives? by Polly Ha ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 27 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Underwhelming Reality of Plymouth Rock bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the aftermath of the Mayflower's journey and the complex relationships that unfolded upon its arrival. Joining me is Peter Mancall, who sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of the English colonists on Native American communities. We explore how the devastation from diseases brought by Europeans led to significant displacement of indigenous peoples, setting the stage for the tumultuous history that followed. Peter offers a stark reminder of how history can sometimes be simplified, as we discuss the significance of Plymouth Rock—more of a metaphorical landmark than a grand historical monument. We also touch on the broader narrative of colonial voyages and what they reveal about our collective memory of American history. ... Special guest for this episode: Peter Mancall, a Professor of History, Anthropology, and Economics at the University of Southern California. His research interests include Colonial North America and Native American history, and he has published numerous influential articles on the pilgrim’s voyage to Plymouth. ... Highlights from this episode: The devastating epidemic from 1616 to 1619 wiped out a significant portion of Native American populations, which had profound implications for early colonial encounters. Initially, the settlement at Plymouth involved minimal violence, but the relationship deteriorated significantly leading to events like the Pequot War, showcasing the shift in dynamics. Plymouth Rock, while symbolically important, is actually quite underwhelming in reality, serving as a metaphor more than a historic landmark. The focus on the Mayflower overshadows many other significant voyages and events in early American history that deserve equal attention and recognition. The Mayflower's fame has led to a cultural fixation that often clouds our understanding of the broader historical narrative and other critical figures in colonial history. Understanding that while the Mayflower tells a compelling human story, it is just one small piece of the much larger and complex tapestry of American history. ... Additional Resources: The complicated legacy of the Pilgrims is finally coming to light 400 years after they landed in Plymouth by Peter Mancall The Evolving American Meaning of the Pilgrims and Plymouth | TIME by Peter Mancall General Society of Mayflower Descendants Mayflower 400: were the Pilgrims asylum seekers or subversives? by Polly Ha ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the aftermath of the Mayflower's journey and the complex relationships that unfolded upon its arrival. Joining me is Peter Mancall, who sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of the English colonists on Native American communities.

We explore how the devastation from diseases brought by Europeans led to significant displacement of indigenous peoples, setting the stage for the tumultuous history that followed. Peter offers a stark reminder of how history can sometimes be simplified, as we discuss the significance of Plymouth Rock—more of a metaphorical landmark than a grand historical monument.

We also touch on the broader narrative of colonial voyages and what they reveal about our collective memory of American history.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Peter Mancall, a Professor of History, Anthropology, and Economics at the University of Southern California. His research interests include Colonial North America and Native American history, and he has published numerous influential articles on the pilgrim’s voyage to Plymouth.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The devastating epidemic from 1616 to 1619 wiped out a significant portion of Native American populations, which had profound implications for early colonial encounters.
  • Initially, the settlement at Plymouth involved minimal violence, but the relationship deteriorated significantly leading to events like the Pequot War, showcasing the shift in dynamics.
  • Plymouth Rock, while symbolically important, is actually quite underwhelming in reality, serving as a metaphor more than a historic landmark.
  • The focus on the Mayflower overshadows many other significant voyages and events in early American history that deserve equal attention and recognition.
  • The Mayflower's fame has led to a cultural fixation that often clouds our understanding of the broader historical narrative and other critical figures in colonial history.
  • Understanding that while the Mayflower tells a compelling human story, it is just one small piece of the much larger and complex tapestry of American history.

...

Additional Resources:

The complicated legacy of the Pilgrims is finally coming to light 400 years after they landed in Plymouth by Peter Mancall

The Evolving American Meaning of the Pilgrims and Plymouth | TIME by Peter Mancall

General Society of Mayflower Descendants

Mayflower 400: were the Pilgrims asylum seekers or subversives? by Polly Ha

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 606 no IN THE MAKING: The Death of America's Late Night TV https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-the-death-of-americas-late-night-tv On this week's edition of In the Making: ● Is the Supreme Court set to overturn a 90 year old precedent? ● The Jimmy Kimmell saga divides America, ● Trump’s unhinged speech… even by his standards, and ● Hide your acorns, because San Francisco is under attack! All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by show regular and our resident politics expert, from the University of East Anglia, Dr. Emma Long . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: The Death of America's Late Night TV full 111 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On this week's edition of In the Making: ● Is the Supreme Court set to overturn a 90 year old precedent? ● The Jimmy Kimmell saga divides America, ● Trump’s unhinged speech… even by his standards, and ● Hide your acorns, because San Francisco is under attack! All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by show regular and our resident politics expert, from the University of East Anglia, Dr. Emma Long . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this week's edition of In the Making:

● Is the Supreme Court set to overturn a 90 year old precedent?

● The Jimmy Kimmell saga divides America,

● Trump’s unhinged speech… even by his standards, and

● Hide your acorns, because San Francisco is under attack!

All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.

.

Special Guest:

This week, we are delighted to be joined by show regular and our resident politics expert, from the University of East Anglia, Dr. Emma Long

.

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2972 no What Would You Put in a US Time Capsule? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-would-you-put-in-a-us-time-capsule On this day in 1938, the World’s Fair came to Flushing Meadows Park in New York City. It is here that the Westinghouse Time Capsules were buried underground, to be opened in 5,000 years time. Its contents include a copy of Life magazine, a pack of Camel cigarettes, a dictionary, and a variety of seeds. So this week, we are going to curate our own time capsule, to reflect the 21st century United States as accurately as possible, for anybody finding this podcast in 5,000 years. What would you put in a US capsule? Email us your suggestions at america@podcastsbyliam.com OR Send us a voicenote here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory ... Special guest for this episode: Dr Emma Long Professor Rebecca Fraser Dr Nicholas Grant ... Highlights from this episode: We need to consider what a time capsule would look like today, especially with the political climate and significant events like January 6th, 2021. The Handmaid's Tale serves as a chilling reminder of the risks associated with the rise of authoritarianism and the importance of women's voices in society. Taylor Swift's career exemplifies the struggle for control and representation in a male-dominated music industry, making her an essential figure for our time capsule. Our time capsule must reflect not only the current state of America but also the fears and hopes for the future, considering how history may view our actions today. The inclusion of pop culture artifacts, such as The Office, helps illustrate the everyday American experience and provides insight into social dynamics during the 21st century. We have to acknowledge that the rapid changes brought on by social media and political events will shape how future generations understand our society. ... Additional Resources: The Westinghouse Time Capsule - Heinz History Center Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr The history of the Twitter logo (and the X logo) | Creative Bloq The Official Website of Taylor Swift Amazon.com: The Office: The Complete Series [DVD] Michelle Obama: 'When they go low, we go high' Select January 6th Committee Final Report and Supporting Materials Collection | GovInfo ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What Would You Put in a US Time Capsule? full 110 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On this day in 1938, the World’s Fair came to Flushing Meadows Park in New York City. It is here that the Westinghouse Time Capsules were buried underground, to be opened in 5,000 years time. Its contents include a copy of Life magazine, a pack of Camel cigarettes, a dictionary, and a variety of seeds. So this week, we are going to curate our own time capsule, to reflect the 21st century United States as accurately as possible, for anybody finding this podcast in 5,000 years. What would you put in a US capsule? Email us your suggestions at america@podcastsbyliam.com OR Send us a voicenote here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory ... Special guest for this episode: Dr Emma Long Professor Rebecca Fraser Dr Nicholas Grant ... Highlights from this episode: We need to consider what a time capsule would look like today, especially with the political climate and significant events like January 6th, 2021. The Handmaid's Tale serves as a chilling reminder of the risks associated with the rise of authoritarianism and the importance of women's voices in society. Taylor Swift's career exemplifies the struggle for control and representation in a male-dominated music industry, making her an essential figure for our time capsule. Our time capsule must reflect not only the current state of America but also the fears and hopes for the future, considering how history may view our actions today. The inclusion of pop culture artifacts, such as The Office, helps illustrate the everyday American experience and provides insight into social dynamics during the 21st century. We have to acknowledge that the rapid changes brought on by social media and political events will shape how future generations understand our society. ... Additional Resources: The Westinghouse Time Capsule - Heinz History Center Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr The history of the Twitter logo (and the X logo) | Creative Bloq The Official Website of Taylor Swift Amazon.com: The Office: The Complete Series [DVD] Michelle Obama: 'When they go low, we go high' Select January 6th Committee Final Report and Supporting Materials Collection | GovInfo ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this day in 1938, the World’s Fair came to Flushing Meadows Park in New York City. It is here that the Westinghouse Time Capsules were buried underground, to be opened in 5,000 years time. Its contents include a copy of Life magazine, a pack of Camel cigarettes, a dictionary, and a variety of seeds.

So this week, we are going to curate our own time capsule, to reflect the 21st century United States as accurately as possible, for anybody finding this podcast in 5,000 years.

What would you put in a US capsule?

Email us your suggestions at america@podcastsbyliam.com OR

Send us a voicenote here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr Emma Long
  • Professor Rebecca Fraser
  • Dr Nicholas Grant

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • We need to consider what a time capsule would look like today, especially with the political climate and significant events like January 6th, 2021.
  • The Handmaid's Tale serves as a chilling reminder of the risks associated with the rise of authoritarianism and the importance of women's voices in society.
  • Taylor Swift's career exemplifies the struggle for control and representation in a male-dominated music industry, making her an essential figure for our time capsule.
  • Our time capsule must reflect not only the current state of America but also the fears and hopes for the future, considering how history may view our actions today.
  • The inclusion of pop culture artifacts, such as The Office, helps illustrate the everyday American experience and provides insight into social dynamics during the 21st century.
  • We have to acknowledge that the rapid changes brought on by social media and political events will shape how future generations understand our society.

...

Additional Resources:

The Westinghouse Time Capsule - Heinz History Center

Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr

The history of the Twitter logo (and the X logo) | Creative Bloq

The Official Website of Taylor Swift

Amazon.com: The Office: The Complete Series [DVD]

Michelle Obama: 'When they go low, we go high'

Select January 6th Committee Final Report and Supporting Materials Collection | GovInfo

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3596 no BONUS: Why You Should Watch Netflix's Katrina Docuseries https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-why-you-should-watch-netflixs-katrina-docuseries Katrina: Hell and High Water is the new three part docuseries, available to stream now on Netflix. In this special bonus episode, I explain why this series is really worth your time, and I hope you take a few hours to watch it this weekend. Racial tension and social division is not American history. It's a present issue that needs our attention, because if we continue to ignore it, especially under the current administration, the consequences could be exceptionally tragic. ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 20 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Why You Should Watch Netflix's Katrina Docuseries bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Katrina: Hell and High Water is the new three part docuseries, available to stream now on Netflix. In this special bonus episode, I explain why this series is really worth your time, and I hope you take a few hours to watch it this weekend. Racial tension and social division is not American history. It's a present issue that needs our attention, because if we continue to ignore it, especially under the current administration, the consequences could be exceptionally tragic. ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Katrina: Hell and High Water is the new three part docuseries, available to stream now on Netflix. In this special bonus episode, I explain why this series is really worth your time, and I hope you take a few hours to watch it this weekend.

Racial tension and social division is not American history. It's a present issue that needs our attention, because if we continue to ignore it, especially under the current administration, the consequences could be exceptionally tragic.

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 583 no IN THE MAKING: Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump's UK Visit, Robert Redford, and the TikTok Deal https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-charlie-kirk-donald-trumps-uk-visit-robert-redford-and-the-tiktok-deal This week, we're talking about: the assassination of Charlie Kirk and what this tells us about America's gun control problem, Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, plus How the death of a celebrity can bring people together. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by Ira Chaleff, the Chair Emeritus of the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation, and his newest book, To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers, has won several awards and received high praise from both sides of the political spectrum. By the book: https://a.co/d/9XOxBFt . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump's UK Visit, Robert Redford, and the TikTok Deal full 109 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we're talking about: the assassination of Charlie Kirk and what this tells us about America's gun control problem, Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, plus How the death of a celebrity can bring people together. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by Ira Chaleff, the Chair Emeritus of the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation, and his newest book, To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers, has won several awards and received high praise from both sides of the political spectrum. By the book: https://a.co/d/9XOxBFt . Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we're talking about:


All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.

.

Special Guest:

This week, we are delighted to be joined by Ira Chaleff, the Chair Emeritus of the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation, and his newest book, To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers, has won several awards and received high praise from both sides of the political spectrum.

By the book: https://a.co/d/9XOxBFt

.

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2432 no What is the Mayflower? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-mayflower On this day in 1620, a boat carrying over pilgrims from Plymouth, England, set sail. It’s destination? The New World. The events that followed have been retold, mythicised, and immortalised as one of the defining moments in the colonisation of the United States of America. So in this episode I want to know more about the voyage, the people, and the reality of what really happened, as I ask… what is the Mayflower? ... Special guest for this episode: Peter Mancall, a Professor of History, Anthropology, and Economics at the University of Southern California. His research interests include Colonial North America and Native American history, and he has published numerous influential articles on the pilgrim’s voyage to Plymouth. ... Highlights from this episode: The Mayflower's voyage in 1620 marked a pivotal moment in American history, symbolizing the Pilgrims' search for religious freedom and a new life. While the Pilgrims are often romanticized, their actual journey was fraught with challenges and hardships that are frequently overlooked in popular narratives. The Mayflower Compact established a foundational principle of self-governance among the early settlers, showcasing their commitment to communal responsibility. Despite being seen as pioneers, the Pilgrims arrived in a land already inhabited by diverse Native American tribes, complicating the narrative of discovery. The harsh realities faced by the Pilgrims upon arrival contributed to their mythologized status in American folklore, especially during Thanksgiving celebrations. Historians argue that the lasting legacy of the Pilgrims is intertwined with broader themes of religious freedom and community resilience in early American society. ... Additional Resources: The complicated legacy of the Pilgrims is finally coming to light 400 years after they landed in Plymouth by Peter Mancall The Evolving American Meaning of the Pilgrims and Plymouth | TIME by Peter Mancall General Society of Mayflower Descendants Mayflower 400: were the Pilgrims asylum seekers or subversives? by Polly Ha ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What is the Mayflower? full 108 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On this day in 1620, a boat carrying over pilgrims from Plymouth, England, set sail. It’s destination? The New World. The events that followed have been retold, mythicised, and immortalised as one of the defining moments in the colonisation of the United States of America. So in this episode I want to know more about the voyage, the people, and the reality of what really happened, as I ask… what is the Mayflower? ... Special guest for this episode: Peter Mancall, a Professor of History, Anthropology, and Economics at the University of Southern California. His research interests include Colonial North America and Native American history, and he has published numerous influential articles on the pilgrim’s voyage to Plymouth. ... Highlights from this episode: The Mayflower's voyage in 1620 marked a pivotal moment in American history, symbolizing the Pilgrims' search for religious freedom and a new life. While the Pilgrims are often romanticized, their actual journey was fraught with challenges and hardships that are frequently overlooked in popular narratives. The Mayflower Compact established a foundational principle of self-governance among the early settlers, showcasing their commitment to communal responsibility. Despite being seen as pioneers, the Pilgrims arrived in a land already inhabited by diverse Native American tribes, complicating the narrative of discovery. The harsh realities faced by the Pilgrims upon arrival contributed to their mythologized status in American folklore, especially during Thanksgiving celebrations. Historians argue that the lasting legacy of the Pilgrims is intertwined with broader themes of religious freedom and community resilience in early American society. ... Additional Resources: The complicated legacy of the Pilgrims is finally coming to light 400 years after they landed in Plymouth by Peter Mancall The Evolving American Meaning of the Pilgrims and Plymouth | TIME by Peter Mancall General Society of Mayflower Descendants Mayflower 400: were the Pilgrims asylum seekers or subversives? by Polly Ha ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this day in 1620, a boat carrying over pilgrims from Plymouth, England, set sail. It’s destination? The New World. The events that followed have been retold, mythicised, and immortalised as one of the defining moments in the colonisation of the United States of America.

So in this episode I want to know more about the voyage, the people, and the reality of what really happened, as I ask… what is the Mayflower?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Peter Mancall, a Professor of History, Anthropology, and Economics at the University of Southern California. His research interests include Colonial North America and Native American history, and he has published numerous influential articles on the pilgrim’s voyage to Plymouth.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Mayflower's voyage in 1620 marked a pivotal moment in American history, symbolizing the Pilgrims' search for religious freedom and a new life.
  • While the Pilgrims are often romanticized, their actual journey was fraught with challenges and hardships that are frequently overlooked in popular narratives.
  • The Mayflower Compact established a foundational principle of self-governance among the early settlers, showcasing their commitment to communal responsibility.
  • Despite being seen as pioneers, the Pilgrims arrived in a land already inhabited by diverse Native American tribes, complicating the narrative of discovery.
  • The harsh realities faced by the Pilgrims upon arrival contributed to their mythologized status in American folklore, especially during Thanksgiving celebrations.
  • Historians argue that the lasting legacy of the Pilgrims is intertwined with broader themes of religious freedom and community resilience in early American society.

...

Additional Resources:

The complicated legacy of the Pilgrims is finally coming to light 400 years after they landed in Plymouth by Peter Mancall

The Evolving American Meaning of the Pilgrims and Plymouth | TIME by Peter Mancall

General Society of Mayflower Descendants

Mayflower 400: were the Pilgrims asylum seekers or subversives? by Polly Ha

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2468 no BONUS: Should the US Treasury Be Independent from the President? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-should-the-us-treasury-be-independent-from-the-president In this bonus episode, we explore the intricate relationship between the U.S. Treasury and the broader financial system, the complexities of government finance, and its impact on our daily lives. We also discuss the separation of powers within the government, particularly how the Treasury's functions are influenced by the executive branch. ... Special guest for this episode: Sean Vanatta, a Senior Lecturer in Financial History and Policy at the University of Glasgow, with an interest in US history and the political economy of finance. His books include Plastic Capitalism: Banks, Credit Cards, and the End of Financial Control and Private Finance, Public Power: A History of Bank Supervision in America ... Highlights from this episode: The U.S. Treasury plays a crucial role in the daily workings of the American economy, influencing everything from taxes to spending decisions. Understanding the relationship between the Treasury, the White House, and Congress is essential for grasping U.S. financial governance. The ongoing debate about the independence of the Treasury from political influence highlights the complexities of U.S. governance and financial policy. The historical significance of figures like Alexander Hamilton is debated, yet his impact on the financial system is undeniable and multifaceted. ... Additional Resources: Plastic Capitalism by Sean Vanatta Private Finance, Public Power by Sean Vanatta Consumer borrowing was heavily restricted in 1940s to curb inflation – it’s time we did it again by Sean Vanatta The First Bank of the United States | Federal Reserve History The Independent Treasury:  Origins, Rationale, and Record, 1846-1861 ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 13 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Should the US Treasury Be Independent from the President? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, we explore the intricate relationship between the U.S. Treasury and the broader financial system, the complexities of government finance, and its impact on our daily lives. We also discuss the separation of powers within the government, particularly how the Treasury's functions are influenced by the executive branch. ... Special guest for this episode: Sean Vanatta, a Senior Lecturer in Financial History and Policy at the University of Glasgow, with an interest in US history and the political economy of finance. His books include Plastic Capitalism: Banks, Credit Cards, and the End of Financial Control and Private Finance, Public Power: A History of Bank Supervision in America ... Highlights from this episode: The U.S. Treasury plays a crucial role in the daily workings of the American economy, influencing everything from taxes to spending decisions. Understanding the relationship between the Treasury, the White House, and Congress is essential for grasping U.S. financial governance. The ongoing debate about the independence of the Treasury from political influence highlights the complexities of U.S. governance and financial policy. The historical significance of figures like Alexander Hamilton is debated, yet his impact on the financial system is undeniable and multifaceted. ... Additional Resources: Plastic Capitalism by Sean Vanatta Private Finance, Public Power by Sean Vanatta Consumer borrowing was heavily restricted in 1940s to curb inflation – it’s time we did it again by Sean Vanatta The First Bank of the United States | Federal Reserve History The Independent Treasury:  Origins, Rationale, and Record, 1846-1861 ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, we explore the intricate relationship between the U.S. Treasury and the broader financial system, the complexities of government finance, and its impact on our daily lives. We also discuss the separation of powers within the government, particularly how the Treasury's functions are influenced by the executive branch.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Sean Vanatta, a Senior Lecturer in Financial History and Policy at the University of Glasgow, with an interest in US history and the political economy of finance. His books include Plastic Capitalism: Banks, Credit Cards, and the End of Financial Control and Private Finance, Public Power: A History of Bank Supervision in America

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The U.S. Treasury plays a crucial role in the daily workings of the American economy, influencing everything from taxes to spending decisions.
  • Understanding the relationship between the Treasury, the White House, and Congress is essential for grasping U.S. financial governance.
  • The ongoing debate about the independence of the Treasury from political influence highlights the complexities of U.S. governance and financial policy.
  • The historical significance of figures like Alexander Hamilton is debated, yet his impact on the financial system is undeniable and multifaceted.

...

Additional Resources:

Plastic Capitalism by Sean Vanatta

Private Finance, Public Power by Sean Vanatta

Consumer borrowing was heavily restricted in 1940s to curb inflation – it’s time we did it again by Sean Vanatta

The First Bank of the United States | Federal Reserve History

The Independent Treasury:  Origins, Rationale, and Record, 1846-1861

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 839 no What is the History of California? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-history-of-california-patricia-nelson-limerick On this day in 1850, the thirty-first state of the Union is admitted. So today, on its 175th birthday, I want to find out a little more about its history before statehood, the reasons why it became an important piece of land for the US, and how it grew to become not just one of the largest states, but one of the largest economies in the world, as I ask… what is the history of California? ... Special guest for this episode: Patricia Nelson Limerick, a Professor of History of the American West at University of Colorado Boulder, formerly President of the Organization of American Historians, American Studies Association, the Western History Association, and the Society of American Historians, and Vice President of the Teaching Division of the American Historical Association, and co-founded the Center of the American West. And in 2015 she was appointed, by nomination from President Obama, to the National Council on the Humanities. ... Highlights from this episode: California's admission as the 31st state in 1850 marked a significant turning point in American history. The diversity of California's native populations and their rich cultural practices shaped the land long before statehood. The Gold Rush of 1849 spurred a massive influx of settlers, fundamentally altering California's demographic landscape. California's environment is incredibly varied, offering everything from deserts to stunning coastlines that attracted settlers. The state's history is a complex tapestry of colonization, indigenous displacement, and the evolving narrative of American expansionism. California's legacy includes ongoing issues of racial inequality and the enduring presence of its indigenous and Hispanic populations. ... Additional Resources: Malki Museum Dorothy Ramon Learning Center – We save & share Native American cultures History of Native California California Geography Essentials | Visit California Who is Junipero Serra? | Serra The Dominguez and Escalante Expedition - Dinosaur National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) | National Archives Freedom's Frontier: California and the Struggle over Unfree Labor, Emancipation, and Reconstruction by Stacey L. Smith The Age of the Borderlands: Indians, Slaves, and the Limits of Manifest Destiny, 1790–1850 by Andrew C. Isenberg ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-history-of-california-patricia-nelson-limerick Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What is the History of California? full 107 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On this day in 1850, the thirty-first state of the Union is admitted. So today, on its 175th birthday, I want to find out a little more about its history before statehood, the reasons why it became an important piece of land for the US, and how it grew to become not just one of the largest states, but one of the largest economies in the world, as I ask… what is the history of California? ... Special guest for this episode: Patricia Nelson Limerick, a Professor of History of the American West at University of Colorado Boulder, formerly President of the Organization of American Historians, American Studies Association, the Western History Association, and the Society of American Historians, and Vice President of the Teaching Division of the American Historical Association, and co-founded the Center of the American West. And in 2015 she was appointed, by nomination from President Obama, to the National Council on the Humanities. ... Highlights from this episode: California's admission as the 31st state in 1850 marked a significant turning point in American history. The diversity of California's native populations and their rich cultural practices shaped the land long before statehood. The Gold Rush of 1849 spurred a massive influx of settlers, fundamentally altering California's demographic landscape. California's environment is incredibly varied, offering everything from deserts to stunning coastlines that attracted settlers. The state's history is a complex tapestry of colonization, indigenous displacement, and the evolving narrative of American expansionism. California's legacy includes ongoing issues of racial inequality and the enduring presence of its indigenous and Hispanic populations. ... Additional Resources: Malki Museum Dorothy Ramon Learning Center – We save & share Native American cultures History of Native California California Geography Essentials | Visit California Who is Junipero Serra? | Serra The Dominguez and Escalante Expedition - Dinosaur National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) | National Archives Freedom's Frontier: California and the Struggle over Unfree Labor, Emancipation, and Reconstruction by Stacey L. Smith The Age of the Borderlands: Indians, Slaves, and the Limits of Manifest Destiny, 1790–1850 by Andrew C. Isenberg ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-history-of-california-patricia-nelson-limerick Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this day in 1850, the thirty-first state of the Union is admitted. So today, on its 175th birthday, I want to find out a little more about its history before statehood, the reasons why it became an important piece of land for the US, and how it grew to become not just one of the largest states, but one of the largest economies in the world, as I ask… what is the history of California?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Patricia Nelson Limerick, a Professor of History of the American West at University of Colorado Boulder, formerly President of the Organization of American Historians, American Studies Association, the Western History Association, and the Society of American Historians, and Vice President of the Teaching Division of the American Historical Association, and co-founded the Center of the American West. And in 2015 she was appointed, by nomination from President Obama, to the National Council on the Humanities.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • California's admission as the 31st state in 1850 marked a significant turning point in American history.
  • The diversity of California's native populations and their rich cultural practices shaped the land long before statehood.
  • The Gold Rush of 1849 spurred a massive influx of settlers, fundamentally altering California's demographic landscape.
  • California's environment is incredibly varied, offering everything from deserts to stunning coastlines that attracted settlers.
  • The state's history is a complex tapestry of colonization, indigenous displacement, and the evolving narrative of American expansionism.
  • California's legacy includes ongoing issues of racial inequality and the enduring presence of its indigenous and Hispanic populations.

...

Additional Resources:

Malki Museum

Dorothy Ramon Learning Center – We save & share Native American cultures

History of Native California

California Geography Essentials | Visit California

Who is Junipero Serra? | Serra

The Dominguez and Escalante Expedition - Dinosaur National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) | National Archives

Freedom's Frontier: California and the Struggle over Unfree Labor, Emancipation, and Reconstruction by Stacey L. Smith

The Age of the Borderlands: Indians, Slaves, and the Limits of Manifest Destiny, 1790–1850 by Andrew C. Isenberg

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-history-of-california-patricia-nelson-limerick

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3525 no BONUS: Houdini, London and the Unpickable Lock https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-houdini-london-and-the-unpickable-lock This bonus episode delves deeper into the life and performances of the legendary magician Harry Houdini, with a focus on one of his most remarkable feats, at the London Hippodrome, where he was challenges to unpick the world's most unpickable lock. We explore the buildup to this defining moment, including the public's anticipation and the media's portrayal of Houdini as he faced this daunting challenge. ... Special guest for this episode: John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career. ... Highlights from this episode: ... Additional Resources: WILD ABOUT HARRY Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 06 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Houdini, London and the Unpickable Lock bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This bonus episode delves deeper into the life and performances of the legendary magician Harry Houdini, with a focus on one of his most remarkable feats, at the London Hippodrome, where he was challenges to unpick the world's most unpickable lock. We explore the buildup to this defining moment, including the public's anticipation and the media's portrayal of Houdini as he faced this daunting challenge. ... Special guest for this episode: John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career. ... Highlights from this episode: ... Additional Resources: WILD ABOUT HARRY Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This bonus episode delves deeper into the life and performances of the legendary magician Harry Houdini, with a focus on one of his most remarkable feats, at the London Hippodrome, where he was challenges to unpick the world's most unpickable lock.

We explore the buildup to this defining moment, including the public's anticipation and the media's portrayal of Houdini as he faced this daunting challenge.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career.

...

Highlights from this episode:



...

Additional Resources:

WILD ABOUT HARRY

Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox

Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 573 no IN THE MAKING: Is America Heading Towards a Trump Dictatorship? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-is-america-heading-towards-a-trump-dictatorship In this special solo edition of In The Making, I explore the troubling signs that suggest America might be inching towards a dictatorship under Donald Trump, and lay out the evidence indicating how he’s strategically surrounding himself with loyalists, silencing critics, and altering voter laws to skew the electorate in his favor. It’s alarming how these actions, which might seem trivial at first glance, collectively paint a picture of a dangerous political landscape where dissent is stifled and loyalty is enforced. I discuss how these tactics echo historical precedents of authoritarian regimes and why it’s critical for us, as citizens, to pay attention. This episode serves as a wake-up call to recognize the mounting threats to democracy and the importance of speaking up before it’s too late. DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode belong to Liam Heffernan, and are not directly endorsed by any individual, company, institution or advertiser affiliated with the podcast. ... Highlights from this episode: The current political climate is alarming, as it reflects a slow progression towards authoritarianism. Trump's administration is marked by the appointment of loyalists, raising red flags about potential dictatorship. Efforts to silence dissenting voices are evident, showcasing a deliberate strategy to control the narrative. The introduction of strict voter ID laws could disproportionately affect minority voters, skewing electoral outcomes. There's a concerning pattern of eliminating critics and minorities, reminiscent of historical dictatorships. If unchecked, the gradual erosion of democratic norms may lead to a troubling future for America. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:30:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Is America Heading Towards a Trump Dictatorship? full 106 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special solo edition of In The Making, I explore the troubling signs that suggest America might be inching towards a dictatorship under Donald Trump, and lay out the evidence indicating how he’s strategically surrounding himself with loyalists, silencing critics, and altering voter laws to skew the electorate in his favor. It’s alarming how these actions, which might seem trivial at first glance, collectively paint a picture of a dangerous political landscape where dissent is stifled and loyalty is enforced. I discuss how these tactics echo historical precedents of authoritarian regimes and why it’s critical for us, as citizens, to pay attention. This episode serves as a wake-up call to recognize the mounting threats to democracy and the importance of speaking up before it’s too late. DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode belong to Liam Heffernan, and are not directly endorsed by any individual, company, institution or advertiser affiliated with the podcast. ... Highlights from this episode: The current political climate is alarming, as it reflects a slow progression towards authoritarianism. Trump's administration is marked by the appointment of loyalists, raising red flags about potential dictatorship. Efforts to silence dissenting voices are evident, showcasing a deliberate strategy to control the narrative. The introduction of strict voter ID laws could disproportionately affect minority voters, skewing electoral outcomes. There's a concerning pattern of eliminating critics and minorities, reminiscent of historical dictatorships. If unchecked, the gradual erosion of democratic norms may lead to a troubling future for America. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special solo edition of In The Making, I explore the troubling signs that suggest America might be inching towards a dictatorship under Donald Trump, and lay out the evidence indicating how he’s strategically surrounding himself with loyalists, silencing critics, and altering voter laws to skew the electorate in his favor.

It’s alarming how these actions, which might seem trivial at first glance, collectively paint a picture of a dangerous political landscape where dissent is stifled and loyalty is enforced. I discuss how these tactics echo historical precedents of authoritarian regimes and why it’s critical for us, as citizens, to pay attention.

This episode serves as a wake-up call to recognize the mounting threats to democracy and the importance of speaking up before it’s too late.

DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode belong to Liam Heffernan, and are not directly endorsed by any individual, company, institution or advertiser affiliated with the podcast.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The current political climate is alarming, as it reflects a slow progression towards authoritarianism.
  • Trump's administration is marked by the appointment of loyalists, raising red flags about potential dictatorship.
  • Efforts to silence dissenting voices are evident, showcasing a deliberate strategy to control the narrative.
  • The introduction of strict voter ID laws could disproportionately affect minority voters, skewing electoral outcomes.
  • There's a concerning pattern of eliminating critics and minorities, reminiscent of historical dictatorships.
  • If unchecked, the gradual erosion of democratic norms may lead to a troubling future for America.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1252 no What is the US Treasury? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-us-treasury This week, we're diving deep into the world of money and the pivotal role the U.S. Treasury plays in shaping the American economy. Behind every success and failure in American history lies a story deeply intertwined with greed, power, and the all-important question of how money is spent. We explore who really decides how America manages its finances and what that means for everyday Americans, as I ask... what is the US Treasury? ... Special guest for this episode: Sean Vanatta, a Senior Lecturer in Financial History and Policy at the University of Glasgow, with an interest in US history and the political economy of finance. His books include Plastic Capitalism: Banks, Credit Cards, and the End of Financial Control and Private Finance, Public Power: A History of Bank Supervision in America ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we dive deep into the role of the U.S. Treasury and its impact on the American economy and society, which extends beyond mere financial management. Understanding the history of the U.S. Treasury reveals its foundational importance in shaping the financial stability of the nation since its inception. We discuss how decisions made by the U.S. Treasury influence the everyday lives of Americans, from tax policies to social services and the overall economy. The complexities of money management and economic policy illustrate the balance the Treasury must strike between public welfare and fiscal responsibility, especially during crises. Throughout history, the U.S. Treasury has played a critical role in financial crises, stepping in as a stabilizing force to protect the economy and American citizens. The interplay between federal authority and state interests continues to shape the operations of the Treasury, reflecting ongoing tensions in American governance and finance. ... Additional Resources: Plastic Capitalism by Sean Vanatta Private Finance, Public Power by Sean Vanatta Consumer borrowing was heavily restricted in 1940s to curb inflation – it’s time we did it again by Sean Vanatta The First Bank of the United States | Federal Reserve History The Independent Treasury:  Origins, Rationale, and Record, 1846-1861 ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What is the US Treasury? full 105 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we're diving deep into the world of money and the pivotal role the U.S. Treasury plays in shaping the American economy. Behind every success and failure in American history lies a story deeply intertwined with greed, power, and the all-important question of how money is spent. We explore who really decides how America manages its finances and what that means for everyday Americans, as I ask... what is the US Treasury? ... Special guest for this episode: Sean Vanatta, a Senior Lecturer in Financial History and Policy at the University of Glasgow, with an interest in US history and the political economy of finance. His books include Plastic Capitalism: Banks, Credit Cards, and the End of Financial Control and Private Finance, Public Power: A History of Bank Supervision in America ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we dive deep into the role of the U.S. Treasury and its impact on the American economy and society, which extends beyond mere financial management. Understanding the history of the U.S. Treasury reveals its foundational importance in shaping the financial stability of the nation since its inception. We discuss how decisions made by the U.S. Treasury influence the everyday lives of Americans, from tax policies to social services and the overall economy. The complexities of money management and economic policy illustrate the balance the Treasury must strike between public welfare and fiscal responsibility, especially during crises. Throughout history, the U.S. Treasury has played a critical role in financial crises, stepping in as a stabilizing force to protect the economy and American citizens. The interplay between federal authority and state interests continues to shape the operations of the Treasury, reflecting ongoing tensions in American governance and finance. ... Additional Resources: Plastic Capitalism by Sean Vanatta Private Finance, Public Power by Sean Vanatta Consumer borrowing was heavily restricted in 1940s to curb inflation – it’s time we did it again by Sean Vanatta The First Bank of the United States | Federal Reserve History The Independent Treasury:  Origins, Rationale, and Record, 1846-1861 ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we're diving deep into the world of money and the pivotal role the U.S. Treasury plays in shaping the American economy.

Behind every success and failure in American history lies a story deeply intertwined with greed, power, and the all-important question of how money is spent. We explore who really decides how America manages its finances and what that means for everyday Americans, as I ask... what is the US Treasury?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Sean Vanatta, a Senior Lecturer in Financial History and Policy at the University of Glasgow, with an interest in US history and the political economy of finance. His books include Plastic Capitalism: Banks, Credit Cards, and the End of Financial Control and Private Finance, Public Power: A History of Bank Supervision in America

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we dive deep into the role of the U.S. Treasury and its impact on the American economy and society, which extends beyond mere financial management.
  • Understanding the history of the U.S. Treasury reveals its foundational importance in shaping the financial stability of the nation since its inception.
  • We discuss how decisions made by the U.S. Treasury influence the everyday lives of Americans, from tax policies to social services and the overall economy.
  • The complexities of money management and economic policy illustrate the balance the Treasury must strike between public welfare and fiscal responsibility, especially during crises.
  • Throughout history, the U.S. Treasury has played a critical role in financial crises, stepping in as a stabilizing force to protect the economy and American citizens.
  • The interplay between federal authority and state interests continues to shape the operations of the Treasury, reflecting ongoing tensions in American governance and finance.

...

Additional Resources:

Plastic Capitalism by Sean Vanatta

Private Finance, Public Power by Sean Vanatta

Consumer borrowing was heavily restricted in 1940s to curb inflation – it’s time we did it again by Sean Vanatta

The First Bank of the United States | Federal Reserve History

The Independent Treasury:  Origins, Rationale, and Record, 1846-1861

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2945 no BONUS: What Would You Do in a Gold Rush? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-what-would-you-do-in-a-gold-rush In this bonus episode, we unravel the age-old question of who decided gold was worth something in the first place. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about its shiny allure; there’s a whole lot of history and economics at play. We also reflect on the risks and rewards of that era, pondering what we might have done if we were chasing gold back in 1848. From the fleeting nature of mining towns to the bizarre modern-day gold rushes, we discuss how the legacy of the Gold Rush still resonates in today's society, shaping our perceptions of wealth and value. ... Special guest for this episode: Stephen Tuffnell, a historian of the global and imperial history of the 19th century United States from the University of Oxford, whose research interests include American emigration and the history of commodities such as gold and ice. He’s also the co-editor of A Global History of Gold Rushes. ... Highlights from this episode: The California Gold Rush was a massive event that transformed the American economy and society in profound ways. Gold's value has evolved over centuries, heavily influenced by cultural perceptions and historical events like the Gold Standard. Investors often turn to gold during economic uncertainty, emphasizing its perceived stability and enduring allure. The Gold Rush led to a boom in ghost towns across California, remnants of the fleeting mining frenzy during the late 19th century. The discussion highlights how the legacy of the Gold Rush continues to shape modern American culture and economic practices. The podcast reveals the risks and realities of the Gold Rush, particularly for those who supplied miners rather than mined for gold themselves. ... Additional Resources: A Global History of Gold Rushes (Volume 25) by Benjamin Mountford and Stephen Tuffnell https://dayhist.com/events/california-gold-rush-1848   https://www.mininghalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/james-wilson-marshall  https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/striking-it-rich-american-gold-rushes-early-19th-century  An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873 by Benjamin Madley Calisphere: The deeper you look, the more you discover. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 30 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: What Would You Do in a Gold Rush? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, we unravel the age-old question of who decided gold was worth something in the first place. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about its shiny allure; there’s a whole lot of history and economics at play. We also reflect on the risks and rewards of that era, pondering what we might have done if we were chasing gold back in 1848. From the fleeting nature of mining towns to the bizarre modern-day gold rushes, we discuss how the legacy of the Gold Rush still resonates in today's society, shaping our perceptions of wealth and value. ... Special guest for this episode: Stephen Tuffnell, a historian of the global and imperial history of the 19th century United States from the University of Oxford, whose research interests include American emigration and the history of commodities such as gold and ice. He’s also the co-editor of A Global History of Gold Rushes. ... Highlights from this episode: The California Gold Rush was a massive event that transformed the American economy and society in profound ways. Gold's value has evolved over centuries, heavily influenced by cultural perceptions and historical events like the Gold Standard. Investors often turn to gold during economic uncertainty, emphasizing its perceived stability and enduring allure. The Gold Rush led to a boom in ghost towns across California, remnants of the fleeting mining frenzy during the late 19th century. The discussion highlights how the legacy of the Gold Rush continues to shape modern American culture and economic practices. The podcast reveals the risks and realities of the Gold Rush, particularly for those who supplied miners rather than mined for gold themselves. ... Additional Resources: A Global History of Gold Rushes (Volume 25) by Benjamin Mountford and Stephen Tuffnell https://dayhist.com/events/california-gold-rush-1848   https://www.mininghalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/james-wilson-marshall  https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/striking-it-rich-american-gold-rushes-early-19th-century  An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873 by Benjamin Madley Calisphere: The deeper you look, the more you discover. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, we unravel the age-old question of who decided gold was worth something in the first place. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about its shiny allure; there’s a whole lot of history and economics at play.

We also reflect on the risks and rewards of that era, pondering what we might have done if we were chasing gold back in 1848. From the fleeting nature of mining towns to the bizarre modern-day gold rushes, we discuss how the legacy of the Gold Rush still resonates in today's society, shaping our perceptions of wealth and value.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Stephen Tuffnell, a historian of the global and imperial history of the 19th century United States from the University of Oxford, whose research interests include American emigration and the history of commodities such as gold and ice. He’s also the co-editor of A Global History of Gold Rushes.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The California Gold Rush was a massive event that transformed the American economy and society in profound ways.
  • Gold's value has evolved over centuries, heavily influenced by cultural perceptions and historical events like the Gold Standard.
  • Investors often turn to gold during economic uncertainty, emphasizing its perceived stability and enduring allure.
  • The Gold Rush led to a boom in ghost towns across California, remnants of the fleeting mining frenzy during the late 19th century.
  • The discussion highlights how the legacy of the Gold Rush continues to shape modern American culture and economic practices.
  • The podcast reveals the risks and realities of the Gold Rush, particularly for those who supplied miners rather than mined for gold themselves.

...

Additional Resources:

A Global History of Gold Rushes (Volume 25) by Benjamin Mountford and Stephen Tuffnell

https://dayhist.com/events/california-gold-rush-1848  

https://www.mininghalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/james-wilson-marshall 

https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/striking-it-rich-american-gold-rushes-early-19th-century 

An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873 by Benjamin Madley

Calisphere: The deeper you look, the more you discover.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 714 no Who is Harry Houdini? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-harry-houdini-john-cox-expert-biography-historical-bio-magic Would you throw yourself over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Well, this week, we’re talking about the man who, allegedly, did just that. His performances have become the stuff of legend, including the one he did on this very day in 1907, escaping from chains underwater in San Francisco. So I want to know more about the life, career, and legacy of one of the greatest showmen in American history, as I ask… who is Harry Houdini? ... Special guest for this episode: John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career. ... Highlights from this episode: Harry Houdini, born as Eric Weiss, transformed his life from modest beginnings in Hungary to becoming one of America's most legendary entertainers. His innovative approach to escapology combined athleticism with theatricality, creating a unique style that captivated audiences everywhere. Houdini's understanding of media and publicity was exceptional, making him a master of self-promotion and audience engagement. The relationship with his wife, Bess, played a significant role in his life and career, providing him with both personal and professional support throughout their time together. Despite his fame, Houdini struggled with the loss of his mother, which deeply affected his motivations and sense of purpose in life. Houdini's legacy endures today, as his name has become synonymous with magic and impossible feats, reflecting his lasting impact on performance art. ... Additional Resources: WILD ABOUT HARRY Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Harry Houdini? full 104 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Would you throw yourself over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Well, this week, we’re talking about the man who, allegedly, did just that. His performances have become the stuff of legend, including the one he did on this very day in 1907, escaping from chains underwater in San Francisco. So I want to know more about the life, career, and legacy of one of the greatest showmen in American history, as I ask… who is Harry Houdini? ... Special guest for this episode: John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career. ... Highlights from this episode: Harry Houdini, born as Eric Weiss, transformed his life from modest beginnings in Hungary to becoming one of America's most legendary entertainers. His innovative approach to escapology combined athleticism with theatricality, creating a unique style that captivated audiences everywhere. Houdini's understanding of media and publicity was exceptional, making him a master of self-promotion and audience engagement. The relationship with his wife, Bess, played a significant role in his life and career, providing him with both personal and professional support throughout their time together. Despite his fame, Houdini struggled with the loss of his mother, which deeply affected his motivations and sense of purpose in life. Houdini's legacy endures today, as his name has become synonymous with magic and impossible feats, reflecting his lasting impact on performance art. ... Additional Resources: WILD ABOUT HARRY Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Would you throw yourself over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Well, this week, we’re talking about the man who, allegedly, did just that. His performances have become the stuff of legend, including the one he did on this very day in 1907, escaping from chains underwater in San Francisco. So I want to know more about the life, career, and legacy of one of the greatest showmen in American history, as I ask… who is Harry Houdini?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Harry Houdini, born as Eric Weiss, transformed his life from modest beginnings in Hungary to becoming one of America's most legendary entertainers.
  • His innovative approach to escapology combined athleticism with theatricality, creating a unique style that captivated audiences everywhere.
  • Houdini's understanding of media and publicity was exceptional, making him a master of self-promotion and audience engagement.
  • The relationship with his wife, Bess, played a significant role in his life and career, providing him with both personal and professional support throughout their time together.
  • Despite his fame, Houdini struggled with the loss of his mother, which deeply affected his motivations and sense of purpose in life.
  • Houdini's legacy endures today, as his name has become synonymous with magic and impossible feats, reflecting his lasting impact on performance art.

...

Additional Resources:

WILD ABOUT HARRY

Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox

Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2895 no BONUS: The Legacy of Emperor Norton https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-legacy-of-emperor-norton This bonus episode delves deeper into the intriguing subject of Emperor Norton, a figure who declared himself the Emperor of the United States, and the cultural implications of such a declaration. We touch on the unique nature of America’s relationship with monarchy and whether such a concept could ever take root in the country, and discuss how Emperor Norton's self-appointment was not one of narcissism but rather a call for unity and order during a time of tumult. We reflect on Norton’s legacy and his genuine desire to serve the public, which resonates through stories of his life and the impact he had on those around him. ... Special guest for this episode: John Lumea, the founder of The Emperor Norton Trust, who describes himself as a ‘champion of beautiful losers’. He studied philosophy and religion at St. Andrews in Scotland, and now resides in Boston. Today he is a writer and activist and his work has been covered in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the LA Times ... Highlights from this episode: This bonus episode deepens the discussion on Emperor Norton, a unique figure in American history. Emperor Norton declared himself ruler to address perceived chaos, not to establish a monarchy. The public's affection for Emperor Norton is evident, as thousands attended his funeral in 1880. We explored the notion of leadership and authority in the context of American democracy. Emperor Norton aimed to unite people and bring order during turbulent times in the nation. Despite his self-declaration, Emperor Norton was not a typical monarch, but rather a visionary for change. ... Additional Resources: The Emperor Norton Trust | Research, Education, Advocacy Emperor Norton: San Francisco's Beloved Eccentric Ruler of the Gold Rush Era - Sick History Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself emperor of the United States? - The Economic Times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 23 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Legacy of Emperor Norton bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This bonus episode delves deeper into the intriguing subject of Emperor Norton, a figure who declared himself the Emperor of the United States, and the cultural implications of such a declaration. We touch on the unique nature of America’s relationship with monarchy and whether such a concept could ever take root in the country, and discuss how Emperor Norton's self-appointment was not one of narcissism but rather a call for unity and order during a time of tumult. We reflect on Norton’s legacy and his genuine desire to serve the public, which resonates through stories of his life and the impact he had on those around him. ... Special guest for this episode: John Lumea, the founder of The Emperor Norton Trust, who describes himself as a ‘champion of beautiful losers’. He studied philosophy and religion at St. Andrews in Scotland, and now resides in Boston. Today he is a writer and activist and his work has been covered in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the LA Times ... Highlights from this episode: This bonus episode deepens the discussion on Emperor Norton, a unique figure in American history. Emperor Norton declared himself ruler to address perceived chaos, not to establish a monarchy. The public's affection for Emperor Norton is evident, as thousands attended his funeral in 1880. We explored the notion of leadership and authority in the context of American democracy. Emperor Norton aimed to unite people and bring order during turbulent times in the nation. Despite his self-declaration, Emperor Norton was not a typical monarch, but rather a visionary for change. ... Additional Resources: The Emperor Norton Trust | Research, Education, Advocacy Emperor Norton: San Francisco's Beloved Eccentric Ruler of the Gold Rush Era - Sick History Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself emperor of the United States? - The Economic Times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This bonus episode delves deeper into the intriguing subject of Emperor Norton, a figure who declared himself the Emperor of the United States, and the cultural implications of such a declaration.

We touch on the unique nature of America’s relationship with monarchy and whether such a concept could ever take root in the country, and discuss how Emperor Norton's self-appointment was not one of narcissism but rather a call for unity and order during a time of tumult.

We reflect on Norton’s legacy and his genuine desire to serve the public, which resonates through stories of his life and the impact he had on those around him.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • John Lumea, the founder of The Emperor Norton Trust, who describes himself as a ‘champion of beautiful losers’. He studied philosophy and religion at St. Andrews in Scotland, and now resides in Boston. Today he is a writer and activist and his work has been covered in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the LA Times

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • This bonus episode deepens the discussion on Emperor Norton, a unique figure in American history.
  • Emperor Norton declared himself ruler to address perceived chaos, not to establish a monarchy.
  • The public's affection for Emperor Norton is evident, as thousands attended his funeral in 1880.
  • We explored the notion of leadership and authority in the context of American democracy.
  • Emperor Norton aimed to unite people and bring order during turbulent times in the nation.
  • Despite his self-declaration, Emperor Norton was not a typical monarch, but rather a visionary for change.

...

Additional Resources:

The Emperor Norton Trust | Research, Education, Advocacy

Emperor Norton: San Francisco's Beloved Eccentric Ruler of the Gold Rush Era - Sick History

Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself emperor of the United States? - The Economic Times

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 633 no What Was the California Gold Rush? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-was-the-california-gold-rush On this day in 1848, the New York Herald published an article that would change America forever. They reported on a man named James Marshall who, while building a saw mill in California, just outside what we now know as Sacramento, found gold flakes in the river. What followed was a stampede of opportunistic Americans moving west to chase their American dreams, in what became the largest gold rush in the country’s history. This week, I want to know why it was so significant, and how it changed the United States, as I ask… what was the California gold rush? ... Special guest for this episode: Stephen Tuffnell, a historian of the global and imperial history of the 19th century United States from the University of Oxford, whose research interests include American emigration and the history of commodities such as gold and ice. He’s also the co-editor of A Global History of Gold Rushes. ... Highlights from this episode: The California Gold Rush of 1848 marked a pivotal moment that transformed American society and economy significantly. James Marshall's discovery of gold initiated a massive migration and an unprecedented pursuit of wealth across the country. The rush not only shaped California's demographics but also had profound implications for indigenous populations and their displacement. Media played a crucial role in stimulating the gold rush, creating a frenzy that spurred thousands to seek fortune in California. ... Additional Resources: A Global History of Gold Rushes (Volume 25) by Benjamin Mountford and Stephen Tuffnell https://dayhist.com/events/california-gold-rush-1848   https://www.mininghalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/james-wilson-marshall  https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/striking-it-rich-american-gold-rushes-early-19th-century  An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873 by Benjamin Madley Calisphere: The deeper you look, the more you discover. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What Was the California Gold Rush? full 103 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On this day in 1848, the New York Herald published an article that would change America forever. They reported on a man named James Marshall who, while building a saw mill in California, just outside what we now know as Sacramento, found gold flakes in the river. What followed was a stampede of opportunistic Americans moving west to chase their American dreams, in what became the largest gold rush in the country’s history. This week, I want to know why it was so significant, and how it changed the United States, as I ask… what was the California gold rush? ... Special guest for this episode: Stephen Tuffnell, a historian of the global and imperial history of the 19th century United States from the University of Oxford, whose research interests include American emigration and the history of commodities such as gold and ice. He’s also the co-editor of A Global History of Gold Rushes. ... Highlights from this episode: The California Gold Rush of 1848 marked a pivotal moment that transformed American society and economy significantly. James Marshall's discovery of gold initiated a massive migration and an unprecedented pursuit of wealth across the country. The rush not only shaped California's demographics but also had profound implications for indigenous populations and their displacement. Media played a crucial role in stimulating the gold rush, creating a frenzy that spurred thousands to seek fortune in California. ... Additional Resources: A Global History of Gold Rushes (Volume 25) by Benjamin Mountford and Stephen Tuffnell https://dayhist.com/events/california-gold-rush-1848   https://www.mininghalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/james-wilson-marshall  https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/striking-it-rich-american-gold-rushes-early-19th-century  An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873 by Benjamin Madley Calisphere: The deeper you look, the more you discover. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this day in 1848, the New York Herald published an article that would change America forever.

They reported on a man named James Marshall who, while building a saw mill in California, just outside what we now know as Sacramento, found gold flakes in the river. What followed was a stampede of opportunistic Americans moving west to chase their American dreams, in what became the largest gold rush in the country’s history.

This week, I want to know why it was so significant, and how it changed the United States, as I ask… what was the California gold rush?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Stephen Tuffnell, a historian of the global and imperial history of the 19th century United States from the University of Oxford, whose research interests include American emigration and the history of commodities such as gold and ice. He’s also the co-editor of A Global History of Gold Rushes.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The California Gold Rush of 1848 marked a pivotal moment that transformed American society and economy significantly.
  • James Marshall's discovery of gold initiated a massive migration and an unprecedented pursuit of wealth across the country.
  • The rush not only shaped California's demographics but also had profound implications for indigenous populations and their displacement.
  • Media played a crucial role in stimulating the gold rush, creating a frenzy that spurred thousands to seek fortune in California.

...

Additional Resources:

A Global History of Gold Rushes (Volume 25) by Benjamin Mountford and Stephen Tuffnell

https://dayhist.com/events/california-gold-rush-1848  

https://www.mininghalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/james-wilson-marshall 

https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/striking-it-rich-american-gold-rushes-early-19th-century 

An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873 by Benjamin Madley

Calisphere: The deeper you look, the more you discover.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2691 no BONUS: Why Didn't Nixon Destroy the Watergate Tapes? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-didnt-nixon-destroy-the-watergate-tapes In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon, discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation from the White House. ... Special guest for this episode: Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America ... Highlights from this episode: Nixon's downfall was significantly influenced by his desire to maintain a favorable legacy, which ironically led to his undoing. The investigation into Watergate involved many key figures beyond Woodward and Bernstein, including the FBI and Congress. Nixon's reluctance to destroy the incriminating tapes stemmed from his aspirations for greatness and historical legacy. The role of the FBI in uncovering the Watergate scandal was crucial, as they were pivotal in tracing the hush money involved. Deep Throat's identity remained a secret for over thirty years, revealing the complexities of the investigation into Watergate. Ultimately, Nixon's actions during the Watergate scandal overshadowed his significant achievements in foreign policy and environmental protection. ... Additional Resources: Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 16 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Why Didn't Nixon Destroy the Watergate Tapes? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon, discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation from the White House. ... Special guest for this episode: Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America ... Highlights from this episode: Nixon's downfall was significantly influenced by his desire to maintain a favorable legacy, which ironically led to his undoing. The investigation into Watergate involved many key figures beyond Woodward and Bernstein, including the FBI and Congress. Nixon's reluctance to destroy the incriminating tapes stemmed from his aspirations for greatness and historical legacy. The role of the FBI in uncovering the Watergate scandal was crucial, as they were pivotal in tracing the hush money involved. Deep Throat's identity remained a secret for over thirty years, revealing the complexities of the investigation into Watergate. Ultimately, Nixon's actions during the Watergate scandal overshadowed his significant achievements in foreign policy and environmental protection. ... Additional Resources: Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon, discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation from the White House.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Nixon's downfall was significantly influenced by his desire to maintain a favorable legacy, which ironically led to his undoing.
  • The investigation into Watergate involved many key figures beyond Woodward and Bernstein, including the FBI and Congress.
  • Nixon's reluctance to destroy the incriminating tapes stemmed from his aspirations for greatness and historical legacy.
  • The role of the FBI in uncovering the Watergate scandal was crucial, as they were pivotal in tracing the hush money involved.
  • Deep Throat's identity remained a secret for over thirty years, revealing the complexities of the investigation into Watergate.
  • Ultimately, Nixon's actions during the Watergate scandal overshadowed his significant achievements in foreign policy and environmental protection.

...

Additional Resources:

Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan

President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize

John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History

Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 754 no Who is the Emperor of the United States of America? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-the-emperor-of-the-united-states-of-america On this day in 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties. Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and lesser talked about individuals in America, and why he still, to this day, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, as I ask… who was the Emperor of the United States? ... Special guest for this episode: John Lumea, the founder of The Emperor Norton Trust, who describes himself as a ‘champion of beautiful losers’. He studied philosophy and religion at St. Andrews in Scotland, and now resides in Boston. Today he is a writer and activist and his work has been covered in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the LA Times ... Highlights from this episode: Emperor Norton, originally Joshua Abraham Norton, declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859, a title that was never officially recognized. His early life in South Africa and migration to the U.S. remain largely a mystery, with few records detailing his journey and experiences. Norton’s financial decline began after a series of poor business decisions in the commodities market, leading to his eventual bankruptcy. Despite his eccentric self-declaration, Norton became a beloved figure in San Francisco, advocating for social justice and civil rights in a progressive manner. The Emperor Norton Trust aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Norton, highlighting his contributions to American history and culture. Records indicate that Norton's proclamations often addressed social issues of the time, showcasing him as a surprisingly progressive figure for his era. ... Additional Resources: The Emperor Norton Trust | Research, Education, Advocacy Emperor Norton: San Francisco's Beloved Eccentric Ruler of the Gold Rush Era - Sick History Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself emperor of the United States? - The Economic Times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Who is the Emperor of the United States of America? full 102 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On this day in 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties. Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and lesser talked about individuals in America, and why he still, to this day, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, as I ask… who was the Emperor of the United States? ... Special guest for this episode: John Lumea, the founder of The Emperor Norton Trust, who describes himself as a ‘champion of beautiful losers’. He studied philosophy and religion at St. Andrews in Scotland, and now resides in Boston. Today he is a writer and activist and his work has been covered in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the LA Times ... Highlights from this episode: Emperor Norton, originally Joshua Abraham Norton, declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859, a title that was never officially recognized. His early life in South Africa and migration to the U.S. remain largely a mystery, with few records detailing his journey and experiences. Norton’s financial decline began after a series of poor business decisions in the commodities market, leading to his eventual bankruptcy. Despite his eccentric self-declaration, Norton became a beloved figure in San Francisco, advocating for social justice and civil rights in a progressive manner. The Emperor Norton Trust aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Norton, highlighting his contributions to American history and culture. Records indicate that Norton's proclamations often addressed social issues of the time, showcasing him as a surprisingly progressive figure for his era. ... Additional Resources: The Emperor Norton Trust | Research, Education, Advocacy Emperor Norton: San Francisco's Beloved Eccentric Ruler of the Gold Rush Era - Sick History Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself emperor of the United States? - The Economic Times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this day in 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties.

Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and lesser talked about individuals in America, and why he still, to this day, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, as I ask… who was the Emperor of the United States?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • John Lumea, the founder of The Emperor Norton Trust, who describes himself as a ‘champion of beautiful losers’. He studied philosophy and religion at St. Andrews in Scotland, and now resides in Boston. Today he is a writer and activist and his work has been covered in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the LA Times

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Emperor Norton, originally Joshua Abraham Norton, declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859, a title that was never officially recognized.
  • His early life in South Africa and migration to the U.S. remain largely a mystery, with few records detailing his journey and experiences.
  • Norton’s financial decline began after a series of poor business decisions in the commodities market, leading to his eventual bankruptcy.
  • Despite his eccentric self-declaration, Norton became a beloved figure in San Francisco, advocating for social justice and civil rights in a progressive manner.
  • The Emperor Norton Trust aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Norton, highlighting his contributions to American history and culture.
  • Records indicate that Norton's proclamations often addressed social issues of the time, showcasing him as a surprisingly progressive figure for his era.

...

Additional Resources:

The Emperor Norton Trust | Research, Education, Advocacy

Emperor Norton: San Francisco's Beloved Eccentric Ruler of the Gold Rush Era - Sick History

Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself emperor of the United States? - The Economic Times

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2836 no BONUS: Hoagies, Grammar Police, and Momphoria https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-hoagies-grammar-police-and-momphoria In this bonus episode, linguistics professor Valerie Fridland discusses her favourite American accents, invents a new slang word, and chats with Liam about some of the everyday differences between American and English. ... Special guest for this episode: Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now. ... Highlights from this episode: The perception of accents in America often reflects cultural stereotypes that can be misleading. Southern accents evoke a sense of warmth and home for many, despite negative stereotypes associated with them. Linguists focus on the descriptive nature of language rather than enforcing strict grammar rules, emphasizing authenticity in speech. The organic evolution of slang often reflects the emotional experiences of younger generations and their unique social contexts. Accents are often judged based on social class and education, leading to a complex relationship between language and identity. Expressions like 'mumforia' highlight the evolving nature of language, as new terms emerge to describe contemporary experiences. ... Additional Resources: Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland Sociophonetics (Key Topics in Sociolinguistics) by Tyler Kendall, co-authored by Valerie Fridland Why We Talk Funny by Valerie Fridland ValerieFridland.com  Language in the Wild | Psychology Today ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 09 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Hoagies, Grammar Police, and Momphoria bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, linguistics professor Valerie Fridland discusses her favourite American accents, invents a new slang word, and chats with Liam about some of the everyday differences between American and English. ... Special guest for this episode: Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now. ... Highlights from this episode: The perception of accents in America often reflects cultural stereotypes that can be misleading. Southern accents evoke a sense of warmth and home for many, despite negative stereotypes associated with them. Linguists focus on the descriptive nature of language rather than enforcing strict grammar rules, emphasizing authenticity in speech. The organic evolution of slang often reflects the emotional experiences of younger generations and their unique social contexts. Accents are often judged based on social class and education, leading to a complex relationship between language and identity. Expressions like 'mumforia' highlight the evolving nature of language, as new terms emerge to describe contemporary experiences. ... Additional Resources: Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland Sociophonetics (Key Topics in Sociolinguistics) by Tyler Kendall, co-authored by Valerie Fridland Why We Talk Funny by Valerie Fridland ValerieFridland.com  Language in the Wild | Psychology Today ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, linguistics professor Valerie Fridland discusses her favourite American accents, invents a new slang word, and chats with Liam about some of the everyday differences between American and English.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The perception of accents in America often reflects cultural stereotypes that can be misleading.
  • Southern accents evoke a sense of warmth and home for many, despite negative stereotypes associated with them.
  • Linguists focus on the descriptive nature of language rather than enforcing strict grammar rules, emphasizing authenticity in speech.
  • The organic evolution of slang often reflects the emotional experiences of younger generations and their unique social contexts.
  • Accents are often judged based on social class and education, leading to a complex relationship between language and identity.
  • Expressions like 'mumforia' highlight the evolving nature of language, as new terms emerge to describe contemporary experiences.

...

Additional Resources:

Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland

Sociophonetics (Key Topics in Sociolinguistics) by Tyler Kendall, co-authored by Valerie Fridland

Why We Talk Funny by Valerie Fridland

ValerieFridland.com 

Language in the Wild | Psychology Today

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 687 no IN THE MAKING: Can Donald Trump Run for President in 2028? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/can-donald-trump-run-for-president-in-2028 The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why changing this would be almost impossible in just three years. Let us know in the comments what you think: Do you want Trump to run again in 2028? Should he be allowed? Who do you think the Republican nominee contenders are? ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we delve into the implications of Donald Trump's potential third presidential run in 2028 and the constitutional barriers that exist. We clarify that the 22nd Amendment restricts any individual from being elected for more than two terms as president, creating significant legal challenges. Our discussion includes Trump's recent comments suggesting JD Vance as a likely Republican nominee, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the MAGA movement. We explore the argument that Trump could run for vice president, but we detail why this is constitutionally problematic and unlikely to succeed. The episode emphasizes that there is no legal route for Trump to regain the presidency, addressing concerns among both supporters and critics alike. We conclude that unless significant legal changes occur, Donald Trump will not be president after 2028, which is a critical point for understanding future elections. ... Additional Resources: 12th Amendment - Election of President and Vice President | Constitution Center Can Donald Trump run for a third term? Constitution sets two-term limit despite 'Trump 2028' merch Trump touches on the 22nd Amendment and that is bad news for US history ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Can Donald Trump Run for President in 2028? full 101 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why changing this would be almost impossible in just three years. Let us know in the comments what you think: Do you want Trump to run again in 2028? Should he be allowed? Who do you think the Republican nominee contenders are? ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we delve into the implications of Donald Trump's potential third presidential run in 2028 and the constitutional barriers that exist. We clarify that the 22nd Amendment restricts any individual from being elected for more than two terms as president, creating significant legal challenges. Our discussion includes Trump's recent comments suggesting JD Vance as a likely Republican nominee, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the MAGA movement. We explore the argument that Trump could run for vice president, but we detail why this is constitutionally problematic and unlikely to succeed. The episode emphasizes that there is no legal route for Trump to regain the presidency, addressing concerns among both supporters and critics alike. We conclude that unless significant legal changes occur, Donald Trump will not be president after 2028, which is a critical point for understanding future elections. ... Additional Resources: 12th Amendment - Election of President and Vice President | Constitution Center Can Donald Trump run for a third term? Constitution sets two-term limit despite 'Trump 2028' merch Trump touches on the 22nd Amendment and that is bad news for US history ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why changing this would be almost impossible in just three years.

Let us know in the comments what you think:

Do you want Trump to run again in 2028?

Should he be allowed?

Who do you think the Republican nominee contenders are?

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we delve into the implications of Donald Trump's potential third presidential run in 2028 and the constitutional barriers that exist.
  • We clarify that the 22nd Amendment restricts any individual from being elected for more than two terms as president, creating significant legal challenges.
  • Our discussion includes Trump's recent comments suggesting JD Vance as a likely Republican nominee, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the MAGA movement.
  • We explore the argument that Trump could run for vice president, but we detail why this is constitutionally problematic and unlikely to succeed.
  • The episode emphasizes that there is no legal route for Trump to regain the presidency, addressing concerns among both supporters and critics alike.
  • We conclude that unless significant legal changes occur, Donald Trump will not be president after 2028, which is a critical point for understanding future elections.

...

Additional Resources:

12th Amendment - Election of President and Vice President | Constitution Center

Can Donald Trump run for a third term? Constitution sets two-term limit despite 'Trump 2028' merch

Trump touches on the 22nd Amendment and that is bad news for US history

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 734 no Why Did President Richard Nixon Resign? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-did-president-richard-nixon-resign This week marks the 51st anniversary of a truly unique event in American history. The one and only time a President left the White House by choice. Not due to death or the 22nd amendment, but resignation. Never before and not yet since has any other President done this, so this week, I want to know… why did Richard Nixon resign? ... Special guest for this episode: Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America ... Highlights from this episode: This episode commemorates the 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon's resignation, marking a unique moment in U.S. presidential history. Nixon's resignation was not due to death or a constitutional amendment, but rather a voluntary choice amid the Watergate scandal. The discussion highlights Nixon's insecurities and the political context that ultimately led to his decision to resign from office. The establishment of CREEP, Nixon's re-election committee, played a significant role in the events that led to the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up. The Watergate scandal revealed a pattern of cover-ups and dishonesty at the highest level of government, leading to a loss of public trust in presidential integrity. Nixon's resignation set a precedent in American politics, shaping future expectations of presidential accountability and the ethical standards expected from elected officials. ... Additional Resources: Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Why Did President Richard Nixon Resign? full 100 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week marks the 51st anniversary of a truly unique event in American history. The one and only time a President left the White House by choice. Not due to death or the 22nd amendment, but resignation. Never before and not yet since has any other President done this, so this week, I want to know… why did Richard Nixon resign? ... Special guest for this episode: Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America ... Highlights from this episode: This episode commemorates the 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon's resignation, marking a unique moment in U.S. presidential history. Nixon's resignation was not due to death or a constitutional amendment, but rather a voluntary choice amid the Watergate scandal. The discussion highlights Nixon's insecurities and the political context that ultimately led to his decision to resign from office. The establishment of CREEP, Nixon's re-election committee, played a significant role in the events that led to the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up. The Watergate scandal revealed a pattern of cover-ups and dishonesty at the highest level of government, leading to a loss of public trust in presidential integrity. Nixon's resignation set a precedent in American politics, shaping future expectations of presidential accountability and the ethical standards expected from elected officials. ... Additional Resources: Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week marks the 51st anniversary of a truly unique event in American history. The one and only time a President left the White House by choice. Not due to death or the 22nd amendment, but resignation. Never before and not yet since has any other President done this, so this week, I want to know… why did Richard Nixon resign?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • This episode commemorates the 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon's resignation, marking a unique moment in U.S. presidential history.
  • Nixon's resignation was not due to death or a constitutional amendment, but rather a voluntary choice amid the Watergate scandal.
  • The discussion highlights Nixon's insecurities and the political context that ultimately led to his decision to resign from office.
  • The establishment of CREEP, Nixon's re-election committee, played a significant role in the events that led to the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up.
  • The Watergate scandal revealed a pattern of cover-ups and dishonesty at the highest level of government, leading to a loss of public trust in presidential integrity.
  • Nixon's resignation set a precedent in American politics, shaping future expectations of presidential accountability and the ethical standards expected from elected officials.

...

Additional Resources:

Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan

President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize

John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History

Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2798 no BONUS: Understanding the Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on Today's Immigration Debate https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/understanding-the-impact-of-the-chinese-exclusion-act-on-todays-immigration-debate The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity. This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal in 1943. he discussion highlights the socioeconomic conditions leading to the Act's introduction, emphasizing the growing anti-Chinese sentiment among American workers who perceived Chinese immigrants as a threat to their jobs and wages, and features insights from Professor Marco Tabellini, an expert on the economic ramifications of the Act, who explains how the exclusion of Chinese laborers disrupted local economies, particularly in the western United States, where they constituted a significant portion of the workforce. The conversation navigates through the complexities of cultural opposition and economic fears that fueled the Act, examining how these sentiments resonated with the broader narrative of immigration policy in the U.S. ... Special guest for this episode: Marco Tabellini, an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and a co-author of The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S. ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast episode discusses the historical implications of the Chinese Exclusion Act and its relevance to current immigration policies in America. Marco Tabellini emphasizes that mass deportation efforts today may lead to negative labor supply shocks similar to those in the past. There is a misconception that native-born workers will readily fill jobs left vacant by deported immigrants, which is not supported by evidence. The podcast highlights the economic significance of immigrant labor in sectors like agriculture and construction, which are often overlooked in policy discussions. The discussion touches on how anti-immigration sentiment can deter high-skilled immigrants, impacting the U.S. economy negatively in the long run. Listeners are encouraged to explore the full episode for a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration policies and their effects. ... Additional Resources: The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on  the Economic Development of the Western U.S. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 02 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Understanding the Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on Today's Immigration Debate bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity. This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal in 1943. he discussion highlights the socioeconomic conditions leading to the Act's introduction, emphasizing the growing anti-Chinese sentiment among American workers who perceived Chinese immigrants as a threat to their jobs and wages, and features insights from Professor Marco Tabellini, an expert on the economic ramifications of the Act, who explains how the exclusion of Chinese laborers disrupted local economies, particularly in the western United States, where they constituted a significant portion of the workforce. The conversation navigates through the complexities of cultural opposition and economic fears that fueled the Act, examining how these sentiments resonated with the broader narrative of immigration policy in the U.S. ... Special guest for this episode: Marco Tabellini, an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and a co-author of The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S. ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast episode discusses the historical implications of the Chinese Exclusion Act and its relevance to current immigration policies in America. Marco Tabellini emphasizes that mass deportation efforts today may lead to negative labor supply shocks similar to those in the past. There is a misconception that native-born workers will readily fill jobs left vacant by deported immigrants, which is not supported by evidence. The podcast highlights the economic significance of immigrant labor in sectors like agriculture and construction, which are often overlooked in policy discussions. The discussion touches on how anti-immigration sentiment can deter high-skilled immigrants, impacting the U.S. economy negatively in the long run. Listeners are encouraged to explore the full episode for a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration policies and their effects. ... Additional Resources: The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on  the Economic Development of the Western U.S. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity.

This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal in 1943.

he discussion highlights the socioeconomic conditions leading to the Act's introduction, emphasizing the growing anti-Chinese sentiment among American workers who perceived Chinese immigrants as a threat to their jobs and wages, and features insights from Professor Marco Tabellini, an expert on the economic ramifications of the Act, who explains how the exclusion of Chinese laborers disrupted local economies, particularly in the western United States, where they constituted a significant portion of the workforce.

The conversation navigates through the complexities of cultural opposition and economic fears that fueled the Act, examining how these sentiments resonated with the broader narrative of immigration policy in the U.S.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Marco Tabellini, an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and a co-author of The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The podcast episode discusses the historical implications of the Chinese Exclusion Act and its relevance to current immigration policies in America.
  • Marco Tabellini emphasizes that mass deportation efforts today may lead to negative labor supply shocks similar to those in the past.
  • There is a misconception that native-born workers will readily fill jobs left vacant by deported immigrants, which is not supported by evidence.
  • The podcast highlights the economic significance of immigrant labor in sectors like agriculture and construction, which are often overlooked in policy discussions.
  • The discussion touches on how anti-immigration sentiment can deter high-skilled immigrants, impacting the U.S. economy negatively in the long run.
  • Listeners are encouraged to explore the full episode for a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration policies and their effects.

...

Additional Resources:

The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on  the Economic Development of the Western U.S.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 658 no IN THE MAKING: Comparing the Epstein Files to Nixon's Watergate Tapes https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-comparing-the-epstein-files-to-nixons-watergate-tapes Liam here, and in this impromptu edition of America: A History in the Making, I look into the parallels between the Nixon administration's Watergate scandal and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files, discussing how both situations highlight the complexities of political accountability and public transparency. Recently, there has been significant pressure on former President Trump to release the Epstein files, particularly as claims emerge regarding his connections to Epstein. We explore the implications of Trump's reluctance to disclose this information and how it could reflect on his standing within his own party. Additionally, I look at the historical context of Nixon's tapes and the Supreme Court's role in demanding transparency, contrasting it with today's political landscape and the differing judicial responses, raising important questions about accountability and the evolving nature of political scandals in America. ... Highlights from this episode: This episode discusses the parallels between Nixon's Watergate scandal and the current situation surrounding the Epstein files. Previewing the next episode of America: A History where I speak with UCL's Iwan Morgan about Nixon's resignation. The Supreme Court's involvement in both Nixon's case and the Epstein files raises questions about political transparency. Trump's reluctance to release the Epstein files suggests potential issues within his own party and public image. ... Additional Resources: Senate Democrats Try to Force Release of Epstein Files With Little-Known Law - The New York Times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Comparing the Epstein Files to Nixon's Watergate Tapes full 99 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Liam here, and in this impromptu edition of America: A History in the Making, I look into the parallels between the Nixon administration's Watergate scandal and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files, discussing how both situations highlight the complexities of political accountability and public transparency. Recently, there has been significant pressure on former President Trump to release the Epstein files, particularly as claims emerge regarding his connections to Epstein. We explore the implications of Trump's reluctance to disclose this information and how it could reflect on his standing within his own party. Additionally, I look at the historical context of Nixon's tapes and the Supreme Court's role in demanding transparency, contrasting it with today's political landscape and the differing judicial responses, raising important questions about accountability and the evolving nature of political scandals in America. ... Highlights from this episode: This episode discusses the parallels between Nixon's Watergate scandal and the current situation surrounding the Epstein files. Previewing the next episode of America: A History where I speak with UCL's Iwan Morgan about Nixon's resignation. The Supreme Court's involvement in both Nixon's case and the Epstein files raises questions about political transparency. Trump's reluctance to release the Epstein files suggests potential issues within his own party and public image. ... Additional Resources: Senate Democrats Try to Force Release of Epstein Files With Little-Known Law - The New York Times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Liam here, and in this impromptu edition of America: A History in the Making, I look into the parallels between the Nixon administration's Watergate scandal and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files, discussing how both situations highlight the complexities of political accountability and public transparency.

Recently, there has been significant pressure on former President Trump to release the Epstein files, particularly as claims emerge regarding his connections to Epstein. We explore the implications of Trump's reluctance to disclose this information and how it could reflect on his standing within his own party.

Additionally, I look at the historical context of Nixon's tapes and the Supreme Court's role in demanding transparency, contrasting it with today's political landscape and the differing judicial responses, raising important questions about accountability and the evolving nature of political scandals in America.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • This episode discusses the parallels between Nixon's Watergate scandal and the current situation surrounding the Epstein files.
  • Previewing the next episode of America: A History where I speak with UCL's Iwan Morgan about Nixon's resignation.
  • The Supreme Court's involvement in both Nixon's case and the Epstein files raises questions about political transparency.
  • Trump's reluctance to release the Epstein files suggests potential issues within his own party and public image.

...

Additional Resources:

Senate Democrats Try to Force Release of Epstein Files With Little-Known Law - The New York Times

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 771 no Why Do Americans Speak Differently? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-do-americans-speak-differently This week we are talking about talking. The United States of America is a diverse country - geographically, demographically, and culturally, where every state has its own unique sense of identity. And a big part of that identity is language and dialect. So in this episode, I want to understand why and how American accents are so different, both from each other and from the British, as I ask… why do Americans speak differently? ... Special guest for this episode: Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now. ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast explores the complexities of American accents, emphasizing their diversity across regions, which reflects the different cultural identities found in the USA. Differences between dialects and accents are discussed, with dialects representing broader linguistic variations while accents focus specifically on pronunciation features. Language evolution is shaped by both nature and nurture, as cognitive structures influence language change while social factors determine specific dialectal features. The historical context of language in America is highlighted, illustrating how early settlement patterns contributed to the development of distinct American accents over time. The impact of mass media on language and accents is nuanced, as it has not significantly altered established accents but can reinforce existing linguistic trends. The three-generation pattern of language loss among immigrant communities demonstrates how ethnic identities persist through evolving accents even when original languages are forgotten. ... Additional Resources: Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland Sociophonetics (Key Topics in Sociolinguistics) by Tyler Kendall, co-authored by Valerie Fridland Why We Talk Funny by Valerie Fridland ValerieFridland.com  Language in the Wild | Psychology Today ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Why Do Americans Speak Differently? full 98 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week we are talking about talking. The United States of America is a diverse country - geographically, demographically, and culturally, where every state has its own unique sense of identity. And a big part of that identity is language and dialect. So in this episode, I want to understand why and how American accents are so different, both from each other and from the British, as I ask… why do Americans speak differently? ... Special guest for this episode: Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now. ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast explores the complexities of American accents, emphasizing their diversity across regions, which reflects the different cultural identities found in the USA. Differences between dialects and accents are discussed, with dialects representing broader linguistic variations while accents focus specifically on pronunciation features. Language evolution is shaped by both nature and nurture, as cognitive structures influence language change while social factors determine specific dialectal features. The historical context of language in America is highlighted, illustrating how early settlement patterns contributed to the development of distinct American accents over time. The impact of mass media on language and accents is nuanced, as it has not significantly altered established accents but can reinforce existing linguistic trends. The three-generation pattern of language loss among immigrant communities demonstrates how ethnic identities persist through evolving accents even when original languages are forgotten. ... Additional Resources: Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland Sociophonetics (Key Topics in Sociolinguistics) by Tyler Kendall, co-authored by Valerie Fridland Why We Talk Funny by Valerie Fridland ValerieFridland.com  Language in the Wild | Psychology Today ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week we are talking about talking.

The United States of America is a diverse country - geographically, demographically, and culturally, where every state has its own unique sense of identity. And a big part of that identity is language and dialect.

So in this episode, I want to understand why and how American accents are so different, both from each other and from the British, as I ask… why do Americans speak differently?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The podcast explores the complexities of American accents, emphasizing their diversity across regions, which reflects the different cultural identities found in the USA.
  • Differences between dialects and accents are discussed, with dialects representing broader linguistic variations while accents focus specifically on pronunciation features.
  • Language evolution is shaped by both nature and nurture, as cognitive structures influence language change while social factors determine specific dialectal features.
  • The historical context of language in America is highlighted, illustrating how early settlement patterns contributed to the development of distinct American accents over time.
  • The impact of mass media on language and accents is nuanced, as it has not significantly altered established accents but can reinforce existing linguistic trends.
  • The three-generation pattern of language loss among immigrant communities demonstrates how ethnic identities persist through evolving accents even when original languages are forgotten.

...

Additional Resources:

Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland

Sociophonetics (Key Topics in Sociolinguistics) by Tyler Kendall, co-authored by Valerie Fridland

Why We Talk Funny by Valerie Fridland

ValerieFridland.com 

Language in the Wild | Psychology Today

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2916 no BONUS: Why Isn't Frances Perkins a Household Name? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-why-isnt-frances-perkins-a-household-name Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, was a powerhouse in American politics, yet her legacy often flies under the radar. In this bonus discussion, we get into why Perkins isn't as well-remembered as she should be, despite her monumental contributions like the Social Security Act and labor reforms. We chat with historian Rebecca Brenner Graham, who sheds light on Perkins' complicated relationship with the media and her strategic choice to remain out of the spotlight, which ironically contributed to her historical obscurity. She also highlights how Perkins’ memoirs often downplayed her own influence, attributing her successes to President Roosevelt instead. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about how historical narratives are shaped, often by the male-dominated journalism of the time, leading to Perkins becoming a mere trivia answer rather than the icon she truly is, and we ponder how modern movements can learn from her story. ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany. ... Highlights from this episode: Frances Perkins, the first woman in the U.S. Cabinet, played a pivotal role in the New Deal legislation, shaping the modern welfare state with her innovative policies. Despite her significant contributions, Frances Perkins remains largely unremembered by the public, overshadowed by male contemporaries who wrote history from their perspective. The Frances Perkins Center has been instrumental in revitalizing her legacy, advocating for her recognition as a moral icon and ensuring her contributions are not forgotten. Individual and collective action were both essential to Perkins' approach, demonstrating that real change requires collaboration and community involvement. The historical narrative often neglects female figures like Perkins; it's crucial to highlight women’s roles in shaping policy and social reform throughout history. Frances Perkins' legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing women in leadership roles and their impact on society, particularly in times of crisis. ... Additional Resources: Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News Social Security History Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,and the Minimum Wage by Kirstin Downey Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 26 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Why Isn't Frances Perkins a Household Name? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, was a powerhouse in American politics, yet her legacy often flies under the radar. In this bonus discussion, we get into why Perkins isn't as well-remembered as she should be, despite her monumental contributions like the Social Security Act and labor reforms. We chat with historian Rebecca Brenner Graham, who sheds light on Perkins' complicated relationship with the media and her strategic choice to remain out of the spotlight, which ironically contributed to her historical obscurity. She also highlights how Perkins’ memoirs often downplayed her own influence, attributing her successes to President Roosevelt instead. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about how historical narratives are shaped, often by the male-dominated journalism of the time, leading to Perkins becoming a mere trivia answer rather than the icon she truly is, and we ponder how modern movements can learn from her story. ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany. ... Highlights from this episode: Frances Perkins, the first woman in the U.S. Cabinet, played a pivotal role in the New Deal legislation, shaping the modern welfare state with her innovative policies. Despite her significant contributions, Frances Perkins remains largely unremembered by the public, overshadowed by male contemporaries who wrote history from their perspective. The Frances Perkins Center has been instrumental in revitalizing her legacy, advocating for her recognition as a moral icon and ensuring her contributions are not forgotten. Individual and collective action were both essential to Perkins' approach, demonstrating that real change requires collaboration and community involvement. The historical narrative often neglects female figures like Perkins; it's crucial to highlight women’s roles in shaping policy and social reform throughout history. Frances Perkins' legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing women in leadership roles and their impact on society, particularly in times of crisis. ... Additional Resources: Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News Social Security History Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,and the Minimum Wage by Kirstin Downey Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, was a powerhouse in American politics, yet her legacy often flies under the radar.

In this bonus discussion, we get into why Perkins isn't as well-remembered as she should be, despite her monumental contributions like the Social Security Act and labor reforms.

We chat with historian Rebecca Brenner Graham, who sheds light on Perkins' complicated relationship with the media and her strategic choice to remain out of the spotlight, which ironically contributed to her historical obscurity. She also highlights how Perkins’ memoirs often downplayed her own influence, attributing her successes to President Roosevelt instead.

It’s a thought-provoking conversation about how historical narratives are shaped, often by the male-dominated journalism of the time, leading to Perkins becoming a mere trivia answer rather than the icon she truly is, and we ponder how modern movements can learn from her story.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Frances Perkins, the first woman in the U.S. Cabinet, played a pivotal role in the New Deal legislation, shaping the modern welfare state with her innovative policies.
  • Despite her significant contributions, Frances Perkins remains largely unremembered by the public, overshadowed by male contemporaries who wrote history from their perspective.
  • The Frances Perkins Center has been instrumental in revitalizing her legacy, advocating for her recognition as a moral icon and ensuring her contributions are not forgotten.
  • Individual and collective action were both essential to Perkins' approach, demonstrating that real change requires collaboration and community involvement.
  • The historical narrative often neglects female figures like Perkins; it's crucial to highlight women’s roles in shaping policy and social reform throughout history.
  • Frances Perkins' legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing women in leadership roles and their impact on society, particularly in times of crisis.

...

Additional Resources:

Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham

Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor

How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News

Social Security History

Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon

Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin

The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,and the Minimum Wage by Kirstin Downey

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 698 no IN THE MAKING: Why We Must Protect Universities from Government Interference https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-why-we-must-protect-universities-from-government-interference In this special solo episode, I explore the challenges facing universities in the United States, particularly as they navigate the intersection of politics and education, addressing a significant legal settlement involving Columbia University and Donald Trump, which has broader implications for how educational institutions are perceived and treated by political powers. Universities must maintain freedom and autonomy to fulfill their roles as centers of learning and critical inquiry. When government entities begin to dictate what can be taught and discussed, it fundamentally undermines the purpose of higher education. It is critically important to protect academic freedom, and institutions ability to operate independently from political pressures. Recent political and economic factors have meant that universities are being seen as financial burdens, but they are essential contributors to societal growth and innovation. So I urge you all to support the preservation of academic integrity and resist the encroachments of political influence in the classroom. Let's advocate for a future where universities can continue to thrive as bastions of knowledge and independent thought. ... Note: all the opinions in this episode belong entirely to producer and host Liam Heffernan, and are in no way affiliated with, or endorsed by, any institution, company or individual. ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Why We Must Protect Universities from Government Interference full 97 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special solo episode, I explore the challenges facing universities in the United States, particularly as they navigate the intersection of politics and education, addressing a significant legal settlement involving Columbia University and Donald Trump, which has broader implications for how educational institutions are perceived and treated by political powers. Universities must maintain freedom and autonomy to fulfill their roles as centers of learning and critical inquiry. When government entities begin to dictate what can be taught and discussed, it fundamentally undermines the purpose of higher education. It is critically important to protect academic freedom, and institutions ability to operate independently from political pressures. Recent political and economic factors have meant that universities are being seen as financial burdens, but they are essential contributors to societal growth and innovation. So I urge you all to support the preservation of academic integrity and resist the encroachments of political influence in the classroom. Let's advocate for a future where universities can continue to thrive as bastions of knowledge and independent thought. ... Note: all the opinions in this episode belong entirely to producer and host Liam Heffernan, and are in no way affiliated with, or endorsed by, any institution, company or individual. ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special solo episode, I explore the challenges facing universities in the United States, particularly as they navigate the intersection of politics and education, addressing a significant legal settlement involving Columbia University and Donald Trump, which has broader implications for how educational institutions are perceived and treated by political powers.

Universities must maintain freedom and autonomy to fulfill their roles as centers of learning and critical inquiry. When government entities begin to dictate what can be taught and discussed, it fundamentally undermines the purpose of higher education. It is critically important to protect academic freedom, and institutions ability to operate independently from political pressures.

Recent political and economic factors have meant that universities are being seen as financial burdens, but they are essential contributors to societal growth and innovation.

So I urge you all to support the preservation of academic integrity and resist the encroachments of political influence in the classroom. Let's advocate for a future where universities can continue to thrive as bastions of knowledge and independent thought.

...

Note: all the opinions in this episode belong entirely to producer and host Liam Heffernan, and are in no way affiliated with, or endorsed by, any institution, company or individual.

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 800 no What is the Chinese Exclusion Act? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-chinese-exclusion-act The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity. This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal in 1943. he discussion highlights the socioeconomic conditions leading to the Act's introduction, emphasizing the growing anti-Chinese sentiment among American workers who perceived Chinese immigrants as a threat to their jobs and wages, and features insights from Professor Marco Tabellini, an expert on the economic ramifications of the Act, who explains how the exclusion of Chinese laborers disrupted local economies, particularly in the western United States, where they constituted a significant portion of the workforce. The conversation navigates through the complexities of cultural opposition and economic fears that fueled the Act, examining how these sentiments resonated with the broader narrative of immigration policy in the U.S. ... Special guest for this episode: Marco Tabellini, an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and a co-author of The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S. ... Highlights from this episode: Historical Significance: The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act marked America's first immigration ban based solely on race or ethnicity, setting a precedent for future restrictive immigration policies including the 1920s quota systems Economic Devastation: The act created a massive negative supply shock in Western states where Chinese workers comprised up to 20% of the labor force, leading to business closures, slower economic growth, and reduced manufacturing development Enforcement Mechanics: Chinese immigrants primarily entered through San Francisco, making enforcement relatively straightforward, though the act didn't require deportations—instead creating conditions that encouraged voluntary departure Social Impact: The legislation legitimized discrimination and violence against Chinese communities, including lynchings and legal restrictions on property ownership and citizenship Long-term Consequences: Economic effects persisted for 60 years, slowing urbanization, manufacturing growth, and the transition from agricultural to industrial economy in affected regions Modern Parallels: The episode draws connections between 19th-century anti-Chinese sentiment and contemporary immigration debates, exploring recurring themes of economic competition and cultural anxiety ... Additional Resources: The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on  the Economic Development of the Western U.S. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What is the Chinese Exclusion Act? full 96 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity. This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal in 1943. he discussion highlights the socioeconomic conditions leading to the Act's introduction, emphasizing the growing anti-Chinese sentiment among American workers who perceived Chinese immigrants as a threat to their jobs and wages, and features insights from Professor Marco Tabellini, an expert on the economic ramifications of the Act, who explains how the exclusion of Chinese laborers disrupted local economies, particularly in the western United States, where they constituted a significant portion of the workforce. The conversation navigates through the complexities of cultural opposition and economic fears that fueled the Act, examining how these sentiments resonated with the broader narrative of immigration policy in the U.S. ... Special guest for this episode: Marco Tabellini, an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and a co-author of The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S. ... Highlights from this episode: Historical Significance: The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act marked America's first immigration ban based solely on race or ethnicity, setting a precedent for future restrictive immigration policies including the 1920s quota systems Economic Devastation: The act created a massive negative supply shock in Western states where Chinese workers comprised up to 20% of the labor force, leading to business closures, slower economic growth, and reduced manufacturing development Enforcement Mechanics: Chinese immigrants primarily entered through San Francisco, making enforcement relatively straightforward, though the act didn't require deportations—instead creating conditions that encouraged voluntary departure Social Impact: The legislation legitimized discrimination and violence against Chinese communities, including lynchings and legal restrictions on property ownership and citizenship Long-term Consequences: Economic effects persisted for 60 years, slowing urbanization, manufacturing growth, and the transition from agricultural to industrial economy in affected regions Modern Parallels: The episode draws connections between 19th-century anti-Chinese sentiment and contemporary immigration debates, exploring recurring themes of economic competition and cultural anxiety ... Additional Resources: The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on  the Economic Development of the Western U.S. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity.

This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal in 1943.

he discussion highlights the socioeconomic conditions leading to the Act's introduction, emphasizing the growing anti-Chinese sentiment among American workers who perceived Chinese immigrants as a threat to their jobs and wages, and features insights from Professor Marco Tabellini, an expert on the economic ramifications of the Act, who explains how the exclusion of Chinese laborers disrupted local economies, particularly in the western United States, where they constituted a significant portion of the workforce.

The conversation navigates through the complexities of cultural opposition and economic fears that fueled the Act, examining how these sentiments resonated with the broader narrative of immigration policy in the U.S.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Marco Tabellini, an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and a co-author of The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Historical Significance: The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act marked America's first immigration ban based solely on race or ethnicity, setting a precedent for future restrictive immigration policies including the 1920s quota systems
  • Economic Devastation: The act created a massive negative supply shock in Western states where Chinese workers comprised up to 20% of the labor force, leading to business closures, slower economic growth, and reduced manufacturing development
  • Enforcement Mechanics: Chinese immigrants primarily entered through San Francisco, making enforcement relatively straightforward, though the act didn't require deportations—instead creating conditions that encouraged voluntary departure
  • Social Impact: The legislation legitimized discrimination and violence against Chinese communities, including lynchings and legal restrictions on property ownership and citizenship
  • Long-term Consequences: Economic effects persisted for 60 years, slowing urbanization, manufacturing growth, and the transition from agricultural to industrial economy in affected regions
  • Modern Parallels: The episode draws connections between 19th-century anti-Chinese sentiment and contemporary immigration debates, exploring recurring themes of economic competition and cultural anxiety

...

Additional Resources:

The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on  the Economic Development of the Western U.S.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2009 no BONUS: What Really Keeps the White House Running? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-what-really-keeps-the-white-house-running In this special, unfiltered bonus episode, you get a little sneak peak behind the curtain of how America: A History is made, which is fitting as we're also going backstage at the White House to find out what actually keeps the Presidential home running. This episode shines a light on how each president, regardless of their party, has made improvements to this iconic building, leaving it in better shape than they found it. Our guest from the White House Historical Association shares some juicy tidbits about the day-to-day operations and the dedicated staff that keep everything running smoothly—because let’s be real, the White House isn’t just a nine-to-five gig! We even explore some quirky roles that you might not expect, like who’s responsible for the flowers and who keeps the lights on (spoiler: it’s not just the President!). So, whether you're a politics buff or just curious about what goes down in that grand ol’ house, we’ve got a delightful mix of history, humor, and insights waiting for you. Grab your earbuds and settle in for a fun chat about the heartbeat of American democracy! ... Special guest for this episode: Stewart McLaurin, the president of the White House Historical Association, and the author of three books including the 2021 anthology James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House. ... Highlights from this episode: The White House has evolved through multiple presidencies, each leaving it better than before. Despite political differences, there's a shared respect for preserving the White House's history. The daily operations of the White House are run by an impressive, dedicated staff that works 24/7. Many people are surprised by the small size of the White House compared to their expectations. The original design of the White House was meant to reflect American values without being too grand. If it weren't for James Madison's decision, the White House could have been built in Ohio instead of D.C.! ... Additional Resources: The White House Historical Association: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/ The White House 1600 Sessions: https://open.spotify.com/show/75CjkWPYFGXZvz2u9Xpeid?si=f527f98c7dad4c9a  James Hoban : Designer and Builder of the White House Hardcover by Stewart McLaurin The People’s House: A White House Experience: https://www.thepeopleshouse.org/ ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: What Really Keeps the White House Running? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special, unfiltered bonus episode, you get a little sneak peak behind the curtain of how America: A History is made, which is fitting as we're also going backstage at the White House to find out what actually keeps the Presidential home running. This episode shines a light on how each president, regardless of their party, has made improvements to this iconic building, leaving it in better shape than they found it. Our guest from the White House Historical Association shares some juicy tidbits about the day-to-day operations and the dedicated staff that keep everything running smoothly—because let’s be real, the White House isn’t just a nine-to-five gig! We even explore some quirky roles that you might not expect, like who’s responsible for the flowers and who keeps the lights on (spoiler: it’s not just the President!). So, whether you're a politics buff or just curious about what goes down in that grand ol’ house, we’ve got a delightful mix of history, humor, and insights waiting for you. Grab your earbuds and settle in for a fun chat about the heartbeat of American democracy! ... Special guest for this episode: Stewart McLaurin, the president of the White House Historical Association, and the author of three books including the 2021 anthology James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House. ... Highlights from this episode: The White House has evolved through multiple presidencies, each leaving it better than before. Despite political differences, there's a shared respect for preserving the White House's history. The daily operations of the White House are run by an impressive, dedicated staff that works 24/7. Many people are surprised by the small size of the White House compared to their expectations. The original design of the White House was meant to reflect American values without being too grand. If it weren't for James Madison's decision, the White House could have been built in Ohio instead of D.C.! ... Additional Resources: The White House Historical Association: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/ The White House 1600 Sessions: https://open.spotify.com/show/75CjkWPYFGXZvz2u9Xpeid?si=f527f98c7dad4c9a  James Hoban : Designer and Builder of the White House Hardcover by Stewart McLaurin The People’s House: A White House Experience: https://www.thepeopleshouse.org/ ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special, unfiltered bonus episode, you get a little sneak peak behind the curtain of how America: A History is made, which is fitting as we're also going backstage at the White House to find out what actually keeps the Presidential home running.

This episode shines a light on how each president, regardless of their party, has made improvements to this iconic building, leaving it in better shape than they found it.

Our guest from the White House Historical Association shares some juicy tidbits about the day-to-day operations and the dedicated staff that keep everything running smoothly—because let’s be real, the White House isn’t just a nine-to-five gig!

We even explore some quirky roles that you might not expect, like who’s responsible for the flowers and who keeps the lights on (spoiler: it’s not just the President!).

So, whether you're a politics buff or just curious about what goes down in that grand ol’ house, we’ve got a delightful mix of history, humor, and insights waiting for you. Grab your earbuds and settle in for a fun chat about the heartbeat of American democracy!

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Stewart McLaurin, the president of the White House Historical Association, and the author of three books including the 2021 anthology James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The White House has evolved through multiple presidencies, each leaving it better than before.
  • Despite political differences, there's a shared respect for preserving the White House's history.
  • The daily operations of the White House are run by an impressive, dedicated staff that works 24/7.
  • Many people are surprised by the small size of the White House compared to their expectations.
  • The original design of the White House was meant to reflect American values without being too grand.
  • If it weren't for James Madison's decision, the White House could have been built in Ohio instead of D.C.!

...

Additional Resources:

The White House Historical Association: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/

The White House 1600 Sessions: https://open.spotify.com/show/75CjkWPYFGXZvz2u9Xpeid?si=f527f98c7dad4c9a 

James Hoban : Designer and Builder of the White House Hardcover by Stewart McLaurin

The People’s House: A White House Experience: https://www.thepeopleshouse.org/

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 653 no IN THE MAKING: Can Elon Musk Disrupt the American Political Landscape? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-can-elon-musk-disrupt-the-american-political-landscape In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, we dive into the evolving political landscape in the United States, focusing on recent developments regarding Trump's shift in stance on military aid to Ukraine. We discuss how Trump's promise to provide weapons through NATO has sparked mixed reactions among his supporters, particularly from notable figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who openly criticizes his approach. And we explore the implications of Elon Musk's potential formation of a new political party, examining the challenges he might face in a system traditionally dominated by two major parties. Finally, we discuss how these changes could signal cracks in the MAGA base and what that might mean for future elections. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Can Elon Musk Disrupt the American Political Landscape? full 95 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, we dive into the evolving political landscape in the United States, focusing on recent developments regarding Trump's shift in stance on military aid to Ukraine. We discuss how Trump's promise to provide weapons through NATO has sparked mixed reactions among his supporters, particularly from notable figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who openly criticizes his approach. And we explore the implications of Elon Musk's potential formation of a new political party, examining the challenges he might face in a system traditionally dominated by two major parties. Finally, we discuss how these changes could signal cracks in the MAGA base and what that might mean for future elections. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, we dive into the evolving political landscape in the United States, focusing on recent developments regarding Trump's shift in stance on military aid to Ukraine.

We discuss how Trump's promise to provide weapons through NATO has sparked mixed reactions among his supporters, particularly from notable figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who openly criticizes his approach.

And we explore the implications of Elon Musk's potential formation of a new political party, examining the challenges he might face in a system traditionally dominated by two major parties. Finally, we discuss how these changes could signal cracks in the MAGA base and what that might mean for future elections.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2459 no Who is Frances Perkins? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-frances-perkins This week, we are shining a light on one of the most influential women in 20th century America. She was the first woman to serve in a cabinet position in the US government, and her efforts to support Jewish refugees during the holocaust has carved a unique legacy in human history. So in this episode I want to find out more about her life, her work and her legacy, as I ask… who is Frances Perkins? ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany. ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we uncover the life of Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in the US, and her groundbreaking achievements. We dive into how Perkins supported Jewish refugees during the Holocaust and made significant contributions to labor laws. The podcast explores Perkins' early life, her struggles for employment, and her eventual rise to prominence in American politics. There's a focus on the historical context of Perkins' work, shedding light on the socio-political climate of the time. Listeners learn about the legacy of Frances Perkins, particularly her role in shaping American labor policies during the Great Depression. The conversation highlights the challenges Perkins faced as a woman in a male-dominated political landscape and how she navigated those obstacles. ... Additional Resources: Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News Social Security History Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,and the Minimum Wage by Kirstin Downey Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Frances Perkins? full 94 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we are shining a light on one of the most influential women in 20th century America. She was the first woman to serve in a cabinet position in the US government, and her efforts to support Jewish refugees during the holocaust has carved a unique legacy in human history. So in this episode I want to find out more about her life, her work and her legacy, as I ask… who is Frances Perkins? ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany. ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we uncover the life of Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in the US, and her groundbreaking achievements. We dive into how Perkins supported Jewish refugees during the Holocaust and made significant contributions to labor laws. The podcast explores Perkins' early life, her struggles for employment, and her eventual rise to prominence in American politics. There's a focus on the historical context of Perkins' work, shedding light on the socio-political climate of the time. Listeners learn about the legacy of Frances Perkins, particularly her role in shaping American labor policies during the Great Depression. The conversation highlights the challenges Perkins faced as a woman in a male-dominated political landscape and how she navigated those obstacles. ... Additional Resources: Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News Social Security History Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,and the Minimum Wage by Kirstin Downey Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we are shining a light on one of the most influential women in 20th century America. She was the first woman to serve in a cabinet position in the US government, and her efforts to support Jewish refugees during the holocaust has carved a unique legacy in human history. So in this episode I want to find out more about her life, her work and her legacy, as I ask… who is Frances Perkins?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we uncover the life of Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in the US, and her groundbreaking achievements.
  • We dive into how Perkins supported Jewish refugees during the Holocaust and made significant contributions to labor laws.
  • The podcast explores Perkins' early life, her struggles for employment, and her eventual rise to prominence in American politics.
  • There's a focus on the historical context of Perkins' work, shedding light on the socio-political climate of the time.
  • Listeners learn about the legacy of Frances Perkins, particularly her role in shaping American labor policies during the Great Depression.
  • The conversation highlights the challenges Perkins faced as a woman in a male-dominated political landscape and how she navigated those obstacles.

...

Additional Resources:

Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham

Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor

How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News

Social Security History

Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon

Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin

The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,and the Minimum Wage by Kirstin Downey

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2454 no BONUS: Gems of Vegas - Where to Find Fun Beyond the Bright Lights https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-gems-of-vegas-where-to-find-fun-beyond-the-bright-lights Get ready for a whirlwind chat about Las Vegas, where we dive deeper into some hidden gems and local favorites that’ll make your next trip a blast! I’m hanging out with the fabulous Professor Michael Green from UNLV, who shares some of his top spots to explore beyond the glitzy Strip. We’re talking museums, quirky cafes, and even the nostalgia of Boulder City, where gambling is a no-go but the charm is off the charts! Plus, we dig into how Vegas folks feel about the influx of tourists like us—spoiler alert: they’ve got some opinions! So, if you’re itching to uncover the real Vegas and maybe snag a few insider tips, you’re in the right place. ... Highlights from this episode: In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the hidden gems of Las Vegas that aren't just the flashy casinos and bright lights. Professor Michael Green shares his favorite local spots in Vegas, including unique museums and parks that offer a different vibe than the Strip. We discuss how going off the beaten path in Vegas can lead to delightful surprises, like finding local cafes and small casinos with great deals. Las Vegas's economy is heavily influenced by tourism, and we reflect on how global events like COVID-19 have impacted the city. The conversation touches on the balance between maintaining local charm and catering to the tourist economy, revealing a complex relationship with visitors. Lastly, we explore the idea that despite its glamorous reputation, Las Vegas faces challenges that require innovation and adaptation to thrive. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 12 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Gems of Vegas - Where to Find Fun Beyond the Bright Lights bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Get ready for a whirlwind chat about Las Vegas, where we dive deeper into some hidden gems and local favorites that’ll make your next trip a blast! I’m hanging out with the fabulous Professor Michael Green from UNLV, who shares some of his top spots to explore beyond the glitzy Strip. We’re talking museums, quirky cafes, and even the nostalgia of Boulder City, where gambling is a no-go but the charm is off the charts! Plus, we dig into how Vegas folks feel about the influx of tourists like us—spoiler alert: they’ve got some opinions! So, if you’re itching to uncover the real Vegas and maybe snag a few insider tips, you’re in the right place. ... Highlights from this episode: In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the hidden gems of Las Vegas that aren't just the flashy casinos and bright lights. Professor Michael Green shares his favorite local spots in Vegas, including unique museums and parks that offer a different vibe than the Strip. We discuss how going off the beaten path in Vegas can lead to delightful surprises, like finding local cafes and small casinos with great deals. Las Vegas's economy is heavily influenced by tourism, and we reflect on how global events like COVID-19 have impacted the city. The conversation touches on the balance between maintaining local charm and catering to the tourist economy, revealing a complex relationship with visitors. Lastly, we explore the idea that despite its glamorous reputation, Las Vegas faces challenges that require innovation and adaptation to thrive. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get ready for a whirlwind chat about Las Vegas, where we dive deeper into some hidden gems and local favorites that’ll make your next trip a blast!

I’m hanging out with the fabulous Professor Michael Green from UNLV, who shares some of his top spots to explore beyond the glitzy Strip.

We’re talking museums, quirky cafes, and even the nostalgia of Boulder City, where gambling is a no-go but the charm is off the charts!

Plus, we dig into how Vegas folks feel about the influx of tourists like us—spoiler alert: they’ve got some opinions! So, if you’re itching to uncover the real Vegas and maybe snag a few insider tips, you’re in the right place.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the hidden gems of Las Vegas that aren't just the flashy casinos and bright lights.
  • Professor Michael Green shares his favorite local spots in Vegas, including unique museums and parks that offer a different vibe than the Strip.
  • We discuss how going off the beaten path in Vegas can lead to delightful surprises, like finding local cafes and small casinos with great deals.
  • Las Vegas's economy is heavily influenced by tourism, and we reflect on how global events like COVID-19 have impacted the city.
  • The conversation touches on the balance between maintaining local charm and catering to the tourist economy, revealing a complex relationship with visitors.
  • Lastly, we explore the idea that despite its glamorous reputation, Las Vegas faces challenges that require innovation and adaptation to thrive.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 767 no What is the White House? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-white-house We’re diving into one of the most iconic buildings in the world—yep, you guessed it, the White House! This week, we’re unpacking its rich history, from its construction over 200 years ago to its evolution as a symbol of American democracy and politics. I mean, billions are spent just to get a chance to live there, so what’s the real story behind this grand residence? To help us navigate this fascinating journey, we’ve got the President of the White House Historical Association, and he’s got the inside scoop on everything from the architectural genius behind its design to the lesser-known labor that went into building it, and trust me, it’s a wild ride! So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s get to the heart of what makes the White House not just a house, but a cornerstone of American history! ... Special guest for this episode: Stewart McLaurin, the president of the White House Historical Association, and the author of three books including the 2021 anthology James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House. ... Highlights from this episode: The White House, a symbol of American democracy, was first built in 1792, taking eight years to complete, with John Adams being the first resident. Construction of the White House involved both free laborers and enslaved people, highlighting complex historical narratives around its creation. The White House has undergone significant renovations over time, including major updates in 1902 and 1952, ensuring its preservation as a historical landmark. Stuart McLaurin emphasizes the White House's role as more than just a residence; it's a museum and a stage for American democracy. The layout of Washington D.C., including the White House, was largely designed by Pierre L'Enfant, reflecting a vision for a grand federal city. The White House Historical Association operates without government funding, allowing for independence in preserving the White House's history and integrity. ... Additional Resources: The White House Historical Association: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/ The White House 1600 Sessions: https://open.spotify.com/show/75CjkWPYFGXZvz2u9Xpeid?si=f527f98c7dad4c9a  James Hoban : Designer and Builder of the White House Hardcover by Stewart McLaurin The People’s House: A White House Experience: https://www.thepeopleshouse.org/ ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What is the White House? full 93 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast We’re diving into one of the most iconic buildings in the world—yep, you guessed it, the White House! This week, we’re unpacking its rich history, from its construction over 200 years ago to its evolution as a symbol of American democracy and politics. I mean, billions are spent just to get a chance to live there, so what’s the real story behind this grand residence? To help us navigate this fascinating journey, we’ve got the President of the White House Historical Association, and he’s got the inside scoop on everything from the architectural genius behind its design to the lesser-known labor that went into building it, and trust me, it’s a wild ride! So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s get to the heart of what makes the White House not just a house, but a cornerstone of American history! ... Special guest for this episode: Stewart McLaurin, the president of the White House Historical Association, and the author of three books including the 2021 anthology James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House. ... Highlights from this episode: The White House, a symbol of American democracy, was first built in 1792, taking eight years to complete, with John Adams being the first resident. Construction of the White House involved both free laborers and enslaved people, highlighting complex historical narratives around its creation. The White House has undergone significant renovations over time, including major updates in 1902 and 1952, ensuring its preservation as a historical landmark. Stuart McLaurin emphasizes the White House's role as more than just a residence; it's a museum and a stage for American democracy. The layout of Washington D.C., including the White House, was largely designed by Pierre L'Enfant, reflecting a vision for a grand federal city. The White House Historical Association operates without government funding, allowing for independence in preserving the White House's history and integrity. ... Additional Resources: The White House Historical Association: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/ The White House 1600 Sessions: https://open.spotify.com/show/75CjkWPYFGXZvz2u9Xpeid?si=f527f98c7dad4c9a  James Hoban : Designer and Builder of the White House Hardcover by Stewart McLaurin The People’s House: A White House Experience: https://www.thepeopleshouse.org/ ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We’re diving into one of the most iconic buildings in the world—yep, you guessed it, the White House!

This week, we’re unpacking its rich history, from its construction over 200 years ago to its evolution as a symbol of American democracy and politics. I mean, billions are spent just to get a chance to live there, so what’s the real story behind this grand residence?

To help us navigate this fascinating journey, we’ve got the President of the White House Historical Association, and he’s got the inside scoop on everything from the architectural genius behind its design to the lesser-known labor that went into building it, and trust me, it’s a wild ride! So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s get to the heart of what makes the White House not just a house, but a cornerstone of American history!

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Stewart McLaurin, the president of the White House Historical Association, and the author of three books including the 2021 anthology James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The White House, a symbol of American democracy, was first built in 1792, taking eight years to complete, with John Adams being the first resident.
  • Construction of the White House involved both free laborers and enslaved people, highlighting complex historical narratives around its creation.
  • The White House has undergone significant renovations over time, including major updates in 1902 and 1952, ensuring its preservation as a historical landmark.
  • Stuart McLaurin emphasizes the White House's role as more than just a residence; it's a museum and a stage for American democracy.
  • The layout of Washington D.C., including the White House, was largely designed by Pierre L'Enfant, reflecting a vision for a grand federal city.
  • The White House Historical Association operates without government funding, allowing for independence in preserving the White House's history and integrity.

...

Additional Resources:

The White House Historical Association: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/

The White House 1600 Sessions: https://open.spotify.com/show/75CjkWPYFGXZvz2u9Xpeid?si=f527f98c7dad4c9a 

James Hoban : Designer and Builder of the White House Hardcover by Stewart McLaurin


The People’s House: A White House Experience: https://www.thepeopleshouse.org/

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2257 no Who Put the Fabulous in Las Vegas? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-put-the-fabulous-in-las-vegas Ever wondered how a tiny railroad stopover in the Nevada desert became the glittering entertainment capital we know today? This week we're diving deep into the wild history of Las Vegas as it celebrates its 120th birthday! From humble beginnings serving railroad workers to becoming the ultimate destination for gambling, shows, and quick weddings, Vegas has quite the story to tell. We're exploring how the mob helped build the Strip, why the 1930s legalization of gambling changed everything, and how Mormon settlers played a surprising role in the city's early days. Joining us is Michael Green, a professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and author of Nevada: A History of the Silver State. He's got some fascinating insights about how this desert oasis transformed from a simple stopover into Sin City itself. We'll cover the cultural influences that shaped Vegas, the tourism boom that made it famous, and even touch on the modern challenges facing the city as it continues to grow. Plus, we'll visit some iconic spots like the Neon Museum and talk about legendary venues like the Flamingo. Whether you're a Vegas regular or just curious about American history, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your chips and let's explore how Las Vegas became the most fabulous city in the world! ... Highlights from this episode: Las Vegas started as a humble stopover for railroad workers and evolved into a vibrant entertainment hub. The history of Las Vegas is rich with cultural influences, including its early Mormon settlers and the impact of the railroad. The legalization of gambling and marriage in the early 1930s sparked a tourism boom that shaped modern Las Vegas. Las Vegas has transitioned from a gambling-centric city to a diverse destination for food, entertainment, and sports. The mob played a crucial role in developing the Strip, leading to today's lavish hotel-casinos we see now. As Vegas continues to grow, its infrastructure and water supply face challenges that could impact future development. ... Additional Resources: Nevada: A History of the Silver State by Michael Green Las Vegas:  A Centennial History by Eugene P. Moehring and Michael Green ... Mentioned in this episode: University of Nevada, Las Vegas Neon Museum Mob Museum Atomic Testing Museum Golden Gate Hotel Nevada Flamingo MGM Resorts Steve Wynn Caesars Palace Sheldon Adelson Circus Circus Excalibur Luxor Mandalay Bay ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Who Put the Fabulous in Las Vegas? full 92 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Ever wondered how a tiny railroad stopover in the Nevada desert became the glittering entertainment capital we know today? This week we're diving deep into the wild history of Las Vegas as it celebrates its 120th birthday! From humble beginnings serving railroad workers to becoming the ultimate destination for gambling, shows, and quick weddings, Vegas has quite the story to tell. We're exploring how the mob helped build the Strip, why the 1930s legalization of gambling changed everything, and how Mormon settlers played a surprising role in the city's early days. Joining us is Michael Green, a professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and author of Nevada: A History of the Silver State. He's got some fascinating insights about how this desert oasis transformed from a simple stopover into Sin City itself. We'll cover the cultural influences that shaped Vegas, the tourism boom that made it famous, and even touch on the modern challenges facing the city as it continues to grow. Plus, we'll visit some iconic spots like the Neon Museum and talk about legendary venues like the Flamingo. Whether you're a Vegas regular or just curious about American history, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your chips and let's explore how Las Vegas became the most fabulous city in the world! ... Highlights from this episode: Las Vegas started as a humble stopover for railroad workers and evolved into a vibrant entertainment hub. The history of Las Vegas is rich with cultural influences, including its early Mormon settlers and the impact of the railroad. The legalization of gambling and marriage in the early 1930s sparked a tourism boom that shaped modern Las Vegas. Las Vegas has transitioned from a gambling-centric city to a diverse destination for food, entertainment, and sports. The mob played a crucial role in developing the Strip, leading to today's lavish hotel-casinos we see now. As Vegas continues to grow, its infrastructure and water supply face challenges that could impact future development. ... Additional Resources: Nevada: A History of the Silver State by Michael Green Las Vegas:  A Centennial History by Eugene P. Moehring and Michael Green ... Mentioned in this episode: University of Nevada, Las Vegas Neon Museum Mob Museum Atomic Testing Museum Golden Gate Hotel Nevada Flamingo MGM Resorts Steve Wynn Caesars Palace Sheldon Adelson Circus Circus Excalibur Luxor Mandalay Bay ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ever wondered how a tiny railroad stopover in the Nevada desert became the glittering entertainment capital we know today? This week we're diving deep into the wild history of Las Vegas as it celebrates its 120th birthday!

From humble beginnings serving railroad workers to becoming the ultimate destination for gambling, shows, and quick weddings, Vegas has quite the story to tell. We're exploring how the mob helped build the Strip, why the 1930s legalization of gambling changed everything, and how Mormon settlers played a surprising role in the city's early days.

Joining us is Michael Green, a professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and author of Nevada: A History of the Silver State. He's got some fascinating insights about how this desert oasis transformed from a simple stopover into Sin City itself.

We'll cover the cultural influences that shaped Vegas, the tourism boom that made it famous, and even touch on the modern challenges facing the city as it continues to grow. Plus, we'll visit some iconic spots like the Neon Museum and talk about legendary venues like the Flamingo.

Whether you're a Vegas regular or just curious about American history, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your chips and let's explore how Las Vegas became the most fabulous city in the world!

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Las Vegas started as a humble stopover for railroad workers and evolved into a vibrant entertainment hub.
  • The history of Las Vegas is rich with cultural influences, including its early Mormon settlers and the impact of the railroad.
  • The legalization of gambling and marriage in the early 1930s sparked a tourism boom that shaped modern Las Vegas.
  • Las Vegas has transitioned from a gambling-centric city to a diverse destination for food, entertainment, and sports.
  • The mob played a crucial role in developing the Strip, leading to today's lavish hotel-casinos we see now.
  • As Vegas continues to grow, its infrastructure and water supply face challenges that could impact future development.

...

Additional Resources:

Nevada: A History of the Silver State by Michael Green

Las Vegas:  A Centennial History by Eugene P. Moehring and Michael Green

...

Mentioned in this episode:


...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2696 no BONUS: What Would You Look Like as a Drag Queen? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-what-would-you-look-like-as-a-drag-queen In this special bonus episode, the co-creators of Ru Paul's Drag Race challenged me to dress up in drag for this episode's artwork. I forgot, naturally, but I used a free AI tool. What do you think? Turn yourself into a drag queen using this link - https://photostylelab.com/photo-styles/drag-queen/ - and email the results to hello@podcastsbyliam.com We also discussed their all-time favourite moments from the show, and their own experiences trying out drag. ... Special guests for this episode: Randy Barbato & Fenton Bailey, the Emmy-winning co-creators of World of Wonder, the media company behind the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise and streaming service WOW Presents Plus. They have been honored for their trailblazing work with the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen’s Global 100 list, Variety’s Reality Leaders List, and Variety’s Reality TV Impact Report, as well as the OUT 100, to name just a few of their accolades. ... Highlights from this episode: The impact of RuPaul's Drag Race on American culture is profound and far-reaching, influencing both entertainment and societal norms. The show has introduced audiences to a diverse array of drag artists, creating a platform that celebrates self-expression and creativity. Favorite moments from Drag Race seasons often highlight the emotional and dramatic stories of contestants, showcasing their journeys beyond the runway. The transformation episodes of Drag Race are particularly special, revealing how even the most macho participants can embrace their playful sides. Fenton and Randy shared hilarious anecdotes about their own attempts at drag, proving that anyone can have a laugh while experimenting with identity. Artistic interpretations, like placing historical figures in drag, spark conversations about gender and representation in a fun and engaging way. ... Additional Resources: Sign in - WOW Presents Plus RuPaul’s Drag Race: our research shows how it helps destigmatise the LGBTQ+ community ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' Creative Duo Set for Sheffield DocFest as "Queer Stories Face Growing Resistance" Drag Race queens who shared health struggles and stars whose deaths rocked the community | Metro News rupublicans • Instagram photos and videos ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 28 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: What Would You Look Like as a Drag Queen? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus episode, the co-creators of Ru Paul's Drag Race challenged me to dress up in drag for this episode's artwork. I forgot, naturally, but I used a free AI tool. What do you think? Turn yourself into a drag queen using this link - https://photostylelab.com/photo-styles/drag-queen/ - and email the results to hello@podcastsbyliam.com We also discussed their all-time favourite moments from the show, and their own experiences trying out drag. ... Special guests for this episode: Randy Barbato & Fenton Bailey, the Emmy-winning co-creators of World of Wonder, the media company behind the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise and streaming service WOW Presents Plus. They have been honored for their trailblazing work with the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen’s Global 100 list, Variety’s Reality Leaders List, and Variety’s Reality TV Impact Report, as well as the OUT 100, to name just a few of their accolades. ... Highlights from this episode: The impact of RuPaul's Drag Race on American culture is profound and far-reaching, influencing both entertainment and societal norms. The show has introduced audiences to a diverse array of drag artists, creating a platform that celebrates self-expression and creativity. Favorite moments from Drag Race seasons often highlight the emotional and dramatic stories of contestants, showcasing their journeys beyond the runway. The transformation episodes of Drag Race are particularly special, revealing how even the most macho participants can embrace their playful sides. Fenton and Randy shared hilarious anecdotes about their own attempts at drag, proving that anyone can have a laugh while experimenting with identity. Artistic interpretations, like placing historical figures in drag, spark conversations about gender and representation in a fun and engaging way. ... Additional Resources: Sign in - WOW Presents Plus RuPaul’s Drag Race: our research shows how it helps destigmatise the LGBTQ+ community ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' Creative Duo Set for Sheffield DocFest as "Queer Stories Face Growing Resistance" Drag Race queens who shared health struggles and stars whose deaths rocked the community | Metro News rupublicans • Instagram photos and videos ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus episode, the co-creators of Ru Paul's Drag Race challenged me to dress up in drag for this episode's artwork. I forgot, naturally, but I used a free AI tool. What do you think?

Turn yourself into a drag queen using this link - https://photostylelab.com/photo-styles/drag-queen/ - and email the results to hello@podcastsbyliam.com

We also discussed their all-time favourite moments from the show, and their own experiences trying out drag.

...

Special guests for this episode:

  • Randy Barbato & Fenton Bailey, the Emmy-winning co-creators of World of Wonder, the media company behind the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise and streaming service WOW Presents Plus. They have been honored for their trailblazing work with the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen’s Global 100 list, Variety’s Reality Leaders List, and Variety’s Reality TV Impact Report, as well as the OUT 100, to name just a few of their accolades.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The impact of RuPaul's Drag Race on American culture is profound and far-reaching, influencing both entertainment and societal norms.
  • The show has introduced audiences to a diverse array of drag artists, creating a platform that celebrates self-expression and creativity.
  • Favorite moments from Drag Race seasons often highlight the emotional and dramatic stories of contestants, showcasing their journeys beyond the runway.
  • The transformation episodes of Drag Race are particularly special, revealing how even the most macho participants can embrace their playful sides.
  • Fenton and Randy shared hilarious anecdotes about their own attempts at drag, proving that anyone can have a laugh while experimenting with identity.
  • Artistic interpretations, like placing historical figures in drag, spark conversations about gender and representation in a fun and engaging way.

...

Additional Resources:

Sign in - WOW Presents Plus

RuPaul’s Drag Race: our research shows how it helps destigmatise the LGBTQ+ community

‘RuPaul's Drag Race' Creative Duo Set for Sheffield DocFest as "Queer Stories Face Growing Resistance"

Drag Race queens who shared health struggles and stars whose deaths rocked the community | Metro News

rupublicans • Instagram photos and videos

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 514 no IN THE MAKING: They Don't Know What the F*ck They're Doing https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-they-dont-know-what-the-fck-theyre-doing In our latest review of US news and headlines, we discuss Trump's high stakes gamble in the Middle East... and it seemingly paying off. But was this luck or judgment? Plus, we also take a look at the recent New York Mayoral primary, where up-and-comer democrat Zohran Mamdani beat former a state governor to the nomination. What does this tell us about the democrats and the fractures within the party? ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of American politics, especially how Trump's unpredictable style has led to significant shifts in both domestic and foreign policies. Listeners will learn about the ongoing U.S. involvement in conflicts like those between Israel and Iran, and how this situation demands careful examination and nuanced conversation. We discuss the fractures within the Democratic Party, highlighting the tension between moderate and progressive factions, and how that shapes their future strategies. Our hosts share their thoughts on the impact of Trump's presidency and how it has forever changed the landscape of American politics, leaving a lasting imprint for generations to come. The episode emphasizes the necessity for Democrats to define their identity moving forward, especially as the political landscape shifts with new leaders emerging. We wrap up with a light-hearted reminder that the world of politics is ever-evolving, and there's always more to chat about, so stay tuned for our next episode. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: They Don't Know What the F*ck They're Doing full 91 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In our latest review of US news and headlines, we discuss Trump's high stakes gamble in the Middle East... and it seemingly paying off. But was this luck or judgment? Plus, we also take a look at the recent New York Mayoral primary, where up-and-comer democrat Zohran Mamdani beat former a state governor to the nomination. What does this tell us about the democrats and the fractures within the party? ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of American politics, especially how Trump's unpredictable style has led to significant shifts in both domestic and foreign policies. Listeners will learn about the ongoing U.S. involvement in conflicts like those between Israel and Iran, and how this situation demands careful examination and nuanced conversation. We discuss the fractures within the Democratic Party, highlighting the tension between moderate and progressive factions, and how that shapes their future strategies. Our hosts share their thoughts on the impact of Trump's presidency and how it has forever changed the landscape of American politics, leaving a lasting imprint for generations to come. The episode emphasizes the necessity for Democrats to define their identity moving forward, especially as the political landscape shifts with new leaders emerging. We wrap up with a light-hearted reminder that the world of politics is ever-evolving, and there's always more to chat about, so stay tuned for our next episode. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In our latest review of US news and headlines, we discuss Trump's high stakes gamble in the Middle East... and it seemingly paying off. But was this luck or judgment?

Plus, we also take a look at the recent New York Mayoral primary, where up-and-comer democrat Zohran Mamdani beat former a state governor to the nomination. What does this tell us about the democrats and the fractures within the party?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of American politics, especially how Trump's unpredictable style has led to significant shifts in both domestic and foreign policies.
  • Listeners will learn about the ongoing U.S. involvement in conflicts like those between Israel and Iran, and how this situation demands careful examination and nuanced conversation.
  • We discuss the fractures within the Democratic Party, highlighting the tension between moderate and progressive factions, and how that shapes their future strategies.
  • Our hosts share their thoughts on the impact of Trump's presidency and how it has forever changed the landscape of American politics, leaving a lasting imprint for generations to come.
  • The episode emphasizes the necessity for Democrats to define their identity moving forward, especially as the political landscape shifts with new leaders emerging.
  • We wrap up with a light-hearted reminder that the world of politics is ever-evolving, and there's always more to chat about, so stay tuned for our next episode.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2409 no How Has Ru Paul's Drag Race Changed America? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-has-ru-pauls-drag-race-changed-america-fenton-bailey-randy-barbato-wow-world-of-wonder-lgbtq- In this episode we're diving into the fabulous world of RuPaul's Drag Race, a show that’s not just a reality competition but has become a cultural phenomenon over nearly two decades. With a flair for drama that could outshine a Broadway production, this series has launched 26 international versions and catapulted numerous queens into superstardom. But it's not all glitter and glam; we’re unpacking why this show sparks heated debates among fans and critics alike. Join me as we chat with Drag Race's Emmy-winning co-creators, Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, about the show's groundbreaking impact on drag culture and its role in reshaping conversations around identity in America. ... Special guest for this episode: Randy Barbato & Fenton Bailey, the Emmy-winning co-creators of World of Wonder, the media company behind the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise and streaming service WOW Presents Plus. They have been honored for their trailblazing work with the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen’s Global 100 list, Variety’s Reality Leaders List, and Variety’s Reality TV Impact Report, as well as the OUT 100, to name just a few of their accolades. ... Highlights from this episode: This podcast celebrates the incredible cultural impact of RuPaul's Drag Race, which has influenced global television for nearly two decades. The show has launched numerous drag queens into stardom while also pushing boundaries on gender identity and acceptance in mainstream media. With its unique blend of humor and competition, Drag Race has become a parody of reality TV, challenging traditional norms while celebrating community. The creators discuss how Drag Race has evolved alongside social media, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in a way that's both entertaining and empowering. ... Additional Resources: Sign in - WOW Presents Plus RuPaul’s Drag Race: our research shows how it helps destigmatise the LGBTQ+ community ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' Creative Duo Set for Sheffield DocFest as "Queer Stories Face Growing Resistance" Drag Race queens who shared health struggles and stars whose deaths rocked the community | Metro News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0000 How Has Ru Paul's Drag Race Changed America? full 90 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this episode we're diving into the fabulous world of RuPaul's Drag Race, a show that’s not just a reality competition but has become a cultural phenomenon over nearly two decades. With a flair for drama that could outshine a Broadway production, this series has launched 26 international versions and catapulted numerous queens into superstardom. But it's not all glitter and glam; we’re unpacking why this show sparks heated debates among fans and critics alike. Join me as we chat with Drag Race's Emmy-winning co-creators, Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, about the show's groundbreaking impact on drag culture and its role in reshaping conversations around identity in America. ... Special guest for this episode: Randy Barbato & Fenton Bailey, the Emmy-winning co-creators of World of Wonder, the media company behind the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise and streaming service WOW Presents Plus. They have been honored for their trailblazing work with the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen’s Global 100 list, Variety’s Reality Leaders List, and Variety’s Reality TV Impact Report, as well as the OUT 100, to name just a few of their accolades. ... Highlights from this episode: This podcast celebrates the incredible cultural impact of RuPaul's Drag Race, which has influenced global television for nearly two decades. The show has launched numerous drag queens into stardom while also pushing boundaries on gender identity and acceptance in mainstream media. With its unique blend of humor and competition, Drag Race has become a parody of reality TV, challenging traditional norms while celebrating community. The creators discuss how Drag Race has evolved alongside social media, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in a way that's both entertaining and empowering. ... Additional Resources: Sign in - WOW Presents Plus RuPaul’s Drag Race: our research shows how it helps destigmatise the LGBTQ+ community ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' Creative Duo Set for Sheffield DocFest as "Queer Stories Face Growing Resistance" Drag Race queens who shared health struggles and stars whose deaths rocked the community | Metro News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode we're diving into the fabulous world of RuPaul's Drag Race, a show that’s not just a reality competition but has become a cultural phenomenon over nearly two decades.

With a flair for drama that could outshine a Broadway production, this series has launched 26 international versions and catapulted numerous queens into superstardom. But it's not all glitter and glam; we’re unpacking why this show sparks heated debates among fans and critics alike.

Join me as we chat with Drag Race's Emmy-winning co-creators, Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, about the show's groundbreaking impact on drag culture and its role in reshaping conversations around identity in America.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Randy Barbato & Fenton Bailey, the Emmy-winning co-creators of World of Wonder, the media company behind the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise and streaming service WOW Presents Plus. They have been honored for their trailblazing work with the IDA Pioneer Award, Realscreen’s Global 100 list, Variety’s Reality Leaders List, and Variety’s Reality TV Impact Report, as well as the OUT 100, to name just a few of their accolades.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • This podcast celebrates the incredible cultural impact of RuPaul's Drag Race, which has influenced global television for nearly two decades.
  • The show has launched numerous drag queens into stardom while also pushing boundaries on gender identity and acceptance in mainstream media.
  • With its unique blend of humor and competition, Drag Race has become a parody of reality TV, challenging traditional norms while celebrating community.
  • The creators discuss how Drag Race has evolved alongside social media, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in a way that's both entertaining and empowering.

...

Additional Resources:

Sign in - WOW Presents Plus

RuPaul’s Drag Race: our research shows how it helps destigmatise the LGBTQ+ community

‘RuPaul's Drag Race' Creative Duo Set for Sheffield DocFest as "Queer Stories Face Growing Resistance"

Drag Race queens who shared health struggles and stars whose deaths rocked the community | Metro News

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2759 no REPLAY: Why is Abortion So Controversial in America? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/replay-why-is-abortion-so-controversial-in-america As Pope Leo XIV reaffirms the church's position against abortion, we wanted to reshare this conversation, where Rev. Caleb Lines, a leader in the Christian community, explains why abortion is not a fundamentally religious issue, but a political one, and is, if anything, antithetical to the teachings of the Bible. It's a fascinating listen, so check it out and leave a comment, follow, and rate this podcast wherever you're listening. . This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues in the United States, but why? I’m joined by the brilliant Rebecca Fraser, a historian with a keen focus on gender and race, and the insightful Reverend Caleb Lines, who’s made waves on social media for his candid takes on such hot-button topics. Together, we’ll explore the historical context of abortion, the tangled relationship between politics and religion, and how these factors shape current debates. ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America. Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show. ... Highlights from this episode: The recent political climate has intensified concerns about reproductive rights in America, especially after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Understanding the historical context of abortion reveals that it's been a contentious issue influenced by various social and political factors over the decades. The podcast dives into how different interpretations of Christianity shape attitudes towards abortion, highlighting the clash between progressive and fundamentalist views. Economic factors play a crucial role in the abortion debate, as many women seeking abortions do so due to financial constraints and lack of support for raising children. The episode emphasizes that pro-choice advocates are not pro-abortion; they advocate for women's right to choose based on individual circumstances and needs. The conversation touches on the intersection of patriarchy and reproductive rights, questioning whether abortion would be as controversial if it primarily affected men. ... Additional Resources: READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News READ: Caleb Lines Website WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections  LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 May 2025 02:00:00 -0000 REPLAY: Why is Abortion So Controversial in America? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast As Pope Leo XIV reaffirms the church's position against abortion, we wanted to reshare this conversation, where Rev. Caleb Lines, a leader in the Christian community, explains why abortion is not a fundamentally religious issue, but a political one, and is, if anything, antithetical to the teachings of the Bible. It's a fascinating listen, so check it out and leave a comment, follow, and rate this podcast wherever you're listening. . This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues in the United States, but why? I’m joined by the brilliant Rebecca Fraser, a historian with a keen focus on gender and race, and the insightful Reverend Caleb Lines, who’s made waves on social media for his candid takes on such hot-button topics. Together, we’ll explore the historical context of abortion, the tangled relationship between politics and religion, and how these factors shape current debates. ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America. Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show. ... Highlights from this episode: The recent political climate has intensified concerns about reproductive rights in America, especially after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Understanding the historical context of abortion reveals that it's been a contentious issue influenced by various social and political factors over the decades. The podcast dives into how different interpretations of Christianity shape attitudes towards abortion, highlighting the clash between progressive and fundamentalist views. Economic factors play a crucial role in the abortion debate, as many women seeking abortions do so due to financial constraints and lack of support for raising children. The episode emphasizes that pro-choice advocates are not pro-abortion; they advocate for women's right to choose based on individual circumstances and needs. The conversation touches on the intersection of patriarchy and reproductive rights, questioning whether abortion would be as controversial if it primarily affected men. ... Additional Resources: READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News READ: Caleb Lines Website WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections  LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As Pope Leo XIV reaffirms the church's position against abortion, we wanted to reshare this conversation, where Rev. Caleb Lines, a leader in the Christian community, explains why abortion is not a fundamentally religious issue, but a political one, and is, if anything, antithetical to the teachings of the Bible.

It's a fascinating listen, so check it out and leave a comment, follow, and rate this podcast wherever you're listening.

.

This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues in the United States, but why?

I’m joined by the brilliant Rebecca Fraser, a historian with a keen focus on gender and race, and the insightful Reverend Caleb Lines, who’s made waves on social media for his candid takes on such hot-button topics. Together, we’ll explore the historical context of abortion, the tangled relationship between politics and religion, and how these factors shape current debates.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America.
  • Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The recent political climate has intensified concerns about reproductive rights in America, especially after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
  • Understanding the historical context of abortion reveals that it's been a contentious issue influenced by various social and political factors over the decades.
  • The podcast dives into how different interpretations of Christianity shape attitudes towards abortion, highlighting the clash between progressive and fundamentalist views.
  • Economic factors play a crucial role in the abortion debate, as many women seeking abortions do so due to financial constraints and lack of support for raising children.
  • The episode emphasizes that pro-choice advocates are not pro-abortion; they advocate for women's right to choose based on individual circumstances and needs.
  • The conversation touches on the intersection of patriarchy and reproductive rights, questioning whether abortion would be as controversial if it primarily affected men.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News

READ: Caleb Lines Website

WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok

READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections 

LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show

READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3546 no REPLAY: How Did the 50 States Become the 50 States https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/replay-how-did-the-50-states-become-the-50-states In this episode, with Trump's threats about Canada, Greenland, Panama, Gaza and others becoming US-owned territories and states, one of our earliest conversations on the podcast is now more important than ever. . Over the past 250 years, the United States of America have grown from 13 founding colonies to 50 states and multiple territories, but what does it take to become a state? Why is expansionism so important? And what about Native Americans? In this episode, we explore how colonialism created a blueprint for modern America as we answer the question... how did the 50 states become the 50 states? We're joined on this episode by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation. . Additional Resources: BOOK: The Invasion of America by Francis Jennings PAMPHLET: Common Sense by Thomas Paine . If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 May 2025 02:00:00 -0000 REPLAY: How Did the 50 States Become the 50 States bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this episode, with Trump's threats about Canada, Greenland, Panama, Gaza and others becoming US-owned territories and states, one of our earliest conversations on the podcast is now more important than ever. . Over the past 250 years, the United States of America have grown from 13 founding colonies to 50 states and multiple territories, but what does it take to become a state? Why is expansionism so important? And what about Native Americans? In this episode, we explore how colonialism created a blueprint for modern America as we answer the question... how did the 50 states become the 50 states? We're joined on this episode by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation. . Additional Resources: BOOK: The Invasion of America by Francis Jennings PAMPHLET: Common Sense by Thomas Paine . If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode, with Trump's threats about Canada, Greenland, Panama, Gaza and others becoming US-owned territories and states, one of our earliest conversations on the podcast is now more important than ever.

.

Over the past 250 years, the United States of America have grown from 13 founding colonies to 50 states and multiple territories, but what does it take to become a state?

Why is expansionism so important?

And what about Native Americans?

In this episode, we explore how colonialism created a blueprint for modern America as we answer the question... how did the 50 states become the 50 states?

We're joined on this episode by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation.

.

Additional Resources:

BOOK: The Invasion of America by Francis Jennings

PAMPHLET: Common Sense by Thomas Paine

.

If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2035 no The Future of America: A History Podcast https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/the-future-of-america-a-history-podcast As we all adjust to a rapidly changing America, and the impact this is having around the world, we've taken some time out from the podcast to reflect on exactly what we're doing, and how we can continue to do it appropriately and effectively. We know that at the moment, it's as important to look to the future as it is to understand the past. So our podcast needs to keep up with that, drive important conversations, and continue to provide value to you, our listener. What that looks like is different now to when we launched this in 2023. But we promise: we will be back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 08 May 2025 02:00:00 -0000 The Future of America: A History Podcast bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast As we all adjust to a rapidly changing America, and the impact this is having around the world, we've taken some time out from the podcast to reflect on exactly what we're doing, and how we can continue to do it appropriately and effectively. We know that at the moment, it's as important to look to the future as it is to understand the past. So our podcast needs to keep up with that, drive important conversations, and continue to provide value to you, our listener. What that looks like is different now to when we launched this in 2023. But we promise: we will be back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As we all adjust to a rapidly changing America, and the impact this is having around the world, we've taken some time out from the podcast to reflect on exactly what we're doing, and how we can continue to do it appropriately and effectively.

We know that at the moment, it's as important to look to the future as it is to understand the past. So our podcast needs to keep up with that, drive important conversations, and continue to provide value to you, our listener.

What that looks like is different now to when we launched this in 2023.

But we promise: we will be back.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 505 no BONUS: Pushback Against Trump's Anti-Immigrant Agenda https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-pushback-against-trumps-anti-immigrant-agenda In this bonus episode, I'm joined again by Will McCorkle from the College of Charleston, following our recording of 'How Has Immigration Shaped American Idenitty?' We had such a blast in our previous episode, but there’s just so much more to unpack! We’re taking a closer look at Trump’s ever-elusive border wall and whether it’s ever going to be a reality or just a big ol’ distraction. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of both! Plus, we dig into the wild world of birthright citizenship and what it actually means, because let’s face it, some folks don’t quite get it. Trust me, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and maybe a few "Did they really just say that?" moments, so buckle up. ... Special guest for this episode: Will McCorkle, an assistant professor of educational foundations and social studies education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on the intersection of nationalism, immigration, and education with a particular focus on more marginalized migrant communities. ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast dives deep into how immigration has shaped American identity, a topic that is both timely and critical. We discuss the infamous Trump wall, comparing its reality to Biden's border policies, and how both are more symbolic than effective. Birthright citizenship is examined, revealing the complexities of the 14th Amendment amidst current political pressures to revoke it. The conversation touches on the importance of public pushback against extreme immigration policies, citing historical examples like family separations. We explore the current political climate, emphasizing the need for checks and balances in government to prevent abuses of power. The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to engage in advocacy, highlighting the power of collective resistance. ... Additional Resources: William McCorkle – The Conversation Immigration and U.S. citizenship | USAGov Six big immigration changes under Trump - and their impact so far - BBC News US immigrant population in 2023 saw largest increase since 2000 | Pew Research Center The impact of immigration on cultural diversity - Immigration & Residency Legal Immigration: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) Practice Mercy ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Pushback Against Trump's Anti-Immigrant Agenda bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, I'm joined again by Will McCorkle from the College of Charleston, following our recording of 'How Has Immigration Shaped American Idenitty?' We had such a blast in our previous episode, but there’s just so much more to unpack! We’re taking a closer look at Trump’s ever-elusive border wall and whether it’s ever going to be a reality or just a big ol’ distraction. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of both! Plus, we dig into the wild world of birthright citizenship and what it actually means, because let’s face it, some folks don’t quite get it. Trust me, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and maybe a few "Did they really just say that?" moments, so buckle up. ... Special guest for this episode: Will McCorkle, an assistant professor of educational foundations and social studies education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on the intersection of nationalism, immigration, and education with a particular focus on more marginalized migrant communities. ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast dives deep into how immigration has shaped American identity, a topic that is both timely and critical. We discuss the infamous Trump wall, comparing its reality to Biden's border policies, and how both are more symbolic than effective. Birthright citizenship is examined, revealing the complexities of the 14th Amendment amidst current political pressures to revoke it. The conversation touches on the importance of public pushback against extreme immigration policies, citing historical examples like family separations. We explore the current political climate, emphasizing the need for checks and balances in government to prevent abuses of power. The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to engage in advocacy, highlighting the power of collective resistance. ... Additional Resources: William McCorkle – The Conversation Immigration and U.S. citizenship | USAGov Six big immigration changes under Trump - and their impact so far - BBC News US immigrant population in 2023 saw largest increase since 2000 | Pew Research Center The impact of immigration on cultural diversity - Immigration & Residency Legal Immigration: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) Practice Mercy ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, I'm joined again by Will McCorkle from the College of Charleston, following our recording of 'How Has Immigration Shaped American Idenitty?'

We had such a blast in our previous episode, but there’s just so much more to unpack! We’re taking a closer look at Trump’s ever-elusive border wall and whether it’s ever going to be a reality or just a big ol’ distraction. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of both! Plus, we dig into the wild world of birthright citizenship and what it actually means, because let’s face it, some folks don’t quite get it. Trust me, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and maybe a few "Did they really just say that?" moments, so buckle up.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Will McCorkle, an assistant professor of educational foundations and social studies education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on the intersection of nationalism, immigration, and education with a particular focus on more marginalized migrant communities.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The podcast dives deep into how immigration has shaped American identity, a topic that is both timely and critical.
  • We discuss the infamous Trump wall, comparing its reality to Biden's border policies, and how both are more symbolic than effective.
  • Birthright citizenship is examined, revealing the complexities of the 14th Amendment amidst current political pressures to revoke it.
  • The conversation touches on the importance of public pushback against extreme immigration policies, citing historical examples like family separations.
  • We explore the current political climate, emphasizing the need for checks and balances in government to prevent abuses of power.
  • The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to engage in advocacy, highlighting the power of collective resistance.

...

Additional Resources:

William McCorkle – The Conversation

Immigration and U.S. citizenship | USAGov

Six big immigration changes under Trump - and their impact so far - BBC News

US immigrant population in 2023 saw largest increase since 2000 | Pew Research Center

The impact of immigration on cultural diversity - Immigration & Residency

Legal Immigration: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Practice Mercy

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1279 no Who is J.P. Morgan? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-j-p-morgan This week, on the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, which was 113 years ago today, we’re shining a light on one of its biggest investors; a man who is as controversial as he was transformative to the future of America. The railroad, the steel industry, the treasury - all impacted greatly by his involvement and investment. So in this episode we’re going to explore the rise of one of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in American history, as I ask… who is J.P. Morgan? ... Special guest for this episode: Jean Strouse, one of the preeminent biographers of J.P. Morgan and author of Morgan: American Financier. Her accomplished career includes being President of the Society of American Historians, and a consultant to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ... Highlights from this episode: On the anniversary of the Titanic's sinking, we dive into J.P. Morgan's controversial yet transformative impact on America's future, especially in finance and industry. Morgan was a key player in the railroad and steel industries, fundamentally changing the financial landscape of the United States during his time. Despite his immense influence, J.P. Morgan's wealth was debated; he was seen as not as rich as other contemporaries like Rockefeller, which adds complexity to his legacy. His early life was marked by privilege and education, shaping his future as a powerful banker who managed chaotic markets with a unique approach and keen understanding of finance. Morgan's contributions included organizing the creation of U.S. Steel and stabilizing financial crises, showcasing his dual role as a profit-driven businessman and a national stabilizer. Ultimately, J.P. Morgan's legacy is mixed; he is viewed as both a robber baron and a pivotal figure in America's economic development, leaving an imprint on culture and industry that persists today. ... Additional Resources: Morgan: American Financier by Jean Strouse ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Who is J.P. Morgan? full 89 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, on the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, which was 113 years ago today, we’re shining a light on one of its biggest investors; a man who is as controversial as he was transformative to the future of America. The railroad, the steel industry, the treasury - all impacted greatly by his involvement and investment. So in this episode we’re going to explore the rise of one of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in American history, as I ask… who is J.P. Morgan? ... Special guest for this episode: Jean Strouse, one of the preeminent biographers of J.P. Morgan and author of Morgan: American Financier. Her accomplished career includes being President of the Society of American Historians, and a consultant to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ... Highlights from this episode: On the anniversary of the Titanic's sinking, we dive into J.P. Morgan's controversial yet transformative impact on America's future, especially in finance and industry. Morgan was a key player in the railroad and steel industries, fundamentally changing the financial landscape of the United States during his time. Despite his immense influence, J.P. Morgan's wealth was debated; he was seen as not as rich as other contemporaries like Rockefeller, which adds complexity to his legacy. His early life was marked by privilege and education, shaping his future as a powerful banker who managed chaotic markets with a unique approach and keen understanding of finance. Morgan's contributions included organizing the creation of U.S. Steel and stabilizing financial crises, showcasing his dual role as a profit-driven businessman and a national stabilizer. Ultimately, J.P. Morgan's legacy is mixed; he is viewed as both a robber baron and a pivotal figure in America's economic development, leaving an imprint on culture and industry that persists today. ... Additional Resources: Morgan: American Financier by Jean Strouse ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, on the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, which was 113 years ago today, we’re shining a light on one of its biggest investors; a man who is as controversial as he was transformative to the future of America. The railroad, the steel industry, the treasury - all impacted greatly by his involvement and investment. So in this episode we’re going to explore the rise of one of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in American history, as I ask… who is J.P. Morgan?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jean Strouse, one of the preeminent biographers of J.P. Morgan and author of Morgan: American Financier. Her accomplished career includes being President of the Society of American Historians, and a consultant to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • On the anniversary of the Titanic's sinking, we dive into J.P. Morgan's controversial yet transformative impact on America's future, especially in finance and industry.
  • Morgan was a key player in the railroad and steel industries, fundamentally changing the financial landscape of the United States during his time.
  • Despite his immense influence, J.P. Morgan's wealth was debated; he was seen as not as rich as other contemporaries like Rockefeller, which adds complexity to his legacy.
  • His early life was marked by privilege and education, shaping his future as a powerful banker who managed chaotic markets with a unique approach and keen understanding of finance.
  • Morgan's contributions included organizing the creation of U.S. Steel and stabilizing financial crises, showcasing his dual role as a profit-driven businessman and a national stabilizer.
  • Ultimately, J.P. Morgan's legacy is mixed; he is viewed as both a robber baron and a pivotal figure in America's economic development, leaving an imprint on culture and industry that persists today.

...

Additional Resources:

Morgan: American Financier by Jean Strouse

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2651 no BONUS: Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse for Democracy? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-is-social-media-a-blessing-or-a-curse-for-democracy In this lively bonus episode, we hit the rewind button to dig deeper into our earlier talk on the Internet’s influence on American politics, focusing on the undeniable role of social media. Liam and the brilliant Jennifer Stromer-Galley dive into the vibrant and sometimes volatile world of Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. They contemplate whether social media is merely a tool for political communication, or if it has morphed into something far more complex, shaping narratives and influencing outcomes in ways we’re just beginning to understand. ... Special guest for this episode: Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a Professor in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She is former president of the Association of Internet Researchers, and she is author of the widely-acclaimed book Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age. ... Highlights from this episode: In today's episode, we dove deep into how social media, especially platforms like Reddit and TikTok, has reshaped the way we consume news and engage in political discourse. We discussed how Trump and Musk are leveraging social media to influence American politics, creating both opportunities and concerns for democracy. Reddit's unique community-focused nature allows for more extensive discussions, setting it apart from quicker, more superficial platforms like Twitter. We also touched on the impact of campaign financing in politics, highlighting how money matters more than ever in shaping electoral outcomes and candidate viability. ... Additional Resources: Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age by Jennifer Stromer-Galley Jennifer Stromer-Galley - iSchool | Syracuse University Social Media: Are TikTok videos the way to win an election? - BBC News 12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation- Is Yours One of Them? Facebook, Cambridge Analytica scandal: Everything you need to know ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 12 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse for Democracy? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this lively bonus episode, we hit the rewind button to dig deeper into our earlier talk on the Internet’s influence on American politics, focusing on the undeniable role of social media. Liam and the brilliant Jennifer Stromer-Galley dive into the vibrant and sometimes volatile world of Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. They contemplate whether social media is merely a tool for political communication, or if it has morphed into something far more complex, shaping narratives and influencing outcomes in ways we’re just beginning to understand. ... Special guest for this episode: Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a Professor in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She is former president of the Association of Internet Researchers, and she is author of the widely-acclaimed book Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age. ... Highlights from this episode: In today's episode, we dove deep into how social media, especially platforms like Reddit and TikTok, has reshaped the way we consume news and engage in political discourse. We discussed how Trump and Musk are leveraging social media to influence American politics, creating both opportunities and concerns for democracy. Reddit's unique community-focused nature allows for more extensive discussions, setting it apart from quicker, more superficial platforms like Twitter. We also touched on the impact of campaign financing in politics, highlighting how money matters more than ever in shaping electoral outcomes and candidate viability. ... Additional Resources: Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age by Jennifer Stromer-Galley Jennifer Stromer-Galley - iSchool | Syracuse University Social Media: Are TikTok videos the way to win an election? - BBC News 12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation- Is Yours One of Them? Facebook, Cambridge Analytica scandal: Everything you need to know ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this lively bonus episode, we hit the rewind button to dig deeper into our earlier talk on the Internet’s influence on American politics, focusing on the undeniable role of social media. Liam and the brilliant Jennifer Stromer-Galley dive into the vibrant and sometimes volatile world of Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit.

They contemplate whether social media is merely a tool for political communication, or if it has morphed into something far more complex, shaping narratives and influencing outcomes in ways we’re just beginning to understand.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a Professor in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She is former president of the Association of Internet Researchers, and she is author of the widely-acclaimed book Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In today's episode, we dove deep into how social media, especially platforms like Reddit and TikTok, has reshaped the way we consume news and engage in political discourse.
  • We discussed how Trump and Musk are leveraging social media to influence American politics, creating both opportunities and concerns for democracy.
  • Reddit's unique community-focused nature allows for more extensive discussions, setting it apart from quicker, more superficial platforms like Twitter.
  • We also touched on the impact of campaign financing in politics, highlighting how money matters more than ever in shaping electoral outcomes and candidate viability.

...

Additional Resources:

Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age by Jennifer Stromer-Galley

Jennifer Stromer-Galley - iSchool | Syracuse University

Social Media: Are TikTok videos the way to win an election? - BBC News

12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation- Is Yours One of Them?

Facebook, Cambridge Analytica scandal: Everything you need to know

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1134 no How Has Immigration Shaped American Identity? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-has-immigration-shaped-american-identity With the looming threat of mass deportations and the revocation of birthright citizenship, the atmosphere surrounding immigration in the United States is thick with uncertainty. In this episode, we dive into the complexities that shape the immigration debate, from passionate advocacy to fervent opposition. We shed light on the historical context of immigration in America, revealing how deeply interconnected it is with the nation's identity, and we explore the reasons behind the polarized views on immigration and examine how current political climates can drastically alter public discourse. We discuss the historical waves of immigration that have shaped the country, highlighting both the struggles and triumphs of immigrant communities, and how these narratives challenge the nativist tendencies that sometimes dominate the conversation. ... Special guest for this episode: Will McCorkle, an assistant professor of educational foundations and social studies education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on the intersection of nationalism, immigration, and education with a particular focus on more marginalized migrant communities. ... Highlights from this episode: This episode dives deep into the complex landscape of U.S. immigration policies and their societal impacts. We discuss how immigration has shaped American identity, highlighting both support and opposition to migrant communities. The tension between America's ideals of freedom and the reality of immigration enforcement is a key theme in our conversation. It's fascinating how historical waves of immigration have influenced U.S. demographics and fueled the debate on immigration today. Understanding the legal pathways for immigrants reveals a complicated system often inaccessible for many seeking refuge. We also touch on the misconceptions surrounding immigrant crime rates, countering them with actual statistics and historical context. ... Additional Resources: William McCorkle – The Conversation Immigration and U.S. citizenship | USAGov Six big immigration changes under Trump - and their impact so far - BBC News US immigrant population in 2023 saw largest increase since 2000 | Pew Research Center The impact of immigration on cultural diversity - Immigration & Residency Legal Immigration: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) Practice Mercy ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0000 How Has Immigration Shaped American Identity? full 88 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast With the looming threat of mass deportations and the revocation of birthright citizenship, the atmosphere surrounding immigration in the United States is thick with uncertainty. In this episode, we dive into the complexities that shape the immigration debate, from passionate advocacy to fervent opposition. We shed light on the historical context of immigration in America, revealing how deeply interconnected it is with the nation's identity, and we explore the reasons behind the polarized views on immigration and examine how current political climates can drastically alter public discourse. We discuss the historical waves of immigration that have shaped the country, highlighting both the struggles and triumphs of immigrant communities, and how these narratives challenge the nativist tendencies that sometimes dominate the conversation. ... Special guest for this episode: Will McCorkle, an assistant professor of educational foundations and social studies education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on the intersection of nationalism, immigration, and education with a particular focus on more marginalized migrant communities. ... Highlights from this episode: This episode dives deep into the complex landscape of U.S. immigration policies and their societal impacts. We discuss how immigration has shaped American identity, highlighting both support and opposition to migrant communities. The tension between America's ideals of freedom and the reality of immigration enforcement is a key theme in our conversation. It's fascinating how historical waves of immigration have influenced U.S. demographics and fueled the debate on immigration today. Understanding the legal pathways for immigrants reveals a complicated system often inaccessible for many seeking refuge. We also touch on the misconceptions surrounding immigrant crime rates, countering them with actual statistics and historical context. ... Additional Resources: William McCorkle – The Conversation Immigration and U.S. citizenship | USAGov Six big immigration changes under Trump - and their impact so far - BBC News US immigrant population in 2023 saw largest increase since 2000 | Pew Research Center The impact of immigration on cultural diversity - Immigration & Residency Legal Immigration: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) Practice Mercy ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With the looming threat of mass deportations and the revocation of birthright citizenship, the atmosphere surrounding immigration in the United States is thick with uncertainty. In this episode, we dive into the complexities that shape the immigration debate, from passionate advocacy to fervent opposition.

We shed light on the historical context of immigration in America, revealing how deeply interconnected it is with the nation's identity, and we explore the reasons behind the polarized views on immigration and examine how current political climates can drastically alter public discourse.

We discuss the historical waves of immigration that have shaped the country, highlighting both the struggles and triumphs of immigrant communities, and how these narratives challenge the nativist tendencies that sometimes dominate the conversation.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Will McCorkle, an assistant professor of educational foundations and social studies education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on the intersection of nationalism, immigration, and education with a particular focus on more marginalized migrant communities.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • This episode dives deep into the complex landscape of U.S. immigration policies and their societal impacts.
  • We discuss how immigration has shaped American identity, highlighting both support and opposition to migrant communities.
  • The tension between America's ideals of freedom and the reality of immigration enforcement is a key theme in our conversation.
  • It's fascinating how historical waves of immigration have influenced U.S. demographics and fueled the debate on immigration today.
  • Understanding the legal pathways for immigrants reveals a complicated system often inaccessible for many seeking refuge.
  • We also touch on the misconceptions surrounding immigrant crime rates, countering them with actual statistics and historical context.

...

Additional Resources:

William McCorkle – The Conversation

Immigration and U.S. citizenship | USAGov

Six big immigration changes under Trump - and their impact so far - BBC News

US immigrant population in 2023 saw largest increase since 2000 | Pew Research Center

The impact of immigration on cultural diversity - Immigration & Residency

Legal Immigration: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Practice Mercy

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2384 no BONUS: The Rise of Fascism with Ece Temelkuran [FEED DROP via IF YOU WERE IN CHARGE] https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-rise-of-fascism-with-ece-temelkuran-feed-drop-via-if-you-were-in-charge On this bonus episode, we're doing something a little different, and sharing another podcast doing some great things. If You Were in Charge features global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini talking to the frontline doers and imaginers—activists, organizers, and peacebuilders—whose lived experience, courage, and ideas are reshaping what’s possible. People who, if they were in charge, could change the world. In their first episode of season two, Sanam speaks to Ece Temelkuran, renowned author of How to Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship, which explores the mechanisms of autocracy and the decline of democratic principles. . If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network . ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ . Original Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio production . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Rise of Fascism with Ece Temelkuran [FEED DROP via IF YOU WERE IN CHARGE] bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On this bonus episode, we're doing something a little different, and sharing another podcast doing some great things. If You Were in Charge features global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini talking to the frontline doers and imaginers—activists, organizers, and peacebuilders—whose lived experience, courage, and ideas are reshaping what’s possible. People who, if they were in charge, could change the world. In their first episode of season two, Sanam speaks to Ece Temelkuran, renowned author of How to Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship, which explores the mechanisms of autocracy and the decline of democratic principles. . If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network . ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ . Original Music, Little Monster Media Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an Africa Digital Audio production . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this bonus episode, we're doing something a little different, and sharing another podcast doing some great things.

If You Were in Charge features global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini talking to the frontline doers and imaginers—activists, organizers, and peacebuilders—whose lived experience, courage, and ideas are reshaping what’s possible. People who, if they were in charge, could change the world.

In their first episode of season two, Sanam speaks to Ece Temelkuran, renowned author of How to Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship, which explores the mechanisms of autocracy and the decline of democratic principles.

.

If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation

And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network

.

ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/

.

Original Music, Little Monster Media

Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch

This is an Africa Digital Audio production

.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3739 no How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-has-the-internet-shaped-american-politics This week, following an election cycle dominated by misinformation, AI, social media, and a… well, strange blossoming relationship between a Silicon Valley billionaire and the 47th President, I think it’s time to look closer at the relationship between technology and politics. How has social media impacted US politics? How is this being regulated? And ultimately, how has the internet changed American politics? ... Special guest for this episode: Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a Professor in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She is former president of the Association of Internet Researchers, and she is author of the widely-acclaimed book Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age. ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we explored the complex relationship between technology and politics, particularly focusing on social media's influence in shaping political narratives and public opinion. Jennifer Stroma Galley shared insights on how social media platforms, especially during election cycles, have become battlegrounds for misinformation and targeted political advertising. We discussed the impact of tech giants like Elon Musk and their affiliations with political candidates, raising questions about the ethical implications of such relationships. The episode delves into the evolution of political fundraising through social media, highlighting how candidates like Trump have mastered the art of leveraging online platforms for financial support. We highlighted the importance of media literacy in today's information age, as the cacophony of voices online makes it challenging for individuals to discern fact from fiction. Listeners were reminded that while social media can empower grassroots movements, it also poses risks of misinformation and ideological echo chambers that can threaten democratic processes ... Additional Resources: Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age by Jennifer Stromer-Galley Jennifer Stromer-Galley - iSchool | Syracuse University Social Media: Are TikTok videos the way to win an election? - BBC News 12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation- Is Yours One of Them? Facebook, Cambridge Analytica scandal: Everything you need to know ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0000 How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics? full 87 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, following an election cycle dominated by misinformation, AI, social media, and a… well, strange blossoming relationship between a Silicon Valley billionaire and the 47th President, I think it’s time to look closer at the relationship between technology and politics. How has social media impacted US politics? How is this being regulated? And ultimately, how has the internet changed American politics? ... Special guest for this episode: Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a Professor in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She is former president of the Association of Internet Researchers, and she is author of the widely-acclaimed book Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age. ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we explored the complex relationship between technology and politics, particularly focusing on social media's influence in shaping political narratives and public opinion. Jennifer Stroma Galley shared insights on how social media platforms, especially during election cycles, have become battlegrounds for misinformation and targeted political advertising. We discussed the impact of tech giants like Elon Musk and their affiliations with political candidates, raising questions about the ethical implications of such relationships. The episode delves into the evolution of political fundraising through social media, highlighting how candidates like Trump have mastered the art of leveraging online platforms for financial support. We highlighted the importance of media literacy in today's information age, as the cacophony of voices online makes it challenging for individuals to discern fact from fiction. Listeners were reminded that while social media can empower grassroots movements, it also poses risks of misinformation and ideological echo chambers that can threaten democratic processes ... Additional Resources: Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age by Jennifer Stromer-Galley Jennifer Stromer-Galley - iSchool | Syracuse University Social Media: Are TikTok videos the way to win an election? - BBC News 12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation- Is Yours One of Them? Facebook, Cambridge Analytica scandal: Everything you need to know ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, following an election cycle dominated by misinformation, AI, social media, and a… well, strange blossoming relationship between a Silicon Valley billionaire and the 47th President, I think it’s time to look closer at the relationship between technology and politics. How has social media impacted US politics? How is this being regulated? And ultimately, how has the internet changed American politics?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a Professor in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She is former president of the Association of Internet Researchers, and she is author of the widely-acclaimed book Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we explored the complex relationship between technology and politics, particularly focusing on social media's influence in shaping political narratives and public opinion.
  • Jennifer Stroma Galley shared insights on how social media platforms, especially during election cycles, have become battlegrounds for misinformation and targeted political advertising.
  • We discussed the impact of tech giants like Elon Musk and their affiliations with political candidates, raising questions about the ethical implications of such relationships.
  • The episode delves into the evolution of political fundraising through social media, highlighting how candidates like Trump have mastered the art of leveraging online platforms for financial support.
  • We highlighted the importance of media literacy in today's information age, as the cacophony of voices online makes it challenging for individuals to discern fact from fiction.
  • Listeners were reminded that while social media can empower grassroots movements, it also poses risks of misinformation and ideological echo chambers that can threaten democratic processes

...

Additional Resources:

Presidential Campaigning in the Internet Age by Jennifer Stromer-Galley

Jennifer Stromer-Galley - iSchool | Syracuse University

Social Media: Are TikTok videos the way to win an election? - BBC News

12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation- Is Yours One of Them?

Facebook, Cambridge Analytica scandal: Everything you need to know

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2816 no BONUS: Is Abraham Lincoln the Great Emancipator or Just Another Racist? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-is-abraham-lincoln-the-great-emancipator-or-just-another-racist In this special bonus episode, following our previous episode What is Emancipation?, we discuss the often overlooked issue of Abraham Lincoln's own prejudice, and how this changed over the course of the civil war. Plus, our guest discusses his own research on Sherman's March, and his upcoming biography on General Sherman himself. ... Special guest for this episode: Bennett Parten, an Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, and the author of ‘Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation’ ... Highlights from this episode: Emancipation and Reconstruction are massive topics that deserve in-depth exploration and discussion. Abraham Lincoln's complicated relationship with race reveals a man whose views evolved over time. Lincoln's early beliefs included ideas of racial superiority and colonization, reflecting the prejudices of his era. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context and how perspectives on figures like Lincoln can change. ... Additional Resources: Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten Emancipation Proclamation (1863) | National Archives ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 29 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Is Abraham Lincoln the Great Emancipator or Just Another Racist? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus episode, following our previous episode What is Emancipation?, we discuss the often overlooked issue of Abraham Lincoln's own prejudice, and how this changed over the course of the civil war. Plus, our guest discusses his own research on Sherman's March, and his upcoming biography on General Sherman himself. ... Special guest for this episode: Bennett Parten, an Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, and the author of ‘Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation’ ... Highlights from this episode: Emancipation and Reconstruction are massive topics that deserve in-depth exploration and discussion. Abraham Lincoln's complicated relationship with race reveals a man whose views evolved over time. Lincoln's early beliefs included ideas of racial superiority and colonization, reflecting the prejudices of his era. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context and how perspectives on figures like Lincoln can change. ... Additional Resources: Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten Emancipation Proclamation (1863) | National Archives ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus episode, following our previous episode What is Emancipation?, we discuss the often overlooked issue of Abraham Lincoln's own prejudice, and how this changed over the course of the civil war.

Plus, our guest discusses his own research on Sherman's March, and his upcoming biography on General Sherman himself.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Bennett Parten, an Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, and the author of ‘Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation’

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Emancipation and Reconstruction are massive topics that deserve in-depth exploration and discussion.
  • Abraham Lincoln's complicated relationship with race reveals a man whose views evolved over time.
  • Lincoln's early beliefs included ideas of racial superiority and colonization, reflecting the prejudices of his era.
  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context and how perspectives on figures like Lincoln can change.

...

Additional Resources:

Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten

Emancipation Proclamation (1863) | National Archives

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Why Did America Ban Slavery?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

Who is Frederick Douglass?

What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life?

Who is Harriet Tubman?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 897 no What is the History of Education in America? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-history-of-education-in-america Ever wondered what American schools really look like beyond the glossy TV portrayals? Well, grab your backpack because we’re diving deep into the quirky, complex world of the U.S. education system! From the early dame schools of the 1600s to the well-oiled machinery of today’s public school system, our guest gives us the lowdown on how American education evolved. We chat about how local communities shaped schools, the rise of the federal government’s influence, and the tug of war between state and federal control. What’s the deal with that 10% of funding from Uncle Sam? And why do folks cling to local control like it's the last slice of pizza at a party? Spoiler alert: it’s all about community identity! And let’s not forget the elephant in the room—why does the U.S. rank 31st in education compared to other countries? We dig into how local pride can sometimes blind us to the need for improvement. ... Special guest for this episode: Jonathan Zimmerman, a Professor of History of Education at the University of Pennsylvannia, and has a particular interest in how political and social movements shape education. He has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic and others. ... Highlights from this episode: The American education system has evolved significantly since colonial times, with local communities playing a crucial role in shaping schools. Federal involvement in education really kicked off with the establishment of the Department of Education under Jimmy Carter in the late 1970s. Local control of schools can empower communities but may also lead to significant disparities in education quality across the country. The No Child Left Behind Act mandated testing and accountability, but its execution often led to absurd outcomes, like inflated proficiency rates in certain states. Extracurricular activities, from sports to drama clubs, are seen as integral to the American schooling experience and can enhance deeper learning. American schools are not just about academics; they're community hubs where various social functions and services come together. ... Additional Resources: Education Rankings by Country 2024 The difference between the Every Student Succeeds Act and No Child Left Behind Whose America?: Culture Wars in the Public Schools by Jonathan Zimmerman In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School by Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 What is the History of Education in America? full 86 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Ever wondered what American schools really look like beyond the glossy TV portrayals? Well, grab your backpack because we’re diving deep into the quirky, complex world of the U.S. education system! From the early dame schools of the 1600s to the well-oiled machinery of today’s public school system, our guest gives us the lowdown on how American education evolved. We chat about how local communities shaped schools, the rise of the federal government’s influence, and the tug of war between state and federal control. What’s the deal with that 10% of funding from Uncle Sam? And why do folks cling to local control like it's the last slice of pizza at a party? Spoiler alert: it’s all about community identity! And let’s not forget the elephant in the room—why does the U.S. rank 31st in education compared to other countries? We dig into how local pride can sometimes blind us to the need for improvement. ... Special guest for this episode: Jonathan Zimmerman, a Professor of History of Education at the University of Pennsylvannia, and has a particular interest in how political and social movements shape education. He has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic and others. ... Highlights from this episode: The American education system has evolved significantly since colonial times, with local communities playing a crucial role in shaping schools. Federal involvement in education really kicked off with the establishment of the Department of Education under Jimmy Carter in the late 1970s. Local control of schools can empower communities but may also lead to significant disparities in education quality across the country. The No Child Left Behind Act mandated testing and accountability, but its execution often led to absurd outcomes, like inflated proficiency rates in certain states. Extracurricular activities, from sports to drama clubs, are seen as integral to the American schooling experience and can enhance deeper learning. American schools are not just about academics; they're community hubs where various social functions and services come together. ... Additional Resources: Education Rankings by Country 2024 The difference between the Every Student Succeeds Act and No Child Left Behind Whose America?: Culture Wars in the Public Schools by Jonathan Zimmerman In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School by Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ever wondered what American schools really look like beyond the glossy TV portrayals? Well, grab your backpack because we’re diving deep into the quirky, complex world of the U.S. education system!

From the early dame schools of the 1600s to the well-oiled machinery of today’s public school system, our guest gives us the lowdown on how American education evolved. We chat about how local communities shaped schools, the rise of the federal government’s influence, and the tug of war between state and federal control.

What’s the deal with that 10% of funding from Uncle Sam? And why do folks cling to local control like it's the last slice of pizza at a party? Spoiler alert: it’s all about community identity!

And let’s not forget the elephant in the room—why does the U.S. rank 31st in education compared to other countries? We dig into how local pride can sometimes blind us to the need for improvement.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jonathan Zimmerman, a Professor of History of Education at the University of Pennsylvannia, and has a particular interest in how political and social movements shape education. He has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic and others.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The American education system has evolved significantly since colonial times, with local communities playing a crucial role in shaping schools.
  • Federal involvement in education really kicked off with the establishment of the Department of Education under Jimmy Carter in the late 1970s.
  • Local control of schools can empower communities but may also lead to significant disparities in education quality across the country.
  • The No Child Left Behind Act mandated testing and accountability, but its execution often led to absurd outcomes, like inflated proficiency rates in certain states.
  • Extracurricular activities, from sports to drama clubs, are seen as integral to the American schooling experience and can enhance deeper learning.
  • American schools are not just about academics; they're community hubs where various social functions and services come together.

...

Additional Resources:

Education Rankings by Country 2024

The difference between the Every Student Succeeds Act and No Child Left Behind

Whose America?: Culture Wars in the Public Schools by Jonathan Zimmerman

In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School by Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2363 no BONUS: The Abortion Paradox in America https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-abortion-paradox-in-america In this special bonus episode, Professor Rebecca Fraser and Rev. Caleb Lines stick around for a chat following the main episode, Why is Abortion So Controversial in America, which you can listen to in full right now. They discuss the interesting contradiction in states largely voting for reproductive rights on the same day they re-elect Trump to the White House. Plus, Caleb discusses how he balances his life as a clergyman with his newfound fame as a social media influencer. ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America. Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show. ... Highlights from this episode: In the podcast, we explored the surprising contradiction between political trends and voter preferences regarding reproductive rights in America. Despite the election of a conservative president, many voters actually supported measures to protect reproductive rights in various states. The discussion highlighted how generational perspectives on reproductive rights can influence voting behavior and community support systems. It's essential to recognize that people's daily struggles, like paying rent, often overshadow their concerns about abortion rights and reproductive health. We also touched on the importance of women's networks in supporting reproductive choices and how these networks can empower future generations. Lastly, we discussed how the rhetoric surrounding reproductive health often conflicts with the actual beliefs of the majority of people in the country. ... Additional Resources: READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News READ: Caleb Lines Website WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections  LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 22 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Abortion Paradox in America bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus episode, Professor Rebecca Fraser and Rev. Caleb Lines stick around for a chat following the main episode, Why is Abortion So Controversial in America, which you can listen to in full right now. They discuss the interesting contradiction in states largely voting for reproductive rights on the same day they re-elect Trump to the White House. Plus, Caleb discusses how he balances his life as a clergyman with his newfound fame as a social media influencer. ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America. Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show. ... Highlights from this episode: In the podcast, we explored the surprising contradiction between political trends and voter preferences regarding reproductive rights in America. Despite the election of a conservative president, many voters actually supported measures to protect reproductive rights in various states. The discussion highlighted how generational perspectives on reproductive rights can influence voting behavior and community support systems. It's essential to recognize that people's daily struggles, like paying rent, often overshadow their concerns about abortion rights and reproductive health. We also touched on the importance of women's networks in supporting reproductive choices and how these networks can empower future generations. Lastly, we discussed how the rhetoric surrounding reproductive health often conflicts with the actual beliefs of the majority of people in the country. ... Additional Resources: READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News READ: Caleb Lines Website WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections  LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus episode, Professor Rebecca Fraser and Rev. Caleb Lines stick around for a chat following the main episode, Why is Abortion So Controversial in America, which you can listen to in full right now.

They discuss the interesting contradiction in states largely voting for reproductive rights on the same day they re-elect Trump to the White House.

Plus, Caleb discusses how he balances his life as a clergyman with his newfound fame as a social media influencer.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America.
  • Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In the podcast, we explored the surprising contradiction between political trends and voter preferences regarding reproductive rights in America.
  • Despite the election of a conservative president, many voters actually supported measures to protect reproductive rights in various states.
  • The discussion highlighted how generational perspectives on reproductive rights can influence voting behavior and community support systems.
  • It's essential to recognize that people's daily struggles, like paying rent, often overshadow their concerns about abortion rights and reproductive health.
  • We also touched on the importance of women's networks in supporting reproductive choices and how these networks can empower future generations.
  • Lastly, we discussed how the rhetoric surrounding reproductive health often conflicts with the actual beliefs of the majority of people in the country.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News

READ: Caleb Lines Website

WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok

READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections 

LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show

READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 756 no What is Emancipation? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-emancipation This week, we're diving into one of the biggest game-changers in American history: the Emancipation Proclamation. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared all enslaved people in rebellious states to be free, and while it sounds like a happy ending, the reality is a whole lot more complicated. After all, emancipation and freedom are two very different things. So what does it actually mean? What were the implications? And what really changed? In this episode, I’m going to find out… what is emancipation? ... Special guest for this episode: Bennett Parten, an Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, and the author of ‘Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation’ ... Highlights from this episode: On New Year's Day in 1863, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for enslaved people in rebellious states, a pivotal moment in American history. Emancipation was not a singular event but evolved through various stages during the Civil War, starting with acts of Congress in 1861 and culminating in the 13th Amendment. While emancipation legally freed enslaved individuals, the actual meaning of freedom was complex and continued to evolve during Reconstruction and beyond. Lincoln's decision to emancipate slaves was as much about strategic war efforts against the Confederacy as it was about moral advocacy for human rights. ... Additional Resources: Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten Emancipation Proclamation (1863) | National Archives ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 What is Emancipation? full 85 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we're diving into one of the biggest game-changers in American history: the Emancipation Proclamation. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared all enslaved people in rebellious states to be free, and while it sounds like a happy ending, the reality is a whole lot more complicated. After all, emancipation and freedom are two very different things. So what does it actually mean? What were the implications? And what really changed? In this episode, I’m going to find out… what is emancipation? ... Special guest for this episode: Bennett Parten, an Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, and the author of ‘Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation’ ... Highlights from this episode: On New Year's Day in 1863, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for enslaved people in rebellious states, a pivotal moment in American history. Emancipation was not a singular event but evolved through various stages during the Civil War, starting with acts of Congress in 1861 and culminating in the 13th Amendment. While emancipation legally freed enslaved individuals, the actual meaning of freedom was complex and continued to evolve during Reconstruction and beyond. Lincoln's decision to emancipate slaves was as much about strategic war efforts against the Confederacy as it was about moral advocacy for human rights. ... Additional Resources: Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten Emancipation Proclamation (1863) | National Archives ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we're diving into one of the biggest game-changers in American history: the Emancipation Proclamation.

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared all enslaved people in rebellious states to be free, and while it sounds like a happy ending, the reality is a whole lot more complicated. After all, emancipation and freedom are two very different things.

So what does it actually mean? What were the implications? And what really changed? In this episode, I’m going to find out… what is emancipation?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Bennett Parten, an Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, and the author of ‘Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation’

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • On New Year's Day in 1863, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for enslaved people in rebellious states, a pivotal moment in American history.
  • Emancipation was not a singular event but evolved through various stages during the Civil War, starting with acts of Congress in 1861 and culminating in the 13th Amendment.
  • While emancipation legally freed enslaved individuals, the actual meaning of freedom was complex and continued to evolve during Reconstruction and beyond.
  • Lincoln's decision to emancipate slaves was as much about strategic war efforts against the Confederacy as it was about moral advocacy for human rights.

...

Additional Resources:

Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten

Emancipation Proclamation (1863) | National Archives

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Why Did America Ban Slavery?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

Who is Frederick Douglass?

What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life?

Who is Harriet Tubman?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2021 no BONUS: Is Calvin Coolidge America's Quietest Overachiever? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-is-calvin-coolidge-americas-quietest-overachiever Today, we're discussing President Calvin Coolidge a little more and why his general mid-table ranking among Presidents might be a harsh reflection of his success as America's 30th President. ... Special guest for this episode: Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge. ... Highlights from this episode: Calvin Coolidge, often overlooked in history classes, was a surprisingly impactful president who deserves more recognition. Despite the challenges of his time, Coolidge successfully stabilized the economy and fostered growth through his deliberate policies. Coolidge's immigration stance was complex; he supported restrictions but was not motivated by bigotry, which was quite progressive for his era. The podcast discusses how presidential rankings can be misleading, as one president's rise often means another's fall in public perception. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Coolidge Foundation READ: Coolidge by Amity Shlaes LISTEN: Calvin Coolidge: A tale of two - Presidential - Apple Podcasts LISTEN: 1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. L - American Elections: Wicked Game - Apple Podcasts READ: Calvin Coolidge: Life Before the Presidency | Miller Center ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 15 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Is Calvin Coolidge America's Quietest Overachiever? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Today, we're discussing President Calvin Coolidge a little more and why his general mid-table ranking among Presidents might be a harsh reflection of his success as America's 30th President. ... Special guest for this episode: Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge. ... Highlights from this episode: Calvin Coolidge, often overlooked in history classes, was a surprisingly impactful president who deserves more recognition. Despite the challenges of his time, Coolidge successfully stabilized the economy and fostered growth through his deliberate policies. Coolidge's immigration stance was complex; he supported restrictions but was not motivated by bigotry, which was quite progressive for his era. The podcast discusses how presidential rankings can be misleading, as one president's rise often means another's fall in public perception. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Coolidge Foundation READ: Coolidge by Amity Shlaes LISTEN: Calvin Coolidge: A tale of two - Presidential - Apple Podcasts LISTEN: 1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. L - American Elections: Wicked Game - Apple Podcasts READ: Calvin Coolidge: Life Before the Presidency | Miller Center ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today, we're discussing President Calvin Coolidge a little more and why his general mid-table ranking among Presidents might be a harsh reflection of his success as America's 30th President.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Calvin Coolidge, often overlooked in history classes, was a surprisingly impactful president who deserves more recognition.
  • Despite the challenges of his time, Coolidge successfully stabilized the economy and fostered growth through his deliberate policies.
  • Coolidge's immigration stance was complex; he supported restrictions but was not motivated by bigotry, which was quite progressive for his era.
  • The podcast discusses how presidential rankings can be misleading, as one president's rise often means another's fall in public perception.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: The Coolidge Foundation

READ: Coolidge by Amity Shlaes

LISTEN: Calvin Coolidge: A tale of two - Presidential - Apple Podcasts

LISTEN: 1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. L - American Elections: Wicked Game - Apple Podcasts

READ: Calvin Coolidge: Life Before the Presidency | Miller Center

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 574 no Why is Abortion So Controversial in America? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-is-abortion-so-controversial-in-america This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues in the United States, but why? I’m joined by the brilliant Rebecca Fraser, a historian with a keen focus on gender and race, and the insightful Reverend Caleb Lines, who’s made waves on social media for his candid takes on such hot-button topics. Together, we’ll explore the historical context of abortion, the tangled relationship between politics and religion, and how these factors shape current debates. ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America. Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show. ... Highlights from this episode: The recent political climate has intensified concerns about reproductive rights in America, especially after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Understanding the historical context of abortion reveals that it's been a contentious issue influenced by various social and political factors over the decades. The podcast dives into how different interpretations of Christianity shape attitudes towards abortion, highlighting the clash between progressive and fundamentalist views. Economic factors play a crucial role in the abortion debate, as many women seeking abortions do so due to financial constraints and lack of support for raising children. The episode emphasizes that pro-choice advocates are not pro-abortion; they advocate for women's right to choose based on individual circumstances and needs. The conversation touches on the intersection of patriarchy and reproductive rights, questioning whether abortion would be as controversial if it primarily affected men. ... Additional Resources: READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News READ: Caleb Lines Website WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections  LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Why is Abortion So Controversial in America? full 84 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues in the United States, but why? I’m joined by the brilliant Rebecca Fraser, a historian with a keen focus on gender and race, and the insightful Reverend Caleb Lines, who’s made waves on social media for his candid takes on such hot-button topics. Together, we’ll explore the historical context of abortion, the tangled relationship between politics and religion, and how these factors shape current debates. ... Special guest for this episode: Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America. Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show. ... Highlights from this episode: The recent political climate has intensified concerns about reproductive rights in America, especially after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Understanding the historical context of abortion reveals that it's been a contentious issue influenced by various social and political factors over the decades. The podcast dives into how different interpretations of Christianity shape attitudes towards abortion, highlighting the clash between progressive and fundamentalist views. Economic factors play a crucial role in the abortion debate, as many women seeking abortions do so due to financial constraints and lack of support for raising children. The episode emphasizes that pro-choice advocates are not pro-abortion; they advocate for women's right to choose based on individual circumstances and needs. The conversation touches on the intersection of patriarchy and reproductive rights, questioning whether abortion would be as controversial if it primarily affected men. ... Additional Resources: READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News READ: Caleb Lines Website WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections  LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues in the United States, but why?

I’m joined by the brilliant Rebecca Fraser, a historian with a keen focus on gender and race, and the insightful Reverend Caleb Lines, who’s made waves on social media for his candid takes on such hot-button topics. Together, we’ll explore the historical context of abortion, the tangled relationship between politics and religion, and how these factors shape current debates.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America.
  • Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The recent political climate has intensified concerns about reproductive rights in America, especially after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
  • Understanding the historical context of abortion reveals that it's been a contentious issue influenced by various social and political factors over the decades.
  • The podcast dives into how different interpretations of Christianity shape attitudes towards abortion, highlighting the clash between progressive and fundamentalist views.
  • Economic factors play a crucial role in the abortion debate, as many women seeking abortions do so due to financial constraints and lack of support for raising children.
  • The episode emphasizes that pro-choice advocates are not pro-abortion; they advocate for women's right to choose based on individual circumstances and needs.
  • The conversation touches on the intersection of patriarchy and reproductive rights, questioning whether abortion would be as controversial if it primarily affected men.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News

READ: Caleb Lines Website

WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok

READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections 

LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show

READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3338 no BONUS: Drill, Baby, Drill! The Impact of Trump's Agenda on Native Lands https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/drill-baby-drill-the-impact-of-trumps-agenda-on-native-lands In this week's bonus episode, we’re diving into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools and the ongoing challenges faced by Native communities in light of recent political shifts. It’s a real gut-wrencher, but we’re here with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the fallout from these schools and the alarming direction some policies are taking under the current administration. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot of concern in Indian country about how these changes might affect sovereignty and rights. ... Special guest for this episode: Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia ... Highlights from this episode: This bonus episode dives deep into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools, a truly heartbreaking chapter in history. We had an enlightening discussion with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the alarming political climate for Native American communities. The episode emphasizes the ongoing struggles for sovereignty and rights faced by Native Americans in today's political landscape. Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Native American history and its implications in contemporary society. The conversation touches on the surprising political choices of some Native Americans during recent elections and its complex implications. The discussion highlights the urgent need for respect towards Native communities and their resources, especially under current environmental policies. ... Additional Resources: Forced assimilation and abuse: How US boarding schools devastated Native American tribes | News | cherokeephoenix.org Biden apologizes to Native Americans for abusive government-funded boarding schools | CNN Politics The U.S. history of Native American Boarding Schools — The Indigenous Foundation Historian: American Indian Boarding Schools and Their Impact | TIME ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 08 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Drill, Baby, Drill! The Impact of Trump's Agenda on Native Lands bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this week's bonus episode, we’re diving into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools and the ongoing challenges faced by Native communities in light of recent political shifts. It’s a real gut-wrencher, but we’re here with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the fallout from these schools and the alarming direction some policies are taking under the current administration. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot of concern in Indian country about how these changes might affect sovereignty and rights. ... Special guest for this episode: Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia ... Highlights from this episode: This bonus episode dives deep into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools, a truly heartbreaking chapter in history. We had an enlightening discussion with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the alarming political climate for Native American communities. The episode emphasizes the ongoing struggles for sovereignty and rights faced by Native Americans in today's political landscape. Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Native American history and its implications in contemporary society. The conversation touches on the surprising political choices of some Native Americans during recent elections and its complex implications. The discussion highlights the urgent need for respect towards Native communities and their resources, especially under current environmental policies. ... Additional Resources: Forced assimilation and abuse: How US boarding schools devastated Native American tribes | News | cherokeephoenix.org Biden apologizes to Native Americans for abusive government-funded boarding schools | CNN Politics The U.S. history of Native American Boarding Schools — The Indigenous Foundation Historian: American Indian Boarding Schools and Their Impact | TIME ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's bonus episode, we’re diving into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools and the ongoing challenges faced by Native communities in light of recent political shifts.

It’s a real gut-wrencher, but we’re here with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the fallout from these schools and the alarming direction some policies are taking under the current administration. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot of concern in Indian country about how these changes might affect sovereignty and rights.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • This bonus episode dives deep into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools, a truly heartbreaking chapter in history.
  • We had an enlightening discussion with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the alarming political climate for Native American communities.
  • The episode emphasizes the ongoing struggles for sovereignty and rights faced by Native Americans in today's political landscape.
  • Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Native American history and its implications in contemporary society.
  • The conversation touches on the surprising political choices of some Native Americans during recent elections and its complex implications.
  • The discussion highlights the urgent need for respect towards Native communities and their resources, especially under current environmental policies.

...

Additional Resources:

Forced assimilation and abuse: How US boarding schools devastated Native American tribes | News | cherokeephoenix.org

Biden apologizes to Native Americans for abusive government-funded boarding schools | CNN Politics

The U.S. history of Native American Boarding Schools — The Indigenous Foundation

Historian: American Indian Boarding Schools and Their Impact | TIME

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 624 no Who is Calvin Coolidge? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-calvin-coolidge On this day 100 years ago, a Presidential inauguration was broadcast on national radio for the first time. Having inherited the White House from Warren G. Harding three years into his Vice Presidential career, the thirtieth President of the United States arrived amidst scandal and left behind a Great Depression. But was he popular? Was he successful? And why didn’t he run for a second full term? In this episode, I’m asking… who is President Calvin Coolidge? ... Special guest for this episode: Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Coolidge Foundation READ: Coolidge by Amity Shlaes LISTEN: Calvin Coolidge: A tale of two - Presidential - Apple Podcasts LISTEN: 1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. L - American Elections: Wicked Game - Apple Podcasts READ: Calvin Coolidge: Life Before the Presidency | Miller Center ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Who is Calvin Coolidge? full 83 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On this day 100 years ago, a Presidential inauguration was broadcast on national radio for the first time. Having inherited the White House from Warren G. Harding three years into his Vice Presidential career, the thirtieth President of the United States arrived amidst scandal and left behind a Great Depression. But was he popular? Was he successful? And why didn’t he run for a second full term? In this episode, I’m asking… who is President Calvin Coolidge? ... Special guest for this episode: Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Coolidge Foundation READ: Coolidge by Amity Shlaes LISTEN: Calvin Coolidge: A tale of two - Presidential - Apple Podcasts LISTEN: 1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. L - American Elections: Wicked Game - Apple Podcasts READ: Calvin Coolidge: Life Before the Presidency | Miller Center ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this day 100 years ago, a Presidential inauguration was broadcast on national radio for the first time. Having inherited the White House from Warren G. Harding three years into his Vice Presidential career, the thirtieth President of the United States arrived amidst scandal and left behind a Great Depression. But was he popular? Was he successful? And why didn’t he run for a second full term? In this episode, I’m asking… who is President Calvin Coolidge?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: The Coolidge Foundation

READ: Coolidge by Amity Shlaes

LISTEN: Calvin Coolidge: A tale of two - Presidential - Apple Podcasts

LISTEN: 1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. L - American Elections: Wicked Game - Apple Podcasts

READ: Calvin Coolidge: Life Before the Presidency | Miller Center

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3295 no BONUS: Talk Until You Drop - The Wild World of Filibusters https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-talk-until-you-drop-the-wild-world-of-filibusters In this bonus episode following the main recording of What is a Filibuster? Liam and special guest Gregory Koger continue their discussion on the history of filibuster's, including its British origins and the role they played in the Civil Rights Act. ... Special guest for this episode: Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami, who specializes in legislative politics and political parties and author of the book Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate ... Highlights from this episode: Filibusters can be a complex political tool, not just a stubborn roadblock to legislation. They serve a purpose in forcing issues onto the agenda, showcasing their strategic use in U.S. politics. The history of filibustering dates back to the 19th century, with early examples even found in the UK Parliament, illustrating that this isn't just a U.S. phenomenon. Negotiating under pressure is crucial in politics, and filibusters often create that necessary urgency for lawmakers to reach agreements. Filibusters can sometimes prevent disastrous outcomes, such as a government default, highlighting their importance in legislative processes. The role of filibusters in campaign finance reform discussions in the 1990s demonstrates how they can bring critical issues to the forefront, ultimately leading to significant legislation. Understanding filibusters enriches our perspective on political maneuvering, revealing how they can be leveraged for both obstruction and progress in legislative debates. ... Additional Resources: Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate by Greg Koger U.S. Senate: About Filibusters and Cloture 10 Wildest Filibusters In History - Listverse How The Filibuster Has Been Used To Block Civil Rights Progress | NBC News NOW The filibuster has been a thorn in Democrats' side. Now it's their last hope - Fast Company Filibuster Reform - Center for Effective Government ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 01 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Talk Until You Drop - The Wild World of Filibusters bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode following the main recording of What is a Filibuster? Liam and special guest Gregory Koger continue their discussion on the history of filibuster's, including its British origins and the role they played in the Civil Rights Act. ... Special guest for this episode: Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami, who specializes in legislative politics and political parties and author of the book Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate ... Highlights from this episode: Filibusters can be a complex political tool, not just a stubborn roadblock to legislation. They serve a purpose in forcing issues onto the agenda, showcasing their strategic use in U.S. politics. The history of filibustering dates back to the 19th century, with early examples even found in the UK Parliament, illustrating that this isn't just a U.S. phenomenon. Negotiating under pressure is crucial in politics, and filibusters often create that necessary urgency for lawmakers to reach agreements. Filibusters can sometimes prevent disastrous outcomes, such as a government default, highlighting their importance in legislative processes. The role of filibusters in campaign finance reform discussions in the 1990s demonstrates how they can bring critical issues to the forefront, ultimately leading to significant legislation. Understanding filibusters enriches our perspective on political maneuvering, revealing how they can be leveraged for both obstruction and progress in legislative debates. ... Additional Resources: Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate by Greg Koger U.S. Senate: About Filibusters and Cloture 10 Wildest Filibusters In History - Listverse How The Filibuster Has Been Used To Block Civil Rights Progress | NBC News NOW The filibuster has been a thorn in Democrats' side. Now it's their last hope - Fast Company Filibuster Reform - Center for Effective Government ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode following the main recording of What is a Filibuster? Liam and special guest Gregory Koger continue their discussion on the history of filibuster's, including its British origins and the role they played in the Civil Rights Act.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami, who specializes in legislative politics and political parties and author of the book Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Filibusters can be a complex political tool, not just a stubborn roadblock to legislation. They serve a purpose in forcing issues onto the agenda, showcasing their strategic use in U.S. politics.
  • The history of filibustering dates back to the 19th century, with early examples even found in the UK Parliament, illustrating that this isn't just a U.S. phenomenon.
  • Negotiating under pressure is crucial in politics, and filibusters often create that necessary urgency for lawmakers to reach agreements.
  • Filibusters can sometimes prevent disastrous outcomes, such as a government default, highlighting their importance in legislative processes.
  • The role of filibusters in campaign finance reform discussions in the 1990s demonstrates how they can bring critical issues to the forefront, ultimately leading to significant legislation.
  • Understanding filibusters enriches our perspective on political maneuvering, revealing how they can be leveraged for both obstruction and progress in legislative debates.

...

Additional Resources:

Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate by Greg Koger

U.S. Senate: About Filibusters and Cloture

10 Wildest Filibusters In History - Listverse

How The Filibuster Has Been Used To Block Civil Rights Progress | NBC News NOW

The filibuster has been a thorn in Democrats' side. Now it's their last hope - Fast Company

Filibuster Reform - Center for Effective Government

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 595 no What Were Native American Boarding Schools? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-were-native-american-boarding-schools This week, we’re diving deep into what President Joe Biden called “one of the worst chapters in American history” — the Native American boarding schools. These institutions, which operated for over a century, were designed with the aim of systematically stripping away the cultures and identities of Native American children, often through brutal means. Trust me, it's not going to be a light chat; we’re tackling some heavy topics that might leave you feeling a bit uneasy. However, it’s super important to understand the history behind these schools and the devastating impact they had on entire communities. ... Special guest for this episode: Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia ... Highlights from this episode: This episode explores the dark history of Native American boarding schools, highlighting their role in systematic abuse. Over 500 boarding schools were established across the United States, aimed at assimilating Native children into white culture. The boarding school system was not just about education, but involved severe cultural suppression and trauma for generations. Despite the oppressive past, Native communities today are showing remarkable resilience and a revival of their cultural identities. ... Additional Resources: Forced assimilation and abuse: How US boarding schools devastated Native American tribes | News | cherokeephoenix.org Biden apologizes to Native Americans for abusive government-funded boarding schools | CNN Politics The U.S. history of Native American Boarding Schools — The Indigenous Foundation Historian: American Indian Boarding Schools and Their Impact | TIME ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 What Were Native American Boarding Schools? full 82 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we’re diving deep into what President Joe Biden called “one of the worst chapters in American history” — the Native American boarding schools. These institutions, which operated for over a century, were designed with the aim of systematically stripping away the cultures and identities of Native American children, often through brutal means. Trust me, it's not going to be a light chat; we’re tackling some heavy topics that might leave you feeling a bit uneasy. However, it’s super important to understand the history behind these schools and the devastating impact they had on entire communities. ... Special guest for this episode: Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia ... Highlights from this episode: This episode explores the dark history of Native American boarding schools, highlighting their role in systematic abuse. Over 500 boarding schools were established across the United States, aimed at assimilating Native children into white culture. The boarding school system was not just about education, but involved severe cultural suppression and trauma for generations. Despite the oppressive past, Native communities today are showing remarkable resilience and a revival of their cultural identities. ... Additional Resources: Forced assimilation and abuse: How US boarding schools devastated Native American tribes | News | cherokeephoenix.org Biden apologizes to Native Americans for abusive government-funded boarding schools | CNN Politics The U.S. history of Native American Boarding Schools — The Indigenous Foundation Historian: American Indian Boarding Schools and Their Impact | TIME ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we’re diving deep into what President Joe Biden called “one of the worst chapters in American history” — the Native American boarding schools.

These institutions, which operated for over a century, were designed with the aim of systematically stripping away the cultures and identities of Native American children, often through brutal means.

Trust me, it's not going to be a light chat; we’re tackling some heavy topics that might leave you feeling a bit uneasy. However, it’s super important to understand the history behind these schools and the devastating impact they had on entire communities.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • This episode explores the dark history of Native American boarding schools, highlighting their role in systematic abuse.
  • Over 500 boarding schools were established across the United States, aimed at assimilating Native children into white culture.
  • The boarding school system was not just about education, but involved severe cultural suppression and trauma for generations.
  • Despite the oppressive past, Native communities today are showing remarkable resilience and a revival of their cultural identities.

...

Additional Resources:

Forced assimilation and abuse: How US boarding schools devastated Native American tribes | News | cherokeephoenix.org

Biden apologizes to Native Americans for abusive government-funded boarding schools | CNN Politics

The U.S. history of Native American Boarding Schools — The Indigenous Foundation

Historian: American Indian Boarding Schools and Their Impact | TIME

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2231 no BONUS: Lights, Cameras, Incarceration - Are We Simplifying Prison Life? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-lights-cameras-incarceration-are-we-simplifying-prison-life In this bonus episode, Liam and guests continue their discussion on the US prison system, in particular how it is represented and simplified in popular media, and the impact this can have on wider public perceptions of incarceration. Plus, they explore the potential impact of a Trump administration on prisons, and why other countries like the UK may not be as different as they like to appear. ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant, a historian of the twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. Heather Ann Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. She was also the historical consultant for the Oscar-nominated documentary ATTICA. ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we dove deep into America's prison system and discussed its many flaws, shedding light on the complexities that are often oversimplified in popular media. We explored how reality TV shows can sometimes glorify incarceration, which isn't just misleading but also dehumanizing for those behind bars. The conversation highlighted the important role of documentaries in revealing the harsh realities of prison life, challenging the voyeuristic narratives often presented. Trump's impact on prison policies could be significant, exacerbating issues that affect the most vulnerable populations in society. The dialogue also touched on the media's responsibility to represent the incarcerated more humanely and accurately, rather than just sensationalizing their stories. Lastly, we emphasized that the conversation around prison reform is ongoing and needs continued attention, as these issues won't simply disappear overnight. ... Additional Resources: Dr. Heather Ann Thompson - Pulitzer Prize Winner | Author | Speaker | Consultant Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson U.S. prisons - number of prisoners 2022 | Statista Incarceration Rates by Country 2024 Global Prison Trends Report How Much Does A Prisoner Cost Per Year USA? - Prison Inside 50 years after the US declared war on drugs, AP examines racial disparities | The Associated Press ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 22 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Lights, Cameras, Incarceration - Are We Simplifying Prison Life? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, Liam and guests continue their discussion on the US prison system, in particular how it is represented and simplified in popular media, and the impact this can have on wider public perceptions of incarceration. Plus, they explore the potential impact of a Trump administration on prisons, and why other countries like the UK may not be as different as they like to appear. ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant, a historian of the twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. Heather Ann Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. She was also the historical consultant for the Oscar-nominated documentary ATTICA. ... Highlights from this episode: In this episode, we dove deep into America's prison system and discussed its many flaws, shedding light on the complexities that are often oversimplified in popular media. We explored how reality TV shows can sometimes glorify incarceration, which isn't just misleading but also dehumanizing for those behind bars. The conversation highlighted the important role of documentaries in revealing the harsh realities of prison life, challenging the voyeuristic narratives often presented. Trump's impact on prison policies could be significant, exacerbating issues that affect the most vulnerable populations in society. The dialogue also touched on the media's responsibility to represent the incarcerated more humanely and accurately, rather than just sensationalizing their stories. Lastly, we emphasized that the conversation around prison reform is ongoing and needs continued attention, as these issues won't simply disappear overnight. ... Additional Resources: Dr. Heather Ann Thompson - Pulitzer Prize Winner | Author | Speaker | Consultant Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson U.S. prisons - number of prisoners 2022 | Statista Incarceration Rates by Country 2024 Global Prison Trends Report How Much Does A Prisoner Cost Per Year USA? - Prison Inside 50 years after the US declared war on drugs, AP examines racial disparities | The Associated Press ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, Liam and guests continue their discussion on the US prison system, in particular how it is represented and simplified in popular media, and the impact this can have on wider public perceptions of incarceration. Plus, they explore the potential impact of a Trump administration on prisons, and why other countries like the UK may not be as different as they like to appear.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Nicholas Grant, a historian of the twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.
  • Heather Ann Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. She was also the historical consultant for the Oscar-nominated documentary ATTICA.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we dove deep into America's prison system and discussed its many flaws, shedding light on the complexities that are often oversimplified in popular media.
  • We explored how reality TV shows can sometimes glorify incarceration, which isn't just misleading but also dehumanizing for those behind bars.
  • The conversation highlighted the important role of documentaries in revealing the harsh realities of prison life, challenging the voyeuristic narratives often presented.
  • Trump's impact on prison policies could be significant, exacerbating issues that affect the most vulnerable populations in society.
  • The dialogue also touched on the media's responsibility to represent the incarcerated more humanely and accurately, rather than just sensationalizing their stories.
  • Lastly, we emphasized that the conversation around prison reform is ongoing and needs continued attention, as these issues won't simply disappear overnight.

...

Additional Resources:

Dr. Heather Ann Thompson - Pulitzer Prize Winner | Author | Speaker | Consultant

Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson

U.S. prisons - number of prisoners 2022 | Statista

Incarceration Rates by Country 2024

Global Prison Trends Report

How Much Does A Prisoner Cost Per Year USA? - Prison Inside

50 years after the US declared war on drugs, AP examines racial disparities | The Associated Press

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 714 no What is a Filibuster? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-a-filibuster Ever wonder what a filibuster actually is? Well, this week we dive into the quirky world of filibusters with a political science professor who’s literally written the book on the subject! He breaks down the origins of filibusters, how they’ve evolved over time, and why they still make headlines today. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the drama of endless speeches; it’s also a strategic game of political chess! So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s unravel the mysteries behind this bizarre but fascinating practice in American government. ... Special guest for this episode: Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami, who specializes in legislative politics and political parties and author of the book Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate ... Highlights from this episode: Filibusters are a unique way for legislators to block decisions and slow down processes, allowing a minority to exert influence over a majority's agenda. The history of filibustering dates back to the early 19th century, showcasing how this tactic has evolved in American politics over the years. In the U.S. Senate, there is no formal limit on how long someone can speak, leading to marathon speeches that can last for hours or even days. The effectiveness of a filibuster often depends on the willingness of senators to wait out the opposition, highlighting the strategic nature of this political maneuver. Filibusters can be seen as both a tool for minority rights and a source of legislative gridlock, especially in today's polarized political climate. Attempts to reform the filibuster have been met with resistance, illustrating the complexities of changing long-standing legislative rules. ... Additional Resources: Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate by Greg Koger U.S. Senate: About Filibusters and Cloture 10 Wildest Filibusters In History - Listverse How The Filibuster Has Been Used To Block Civil Rights Progress | NBC News NOW The filibuster has been a thorn in Democrats' side. Now it's their last hope - Fast Company Filibuster Reform - Center for Effective Government ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 What is a Filibuster? full 81 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Ever wonder what a filibuster actually is? Well, this week we dive into the quirky world of filibusters with a political science professor who’s literally written the book on the subject! He breaks down the origins of filibusters, how they’ve evolved over time, and why they still make headlines today. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the drama of endless speeches; it’s also a strategic game of political chess! So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s unravel the mysteries behind this bizarre but fascinating practice in American government. ... Special guest for this episode: Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami, who specializes in legislative politics and political parties and author of the book Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate ... Highlights from this episode: Filibusters are a unique way for legislators to block decisions and slow down processes, allowing a minority to exert influence over a majority's agenda. The history of filibustering dates back to the early 19th century, showcasing how this tactic has evolved in American politics over the years. In the U.S. Senate, there is no formal limit on how long someone can speak, leading to marathon speeches that can last for hours or even days. The effectiveness of a filibuster often depends on the willingness of senators to wait out the opposition, highlighting the strategic nature of this political maneuver. Filibusters can be seen as both a tool for minority rights and a source of legislative gridlock, especially in today's polarized political climate. Attempts to reform the filibuster have been met with resistance, illustrating the complexities of changing long-standing legislative rules. ... Additional Resources: Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate by Greg Koger U.S. Senate: About Filibusters and Cloture 10 Wildest Filibusters In History - Listverse How The Filibuster Has Been Used To Block Civil Rights Progress | NBC News NOW The filibuster has been a thorn in Democrats' side. Now it's their last hope - Fast Company Filibuster Reform - Center for Effective Government ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ever wonder what a filibuster actually is? Well, this week we dive into the quirky world of filibusters with a political science professor who’s literally written the book on the subject! He breaks down the origins of filibusters, how they’ve evolved over time, and why they still make headlines today.

Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the drama of endless speeches; it’s also a strategic game of political chess! So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s unravel the mysteries behind this bizarre but fascinating practice in American government.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami, who specializes in legislative politics and political parties and author of the book Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Filibusters are a unique way for legislators to block decisions and slow down processes, allowing a minority to exert influence over a majority's agenda.
  • The history of filibustering dates back to the early 19th century, showcasing how this tactic has evolved in American politics over the years.
  • In the U.S. Senate, there is no formal limit on how long someone can speak, leading to marathon speeches that can last for hours or even days.
  • The effectiveness of a filibuster often depends on the willingness of senators to wait out the opposition, highlighting the strategic nature of this political maneuver.
  • Filibusters can be seen as both a tool for minority rights and a source of legislative gridlock, especially in today's polarized political climate.
  • Attempts to reform the filibuster have been met with resistance, illustrating the complexities of changing long-standing legislative rules.

...

Additional Resources:

Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate by Greg Koger

U.S. Senate: About Filibusters and Cloture

10 Wildest Filibusters In History - Listverse

How The Filibuster Has Been Used To Block Civil Rights Progress | NBC News NOW

The filibuster has been a thorn in Democrats' side. Now it's their last hope - Fast Company

Filibuster Reform - Center for Effective Government

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2464 no BONUS: Rosa Parks is More Than Just the Lady on the Bus https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-rosa-parks-is-more-than-just-the-lady-on-the-bus In this special bonus chat, following the release of 'Who is Rosa Parks?' Liam and guests discuss how the civil rights movement, and figures like Parks, are taught and remembered, particularly in an age where disinformation and division is rife. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College of City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books and articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education in the US, including The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis READ: King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South  by Jeanne Theoharis READ: Rosa Parks' Legacy Stained By Court Feud, Accusations Of Corruption READ: Biography: Rosa Parks  READ: Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do in the fight for racial equality?  WATCH: Watch Freedom Riders | American Experience | Official Site | PBS  WATCH: The Case of the Scottsboro Boys ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 15 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Rosa Parks is More Than Just the Lady on the Bus bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus chat, following the release of 'Who is Rosa Parks?' Liam and guests discuss how the civil rights movement, and figures like Parks, are taught and remembered, particularly in an age where disinformation and division is rife. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College of City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books and articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education in the US, including The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis READ: King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South  by Jeanne Theoharis READ: Rosa Parks' Legacy Stained By Court Feud, Accusations Of Corruption READ: Biography: Rosa Parks  READ: Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do in the fight for racial equality?  WATCH: Watch Freedom Riders | American Experience | Official Site | PBS  WATCH: The Case of the Scottsboro Boys ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus chat, following the release of 'Who is Rosa Parks?' Liam and guests discuss how the civil rights movement, and figures like Parks, are taught and remembered, particularly in an age where disinformation and division is rife.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism.
  • Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College of City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books and articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education in the US, including The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis

READ: King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South  by Jeanne Theoharis

READ: Rosa Parks' Legacy Stained By Court Feud, Accusations Of Corruption

READ: Biography: Rosa Parks 

READ: Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do in the fight for racial equality? 

WATCH: Watch Freedom Riders | American Experience | Official Site | PBS 

WATCH: The Case of the Scottsboro Boys

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 707 no Why Does America Have So Many Prisons? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-does-america-have-so-many-prisons This week, as Trump promises to make America great again.. again, I want to find out more about the prison system. In some states, up to 10% of budgets are allocated to correctional facilities, and yet incarceration rates and the costs continue to rise, while issues around systemic racism and politics continue to plague its reputation and put question marks over its effectiveness. So in this episode, I want to know… why does America have so many prisons? ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant, a historian of the twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. Heather Ann Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. She was also the historical consultant for the Oscar-nominated documentary ATTICA. ... Highlights from this episode: The American prison system has a staggering rate of incarceration, with more people locked up per capita than any other country, indicating a severe failure in addressing social issues. Historically, prisons in the United States have disproportionately housed poor individuals and people of color, revealing deep-seated racial disparities in the justice system. Despite some reforms, the prison system in America has not shifted towards rehabilitation; rather, it continues to operate as a mechanism for social control and economic profit. The narrative surrounding crime and punishment in the U.S. has often been driven by racial politics, with a history of policies targeting marginalized communities under the guise of public safety. The prison population remains predominantly non-white, reflecting systemic inequalities, as African Americans and Latinos make up a significant portion of incarcerated individuals. Public perception and political rhetoric often frame incarceration as a solution to crime, but the reality is that it perpetuates cycles of poverty and violence in communities. ... Additional Resources: Dr. Heather Ann Thompson - Pulitzer Prize Winner | Author | Speaker | Consultant Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson U.S. prisons - number of prisoners 2022 | Statista Incarceration Rates by Country 2024 Global Prison Trends Report How Much Does A Prisoner Cost Per Year USA? - Prison Inside 50 years after the US declared war on drugs, AP examines racial disparities | The Associated Press ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Why Does America Have So Many Prisons? full 80 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, as Trump promises to make America great again.. again, I want to find out more about the prison system. In some states, up to 10% of budgets are allocated to correctional facilities, and yet incarceration rates and the costs continue to rise, while issues around systemic racism and politics continue to plague its reputation and put question marks over its effectiveness. So in this episode, I want to know… why does America have so many prisons? ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant, a historian of the twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. Heather Ann Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. She was also the historical consultant for the Oscar-nominated documentary ATTICA. ... Highlights from this episode: The American prison system has a staggering rate of incarceration, with more people locked up per capita than any other country, indicating a severe failure in addressing social issues. Historically, prisons in the United States have disproportionately housed poor individuals and people of color, revealing deep-seated racial disparities in the justice system. Despite some reforms, the prison system in America has not shifted towards rehabilitation; rather, it continues to operate as a mechanism for social control and economic profit. The narrative surrounding crime and punishment in the U.S. has often been driven by racial politics, with a history of policies targeting marginalized communities under the guise of public safety. The prison population remains predominantly non-white, reflecting systemic inequalities, as African Americans and Latinos make up a significant portion of incarcerated individuals. Public perception and political rhetoric often frame incarceration as a solution to crime, but the reality is that it perpetuates cycles of poverty and violence in communities. ... Additional Resources: Dr. Heather Ann Thompson - Pulitzer Prize Winner | Author | Speaker | Consultant Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson U.S. prisons - number of prisoners 2022 | Statista Incarceration Rates by Country 2024 Global Prison Trends Report How Much Does A Prisoner Cost Per Year USA? - Prison Inside 50 years after the US declared war on drugs, AP examines racial disparities | The Associated Press ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, as Trump promises to make America great again.. again, I want to find out more about the prison system. In some states, up to 10% of budgets are allocated to correctional facilities, and yet incarceration rates and the costs continue to rise, while issues around systemic racism and politics continue to plague its reputation and put question marks over its effectiveness. So in this episode, I want to know… why does America have so many prisons?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Nicholas Grant, a historian of the twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.
  • Heather Ann Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. She was also the historical consultant for the Oscar-nominated documentary ATTICA.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The American prison system has a staggering rate of incarceration, with more people locked up per capita than any other country, indicating a severe failure in addressing social issues.
  • Historically, prisons in the United States have disproportionately housed poor individuals and people of color, revealing deep-seated racial disparities in the justice system.
  • Despite some reforms, the prison system in America has not shifted towards rehabilitation; rather, it continues to operate as a mechanism for social control and economic profit.
  • The narrative surrounding crime and punishment in the U.S. has often been driven by racial politics, with a history of policies targeting marginalized communities under the guise of public safety.
  • The prison population remains predominantly non-white, reflecting systemic inequalities, as African Americans and Latinos make up a significant portion of incarcerated individuals.
  • Public perception and political rhetoric often frame incarceration as a solution to crime, but the reality is that it perpetuates cycles of poverty and violence in communities.

...

Additional Resources:

Dr. Heather Ann Thompson - Pulitzer Prize Winner | Author | Speaker | Consultant

Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson

U.S. prisons - number of prisoners 2022 | Statista

Incarceration Rates by Country 2024

Global Prison Trends Report

How Much Does A Prisoner Cost Per Year USA? - Prison Inside

50 years after the US declared war on drugs, AP examines racial disparities | The Associated Press

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2831 no BONUS: How American Media Distorts Perceptions of the Middle East https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-american-media-distorts-perceptions-of-the-middle-east In this bonus episode, Liam and special guest Melani McAlister dive into the complex perceptions Americans have about the Middle East, particularly in light of popular culture and media representation. They discuss how ignorance about the region persists despite educational efforts, leading to a skewed view of Middle Eastern people as either potential terrorists or helpless victims in need of salvation. And they explore the pervasive narratives in American films and television, which often frame the U.S. as the heroic savior while portraying Muslims in a negative light, the troubling stereotypes that arise from these portrayals, particularly about Muslim women, and how these narratives fail to acknowledge the voices and agency of those within the region. ... Special guest for this episode: Melani McAlister, a Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at George Washington University, whose interests include the rhetoric of foreign policy. Her new book Promises, released in 2024, explores the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US role in it. ... Highlights from this episode: The American public's perception of the Middle East Popular culture's frequent portrayal of Muslims and Arabs as dangerous, reinforcing negative stereotypes. The harmful narrative of American exceptionalism Media representations of Americans as saviors of oppressed populations. The problematic concept of the 'good Muslim' character. The portrayal of Muslim women needing saving can diminish their agency and voices in society. ... Additional Resources: Promises, Then the Storm: Notes on Memory, Protest, and the Israel–Gaza War by Melani McAlister Melani McAlister – Writing, Teaching, & Other Stuff U.S. Policy in the Middle East: A Brief History Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance by Amy Kaplan ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 08 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: How American Media Distorts Perceptions of the Middle East bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, Liam and special guest Melani McAlister dive into the complex perceptions Americans have about the Middle East, particularly in light of popular culture and media representation. They discuss how ignorance about the region persists despite educational efforts, leading to a skewed view of Middle Eastern people as either potential terrorists or helpless victims in need of salvation. And they explore the pervasive narratives in American films and television, which often frame the U.S. as the heroic savior while portraying Muslims in a negative light, the troubling stereotypes that arise from these portrayals, particularly about Muslim women, and how these narratives fail to acknowledge the voices and agency of those within the region. ... Special guest for this episode: Melani McAlister, a Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at George Washington University, whose interests include the rhetoric of foreign policy. Her new book Promises, released in 2024, explores the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US role in it. ... Highlights from this episode: The American public's perception of the Middle East Popular culture's frequent portrayal of Muslims and Arabs as dangerous, reinforcing negative stereotypes. The harmful narrative of American exceptionalism Media representations of Americans as saviors of oppressed populations. The problematic concept of the 'good Muslim' character. The portrayal of Muslim women needing saving can diminish their agency and voices in society. ... Additional Resources: Promises, Then the Storm: Notes on Memory, Protest, and the Israel–Gaza War by Melani McAlister Melani McAlister – Writing, Teaching, & Other Stuff U.S. Policy in the Middle East: A Brief History Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance by Amy Kaplan ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, Liam and special guest Melani McAlister dive into the complex perceptions Americans have about the Middle East, particularly in light of popular culture and media representation.

They discuss how ignorance about the region persists despite educational efforts, leading to a skewed view of Middle Eastern people as either potential terrorists or helpless victims in need of salvation. And they explore the pervasive narratives in American films and television, which often frame the U.S. as the heroic savior while portraying Muslims in a negative light, the troubling stereotypes that arise from these portrayals, particularly about Muslim women, and how these narratives fail to acknowledge the voices and agency of those within the region.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Melani McAlister, a Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at George Washington University, whose interests include the rhetoric of foreign policy. Her new book Promises, released in 2024, explores the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US role in it.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The American public's perception of the Middle East
  • Popular culture's frequent portrayal of Muslims and Arabs as dangerous, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
  • The harmful narrative of American exceptionalism
  • Media representations of Americans as saviors of oppressed populations.
  • The problematic concept of the 'good Muslim' character.
  • The portrayal of Muslim women needing saving can diminish their agency and voices in society.

...

Additional Resources:

Promises, Then the Storm: Notes on Memory, Protest, and the Israel–Gaza War by Melani McAlister

Melani McAlister – Writing, Teaching, & Other Stuff

U.S. Policy in the Middle East: A Brief History

Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance by Amy Kaplan

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 706 no Who is Rosa Parks? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-rosa-parks This week, to celebrate Black History Month in the US, we are shining a light on one of the most influential figures in American history. Her relentless efforts for social justice and equality made her a powerful voice of the civil rights movement, and her work and legacy still endures today, alongside figures such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. So today we remember the life, the work, and the legacy of this great individual as I ask… who is Rosa Parks. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College of City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books and articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education in the US, including The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks. ... Highlights from this episode: Rosa Parks' childhood experiences with racial violence shaped her beliefs about self-defense and activism. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was not just a single event but a culmination of ongoing resistance. Rosa Parks' activism extended beyond the bus boycott, influencing civil rights and black power movements. Many women, like Claudette Colvin, played crucial roles in the bus resistance before Parks' arrest. Parks' legacy is often simplified, overshadowing her lifelong commitment to social justice and equality. The importance of community organizing and collective action was vital for the boycott's success. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis READ: King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South  by Jeanne Theoharis READ: Rosa Parks' Legacy Stained By Court Feud, Accusations Of Corruption READ: Biography: Rosa Parks  READ: Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do in the fight for racial equality?  WATCH: Watch Freedom Riders | American Experience | Official Site | PBS  WATCH: The Case of the Scottsboro Boys ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Who is Rosa Parks? full 79 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, to celebrate Black History Month in the US, we are shining a light on one of the most influential figures in American history. Her relentless efforts for social justice and equality made her a powerful voice of the civil rights movement, and her work and legacy still endures today, alongside figures such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. So today we remember the life, the work, and the legacy of this great individual as I ask… who is Rosa Parks. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College of City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books and articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education in the US, including The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks. ... Highlights from this episode: Rosa Parks' childhood experiences with racial violence shaped her beliefs about self-defense and activism. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was not just a single event but a culmination of ongoing resistance. Rosa Parks' activism extended beyond the bus boycott, influencing civil rights and black power movements. Many women, like Claudette Colvin, played crucial roles in the bus resistance before Parks' arrest. Parks' legacy is often simplified, overshadowing her lifelong commitment to social justice and equality. The importance of community organizing and collective action was vital for the boycott's success. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis READ: King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South  by Jeanne Theoharis READ: Rosa Parks' Legacy Stained By Court Feud, Accusations Of Corruption READ: Biography: Rosa Parks  READ: Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do in the fight for racial equality?  WATCH: Watch Freedom Riders | American Experience | Official Site | PBS  WATCH: The Case of the Scottsboro Boys ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, to celebrate Black History Month in the US, we are shining a light on one of the most influential figures in American history. Her relentless efforts for social justice and equality made her a powerful voice of the civil rights movement, and her work and legacy still endures today, alongside figures such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. So today we remember the life, the work, and the legacy of this great individual as I ask… who is Rosa Parks.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism.
  • Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College of City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books and articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education in the US, including The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Rosa Parks' childhood experiences with racial violence shaped her beliefs about self-defense and activism.
  • The Montgomery Bus Boycott was not just a single event but a culmination of ongoing resistance.
  • Rosa Parks' activism extended beyond the bus boycott, influencing civil rights and black power movements.
  • Many women, like Claudette Colvin, played crucial roles in the bus resistance before Parks' arrest.
  • Parks' legacy is often simplified, overshadowing her lifelong commitment to social justice and equality.
  • The importance of community organizing and collective action was vital for the boycott's success.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis

READ: King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South  by Jeanne Theoharis

READ: Rosa Parks' Legacy Stained By Court Feud, Accusations Of Corruption

READ: Biography: Rosa Parks 

READ: Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do in the fight for racial equality? 

WATCH: Watch Freedom Riders | American Experience | Official Site | PBS 

WATCH: The Case of the Scottsboro Boys

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3237 no BONUS: Will Bryan Cranston be the Next Freddy Krueger? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-will-bryan-cranston-be-the-next-freddy-krueger In this special bonus episode, following the recording of 'Who is Freddy Krueger?', Liam and special guest Noel Mellor discuss their favourite horror films, the future of Freddy, and our ideal castings - Jack Black, anyone? ... Special guest for this episode: Noel Mellor, a former marketing professional, now Programme Leader on the BA Digital Video Production and Marketing at University of Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture. ... Highlights from this episode: Noel Mellor reflects on his early horror experiences and how he first watched Freddy Krueger. The conversation highlights the evolution of Freddy Krueger from horror icon to pop culture figure. Dream Warriors is celebrated as a beloved sequel due to its fun and imaginative approach. The meta-narrative in Wes Craven's New Nightmare is discussed as a pioneering horror concept. Both hosts agree that horror movies can deeply affect viewers through discomfort and unsettling themes. The possibility of Freddy's return in a new adaptation raises questions about casting and character development. ... Additional Resources: The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk Wes Craven: the scream of our times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who is Ed Gein? Why Do Americans Love Halloween? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 01 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Will Bryan Cranston be the Next Freddy Krueger? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus episode, following the recording of 'Who is Freddy Krueger?', Liam and special guest Noel Mellor discuss their favourite horror films, the future of Freddy, and our ideal castings - Jack Black, anyone? ... Special guest for this episode: Noel Mellor, a former marketing professional, now Programme Leader on the BA Digital Video Production and Marketing at University of Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture. ... Highlights from this episode: Noel Mellor reflects on his early horror experiences and how he first watched Freddy Krueger. The conversation highlights the evolution of Freddy Krueger from horror icon to pop culture figure. Dream Warriors is celebrated as a beloved sequel due to its fun and imaginative approach. The meta-narrative in Wes Craven's New Nightmare is discussed as a pioneering horror concept. Both hosts agree that horror movies can deeply affect viewers through discomfort and unsettling themes. The possibility of Freddy's return in a new adaptation raises questions about casting and character development. ... Additional Resources: The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk Wes Craven: the scream of our times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who is Ed Gein? Why Do Americans Love Halloween? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus episode, following the recording of 'Who is Freddy Krueger?', Liam and special guest Noel Mellor discuss their favourite horror films, the future of Freddy, and our ideal castings - Jack Black, anyone?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Noel Mellor, a former marketing professional, now Programme Leader on the BA Digital Video Production and Marketing at University of Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Noel Mellor reflects on his early horror experiences and how he first watched Freddy Krueger.
  • The conversation highlights the evolution of Freddy Krueger from horror icon to pop culture figure.
  • Dream Warriors is celebrated as a beloved sequel due to its fun and imaginative approach.
  • The meta-narrative in Wes Craven's New Nightmare is discussed as a pioneering horror concept.
  • Both hosts agree that horror movies can deeply affect viewers through discomfort and unsettling themes.
  • The possibility of Freddy's return in a new adaptation raises questions about casting and character development.

...

Additional Resources:

The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor

The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films

The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk

Wes Craven: the scream of our times

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who is Ed Gein?

Why Do Americans Love Halloween?

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 982 no [EMERGENCY EPISODE] ITM: The Washington D.C. Plane Crash https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/emergency-in-the-making-the-washington-d-c-plane-crash-donald-trump-black-hawk-politics-aviation On the evening of Jan 29th 2025, an American Airlines flight carrying 60 people has collided with a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington D.C. In this emergency episode of America: A History in the Making, Liam dives into the complexities surrounding this incident, emphasizing the risk of politicizing such a heartbreaking event. He reflects on Donald Trump's recent response, which raises questions about aviation safety and oversight, especially given his administration's recent moves to limit advisory committees. While acknowledging the potential conspiracy theories that could arise, Liam urges listeners to focus on the human tragedy at hand rather than getting caught up in political debates. As the recovery efforts continue, he and everyone involved in this podcast ask for a moment of respect and reflection on the loss of life before diving into the inevitable discussions about responsibility and accountability in the days to come. ... Additional Resources: Truth Details | Truth Social Trump Guts Key Aviation Safety Committee, Fires Heads Of TSA, Coast Guard | HuffPost Latest News Washington DC plane crash live updates: Nineteen bodies recovered after passenger jet collides with helicopter - BBC News ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0000 [EMERGENCY EPISODE] ITM: The Washington D.C. Plane Crash full 78 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On the evening of Jan 29th 2025, an American Airlines flight carrying 60 people has collided with a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington D.C. In this emergency episode of America: A History in the Making, Liam dives into the complexities surrounding this incident, emphasizing the risk of politicizing such a heartbreaking event. He reflects on Donald Trump's recent response, which raises questions about aviation safety and oversight, especially given his administration's recent moves to limit advisory committees. While acknowledging the potential conspiracy theories that could arise, Liam urges listeners to focus on the human tragedy at hand rather than getting caught up in political debates. As the recovery efforts continue, he and everyone involved in this podcast ask for a moment of respect and reflection on the loss of life before diving into the inevitable discussions about responsibility and accountability in the days to come. ... Additional Resources: Truth Details | Truth Social Trump Guts Key Aviation Safety Committee, Fires Heads Of TSA, Coast Guard | HuffPost Latest News Washington DC plane crash live updates: Nineteen bodies recovered after passenger jet collides with helicopter - BBC News ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On the evening of Jan 29th 2025, an American Airlines flight carrying 60 people has collided with a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington D.C.

In this emergency episode of America: A History in the Making, Liam dives into the complexities surrounding this incident, emphasizing the risk of politicizing such a heartbreaking event. He reflects on Donald Trump's recent response, which raises questions about aviation safety and oversight, especially given his administration's recent moves to limit advisory committees.

While acknowledging the potential conspiracy theories that could arise, Liam urges listeners to focus on the human tragedy at hand rather than getting caught up in political debates.

As the recovery efforts continue, he and everyone involved in this podcast ask for a moment of respect and reflection on the loss of life before diving into the inevitable discussions about responsibility and accountability in the days to come.

...

Additional Resources:

Truth Details | Truth Social

Trump Guts Key Aviation Safety Committee, Fires Heads Of TSA, Coast Guard | HuffPost Latest News

Washington DC plane crash live updates: Nineteen bodies recovered after passenger jet collides with helicopter - BBC News

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 757 no What is America's Relationship to the Middle East? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-americas-relationship-to-the-middle-east Every American generation has a unique memory tied to the nation's involvement in the Middle East, from the Gulf War to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. America has often inserted itself into the politics and the conflicts within the region, but why? In this episode we find out why it cares, and what it has to gain, and… what exactly is America’s relationship to the Middle East? Special guest Melani McAlister, a professor at George Washington University, delves into the historical context of U.S. involvement, highlighting the shift in focus towards the Middle East post-World War II, primarily due to the discovery of vast oil resources and strategic geopolitical interests. Plus, the political aspects of these alliances, but also the emotional and cultural investments that shape public opinion on Israel and Palestine. And we reflect on the future of U.S. engagement in the Middle East, questioning whether a more diplomatic approach could replace the long-standing pattern of military intervention. ... Special guest for this episode: Melani McAlister, a Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at George Washington University, whose interests include the rhetoric of foreign policy. Her new book Promises, released in 2024, explores the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US role in it. ... Highlights from this episode: The United States' long and complicated history of involvement in the Middle East, rooted in strategic interests and resource extraction. U.S. policymakers cultivating Israel as a key ally The current conflict in Gaza, America's support for Israel and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. Many Americans' opposition to military funding for Israel The rise of anti-Palestinian sentiment in the U.S. and public discourse around the Israel-Palestine conflict. Religious groups in the U.S. and their influence on American foreign policy towards Israel. ... Additional Resources: Promises, Then the Storm: Notes on Memory, Protest, and the Israel–Gaza War by Melani McAlister Melani McAlister – Writing, Teaching, & Other Stuff U.S. Policy in the Middle East: A Brief History Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance by Amy Kaplan ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0000 What is America's Relationship to the Middle East? full 77 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Every American generation has a unique memory tied to the nation's involvement in the Middle East, from the Gulf War to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. America has often inserted itself into the politics and the conflicts within the region, but why? In this episode we find out why it cares, and what it has to gain, and… what exactly is America’s relationship to the Middle East? Special guest Melani McAlister, a professor at George Washington University, delves into the historical context of U.S. involvement, highlighting the shift in focus towards the Middle East post-World War II, primarily due to the discovery of vast oil resources and strategic geopolitical interests. Plus, the political aspects of these alliances, but also the emotional and cultural investments that shape public opinion on Israel and Palestine. And we reflect on the future of U.S. engagement in the Middle East, questioning whether a more diplomatic approach could replace the long-standing pattern of military intervention. ... Special guest for this episode: Melani McAlister, a Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at George Washington University, whose interests include the rhetoric of foreign policy. Her new book Promises, released in 2024, explores the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US role in it. ... Highlights from this episode: The United States' long and complicated history of involvement in the Middle East, rooted in strategic interests and resource extraction. U.S. policymakers cultivating Israel as a key ally The current conflict in Gaza, America's support for Israel and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. Many Americans' opposition to military funding for Israel The rise of anti-Palestinian sentiment in the U.S. and public discourse around the Israel-Palestine conflict. Religious groups in the U.S. and their influence on American foreign policy towards Israel. ... Additional Resources: Promises, Then the Storm: Notes on Memory, Protest, and the Israel–Gaza War by Melani McAlister Melani McAlister – Writing, Teaching, & Other Stuff U.S. Policy in the Middle East: A Brief History Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance by Amy Kaplan ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Every American generation has a unique memory tied to the nation's involvement in the Middle East, from the Gulf War to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

America has often inserted itself into the politics and the conflicts within the region, but why? In this episode we find out why it cares, and what it has to gain, and… what exactly is America’s relationship to the Middle East?

Special guest Melani McAlister, a professor at George Washington University, delves into the historical context of U.S. involvement, highlighting the shift in focus towards the Middle East post-World War II, primarily due to the discovery of vast oil resources and strategic geopolitical interests. Plus, the political aspects of these alliances, but also the emotional and cultural investments that shape public opinion on Israel and Palestine.

And we reflect on the future of U.S. engagement in the Middle East, questioning whether a more diplomatic approach could replace the long-standing pattern of military intervention.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Melani McAlister, a Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at George Washington University, whose interests include the rhetoric of foreign policy. Her new book Promises, released in 2024, explores the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US role in it.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The United States' long and complicated history of involvement in the Middle East, rooted in strategic interests and resource extraction.
  • U.S. policymakers cultivating Israel as a key ally
  • The current conflict in Gaza, America's support for Israel and its implications for U.S. foreign policy.
  • Many Americans' opposition to military funding for Israel
  • The rise of anti-Palestinian sentiment in the U.S. and public discourse around the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • Religious groups in the U.S. and their influence on American foreign policy towards Israel.

...

Additional Resources:

Promises, Then the Storm: Notes on Memory, Protest, and the Israel–Gaza War by Melani McAlister

Melani McAlister – Writing, Teaching, & Other Stuff

U.S. Policy in the Middle East: A Brief History

Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance by Amy Kaplan

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2422 no BONUS: What Does MAGA Mean for the GOP? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-what-does-maga-mean-for-the-gop In this special bonus chat, Liam and special guest Mike Cowburn discuss the two party system in America, and how Trump and the MAGA are challenging the status quo. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Mike Cowburn, a Postdoctoral Researcher for Digital Democracy at European University Viadrina. His new book Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries is out now ... Additional Resources: READ: Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries by Mike Cowburn WATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | Forward READ: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt READ: The Party Decides: Presidential Nominations Before and After Reform ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 25 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: What Does MAGA Mean for the GOP? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus chat, Liam and special guest Mike Cowburn discuss the two party system in America, and how Trump and the MAGA are challenging the status quo. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Mike Cowburn, a Postdoctoral Researcher for Digital Democracy at European University Viadrina. His new book Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries is out now ... Additional Resources: READ: Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries by Mike Cowburn WATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | Forward READ: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt READ: The Party Decides: Presidential Nominations Before and After Reform ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus chat, Liam and special guest Mike Cowburn discuss the two party system in America, and how Trump and the MAGA are challenging the status quo.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Mike Cowburn, a Postdoctoral Researcher for Digital Democracy at European University Viadrina. His new book Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries is out now

...

Additional Resources:

READ: Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries by Mike Cowburn

WATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | Forward

READ: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

READ: The Party Decides: Presidential Nominations Before and After Reform

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 929 no Who is Freddy Krueger? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-freddy-krueger-nightmare-on-elm-street-wes-craven-robert-englund-horror-film The conversation around Freddy Krueger is not just about horror; it’s a reflection of societal fears and cultural shifts that have persisted since the 1980s. When Wes Craven introduced Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street, he tapped into a universal anxiety — the fear of sleep and the vulnerability that comes with it. In this episode, Liam and special guest Noel Mellor discuss how this fear transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, allowing audiences worldwide to connect with Freddy's terrifying premise, and create an American pop culture phenom in the process. What makes a villain like Freddy Krueger so likeable? Is Robert Englund the real brand? And what does Freddy tell us about America? ... Special guest for this episode: Noel Mellor, a former marketing professional, now Programme Leader on the BA Digital Video Production and Marketing at University of Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture. ... Highlights from this episode: Wes Craven's creation of Freddy Krueger in 1984 revitalized the slasher genre, combining nightmare elements with iconic horror. The successful marketing strategy for A Nightmare on Elm Street capitalized on its universal themes of fear in dreams. Freddy Krueger's character depth and charm, portrayed by Robert Englund, set him apart from typical horror villains. The cultural impact of Freddy Krueger extended beyond films into merchandise and TV appearances, creating a household name. The original Nightmare on Elm Street's unique premise of a killer in dreams fascinated audiences and influenced horror films. Freddy's transformation into an anti-hero in sequels reflects audience desires for charismatic villains in horror. ... Additional Resources: The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk Wes Craven: the scream of our times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who is Ed Gein? Why Do Americans Love Halloween? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0000 Who is Freddy Krueger? full 76 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The conversation around Freddy Krueger is not just about horror; it’s a reflection of societal fears and cultural shifts that have persisted since the 1980s. When Wes Craven introduced Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street, he tapped into a universal anxiety — the fear of sleep and the vulnerability that comes with it. In this episode, Liam and special guest Noel Mellor discuss how this fear transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, allowing audiences worldwide to connect with Freddy's terrifying premise, and create an American pop culture phenom in the process. What makes a villain like Freddy Krueger so likeable? Is Robert Englund the real brand? And what does Freddy tell us about America? ... Special guest for this episode: Noel Mellor, a former marketing professional, now Programme Leader on the BA Digital Video Production and Marketing at University of Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture. ... Highlights from this episode: Wes Craven's creation of Freddy Krueger in 1984 revitalized the slasher genre, combining nightmare elements with iconic horror. The successful marketing strategy for A Nightmare on Elm Street capitalized on its universal themes of fear in dreams. Freddy Krueger's character depth and charm, portrayed by Robert Englund, set him apart from typical horror villains. The cultural impact of Freddy Krueger extended beyond films into merchandise and TV appearances, creating a household name. The original Nightmare on Elm Street's unique premise of a killer in dreams fascinated audiences and influenced horror films. Freddy's transformation into an anti-hero in sequels reflects audience desires for charismatic villains in horror. ... Additional Resources: The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk Wes Craven: the scream of our times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who is Ed Gein? Why Do Americans Love Halloween? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The conversation around Freddy Krueger is not just about horror; it’s a reflection of societal fears and cultural shifts that have persisted since the 1980s.

When Wes Craven introduced Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street, he tapped into a universal anxiety — the fear of sleep and the vulnerability that comes with it.

In this episode, Liam and special guest Noel Mellor discuss how this fear transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, allowing audiences worldwide to connect with Freddy's terrifying premise, and create an American pop culture phenom in the process.

What makes a villain like Freddy Krueger so likeable?

Is Robert Englund the real brand?

And what does Freddy tell us about America?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Noel Mellor, a former marketing professional, now Programme Leader on the BA Digital Video Production and Marketing at University of Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Wes Craven's creation of Freddy Krueger in 1984 revitalized the slasher genre, combining nightmare elements with iconic horror.
  • The successful marketing strategy for A Nightmare on Elm Street capitalized on its universal themes of fear in dreams.
  • Freddy Krueger's character depth and charm, portrayed by Robert Englund, set him apart from typical horror villains.
  • The cultural impact of Freddy Krueger extended beyond films into merchandise and TV appearances, creating a household name.
  • The original Nightmare on Elm Street's unique premise of a killer in dreams fascinated audiences and influenced horror films.
  • Freddy's transformation into an anti-hero in sequels reflects audience desires for charismatic villains in horror.

...

Additional Resources:

The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor

The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films

The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk

Wes Craven: the scream of our times

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who is Ed Gein?

Why Do Americans Love Halloween?

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2462 no BONUS: What Does it Mean to be Vice President? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-what-does-it-mean-to-be-vice-president What does it mean to be a Vice President in the modern political landscape? This bonus episode dives into the complex role of the Vice President with UCC's Clodagh Harrington. We touch on the often-overlooked influence of Vice Presidents throughout history, contrasting this with the satirical portrayal seen in the popular TV show Veep, and how it encapsulates the cynical and opportunistic nature of the role. Plus. Clodagh shares her best and worst Vice Presidential picks in US history. ... Special guest for this episode: Clodagh Harrington, a US politics lecturer from University College Cork, and host of the excellent podcast A Chicken in Every Pot. Her monograph, co-authored with Alex Waddan, entitled ‘Obama V Trump: the Politics of Presidential Legacy and Rollback is available now, and the follow-up, Trump V Biden is due for publication next year. ... Highlights from this episode: The Vice Presidency can be interpreted in vastly different ways Fictional Veeps, from Selina Meyer to Christian Bale's Cheney Historical context is crucial to understanding the evolving role of the Vice President Cheney's role as Vice President brought unprecedented influence and power, unlike many predecessors. Walter Mondale is praised for bringing seriousness to the Vice Presidency during his term. The unpredictable nature of political power dynamics in the White House. ... Additional Resources: READ: Obama v. Trump: The Politics of Rollback by Clodagh Harrington READ: The vice presidency: From 'insignificant office' to political powerhouse : NPR READ: US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become President | HISTORY  LISTEN: A Chicken in Every Pot ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 18 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: What Does it Mean to be Vice President? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast What does it mean to be a Vice President in the modern political landscape? This bonus episode dives into the complex role of the Vice President with UCC's Clodagh Harrington. We touch on the often-overlooked influence of Vice Presidents throughout history, contrasting this with the satirical portrayal seen in the popular TV show Veep, and how it encapsulates the cynical and opportunistic nature of the role. Plus. Clodagh shares her best and worst Vice Presidential picks in US history. ... Special guest for this episode: Clodagh Harrington, a US politics lecturer from University College Cork, and host of the excellent podcast A Chicken in Every Pot. Her monograph, co-authored with Alex Waddan, entitled ‘Obama V Trump: the Politics of Presidential Legacy and Rollback is available now, and the follow-up, Trump V Biden is due for publication next year. ... Highlights from this episode: The Vice Presidency can be interpreted in vastly different ways Fictional Veeps, from Selina Meyer to Christian Bale's Cheney Historical context is crucial to understanding the evolving role of the Vice President Cheney's role as Vice President brought unprecedented influence and power, unlike many predecessors. Walter Mondale is praised for bringing seriousness to the Vice Presidency during his term. The unpredictable nature of political power dynamics in the White House. ... Additional Resources: READ: Obama v. Trump: The Politics of Rollback by Clodagh Harrington READ: The vice presidency: From 'insignificant office' to political powerhouse : NPR READ: US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become President | HISTORY  LISTEN: A Chicken in Every Pot ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What does it mean to be a Vice President in the modern political landscape? This bonus episode dives into the complex role of the Vice President with UCC's Clodagh Harrington.

We touch on the often-overlooked influence of Vice Presidents throughout history, contrasting this with the satirical portrayal seen in the popular TV show Veep, and how it encapsulates the cynical and opportunistic nature of the role.

Plus. Clodagh shares her best and worst Vice Presidential picks in US history.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Clodagh Harrington, a US politics lecturer from University College Cork, and host of the excellent podcast A Chicken in Every Pot. Her monograph, co-authored with Alex Waddan, entitled ‘Obama V Trump: the Politics of Presidential Legacy and Rollback is available now, and the follow-up, Trump V Biden is due for publication next year.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Vice Presidency can be interpreted in vastly different ways
  • Fictional Veeps, from Selina Meyer to Christian Bale's Cheney
  • Historical context is crucial to understanding the evolving role of the Vice President
  • Cheney's role as Vice President brought unprecedented influence and power, unlike many predecessors.
  • Walter Mondale is praised for bringing seriousness to the Vice Presidency during his term.
  • The unpredictable nature of political power dynamics in the White House.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: Obama v. Trump: The Politics of Rollback by Clodagh Harrington

READ: The vice presidency: From 'insignificant office' to political powerhouse : NPR

READ: US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become President | HISTORY 

LISTEN: A Chicken in Every Pot

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 761 no Why Is American Politics So Divided? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-is-american-politics-so-divided As Donald Trump prepares to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, our latest episode dives into the complexities of the American political landscape, focusing on the deepening divide within the two-party system. How has the MAGA movement come to dominate republican politics? What are the mechanisms driving the two-party system? And ultimately… why is American politics so divided? Special guest Mike Cowburn, a political scholar whose recent book sheds light on the transformation of party dynamics in the U.S., gives a historical overview of how the Republican and Democratic parties evolved through the mid-20th century, highlighting the ideological shifts that catalyzed the current polarization, and explores the implications of this shift, including how institutional factors like gerrymandering and the Electoral College have reinforced Republican advantages in elections. We also discuss Mike's new book, which takes a closer look at the primary election system, and how it has fundamentally changed since the early 2000s, becoming more factionalized and ideological. Finally, this episode contemplates the future of American politics, and whether the entrenched two-party system can adapt to the evolving political landscape, or if it will continue to push voters towards extremes. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Mike Cowburn, a Postdoctoral Researcher for Digital Democracy at European University Viadrina. His new book Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries is out now ... Highlights from this episode: The American political divide is deeply rooted in historical party transformations and societal changes. Trump's ability to navigate between establishment politics and populist sentiments illustrates a unique political strategy. The primary system in the U.S. significantly influences party polarization and candidate positioning. Many Americans are disengaged from politics, viewing it through a non-political lens despite strong values. The ideological differences between parties today stem from a historical shift towards extremism. Institutional factors and electoral mechanics play a crucial role in maintaining the two-party system. ... Additional Resources: READ: Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries by Mike Cowburn WATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | Forward READ: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt READ: The Party Decides: Presidential Nominations Before and After Reform ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 12 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0000 Why Is American Politics So Divided? full 75 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast As Donald Trump prepares to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, our latest episode dives into the complexities of the American political landscape, focusing on the deepening divide within the two-party system. How has the MAGA movement come to dominate republican politics? What are the mechanisms driving the two-party system? And ultimately… why is American politics so divided? Special guest Mike Cowburn, a political scholar whose recent book sheds light on the transformation of party dynamics in the U.S., gives a historical overview of how the Republican and Democratic parties evolved through the mid-20th century, highlighting the ideological shifts that catalyzed the current polarization, and explores the implications of this shift, including how institutional factors like gerrymandering and the Electoral College have reinforced Republican advantages in elections. We also discuss Mike's new book, which takes a closer look at the primary election system, and how it has fundamentally changed since the early 2000s, becoming more factionalized and ideological. Finally, this episode contemplates the future of American politics, and whether the entrenched two-party system can adapt to the evolving political landscape, or if it will continue to push voters towards extremes. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Mike Cowburn, a Postdoctoral Researcher for Digital Democracy at European University Viadrina. His new book Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries is out now ... Highlights from this episode: The American political divide is deeply rooted in historical party transformations and societal changes. Trump's ability to navigate between establishment politics and populist sentiments illustrates a unique political strategy. The primary system in the U.S. significantly influences party polarization and candidate positioning. Many Americans are disengaged from politics, viewing it through a non-political lens despite strong values. The ideological differences between parties today stem from a historical shift towards extremism. Institutional factors and electoral mechanics play a crucial role in maintaining the two-party system. ... Additional Resources: READ: Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries by Mike Cowburn WATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | Forward READ: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt READ: The Party Decides: Presidential Nominations Before and After Reform ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As Donald Trump prepares to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, our latest episode dives into the complexities of the American political landscape, focusing on the deepening divide within the two-party system.

How has the MAGA movement come to dominate republican politics?

What are the mechanisms driving the two-party system?

And ultimately… why is American politics so divided?

Special guest Mike Cowburn, a political scholar whose recent book sheds light on the transformation of party dynamics in the U.S., gives a historical overview of how the Republican and Democratic parties evolved through the mid-20th century, highlighting the ideological shifts that catalyzed the current polarization, and explores the implications of this shift, including how institutional factors like gerrymandering and the Electoral College have reinforced Republican advantages in elections.

We also discuss Mike's new book, which takes a closer look at the primary election system, and how it has fundamentally changed since the early 2000s, becoming more factionalized and ideological.

Finally, this episode contemplates the future of American politics, and whether the entrenched two-party system can adapt to the evolving political landscape, or if it will continue to push voters towards extremes.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Mike Cowburn, a Postdoctoral Researcher for Digital Democracy at European University Viadrina. His new book Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries is out now

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The American political divide is deeply rooted in historical party transformations and societal changes.
  • Trump's ability to navigate between establishment politics and populist sentiments illustrates a unique political strategy.
  • The primary system in the U.S. significantly influences party polarization and candidate positioning.
  • Many Americans are disengaged from politics, viewing it through a non-political lens despite strong values.
  • The ideological differences between parties today stem from a historical shift towards extremism.
  • Institutional factors and electoral mechanics play a crucial role in maintaining the two-party system.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries by Mike Cowburn

WATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | Forward

READ: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

READ: The Party Decides: Presidential Nominations Before and After Reform

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2783 no BONUS: The Three-Fifths Compromise & Other Myths About the Constitutional Convention https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-three-fifths-compromise-other-myths-about-the-constitutional-convention In this special bonus episode, Emma Long and Frank Cogliano delve into the historical context that shaped the Constitution, recorded straight after our earlier episode of the podcast, What Was the Constitutional Convention? The discussion centers around misconceptions about the U.S. Constitution and the Constitutional Convention, particularly focusing on the complexities of the three-fifths compromise and the perceived unchangeability of the Constitution. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at Edinburgh University. Originally from Massachusetts, he’s been living in the UK since 1992, teaching all of us a thing or two about the USA. ... Highlights from this episode: The Constitutional Convention's three-fifths compromise is often misunderstood regarding enslaved people's status. Many believe the Constitution is unchangeable, but the framers anticipated amendments and adjustments. The Articles of Confederation are frequently overlooked, despite being America's first governing document before the Constitution. The Federalist Papers were political propaganda aimed at convincing states to ratify the Constitution, not neutral explanations. Edinburgh is a lovely city, but the conversation also highlights the charm of Massachusetts. The Confederate States modeled their constitution largely on the U.S. Constitution with added protections for slavery. ... Listen to the full episode with Emma and Frank here: What Was the Constitutional Convention? ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 11 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Three-Fifths Compromise & Other Myths About the Constitutional Convention bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus episode, Emma Long and Frank Cogliano delve into the historical context that shaped the Constitution, recorded straight after our earlier episode of the podcast, What Was the Constitutional Convention? The discussion centers around misconceptions about the U.S. Constitution and the Constitutional Convention, particularly focusing on the complexities of the three-fifths compromise and the perceived unchangeability of the Constitution. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at Edinburgh University. Originally from Massachusetts, he’s been living in the UK since 1992, teaching all of us a thing or two about the USA. ... Highlights from this episode: The Constitutional Convention's three-fifths compromise is often misunderstood regarding enslaved people's status. Many believe the Constitution is unchangeable, but the framers anticipated amendments and adjustments. The Articles of Confederation are frequently overlooked, despite being America's first governing document before the Constitution. The Federalist Papers were political propaganda aimed at convincing states to ratify the Constitution, not neutral explanations. Edinburgh is a lovely city, but the conversation also highlights the charm of Massachusetts. The Confederate States modeled their constitution largely on the U.S. Constitution with added protections for slavery. ... Listen to the full episode with Emma and Frank here: What Was the Constitutional Convention? ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus episode, Emma Long and Frank Cogliano delve into the historical context that shaped the Constitution, recorded straight after our earlier episode of the podcast, What Was the Constitutional Convention?

The discussion centers around misconceptions about the U.S. Constitution and the Constitutional Convention, particularly focusing on the complexities of the three-fifths compromise and the perceived unchangeability of the Constitution.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.
  • Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at Edinburgh University. Originally from Massachusetts, he’s been living in the UK since 1992, teaching all of us a thing or two about the USA.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Constitutional Convention's three-fifths compromise is often misunderstood regarding enslaved people's status.
  • Many believe the Constitution is unchangeable, but the framers anticipated amendments and adjustments.
  • The Articles of Confederation are frequently overlooked, despite being America's first governing document before the Constitution.
  • The Federalist Papers were political propaganda aimed at convincing states to ratify the Constitution, not neutral explanations.
  • Edinburgh is a lovely city, but the conversation also highlights the charm of Massachusetts.
  • The Confederate States modeled their constitution largely on the U.S. Constitution with added protections for slavery.

...

Listen to the full episode with Emma and Frank here:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 984 no IN THE MAKING: New Term, Same Old Donald Trump https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-new-term-same-old-donald-trump In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, Liam is joined by UEA's Emma Long to discuss the implications of Trump's comments about Canada and Greenland potentially becoming U.S. states, highlighting how the media tends to amplify his outlandish remarks. They also reflect on the smooth certification process of January 6th, contrasting the Democrats' acceptance of election results with the MAGA Republicans' historical resistance to unfavorable outcomes. They also explore the alarming influence of figures like Elon Musk in global politics, with a looming presence in the UK, and the potential repercussions of their actions on democracy. Plus, the legacy of Jimmy Carter following his recent passing, and how his post-presidency humanitarian efforts overshadowed his mixed legacy in office. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. ... Highlights from this episode: Trump threatens to use military force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, plus... He called the US-Canada border an 'artificial line', suggesting Canada should become a state Elon Musk continues to interfere in UK politics January 6th came and went without an insurrection - hurrah! The United States mourns former President Jimmy Carter ... Additional Resources: What to know about Jimmy Carter's funeral - BBC News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: New Term, Same Old Donald Trump full 74 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, Liam is joined by UEA's Emma Long to discuss the implications of Trump's comments about Canada and Greenland potentially becoming U.S. states, highlighting how the media tends to amplify his outlandish remarks. They also reflect on the smooth certification process of January 6th, contrasting the Democrats' acceptance of election results with the MAGA Republicans' historical resistance to unfavorable outcomes. They also explore the alarming influence of figures like Elon Musk in global politics, with a looming presence in the UK, and the potential repercussions of their actions on democracy. Plus, the legacy of Jimmy Carter following his recent passing, and how his post-presidency humanitarian efforts overshadowed his mixed legacy in office. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. ... Highlights from this episode: Trump threatens to use military force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, plus... He called the US-Canada border an 'artificial line', suggesting Canada should become a state Elon Musk continues to interfere in UK politics January 6th came and went without an insurrection - hurrah! The United States mourns former President Jimmy Carter ... Additional Resources: What to know about Jimmy Carter's funeral - BBC News ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, Liam is joined by UEA's Emma Long to discuss the implications of Trump's comments about Canada and Greenland potentially becoming U.S. states, highlighting how the media tends to amplify his outlandish remarks.

They also reflect on the smooth certification process of January 6th, contrasting the Democrats' acceptance of election results with the MAGA Republicans' historical resistance to unfavorable outcomes.

They also explore the alarming influence of figures like Elon Musk in global politics, with a looming presence in the UK, and the potential repercussions of their actions on democracy.

Plus, the legacy of Jimmy Carter following his recent passing, and how his post-presidency humanitarian efforts overshadowed his mixed legacy in office.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Trump threatens to use military force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, plus...
  • He called the US-Canada border an 'artificial line', suggesting Canada should become a state
  • Elon Musk continues to interfere in UK politics
  • January 6th came and went without an insurrection - hurrah!
  • The United States mourns former President Jimmy Carter

...

Additional Resources:

What to know about Jimmy Carter's funeral - BBC News

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2703 no What Does the Vice President Actually Do? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-does-the-vice-president-actually-do This week, as JD Vance prepares to follow Donald Trump into the White House for the next four years, I want to shine a light on the most high profile understudy in the world. The Vice Presidency is often criticised and ridiculed by many, including those who have held the office, but how much power do they really wield? In this episode, I ask… what does the Vice President actually do? ... Special guest for this episode: Clodagh Harrington, a US politics lecturer from University College Cork, and host of the excellent podcast A Chicken in Every Pot. Her monograph, co-authored with Alex Waddan, entitled ‘Obama V Trump: the Politics of Presidential Legacy and Rollback is available now, and the follow-up, Trump V Biden is due for publication next year. ... Highlights from this episode: The Vice President's influence in the Senate The importance of good rapport with their Presidents The dynamic between a First Lady and a Vice President Notable Vice Presidents like Cheney have redefined their roles, showcasing how these positions can evolve over time based on individual character and circumstance The impact of political legacies of Presidents on their their Vice Presidents, either bolstering or hindering their future electoral campaigns The relationship and trust between a President and Vice President ... Additional Resources: READ: Obama v. Trump: The Politics of Rollback by Clodagh Harrington READ: The vice presidency: From 'insignificant office' to political powerhouse : NPR READ: US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become President | HISTORY  LISTEN: A Chicken in Every Pot ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 05 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0000 What Does the Vice President Actually Do? full 73 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, as JD Vance prepares to follow Donald Trump into the White House for the next four years, I want to shine a light on the most high profile understudy in the world. The Vice Presidency is often criticised and ridiculed by many, including those who have held the office, but how much power do they really wield? In this episode, I ask… what does the Vice President actually do? ... Special guest for this episode: Clodagh Harrington, a US politics lecturer from University College Cork, and host of the excellent podcast A Chicken in Every Pot. Her monograph, co-authored with Alex Waddan, entitled ‘Obama V Trump: the Politics of Presidential Legacy and Rollback is available now, and the follow-up, Trump V Biden is due for publication next year. ... Highlights from this episode: The Vice President's influence in the Senate The importance of good rapport with their Presidents The dynamic between a First Lady and a Vice President Notable Vice Presidents like Cheney have redefined their roles, showcasing how these positions can evolve over time based on individual character and circumstance The impact of political legacies of Presidents on their their Vice Presidents, either bolstering or hindering their future electoral campaigns The relationship and trust between a President and Vice President ... Additional Resources: READ: Obama v. Trump: The Politics of Rollback by Clodagh Harrington READ: The vice presidency: From 'insignificant office' to political powerhouse : NPR READ: US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become President | HISTORY  LISTEN: A Chicken in Every Pot ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, as JD Vance prepares to follow Donald Trump into the White House for the next four years, I want to shine a light on the most high profile understudy in the world. The Vice Presidency is often criticised and ridiculed by many, including those who have held the office, but how much power do they really wield? In this episode, I ask… what does the Vice President actually do?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Clodagh Harrington, a US politics lecturer from University College Cork, and host of the excellent podcast A Chicken in Every Pot. Her monograph, co-authored with Alex Waddan, entitled ‘Obama V Trump: the Politics of Presidential Legacy and Rollback is available now, and the follow-up, Trump V Biden is due for publication next year.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Vice President's influence in the Senate
  • The importance of good rapport with their Presidents
  • The dynamic between a First Lady and a Vice President
  • Notable Vice Presidents like Cheney have redefined their roles, showcasing how these positions can evolve over time based on individual character and circumstance
  • The impact of political legacies of Presidents on their their Vice Presidents, either bolstering or hindering their future electoral campaigns
  • The relationship and trust between a President and Vice President

...

Additional Resources:

READ: Obama v. Trump: The Politics of Rollback by Clodagh Harrington

READ: The vice presidency: From 'insignificant office' to political powerhouse : NPR

READ: US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become President | HISTORY 

LISTEN: A Chicken in Every Pot

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2736 no BONUS: Is the Star-Spangled Banner Actually British? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/is-the-star-spangled-banner-actually-british The War of 1812 is often overshadowed by the grand narratives of larger conflicts, yet it birthed significant cultural artifacts, including the U.S. national anthem. In this bonus episode, Professor Andrew Lambert sheds light on the fascinating interplay between the war and the creation of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. The origins of the anthem trace back to a dramatic event at Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, witnessed the bombardment of the fort by the British navy. ... Special guest for this episode: Professor Andrew Lambert, a Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College. His books include The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812 ... Highlights from this episode: The War of 1812 saw the creation of the US national anthem Francis Scott Key wrote the anthem while observing the bombardment of Fort McHenry Baltimore's population played a crucial role in defending the city during the war The national anthem's tune is from an 18th-century English drinking song Naval power remains critically important for global trade and security, despite modern warfare changes The War of 1812 highlighted the significance of naval strategy in American independence efforts ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War of 1812? Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 04 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Is the Star-Spangled Banner Actually British? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The War of 1812 is often overshadowed by the grand narratives of larger conflicts, yet it birthed significant cultural artifacts, including the U.S. national anthem. In this bonus episode, Professor Andrew Lambert sheds light on the fascinating interplay between the war and the creation of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. The origins of the anthem trace back to a dramatic event at Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, witnessed the bombardment of the fort by the British navy. ... Special guest for this episode: Professor Andrew Lambert, a Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College. His books include The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812 ... Highlights from this episode: The War of 1812 saw the creation of the US national anthem Francis Scott Key wrote the anthem while observing the bombardment of Fort McHenry Baltimore's population played a crucial role in defending the city during the war The national anthem's tune is from an 18th-century English drinking song Naval power remains critically important for global trade and security, despite modern warfare changes The War of 1812 highlighted the significance of naval strategy in American independence efforts ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War of 1812? Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The War of 1812 is often overshadowed by the grand narratives of larger conflicts, yet it birthed significant cultural artifacts, including the U.S. national anthem.

In this bonus episode, Professor Andrew Lambert sheds light on the fascinating interplay between the war and the creation of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. The origins of the anthem trace back to a dramatic event at Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, witnessed the bombardment of the fort by the British navy.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Professor Andrew Lambert, a Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College. His books include The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The War of 1812 saw the creation of the US national anthem
  • Francis Scott Key wrote the anthem while observing the bombardment of Fort McHenry
  • Baltimore's population played a crucial role in defending the city during the war
  • The national anthem's tune is from an 18th-century English drinking song
  • Naval power remains critically important for global trade and security, despite modern warfare changes
  • The War of 1812 highlighted the significance of naval strategy in American independence efforts

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What is the War of 1812?

Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 958 no Remembering Jimmy Carter https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/remembering-jimmy-carter-a-legacy-of-service-and-humanity Today, we pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who passed away at the age of 100. From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to his impactful presidency and remarkable post-presidential humanitarian efforts, Carter's journey is one of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to human rights. Known for his integrity and reformative spirit, Carter tackled significant challenges during his time in office, including the energy crisis and the Iran hostage situation, while also achieving monumental successes like the Camp David Accords. His post-presidency years redefined the role of former leaders, as he dedicated himself to global humanitarian work through the Carter Center and remained actively engaged in his community. As we reflect on his life, we find that Carter's enduring legacy lies in his dedication to peace, democracy, and the betterment of humanity. ... Please note, we do not own the copyright of any third party content used in this episode. We are using the content and citing all sources below in good faith, and will never place a single advertisement on this episode. Sources Used in this Episode: President Jimmy Carter Is Still Praying For Donald Trump - YouTube President Carter on Joining the Navy | CNBC Meets (youtube.com) Excerpt from Governor Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Address (Carter Center) - YouTube Jimmy Carter inaugural address: Jan. 20 1977 - YouTube From the archives: Jimmy Carter and the signing of the Camp David Accords - YouTube Jimmy Carter Iran hostage crisis speech - YouTube Jimmy Carter's niece spoke about what his legacy will be at his hometown church on Sunday. - YouTube Jimmy Carter turns 100: Biden, 81, pays tribute to his 'beloved friend' as oldest living president's grandson reveals how he has 're-engaged with the world' | Daily Mail Online Jimmy Carter Interview: His Unlikely Rise to Power & Presidential Legacy - YouTube Who is Jimmy Carter? | America: A History Podcast If you are the owner of any content used and wish it to be removed, please contact us. Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 29 Dec 2024 21:30:00 -0000 Remembering Jimmy Carter bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Today, we pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who passed away at the age of 100. From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to his impactful presidency and remarkable post-presidential humanitarian efforts, Carter's journey is one of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to human rights. Known for his integrity and reformative spirit, Carter tackled significant challenges during his time in office, including the energy crisis and the Iran hostage situation, while also achieving monumental successes like the Camp David Accords. His post-presidency years redefined the role of former leaders, as he dedicated himself to global humanitarian work through the Carter Center and remained actively engaged in his community. As we reflect on his life, we find that Carter's enduring legacy lies in his dedication to peace, democracy, and the betterment of humanity. ... Please note, we do not own the copyright of any third party content used in this episode. We are using the content and citing all sources below in good faith, and will never place a single advertisement on this episode. Sources Used in this Episode: President Jimmy Carter Is Still Praying For Donald Trump - YouTube President Carter on Joining the Navy | CNBC Meets (youtube.com) Excerpt from Governor Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Address (Carter Center) - YouTube Jimmy Carter inaugural address: Jan. 20 1977 - YouTube From the archives: Jimmy Carter and the signing of the Camp David Accords - YouTube Jimmy Carter Iran hostage crisis speech - YouTube Jimmy Carter's niece spoke about what his legacy will be at his hometown church on Sunday. - YouTube Jimmy Carter turns 100: Biden, 81, pays tribute to his 'beloved friend' as oldest living president's grandson reveals how he has 're-engaged with the world' | Daily Mail Online Jimmy Carter Interview: His Unlikely Rise to Power & Presidential Legacy - YouTube Who is Jimmy Carter? | America: A History Podcast If you are the owner of any content used and wish it to be removed, please contact us. Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Today, we pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who passed away at the age of 100.

From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to his impactful presidency and remarkable post-presidential humanitarian efforts, Carter's journey is one of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to human rights.

Known for his integrity and reformative spirit, Carter tackled significant challenges during his time in office, including the energy crisis and the Iran hostage situation, while also achieving monumental successes like the Camp David Accords.

His post-presidency years redefined the role of former leaders, as he dedicated himself to global humanitarian work through the Carter Center and remained actively engaged in his community.

As we reflect on his life, we find that Carter's enduring legacy lies in his dedication to peace, democracy, and the betterment of humanity.

...

Please note, we do not own the copyright of any third party content used in this episode. We are using the content and citing all sources below in good faith, and will never place a single advertisement on this episode.

Sources Used in this Episode:

President Jimmy Carter Is Still Praying For Donald Trump - YouTube

President Carter on Joining the Navy | CNBC Meets (youtube.com)

Excerpt from Governor Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Address (Carter Center) - YouTube

Jimmy Carter inaugural address: Jan. 20 1977 - YouTube

From the archives: Jimmy Carter and the signing of the Camp David Accords - YouTube

Jimmy Carter Iran hostage crisis speech - YouTube

Jimmy Carter's niece spoke about what his legacy will be at his hometown church on Sunday. - YouTube

Jimmy Carter turns 100: Biden, 81, pays tribute to his 'beloved friend' as oldest living president's grandson reveals how he has 're-engaged with the world' | Daily Mail Online

Jimmy Carter Interview: His Unlikely Rise to Power & Presidential Legacy - YouTube

Who is Jimmy Carter? | America: A History Podcast

If you are the owner of any content used and wish it to be removed, please contact us.

Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1201 no What is the War of 1812? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-war-of-1812 The War of 1812 was a significant yet often misunderstood conflict between the United States and Britain, driven by a mix of economic interests and territorial ambitions. This war was not just about impressment of American sailors or maritime rights; it was a bold land grab aimed at expanding the United States into British North America, now known as Canada, and the American desire for economic gain through neutrality, which ultimately backfired. So in this episode, on the 210th anniversary of the Treaty of Ghent, which brought an end to the war, I’m going to find out exactly how it started, what happened, and its importance in shaping the future of the United States, as I ask… what is the War of 1812? ... Special guest for this episode: Professor Andrew Lambert, a Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College. His books include The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812 ... Highlights from this episode: The Treaty of Ghent marked the end of the War of 1812 on Christmas Eve 1814. The United States sought to expand by invading British North America, aiming for Canada. Impressment and economic warfare were central issues leading to the War of 1812. The War of 1812 was not just a conflict with Britain but involved Native American resistance. The British successfully blockaded American ports, crippling the U.S. economy and forcing peace. American narratives often portray the War of 1812 differently than British historical accounts. ... Additional Resources: Listen: The British way of war, Julian Corbett and national strategy with Professor Andrew Lambert in The War Studies Podcast Read: The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812 by Andrew Lambert Read: War of 1812 Timeline | American Battlefield Trust  Read: Battle of Horseshoe Bend Facts and Overview - The History Junkie ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 22 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What is the War of 1812? full 72 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The War of 1812 was a significant yet often misunderstood conflict between the United States and Britain, driven by a mix of economic interests and territorial ambitions. This war was not just about impressment of American sailors or maritime rights; it was a bold land grab aimed at expanding the United States into British North America, now known as Canada, and the American desire for economic gain through neutrality, which ultimately backfired. So in this episode, on the 210th anniversary of the Treaty of Ghent, which brought an end to the war, I’m going to find out exactly how it started, what happened, and its importance in shaping the future of the United States, as I ask… what is the War of 1812? ... Special guest for this episode: Professor Andrew Lambert, a Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College. His books include The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812 ... Highlights from this episode: The Treaty of Ghent marked the end of the War of 1812 on Christmas Eve 1814. The United States sought to expand by invading British North America, aiming for Canada. Impressment and economic warfare were central issues leading to the War of 1812. The War of 1812 was not just a conflict with Britain but involved Native American resistance. The British successfully blockaded American ports, crippling the U.S. economy and forcing peace. American narratives often portray the War of 1812 differently than British historical accounts. ... Additional Resources: Listen: The British way of war, Julian Corbett and national strategy with Professor Andrew Lambert in The War Studies Podcast Read: The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812 by Andrew Lambert Read: War of 1812 Timeline | American Battlefield Trust  Read: Battle of Horseshoe Bend Facts and Overview - The History Junkie ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The War of 1812 was a significant yet often misunderstood conflict between the United States and Britain, driven by a mix of economic interests and territorial ambitions.

This war was not just about impressment of American sailors or maritime rights; it was a bold land grab aimed at expanding the United States into British North America, now known as Canada, and the American desire for economic gain through neutrality, which ultimately backfired.

So in this episode, on the 210th anniversary of the Treaty of Ghent, which brought an end to the war, I’m going to find out exactly how it started, what happened, and its importance in shaping the future of the United States, as I ask… what is the War of 1812?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Professor Andrew Lambert, a Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College. His books include The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Treaty of Ghent marked the end of the War of 1812 on Christmas Eve 1814.
  • The United States sought to expand by invading British North America, aiming for Canada.
  • Impressment and economic warfare were central issues leading to the War of 1812.
  • The War of 1812 was not just a conflict with Britain but involved Native American resistance.
  • The British successfully blockaded American ports, crippling the U.S. economy and forcing peace.
  • American narratives often portray the War of 1812 differently than British historical accounts.

...

Additional Resources:

Listen: The British way of war, Julian Corbett and national strategy with Professor Andrew Lambert in The War Studies Podcast

Read: The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812 by Andrew Lambert

Read: War of 1812 Timeline | American Battlefield Trust 

Read: Battle of Horseshoe Bend Facts and Overview - The History Junkie

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1995 no BONUS: The Christmas Goose & Our Favourite On-Screen Santa https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-christmas-goose-our-favourite-on-screen-santa In this special festive bonus episode, Liam & guests discuss their own personal Christmas traditions, their favourite screen Santa Claus and what, if anything, we would change or add to the myth of Santa. Happy holidays everyone! ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past ... Highlights from this episode: The importance of traditions like Santa Claus in family celebrations. Brian explains the Christmas Goose. Tom reflects on the evolution of Santa Claus in modern holiday culture and media. How children's understanding of Santa changes as they grow older. The fleeting nature of childhood magic during Christmas celebrations. The portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving role. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Christmas Goose & Our Favourite On-Screen Santa bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special festive bonus episode, Liam & guests discuss their own personal Christmas traditions, their favourite screen Santa Claus and what, if anything, we would change or add to the myth of Santa. Happy holidays everyone! ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past ... Highlights from this episode: The importance of traditions like Santa Claus in family celebrations. Brian explains the Christmas Goose. Tom reflects on the evolution of Santa Claus in modern holiday culture and media. How children's understanding of Santa changes as they grow older. The fleeting nature of childhood magic during Christmas celebrations. The portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving role. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special festive bonus episode, Liam & guests discuss their own personal Christmas traditions, their favourite screen Santa Claus and what, if anything, we would change or add to the myth of Santa.

Happy holidays everyone!

...

Special guest for this episode:


...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The importance of traditions like Santa Claus in family celebrations.
  • Brian explains the Christmas Goose.
  • Tom reflects on the evolution of Santa Claus in modern holiday culture and media.
  • How children's understanding of Santa changes as they grow older.
  • The fleeting nature of childhood magic during Christmas celebrations.
  • The portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving role.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 679 no Who is Santa Claus? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-santa-claus Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, Babbo Natale, Kanakaloka, Papa Noel, and Saint Nicholas - just some of the names used for a figure who has become synonymous with Christmas around the world. But who is this jolly fat man with the beard, and what makes him so American? In this episode, as we deck our halls and get ready for the holidays, I want to know… who is Santa Claus? ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past ... Highlights from this episode: The figure of Santa Claus emerged as a distinct character in early 19th century America, influenced by various European traditions. Santa Claus is primarily associated with generosity and kindness, contrasting with earlier gift-bringing figures who had more sinister traits. Coca-Cola played a significant role in popularizing the red-suited image of Santa, although he was already depicted in red in earlier literature. The evolution of Santa Claus reflects a blend of cultural influences, including Dutch, German, and British traditions. Father Christmas and Santa Claus have merged over time, leading to a shared image of a benevolent gift-bringer. The commercialization of Santa Claus began as early as the 1820s, intertwining with seasonal marketing strategies in America. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith LISTEN: Christmas Past by Brian Earl READ: The Children's Friend ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 15 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Santa Claus? full 71 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, Babbo Natale, Kanakaloka, Papa Noel, and Saint Nicholas - just some of the names used for a figure who has become synonymous with Christmas around the world. But who is this jolly fat man with the beard, and what makes him so American? In this episode, as we deck our halls and get ready for the holidays, I want to know… who is Santa Claus? ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past ... Highlights from this episode: The figure of Santa Claus emerged as a distinct character in early 19th century America, influenced by various European traditions. Santa Claus is primarily associated with generosity and kindness, contrasting with earlier gift-bringing figures who had more sinister traits. Coca-Cola played a significant role in popularizing the red-suited image of Santa, although he was already depicted in red in earlier literature. The evolution of Santa Claus reflects a blend of cultural influences, including Dutch, German, and British traditions. Father Christmas and Santa Claus have merged over time, leading to a shared image of a benevolent gift-bringer. The commercialization of Santa Claus began as early as the 1820s, intertwining with seasonal marketing strategies in America. ... Additional Resources: READ: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith LISTEN: Christmas Past by Brian Earl READ: The Children's Friend ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, Babbo Natale, Kanakaloka, Papa Noel, and Saint Nicholas - just some of the names used for a figure who has become synonymous with Christmas around the world. But who is this jolly fat man with the beard, and what makes him so American? In this episode, as we deck our halls and get ready for the holidays, I want to know… who is Santa Claus?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman.
  2. Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The figure of Santa Claus emerged as a distinct character in early 19th century America, influenced by various European traditions.
  2. Santa Claus is primarily associated with generosity and kindness, contrasting with earlier gift-bringing figures who had more sinister traits.
  3. Coca-Cola played a significant role in popularizing the red-suited image of Santa, although he was already depicted in red in earlier literature.
  4. The evolution of Santa Claus reflects a blend of cultural influences, including Dutch, German, and British traditions.
  5. Father Christmas and Santa Claus have merged over time, leading to a shared image of a benevolent gift-bringer.
  6. The commercialization of Santa Claus began as early as the 1820s, intertwining with seasonal marketing strategies in America.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith

LISTEN: Christmas Past by Brian Earl

READ: The Children's Friend

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2163 no BONUS: The Best Christmas Films of All Time https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-best-christmas-films-of-all-time In this special festive bonus episode, we jump in our Christmas movie time machine and chat about everything from It's a Wonderful Life to Klaus with a stop at 34th Street and more, and discuss our personal holiday favourites. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Vaughn Joy, an academic who recently completed her PhD at UCL on mid-century Hollywood politics through a case study on Christmas films ... Highlights from this episode: The significance of Christmas films in American culture. The artistic merits and cultural implications of Klaus. Different versions of Miracle on 34th Street reveals cultural shifts. Nostalgia's role in remaking classic Christmas films in the 1990s. Klaus as a standout modern Christmas film. Christmas movies can reflect and shape American beliefs over time. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Best Christmas Films of All Time bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special festive bonus episode, we jump in our Christmas movie time machine and chat about everything from It's a Wonderful Life to Klaus with a stop at 34th Street and more, and discuss our personal holiday favourites. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Vaughn Joy, an academic who recently completed her PhD at UCL on mid-century Hollywood politics through a case study on Christmas films ... Highlights from this episode: The significance of Christmas films in American culture. The artistic merits and cultural implications of Klaus. Different versions of Miracle on 34th Street reveals cultural shifts. Nostalgia's role in remaking classic Christmas films in the 1990s. Klaus as a standout modern Christmas film. Christmas movies can reflect and shape American beliefs over time. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special festive bonus episode, we jump in our Christmas movie time machine and chat about everything from It's a Wonderful Life to Klaus with a stop at 34th Street and more, and discuss our personal holiday favourites.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Vaughn Joy, an academic who recently completed her PhD at UCL on mid-century Hollywood politics through a case study on Christmas films

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The significance of Christmas films in American culture.
  • The artistic merits and cultural implications of Klaus.
  • Different versions of Miracle on 34th Street reveals cultural shifts.
  • Nostalgia's role in remaking classic Christmas films in the 1990s.
  • Klaus as a standout modern Christmas film.
  • Christmas movies can reflect and shape American beliefs over time.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 774 no What Do Christmas Films Tell Us About America? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-do-christmas-films-tell-us-about-america With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to dust off those old DVDs, whip up some egg nogg, and cosy up on the sofa with a festive film. From It's a White Christmas to Miracle on 34th Street, there's nothing quite like losing ourselves in a holiday favourite, but why do Christmas films resonate so much? Is the genre more important than we like to think? And ultimately… what can Christmas films really tell us about America? ... Special guest for this episode: Vaughn Joy, an academic who recently completed her PhD at UCL on mid-century Hollywood politics through a case study on Christmas films. ... Highlights from this episode: Christmas films serve as a cultural lens reflecting American values, traditions, and social dynamics. The genre of Christmas movies often combines sentimentality with deeper societal critiques and historical contexts. Films like 'It's a Wonderful Life' convey collective national trauma while promoting themes of togetherness. The debate over whether 'Die Hard' qualifies as a Christmas movie highlights the subjectivity of genre definitions. Hollywood Christmas films can both mirror and shape the ways people celebrate the holiday season. The evolution of Christmas films illustrates changing American identities and the commercialization of holiday traditions. ... Additional Resources: Review Roulette | Vaughn Joy | Substack Christmas movies: that time of year when home is where the heart is What 'It's a Wonderful Life' Teaches Us About American History | Smithsonian The Battle for Christmas: A Cultural History of America's Most Cherished Holiday: Amazon.co.uk: Nissenbaum, Stephen: 9780679740384: Books ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 08 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What Do Christmas Films Tell Us About America? full 70 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to dust off those old DVDs, whip up some egg nogg, and cosy up on the sofa with a festive film. From It's a White Christmas to Miracle on 34th Street, there's nothing quite like losing ourselves in a holiday favourite, but why do Christmas films resonate so much? Is the genre more important than we like to think? And ultimately… what can Christmas films really tell us about America? ... Special guest for this episode: Vaughn Joy, an academic who recently completed her PhD at UCL on mid-century Hollywood politics through a case study on Christmas films. ... Highlights from this episode: Christmas films serve as a cultural lens reflecting American values, traditions, and social dynamics. The genre of Christmas movies often combines sentimentality with deeper societal critiques and historical contexts. Films like 'It's a Wonderful Life' convey collective national trauma while promoting themes of togetherness. The debate over whether 'Die Hard' qualifies as a Christmas movie highlights the subjectivity of genre definitions. Hollywood Christmas films can both mirror and shape the ways people celebrate the holiday season. The evolution of Christmas films illustrates changing American identities and the commercialization of holiday traditions. ... Additional Resources: Review Roulette | Vaughn Joy | Substack Christmas movies: that time of year when home is where the heart is What 'It's a Wonderful Life' Teaches Us About American History | Smithsonian The Battle for Christmas: A Cultural History of America's Most Cherished Holiday: Amazon.co.uk: Nissenbaum, Stephen: 9780679740384: Books ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to dust off those old DVDs, whip up some egg nogg, and cosy up on the sofa with a festive film.

From It's a White Christmas to Miracle on 34th Street, there's nothing quite like losing ourselves in a holiday favourite, but why do Christmas films resonate so much? Is the genre more important than we like to think? And ultimately… what can Christmas films really tell us about America?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Vaughn Joy, an academic who recently completed her PhD at UCL on mid-century Hollywood politics through a case study on Christmas films.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. Christmas films serve as a cultural lens reflecting American values, traditions, and social dynamics.
  2. The genre of Christmas movies often combines sentimentality with deeper societal critiques and historical contexts.
  3. Films like 'It's a Wonderful Life' convey collective national trauma while promoting themes of togetherness.
  4. The debate over whether 'Die Hard' qualifies as a Christmas movie highlights the subjectivity of genre definitions.
  5. Hollywood Christmas films can both mirror and shape the ways people celebrate the holiday season.
  6. The evolution of Christmas films illustrates changing American identities and the commercialization of holiday traditions.

...

Additional Resources:

Review Roulette | Vaughn Joy | Substack

Christmas movies: that time of year when home is where the heart is

What 'It's a Wonderful Life' Teaches Us About American History | Smithsonian

The Battle for Christmas: A Cultural History of America's Most Cherished Holiday: Amazon.co.uk: Nissenbaum, Stephen: 9780679740384: Books

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2370 no BONUS: Faith, Feminism, and the American South https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-faith-feminism-and-the-american-south In this bonus episode, we take a deeper look at the complex relationship between religion and American identity, particularly in the context of the Bible Belt, with help from Dr. Megan Hunt. We discuss the stereotypes perpetuated by Hollywood, including the portrayal of the religious middle-class housewife, and how these depictions reflect broader societal issues in the South PLUS the controversial narrative presented in J.D. Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy," examining the implications of his portrayal of his background as he transitions into a political figure. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Megan Hunt, a cultural historian of the modern United States at Edinburgh University, whose new book, Southern by the Grace of God, is available ... Highlights from this episode: The Bible Belt is a complex cultural landscape deeply intertwined with American identity. Historically, many settlers in North America sought religious freedom, shaping the region's character. Post-World War II America saw a surge in overt religiosity as a political statement. Media representations often reinforce stereotypes about religion and the Bible Belt in America. The portrayal of Southern women in Hollywood reflects both cultural traditions and historical complexities. J.D. Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' has sparked controversy for its portrayal of Appalachian identity. ... Additional Resources: Southern by the Grace of God by Megan Hunt Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance https://www.dukeupress.edu/reconstructing-dixie ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Faith, Feminism, and the American South bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this bonus episode, we take a deeper look at the complex relationship between religion and American identity, particularly in the context of the Bible Belt, with help from Dr. Megan Hunt. We discuss the stereotypes perpetuated by Hollywood, including the portrayal of the religious middle-class housewife, and how these depictions reflect broader societal issues in the South PLUS the controversial narrative presented in J.D. Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy," examining the implications of his portrayal of his background as he transitions into a political figure. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Megan Hunt, a cultural historian of the modern United States at Edinburgh University, whose new book, Southern by the Grace of God, is available ... Highlights from this episode: The Bible Belt is a complex cultural landscape deeply intertwined with American identity. Historically, many settlers in North America sought religious freedom, shaping the region's character. Post-World War II America saw a surge in overt religiosity as a political statement. Media representations often reinforce stereotypes about religion and the Bible Belt in America. The portrayal of Southern women in Hollywood reflects both cultural traditions and historical complexities. J.D. Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' has sparked controversy for its portrayal of Appalachian identity. ... Additional Resources: Southern by the Grace of God by Megan Hunt Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance https://www.dukeupress.edu/reconstructing-dixie ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this bonus episode, we take a deeper look at the complex relationship between religion and American identity, particularly in the context of the Bible Belt, with help from Dr. Megan Hunt.

We discuss the stereotypes perpetuated by Hollywood, including the portrayal of the religious middle-class housewife, and how these depictions reflect broader societal issues in the South PLUS the controversial narrative presented in J.D. Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy," examining the implications of his portrayal of his background as he transitions into a political figure.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Megan Hunt, a cultural historian of the modern United States at Edinburgh University, whose new book, Southern by the Grace of God, is available

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Bible Belt is a complex cultural landscape deeply intertwined with American identity.
  • Historically, many settlers in North America sought religious freedom, shaping the region's character.
  • Post-World War II America saw a surge in overt religiosity as a political statement.
  • Media representations often reinforce stereotypes about religion and the Bible Belt in America.
  • The portrayal of Southern women in Hollywood reflects both cultural traditions and historical complexities.
  • J.D. Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' has sparked controversy for its portrayal of Appalachian identity.

...

Additional Resources:

Southern by the Grace of God by Megan Hunt

Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

https://www.dukeupress.edu/reconstructing-dixie

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 838 no What is the Bible Belt? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-bible-belt America's Bible Belt, a term coined nearly a century ago, remains a significant cultural and political phenomenon, representing regions in the South and parts of the Midwest known for their strong evangelical Christian traditions. In this episode, we dive into the origins and implications of this term, exploring how it encapsulates not just a geographical area but also a complex interplay of religion, politics, and societal stereotypes. From its roots in H.L. Mencken's critical portrayal of the South during the 1920s, to how this perception continues to shape contemporary political rhetoric and cultural narratives, we explore the Bible Belt's association with conservative values and white supremacy, and the ongoing relevance of the Bible Belt in understanding America's evolving identity and the challenges posed by its enduring stereotypes. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Megan Hunt, a cultural historian of the modern United States at Edinburgh University, whose new book, Southern by the Grace of God, is available ... Highlights from this episode: The Bible Belt is a term that originated in the 1920s, symbolizing a religiously devout region in America. Historically, the Bible Belt is associated with evangelical Christianity, particularly in the Southern United States. Contemporary politics often leverage the concept of the Bible Belt to appeal to religious values. The notion of the Bible Belt helps to perpetuate stereotypes about the South and its culture. Migration patterns have spread the values of the Bible Belt beyond its traditional geographical boundaries. Hollywood's portrayal of religion in the South often simplifies and distorts the complexity of local culture. ... Additional Resources: Southern by the Grace of God by Megan Hunt https://www.dukeupress.edu/reconstructing-dixie ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 01 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What is the Bible Belt? full 69 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America's Bible Belt, a term coined nearly a century ago, remains a significant cultural and political phenomenon, representing regions in the South and parts of the Midwest known for their strong evangelical Christian traditions. In this episode, we dive into the origins and implications of this term, exploring how it encapsulates not just a geographical area but also a complex interplay of religion, politics, and societal stereotypes. From its roots in H.L. Mencken's critical portrayal of the South during the 1920s, to how this perception continues to shape contemporary political rhetoric and cultural narratives, we explore the Bible Belt's association with conservative values and white supremacy, and the ongoing relevance of the Bible Belt in understanding America's evolving identity and the challenges posed by its enduring stereotypes. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Megan Hunt, a cultural historian of the modern United States at Edinburgh University, whose new book, Southern by the Grace of God, is available ... Highlights from this episode: The Bible Belt is a term that originated in the 1920s, symbolizing a religiously devout region in America. Historically, the Bible Belt is associated with evangelical Christianity, particularly in the Southern United States. Contemporary politics often leverage the concept of the Bible Belt to appeal to religious values. The notion of the Bible Belt helps to perpetuate stereotypes about the South and its culture. Migration patterns have spread the values of the Bible Belt beyond its traditional geographical boundaries. Hollywood's portrayal of religion in the South often simplifies and distorts the complexity of local culture. ... Additional Resources: Southern by the Grace of God by Megan Hunt https://www.dukeupress.edu/reconstructing-dixie ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America's Bible Belt, a term coined nearly a century ago, remains a significant cultural and political phenomenon, representing regions in the South and parts of the Midwest known for their strong evangelical Christian traditions.

In this episode, we dive into the origins and implications of this term, exploring how it encapsulates not just a geographical area but also a complex interplay of religion, politics, and societal stereotypes.

From its roots in H.L. Mencken's critical portrayal of the South during the 1920s, to how this perception continues to shape contemporary political rhetoric and cultural narratives, we explore the Bible Belt's association with conservative values and white supremacy, and the ongoing relevance of the Bible Belt in understanding America's evolving identity and the challenges posed by its enduring stereotypes.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Dr. Megan Hunt, a cultural historian of the modern United States at Edinburgh University, whose new book, Southern by the Grace of God, is available

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The Bible Belt is a term that originated in the 1920s, symbolizing a religiously devout region in America.
  2. Historically, the Bible Belt is associated with evangelical Christianity, particularly in the Southern United States.
  3. Contemporary politics often leverage the concept of the Bible Belt to appeal to religious values.
  4. The notion of the Bible Belt helps to perpetuate stereotypes about the South and its culture.
  5. Migration patterns have spread the values of the Bible Belt beyond its traditional geographical boundaries.
  6. Hollywood's portrayal of religion in the South often simplifies and distorts the complexity of local culture.

...

Additional Resources:

Southern by the Grace of God by Megan Hunt

https://www.dukeupress.edu/reconstructing-dixie

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2680 no BONUS: How Growing Up in the Projects Shaped My Views on Poverty https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-how-growing-up-in-the-projects-shaped-my-views-on-poverty Homelessness is a complex issue, and approaches to tackling it vary significantly across political lines, as our guest Dr. Becky Avila-Knox explains in this bonus episode, recorded immediately after our episode What Are the Projects? Becky highlights the importance of recognizing external factors that contribute to homelessness, such as systemic discrimination and economic challenges, rather than attributing it solely to individual choices. The conversation also delves into personal experiences, illustrating how growing up in the projects has shaped her perspective on poverty and resilience. Listeners will gain insight into the societal stigmas surrounding homelessness and the necessity for community support and understanding to create lasting change. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Becky Avila-Knox, the Senior Director of Grants & Contracts for Safe Place for Youth, a US organisation on a mission to empower young people experiencing homelessness. ... Highlights from this episode: The discussion highlights how homelessness is often viewed through differing political lenses, impacting funding and support. Becky emphasizes the importance of understanding homelessness as a systemic issue rather than one solely based on individual choices. There are contrasting approaches to homelessness among political parties that reflect deeper societal beliefs about personal responsibility. Relocating homeless individuals to cheaper areas does not address the underlying issues they face in their communities. Becky shares her personal experiences growing up in the projects, highlighting resilience amidst adversity and the importance of community support. The conversation underscores the need for compassion and systemic change to address homelessness effectively. ... Check out Becky's full episode here: What Are the Projects? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 30 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: How Growing Up in the Projects Shaped My Views on Poverty bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Homelessness is a complex issue, and approaches to tackling it vary significantly across political lines, as our guest Dr. Becky Avila-Knox explains in this bonus episode, recorded immediately after our episode What Are the Projects? Becky highlights the importance of recognizing external factors that contribute to homelessness, such as systemic discrimination and economic challenges, rather than attributing it solely to individual choices. The conversation also delves into personal experiences, illustrating how growing up in the projects has shaped her perspective on poverty and resilience. Listeners will gain insight into the societal stigmas surrounding homelessness and the necessity for community support and understanding to create lasting change. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Becky Avila-Knox, the Senior Director of Grants & Contracts for Safe Place for Youth, a US organisation on a mission to empower young people experiencing homelessness. ... Highlights from this episode: The discussion highlights how homelessness is often viewed through differing political lenses, impacting funding and support. Becky emphasizes the importance of understanding homelessness as a systemic issue rather than one solely based on individual choices. There are contrasting approaches to homelessness among political parties that reflect deeper societal beliefs about personal responsibility. Relocating homeless individuals to cheaper areas does not address the underlying issues they face in their communities. Becky shares her personal experiences growing up in the projects, highlighting resilience amidst adversity and the importance of community support. The conversation underscores the need for compassion and systemic change to address homelessness effectively. ... Check out Becky's full episode here: What Are the Projects? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Homelessness is a complex issue, and approaches to tackling it vary significantly across political lines, as our guest Dr. Becky Avila-Knox explains in this bonus episode, recorded immediately after our episode What Are the Projects?

Becky highlights the importance of recognizing external factors that contribute to homelessness, such as systemic discrimination and economic challenges, rather than attributing it solely to individual choices. The conversation also delves into personal experiences, illustrating how growing up in the projects has shaped her perspective on poverty and resilience. Listeners will gain insight into the societal stigmas surrounding homelessness and the necessity for community support and understanding to create lasting change.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Becky Avila-Knox, the Senior Director of Grants & Contracts for Safe Place for Youth, a US organisation on a mission to empower young people experiencing homelessness.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The discussion highlights how homelessness is often viewed through differing political lenses, impacting funding and support.
  • Becky emphasizes the importance of understanding homelessness as a systemic issue rather than one solely based on individual choices.
  • There are contrasting approaches to homelessness among political parties that reflect deeper societal beliefs about personal responsibility.
  • Relocating homeless individuals to cheaper areas does not address the underlying issues they face in their communities.
  • Becky shares her personal experiences growing up in the projects, highlighting resilience amidst adversity and the importance of community support.
  • The conversation underscores the need for compassion and systemic change to address homelessness effectively.

...

Check out Becky's full episode here:

What Are the Projects?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 927 no BONUS: The Legacy of Sand Creek: Racism, War, and Cultural Extermination https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/moonflower-murders-landman-a-man-on-the-inside-only-child In this special bonus episode, we continue our conversation from the recent episode What Was the Sand Creek Massacre? and dive deeper into its broader implications for Native American history and relations with the U.S. government. We discuss recent developments, including President Biden's historic apology for the government's role in cultural genocide through boarding schools, raising questions about the sincerity of recognition and the tangible actions needed to improve the situation for Native peoples today. ... Special guest for this episode: Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation. ... Highlights from this episode: The Sand Creek Massacre illustrates the violent and systematic oppression of Native Americans in U.S. history. The Civil War did not halt the government's aggressive policies towards Native American communities. President Biden's recent apology acknowledges the historic injustices faced by Native Americans, particularly in schools. Cultural extermination was often framed as a form of kindness towards Native Americans by settlers. The historical perspective reveals that Native Americans were seen as obstacles to American progress. Discussions about Native American rights today must address both historical grievances and future actions. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:30:00 -0000 BONUS: The Legacy of Sand Creek: Racism, War, and Cultural Extermination bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus episode, we continue our conversation from the recent episode What Was the Sand Creek Massacre? and dive deeper into its broader implications for Native American history and relations with the U.S. government. We discuss recent developments, including President Biden's historic apology for the government's role in cultural genocide through boarding schools, raising questions about the sincerity of recognition and the tangible actions needed to improve the situation for Native peoples today. ... Special guest for this episode: Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation. ... Highlights from this episode: The Sand Creek Massacre illustrates the violent and systematic oppression of Native Americans in U.S. history. The Civil War did not halt the government's aggressive policies towards Native American communities. President Biden's recent apology acknowledges the historic injustices faced by Native Americans, particularly in schools. Cultural extermination was often framed as a form of kindness towards Native Americans by settlers. The historical perspective reveals that Native Americans were seen as obstacles to American progress. Discussions about Native American rights today must address both historical grievances and future actions. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus episode, we continue our conversation from the recent episode What Was the Sand Creek Massacre? and dive deeper into its broader implications for Native American history and relations with the U.S. government.

We discuss recent developments, including President Biden's historic apology for the government's role in cultural genocide through boarding schools, raising questions about the sincerity of recognition and the tangible actions needed to improve the situation for Native peoples today.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The Sand Creek Massacre illustrates the violent and systematic oppression of Native Americans in U.S. history.
  • The Civil War did not halt the government's aggressive policies towards Native American communities.
  • President Biden's recent apology acknowledges the historic injustices faced by Native Americans, particularly in schools.
  • Cultural extermination was often framed as a form of kindness towards Native Americans by settlers.
  • The historical perspective reveals that Native Americans were seen as obstacles to American progress.
  • Discussions about Native American rights today must address both historical grievances and future actions.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 896 no What Was the Sand Creek Massacre? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-was-the-sand-creek-massacre The Sand Creek Massacre stands as one of the most horrific events in American military history, where hundreds of U.S. army volunteers attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village, resulting in the deaths of approximately 150 to 200 individuals, primarily women, children, and the elderly. This brutal act highlights the broader context of settler colonialism and the U.S. government's broken treaties with Native American tribes during a time of rapid westward expansion driven by the discovery of gold. Colonel John Chivington, who led the attack, justified this atrocity through a deep-seated hatred for Native peoples, viewing them as obstacles to progress. This episode, on the week of Sand Creek's 160th anniversary, we explore the motivations behind such violence and the societal acceptance of these actions, revealing a historical pattern of displacement and brutality towards Indigenous communities, examining the aftermath and evolving perceptions of the massacre, and the ongoing struggles of Native Americans and the complexities of their relationship with the U.S. government. ... Special guest for this episode: Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation. ... Highlights from this episode: The Sand Creek Massacre marked a tragic event in American history, highlighting the brutality faced by Indigenous peoples. Colonel John Chivington led a volunteer army to attack a peaceful Cheyenne village, resulting in numerous deaths. The massacre involved the murder of mostly women, children, and the elderly, showcasing extreme violence. Chivington's actions were driven by a deep-seated hatred towards Native Americans, reflecting broader societal views. Despite initial support for Chivington, public perception shifted as evidence of the massacre surfaced. The Sand Creek Massacre exemplifies the long history of broken treaties and unjust treatment of Native nations in America. ... Additional Resources: Remembering the US soldiers who refused orders to murder Native Americans at Sand Creek (theconversation.com) The Sand Creek Massacre 1864 - Defeat and demise of the Native Americans of the Plains - National 5 History Revision - BBC Bitesize Native American History Timeline Cochise: The Legendary Apache Leader Who Fought For His Tribe's Freedom (allthatsinteresting.com) ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 24 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What Was the Sand Creek Massacre? full 68 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The Sand Creek Massacre stands as one of the most horrific events in American military history, where hundreds of U.S. army volunteers attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village, resulting in the deaths of approximately 150 to 200 individuals, primarily women, children, and the elderly. This brutal act highlights the broader context of settler colonialism and the U.S. government's broken treaties with Native American tribes during a time of rapid westward expansion driven by the discovery of gold. Colonel John Chivington, who led the attack, justified this atrocity through a deep-seated hatred for Native peoples, viewing them as obstacles to progress. This episode, on the week of Sand Creek's 160th anniversary, we explore the motivations behind such violence and the societal acceptance of these actions, revealing a historical pattern of displacement and brutality towards Indigenous communities, examining the aftermath and evolving perceptions of the massacre, and the ongoing struggles of Native Americans and the complexities of their relationship with the U.S. government. ... Special guest for this episode: Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation. ... Highlights from this episode: The Sand Creek Massacre marked a tragic event in American history, highlighting the brutality faced by Indigenous peoples. Colonel John Chivington led a volunteer army to attack a peaceful Cheyenne village, resulting in numerous deaths. The massacre involved the murder of mostly women, children, and the elderly, showcasing extreme violence. Chivington's actions were driven by a deep-seated hatred towards Native Americans, reflecting broader societal views. Despite initial support for Chivington, public perception shifted as evidence of the massacre surfaced. The Sand Creek Massacre exemplifies the long history of broken treaties and unjust treatment of Native nations in America. ... Additional Resources: Remembering the US soldiers who refused orders to murder Native Americans at Sand Creek (theconversation.com) The Sand Creek Massacre 1864 - Defeat and demise of the Native Americans of the Plains - National 5 History Revision - BBC Bitesize Native American History Timeline Cochise: The Legendary Apache Leader Who Fought For His Tribe's Freedom (allthatsinteresting.com) ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Sand Creek Massacre stands as one of the most horrific events in American military history, where hundreds of U.S. army volunteers attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village, resulting in the deaths of approximately 150 to 200 individuals, primarily women, children, and the elderly.

This brutal act highlights the broader context of settler colonialism and the U.S. government's broken treaties with Native American tribes during a time of rapid westward expansion driven by the discovery of gold. Colonel John Chivington, who led the attack, justified this atrocity through a deep-seated hatred for Native peoples, viewing them as obstacles to progress.

This episode, on the week of Sand Creek's 160th anniversary, we explore the motivations behind such violence and the societal acceptance of these actions, revealing a historical pattern of displacement and brutality towards Indigenous communities, examining the aftermath and evolving perceptions of the massacre, and the ongoing struggles of Native Americans and the complexities of their relationship with the U.S. government.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The Sand Creek Massacre marked a tragic event in American history, highlighting the brutality faced by Indigenous peoples.
  2. Colonel John Chivington led a volunteer army to attack a peaceful Cheyenne village, resulting in numerous deaths.
  3. The massacre involved the murder of mostly women, children, and the elderly, showcasing extreme violence.
  4. Chivington's actions were driven by a deep-seated hatred towards Native Americans, reflecting broader societal views.
  5. Despite initial support for Chivington, public perception shifted as evidence of the massacre surfaced.
  6. The Sand Creek Massacre exemplifies the long history of broken treaties and unjust treatment of Native nations in America.

...

Additional Resources:

Remembering the US soldiers who refused orders to murder Native Americans at Sand Creek (theconversation.com)

The Sand Creek Massacre 1864 - Defeat and demise of the Native Americans of the Plains - National 5 History Revision - BBC Bitesize

Native American History Timeline

Cochise: The Legendary Apache Leader Who Fought For His Tribe's Freedom (allthatsinteresting.com)

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2273 no BONUS: Is Country Music a 'Mongrel' Genre? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-is-country-music-a-mongrel-genre As the music industry reflects on the recent CMA Awards, here's a conversation we had with John Collins from CountryLine Radio, just after our previous episode of the podcast, What Makes Country Music So American? John argues that country music, much like the United States itself, is a "mongrel form" influenced by various cultures and musical traditions, and highlights how country music has evolved from gospel, rock, and R&B, reflecting the rich tapestry of influences from immigrant communities throughout American history. ... Special guest for this episode: John Collins, CountryLine Radio ... Highlights from this episode: Country music is a reflection of America's immigrant nature, blending diverse musical influences. The genre's appeal persists as it remains open to international influences and new styles. Artists like Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey show that country music is becoming popular among mainstream stars. Traditional country artists coexist with newer influences, creating a dynamic and evolving genre. Country music's roots are deeply intertwined with various genres, including blues and gospel. The genre is characterized by storytelling that resonates uniquely, setting it apart from others. ... Listen to John's full episode of the podcast: What Makes Country Music So American? ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 23 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Is Country Music a 'Mongrel' Genre? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast As the music industry reflects on the recent CMA Awards, here's a conversation we had with John Collins from CountryLine Radio, just after our previous episode of the podcast, What Makes Country Music So American? John argues that country music, much like the United States itself, is a "mongrel form" influenced by various cultures and musical traditions, and highlights how country music has evolved from gospel, rock, and R&B, reflecting the rich tapestry of influences from immigrant communities throughout American history. ... Special guest for this episode: John Collins, CountryLine Radio ... Highlights from this episode: Country music is a reflection of America's immigrant nature, blending diverse musical influences. The genre's appeal persists as it remains open to international influences and new styles. Artists like Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey show that country music is becoming popular among mainstream stars. Traditional country artists coexist with newer influences, creating a dynamic and evolving genre. Country music's roots are deeply intertwined with various genres, including blues and gospel. The genre is characterized by storytelling that resonates uniquely, setting it apart from others. ... Listen to John's full episode of the podcast: What Makes Country Music So American? ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the music industry reflects on the recent CMA Awards, here's a conversation we had with John Collins from CountryLine Radio, just after our previous episode of the podcast, What Makes Country Music So American?

John argues that country music, much like the United States itself, is a "mongrel form" influenced by various cultures and musical traditions, and highlights how country music has evolved from gospel, rock, and R&B, reflecting the rich tapestry of influences from immigrant communities throughout American history.

...

Special guest for this episode:


...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Country music is a reflection of America's immigrant nature, blending diverse musical influences.
  • The genre's appeal persists as it remains open to international influences and new styles.
  • Artists like Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey show that country music is becoming popular among mainstream stars.
  • Traditional country artists coexist with newer influences, creating a dynamic and evolving genre.
  • Country music's roots are deeply intertwined with various genres, including blues and gospel.
  • The genre is characterized by storytelling that resonates uniquely, setting it apart from others.

...

Listen to John's full episode of the podcast:

What Makes Country Music So American?

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 806 no ITM8: Donald Trump, Russia, and the Risk of World War Three https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/itm8-donald-trump-russia-and-the-risk-of-world-war-three In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, we dive into the aftermath of the recent election, exploring the notable absence of allegations regarding electoral fraud compared to previous years. We also analyze Trump's controversial appointments and the potential ideological shifts in U.S. policy, particularly concerning immigration and foreign relations, and the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and Russia, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the political maneuvering surrounding American support for Ukraine. ... Special guest for this episode: Dafydd Townley, a teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth, whose research interests include the US presidency, particularly in relation to US national security policy ... Highlights from this episode: The 2023 election demonstrated a surprisingly straightforward outcome, reducing claims of electoral fraud compared to previous years. Dafydd Townley discusses how the Republican Party's victory influenced the acceptance of election results by Democrats. Trump's appointments reflect his transactional approach to politics, prioritizing loyalty over broader governance issues. The implications of Trump's foreign policy could shift towards isolationism, impacting global alliances and conflicts. Concerns arise that Ukraine may become a political pawn in U.S. domestic power struggles post-election. The discussion highlights the tension between national security interests and diplomatic relations under Trump's administration. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? How to Run a Democratic Election: Part II ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 ITM8: Donald Trump, Russia, and the Risk of World War Three full 67 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, we dive into the aftermath of the recent election, exploring the notable absence of allegations regarding electoral fraud compared to previous years. We also analyze Trump's controversial appointments and the potential ideological shifts in U.S. policy, particularly concerning immigration and foreign relations, and the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and Russia, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the political maneuvering surrounding American support for Ukraine. ... Special guest for this episode: Dafydd Townley, a teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth, whose research interests include the US presidency, particularly in relation to US national security policy ... Highlights from this episode: The 2023 election demonstrated a surprisingly straightforward outcome, reducing claims of electoral fraud compared to previous years. Dafydd Townley discusses how the Republican Party's victory influenced the acceptance of election results by Democrats. Trump's appointments reflect his transactional approach to politics, prioritizing loyalty over broader governance issues. The implications of Trump's foreign policy could shift towards isolationism, impacting global alliances and conflicts. Concerns arise that Ukraine may become a political pawn in U.S. domestic power struggles post-election. The discussion highlights the tension between national security interests and diplomatic relations under Trump's administration. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? How to Run a Democratic Election: Part II ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, we dive into the aftermath of the recent election, exploring the notable absence of allegations regarding electoral fraud compared to previous years.

We also analyze Trump's controversial appointments and the potential ideological shifts in U.S. policy, particularly concerning immigration and foreign relations, and the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and Russia, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the political maneuvering surrounding American support for Ukraine.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Dafydd Townley, a teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth, whose research interests include the US presidency, particularly in relation to US national security policy

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The 2023 election demonstrated a surprisingly straightforward outcome, reducing claims of electoral fraud compared to previous years.
  2. Dafydd Townley discusses how the Republican Party's victory influenced the acceptance of election results by Democrats.
  3. Trump's appointments reflect his transactional approach to politics, prioritizing loyalty over broader governance issues.
  4. The implications of Trump's foreign policy could shift towards isolationism, impacting global alliances and conflicts.
  5. Concerns arise that Ukraine may become a political pawn in U.S. domestic power struggles post-election.
  6. The discussion highlights the tension between national security interests and diplomatic relations under Trump's administration.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?

How to Run a Democratic Election: Part II

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1595 no Who Was Christopher Columbus? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-was-christopher-columbus Christopher Columbus, often credited with discovering America, is a complex historical figure whose legacy prompts significant debate. While he embarked on his voyages seeking a route to India, he stumbled upon the Caribbean, never realizing he had encountered a new continent, and in this episode, we dive into Columbus' life, exploring his motivations, struggles, and the darker aspects of his expeditions, including the exploitation of indigenous peoples. We also examines the evolving perception of Columbus in contemporary society, particularly regarding the implications of celebrating figures with controversial legacies. ... Special guest for this episode: Laurence Bergreen, an award-winning biographer, historian, and chronicler of exploration. His books include Columbus: The Four Voyages ... Highlights from this episode: Christopher Columbus, often credited with discovering America, was actually an Italian explorer. His voyages occurred in a time of great uncertainty, lacking modern navigational tools and knowledge. Columbus's legacy is complex, as he both opened new trade routes and contributed to exploitation. Historical perspectives on Columbus have shifted, reflecting changing views on exploration and colonialism. The concept of 'discovery' is problematic, as America was already inhabited by diverse cultures. Columbus never set foot on mainland America and was looking for India instead. ... Additional Resources: LISTEN: Columbus: The Four Voyages by Laurence Bergreen READ: Why Columbus Day Is Worth Defending and Celebrating | Discovery Institute READ: Should the United States Celebrate Columbus Day? - The New York Times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 Who Was Christopher Columbus? full 66 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Christopher Columbus, often credited with discovering America, is a complex historical figure whose legacy prompts significant debate. While he embarked on his voyages seeking a route to India, he stumbled upon the Caribbean, never realizing he had encountered a new continent, and in this episode, we dive into Columbus' life, exploring his motivations, struggles, and the darker aspects of his expeditions, including the exploitation of indigenous peoples. We also examines the evolving perception of Columbus in contemporary society, particularly regarding the implications of celebrating figures with controversial legacies. ... Special guest for this episode: Laurence Bergreen, an award-winning biographer, historian, and chronicler of exploration. His books include Columbus: The Four Voyages ... Highlights from this episode: Christopher Columbus, often credited with discovering America, was actually an Italian explorer. His voyages occurred in a time of great uncertainty, lacking modern navigational tools and knowledge. Columbus's legacy is complex, as he both opened new trade routes and contributed to exploitation. Historical perspectives on Columbus have shifted, reflecting changing views on exploration and colonialism. The concept of 'discovery' is problematic, as America was already inhabited by diverse cultures. Columbus never set foot on mainland America and was looking for India instead. ... Additional Resources: LISTEN: Columbus: The Four Voyages by Laurence Bergreen READ: Why Columbus Day Is Worth Defending and Celebrating | Discovery Institute READ: Should the United States Celebrate Columbus Day? - The New York Times ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Christopher Columbus, often credited with discovering America, is a complex historical figure whose legacy prompts significant debate.

While he embarked on his voyages seeking a route to India, he stumbled upon the Caribbean, never realizing he had encountered a new continent, and in this episode, we dive into Columbus' life, exploring his motivations, struggles, and the darker aspects of his expeditions, including the exploitation of indigenous peoples.

We also examines the evolving perception of Columbus in contemporary society, particularly regarding the implications of celebrating figures with controversial legacies.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Laurence Bergreen, an award-winning biographer, historian, and chronicler of exploration. His books include Columbus: The Four Voyages

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. Christopher Columbus, often credited with discovering America, was actually an Italian explorer.
  2. His voyages occurred in a time of great uncertainty, lacking modern navigational tools and knowledge.
  3. Columbus's legacy is complex, as he both opened new trade routes and contributed to exploitation.
  4. Historical perspectives on Columbus have shifted, reflecting changing views on exploration and colonialism.
  5. The concept of 'discovery' is problematic, as America was already inhabited by diverse cultures.
  6. Columbus never set foot on mainland America and was looking for India instead.

...

Additional Resources:

LISTEN: Columbus: The Four Voyages by Laurence Bergreen

READ: Why Columbus Day Is Worth Defending and Celebrating | Discovery Institute

READ: Should the United States Celebrate Columbus Day? - The New York Times

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2541 no BONUS: The Debate That Altered the Course of American History https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-the-debate-that-altered-the-course-of-american-history In this special bonus episode, recorded before the 2024 Presidential election, we explore the significant implications of the June 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, which many believe marked a turning point in the election. We discuss the emotional and political ramifications of Biden's struggles and the broader historical context of debates in shaping public perception of candidates, and how the dynamics of this debate may influence voter turnout and the overall electoral landscape. The consequences of this debate highlight the ongoing impact of American presidential elections on the global stage, emphasizing the importance of both presidential and congressional outcomes in shaping international relations. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia ... Highlights from this episode: The June 2024 debate between Biden and Trump was seen as an absolute disaster for Biden. Emma Long expressed that Biden's performance was painful to watch, highlighting his struggles. The aftermath of the debate led to a shift in Democratic support away from Biden. Biden's long political career may be viewed more positively in the future despite recent challenges. The debate significantly altered the dynamics of the 2024 election, impacting voter enthusiasm. International interest in the U.S. presidential debates reflects America's ongoing global influence. ... Listen to the full episode here: Who Cares About Presidential Debates: https://pod.fo/e/267a2b ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 16 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: The Debate That Altered the Course of American History bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special bonus episode, recorded before the 2024 Presidential election, we explore the significant implications of the June 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, which many believe marked a turning point in the election. We discuss the emotional and political ramifications of Biden's struggles and the broader historical context of debates in shaping public perception of candidates, and how the dynamics of this debate may influence voter turnout and the overall electoral landscape. The consequences of this debate highlight the ongoing impact of American presidential elections on the global stage, emphasizing the importance of both presidential and congressional outcomes in shaping international relations. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia ... Highlights from this episode: The June 2024 debate between Biden and Trump was seen as an absolute disaster for Biden. Emma Long expressed that Biden's performance was painful to watch, highlighting his struggles. The aftermath of the debate led to a shift in Democratic support away from Biden. Biden's long political career may be viewed more positively in the future despite recent challenges. The debate significantly altered the dynamics of the 2024 election, impacting voter enthusiasm. International interest in the U.S. presidential debates reflects America's ongoing global influence. ... Listen to the full episode here: Who Cares About Presidential Debates: https://pod.fo/e/267a2b ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special bonus episode, recorded before the 2024 Presidential election, we explore the significant implications of the June 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, which many believe marked a turning point in the election.

We discuss the emotional and political ramifications of Biden's struggles and the broader historical context of debates in shaping public perception of candidates, and how the dynamics of this debate may influence voter turnout and the overall electoral landscape.

The consequences of this debate highlight the ongoing impact of American presidential elections on the global stage, emphasizing the importance of both presidential and congressional outcomes in shaping international relations.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The June 2024 debate between Biden and Trump was seen as an absolute disaster for Biden.
  2. Emma Long expressed that Biden's performance was painful to watch, highlighting his struggles.
  3. The aftermath of the debate led to a shift in Democratic support away from Biden.
  4. Biden's long political career may be viewed more positively in the future despite recent challenges.
  5. The debate significantly altered the dynamics of the 2024 election, impacting voter enthusiasm.
  6. International interest in the U.S. presidential debates reflects America's ongoing global influence.

...

Listen to the full episode here:

Who Cares About Presidential Debates: https://pod.fo/e/267a2b

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1445 no ITM7: What Does Trump's Comeback Mean for American Politics? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-does-trumps-comeback-mean-for-american-politics This podcast episode features a deep discussion on the recent presidential election and the implications of Kamala Harris's campaign performance. Ian and Farida Jalalzai analyze the complexities surrounding female voters, noting that 53% of women supported Donald Trump, raising questions about the intersection of gender and economic concerns in voting behavior. They explore the tactical missteps of the Harris campaign and how the dynamics of gender and race influenced the election outcomes. The conversation also delves into the troubling reality of Trump's ability to defy political norms and the potential consequences for American democracy as he returns to power. Throughout the episode, they reflect on the future of the Democratic Party and the challenges it faces moving forward. ... Special guest for this episode: Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech. ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast explores the implications of the recent presidential election and the challenges faced by the Harris campaign. Farida Jalalzai discusses the importance of understanding the gender gap in voting behavior among different demographics. Trump's ability to appeal to voters despite his controversial past raises questions about American political norms. The conversation emphasizes the need for Democrats to reevaluate their strategies in light of the election results. There is a focus on the potential consequences of Trump's re-election on American democracy and governance. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how political empathy has shifted during the Trump era. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 ITM7: What Does Trump's Comeback Mean for American Politics? full 65 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This podcast episode features a deep discussion on the recent presidential election and the implications of Kamala Harris's campaign performance. Ian and Farida Jalalzai analyze the complexities surrounding female voters, noting that 53% of women supported Donald Trump, raising questions about the intersection of gender and economic concerns in voting behavior. They explore the tactical missteps of the Harris campaign and how the dynamics of gender and race influenced the election outcomes. The conversation also delves into the troubling reality of Trump's ability to defy political norms and the potential consequences for American democracy as he returns to power. Throughout the episode, they reflect on the future of the Democratic Party and the challenges it faces moving forward. ... Special guest for this episode: Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech. ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast explores the implications of the recent presidential election and the challenges faced by the Harris campaign. Farida Jalalzai discusses the importance of understanding the gender gap in voting behavior among different demographics. Trump's ability to appeal to voters despite his controversial past raises questions about American political norms. The conversation emphasizes the need for Democrats to reevaluate their strategies in light of the election results. There is a focus on the potential consequences of Trump's re-election on American democracy and governance. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how political empathy has shifted during the Trump era. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This podcast episode features a deep discussion on the recent presidential election and the implications of Kamala Harris's campaign performance. Ian and Farida Jalalzai analyze the complexities surrounding female voters, noting that 53% of women supported Donald Trump, raising questions about the intersection of gender and economic concerns in voting behavior. They explore the tactical missteps of the Harris campaign and how the dynamics of gender and race influenced the election outcomes. The conversation also delves into the troubling reality of Trump's ability to defy political norms and the potential consequences for American democracy as he returns to power. Throughout the episode, they reflect on the future of the Democratic Party and the challenges it faces moving forward.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The podcast explores the implications of the recent presidential election and the challenges faced by the Harris campaign.
  2. Farida Jalalzai discusses the importance of understanding the gender gap in voting behavior among different demographics.
  3. Trump's ability to appeal to voters despite his controversial past raises questions about American political norms.
  4. The conversation emphasizes the need for Democrats to reevaluate their strategies in light of the election results.
  5. There is a focus on the potential consequences of Trump's re-election on American democracy and governance.
  6. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how political empathy has shifted during the Trump era.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1773 no What Happens After a Presidential Election? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-happens-after-a-presidential-election The transition period following a presidential election is a critical yet often overlooked phase in American politics, so in this episode we explore the intricate processes and protocols that occur in the two months between the election and the inauguration of a new president. We discuss the historical evolution of the transition, its additional complexity with the growth of the executive branch, and the introduction of formal transition teams. We also look at the implications of party changes during transitions and the importance of maintaining governmental continuity, reflecting on recent political events, the 2020 election and Jan 6th, and the significance of cooperation between outgoing and incoming administrations to uphold democratic traditions. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. ... Highlights from this episode: The transition period between presidential elections is often overlooked but is crucial for governance. Historically, the transition period has shortened from four months to just two months. The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 mandates preparation for an incoming administration. Civil servants play a vital role during transitions, providing continuity in government operations. The process of transition can vary significantly depending on whether parties change hands. Former presidents often maintain a low profile post-office to respect the new administration's authority. ... Additional Resources: The US Elections Explained: The Transition of Power - YouTube 2024 Transition Timeline • Center for Presidential Transition ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 10 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What Happens After a Presidential Election? full 64 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The transition period following a presidential election is a critical yet often overlooked phase in American politics, so in this episode we explore the intricate processes and protocols that occur in the two months between the election and the inauguration of a new president. We discuss the historical evolution of the transition, its additional complexity with the growth of the executive branch, and the introduction of formal transition teams. We also look at the implications of party changes during transitions and the importance of maintaining governmental continuity, reflecting on recent political events, the 2020 election and Jan 6th, and the significance of cooperation between outgoing and incoming administrations to uphold democratic traditions. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. ... Highlights from this episode: The transition period between presidential elections is often overlooked but is crucial for governance. Historically, the transition period has shortened from four months to just two months. The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 mandates preparation for an incoming administration. Civil servants play a vital role during transitions, providing continuity in government operations. The process of transition can vary significantly depending on whether parties change hands. Former presidents often maintain a low profile post-office to respect the new administration's authority. ... Additional Resources: The US Elections Explained: The Transition of Power - YouTube 2024 Transition Timeline • Center for Presidential Transition ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The transition period following a presidential election is a critical yet often overlooked phase in American politics, so in this episode we explore the intricate processes and protocols that occur in the two months between the election and the inauguration of a new president.

We discuss the historical evolution of the transition, its additional complexity with the growth of the executive branch, and the introduction of formal transition teams. We also look at the implications of party changes during transitions and the importance of maintaining governmental continuity, reflecting on recent political events, the 2020 election and Jan 6th, and the significance of cooperation between outgoing and incoming administrations to uphold democratic traditions.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The transition period between presidential elections is often overlooked but is crucial for governance.
  2. Historically, the transition period has shortened from four months to just two months.
  3. The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 mandates preparation for an incoming administration.
  4. Civil servants play a vital role during transitions, providing continuity in government operations.
  5. The process of transition can vary significantly depending on whether parties change hands.
  6. Former presidents often maintain a low profile post-office to respect the new administration's authority.

...

Additional Resources:

The US Elections Explained: The Transition of Power - YouTube

2024 Transition Timeline • Center for Presidential Transition

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2296 no UEA Lasdun Lecture: Broken Democracy? Lessons from the American Election https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/uea-lasdun-lecture-broken-democracy-lessons-from-the-american-election A recent poll suggests that 72% of Americans believe the US used to be a good example of democracy but has not been for the past few years. In this special live event, recorded at the University of East Anglia's Norwich campus in England, a group of experts on the US come together to discuss the recent election, the political and historical context, the result, and what it all means for the state of American democracy today and in the future. ... Special guest for this episode: Prof. Rebecca Fraser, Professor of American History & Culture, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Her research is primarily concerned with the ways in which discourses of gender, race and sexuality were articulated and interacted in the context of nineteenth century America. Prof. Toby James, Professor of Politics & Public Policy, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Toby’s research focuses on the electoral integrity and democracy, the policy process and political leadership. Dr. Suzanne Doyle, Lecturer in International Relations, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Suzanne's research focuses on the US-UK nuclear relationship. Her wider research interests include nuclear history, transatlantic relations, US and British defence policy, security studies and the Cold War. Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. She specialises in the history of the US Constitution and the Supreme Court, with a particular focus on the period since 1945 and on the rights contained in the Bill of Rights ... Highlights from this episode: The importance of understanding the diverse definitions of democracy in the U.S. context. Voter ID laws and their impact on voter accessibility are critical to election fairness. Historical precedents of women candidates highlight ongoing challenges in American politics. The influence of social media and misinformation on voter behavior is increasingly significant. Economic factors are central to voters' decisions, overshadowing issues of race and gender. Trump's presidency poses existential questions about the future of American democracy. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 09 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 UEA Lasdun Lecture: Broken Democracy? Lessons from the American Election bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast A recent poll suggests that 72% of Americans believe the US used to be a good example of democracy but has not been for the past few years. In this special live event, recorded at the University of East Anglia's Norwich campus in England, a group of experts on the US come together to discuss the recent election, the political and historical context, the result, and what it all means for the state of American democracy today and in the future. ... Special guest for this episode: Prof. Rebecca Fraser, Professor of American History & Culture, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Her research is primarily concerned with the ways in which discourses of gender, race and sexuality were articulated and interacted in the context of nineteenth century America. Prof. Toby James, Professor of Politics & Public Policy, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Toby’s research focuses on the electoral integrity and democracy, the policy process and political leadership. Dr. Suzanne Doyle, Lecturer in International Relations, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Suzanne's research focuses on the US-UK nuclear relationship. Her wider research interests include nuclear history, transatlantic relations, US and British defence policy, security studies and the Cold War. Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. She specialises in the history of the US Constitution and the Supreme Court, with a particular focus on the period since 1945 and on the rights contained in the Bill of Rights ... Highlights from this episode: The importance of understanding the diverse definitions of democracy in the U.S. context. Voter ID laws and their impact on voter accessibility are critical to election fairness. Historical precedents of women candidates highlight ongoing challenges in American politics. The influence of social media and misinformation on voter behavior is increasingly significant. Economic factors are central to voters' decisions, overshadowing issues of race and gender. Trump's presidency poses existential questions about the future of American democracy. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A recent poll suggests that 72% of Americans believe the US used to be a good example of democracy but has not been for the past few years.

In this special live event, recorded at the University of East Anglia's Norwich campus in England, a group of experts on the US come together to discuss the recent election, the political and historical context, the result, and what it all means for the state of American democracy today and in the future.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Prof. Rebecca Fraser, Professor of American History & Culture, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Her research is primarily concerned with the ways in which discourses of gender, race and sexuality were articulated and interacted in the context of nineteenth century America.
  • Prof. Toby James, Professor of Politics & Public Policy, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Toby’s research focuses on the electoral integrity and democracy, the policy process and political leadership.
  • Dr. Suzanne Doyle, Lecturer in International Relations, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. Suzanne's research focuses on the US-UK nuclear relationship. Her wider research interests include nuclear history, transatlantic relations, US and British defence policy, security studies and the Cold War.
  • Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor in American History and Politics, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies. She specialises in the history of the US Constitution and the Supreme Court, with a particular focus on the period since 1945 and on the rights contained in the Bill of Rights

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The importance of understanding the diverse definitions of democracy in the U.S. context.
  • Voter ID laws and their impact on voter accessibility are critical to election fairness.
  • Historical precedents of women candidates highlight ongoing challenges in American politics.
  • The influence of social media and misinformation on voter behavior is increasingly significant.
  • Economic factors are central to voters' decisions, overshadowing issues of race and gender.
  • Trump's presidency poses existential questions about the future of American democracy.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4589 no ITM 6: Election Aftermath - Voices from America on Trump’s Victory https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/midas-man-pan-am-generation-z-channel-4-amazon-prime-video-itv-itvx-margot-robbie-christina-ricci-comedy-horror-zombie In this special episode of America: A History in the Making, the day after the 2024 U.S. election, we bring reactions, insights, and reflections from a diverse group of American voters discussing one of the most unpredictable elections in American history. The conversation highlights a stark realization: despite a highly qualified candidate in Kamala Harris, many voters gravitated towards Trump, revealing deep-seated issues of racism, misogyny, and the complexities of identity politics. Our guests, from opposite coasts of the US, share experiences from their regions, particularly in red pockets of California, emphasizing feelings of voter apathy and the disconnect between individual lived experiences and broader electoral trends. The discussion also touches on the challenges ahead for the Democratic Party, including the need for more effective communication and unity to counter the growing influence of fear-driven politics. As fears mount for the future, the group expresses a mix of hope and trepidation about the implications of a Trump presidency on marginalized communities and the political landscape in America. ... Special guest for this episode: Felicia from Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Inclusion Geeks and host of the She+ Geeks Out Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/she-geeks-out-podcast/id1128497037 Katie from Massachusetts, and host of The Weeniecast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-weeniecast-make-more-money-create-an-impact/id1645672394 Shannon and Nathan, a couple and two fans of the podcast from a red town within the very blue California. ... Highlights from this episode: The impact of the 2024 US election results has left many feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. Voter apathy in California is a real concern, especially among Democratic voters who feel their votes don't count. The internalized biases and systemic racism in America are reflected in the voting patterns of marginalized groups. Kamala Harris's identities were not leveraged effectively in her campaign against Trump. The political landscape has shifted significantly, and the Democrat party needs to adapt to win again. Concerns about the potential for increased political violence and a divided America loom large after the election results. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 ITM 6: Election Aftermath - Voices from America on Trump’s Victory full 63 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special episode of America: A History in the Making, the day after the 2024 U.S. election, we bring reactions, insights, and reflections from a diverse group of American voters discussing one of the most unpredictable elections in American history. The conversation highlights a stark realization: despite a highly qualified candidate in Kamala Harris, many voters gravitated towards Trump, revealing deep-seated issues of racism, misogyny, and the complexities of identity politics. Our guests, from opposite coasts of the US, share experiences from their regions, particularly in red pockets of California, emphasizing feelings of voter apathy and the disconnect between individual lived experiences and broader electoral trends. The discussion also touches on the challenges ahead for the Democratic Party, including the need for more effective communication and unity to counter the growing influence of fear-driven politics. As fears mount for the future, the group expresses a mix of hope and trepidation about the implications of a Trump presidency on marginalized communities and the political landscape in America. ... Special guest for this episode: Felicia from Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Inclusion Geeks and host of the She+ Geeks Out Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/she-geeks-out-podcast/id1128497037 Katie from Massachusetts, and host of The Weeniecast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-weeniecast-make-more-money-create-an-impact/id1645672394 Shannon and Nathan, a couple and two fans of the podcast from a red town within the very blue California. ... Highlights from this episode: The impact of the 2024 US election results has left many feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. Voter apathy in California is a real concern, especially among Democratic voters who feel their votes don't count. The internalized biases and systemic racism in America are reflected in the voting patterns of marginalized groups. Kamala Harris's identities were not leveraged effectively in her campaign against Trump. The political landscape has shifted significantly, and the Democrat party needs to adapt to win again. Concerns about the potential for increased political violence and a divided America loom large after the election results. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special episode of America: A History in the Making, the day after the 2024 U.S. election, we bring reactions, insights, and reflections from a diverse group of American voters discussing one of the most unpredictable elections in American history.

The conversation highlights a stark realization: despite a highly qualified candidate in Kamala Harris, many voters gravitated towards Trump, revealing deep-seated issues of racism, misogyny, and the complexities of identity politics. Our guests, from opposite coasts of the US, share experiences from their regions, particularly in red pockets of California, emphasizing feelings of voter apathy and the disconnect between individual lived experiences and broader electoral trends.

The discussion also touches on the challenges ahead for the Democratic Party, including the need for more effective communication and unity to counter the growing influence of fear-driven politics.

As fears mount for the future, the group expresses a mix of hope and trepidation about the implications of a Trump presidency on marginalized communities and the political landscape in America.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Felicia from Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Inclusion Geeks and host of the She+ Geeks Out Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/she-geeks-out-podcast/id1128497037
  2. Katie from Massachusetts, and host of The Weeniecast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-weeniecast-make-more-money-create-an-impact/id1645672394
  3. Shannon and Nathan, a couple and two fans of the podcast from a red town within the very blue California.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The impact of the 2024 US election results has left many feeling anxious and uncertain about the future.
  2. Voter apathy in California is a real concern, especially among Democratic voters who feel their votes don't count.
  3. The internalized biases and systemic racism in America are reflected in the voting patterns of marginalized groups.
  4. Kamala Harris's identities were not leveraged effectively in her campaign against Trump.
  5. The political landscape has shifted significantly, and the Democrat party needs to adapt to win again.
  6. Concerns about the potential for increased political violence and a divided America loom large after the election results.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3107 no BONUS: Will Kamala Harris Break the Glass Ceiling? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-will-kamala-harris-break-the-glass-ceiling In this extra bonus, following on from a previous main episode, we delve into the prospects of Kamala Harris winning the presidency and the broader implications for women and candidates of color in American politics. Special guest Farida Jalalzai shares her insights on Harris' current campaign dynamics, highlighting both the enthusiasm surrounding her candidacy and the criticisms regarding the perceived lack of policy substance. Plus, we touche on the unique challenges Harris faces as a woman and a person of color, including the heightened scrutiny she may encounter compared to her male counterparts. We also discuss the impact of upcoming debates (as this episode was recorded before the Harris - Trump debate), particularly how Harris' performance could shape public perceptions and expectations for future female candidates. ... Special guest:  Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech. ... Highlights from this episode: Kamala Harris's chances of winning the presidential election appear favorable due to her support. Debates will be crucial for Harris to showcase her policy details against Trump. Trump's debate strategy may rely on attacking the perceived unfairness of the questions. Harris has a unique challenge in navigating gender dynamics while campaigning against Trump. The historical context of women and women of color in leadership raises expectations for Harris. Criticism of Harris's campaign often reflects biases in how women's leadership is perceived. ... Listen to the main episode: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 02 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Will Kamala Harris Break the Glass Ceiling? bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this extra bonus, following on from a previous main episode, we delve into the prospects of Kamala Harris winning the presidency and the broader implications for women and candidates of color in American politics. Special guest Farida Jalalzai shares her insights on Harris' current campaign dynamics, highlighting both the enthusiasm surrounding her candidacy and the criticisms regarding the perceived lack of policy substance. Plus, we touche on the unique challenges Harris faces as a woman and a person of color, including the heightened scrutiny she may encounter compared to her male counterparts. We also discuss the impact of upcoming debates (as this episode was recorded before the Harris - Trump debate), particularly how Harris' performance could shape public perceptions and expectations for future female candidates. ... Special guest:  Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech. ... Highlights from this episode: Kamala Harris's chances of winning the presidential election appear favorable due to her support. Debates will be crucial for Harris to showcase her policy details against Trump. Trump's debate strategy may rely on attacking the perceived unfairness of the questions. Harris has a unique challenge in navigating gender dynamics while campaigning against Trump. The historical context of women and women of color in leadership raises expectations for Harris. Criticism of Harris's campaign often reflects biases in how women's leadership is perceived. ... Listen to the main episode: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this extra bonus, following on from a previous main episode, we delve into the prospects of Kamala Harris winning the presidency and the broader implications for women and candidates of color in American politics.

Special guest Farida Jalalzai shares her insights on Harris' current campaign dynamics, highlighting both the enthusiasm surrounding her candidacy and the criticisms regarding the perceived lack of policy substance. Plus, we touche on the unique challenges Harris faces as a woman and a person of color, including the heightened scrutiny she may encounter compared to her male counterparts.

We also discuss the impact of upcoming debates (as this episode was recorded before the Harris - Trump debate), particularly how Harris' performance could shape public perceptions and expectations for future female candidates.

...

Special guest:

  •  Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Kamala Harris's chances of winning the presidential election appear favorable due to her support.
  • Debates will be crucial for Harris to showcase her policy details against Trump.
  • Trump's debate strategy may rely on attacking the perceived unfairness of the questions.
  • Harris has a unique challenge in navigating gender dynamics while campaigning against Trump.
  • The historical context of women and women of color in leadership raises expectations for Harris.
  • Criticism of Harris's campaign often reflects biases in how women's leadership is perceived.

...

Listen to the main episode:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 786 no ITM 5: Young Americans Share their Election Experiences of Voting from Abroad https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/itm-5-young-americans-share-their-election-experiences-of-voting-from-abroad As the US election approaches, this special episode looks at the experiences of first time American voters casting their ballots from abroad, highlighting the unique challenges they face. Guests Henry and McKenna, both students on an exchange semester at UEA in the UK, share their insights on the registration process and the emotional weight of participating in their first presidential election. We discuss the polarized political landscape, how younger voters perceive Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and the importance of engaging Gen Z in the electoral process. ... Special guests for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia McKenna Anderson, a political science student studying at UEA, from Illinois Henry Lease, a political science student studying at UEA, from Massachusetts ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast discusses the challenges and experiences of American students voting from abroad. Both Henry and McKenna emphasize the importance of registering to vote while living overseas. Listeners are encouraged to understand the complexities of state-level voting processes in the U.S. The conversation highlights a significant generational shift in political engagement among young voters. Emma Long raises the point about the impact of undecided voters on the election outcome. The episode reflects on how international perspectives can shape American political discussions. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0000 ITM 5: Young Americans Share their Election Experiences of Voting from Abroad full 61 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast As the US election approaches, this special episode looks at the experiences of first time American voters casting their ballots from abroad, highlighting the unique challenges they face. Guests Henry and McKenna, both students on an exchange semester at UEA in the UK, share their insights on the registration process and the emotional weight of participating in their first presidential election. We discuss the polarized political landscape, how younger voters perceive Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and the importance of engaging Gen Z in the electoral process. ... Special guests for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia McKenna Anderson, a political science student studying at UEA, from Illinois Henry Lease, a political science student studying at UEA, from Massachusetts ... Highlights from this episode: The podcast discusses the challenges and experiences of American students voting from abroad. Both Henry and McKenna emphasize the importance of registering to vote while living overseas. Listeners are encouraged to understand the complexities of state-level voting processes in the U.S. The conversation highlights a significant generational shift in political engagement among young voters. Emma Long raises the point about the impact of undecided voters on the election outcome. The episode reflects on how international perspectives can shape American political discussions. ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the US election approaches, this special episode looks at the experiences of first time American voters casting their ballots from abroad, highlighting the unique challenges they face.

Guests Henry and McKenna, both students on an exchange semester at UEA in the UK, share their insights on the registration process and the emotional weight of participating in their first presidential election. We discuss the polarized political landscape, how younger voters perceive Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and the importance of engaging Gen Z in the electoral process.

...

Special guests for this episode:

  1. Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia
  2. McKenna Anderson, a political science student studying at UEA, from Illinois
  3. Henry Lease, a political science student studying at UEA, from Massachusetts

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The podcast discusses the challenges and experiences of American students voting from abroad.
  2. Both Henry and McKenna emphasize the importance of registering to vote while living overseas.
  3. Listeners are encouraged to understand the complexities of state-level voting processes in the U.S.
  4. The conversation highlights a significant generational shift in political engagement among young voters.
  5. Emma Long raises the point about the impact of undecided voters on the election outcome.
  6. The episode reflects on how international perspectives can shape American political discussions.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3021 no How to Run a Democratic Election: Part II https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-to-run-a-democratic-election-part-ii In the second part of our US election special, we dive into the complexity and intricacies surrounding the U.S. electoral process, particularly as the nation approaches a pivotal presidential election. Special guests Dr. Emma Long and Daffy Townley engage in an exploration of the mechanisms that uphold the integrity, fairness, and inclusivity of elections, beginning with the principles of democratic elections, emphasizing the necessity for representation and transparency while dissecting the role of technology in contemporary electoral campaigns. We also address the looming specter of election interference, citing historical instances such as the 2016 and 2020 elections, and the ongoing threats faced in the upcoming 2024 election, and the impact misinformation and disinformation campaigns—both domestic and foreign—can have in undermining voter confidence, and affecting the democratic process. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Emma… Dr. Dafydd Townley, a teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth, whose research interests include the US presidency, particularly in relation to US national security policy, and how cybersecurity can be used as a tool for diplomacy. ... Highlights from this episode: The integrity of elections in the US is threatened by misinformation and disinformation campaigns. Electoral processes vary significantly by state, affecting voter registration and participation rates. Youth engagement in politics has increased, but not all demographics are equally reached. Election interference can undermine public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process. The complexity of voting regulations can disenfranchise minority groups and lower-income individuals. Technological solutions for voting could introduce new vulnerabilities, affecting election integrity. ... Additional Resources: https://constitutioncenter.org/education/election-resources ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0000 How to Run a Democratic Election: Part II full 62 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In the second part of our US election special, we dive into the complexity and intricacies surrounding the U.S. electoral process, particularly as the nation approaches a pivotal presidential election. Special guests Dr. Emma Long and Daffy Townley engage in an exploration of the mechanisms that uphold the integrity, fairness, and inclusivity of elections, beginning with the principles of democratic elections, emphasizing the necessity for representation and transparency while dissecting the role of technology in contemporary electoral campaigns. We also address the looming specter of election interference, citing historical instances such as the 2016 and 2020 elections, and the ongoing threats faced in the upcoming 2024 election, and the impact misinformation and disinformation campaigns—both domestic and foreign—can have in undermining voter confidence, and affecting the democratic process. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Emma… Dr. Dafydd Townley, a teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth, whose research interests include the US presidency, particularly in relation to US national security policy, and how cybersecurity can be used as a tool for diplomacy. ... Highlights from this episode: The integrity of elections in the US is threatened by misinformation and disinformation campaigns. Electoral processes vary significantly by state, affecting voter registration and participation rates. Youth engagement in politics has increased, but not all demographics are equally reached. Election interference can undermine public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process. The complexity of voting regulations can disenfranchise minority groups and lower-income individuals. Technological solutions for voting could introduce new vulnerabilities, affecting election integrity. ... Additional Resources: https://constitutioncenter.org/education/election-resources ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the second part of our US election special, we dive into the complexity and intricacies surrounding the U.S. electoral process, particularly as the nation approaches a pivotal presidential election.

Special guests Dr. Emma Long and Daffy Townley engage in an exploration of the mechanisms that uphold the integrity, fairness, and inclusivity of elections, beginning with the principles of democratic elections, emphasizing the necessity for representation and transparency while dissecting the role of technology in contemporary electoral campaigns.

We also address the looming specter of election interference, citing historical instances such as the 2016 and 2020 elections, and the ongoing threats faced in the upcoming 2024 election, and the impact misinformation and disinformation campaigns—both domestic and foreign—can have in undermining voter confidence, and affecting the democratic process.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Emma…
  2. Dr. Dafydd Townley, a teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth, whose research interests include the US presidency, particularly in relation to US national security policy, and how cybersecurity can be used as a tool for diplomacy.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The integrity of elections in the US is threatened by misinformation and disinformation campaigns.
  2. Electoral processes vary significantly by state, affecting voter registration and participation rates.
  3. Youth engagement in politics has increased, but not all demographics are equally reached.
  4. Election interference can undermine public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process.
  5. The complexity of voting regulations can disenfranchise minority groups and lower-income individuals.
  6. Technological solutions for voting could introduce new vulnerabilities, affecting election integrity.

...

Additional Resources:

https://constitutioncenter.org/education/election-resources

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3322 no How to Run a Democratic Election: Part I https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-to-run-a-democratic-election-part-i On Tuesday November 5th 2024, millions of Americans will decide who moves into the White House for the next four years: former President Donald Trump, or incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. This election cycle has been like no other, and the outcome will set the course of America's future. In the first of our two-part deep dive into the U.S. electoral process, this week’s episode explores the American election - how it's organised, how they ensure accuracy and efficiency, how it could be improved, and the challenges of running a ballot for over 300 million people. This episode sets the stage for a broader discussion on electoral fairness and representation, in part two of this US election 2024 special, which supporters of the show can access right away. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Emma… Professor Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are ‘Reagan: American Icon’ and ‘FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America’. ... Highlights from this episode: The U.S. election process consists of two main parts: the primary season and the general election, each with distinct roles. Elections in the United States are organized at the state level, resulting in 51 individual elections across the nation. Voters in America do not directly elect the President but vote for electors who comprise the Electoral College. The dominance of the two-party system in the U.S. is partly due to structural electoral barriers against third-party candidates. Campaign financing has become increasingly influenced by private donations, complicating fair election practices. The Citizens United ruling has allowed significant spending by outside groups, raising concerns about equality in elections. ... Additional Resources: WEBSITE: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z9d43j6 BOOK: Reagan: American Icon by Iwan Morgan BOOK: FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0000 How to Run a Democratic Election: Part I full 60 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On Tuesday November 5th 2024, millions of Americans will decide who moves into the White House for the next four years: former President Donald Trump, or incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. This election cycle has been like no other, and the outcome will set the course of America's future. In the first of our two-part deep dive into the U.S. electoral process, this week’s episode explores the American election - how it's organised, how they ensure accuracy and efficiency, how it could be improved, and the challenges of running a ballot for over 300 million people. This episode sets the stage for a broader discussion on electoral fairness and representation, in part two of this US election 2024 special, which supporters of the show can access right away. ... Special guest for this episode: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Emma… Professor Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are ‘Reagan: American Icon’ and ‘FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America’. ... Highlights from this episode: The U.S. election process consists of two main parts: the primary season and the general election, each with distinct roles. Elections in the United States are organized at the state level, resulting in 51 individual elections across the nation. Voters in America do not directly elect the President but vote for electors who comprise the Electoral College. The dominance of the two-party system in the U.S. is partly due to structural electoral barriers against third-party candidates. Campaign financing has become increasingly influenced by private donations, complicating fair election practices. The Citizens United ruling has allowed significant spending by outside groups, raising concerns about equality in elections. ... Additional Resources: WEBSITE: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z9d43j6 BOOK: Reagan: American Icon by Iwan Morgan BOOK: FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On Tuesday November 5th 2024, millions of Americans will decide who moves into the White House for the next four years: former President Donald Trump, or incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. This election cycle has been like no other, and the outcome will set the course of America's future.

In the first of our two-part deep dive into the U.S. electoral process, this week’s episode explores the American election - how it's organised, how they ensure accuracy and efficiency, how it could be improved, and the challenges of running a ballot for over 300 million people.

This episode sets the stage for a broader discussion on electoral fairness and representation, in part two of this US election 2024 special, which supporters of the show can access right away.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Emma…
  2. Professor Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are ‘Reagan: American Icon’ and ‘FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America’.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. The U.S. election process consists of two main parts: the primary season and the general election, each with distinct roles.
  2. Elections in the United States are organized at the state level, resulting in 51 individual elections across the nation.
  3. Voters in America do not directly elect the President but vote for electors who comprise the Electoral College.
  4. The dominance of the two-party system in the U.S. is partly due to structural electoral barriers against third-party candidates.
  5. Campaign financing has become increasingly influenced by private donations, complicating fair election practices.
  6. The Citizens United ruling has allowed significant spending by outside groups, raising concerns about equality in elections.

...

Additional Resources:

WEBSITE: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z9d43j6

BOOK: Reagan: American Icon by Iwan Morgan

BOOK: FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3260 no BONUS: Baseball's Unique Place in American Culture https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-baseballs-unique-place-in-american-culture Baseball's status as America's pastime is deeply intertwined with its rich history and the shared experiences it fosters among fans. This bonus episode delves into the unique structure of baseball games, which revolve around innings rather than a strict time limit, allowing for a slower, more reflective pace compared to other sports. We discuss how this leisurely nature of the game has both contributed to its charm and led to challenges in attracting younger audiences, and we touch on baseball's ability to weave stories and memories that endure across generations. ... Special guest: Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game ... Highlights from this episode: Baseball's official length is determined by innings, with nine total in each game. Each baseball game consists of a top and bottom half for each inning. The modern baseball game lasts significantly longer than the ideal 2.5 hours. Baseball's slower pace allows for storytelling and communal experiences among fans. Fans often share deep emotional connections to baseball through personal and family stories. The passion of baseball fans often revolves around memory and a shared history. ... Listen to the full main episode: How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 26 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Baseball's Unique Place in American Culture bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Baseball's status as America's pastime is deeply intertwined with its rich history and the shared experiences it fosters among fans. This bonus episode delves into the unique structure of baseball games, which revolve around innings rather than a strict time limit, allowing for a slower, more reflective pace compared to other sports. We discuss how this leisurely nature of the game has both contributed to its charm and led to challenges in attracting younger audiences, and we touch on baseball's ability to weave stories and memories that endure across generations. ... Special guest: Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game ... Highlights from this episode: Baseball's official length is determined by innings, with nine total in each game. Each baseball game consists of a top and bottom half for each inning. The modern baseball game lasts significantly longer than the ideal 2.5 hours. Baseball's slower pace allows for storytelling and communal experiences among fans. Fans often share deep emotional connections to baseball through personal and family stories. The passion of baseball fans often revolves around memory and a shared history. ... Listen to the full main episode: How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Baseball's status as America's pastime is deeply intertwined with its rich history and the shared experiences it fosters among fans.

This bonus episode delves into the unique structure of baseball games, which revolve around innings rather than a strict time limit, allowing for a slower, more reflective pace compared to other sports. We discuss how this leisurely nature of the game has both contributed to its charm and led to challenges in attracting younger audiences, and we touch on baseball's ability to weave stories and memories that endure across generations.

...

Special guest:

  • Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • Baseball's official length is determined by innings, with nine total in each game.
  • Each baseball game consists of a top and bottom half for each inning.
  • The modern baseball game lasts significantly longer than the ideal 2.5 hours.
  • Baseball's slower pace allows for storytelling and communal experiences among fans.
  • Fans often share deep emotional connections to baseball through personal and family stories.
  • The passion of baseball fans often revolves around memory and a shared history.

...

Listen to the full main episode:

How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 749 no How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-did-baseball-become-an-american-pastime Baseball's evolution from a localized pastime to America's national sport is intricately linked to the social dynamics and historical context of the 19th century. In this episode, we discuss the rise of baseball, and focus on the Celestials, a semi-professional baseball team comprised of Chinese American students, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced amid a backdrop of xenophobia and racism. As baseball grew in popularity, it mirrored both the inclusive and exclusionary aspects of American society, reflecting a complex narrative of identity and community. We delve into the contrasting experiences of diverse players in the sport, emphasizing how baseball once offered a space for integration that would later become more segregated. And we look at the broader implications of race, identity, and the enduring legacy of baseball as a reflection of American history. ... Special guest for this episode: Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game ... Highlights from this episode: Baseball's evolution from local semi-pro teams to a national pastime reflects America's cultural diversity. The Celestials, a semi-pro baseball team, symbolize the integration of Chinese Americans in 19th-century society. Baseball's rich history highlights both its inclusive origins and the challenges it faces today. The sport has become predominantly white, overshadowing its diverse beginnings and players of color. Understanding baseball's roots involves exploring the impact of racism and xenophobia in America. Baseball serves as a lens to examine broader societal issues, including inclusion and identity. ... Additional Resources: Podcast: The Celestials’ Last Game by Ben Railton Book: We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American by Ben Railton Article: Considering History: 19th Century Baseball and the Battle for America Video: James Earl Jones speech, Field of Dreams (1989) via YouTube Website: americanstudier.blogspot.com ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes the Super Bowl so Super? When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 20 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0000 How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime? full 59 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Baseball's evolution from a localized pastime to America's national sport is intricately linked to the social dynamics and historical context of the 19th century. In this episode, we discuss the rise of baseball, and focus on the Celestials, a semi-professional baseball team comprised of Chinese American students, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced amid a backdrop of xenophobia and racism. As baseball grew in popularity, it mirrored both the inclusive and exclusionary aspects of American society, reflecting a complex narrative of identity and community. We delve into the contrasting experiences of diverse players in the sport, emphasizing how baseball once offered a space for integration that would later become more segregated. And we look at the broader implications of race, identity, and the enduring legacy of baseball as a reflection of American history. ... Special guest for this episode: Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game ... Highlights from this episode: Baseball's evolution from local semi-pro teams to a national pastime reflects America's cultural diversity. The Celestials, a semi-pro baseball team, symbolize the integration of Chinese Americans in 19th-century society. Baseball's rich history highlights both its inclusive origins and the challenges it faces today. The sport has become predominantly white, overshadowing its diverse beginnings and players of color. Understanding baseball's roots involves exploring the impact of racism and xenophobia in America. Baseball serves as a lens to examine broader societal issues, including inclusion and identity. ... Additional Resources: Podcast: The Celestials’ Last Game by Ben Railton Book: We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American by Ben Railton Article: Considering History: 19th Century Baseball and the Battle for America Video: James Earl Jones speech, Field of Dreams (1989) via YouTube Website: americanstudier.blogspot.com ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes the Super Bowl so Super? When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Baseball's evolution from a localized pastime to America's national sport is intricately linked to the social dynamics and historical context of the 19th century.

In this episode, we discuss the rise of baseball, and focus on the Celestials, a semi-professional baseball team comprised of Chinese American students, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced amid a backdrop of xenophobia and racism.

As baseball grew in popularity, it mirrored both the inclusive and exclusionary aspects of American society, reflecting a complex narrative of identity and community.

We delve into the contrasting experiences of diverse players in the sport, emphasizing how baseball once offered a space for integration that would later become more segregated. And we look at the broader implications of race, identity, and the enduring legacy of baseball as a reflection of American history.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Ben Railton, a professor of US Studies at Fitchburg State. His books include We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American, and he has just released a new podcast series, The Celestials’ Last Game

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. Baseball's evolution from local semi-pro teams to a national pastime reflects America's cultural diversity.
  2. The Celestials, a semi-pro baseball team, symbolize the integration of Chinese Americans in 19th-century society.
  3. Baseball's rich history highlights both its inclusive origins and the challenges it faces today.
  4. The sport has become predominantly white, overshadowing its diverse beginnings and players of color.
  5. Understanding baseball's roots involves exploring the impact of racism and xenophobia in America.
  6. Baseball serves as a lens to examine broader societal issues, including inclusion and identity.

...

Additional Resources:

Podcast: The Celestials’ Last Game by Ben Railton

Book: We the People: The 500-Year Battle Over Who is American by Ben Railton

Article: Considering History: 19th Century Baseball and the Battle for America

Video: James Earl Jones speech, Field of Dreams (1989) via YouTube

Website: americanstudier.blogspot.com

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes the Super Bowl so Super?

When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2402 no BONUS: Exploring Mark Twain and the Challenges of Teaching Huck Finn https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-exploring-mark-twain-and-the-challenges-of-teaching-huck-finn This bonus episode delves into the complexities surrounding Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," particularly why it has faced challenges and bans over the years. Guest Professor Thomas Smith explores the book's rich historical context, its impact on American literary culture, and the nuances of its language that continue to engage contemporary readers. We also discuss the importance of understanding the societal perspectives during the time the book was written, as well as Twain's own evolving relationship with his audience. We also touch on Twain's multifaceted career as a writer and celebrity, and set the scene for a future biopic. What do you think - is this you want to hear on the podcast? .... Special guest on this episode: Thomas Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Tom… ... If you like this bonus episode, do go back and listen to the full episode right here: Why is Huck Finn Banned? ... Highlights from this episode: The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of Huck Finn. Tom Smith highlights the engaging use of vernacular language that captivates contemporary readers. The conversation explores how Twain's personal experiences influenced his writing and celebrity status. Teaching Huck Finn requires navigating complex themes and perspectives from its publication era. Twain's humor, while often dark, remains relevant and relatable to modern audiences today. The episode suggests that Twain's life and career offer rich insights into 19th-century America. ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0000 BONUS: Exploring Mark Twain and the Challenges of Teaching Huck Finn bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This bonus episode delves into the complexities surrounding Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," particularly why it has faced challenges and bans over the years. Guest Professor Thomas Smith explores the book's rich historical context, its impact on American literary culture, and the nuances of its language that continue to engage contemporary readers. We also discuss the importance of understanding the societal perspectives during the time the book was written, as well as Twain's own evolving relationship with his audience. We also touch on Twain's multifaceted career as a writer and celebrity, and set the scene for a future biopic. What do you think - is this you want to hear on the podcast? .... Special guest on this episode: Thomas Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Tom… ... If you like this bonus episode, do go back and listen to the full episode right here: Why is Huck Finn Banned? ... Highlights from this episode: The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of Huck Finn. Tom Smith highlights the engaging use of vernacular language that captivates contemporary readers. The conversation explores how Twain's personal experiences influenced his writing and celebrity status. Teaching Huck Finn requires navigating complex themes and perspectives from its publication era. Twain's humor, while often dark, remains relevant and relatable to modern audiences today. The episode suggests that Twain's life and career offer rich insights into 19th-century America. ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This bonus episode delves into the complexities surrounding Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," particularly why it has faced challenges and bans over the years.

Guest Professor Thomas Smith explores the book's rich historical context, its impact on American literary culture, and the nuances of its language that continue to engage contemporary readers. We also discuss the importance of understanding the societal perspectives during the time the book was written, as well as Twain's own evolving relationship with his audience.

We also touch on Twain's multifaceted career as a writer and celebrity, and set the scene for a future biopic. What do you think - is this you want to hear on the podcast?

....

Special guest on this episode:

  • Thomas Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Welcome back Tom…

...

If you like this bonus episode, do go back and listen to the full episode right here:

Why is Huck Finn Banned?

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of Huck Finn.
  • Tom Smith highlights the engaging use of vernacular language that captivates contemporary readers.
  • The conversation explores how Twain's personal experiences influenced his writing and celebrity status.
  • Teaching Huck Finn requires navigating complex themes and perspectives from its publication era.
  • Twain's humor, while often dark, remains relevant and relatable to modern audiences today.
  • The episode suggests that Twain's life and career offer rich insights into 19th-century America.

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

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Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 649 no What is the History of Hawai'i? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-history-of-hawaii In this milestone 50th episode of the main podcast, we delve into the complex history of Hawai'i, exploring its journey from an independent kingdom to becoming the 50th state of the United States in 1959. We discuss the significant cultural, political, and economic changes that have shaped Hawaii's identity over the years, including the impact of American missionaries, the sugar industry, and military interests, as well as Hawaiian identity and sovereignty, particularly in the context of ongoing debates about representation and cultural preservation. We also addresses the challenges faced by native Hawaiians in a rapidly commercialized and tourist-driven economy, the multifaceted relationship between Hawaii and the United States, and the unique position Hawaii holds within the broader American narrative. ... Special guest for this episode: Henry Knight Lozano, an American Studies scholar and US historian from the University of Exeter, whose work focuses on the United States' tropical and semi-tropical frontiers of California, Florida, and Hawai'i. ... Highlights from this episode: Hawaii's history as a unified kingdom predates its annexation by the United States. The introduction of American missionaries in Hawaii had profound cultural and political impacts. The 1893 coup against Queen Liliuokalani marked a significant turning point in Hawaiian sovereignty. Hawaii's statehood in 1959 followed decades of complex political and cultural negotiations. The rise of tourism in Hawaii post-statehood has led to economic growth but cultural tensions. Native Hawaiians often express a distinct identity separate from American citizenship, reflecting ongoing issues. ... Additional Resources: BOOK: California and Hawai'i Bound: U.S. Settler Colonialism and the Pacific West, 1848-1959 by Henry Knight Lozano WEBSITE:Asa Thurston via FamousAmericans.net WEBSITE: Mālama ʻĀina: Hawaii's Environmental Legacy via KonaCloudForest.com ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What is the History of Hawai'i? full 58 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this milestone 50th episode of the main podcast, we delve into the complex history of Hawai'i, exploring its journey from an independent kingdom to becoming the 50th state of the United States in 1959. We discuss the significant cultural, political, and economic changes that have shaped Hawaii's identity over the years, including the impact of American missionaries, the sugar industry, and military interests, as well as Hawaiian identity and sovereignty, particularly in the context of ongoing debates about representation and cultural preservation. We also addresses the challenges faced by native Hawaiians in a rapidly commercialized and tourist-driven economy, the multifaceted relationship between Hawaii and the United States, and the unique position Hawaii holds within the broader American narrative. ... Special guest for this episode: Henry Knight Lozano, an American Studies scholar and US historian from the University of Exeter, whose work focuses on the United States' tropical and semi-tropical frontiers of California, Florida, and Hawai'i. ... Highlights from this episode: Hawaii's history as a unified kingdom predates its annexation by the United States. The introduction of American missionaries in Hawaii had profound cultural and political impacts. The 1893 coup against Queen Liliuokalani marked a significant turning point in Hawaiian sovereignty. Hawaii's statehood in 1959 followed decades of complex political and cultural negotiations. The rise of tourism in Hawaii post-statehood has led to economic growth but cultural tensions. Native Hawaiians often express a distinct identity separate from American citizenship, reflecting ongoing issues. ... Additional Resources: BOOK: California and Hawai'i Bound: U.S. Settler Colonialism and the Pacific West, 1848-1959 by Henry Knight Lozano WEBSITE:Asa Thurston via FamousAmericans.net WEBSITE: Mālama ʻĀina: Hawaii's Environmental Legacy via KonaCloudForest.com ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States Is America an Empire? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this milestone 50th episode of the main podcast, we delve into the complex history of Hawai'i, exploring its journey from an independent kingdom to becoming the 50th state of the United States in 1959.

We discuss the significant cultural, political, and economic changes that have shaped Hawaii's identity over the years, including the impact of American missionaries, the sugar industry, and military interests, as well as Hawaiian identity and sovereignty, particularly in the context of ongoing debates about representation and cultural preservation.

We also addresses the challenges faced by native Hawaiians in a rapidly commercialized and tourist-driven economy, the multifaceted relationship between Hawaii and the United States, and the unique position Hawaii holds within the broader American narrative.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Henry Knight Lozano, an American Studies scholar and US historian from the University of Exeter, whose work focuses on the United States' tropical and semi-tropical frontiers of California, Florida, and Hawai'i.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. Hawaii's history as a unified kingdom predates its annexation by the United States.
  2. The introduction of American missionaries in Hawaii had profound cultural and political impacts.
  3. The 1893 coup against Queen Liliuokalani marked a significant turning point in Hawaiian sovereignty.
  4. Hawaii's statehood in 1959 followed decades of complex political and cultural negotiations.
  5. The rise of tourism in Hawaii post-statehood has led to economic growth but cultural tensions.
  6. Native Hawaiians often express a distinct identity separate from American citizenship, reflecting ongoing issues.

...

Additional Resources:

BOOK: California and Hawai'i Bound: U.S. Settler Colonialism and the Pacific West, 1848-1959 by Henry Knight Lozano

WEBSITE:Asa Thurston via FamousAmericans.net

WEBSITE: Mālama ʻĀina: Hawaii's Environmental Legacy via KonaCloudForest.com

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2680 no What is Medicare? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-medicare Medicare, a national health insurance program for individuals over 65, has been a pivotal part of American social policy since its inception in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Despite its significance, the program remains a contentious topic in U.S. politics, often debated in the context of broader healthcare reforms and federal tax implications. In this episode we explore what Medicare covers, how it operates, and the reasons behind its divisive nature, delving into its historical roots and the political struggles that led to its establishment. We also discuss the program's evolution, its impact on the healthcare system, and the ongoing ideological battles surrounding it. As the U.S. approaches another election cycle, understanding Medicare's role and the varying perceptions of its value is crucial for navigating the future of healthcare in America. ... Special guest for this episode: Keith A. Wailoo, a professor of history and public affairs, also at Princeton. He is formerly Vice Dean of the School of Public and International Affairs, and former President of the American Association for the History of Medicine. His research straddles history and health policy, touching on drugs and drug policy, and the politics of race and health. Julian E. Zelitzer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, who The History News Network named as one of the top young historians in the country. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of the revival of American political history ... Highlights from this episode: Medicare, created 59 years ago, is a pivotal program providing healthcare to seniors in the US. The program's funding comes from payroll taxes and general revenue, challenging the welfare program perception. Initially covering only the elderly, Medicare has expanded to include disabled individuals over time. Political resistance to Medicare stemmed from fears of socialized medicine and potential fiscal burdens. The ongoing debate around Medicare reflects deep ideological divides within American healthcare politics. Medicare's success has led to its acceptance across political lines, despite ongoing contention with Medicaid. ... Additional Resources: BOOK: Medicare and Medicaid at 50: America's Entitlement Programs in the Age of Affordable Care ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What is Medicare? full 57 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Medicare, a national health insurance program for individuals over 65, has been a pivotal part of American social policy since its inception in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Despite its significance, the program remains a contentious topic in U.S. politics, often debated in the context of broader healthcare reforms and federal tax implications. In this episode we explore what Medicare covers, how it operates, and the reasons behind its divisive nature, delving into its historical roots and the political struggles that led to its establishment. We also discuss the program's evolution, its impact on the healthcare system, and the ongoing ideological battles surrounding it. As the U.S. approaches another election cycle, understanding Medicare's role and the varying perceptions of its value is crucial for navigating the future of healthcare in America. ... Special guest for this episode: Keith A. Wailoo, a professor of history and public affairs, also at Princeton. He is formerly Vice Dean of the School of Public and International Affairs, and former President of the American Association for the History of Medicine. His research straddles history and health policy, touching on drugs and drug policy, and the politics of race and health. Julian E. Zelitzer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, who The History News Network named as one of the top young historians in the country. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of the revival of American political history ... Highlights from this episode: Medicare, created 59 years ago, is a pivotal program providing healthcare to seniors in the US. The program's funding comes from payroll taxes and general revenue, challenging the welfare program perception. Initially covering only the elderly, Medicare has expanded to include disabled individuals over time. Political resistance to Medicare stemmed from fears of socialized medicine and potential fiscal burdens. The ongoing debate around Medicare reflects deep ideological divides within American healthcare politics. Medicare's success has led to its acceptance across political lines, despite ongoing contention with Medicaid. ... Additional Resources: BOOK: Medicare and Medicaid at 50: America's Entitlement Programs in the Age of Affordable Care ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Medicare, a national health insurance program for individuals over 65, has been a pivotal part of American social policy since its inception in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Despite its significance, the program remains a contentious topic in U.S. politics, often debated in the context of broader healthcare reforms and federal tax implications.

In this episode we explore what Medicare covers, how it operates, and the reasons behind its divisive nature, delving into its historical roots and the political struggles that led to its establishment. We also discuss the program's evolution, its impact on the healthcare system, and the ongoing ideological battles surrounding it.

As the U.S. approaches another election cycle, understanding Medicare's role and the varying perceptions of its value is crucial for navigating the future of healthcare in America.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Keith A. Wailoo, a professor of history and public affairs, also at Princeton. He is formerly Vice Dean of the School of Public and International Affairs, and former President of the American Association for the History of Medicine. His research straddles history and health policy, touching on drugs and drug policy, and the politics of race and health.
  2. Julian E. Zelitzer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, who The History News Network named as one of the top young historians in the country. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of the revival of American political history

...

Highlights from this episode:

  1. Medicare, created 59 years ago, is a pivotal program providing healthcare to seniors in the US.
  2. The program's funding comes from payroll taxes and general revenue, challenging the welfare program perception.
  3. Initially covering only the elderly, Medicare has expanded to include disabled individuals over time.
  4. Political resistance to Medicare stemmed from fears of socialized medicine and potential fiscal burdens.
  5. The ongoing debate around Medicare reflects deep ideological divides within American healthcare politics.
  6. Medicare's success has led to its acceptance across political lines, despite ongoing contention with Medicaid.

...

Additional Resources:

BOOK: Medicare and Medicaid at 50: America's Entitlement Programs in the Age of Affordable Care

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2417 no Why Is Huck Finn Banned? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-was-huck-finn-banned Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" continues to stir debate over a century after its publication, primarily due to its racial themes and language. In this episode, we delve into the book's historical context, examining its use of vernacular and portrayals of race. The book continues to face scrutiny for its depiction of race and its frequent use of racial slurs, prompting calls for it to be removed from school curricula, so in this podcast we explore whether the book's controversial elements serve as a valuable critique of American society or if its language ultimately makes it unsuitable for educational settings. ... Special Guest: Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. ... Key Takeaways from this Episode: Huckleberry Finn remains controversial due to its use of racial language and depictions of race. The book was initially banned for its use of American slang and irreverent tone. Controversy around Huck Finn resurfaced during the Civil Rights Movement due to its racial themes. The complexity of Huck Finn's racial themes continues to spark debates about its place in education. Different interpretations of the book highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing race in America. The enduring relevance of Huck Finn is evidenced by contemporary adaptations and discussions. Decisions about teaching Huck Finn involve weighing its educational value against potential harm. The book's history of controversy reflects changing societal attitudes towards race and literature. ... Additional Resources: BOOK: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain BOOK: James by Percival Everett WEBSITE: BANNED: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | American Experience | Official Site | PBS ARTICLE: Here we go again: 'Huckleberry Finn' pulled from Pennsylvania high school curriculum - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com) ... Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0000 Why Is Huck Finn Banned? full 56 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" continues to stir debate over a century after its publication, primarily due to its racial themes and language. In this episode, we delve into the book's historical context, examining its use of vernacular and portrayals of race. The book continues to face scrutiny for its depiction of race and its frequent use of racial slurs, prompting calls for it to be removed from school curricula, so in this podcast we explore whether the book's controversial elements serve as a valuable critique of American society or if its language ultimately makes it unsuitable for educational settings. ... Special Guest: Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. ... Key Takeaways from this Episode: Huckleberry Finn remains controversial due to its use of racial language and depictions of race. The book was initially banned for its use of American slang and irreverent tone. Controversy around Huck Finn resurfaced during the Civil Rights Movement due to its racial themes. The complexity of Huck Finn's racial themes continues to spark debates about its place in education. Different interpretations of the book highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing race in America. The enduring relevance of Huck Finn is evidenced by contemporary adaptations and discussions. Decisions about teaching Huck Finn involve weighing its educational value against potential harm. The book's history of controversy reflects changing societal attitudes towards race and literature. ... Additional Resources: BOOK: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain BOOK: James by Percival Everett WEBSITE: BANNED: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | American Experience | Official Site | PBS ARTICLE: Here we go again: 'Huckleberry Finn' pulled from Pennsylvania high school curriculum - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com) ... Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" continues to stir debate over a century after its publication, primarily due to its racial themes and language. In this episode, we delve into the book's historical context, examining its use of vernacular and portrayals of race.

The book continues to face scrutiny for its depiction of race and its frequent use of racial slurs, prompting calls for it to be removed from school curricula, so in this podcast we explore whether the book's controversial elements serve as a valuable critique of American society or if its language ultimately makes it unsuitable for educational settings.

...

Special Guest:

  1. Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia.

...

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

  1. Huckleberry Finn remains controversial due to its use of racial language and depictions of race.
  2. The book was initially banned for its use of American slang and irreverent tone.
  3. Controversy around Huck Finn resurfaced during the Civil Rights Movement due to its racial themes.
  4. The complexity of Huck Finn's racial themes continues to spark debates about its place in education.
  5. Different interpretations of the book highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing race in America.
  6. The enduring relevance of Huck Finn is evidenced by contemporary adaptations and discussions.
  7. Decisions about teaching Huck Finn involve weighing its educational value against potential harm.
  8. The book's history of controversy reflects changing societal attitudes towards race and literature.

...

Additional Resources:

BOOK: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

BOOK: James by Percival Everett

WEBSITE: BANNED: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | American Experience | Official Site | PBS

ARTICLE: Here we go again: 'Huckleberry Finn' pulled from Pennsylvania high school curriculum - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

...

Why Did America Ban Slavery?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

Who is Frederick Douglass?

What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life?

Who is Harriet Tubman?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2103 no Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/will-america-ever-elect-a-woman-for-president Since 1779, the United States have sworn in 46 Presidents. All very different - some democrat, some republican, even whigs, and federalists. Northern, southern, white, black, old, young. And each one has carved a different road to the White House, and left behind a unique legacy. But there is one common factor between them. All 46, without exception, are men. So in this episode, I want to know… will America ever elect a woman for President? ... Special guest for this episode: Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech. ... Highlights from this episode: (01:59) Is this a US or a global problem? (08:51) A lack of women presidential candidates (14:33) Women still defined by their relationship to men (16:55) Would a successful Harris presidency mean a failing elsewhere? (23:08) A lack of opportunities for women in politics (28:32) Do women dress for the part? (33:20) Changing perceptions of what makes a good leader (38:07) Being a torch-bearer for others to follow ... Additional Resources: ARTICLE: Why the US still hasn’t had a woman for President by Farida Jalalzai ARTICLE: Jacinda Ardern’s resignation shows that women still face an uphill battle in politics – an expert on female leaders answers 5 key questions by Farida Jalalzai ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0000 Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? full 55 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Since 1779, the United States have sworn in 46 Presidents. All very different - some democrat, some republican, even whigs, and federalists. Northern, southern, white, black, old, young. And each one has carved a different road to the White House, and left behind a unique legacy. But there is one common factor between them. All 46, without exception, are men. So in this episode, I want to know… will America ever elect a woman for President? ... Special guest for this episode: Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech. ... Highlights from this episode: (01:59) Is this a US or a global problem? (08:51) A lack of women presidential candidates (14:33) Women still defined by their relationship to men (16:55) Would a successful Harris presidency mean a failing elsewhere? (23:08) A lack of opportunities for women in politics (28:32) Do women dress for the part? (33:20) Changing perceptions of what makes a good leader (38:07) Being a torch-bearer for others to follow ... Additional Resources: ARTICLE: Why the US still hasn’t had a woman for President by Farida Jalalzai ARTICLE: Jacinda Ardern’s resignation shows that women still face an uphill battle in politics – an expert on female leaders answers 5 key questions by Farida Jalalzai ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Since 1779, the United States have sworn in 46 Presidents. All very different - some democrat, some republican, even whigs, and federalists. Northern, southern, white, black, old, young. And each one has carved a different road to the White House, and left behind a unique legacy. But there is one common factor between them. All 46, without exception, are men. So in this episode, I want to know… will America ever elect a woman for President?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Farida Jalalzai, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech.

...

Highlights from this episode:

(01:59) Is this a US or a global problem?

(08:51) A lack of women presidential candidates

(14:33) Women still defined by their relationship to men

(16:55) Would a successful Harris presidency mean a failing elsewhere?

(23:08) A lack of opportunities for women in politics

(28:32) Do women dress for the part?

(33:20) Changing perceptions of what makes a good leader

(38:07) Being a torch-bearer for others to follow

...

Additional Resources:

ARTICLE: Why the US still hasn’t had a woman for President by Farida Jalalzai

ARTICLE: Jacinda Ardern’s resignation shows that women still face an uphill battle in politics – an expert on female leaders answers 5 key questions by Farida Jalalzai

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2743 no What Makes Country Music So American? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-makes-country-music-so-american This week we are donning our stetsons and grabbing a cold one, as we discuss the most rootin’ tootin’ American music genre of them all. From Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift with a little bit of Footloose, country has come to epitomise the US, but as the genre’s popularity booms internationally, does its Americanness still endure? So in this episode I’m asking… what makes country music so American? ... Special guest for this episode: John Collins, Head of Radio Operations at CountryLine Radio and, conveniently a huge fan of both country music and American culture. ... Highlights from this episode: (03:10) A Brit and a Scot talking about country music... (05:07) Breaking down the stigma (08:41) Is country music still a white person genre? (12:20) Earning your country chops (15:43) US vs international appeal of country music (20:06) Southern representations (22:43) The biggest threat to the genre (25:18) How to keep the country in country (28:31) Women empowering women ... Additional Resources: CountryLine Radio The Country Music Association Cowboy Carter by Beyonce Charley Pride discography Country to Country ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What Makes Country Music So American? full 54 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week we are donning our stetsons and grabbing a cold one, as we discuss the most rootin’ tootin’ American music genre of them all. From Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift with a little bit of Footloose, country has come to epitomise the US, but as the genre’s popularity booms internationally, does its Americanness still endure? So in this episode I’m asking… what makes country music so American? ... Special guest for this episode: John Collins, Head of Radio Operations at CountryLine Radio and, conveniently a huge fan of both country music and American culture. ... Highlights from this episode: (03:10) A Brit and a Scot talking about country music... (05:07) Breaking down the stigma (08:41) Is country music still a white person genre? (12:20) Earning your country chops (15:43) US vs international appeal of country music (20:06) Southern representations (22:43) The biggest threat to the genre (25:18) How to keep the country in country (28:31) Women empowering women ... Additional Resources: CountryLine Radio The Country Music Association Cowboy Carter by Beyonce Charley Pride discography Country to Country ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week we are donning our stetsons and grabbing a cold one, as we discuss the most rootin’ tootin’ American music genre of them all. From Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift with a little bit of Footloose, country has come to epitomise the US, but as the genre’s popularity booms internationally, does its Americanness still endure? So in this episode I’m asking… what makes country music so American?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  1. John Collins, Head of Radio Operations at CountryLine Radio and, conveniently a huge fan of both country music and American culture.

...

Highlights from this episode:

(03:10) A Brit and a Scot talking about country music...

(05:07) Breaking down the stigma

(08:41) Is country music still a white person genre?

(12:20) Earning your country chops

(15:43) US vs international appeal of country music

(20:06) Southern representations

(22:43) The biggest threat to the genre

(25:18) How to keep the country in country

(28:31) Women empowering women

...

Additional Resources:

CountryLine Radio

The Country Music Association

Cowboy Carter by Beyonce

Charley Pride discography

Country to Country

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2226 no ITM 4: Debates, Dog Food, and Taylor Swift, Reaction to Harris vs Trump https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/itm-4-debates-dog-food-and-taylor-swift-reaction-to-harris-vs-trump If June 27th is remembered as the night that ended the Biden re-election campaign, then September 10th may just be remembered as the night that derailed Trump's. It was memorable, it was full of talking points, and it may have just put the momentum firmly back in Harris' camp. So what exactly went down at the debate? With reaction and insight to everything that happened, this is America: A History in the Making. Special guest for this episode: Andrew Wroe, a Senior Lecturer in American Politics at the University of Kent Additional Resources: Rewatch the Debate in Full FiveThirtyEight National Polls And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Sep 2024 02:00:00 -0000 ITM 4: Debates, Dog Food, and Taylor Swift, Reaction to Harris vs Trump full 53 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast If June 27th is remembered as the night that ended the Biden re-election campaign, then September 10th may just be remembered as the night that derailed Trump's. It was memorable, it was full of talking points, and it may have just put the momentum firmly back in Harris' camp. So what exactly went down at the debate? With reaction and insight to everything that happened, this is America: A History in the Making. Special guest for this episode: Andrew Wroe, a Senior Lecturer in American Politics at the University of Kent Additional Resources: Rewatch the Debate in Full FiveThirtyEight National Polls And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If June 27th is remembered as the night that ended the Biden re-election campaign, then September 10th may just be remembered as the night that derailed Trump's.

It was memorable, it was full of talking points, and it may have just put the momentum firmly back in Harris' camp. So what exactly went down at the debate?

With reaction and insight to everything that happened, this is America: A History in the Making.

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Andrew Wroe, a Senior Lecturer in American Politics at the University of Kent


Additional Resources:

Rewatch the Debate in Full

FiveThirtyEight National Polls


And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2271 no Who Cares About Presidential Debates? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-cares-about-presidential-debates Presidential debates are a staple of the election cycle, but in recent years the drama of deciding who gets to host a debate and when can often be more exciting than the event itself. In a world where news is instant and everyone is connected, do they have the same impact and influence on elections as they once did? So in this episode, I want to know… who cares about Presidential debates? Special guest for this episode: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Highlights from this episode: (02:18) The first Presidential debate (07:44) Behind every great President is a great First Lady (09:45) How many millions watch the JFK / Nixon debate?! (13:45) The Trump effect (17:25) How has social media changed debate strategy? (23:10) How much control do the parties have over debates? (27:13) Are debates too boring? (32:42) What lessons were learnt from the Biden / Trump debate? (36:02) Why should candidates care about debates? Additional Resources: Commission on Presidential Debates The American Presidency Project (includes transcripts of past debates) C-SPAN – Presidential Debates (recordings of past debates) Michael Socolow, “Think presidential debates are dull? Thank 1950s TV game shows” Pew Research Center, “6 facts about presidential and vice presidential debates” And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0000 Who Cares About Presidential Debates? full 52 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Presidential debates are a staple of the election cycle, but in recent years the drama of deciding who gets to host a debate and when can often be more exciting than the event itself. In a world where news is instant and everyone is connected, do they have the same impact and influence on elections as they once did? So in this episode, I want to know… who cares about Presidential debates? Special guest for this episode: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia. Highlights from this episode: (02:18) The first Presidential debate (07:44) Behind every great President is a great First Lady (09:45) How many millions watch the JFK / Nixon debate?! (13:45) The Trump effect (17:25) How has social media changed debate strategy? (23:10) How much control do the parties have over debates? (27:13) Are debates too boring? (32:42) What lessons were learnt from the Biden / Trump debate? (36:02) Why should candidates care about debates? Additional Resources: Commission on Presidential Debates The American Presidency Project (includes transcripts of past debates) C-SPAN – Presidential Debates (recordings of past debates) Michael Socolow, “Think presidential debates are dull? Thank 1950s TV game shows” Pew Research Center, “6 facts about presidential and vice presidential debates” And if you like this episode, you might also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Presidential debates are a staple of the election cycle, but in recent years the drama of deciding who gets to host a debate and when can often be more exciting than the event itself. In a world where news is instant and everyone is connected, do they have the same impact and influence on elections as they once did? So in this episode, I want to know… who cares about Presidential debates?

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.


Highlights from this episode:

(02:18) The first Presidential debate

(07:44) Behind every great President is a great First Lady

(09:45) How many millions watch the JFK / Nixon debate?!

(13:45) The Trump effect

(17:25) How has social media changed debate strategy?

(23:10) How much control do the parties have over debates?

(27:13) Are debates too boring?

(32:42) What lessons were learnt from the Biden / Trump debate?

(36:02) Why should candidates care about debates?


Additional Resources:

Commission on Presidential Debates

The American Presidency Project (includes transcripts of past debates)

C-SPAN – Presidential Debates (recordings of past debates)

Michael Socolow, “Think presidential debates are dull? Thank 1950s TV game shows”

Pew Research Center, “6 facts about presidential and vice presidential debates”


And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2726 no What Are the Projects? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-are-the-projects In Britain, council estates are a standard part of the housing ecosystem. That is, government-built housing for those who lack the means to house themselves. But the US also has a long-standing public housing system, used by millions, but the challenges are unique and, reportedly, their future is uncertain. So in this episode, I want to understand this a lot more, as I ask… what are the Projects? Special guest for this episode: Becky Avila-Knox, the Senior Director of Grants & Contracts for Safe Place for Youth. Becky was born and raised in LA’s public housing system, but since moved to the UK and earned her PhD from the University of East Anglia, researching how race relations in America informs educational approaches, cultural production, and identity formation in young children. Highlights from this episode: (02:25) The projects look different depending where you are (06:48) A concentration of people with great need (09:20) How are the projects funded? (14:46) What does low income mean in Los Angeles? (18:55) How is eligibility controlled? (24:00) Did we just hear somebody die? (27:27) Generational shifts (33:25) Should the US government do more? (38:20) Poverty isn't a single lens issue Additional Resources: Safe Place for Youth ‘Just say no’ didn’t actually protect students via NPR Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0000 What Are the Projects? full 51 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In Britain, council estates are a standard part of the housing ecosystem. That is, government-built housing for those who lack the means to house themselves. But the US also has a long-standing public housing system, used by millions, but the challenges are unique and, reportedly, their future is uncertain. So in this episode, I want to understand this a lot more, as I ask… what are the Projects? Special guest for this episode: Becky Avila-Knox, the Senior Director of Grants & Contracts for Safe Place for Youth. Becky was born and raised in LA’s public housing system, but since moved to the UK and earned her PhD from the University of East Anglia, researching how race relations in America informs educational approaches, cultural production, and identity formation in young children. Highlights from this episode: (02:25) The projects look different depending where you are (06:48) A concentration of people with great need (09:20) How are the projects funded? (14:46) What does low income mean in Los Angeles? (18:55) How is eligibility controlled? (24:00) Did we just hear somebody die? (27:27) Generational shifts (33:25) Should the US government do more? (38:20) Poverty isn't a single lens issue Additional Resources: Safe Place for Youth ‘Just say no’ didn’t actually protect students via NPR Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In Britain, council estates are a standard part of the housing ecosystem. That is, government-built housing for those who lack the means to house themselves.

But the US also has a long-standing public housing system, used by millions, but the challenges are unique and, reportedly, their future is uncertain. So in this episode, I want to understand this a lot more, as I ask… what are the Projects?

Special guest for this episode:

  1. Becky Avila-Knox, the Senior Director of Grants & Contracts for Safe Place for Youth. Becky was born and raised in LA’s public housing system, but since moved to the UK and earned her PhD from the University of East Anglia, researching how race relations in America informs educational approaches, cultural production, and identity formation in young children.


Highlights from this episode:

(02:25) The projects look different depending where you are

(06:48) A concentration of people with great need

(09:20) How are the projects funded?

(14:46) What does low income mean in Los Angeles?

(18:55) How is eligibility controlled?

(24:00) Did we just hear somebody die?

(27:27) Generational shifts

(33:25) Should the US government do more?

(38:20) Poverty isn't a single lens issue


Additional Resources:

Safe Place for Youth

‘Just say no’ didn’t actually protect students via NPR


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2859 no What Was the Constitutional Convention? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-was-the-constitutional-convention This week, as the 2024 Presidential election draws nearer, the possibility of a second Trump term looms larger, and the very question of what is and isn’t constitutional becomes increasingly divisive, I want to go all the way back to where it all began. So in this episode, I want to know… what was the Constitutional Convention? Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at Edinburgh University and author of ‘Revolutionary America, 1763-1815’ Highlights from this episode: (02:27) What do we mean by the Constitutional Convention? (05:20) The Articles of Confederation (14:16) A pretty short time to write an entire Constitution? (17:36) The Bill of Rights and why they were inevitable (23:41) Slavery and other Constitutional compromises (30:37) Present day impact of the 1787 convention with Veep (36:26) What will it take for another convention to happen? Additional Resources: BOOK: Revolutionary America, 1763-1815 by Frank Cogliano WEBSITE: The Articles of Confederation WEBSITE: National Constitution Center, Constitution Drafting Project WEBSITE: National Constitutional Center Town Hall, The Constitutional Convention with David Rubenstein VIDEO: Veep | Tied Election And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What Was the Constitutional Convention? full 50 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, as the 2024 Presidential election draws nearer, the possibility of a second Trump term looms larger, and the very question of what is and isn’t constitutional becomes increasingly divisive, I want to go all the way back to where it all began. So in this episode, I want to know… what was the Constitutional Convention? Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at Edinburgh University and author of ‘Revolutionary America, 1763-1815’ Highlights from this episode: (02:27) What do we mean by the Constitutional Convention? (05:20) The Articles of Confederation (14:16) A pretty short time to write an entire Constitution? (17:36) The Bill of Rights and why they were inevitable (23:41) Slavery and other Constitutional compromises (30:37) Present day impact of the 1787 convention with Veep (36:26) What will it take for another convention to happen? Additional Resources: BOOK: Revolutionary America, 1763-1815 by Frank Cogliano WEBSITE: The Articles of Confederation WEBSITE: National Constitution Center, Constitution Drafting Project WEBSITE: National Constitutional Center Town Hall, The Constitutional Convention with David Rubenstein VIDEO: Veep | Tied Election And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? What is the US Constitution? How Are Presidents Elected? Is the President Above the Law? ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, as the 2024 Presidential election draws nearer, the possibility of a second Trump term looms larger, and the very question of what is and isn’t constitutional becomes increasingly divisive, I want to go all the way back to where it all began. So in this episode, I want to know… what was the Constitutional Convention? Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at Edinburgh University and author of ‘Revolutionary America, 1763-1815’ Highlights from this episode: (02:27) What do we mean by the Constitutional Convention? (05:20) The Articles of Confederation (14:16) A pretty short time to write an entire Constitution? (17:36) The Bill of Rights and why they were inevitable (23:41) Slavery and other Constitutional compromises (30:37) Present day impact of the 1787 convention with Veep (36:26) What will it take for another convention to happen? Additional Resources: BOOK: Revolutionary America, 1763-1815 by Frank Cogliano WEBSITE: The Articles of Confederation WEBSITE: National Constitution Center, Constitution Drafting Project WEBSITE: National Constitutional Center Town Hall, The Constitutional Convention with David Rubenstein VIDEO: Veep | Tied Election And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, as the 2024 Presidential election draws nearer, the possibility of a second Trump term looms larger, and the very question of what is and isn’t constitutional becomes increasingly divisive, I want to go all the way back to where it all began. So in this episode, I want to know… what was the Constitutional Convention?

Special Guests:

  1. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia
  2. Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at Edinburgh University and author of ‘Revolutionary America, 1763-1815’


Highlights from this episode:

(02:27) What do we mean by the Constitutional Convention?

(05:20) The Articles of Confederation

(14:16) A pretty short time to write an entire Constitution?

(17:36) The Bill of Rights and why they were inevitable

(23:41) Slavery and other Constitutional compromises

(30:37) Present day impact of the 1787 convention with Veep

(36:26) What will it take for another convention to happen?


Additional Resources:

BOOK: Revolutionary America, 1763-1815 by Frank Cogliano

WEBSITE: The Articles of Confederation

WEBSITE: National Constitution Center, Constitution Drafting Project

WEBSITE: National Constitutional Center Town Hall, The Constitutional Convention with David Rubenstein

VIDEO: Veep | Tied Election


And if you like this episode, you’ll also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2774 no ITM 3: Reaction to the Democratic National Convention https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/itm-3-reaction-to-the-democratic-national-convention This is America: A History in the Making, where we discuss the biggest stories and breaking news from the USA. On this episode, we react to the Democratic National Convention, which has just wrapped in Chicago, where Kamala Harris and Tim Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for President and VP respectively. We discuss the highs, the lows, the speeches, and if, with less than 80 days until the election, this changes the race to the White House. Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia Andrew Moran, Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University. And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 23 Aug 2024 09:40:00 -0000 ITM 3: Reaction to the Democratic National Convention full 49 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This is America: A History in the Making, where we discuss the biggest stories and breaking news from the USA. On this episode, we react to the Democratic National Convention, which has just wrapped in Chicago, where Kamala Harris and Tim Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for President and VP respectively. We discuss the highs, the lows, the speeches, and if, with less than 80 days until the election, this changes the race to the White House. Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia Andrew Moran, Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University. And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: What is the US Constitution? How Are Presidents Elected? Is the President Above the Law? ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is America: A History in the Making, where we discuss the biggest stories and breaking news from the USA. On this episode, we react to the Democratic National Convention, which has just wrapped in Chicago, where Kamala Harris and Tim Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for President and VP respectively. We discuss the highs, the lows, the speeches, and if, with less than 80 days until the election, this changes the race to the White House. Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia Andrew Moran, Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University. And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is America: A History in the Making, where we discuss the biggest stories and breaking news from the USA. On this episode, we react to the Democratic National Convention, which has just wrapped in Chicago, where Kamala Harris and Tim Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for President and VP respectively.

We discuss the highs, the lows, the speeches, and if, with less than 80 days until the election, this changes the race to the White House.

Special Guests:

  1. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia
  2. Andrew Moran, Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University.


And if you like this episode, you’ll also love:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2825 no How is Barbie Still Relevant? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-is-barbie-still-relevant In 1959, toy entrepreneur Ruth Handel changed her life forever. Her new product, a doll named after her Daughter Barbara, would become one of the biggest toy franchises in history. Despite the criticisms and its problems, a recent Oscar-winning movie adaptation has won over a whole new generation of fans that guarantees this toy is going nowhere. So in this episode, I want to know… how is Barbie still relevant? Special Guests: Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality. Vaughn Joy, a PhD candidate at UCL researching mid-century Hollywood, politics, and their cross-section through a case study on Christmas films. Welcome back to the podcast Vaughn.. Highlights from this episode: (02:03) Did you ever own a Barbie doll? (04:10) Right place, right time (10:14) Entirely unrealistic proportions (13:40) Are we just seeing really good advertising? (18:58) People will always find a reason to criticise a woman's body, and Barbie is no different (22:45) Ken discovers patriarchy (27:36) The Barbie brand has been building to this (32:11) Barbenheimer and the Oscars (37:36) New perspectives on Barbie (40:28) We superimpose our expectations of women on toys Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Official Barbie store from Mattel WIKIPEDIA: List of all Barbie films ARTICLE: How the “Barbie” Movie Explains the Psychology of Patriarchy by Wendy Jones ESSAY: Butch Barbie by Clara Bradbury-Rance And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0000 How is Barbie Still Relevant? full 48 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In 1959, toy entrepreneur Ruth Handel changed her life forever. Her new product, a doll named after her Daughter Barbara, would become one of the biggest toy franchises in history. Despite the criticisms and its problems, a recent Oscar-winning movie adaptation has won over a whole new generation of fans that guarantees this toy is going nowhere. So in this episode, I want to know… how is Barbie still relevant? Special Guests: Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality. Vaughn Joy, a PhD candidate at UCL researching mid-century Hollywood, politics, and their cross-section through a case study on Christmas films. Welcome back to the podcast Vaughn.. Highlights from this episode: (02:03) Did you ever own a Barbie doll? (04:10) Right place, right time (10:14) Entirely unrealistic proportions (13:40) Are we just seeing really good advertising? (18:58) People will always find a reason to criticise a woman's body, and Barbie is no different (22:45) Ken discovers patriarchy (27:36) The Barbie brand has been building to this (32:11) Barbenheimer and the Oscars (37:36) New perspectives on Barbie (40:28) We superimpose our expectations of women on toys Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Official Barbie store from Mattel WIKIPEDIA: List of all Barbie films ARTICLE: How the “Barbie” Movie Explains the Psychology of Patriarchy by Wendy Jones ESSAY: Butch Barbie by Clara Bradbury-Rance And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: Are the Oscars Still Relevant? How Historically Accurate is Forrest Gump? ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. You can also follow Liam's slightly unhinged companion content over on TikTok Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In 1959, toy entrepreneur Ruth Handel changed her life forever. Her new product, a doll named after her Daughter Barbara, would become one of the biggest toy franchises in history. Despite the criticisms and its problems, a recent Oscar-winning movie adaptation has won over a whole new generation of fans that guarantees this toy is going nowhere. So in this episode, I want to know… how is Barbie still relevant? Special Guests: Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality. Vaughn Joy, a PhD candidate at UCL researching mid-century Hollywood, politics, and their cross-section through a case study on Christmas films. Welcome back to the podcast Vaughn.. Highlights from this episode: (02:03) Did you ever own a Barbie doll? (04:10) Right place, right time (10:14) Entirely unrealistic proportions (13:40) Are we just seeing really good advertising? (18:58) People will always find a reason to criticise a woman's body, and Barbie is no different (22:45) Ken discovers patriarchy (27:36) The Barbie brand has been building to this (32:11) Barbenheimer and the Oscars (37:36) New perspectives on Barbie (40:28) We superimpose our expectations of women on toys Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Official Barbie store from Mattel WIKIPEDIA: List of all Barbie films ARTICLE: How the “Barbie” Movie Explains the Psychology of Patriarchy by Wendy Jones ESSAY: Butch Barbie by Clara Bradbury-Rance And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In 1959, toy entrepreneur Ruth Handel changed her life forever. Her new product, a doll named after her Daughter Barbara, would become one of the biggest toy franchises in history. Despite the criticisms and its problems, a recent Oscar-winning movie adaptation has won over a whole new generation of fans that guarantees this toy is going nowhere. So in this episode, I want to know… how is Barbie still relevant?

Special Guests:

  1. Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality.
  2. Vaughn Joy, a PhD candidate at UCL researching mid-century Hollywood, politics, and their cross-section through a case study on Christmas films. Welcome back to the podcast Vaughn..


Highlights from this episode:

(02:03) Did you ever own a Barbie doll?

(04:10) Right place, right time

(10:14) Entirely unrealistic proportions

(13:40) Are we just seeing really good advertising?

(18:58) People will always find a reason to criticise a woman's body, and Barbie is no different

(22:45) Ken discovers patriarchy

(27:36) The Barbie brand has been building to this

(32:11) Barbenheimer and the Oscars

(37:36) New perspectives on Barbie

(40:28) We superimpose our expectations of women on toys


Additional Resources:

WEBSITE: Official Barbie store from Mattel

WIKIPEDIA: List of all Barbie films

ARTICLE: How the “Barbie” Movie Explains the Psychology of Patriarchy by Wendy Jones

ESSAY: Butch Barbie by Clara Bradbury-Rance


And if you like this episode, you’ll also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2974 no IN THE MAKING: Can Trump Stop the Harris Hype Train? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-can-trump-stop-the-harris-hype-train In America: A History in the Making, host Liam Heffernan is joined by show regulars and special guests to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. This week, as the US election rages on, we discuss Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz, and recent polls suggesting they now have a lead over Trump. Is the momentum shifting in one of the weirdest Presidential election cycles ever? Special guests on this episode... Emma Long, our resident US politics and law expert from the University of East Anglia. Clodagh Harrington from University College Cork, and co-host of US politics podcast 'A Chicken in Every Pot' If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 15 Aug 2024 09:35:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Can Trump Stop the Harris Hype Train? full 47 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In America: A History in the Making, host Liam Heffernan is joined by show regulars and special guests to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. This week, as the US election rages on, we discuss Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz, and recent polls suggesting they now have a lead over Trump. Is the momentum shifting in one of the weirdest Presidential election cycles ever? Special guests on this episode... Emma Long, our resident US politics and law expert from the University of East Anglia. Clodagh Harrington from University College Cork, and co-host of US politics podcast 'A Chicken in Every Pot' If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? How Are Presidents Elected? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? Is the President Above the Law? ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. You can now also get tons of unhinged companion content over on our TikTok page - enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In America: A History in the Making, host Liam Heffernan is joined by show regulars and special guests to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. This week, as the US election rages on, we discuss Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz, and recent polls suggesting they now have a lead over Trump. Is the momentum shifting in one of the weirdest Presidential election cycles ever? Special guests on this episode... Emma Long, our resident US politics and law expert from the University of East Anglia. Clodagh Harrington from University College Cork, and co-host of US politics podcast 'A Chicken in Every Pot' If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In America: A History in the Making, host Liam Heffernan is joined by show regulars and special guests to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA.

This week, as the US election rages on, we discuss Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz, and recent polls suggesting they now have a lead over Trump. Is the momentum shifting in one of the weirdest Presidential election cycles ever?

Special guests on this episode...

Emma Long, our resident US politics and law expert from the University of East Anglia.

Clodagh Harrington from University College Cork, and co-host of US politics podcast 'A Chicken in Every Pot'


If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2683 no Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-does-the-president-only-serve-two-terms This week, with the Republican National Convention been and gone, and the Democratic National Convention happening over the next few days, the Presidential race is about to be set in stone. If Donald Trump wins, he will be only the second President to serve non-consecutive terms in office. But why is there a time limit? When did this start? And can, or should, there be an exception? In this episode, I dive into all of this as I ask… Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia Andrew Moran, Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University. Highlights from this episode: (02:18) Why did George Washington step down? (07:14) An expectation to seek re-election (10:18) Presidents who chose not to stand for a second term (15:47) FDR: the trigger that turn precedence into law (20:23) Can the two term limit be overturned? (26:32) Trump and the new normal in American politics (31:49) Family dynasties in politics, from Adams to Trump. Additional Resources: READ: Washington’s Farewell Address READ: National Constitution Center – interpretations of the 22nd Amendment READ: LBJ chooses not to run again for election (1968) WATCH: President Biden on why he will not run for re-election (2024) And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0000 Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? full 46 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, with the Republican National Convention been and gone, and the Democratic National Convention happening over the next few days, the Presidential race is about to be set in stone. If Donald Trump wins, he will be only the second President to serve non-consecutive terms in office. But why is there a time limit? When did this start? And can, or should, there be an exception? In this episode, I dive into all of this as I ask… Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia Andrew Moran, Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University. Highlights from this episode: (02:18) Why did George Washington step down? (07:14) An expectation to seek re-election (10:18) Presidents who chose not to stand for a second term (15:47) FDR: the trigger that turn precedence into law (20:23) Can the two term limit be overturned? (26:32) Trump and the new normal in American politics (31:49) Family dynasties in politics, from Adams to Trump. Additional Resources: READ: Washington’s Farewell Address READ: National Constitution Center – interpretations of the 22nd Amendment READ: LBJ chooses not to run again for election (1968) WATCH: President Biden on why he will not run for re-election (2024) And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: What is the US Constitution? How Are Presidents Elected? Is the President Above the Law? ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, with the Republican National Convention been and gone, and the Democratic National Convention happening over the next few days, the Presidential race is about to be set in stone. If Donald Trump wins, he will be only the second President to serve non-consecutive terms in office. But why is there a time limit? When did this start? And can, or should, there be an exception? In this episode, I dive into all of this as I ask… Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia Andrew Moran, Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University. Highlights from this episode: (02:18) Why did George Washington step down? (07:14) An expectation to seek re-election (10:18) Presidents who chose not to stand for a second term (15:47) FDR: the trigger that turn precedence into law (20:23) Can the two term limit be overturned? (26:32) Trump and the new normal in American politics (31:49) Family dynasties in politics, from Adams to Trump. Additional Resources: READ: Washington’s Farewell Address READ: National Constitution Center – interpretations of the 22nd Amendment READ: LBJ chooses not to run again for election (1968) WATCH: President Biden on why he will not run for re-election (2024) And if you like this episode, you’ll also love: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, with the Republican National Convention been and gone, and the Democratic National Convention happening over the next few days, the Presidential race is about to be set in stone.

If Donald Trump wins, he will be only the second President to serve non-consecutive terms in office. But why is there a time limit? When did this start? And can, or should, there be an exception? In this episode, I dive into all of this as I ask… Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Special Guests:

  1. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia
  2. Andrew Moran, Head of Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University.

Highlights from this episode:

(02:18) Why did George Washington step down?

(07:14) An expectation to seek re-election

(10:18) Presidents who chose not to stand for a second term

(15:47) FDR: the trigger that turn precedence into law

(20:23) Can the two term limit be overturned?

(26:32) Trump and the new normal in American politics

(31:49) Family dynasties in politics, from Adams to Trump.


Additional Resources:

READ: Washington’s Farewell Address

READ: National Constitution Center – interpretations of the 22nd Amendment

READ: LBJ chooses not to run again for election (1968)

WATCH: President Biden on why he will not run for re-election (2024)


And if you like this episode, you’ll also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2393 no Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-did-the-usa-drop-atomic-bombs-on-japan Exactly 79 years ago to the day this episode is released, the USA changed the course, not just of World War II, but of global history, by using nuclear weapons. The bombs that hit Hiroshima and, three days later, Nagasaki, killed an estimated 200,000 people, and swiftly prompted Japan’s surrender. But how did it get to this? What were Japan and America even doing in a war triggered by Nazi Germany? And when there were so many other courses of action, why did the USA drop atomic bombs on Japan? Special Guests: Sherzod Muminov, an associate professor of Japanese history at the University of East Anglia. Highlights from this episode: (02:11) What happened between America and Japan?! (05:37) Why did America care so much about Japan? (09:56) Racism as a driving force behind the conflict (18:53) An intensifying confrontation pre-World War II (25;03) America outnumbered and outpowered Japan, so why drop the bomb? (30:52) The morality of nuclear war Additional Resources: FILM: Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1978, Stanley Kubrick) FILM: Oppenheimer (2023, Christopher Nolan) PODCAST: The East Angle by Ra Mason and Sherzod Muminov ARTICLE: How the unlucky Lucky Dragon birthed an era of nuclear fear by David Ropeik If you liked this episode, you might also love: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 06 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0000 Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? full 45 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Exactly 79 years ago to the day this episode is released, the USA changed the course, not just of World War II, but of global history, by using nuclear weapons. The bombs that hit Hiroshima and, three days later, Nagasaki, killed an estimated 200,000 people, and swiftly prompted Japan’s surrender. But how did it get to this? What were Japan and America even doing in a war triggered by Nazi Germany? And when there were so many other courses of action, why did the USA drop atomic bombs on Japan? Special Guests: Sherzod Muminov, an associate professor of Japanese history at the University of East Anglia. Highlights from this episode: (02:11) What happened between America and Japan?! (05:37) Why did America care so much about Japan? (09:56) Racism as a driving force behind the conflict (18:53) An intensifying confrontation pre-World War II (25;03) America outnumbered and outpowered Japan, so why drop the bomb? (30:52) The morality of nuclear war Additional Resources: FILM: Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1978, Stanley Kubrick) FILM: Oppenheimer (2023, Christopher Nolan) PODCAST: The East Angle by Ra Mason and Sherzod Muminov ARTICLE: How the unlucky Lucky Dragon birthed an era of nuclear fear by David Ropeik ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Exactly 79 years ago to the day this episode is released, the USA changed the course, not just of World War II, but of global history, by using nuclear weapons. The bombs that hit Hiroshima and, three days later, Nagasaki, killed an estimated 200,000 people, and swiftly prompted Japan’s surrender. But how did it get to this? What were Japan and America even doing in a war triggered by Nazi Germany? And when there were so many other courses of action, why did the USA drop atomic bombs on Japan? Special Guests: Sherzod Muminov, an associate professor of Japanese history at the University of East Anglia. Highlights from this episode: (02:11) What happened between America and Japan?! (05:37) Why did America care so much about Japan? (09:56) Racism as a driving force behind the conflict (18:53) An intensifying confrontation pre-World War II (25;03) America outnumbered and outpowered Japan, so why drop the bomb? (30:52) The morality of nuclear war Additional Resources: FILM: Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1978, Stanley Kubrick) FILM: Oppenheimer (2023, Christopher Nolan) PODCAST: The East Angle by Ra Mason and Sherzod Muminov ARTICLE: How the unlucky Lucky Dragon birthed an era of nuclear fear by David Ropeik If you liked this episode, you might also love: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Exactly 79 years ago to the day this episode is released, the USA changed the course, not just of World War II, but of global history, by using nuclear weapons.

The bombs that hit Hiroshima and, three days later, Nagasaki, killed an estimated 200,000 people, and swiftly prompted Japan’s surrender. But how did it get to this? What were Japan and America even doing in a war triggered by Nazi Germany? And when there were so many other courses of action, why did the USA drop atomic bombs on Japan?

Special Guests:

  1. Sherzod Muminov, an associate professor of Japanese history at the University of East Anglia.


Highlights from this episode:

(02:11) What happened between America and Japan?!

(05:37) Why did America care so much about Japan?

(09:56) Racism as a driving force behind the conflict

(18:53) An intensifying confrontation pre-World War II

(25;03) America outnumbered and outpowered Japan, so why drop the bomb?

(30:52) The morality of nuclear war

Additional Resources:

FILM: Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1978, Stanley Kubrick)

FILM: Oppenheimer (2023, Christopher Nolan)

PODCAST: The East Angle by Ra Mason and Sherzod Muminov

ARTICLE: How the unlucky Lucky Dragon birthed an era of nuclear fear by David Ropeik


If you liked this episode, you might also love:

Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?

Is America an Empire?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3035 no Why Do Americans Love Aliens? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-do-americans-love-aliens This week, we are taking a closer look at the unidentified, the unexplained, and the stuff that, until recently, have been some of the most closely-guarded secrets of the US government. From E.T. to the X-Files via American Dad and Futurama, the existence of extraterrestrial beings has captured the imagination of the American public for decades, and as we edge closer to finding out if the truth really is out there, I want to know… why do Americans love aliens? Special Guests: Stephen Diener - broadcaster, radio professional, and host of the UAP Unidentified Alien Podcast. In this episode, we cover everything from E.T. to Area 51, and why it took so long for the US government to even acknowledge its existence. Plus, did Richard Nixon and Jackie Gleeson see an alien? You'll have to listen and find out... Additional Resources: PODCAST: UAP Unidentified Alien Podcast VIDEO: Ronald Regan’s 1987 UN speech WEBSITE: What is Area 51 and what goes on there? via Space.com WEBSITE: The Rendlesham Forest UFO via BBC If you love this episode, you might also like: Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 30 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0000 Why Do Americans Love Aliens? full 44 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, we are taking a closer look at the unidentified, the unexplained, and the stuff that, until recently, have been some of the most closely-guarded secrets of the US government. From E.T. to the X-Files via American Dad and Futurama, the existence of extraterrestrial beings has captured the imagination of the American public for decades, and as we edge closer to finding out if the truth really is out there, I want to know… why do Americans love aliens? Special Guests: Stephen Diener - broadcaster, radio professional, and host of the UAP Unidentified Alien Podcast. In this episode, we cover everything from E.T. to Area 51, and why it took so long for the US government to even acknowledge its existence. Plus, did Richard Nixon and Jackie Gleeson see an alien? You'll have to listen and find out... Additional Resources: PODCAST: UAP Unidentified Alien Podcast VIDEO: Ronald Regan’s 1987 UN speech WEBSITE: What is Area 51 and what goes on there? via Space.com WEBSITE: The Rendlesham Forest UFO via BBC ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we are taking a closer look at the unidentified, the unexplained, and the stuff that, until recently, have been some of the most closely-guarded secrets of the US government. From E.T. to the X-Files via American Dad and Futurama, the existence of extraterrestrial beings has captured the imagination of the American public for decades, and as we edge closer to finding out if the truth really is out there, I want to know… why do Americans love aliens? Special Guests: Stephen Diener - broadcaster, radio professional, and host of the UAP Unidentified Alien Podcast. In this episode, we cover everything from E.T. to Area 51, and why it took so long for the US government to even acknowledge its existence. Plus, did Richard Nixon and Jackie Gleeson see an alien? You'll have to listen and find out... Additional Resources: PODCAST: UAP Unidentified Alien Podcast VIDEO: Ronald Regan’s 1987 UN speech WEBSITE: What is Area 51 and what goes on there? via Space.com WEBSITE: The Rendlesham Forest UFO via BBC If you love this episode, you might also like: Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we are taking a closer look at the unidentified, the unexplained, and the stuff that, until recently, have been some of the most closely-guarded secrets of the US government. From E.T. to the X-Files via American Dad and Futurama, the existence of extraterrestrial beings has captured the imagination of the American public for decades, and as we edge closer to finding out if the truth really is out there, I want to know… why do Americans love aliens?

Special Guests:

  1. Stephen Diener - broadcaster, radio professional, and host of the UAP Unidentified Alien Podcast.


In this episode, we cover everything from E.T. to Area 51, and why it took so long for the US government to even acknowledge its existence. Plus, did Richard Nixon and Jackie Gleeson see an alien? You'll have to listen and find out...


Additional Resources:

PODCAST: UAP Unidentified Alien Podcast

VIDEO: Ronald Regan’s 1987 UN speech

WEBSITE: What is Area 51 and what goes on there? via Space.com

WEBSITE: The Rendlesham Forest UFO via BBC


If you love this episode, you might also like:

Was the Moon Landing a Hoax?

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2649 no IN THE MAKING: Biden Out, Harris In, and What This Means for Trump https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/in-the-making-biden-out-harris-in-and-what-this-means-for-trump In the first of our new strand of episodes, America: A History in the Making, Liam is joined by show regular Emma Long to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. It's been a rollercoaster in American politics, as Joe Biden announced he is not seeking re-election in November, just over three months before the election, but within just 48 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris secured enough delegates to become the presumptive nominee. So what does all this mean? Is Trump still the favourite? And what does Harris need to do to win? If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:52:00 -0000 IN THE MAKING: Biden Out, Harris In, and What This Means for Trump full 43 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In the first of our new strand of episodes, America: A History in the Making, Liam is joined by show regular Emma Long to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. It's been a rollercoaster in American politics, as Joe Biden announced he is not seeking re-election in November, just over three months before the election, but within just 48 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris secured enough delegates to become the presumptive nominee. So what does all this mean? Is Trump still the favourite? And what does Harris need to do to win? If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: How Are Presidents Elected? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? Is the President Above the Law? ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the first of our new strand of episodes, America: A History in the Making, Liam is joined by show regular Emma Long to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. It's been a rollercoaster in American politics, as Joe Biden announced he is not seeking re-election in November, just over three months before the election, but within just 48 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris secured enough delegates to become the presumptive nominee. So what does all this mean? Is Trump still the favourite? And what does Harris need to do to win? If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the first of our new strand of episodes, America: A History in the Making, Liam is joined by show regular Emma Long to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA.

It's been a rollercoaster in American politics, as Joe Biden announced he is not seeking re-election in November, just over three months before the election, but within just 48 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris secured enough delegates to become the presumptive nominee.

So what does all this mean?

Is Trump still the favourite?

And what does Harris need to do to win?

If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2249 no When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/when-did-the-usa-last-host-the-olympics In just a few days, the Olympic flame will make its way to the Seine River, where tens of thousands of athletes converge to mark the opening of another summer games. The biggest sporting event in the world has not been on American soil for nearly 30 years, so in this episode we’re going to look back to Atlanta 1996, and I ask… when did the USA last host the Olympics? Special Guests: David Wallechinsky, a historian, TV commentator, and co-founder & former President of the International Society of Olympic Historians. In this episode, David shares his own personal experiences of attending and covering the Olympics. We discuss the corruption and scandal surrounding Atlanta's bid, the tragic Olympic park bombing, and why Atlanta has become a case study for how not to run an Olympic games. Additional Resources: BOOK: The Complete Book of the Olympics by David Wallechinsky and Jaime Loucky WEBSITE: The International Society of Olympic Historians WEBSITE: 11 Key Moments of Atlanta 1996 VIDEO: The 1996 Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremony If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: What Makes the Super Bowl so Super? When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0000 When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics? full 42 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In just a few days, the Olympic flame will make its way to the Seine River, where tens of thousands of athletes converge to mark the opening of another summer games. The biggest sporting event in the world has not been on American soil for nearly 30 years, so in this episode we’re going to look back to Atlanta 1996, and I ask… when did the USA last host the Olympics? Special Guests: David Wallechinsky, a historian, TV commentator, and co-founder & former President of the International Society of Olympic Historians. In this episode, David shares his own personal experiences of attending and covering the Olympics. We discuss the corruption and scandal surrounding Atlanta's bid, the tragic Olympic park bombing, and why Atlanta has become a case study for how not to run an Olympic games. Additional Resources: BOOK: The Complete Book of the Olympics by David Wallechinsky and Jaime Loucky WEBSITE: The International Society of Olympic Historians WEBSITE: 11 Key Moments of Atlanta 1996 VIDEO: The 1996 Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremony If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: What Makes the Super Bowl so Super? ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In just a few days, the Olympic flame will make its way to the Seine River, where tens of thousands of athletes converge to mark the opening of another summer games. The biggest sporting event in the world has not been on American soil for nearly 30 years, so in this episode we’re going to look back to Atlanta 1996, and I ask… when did the USA last host the Olympics? Special Guests: David Wallechinsky, a historian, TV commentator, and co-founder & former President of the International Society of Olympic Historians. In this episode, David shares his own personal experiences of attending and covering the Olympics. We discuss the corruption and scandal surrounding Atlanta's bid, the tragic Olympic park bombing, and why Atlanta has become a case study for how not to run an Olympic games. Additional Resources: BOOK: The Complete Book of the Olympics by David Wallechinsky and Jaime Loucky WEBSITE: The International Society of Olympic Historians WEBSITE: 11 Key Moments of Atlanta 1996 VIDEO: The 1996 Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremony If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: What Makes the Super Bowl so Super? When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In just a few days, the Olympic flame will make its way to the Seine River, where tens of thousands of athletes converge to mark the opening of another summer games. The biggest sporting event in the world has not been on American soil for nearly 30 years, so in this episode we’re going to look back to Atlanta 1996, and I ask… when did the USA last host the Olympics?

Special Guests:

  1. David Wallechinsky, a historian, TV commentator, and co-founder & former President of the International Society of Olympic Historians.


In this episode, David shares his own personal experiences of attending and covering the Olympics. We discuss the corruption and scandal surrounding Atlanta's bid, the tragic Olympic park bombing, and why Atlanta has become a case study for how not to run an Olympic games.


Additional Resources:

BOOK: The Complete Book of the Olympics by David Wallechinsky and Jaime Loucky

WEBSITE: The International Society of Olympic Historians

WEBSITE: 11 Key Moments of Atlanta 1996

VIDEO: The 1996 Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremony


If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these:

What Makes the Super Bowl so Super?

When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2323 no Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/was-the-moon-landing-a-hoax This week we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 space shuttle launch, but it’s greatest moment was when Neil Armstrong took his famous leap onto the surface of the moon. The live broadcast to millions of people around the world is one of the greatest moments of television, indeed history, of the 20th century, and yet many millions today still believe it never happened. So on this episode, I want to know… was the Moon landing a hoax? Special Guests on this Episode: Charles Fishman, an investigative journalist, and the author of ‘One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon’. Extra Reading: BOOK: One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon by Charles Fishman ARTICLE: Apollo 11 Really Went to the Moon - and Here’s How You Can Be Sure (Sorry, Conspiracy Nuts) by Charles Fishman WEBSITE: Apollo 11 Mission via NASA If you love this, you might also like: Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000 Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? full 41 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 space shuttle launch, but it’s greatest moment was when Neil Armstrong took his famous leap onto the surface of the moon. The live broadcast to millions of people around the world is one of the greatest moments of television, indeed history, of the 20th century, and yet many millions today still believe it never happened. So on this episode, I want to know… was the Moon landing a hoax? Special Guests on this Episode: Charles Fishman, an investigative journalist, and the author of ‘One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon’. Extra Reading: BOOK: One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon by Charles Fishman ARTICLE: Apollo 11 Really Went to the Moon - and Here’s How You Can Be Sure (Sorry, Conspiracy Nuts) by Charles Fishman WEBSITE: Apollo 11 Mission via NASA ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 space shuttle launch, but it’s greatest moment was when Neil Armstrong took his famous leap onto the surface of the moon. The live broadcast to millions of people around the world is one of the greatest moments of television, indeed history, of the 20th century, and yet many millions today still believe it never happened. So on this episode, I want to know… was the Moon landing a hoax? Special Guests on this Episode: Charles Fishman, an investigative journalist, and the author of ‘One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon’. Extra Reading: BOOK: One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon by Charles Fishman ARTICLE: Apollo 11 Really Went to the Moon - and Here’s How You Can Be Sure (Sorry, Conspiracy Nuts) by Charles Fishman WEBSITE: Apollo 11 Mission via NASA If you love this, you might also like: Was the Moon Landing a Hoax? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 space shuttle launch, but it’s greatest moment was when Neil Armstrong took his famous leap onto the surface of the moon.

The live broadcast to millions of people around the world is one of the greatest moments of television, indeed history, of the 20th century, and yet many millions today still believe it never happened. So on this episode, I want to know… was the Moon landing a hoax?

Special Guests on this Episode:

  1. Charles Fishman, an investigative journalist, and the author of ‘One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon’.


Extra Reading:

BOOK: One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon by Charles Fishman

ARTICLE: Apollo 11 Really Went to the Moon - and Here’s How You Can Be Sure (Sorry, Conspiracy Nuts) by Charles Fishman

WEBSITE: Apollo 11 Mission via NASA


If you love this, you might also like:

Was the Moon Landing a Hoax?

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2912 no Who is Harriet Tubman? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-harriet-tubman This week we are shining a light on one of the greatest figures in American history. Born Araminta Rossin, she began her in bondage, later escaping to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad and one of the most important figures in the fight for abolition. So in this episode we are going to discuss her life, her work, and her legacy as I ask… who is Harriet Tubman? Special Guests: Professor Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America at the University of East Anglia Professor Catherine Clinton, a Professor of History at UTSA Additional Resources: BOOK: Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton BOOK: Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad by Andrew K. Diemer BOOK: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War by Edda L. Fields-Black BOOK: Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People (Significations) by Tiya Miles FILM: Harriet (2019) If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 09 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Harriet Tubman? full 40 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week we are shining a light on one of the greatest figures in American history. Born Araminta Rossin, she began her in bondage, later escaping to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad and one of the most important figures in the fight for abolition. So in this episode we are going to discuss her life, her work, and her legacy as I ask… who is Harriet Tubman? Special Guests: Professor Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America at the University of East Anglia Professor Catherine Clinton, a Professor of History at UTSA Additional Resources: BOOK: Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton BOOK: Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad by Andrew K. Diemer BOOK: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War by Edda L. Fields-Black BOOK: Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People (Significations) by Tiya Miles FILM: Harriet (2019) If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: Who is Frederick Douglass? Why Did America Ban Slavery? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week we are shining a light on one of the greatest figures in American history. Born Araminta Rossin, she began her in bondage, later escaping to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad and one of the most important figures in the fight for abolition. So in this episode we are going to discuss her life, her work, and her legacy as I ask… who is Harriet Tubman? Special Guests: Professor Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America at the University of East Anglia Professor Catherine Clinton, a Professor of History at UTSA Additional Resources: BOOK: Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton BOOK: Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad by Andrew K. Diemer BOOK: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War by Edda L. Fields-Black BOOK: Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People (Significations) by Tiya Miles FILM: Harriet (2019) If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week we are shining a light on one of the greatest figures in American history.

Born Araminta Rossin, she began her in bondage, later escaping to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad and one of the most important figures in the fight for abolition. So in this episode we are going to discuss her life, her work, and her legacy as I ask… who is Harriet Tubman?

Special Guests:

  1. Professor Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America at the University of East Anglia
  2. Professor Catherine Clinton, a Professor of History at UTSA


Additional Resources:

BOOK: Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton

BOOK: Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad by Andrew K. Diemer

BOOK: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War by Edda L. Fields-Black

BOOK: Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People (Significations) by Tiya Miles

FILM: Harriet (2019)

If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these:

Why Did America Ban Slavery?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

Who is Frederick Douglass?

What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life?

Who is Harriet Tubman?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2530 no What is the Civil Rights Act? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-civil-rights-act DISCLAIMER: there may be small patches of slightly weird sound in this episode. Please bear with us! On July 2nd 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed one of the most transformative and, for its time, controversial pieces of legislation into American law - the Civil Rights Act. So, on its 60th anniversary, we discuss exactly what it is, the impact it's had, and how exactly it came to be, as Liam asks... what is the Civil Rights Act? To answer this question, he is joined by two super special guests: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia Dr. Althea Legal-Miller, a Senior Lecture in American History and Culture at Canterbury Christ Church University Check out these additional resources: BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant ARTICLE: Lester Maddox Obituary via The New York Times WEBSITE: Brown v Board of Education WEBSITE: The Greensboro Sit-In WEBSITE: The Civil Rights Act of 1957 WEBSITE: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee WEBSITE: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 WEBSITE: Shelby County v Holder (2013) If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0000 What is the Civil Rights Act? full 39 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast DISCLAIMER: there may be small patches of slightly weird sound in this episode. Please bear with us! On July 2nd 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed one of the most transformative and, for its time, controversial pieces of legislation into American law - the Civil Rights Act. So, on its 60th anniversary, we discuss exactly what it is, the impact it's had, and how exactly it came to be, as Liam asks... what is the Civil Rights Act? To answer this question, he is joined by two super special guests: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia Dr. Althea Legal-Miller, a Senior Lecture in American History and Culture at Canterbury Christ Church University Check out these additional resources: BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant ARTICLE: Lester Maddox Obituary via The New York Times WEBSITE: Brown v Board of Education WEBSITE: The Greensboro Sit-In WEBSITE: The Civil Rights Act of 1957 WEBSITE: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee WEBSITE: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 WEBSITE: Shelby County v Holder (2013) If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? ----------- Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and his former lecturers at the University of East Anglia, but making it does come at a small cost so if you can spare some change, please check out our Patreon page. Supporters of the show get awesome additional bonus content, access to private community forums, and exclusive invites to the virtual audience on every recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: there may be small patches of slightly weird sound in this episode. Please bear with us! On July 2nd 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed one of the most transformative and, for its time, controversial pieces of legislation into American law - the Civil Rights Act. So, on its 60th anniversary, we discuss exactly what it is, the impact it's had, and how exactly it came to be, as Liam asks... what is the Civil Rights Act? To answer this question, he is joined by two super special guests: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia Dr. Althea Legal-Miller, a Senior Lecture in American History and Culture at Canterbury Christ Church University Check out these additional resources: BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant ARTICLE: Lester Maddox Obituary via The New York Times WEBSITE: Brown v Board of Education WEBSITE: The Greensboro Sit-In WEBSITE: The Civil Rights Act of 1957 WEBSITE: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee WEBSITE: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 WEBSITE: Shelby County v Holder (2013) If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: there may be small patches of slightly weird sound in this episode. Please bear with us!

On July 2nd 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed one of the most transformative and, for its time, controversial pieces of legislation into American law - the Civil Rights Act.

So, on its 60th anniversary, we discuss exactly what it is, the impact it's had, and how exactly it came to be, as Liam asks... what is the Civil Rights Act?

To answer this question, he is joined by two super special guests:

  1. Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia
  2. Dr. Althea Legal-Miller, a Senior Lecture in American History and Culture at Canterbury Christ Church University

Check out these additional resources:

BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant

ARTICLE: Lester Maddox Obituary via The New York Times

WEBSITE: Brown v Board of Education

WEBSITE: The Greensboro Sit-In

WEBSITE: The Civil Rights Act of 1957

WEBSITE: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

WEBSITE: The Voting Rights Act of 1965

WEBSITE: Shelby County v Holder (2013)

If you enjoy this episode, why not listen back to these:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2357 no Support Us on Patreon: New Episodes from July 2nd! https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/support-us-on-patreon-new-episodes-from-july-2nd BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! America: A History Podcast returns with brand new episodes from Tuesday 2nd July, so make sure you follow and share this podcast with all of your fellow US history fans. PLUS You can now support the show on Patreon We know times are tough, but running a podcast ain't cheap. We want to keep bringing you the best content, and we want to build a global community, so we're asking for your support. Join our movement and become a Patreon supporter today for loads of awesome perks, and bragging rights. Find out more and join right here: patreon.com/user?u=119549194 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0000 Support Us on Patreon: New Episodes from July 2nd! bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! America: A History Podcast returns with brand new episodes from Tuesday 2nd July, so make sure you follow and share this podcast with all of your fellow US history fans. PLUS You can now support the show on Patreon We know times are tough, but running a podcast ain't cheap. We want to keep bringing you the best content, and we want to build a global community, so we're asking for your support. Join our movement and become a Patreon supporter today for loads of awesome perks, and bragging rights. Find out more and join right here: patreon.com/user?u=119549194 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! America: A History Podcast returns with brand new episodes from Tuesday 2nd July, so make sure you follow and share this podcast with all of your fellow US history fans. PLUS You can now support the show on Patreon We know times are tough, but running a podcast ain't cheap. We want to keep bringing you the best content, and we want to build a global community, so we're asking for your support. Join our movement and become a Patreon supporter today for loads of awesome perks, and bragging rights. Find out more and join right here: patreon.com/user?u=119549194 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

America: A History Podcast returns with brand new episodes from Tuesday 2nd July, so make sure you follow and share this podcast with all of your fellow US history fans.

PLUS

You can now support the show on Patreon

We know times are tough, but running a podcast ain't cheap. We want to keep bringing you the best content, and we want to build a global community, so we're asking for your support.

Join our movement and become a Patreon supporter today for loads of awesome perks, and bragging rights.

Find out more and join right here: patreon.com/user?u=119549194

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 432 no What is The Battle Hymn of the Republic? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-battle-hymn-of-the-republic This week we are literally discussing the theme song to this podcast. It became synonymous with the Civil War, and in the years and centuries since it has been adapted, sampled, covered and repurposed in just about every way possible, by musicians, politicians, sports teams and more. So today I am asking… what is the Battle Hymn of the Republic? To discuss this I am joined by Thomas Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. And our special guest is Catherine Bateson, an Associate Professor of American History at the University of Kent, and also the author of Irish American Civil War Songs: Identity, Loyalty, and Nationhood, which we will link to in the show notes. Mentioned in this episode: BOOK: Irish American Civil War Songs: Identity, Loyalty, and Nationhood by Catherine Bateson SONG: An American Trilogy by Elvis Presley POEM: Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia Ward Howe SONG: John Brown’s Body SONG: Glory, Glory, Hallelujah by the London Community Gospel Choir SONG: Glory Glory Man. United If you love this, you may also like: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0000 What is The Battle Hymn of the Republic? full 37 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week we are literally discussing the theme song to this podcast. It became synonymous with the Civil War, and in the years and centuries since it has been adapted, sampled, covered and repurposed in just about every way possible, by musicians, politicians, sports teams and more. So today I am asking… what is the Battle Hymn of the Republic? To discuss this I am joined by Thomas Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. And our special guest is Catherine Bateson, an Associate Professor of American History at the University of Kent, and also the author of Irish American Civil War Songs: Identity, Loyalty, and Nationhood, which we will link to in the show notes. Mentioned in this episode: BOOK: Irish American Civil War Songs: Identity, Loyalty, and Nationhood by Catherine Bateson SONG: An American Trilogy by Elvis Presley POEM: Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia Ward Howe SONG: John Brown’s Body SONG: Glory, Glory, Hallelujah by the London Community Gospel Choir SONG: Glory Glory Man. United If you enjoy this podcast, please follow and recommend to a friend, or leave a review so other people can find us. Alternatively, if you have a guest or episode suggestion, please email the show at hello@podcastsbyliam.com And for those of you still using Twitter, connect with us @thisistheheff and @AmericanStudies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week we are literally discussing the theme song to this podcast. It became synonymous with the Civil War, and in the years and centuries since it has been adapted, sampled, covered and repurposed in just about every way possible, by musicians, politicians, sports teams and more. So today I am asking… what is the Battle Hymn of the Republic? To discuss this I am joined by Thomas Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. And our special guest is Catherine Bateson, an Associate Professor of American History at the University of Kent, and also the author of Irish American Civil War Songs: Identity, Loyalty, and Nationhood, which we will link to in the show notes. Mentioned in this episode: BOOK: Irish American Civil War Songs: Identity, Loyalty, and Nationhood by Catherine Bateson SONG: An American Trilogy by Elvis Presley POEM: Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia Ward Howe SONG: John Brown’s Body SONG: Glory, Glory, Hallelujah by the London Community Gospel Choir SONG: Glory Glory Man. United If you love this, you may also like: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week we are literally discussing the theme song to this podcast. It became synonymous with the Civil War, and in the years and centuries since it has been adapted, sampled, covered and repurposed in just about every way possible, by musicians, politicians, sports teams and more. So today I am asking… what is the Battle Hymn of the Republic?

To discuss this I am joined by Thomas Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia.

And our special guest is Catherine Bateson, an Associate Professor of American History at the University of Kent, and also the author of Irish American Civil War Songs: Identity, Loyalty, and Nationhood, which we will link to in the show notes.

Mentioned in this episode:

BOOK: Irish American Civil War Songs: Identity, Loyalty, and Nationhood by Catherine Bateson

SONG: An American Trilogy by Elvis Presley

POEM: Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia Ward Howe

SONG: John Brown’s Body

SONG: Glory, Glory, Hallelujah by the London Community Gospel Choir

SONG: Glory Glory Man. United


If you love this, you may also like:

Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?

Is America an Empire?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2292 no Is America an Empire? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/is-america-an-empire On this episode, as America’s foreign relations once again dominates headlines, I want to explore just how powerful the country really is, and whether we should be understanding it as more than just a single nation, as I ask… Is America An Empire? And to discuss this I am joined by two very excellent guests: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960. His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Dr. Sarah Nelson, an Assistant Professor at the Netherlands’ Universiteit Leiden, and a historian of US empire, global governance, and decolonization. Welcome Mentioned in this episode: BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant BOOK: The Blood of Government: Race, Empire, the United States, and the Philippines by Paul A. Kramer BOOK: Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire by Niall Ferguson BOOK: An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States by Kyle T. Mays ONLINE: A New Menace in Africa by Nelson Mandela If you love this, you may also like: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0000 Is America an Empire? full 36 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On this episode, as America’s foreign relations once again dominates headlines, I want to explore just how powerful the country really is, and whether we should be understanding it as more than just a single nation, as I ask… Is America An Empire? And to discuss this I am joined by two very excellent guests: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960. His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Dr. Sarah Nelson, an Assistant Professor at the Netherlands’ Universiteit Leiden, and a historian of US empire, global governance, and decolonization. Welcome Mentioned in this episode: BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant BOOK: The Blood of Government: Race, Empire, the United States, and the Philippines by Paul A. Kramer BOOK: Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire by Niall Ferguson BOOK: An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States by Kyle T. Mays ONLINE: A New Menace in Africa by Nelson Mandela If you like the podcast, please do share and follow the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us with opinions, episode ideas and guest suggestions via hello@podcastsbyliam.com - we'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this episode, as America’s foreign relations once again dominates headlines, I want to explore just how powerful the country really is, and whether we should be understanding it as more than just a single nation, as I ask… Is America An Empire? And to discuss this I am joined by two very excellent guests: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960. His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Dr. Sarah Nelson, an Assistant Professor at the Netherlands’ Universiteit Leiden, and a historian of US empire, global governance, and decolonization. Welcome Mentioned in this episode: BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant BOOK: The Blood of Government: Race, Empire, the United States, and the Philippines by Paul A. Kramer BOOK: Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire by Niall Ferguson BOOK: An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States by Kyle T. Mays ONLINE: A New Menace in Africa by Nelson Mandela If you love this, you may also like: Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan? Is America an Empire? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this episode, as America’s foreign relations once again dominates headlines, I want to explore just how powerful the country really is, and whether we should be understanding it as more than just a single nation, as I ask… Is America An Empire?

And to discuss this I am joined by two very excellent guests:

  1. Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960. His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism.
  2. Dr. Sarah Nelson, an Assistant Professor at the Netherlands’ Universiteit Leiden, and a historian of US empire, global governance, and decolonization. Welcome

Mentioned in this episode:

BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant

BOOK: The Blood of Government: Race, Empire, the United States, and the Philippines by Paul A. Kramer

BOOK: Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire by Niall Ferguson

BOOK: An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States by Kyle T. Mays

ONLINE: A New Menace in Africa by Nelson Mandela


If you love this, you may also like:

Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?

Is America an Empire?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2607 no Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/should-donald-trump-be-allowed-to-run-for-president We are recording this week’s episode on Monday 4th March, 2024. This weekend Donald Trump continued his near clean sweep of caucus and primaries, and in a few hours, polls will open for Super Tuesday, where Trump is widely expected to secure the delegates needed to win the Republican nomination for a third consecutive Presidential election. However, his journey has not been smooth sailing. Just four days ago Illinois became the third state, after Colorado and Maine, to kick Trump off the primary ballot, citing their insurrection clause - a move which will ultimately be debated by the Supreme Court. His campaign has also been fought in the shadow of numerous court cases, which has already seen rack up hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. So with all of the drama, the scandal, and the alleged criminality surrounding Trump, I want to know… should he be allowed to run for President? Special Guest: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Additional Resources: BBC Panorama, Trump: The Sequel? If you love this, you might also like: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0000 Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? full 35 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast We are recording this week’s episode on Monday 4th March, 2024. This weekend Donald Trump continued his near clean sweep of caucus and primaries, and in a few hours, polls will open for Super Tuesday, where Trump is widely expected to secure the delegates needed to win the Republican nomination for a third consecutive Presidential election. However, his journey has not been smooth sailing. Just four days ago Illinois became the third state, after Colorado and Maine, to kick Trump off the primary ballot, citing their insurrection clause - a move which will ultimately be debated by the Supreme Court. His campaign has also been fought in the shadow of numerous court cases, which has already seen rack up hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. So with all of the drama, the scandal, and the alleged criminality surrounding Trump, I want to know… should he be allowed to run for President? Special Guest: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Additional Resources: BBC Panorama, Trump: The Sequel? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We are recording this week’s episode on Monday 4th March, 2024. This weekend Donald Trump continued his near clean sweep of caucus and primaries, and in a few hours, polls will open for Super Tuesday, where Trump is widely expected to secure the delegates needed to win the Republican nomination for a third consecutive Presidential election. However, his journey has not been smooth sailing. Just four days ago Illinois became the third state, after Colorado and Maine, to kick Trump off the primary ballot, citing their insurrection clause - a move which will ultimately be debated by the Supreme Court. His campaign has also been fought in the shadow of numerous court cases, which has already seen rack up hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. So with all of the drama, the scandal, and the alleged criminality surrounding Trump, I want to know… should he be allowed to run for President? Special Guest: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Additional Resources: BBC Panorama, Trump: The Sequel? If you love this, you might also like: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We are recording this week’s episode on Monday 4th March, 2024. This weekend Donald Trump continued his near clean sweep of caucus and primaries, and in a few hours, polls will open for Super Tuesday, where Trump is widely expected to secure the delegates needed to win the Republican nomination for a third consecutive Presidential election.

However, his journey has not been smooth sailing. Just four days ago Illinois became the third state, after Colorado and Maine, to kick Trump off the primary ballot, citing their insurrection clause - a move which will ultimately be debated by the Supreme Court.

His campaign has also been fought in the shadow of numerous court cases, which has already seen rack up hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

So with all of the drama, the scandal, and the alleged criminality surrounding Trump, I want to know… should he be allowed to run for President?

Special Guest:

  1. Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.


Additional Resources:

BBC Panorama, Trump: The Sequel?


If you love this, you might also like:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2697 no Are the Oscars Still Relevant? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/are-the-oscars-still-relevant This week, as the who’s who of entertainment descend on Hollywood for the glitziest night on the calendar, I want to know if anyone still cares about film awards, and when viewing figures continue to decrease, why do they still generate so many headlines, as I ask… are the Oscars still relevant? And to discuss this I am joined by Vaughn Joy, a PhD candidate at UCL studying mid-century Hollywood, politics, and their cross-section through a case study on Christmas films. Useful Resources: The Oscars Official Website Subscribe to Vaughn's newsletter, Review Roulette If you love this, you might also like: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0000 Are the Oscars Still Relevant? full 34 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, as the who’s who of entertainment descend on Hollywood for the glitziest night on the calendar, I want to know if anyone still cares about film awards, and when viewing figures continue to decrease, why do they still generate so many headlines, as I ask… are the Oscars still relevant? And to discuss this I am joined by Vaughn Joy, a PhD candidate at UCL studying mid-century Hollywood, politics, and their cross-section through a case study on Christmas films. Useful Resources: The Oscars Official Website Subscribe to Vaughn's newsletter, Review Roulette If you love the podcast, please consider connecting with either Liam @thisistheheff or UEA's American Studies team @AmericanStudies on Twitter/X. Alternatively, if you have an episode or guest submission, you can email hello@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, as the who’s who of entertainment descend on Hollywood for the glitziest night on the calendar, I want to know if anyone still cares about film awards, and when viewing figures continue to decrease, why do they still generate so many headlines, as I ask… are the Oscars still relevant? And to discuss this I am joined by Vaughn Joy, a PhD candidate at UCL studying mid-century Hollywood, politics, and their cross-section through a case study on Christmas films. Useful Resources: The Oscars Official Website Subscribe to Vaughn's newsletter, Review Roulette If you love this, you might also like: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, as the who’s who of entertainment descend on Hollywood for the glitziest night on the calendar, I want to know if anyone still cares about film awards, and when viewing figures continue to decrease, why do they still generate so many headlines, as I ask… are the Oscars still relevant?

And to discuss this I am joined by

  1. Vaughn Joy, a PhD candidate at UCL studying mid-century Hollywood, politics, and their cross-section through a case study on Christmas films.

Useful Resources:

The Oscars Official Website

Subscribe to Vaughn's newsletter, Review Roulette


If you love this, you might also like:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2707 no How Did Jackie Kennedy Transform the White House? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-did-jackie-kennedy-transform-the-white-house This week, I find out more about how one of America’s most popular first ladies turned her office, and residence of three years, into a living museum of US political history, as we ask… how did Jackie Kennedy transform the White House? We discuss how Jackie Kennedy used her platform to champion one of the most radical projects ever undertaken by the First Lady, and in doing so, she redefines exactly what the role of First Lady means, and setting the blueprint for all that follow. Special Guest: Jess Alldred, a final year American history undergraduate from the University of East Anglia. If you love this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0000 How Did Jackie Kennedy Transform the White House? full 33 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast This week, I find out more about how one of America’s most popular first ladies turned her office, and residence of three years, into a living museum of US political history, as we ask… how did Jackie Kennedy transform the White House? We discuss how Jackie Kennedy used her platform to champion one of the most radical projects ever undertaken by the First Lady, and in doing so, she redefines exactly what the role of First Lady means, and setting the blueprint for all that follow. Special Guest: Jess Alldred, a final year American history undergraduate from the University of East Anglia. If you like the podcast, please remember to listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts, and if you can leave us a rating and review on Apple that would be lovely! If you want to get in touch with the show, you can tweet either host @thisistheheff or UEA at @AmericanStudies, or if you have an episode or guest suggestion please email hello@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, I find out more about how one of America’s most popular first ladies turned her office, and residence of three years, into a living museum of US political history, as we ask… how did Jackie Kennedy transform the White House? We discuss how Jackie Kennedy used her platform to champion one of the most radical projects ever undertaken by the First Lady, and in doing so, she redefines exactly what the role of First Lady means, and setting the blueprint for all that follow. Special Guest: Jess Alldred, a final year American history undergraduate from the University of East Anglia. If you love this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, I find out more about how one of America’s most popular first ladies turned her office, and residence of three years, into a living museum of US political history, as we ask… how did Jackie Kennedy transform the White House?

We discuss how Jackie Kennedy used her platform to champion one of the most radical projects ever undertaken by the First Lady, and in doing so, she redefines exactly what the role of First Lady means, and setting the blueprint for all that follow.

Special Guest:

  1. Jess Alldred, a final year American history undergraduate from the University of East Anglia.


If you love this episode, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1674 no What is a Primary and a Caucus? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-a-primary-and-a-caucus America may be gearing up for Trump versus Biden already, but it remains in the middle of a nomination campaign... if only as a formality. So in this episode we speak with Dr. Emma Long to understand exactly how the nominations work, and what the heck a primary and caucus even is. Guest this week: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia If you like this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 13 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0000 What is a Primary and a Caucus? full 32 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast America may be gearing up for Trump versus Biden already, but it remains in the middle of a nomination campaign... if only as a formality. So in this episode we speak with Dr. Emma Long to understand exactly how the nominations work, and what the heck a primary and caucus even is. Guest this week: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia If you like this episode, you might also like: How Are Presidents Elected? Is the President Above the Law? If you like the podcast, please follow wherever you're listening, and share to social media. You can also connect with us on X via @thisistheheff or @AmericanStudies, and if you have an episode suggestion or would like to be a guest you can email us via hello@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America may be gearing up for Trump versus Biden already, but it remains in the middle of a nomination campaign... if only as a formality. So in this episode we speak with Dr. Emma Long to understand exactly how the nominations work, and what the heck a primary and caucus even is. Guest this week: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia If you like this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices America may be gearing up for Trump versus Biden already, but it remains in the middle of a nomination campaign... if only as a formality. So in this episode we speak with Dr. Emma Long to understand exactly how the nominations work, and what the heck a primary and caucus even is.

Guest this week:

Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia


If you like this episode, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2470 no America: A History Podcast - A New Season is Coming https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/america-a-history-podcast-a-new-season-is-coming Your favourite American history podcast is coming back! America: A History Podcast has taken a little winter hiatus, but we are back with a new look and sound and we are READY for a huge year. As Donald Trump and Nikki Haley battle it out to determine who goes to the Presidential polls against Joe Biden, we have been hard at work doing what any good politician should be doing... listening. That's right. We paid attention to your feedback and we have given the show a revamp, so that we can continue to bring you the best content in the best way for as long as you will allow us. So tell your friends, tell your family, and tell your therapist that America: A History Podcast is coming back. We will be covering everything from the Oscars to the election, and you do not want to miss it. February 2024. Put it in your diaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0000 America: A History Podcast - A New Season is Coming trailer Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Your favourite American history podcast is coming back! America: A History Podcast has taken a little winter hiatus, but we are back with a new look and sound and we are READY for a huge year. As Donald Trump and Nikki Haley battle it out to determine who goes to the Presidential polls against Joe Biden, we have been hard at work doing what any good politician should be doing... listening. That's right. We paid attention to your feedback and we have given the show a revamp, so that we can continue to bring you the best content in the best way for as long as you will allow us. So tell your friends, tell your family, and tell your therapist that America: A History Podcast is coming back. We will be covering everything from the Oscars to the election, and you do not want to miss it. February 2024. Put it in your diaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Your favourite American history podcast is coming back! America: A History Podcast has taken a little winter hiatus, but we are back with a new look and sound and we are READY for a huge year. As Donald Trump and Nikki Haley battle it out to determine who goes to the Presidential polls against Joe Biden, we have been hard at work doing what any good politician should be doing... listening. That's right. We paid attention to your feedback and we have given the show a revamp, so that we can continue to bring you the best content in the best way for as long as you will allow us. So tell your friends, tell your family, and tell your therapist that America: A History Podcast is coming back. We will be covering everything from the Oscars to the election, and you do not want to miss it. February 2024. Put it in your diaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Your favourite American history podcast is coming back!

America: A History Podcast has taken a little winter hiatus, but we are back with a new look and sound and we are READY for a huge year.

As Donald Trump and Nikki Haley battle it out to determine who goes to the Presidential polls against Joe Biden, we have been hard at work doing what any good politician should be doing... listening.

That's right. We paid attention to your feedback and we have given the show a revamp, so that we can continue to bring you the best content in the best way for as long as you will allow us.

So tell your friends, tell your family, and tell your therapist that America: A History Podcast is coming back.

We will be covering everything from the Oscars to the election, and you do not want to miss it.

February 2024.

Put it in your diaries.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 268 no Why Does Everyone Love Disney? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-does-everyone-love-disney It all started with (a now public domain) Mickey Mouse, but today Disney is a cultural behemoth. A global household name. Walt Disney is synonymous with childhood, nostalgia, and joy. Recently, their multi-billion dollar empire continues to grow, with a string of high-profile and big money acquisitions. So is the magic still there? And why does everyone love Disney? Special guests: Janet Wasko, an author and professor in Communication Research at the University of Oregon, whose book Understanding Disney was a huge resource for me during my time as an American Studies student. In this episode, Janet and I discuss how Disney has become so embedded in childhood, and how many adults grow up with such a Disney obsession. We also look at recent acquisitions of Star Wars, Marvel and Fox, and consider how Disney manage to keep growing without losing their magic. Additional resources: BOOK: Understanding Disney by Janet Wasko ARTICLE: Steamboat Willie enters the public domain If you love this, you might also like: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 02 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0000 Why Does Everyone Love Disney? full 30 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast It all started with (a now public domain) Mickey Mouse, but today Disney is a cultural behemoth. A global household name. Walt Disney is synonymous with childhood, nostalgia, and joy. Recently, their multi-billion dollar empire continues to grow, with a string of high-profile and big money acquisitions. So is the magic still there? And why does everyone love Disney? Special guests: Janet Wasko, an author and professor in Communication Research at the University of Oregon, whose book Understanding Disney was a huge resource for me during my time as an American Studies student. In this episode, Janet and I discuss how Disney has become so embedded in childhood, and how many adults grow up with such a Disney obsession. We also look at recent acquisitions of Star Wars, Marvel and Fox, and consider how Disney manage to keep growing without losing their magic. Additional resources: BOOK: Understanding Disney by Janet Wasko ARTICLE: Steamboat Willie enters the public domain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It all started with (a now public domain) Mickey Mouse, but today Disney is a cultural behemoth. A global household name. Walt Disney is synonymous with childhood, nostalgia, and joy. Recently, their multi-billion dollar empire continues to grow, with a string of high-profile and big money acquisitions. So is the magic still there? And why does everyone love Disney? Special guests: Janet Wasko, an author and professor in Communication Research at the University of Oregon, whose book Understanding Disney was a huge resource for me during my time as an American Studies student. In this episode, Janet and I discuss how Disney has become so embedded in childhood, and how many adults grow up with such a Disney obsession. We also look at recent acquisitions of Star Wars, Marvel and Fox, and consider how Disney manage to keep growing without losing their magic. Additional resources: BOOK: Understanding Disney by Janet Wasko ARTICLE: Steamboat Willie enters the public domain If you love this, you might also like: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It all started with (a now public domain) Mickey Mouse, but today Disney is a cultural behemoth. A global household name. Walt Disney is synonymous with childhood, nostalgia, and joy. Recently, their multi-billion dollar empire continues to grow, with a string of high-profile and big money acquisitions. So is the magic still there? And why does everyone love Disney?

Special guests:

  1. Janet Wasko, an author and professor in Communication Research at the University of Oregon, whose book Understanding Disney was a huge resource for me during my time as an American Studies student.


In this episode, Janet and I discuss how Disney has become so embedded in childhood, and how many adults grow up with such a Disney obsession. We also look at recent acquisitions of Star Wars, Marvel and Fox, and consider how Disney manage to keep growing without losing their magic.


Additional resources:

BOOK: Understanding Disney by Janet Wasko

ARTICLE: Steamboat Willie enters the public domain


If you love this, you might also like:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2046 no What is the War on Christmas? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-war-on-christmas Christmas is a season of goodwill... or so we thought. Conservative pockets of America would argue that Christmas is now a battleground, where the Christian traditions of the holidays are under threat. It is, in the words of Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly, a 'War on Christmas'. So what exactly is it, what is being fought, and will it ever be won? To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. If you love this episode, you might also like: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0000 What is the War on Christmas? full 29 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Christmas is a season of goodwill... or so we thought. Conservative pockets of America would argue that Christmas is now a battleground, where the Christian traditions of the holidays are under threat. It is, in the words of Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly, a 'War on Christmas'. So what exactly is it, what is being fought, and will it ever be won? To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. And if you enjoy this episode, please do follow us on your podcast platform of choice. If you can spare a few seconds, please also leave us a review and a rating, as it bumps us up the charts and helps other people find us. Alternatively, you can contact the show by email via hello@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Christmas is a season of goodwill... or so we thought. Conservative pockets of America would argue that Christmas is now a battleground, where the Christian traditions of the holidays are under threat. It is, in the words of Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly, a 'War on Christmas'. So what exactly is it, what is being fought, and will it ever be won? To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. If you love this episode, you might also like: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Christmas is a season of goodwill... or so we thought. Conservative pockets of America would argue that Christmas is now a battleground, where the Christian traditions of the holidays are under threat. It is, in the words of Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly, a 'War on Christmas'. So what exactly is it, what is being fought, and will it ever be won?

To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

If you love this episode, you might also like:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2341 no How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-to-make-a-hollywood-christmas-movie From Home Alone to Love Actually, Hollywood Christmas movies are as much a part of the festivities as Santa Claus and Christmas trees. There’s nothing quite like watching your favourite seasonal film to get you in the spirit. But what makes them so watchable? In this episode, we unpick some of our favourite festive treats as we find out… how to make a Hollywood Christmas movie. Guests on this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality. Additional resources: BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith If you love this episode, you might also like: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0000 How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie full 28 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast From Home Alone to Love Actually, Hollywood Christmas movies are as much a part of the festivities as Santa Claus and Christmas trees. There’s nothing quite like watching your favourite seasonal film to get you in the spirit. But what makes them so watchable? In this episode, we unpick some of our favourite festive treats as we find out… how to make a Hollywood Christmas movie. Guests on this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality. Additional resources: BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith If you enjoy America: A History Podcast, and we hope you do, we'd love you to tell us. Leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts, or email us via hello@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From Home Alone to Love Actually, Hollywood Christmas movies are as much a part of the festivities as Santa Claus and Christmas trees. There’s nothing quite like watching your favourite seasonal film to get you in the spirit. But what makes them so watchable? In this episode, we unpick some of our favourite festive treats as we find out… how to make a Hollywood Christmas movie. Guests on this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality. Additional resources: BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith If you love this episode, you might also like: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From Home Alone to Love Actually, Hollywood Christmas movies are as much a part of the festivities as Santa Claus and Christmas trees. There’s nothing quite like watching your favourite seasonal film to get you in the spirit. But what makes them so watchable? In this episode, we unpick some of our favourite festive treats as we find out… how to make a Hollywood Christmas movie.

Guests on this episode:

  1. Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia.
  2. Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality.


Additional resources:

BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith

BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith


If you love this episode, you might also like:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2476 no What's the History of Christmas in America? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/whats-the-history-of-christmas-in-america In the words of Andy Williams, It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but do we really know why we celebrate Christmas? Do our modern day traditions of Santa, trees and TV specials blind us from the real history of the holidays? This episode is definitely NSFK - not safe for kids - as we answer… what is the history of Christmas in America? Guests on this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith - a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His latest book, The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, is available now. Brian Earl tells the fascinating stories behind our favourite holiday’s traditions through the popular podcast, Christmas Past. The podcast, one of the longest-running of its kind, delivers holiday cheer with a storytelling style inspired by public radio. Talking points: When did Christmas stop being a religious holiday? The Americanization of Christmas Santa Claus / Father Christmas / Saint Nicolas How Coca-Cola hijacked the holidays Additional resources: PODCAST: Christmas Past by Brian Earl BOOK: Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions by Brian Earl BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith POEM: The Children’s Friend If you love this episode, you might also like: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0000 What's the History of Christmas in America? full 27 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In the words of Andy Williams, It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but do we really know why we celebrate Christmas? Do our modern day traditions of Santa, trees and TV specials blind us from the real history of the holidays? This episode is definitely NSFK - not safe for kids - as we answer… what is the history of Christmas in America? Guests on this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith - a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His latest book, The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, is available now. Brian Earl tells the fascinating stories behind our favourite holiday’s traditions through the popular podcast, Christmas Past. The podcast, one of the longest-running of its kind, delivers holiday cheer with a storytelling style inspired by public radio. Talking points: When did Christmas stop being a religious holiday? The Americanization of Christmas Santa Claus / Father Christmas / Saint Nicolas How Coca-Cola hijacked the holidays Additional resources: PODCAST: Christmas Past by Brian Earl BOOK: Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions by Brian Earl BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith POEM: The Children’s Friend If you enjoy the podcast, do give us a follow and leave us a review. If you would like to suggest an episode idea or request to be a guest on the show, please email hello@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the words of Andy Williams, It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but do we really know why we celebrate Christmas? Do our modern day traditions of Santa, trees and TV specials blind us from the real history of the holidays? This episode is definitely NSFK - not safe for kids - as we answer… what is the history of Christmas in America? Guests on this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith - a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His latest book, The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, is available now. Brian Earl tells the fascinating stories behind our favourite holiday’s traditions through the popular podcast, Christmas Past. The podcast, one of the longest-running of its kind, delivers holiday cheer with a storytelling style inspired by public radio. Talking points: When did Christmas stop being a religious holiday? The Americanization of Christmas Santa Claus / Father Christmas / Saint Nicolas How Coca-Cola hijacked the holidays Additional resources: PODCAST: Christmas Past by Brian Earl BOOK: Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions by Brian Earl BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith POEM: The Children’s Friend If you love this episode, you might also like: What is the War on Christmas? How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the words of Andy Williams, It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but do we really know why we celebrate Christmas? Do our modern day traditions of Santa, trees and TV specials blind us from the real history of the holidays? This episode is definitely NSFK - not safe for kids - as we answer… what is the history of Christmas in America?

Guests on this episode:

  1. Thomas Ruys Smith - a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. His latest book, The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, is available now.
  2. Brian Earl tells the fascinating stories behind our favourite holiday’s traditions through the popular podcast, Christmas Past. The podcast, one of the longest-running of its kind, delivers holiday cheer with a storytelling style inspired by public radio.


Talking points:

  1. When did Christmas stop being a religious holiday?
  2. The Americanization of Christmas
  3. Santa Claus / Father Christmas / Saint Nicolas
  4. How Coca-Cola hijacked the holidays


Additional resources:

PODCAST: Christmas Past by Brian Earl

BOOK: Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions by Brian Earl

BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith

BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith

POEM: The Children’s Friend


If you love this episode, you might also like:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1950 no Is the President Above the Law? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/is-the-president-above-the-law The Presidency is considered one of the most important jobs in the world, and as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. But where’s the line? How much power is too much power? In this episode, we look at Presidents past and present to figure out… are they really above the law? To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. If you love this episode, you might also enjoy: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 28 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0000 Is the President Above the Law? full 26 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The Presidency is considered one of the most important jobs in the world, and as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. But where’s the line? How much power is too much power? In this episode, we look at Presidents past and present to figure out… are they really above the law? To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. If you like what you hear, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review this podcast. NEWS UPDATE, 20TH DECEMBER 2023: The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled Donald Trump CANNOT run for President in the state due to an insurrection clause in the state's constitution. More info here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-67768873 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Presidency is considered one of the most important jobs in the world, and as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. But where’s the line? How much power is too much power? In this episode, we look at Presidents past and present to figure out… are they really above the law? To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. If you love this episode, you might also enjoy: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Presidency is considered one of the most important jobs in the world, and as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. But where’s the line? How much power is too much power? In this episode, we look at Presidents past and present to figure out… are they really above the law?

To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

If you love this episode, you might also enjoy:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2143 no What is Thanksgiving? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-thanksgiving In America, Thanksgiving is comparable to Christmas on the holiday calendar. It’s when everyone gets together with turkey, football, and the Macy’s parade to be thankful for what they have. But where did this holiday really come from? In this episode we explore the history and the real meaning of America’s favourite holiday as we answer… what is Thanksgiving? Our guest this week is David Silverman, a Professor of history a George Washington University. He specializes in Native American, Colonial American, and American racial history, and his most recent book is This Land is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving. Additional reources: BOOK: This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving by David J. Silverman If you love this episode, you might also enjoy: Why Do Americans Love Halloween? What is Thanksgiving? What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000 What is Thanksgiving? full 25 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In America, Thanksgiving is comparable to Christmas on the holiday calendar. It’s when everyone gets together with turkey, football, and the Macy’s parade to be thankful for what they have. But where did this holiday really come from? In this episode we explore the history and the real meaning of America’s favourite holiday as we answer… what is Thanksgiving? Our guest this week is David Silverman, a Professor of history a George Washington University. He specializes in Native American, Colonial American, and American racial history, and his most recent book is This Land is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving. Additional reources: BOOK: This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving by David J. Silverman If you like the podcast, please show your support and leave a review and rating wherever you're listening. Additionally you can connect with Liam on LinkedIn or X (@thisistheheff) or with UEA's American Studies department on X (@AmericanStudies) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In America, Thanksgiving is comparable to Christmas on the holiday calendar. It’s when everyone gets together with turkey, football, and the Macy’s parade to be thankful for what they have. But where did this holiday really come from? In this episode we explore the history and the real meaning of America’s favourite holiday as we answer… what is Thanksgiving? Our guest this week is David Silverman, a Professor of history a George Washington University. He specializes in Native American, Colonial American, and American racial history, and his most recent book is This Land is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving. Additional reources: BOOK: This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving by David J. Silverman If you love this episode, you might also enjoy: Why Do Americans Love Halloween? What is Thanksgiving? What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In America, Thanksgiving is comparable to Christmas on the holiday calendar. It’s when everyone gets together with turkey, football, and the Macy’s parade to be thankful for what they have. But where did this holiday really come from? In this episode we explore the history and the real meaning of America’s favourite holiday as we answer… what is Thanksgiving?

Our guest this week is David Silverman, a Professor of history a George Washington University. He specializes in Native American, Colonial American, and American racial history, and his most recent book is This Land is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving.

Additional reources:

BOOK: This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving by David J. Silverman


If you love this episode, you might also enjoy:

Why Do Americans Love Halloween?

What is Thanksgiving?

What's the History of Christmas in America?

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2077 no Could Friends BE Any Bigger? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/could-friends-be-any-bigger Insomnia Cafe doesn't sound like the name of one of the most successful TV shows of all time. And yet, this was almost the title for little comedy about 6 new yorkers navigating life, love and work. So in this episode, as we remember the late Matthew Perry, we discuss why it became so huge and what that tells us about America, as we ask... could Friends BE any bigger? Joining the podcast is Dr Rachael McLennan, Senior Lecturer in American Literature and Culture, and Head of School for Art, Media and American Studies at the University of East Anglia. If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 14 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0000 Could Friends BE Any Bigger? full 24 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Insomnia Cafe doesn't sound like the name of one of the most successful TV shows of all time. And yet, this was almost the title for little comedy about 6 new yorkers navigating life, love and work. So in this episode, as we remember the late Matthew Perry, we discuss why it became so huge and what that tells us about America, as we ask... could Friends BE any bigger? Joining the podcast is Dr Rachael McLennan, Senior Lecturer in American Literature and Culture, and Head of School for Art, Media and American Studies at the University of East Anglia. If you enjoy this podcast, please follow wherever you get your podcasts, and let us know you love us on X via @AmericanStudies and @thisistheheff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Insomnia Cafe doesn't sound like the name of one of the most successful TV shows of all time. And yet, this was almost the title for little comedy about 6 new yorkers navigating life, love and work. So in this episode, as we remember the late Matthew Perry, we discuss why it became so huge and what that tells us about America, as we ask... could Friends BE any bigger? Joining the podcast is Dr Rachael McLennan, Senior Lecturer in American Literature and Culture, and Head of School for Art, Media and American Studies at the University of East Anglia. If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Insomnia Cafe doesn't sound like the name of one of the most successful TV shows of all time. And yet, this was almost the title for little comedy about 6 new yorkers navigating life, love and work.

So in this episode, as we remember the late Matthew Perry, we discuss why it became so huge and what that tells us about America, as we ask... could Friends BE any bigger?

Joining the podcast is Dr Rachael McLennan, Senior Lecturer in American Literature and Culture, and Head of School for Art, Media and American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2892 no What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-does-kindred-tell-us-about-plantation-life In 1979, author Octavia Butler published a novel which would become a foundational text in our understanding of slavery. Kindred tells the story of Dana, an African American writer from California, who travels back uncontrollably to early 1800s Maryland to protect her ancestors and ensure her own existence. In this episode, we are going to take a closer look at Kindred, both the book and its recent 2023 TV adaptation, as we answer the question... what does Kindred tell us about plantation life? Guests on this episode: Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience. Dr. Hilary Emmett, an Associate Professor in American Studies at the University of East Anglia. She researches the afterlives of enslavement in literature and visual culture, with a particular interest in the transnational reach of the late, great, Nobel prize winner, Toni Morrison. Additional Resources: BOOK: Kindred (1979) by Octavia E. Butler SERIES: Kindred (2023) BOOK: Closer to Freedom: Enslaved Women & Everyday Resistance in the Plantation South (2004) by Stephanie Camp BOOK: Dispossessed Lives: Enslaved Women, Violence and the Archive (2016) by Marisa J. Fuentes If you love this episode, you might also enjoy: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 07 Nov 2023 08:31:00 -0000 What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? full 23 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In 1979, author Octavia Butler published a novel which would become a foundational text in our understanding of slavery. Kindred tells the story of Dana, an African American writer from California, who travels back uncontrollably to early 1800s Maryland to protect her ancestors and ensure her own existence. In this episode, we are going to take a closer look at Kindred, both the book and its recent 2023 TV adaptation, as we answer the question... what does Kindred tell us about plantation life? Guests on this episode: Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience. Dr. Hilary Emmett, an Associate Professor in American Studies at the University of East Anglia. She researches the afterlives of enslavement in literature and visual culture, with a particular interest in the transnational reach of the late, great, Nobel prize winner, Toni Morrison. Additional Resources: BOOK: Kindred (1979) by Octavia E. Butler SERIES: Kindred (2023) BOOK: Closer to Freedom: Enslaved Women & Everyday Resistance in the Plantation South (2004) by Stephanie Camp BOOK: Dispossessed Lives: Enslaved Women, Violence and the Archive (2016) by Marisa J. Fuentes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In 1979, author Octavia Butler published a novel which would become a foundational text in our understanding of slavery. Kindred tells the story of Dana, an African American writer from California, who travels back uncontrollably to early 1800s Maryland to protect her ancestors and ensure her own existence. In this episode, we are going to take a closer look at Kindred, both the book and its recent 2023 TV adaptation, as we answer the question... what does Kindred tell us about plantation life? Guests on this episode: Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience. Dr. Hilary Emmett, an Associate Professor in American Studies at the University of East Anglia. She researches the afterlives of enslavement in literature and visual culture, with a particular interest in the transnational reach of the late, great, Nobel prize winner, Toni Morrison. Additional Resources: BOOK: Kindred (1979) by Octavia E. Butler SERIES: Kindred (2023) BOOK: Closer to Freedom: Enslaved Women & Everyday Resistance in the Plantation South (2004) by Stephanie Camp BOOK: Dispossessed Lives: Enslaved Women, Violence and the Archive (2016) by Marisa J. Fuentes If you love this episode, you might also enjoy: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In 1979, author Octavia Butler published a novel which would become a foundational text in our understanding of slavery. Kindred tells the story of Dana, an African American writer from California, who travels back uncontrollably to early 1800s Maryland to protect her ancestors and ensure her own existence.

In this episode, we are going to take a closer look at Kindred, both the book and its recent 2023 TV adaptation, as we answer the question... what does Kindred tell us about plantation life?

Guests on this episode:

  1. Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience.
  2. Dr. Hilary Emmett, an Associate Professor in American Studies at the University of East Anglia. She researches the afterlives of enslavement in literature and visual culture, with a particular interest in the transnational reach of the late, great, Nobel prize winner, Toni Morrison.


Additional Resources:

BOOK: Kindred (1979) by Octavia E. Butler

SERIES: Kindred (2023)

BOOK: Closer to Freedom: Enslaved Women & Everyday Resistance in the Plantation South (2004) by Stephanie Camp

BOOK: Dispossessed Lives: Enslaved Women, Violence and the Archive (2016) by Marisa J. Fuentes


If you love this episode, you might also enjoy:

Why Did America Ban Slavery?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

Who is Frederick Douglass?

What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life?

Who is Harriet Tubman?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3006 no Why Do Americans Love Halloween? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-do-americans-love-halloween Halloween has become a distinctly American holiday, but it wasn't always like this. In fact, the roots of this holiday may be frighteningly closer to home than you might think! In this episode, Professor Thomas Ruys Smith returns to the podcast for an unscripted chat about the history of Halloween, and why it managed to proliferate so much in America and become the commercial holiday staple we know and love today. If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Why Do Americans Love Halloween? What is Thanksgiving? What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Oct 2023 06:58:00 -0000 Why Do Americans Love Halloween? full 22 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Halloween has become a distinctly American holiday, but it wasn't always like this. In fact, the roots of this holiday may be frighteningly closer to home than you might think! In this episode, Professor Thomas Ruys Smith returns to the podcast for an unscripted chat about the history of Halloween, and why it managed to proliferate so much in America and become the commercial holiday staple we know and love today. And remember, if you enjoy this podcast please do click follow or subscribe wherever you're listening, and leave us a rating or review. Or alternatively you can give us a shout out on X via @thisistheheff and @AmericanStudies. If you have an episode idea or would like to be a guest on the show, please get in touch and email hello@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Halloween has become a distinctly American holiday, but it wasn't always like this. In fact, the roots of this holiday may be frighteningly closer to home than you might think! In this episode, Professor Thomas Ruys Smith returns to the podcast for an unscripted chat about the history of Halloween, and why it managed to proliferate so much in America and become the commercial holiday staple we know and love today. If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Why Do Americans Love Halloween? What is Thanksgiving? What's the History of Christmas in America? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Halloween has become a distinctly American holiday, but it wasn't always like this. In fact, the roots of this holiday may be frighteningly closer to home than you might think!

In this episode, Professor Thomas Ruys Smith returns to the podcast for an unscripted chat about the history of Halloween, and why it managed to proliferate so much in America and become the commercial holiday staple we know and love today.

If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

Why Do Americans Love Halloween?

What is Thanksgiving?

What's the History of Christmas in America?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1584 no BONUS: 'Twas the Night of All Hallows https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/bonus-twas-the-night-of-all-hallows Ahead of the release of our Halloween special, Professor Thomas Ruys Smith recites a lost poem from 19th century America. This is 'Twas the Night of All Hallows in its full, original glory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:58:00 -0000 BONUS: 'Twas the Night of All Hallows bonus Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Ahead of the release of our Halloween special, Professor Thomas Ruys Smith recites a lost poem from 19th century America. This is 'Twas the Night of All Hallows in its full, original glory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ahead of the release of our Halloween special, Professor Thomas Ruys Smith recites a lost poem from 19th century America. This is 'Twas the Night of All Hallows in its full, original glory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ahead of the release of our Halloween special, Professor Thomas Ruys Smith recites a lost poem from 19th century America.

This is 'Twas the Night of All Hallows in its full, original glory.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 265 no Who is Ed Gein? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-ed-gein You may not have heard the name Ed Gein before, but he's probably your worst nightmare. Otherwise known as the butcher of Plainfield, his crimes inspired some of the most iconic American horror characters of all time, including Norman Bates and Leatherface. So in this episode, we get to know a little more about Eddie - who he was, what he did, and how he became one of the most influential serial killers in American history, as we ask... who is Ed Gein? Guests: Alex James, an American Studies postgraduate student at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in American’s obsession with serial killers and true crime. Harold Schecter, a Professor Emeritus at Queens College, the City University of New York, where he taught American literature for forty-two years. He has published over forty books including ‘Deviant: The True Story of Ed Gein’ and he is a two-time Edgar Award nominee. If you want to know anything about American serial killers, this is the man to speak to. Additional Resources: BOOK: Deviant by Harold Schecter GRAPHIC NOVEL: Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done? By Harold Schecter BOOK: Psycho by Robert Bloch If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Who is Ed Gein? Why Do Americans Love Halloween? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Ed Gein? full 20 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast You may not have heard the name Ed Gein before, but he's probably your worst nightmare. Otherwise known as the butcher of Plainfield, his crimes inspired some of the most iconic American horror characters of all time, including Norman Bates and Leatherface. So in this episode, we get to know a little more about Eddie - who he was, what he did, and how he became one of the most influential serial killers in American history, as we ask... who is Ed Gein? Guests: Alex James, an American Studies postgraduate student at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in American’s obsession with serial killers and true crime. Harold Schecter, a Professor Emeritus at Queens College, the City University of New York, where he taught American literature for forty-two years. He has published over forty books including ‘Deviant: The True Story of Ed Gein’ and he is a two-time Edgar Award nominee. If you want to know anything about American serial killers, this is the man to speak to. Additional Resources: BOOK: Deviant by Harold Schecter GRAPHIC NOVEL: Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done? By Harold Schecter BOOK: Psycho by Robert Bloch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You may not have heard the name Ed Gein before, but he's probably your worst nightmare. Otherwise known as the butcher of Plainfield, his crimes inspired some of the most iconic American horror characters of all time, including Norman Bates and Leatherface. So in this episode, we get to know a little more about Eddie - who he was, what he did, and how he became one of the most influential serial killers in American history, as we ask... who is Ed Gein? Guests: Alex James, an American Studies postgraduate student at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in American’s obsession with serial killers and true crime. Harold Schecter, a Professor Emeritus at Queens College, the City University of New York, where he taught American literature for forty-two years. He has published over forty books including ‘Deviant: The True Story of Ed Gein’ and he is a two-time Edgar Award nominee. If you want to know anything about American serial killers, this is the man to speak to. Additional Resources: BOOK: Deviant by Harold Schecter GRAPHIC NOVEL: Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done? By Harold Schecter BOOK: Psycho by Robert Bloch If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Who is Ed Gein? Why Do Americans Love Halloween? Why Do Americans Love Aliens? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You may not have heard the name Ed Gein before, but he's probably your worst nightmare. Otherwise known as the butcher of Plainfield, his crimes inspired some of the most iconic American horror characters of all time, including Norman Bates and Leatherface.

So in this episode, we get to know a little more about Eddie - who he was, what he did, and how he became one of the most influential serial killers in American history, as we ask... who is Ed Gein?

Guests:

  1. Alex James, an American Studies postgraduate student at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in American’s obsession with serial killers and true crime.
  2. Harold Schecter, a Professor Emeritus at Queens College, the City University of New York, where he taught American literature for forty-two years. He has published over forty books including ‘Deviant: The True Story of Ed Gein’ and he is a two-time Edgar Award nominee. If you want to know anything about American serial killers, this is the man to speak to.


Additional Resources:

BOOK: Deviant by Harold Schecter

GRAPHIC NOVEL: Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done? By Harold Schecter

BOOK: Psycho by Robert Bloch


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

Who is Ed Gein?

Why Do Americans Love Halloween?

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2522 no What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Represent to America? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-challenge-does-black-lives-matter-represent-to-america You might think that the civil rights movement ended in the 1960s, but America is still a deeply divided country. In recent years, thanks to high profile cases of racially motivated police brutality such as George Floyd, Black Lives Matter has become a global movement. So in this episode, we explore what it is, why now, and what this means for the US, as we ask... what challenge does Black Lives Matter represent to America? This week's guest: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Key talking points: The history of Black Lives Matter, from the first raised fist at the 1968 Olympics to the formation of Black Lives Matter in 2013. George Floyd really made BLM a key issue of public interest and garnered worldwide attention, so is Black Lives Matter just an American movement anymore? What does the proliferation of the BLM movement in the last ten years tell us about America? One of the key arguments from the critics of BLM is that all lives matter. So why is Black Lives Matter only about Black Lives? Additional resources: WEBSITE: Black Lives Matter If you enjoy this podcast, you might also like: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 17 Oct 2023 02:00:00 -0000 What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? full 19 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast You might think that the civil rights movement ended in the 1960s, but America is still a deeply divided country. In recent years, thanks to high profile cases of racially motivated police brutality such as George Floyd, Black Lives Matter has become a global movement. So in this episode, we explore what it is, why now, and what this means for the US, as we ask... what challenge does Black Lives Matter represent to America? This week's guest: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Key talking points: The history of Black Lives Matter, from the first raised fist at the 1968 Olympics to the formation of Black Lives Matter in 2013. George Floyd really made BLM a key issue of public interest and garnered worldwide attention, so is Black Lives Matter just an American movement anymore? What does the proliferation of the BLM movement in the last ten years tell us about America? One of the key arguments from the critics of BLM is that all lives matter. So why is Black Lives Matter only about Black Lives? Additional resources: WEBSITE: Black Lives Matter If you like this podcast, please do show your support by liking and following wherever you get your podcasts, and tell your friends by sharing across social media. Additionally, tell us your listening via Twitter/X at @AmericanStudies or @thisistheheff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might think that the civil rights movement ended in the 1960s, but America is still a deeply divided country. In recent years, thanks to high profile cases of racially motivated police brutality such as George Floyd, Black Lives Matter has become a global movement. So in this episode, we explore what it is, why now, and what this means for the US, as we ask... what challenge does Black Lives Matter represent to America? This week's guest: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. Key talking points: The history of Black Lives Matter, from the first raised fist at the 1968 Olympics to the formation of Black Lives Matter in 2013. George Floyd really made BLM a key issue of public interest and garnered worldwide attention, so is Black Lives Matter just an American movement anymore? What does the proliferation of the BLM movement in the last ten years tell us about America? One of the key arguments from the critics of BLM is that all lives matter. So why is Black Lives Matter only about Black Lives? Additional resources: WEBSITE: Black Lives Matter If you enjoy this podcast, you might also like: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You might think that the civil rights movement ended in the 1960s, but America is still a deeply divided country. In recent years, thanks to high profile cases of racially motivated police brutality such as George Floyd, Black Lives Matter has become a global movement.

So in this episode, we explore what it is, why now, and what this means for the US, as we ask... what challenge does Black Lives Matter represent to America?

This week's guest:

  1. Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism.


Key talking points:

  1. The history of Black Lives Matter, from the first raised fist at the 1968 Olympics to the formation of Black Lives Matter in 2013.
  2. George Floyd really made BLM a key issue of public interest and garnered worldwide attention, so is Black Lives Matter just an American movement anymore?
  3. What does the proliferation of the BLM movement in the last ten years tell us about America?
  4. One of the key arguments from the critics of BLM is that all lives matter. So why is Black Lives Matter only about Black Lives?


Additional resources:

WEBSITE: Black Lives Matter


If you enjoy this podcast, you might also like:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1929 no Who is Frederick Douglass? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-frederick-douglass You have probably heard the names Harriet Tubman or Booker T. Washington (not the WWE superstar), but what about Frederick Douglass? As an African American born into slavery, nobody would have suspected this man would grow up to be one of the greatest public speakers of all time. Learning how to read and write by exchanging bread for books with local white children, Frederick Douglass broke out of bondage and became the most photographed person in 19th century America. In this episode celebrating Black History Month 2023, we discuss the life and achievements of an abolitionist, a politician and, most importantly, a free black man in 19th century America, as we ask... who is Frederick Douglass? Guests on this episode: Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience. Tony Phillips, a former undergraduate in American Studies at UEA. He forged a career as a documentary maker at the BBC, later becoming a commissioning editor at BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. He was also Vice President of Content at WNYC Studios in New York, and he’s currently the exec producer on Every Voice with Terrance McKnight for WQXR NY. Key Points of Discussion: Douglass' upbringing as a slave, and his time in Maryland. What Frederick Douglass' can still tell us about the black experience in America today. Douglass the abolitionist and public speaker Post civil-war and his political career Additional Resources: BOOK: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave BOOK: Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom PODCAST: Every Voice with Terence McKnight BOOK: Frederick Douglass by Wililam S. Mcfeely WEBSITE: Frederick Douglass’ Fifth of July Speech If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 10 Oct 2023 04:35:00 -0000 Who is Frederick Douglass? full 18 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast You have probably heard the names Harriet Tubman or Booker T. Washington (not the WWE superstar), but what about Frederick Douglass? As an African American born into slavery, nobody would have suspected this man would grow up to be one of the greatest public speakers of all time. Learning how to read and write by exchanging bread for books with local white children, Frederick Douglass broke out of bondage and became the most photographed person in 19th century America. In this episode celebrating Black History Month 2023, we discuss the life and achievements of an abolitionist, a politician and, most importantly, a free black man in 19th century America, as we ask... who is Frederick Douglass? Guests on this episode: Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience. Tony Phillips, a former undergraduate in American Studies at UEA. He forged a career as a documentary maker at the BBC, later becoming a commissioning editor at BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. He was also Vice President of Content at WNYC Studios in New York, and he’s currently the exec producer on Every Voice with Terrance McKnight for WQXR NY. Key Points of Discussion: Douglass' upbringing as a slave, and his time in Maryland. What Frederick Douglass' can still tell us about the black experience in America today. Douglass the abolitionist and public speaker Post civil-war and his political career Additional Resources: BOOK: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave BOOK: Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom PODCAST: Every Voice with Terence McKnight BOOK: Frederick Douglass by Wililam S. Mcfeely WEBSITE: Frederick Douglass’ Fifth of July Speech If you like the show, please remember to follow, rate and review wherever you get your podcasts, or visit our website. Additionally, get in touch or tweet us at @AmericanStudies or @thisistheheff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You have probably heard the names Harriet Tubman or Booker T. Washington (not the WWE superstar), but what about Frederick Douglass? As an African American born into slavery, nobody would have suspected this man would grow up to be one of the greatest public speakers of all time. Learning how to read and write by exchanging bread for books with local white children, Frederick Douglass broke out of bondage and became the most photographed person in 19th century America. In this episode celebrating Black History Month 2023, we discuss the life and achievements of an abolitionist, a politician and, most importantly, a free black man in 19th century America, as we ask... who is Frederick Douglass? Guests on this episode: Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience. Tony Phillips, a former undergraduate in American Studies at UEA. He forged a career as a documentary maker at the BBC, later becoming a commissioning editor at BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. He was also Vice President of Content at WNYC Studios in New York, and he’s currently the exec producer on Every Voice with Terrance McKnight for WQXR NY. Key Points of Discussion: Douglass' upbringing as a slave, and his time in Maryland. What Frederick Douglass' can still tell us about the black experience in America today. Douglass the abolitionist and public speaker Post civil-war and his political career Additional Resources: BOOK: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave BOOK: Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom PODCAST: Every Voice with Terence McKnight BOOK: Frederick Douglass by Wililam S. Mcfeely WEBSITE: Frederick Douglass’ Fifth of July Speech If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You have probably heard the names Harriet Tubman or Booker T. Washington (not the WWE superstar), but what about Frederick Douglass?

As an African American born into slavery, nobody would have suspected this man would grow up to be one of the greatest public speakers of all time. Learning how to read and write by exchanging bread for books with local white children, Frederick Douglass broke out of bondage and became the most photographed person in 19th century America.

In this episode celebrating Black History Month 2023, we discuss the life and achievements of an abolitionist, a politician and, most importantly, a free black man in 19th century America, as we ask... who is Frederick Douglass?

Guests on this episode:

  1. Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience.
  2. Tony Phillips, a former undergraduate in American Studies at UEA. He forged a career as a documentary maker at the BBC, later becoming a commissioning editor at BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. He was also Vice President of Content at WNYC Studios in New York, and he’s currently the exec producer on Every Voice with Terrance McKnight for WQXR NY.


Key Points of Discussion:

  1. Douglass' upbringing as a slave, and his time in Maryland.
  2. What Frederick Douglass' can still tell us about the black experience in America today.
  3. Douglass the abolitionist and public speaker
  4. Post civil-war and his political career


Additional Resources:

BOOK: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave

BOOK: Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom

PODCAST: Every Voice with Terence McKnight

BOOK: Frederick Douglass by Wililam S. Mcfeely

WEBSITE: Frederick Douglass’ Fifth of July Speech

If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

Why Did America Ban Slavery?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

Who is Frederick Douglass?

What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life?

Who is Harriet Tubman?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2169 no Why is Children's Literature So Political? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-is-childrens-literature-so-political From Huck Finn to Drag Queens, children’s literature has always been a deeply divisive subject. But is this driven by parental overprotectiveness, or political bias? In this episode, to celebrate Banned Books Week 2023, we look at the books and the people who have made headlines for all the wrong reasons, as we ask… why is children’s literature so political? Our guests this week: Professor Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Jonathan Hamilt, Executive Director of Drag Story Hour. Hamilt is the first Executive Director of Drag Story Hour, taking it from a loose string of a few state’s events to a national 501 c 3 with an international chapter network. He has connected the chapter’s organizers and storytellers with each other on a global scale. Since being named Executive Director, Drag Story Hour has presented at Harvard, Yale, SXSW EDU, ABA, and the Medical Library Association. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Drag Story Hour WEBSITE: Banned Books Week If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000 Why is Children's Literature So Political? full 17 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast From Huck Finn to Drag Queens, children’s literature has always been a deeply divisive subject. But is this driven by parental overprotectiveness, or political bias? In this episode, to celebrate Banned Books Week 2023, we look at the books and the people who have made headlines for all the wrong reasons, as we ask… why is children’s literature so political? Our guests this week: Professor Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Jonathan Hamilt, Executive Director of Drag Story Hour. Hamilt is the first Executive Director of Drag Story Hour, taking it from a loose string of a few state’s events to a national 501 c 3 with an international chapter network. He has connected the chapter’s organizers and storytellers with each other on a global scale. Since being named Executive Director, Drag Story Hour has presented at Harvard, Yale, SXSW EDU, ABA, and the Medical Library Association. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Drag Story Hour WEBSITE: Banned Books Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From Huck Finn to Drag Queens, children’s literature has always been a deeply divisive subject. But is this driven by parental overprotectiveness, or political bias? In this episode, to celebrate Banned Books Week 2023, we look at the books and the people who have made headlines for all the wrong reasons, as we ask… why is children’s literature so political? Our guests this week: Professor Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. Jonathan Hamilt, Executive Director of Drag Story Hour. Hamilt is the first Executive Director of Drag Story Hour, taking it from a loose string of a few state’s events to a national 501 c 3 with an international chapter network. He has connected the chapter’s organizers and storytellers with each other on a global scale. Since being named Executive Director, Drag Story Hour has presented at Harvard, Yale, SXSW EDU, ABA, and the Medical Library Association. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Drag Story Hour WEBSITE: Banned Books Week If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From Huck Finn to Drag Queens, children’s literature has always been a deeply divisive subject.

But is this driven by parental overprotectiveness, or political bias?

In this episode, to celebrate Banned Books Week 2023, we look at the books and the people who have made headlines for all the wrong reasons, as we ask… why is children’s literature so political?

Our guests this week:

  1. Professor Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia.
  2. Jonathan Hamilt, Executive Director of Drag Story Hour.


Hamilt is the first Executive Director of Drag Story Hour, taking it from a loose string of a few state’s events to a national 501 c 3 with an international chapter network. He has connected the chapter’s organizers and storytellers with each other on a global scale. Since being named Executive Director, Drag Story Hour has presented at Harvard, Yale, SXSW EDU, ABA, and the Medical Library Association.


Additional Resources:

WEBSITE: Drag Story Hour

WEBSITE: Banned Books Week


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2066 no Who is Ron DeSantis? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-ron-desantis From the war on Disney to the calamitous Presidential campaign launch on Twitter, Ron DeSantis is no stranger to the news, but what do we really know about him? In this episode, we take a closer look at Trump's early challenger for the Republican nomination. Where does he come from? What does he stand for? And what does his meteoric rise through the GOP tell us about politics in America, as we answer the question... who is Ron DeSantis? Returning from the faculty is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Talking Points: DeSantis' rapid rise up the GOP, from a 0.4% victory margin in Florida to Presidential candidate Is he too young and inexperienced to run for President? The Culture Wars DeSantis vs Disney How can DeSantis beat Trump? Staying moderate enough to win the Presidency Additional Resources: WEBSITE: DeSantis for President SOCIAL: DeSantis on Twitter WATCH: Fox News (conservative) coverage of DeSantis READ: New York Times (liberal) coverage of DeSantis READ: BBC Coverage of DeSantis This episode was recorded in July 2023 If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 26 Sep 2023 06:02:00 -0000 Who is Ron DeSantis? full 16 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast From the war on Disney to the calamitous Presidential campaign launch on Twitter, Ron DeSantis is no stranger to the news, but what do we really know about him? In this episode, we take a closer look at Trump's early challenger for the Republican nomination. Where does he come from? What does he stand for? And what does his meteoric rise through the GOP tell us about politics in America, as we answer the question... who is Ron DeSantis? Returning from the faculty is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Talking Points: DeSantis' rapid rise up the GOP, from a 0.4% victory margin in Florida to Presidential candidate Is he too young and inexperienced to run for President? The Culture Wars DeSantis vs Disney How can DeSantis beat Trump? Staying moderate enough to win the Presidency Additional Resources: WEBSITE: DeSantis for President SOCIAL: DeSantis on Twitter WATCH: Fox News (conservative) coverage of DeSantis READ: New York Times (liberal) coverage of DeSantis READ: BBC Coverage of DeSantis This episode was recorded in July 2023 If you enjoy the podcast, please remember to give us a nice rating, leave a review or contact us: you can reach host Liam on Twitter/X via @thisistheheff or the American Studies team via @AmericanStudies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From the war on Disney to the calamitous Presidential campaign launch on Twitter, Ron DeSantis is no stranger to the news, but what do we really know about him? In this episode, we take a closer look at Trump's early challenger for the Republican nomination. Where does he come from? What does he stand for? And what does his meteoric rise through the GOP tell us about politics in America, as we answer the question... who is Ron DeSantis? Returning from the faculty is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Talking Points: DeSantis' rapid rise up the GOP, from a 0.4% victory margin in Florida to Presidential candidate Is he too young and inexperienced to run for President? The Culture Wars DeSantis vs Disney How can DeSantis beat Trump? Staying moderate enough to win the Presidency Additional Resources: WEBSITE: DeSantis for President SOCIAL: DeSantis on Twitter WATCH: Fox News (conservative) coverage of DeSantis READ: New York Times (liberal) coverage of DeSantis READ: BBC Coverage of DeSantis This episode was recorded in July 2023 If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President? Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President? What is a Primary and a Caucus? Who is Ron DeSantis? How Are Presidents Elected? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From the war on Disney to the calamitous Presidential campaign launch on Twitter, Ron DeSantis is no stranger to the news, but what do we really know about him?

In this episode, we take a closer look at Trump's early challenger for the Republican nomination. Where does he come from? What does he stand for? And what does his meteoric rise through the GOP tell us about politics in America, as we answer the question... who is Ron DeSantis?

Returning from the faculty is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

Talking Points:

  1. DeSantis' rapid rise up the GOP, from a 0.4% victory margin in Florida to Presidential candidate
  2. Is he too young and inexperienced to run for President?
  3. The Culture Wars
  4. DeSantis vs Disney
  5. How can DeSantis beat Trump?
  6. Staying moderate enough to win the Presidency


Additional Resources:

WEBSITE: DeSantis for President

SOCIAL: DeSantis on Twitter

WATCH: Fox News (conservative) coverage of DeSantis

READ: New York Times (liberal) coverage of DeSantis

READ: BBC Coverage of DeSantis


This episode was recorded in July 2023


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

What is a Primary and a Caucus?

Who is Ron DeSantis?

How Are Presidents Elected?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3007 no How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-did-slavery-impact-cherokee-nation When you think of slavery, you most likely picture an African American on a white southern plantation, but the roots of slavery extended to Native American communities too. In this episode we take a closer look at Cherokee freedpeople, why emancipation didn't necessarily mean freedom, and the complicated relationship with the federal government as we answer... how did slavery impact Cherokee Nation? Joining the podcast is Dr. Andi Bawden. Her PhD considered Cherokee freedpeople and was interested in questions of race, identity, citizenship and sovereignty in the 19th and 20th centuries. If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 19 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0000 How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? full 15 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast When you think of slavery, you most likely picture an African American on a white southern plantation, but the roots of slavery extended to Native American communities too. In this episode we take a closer look at Cherokee freedpeople, why emancipation didn't necessarily mean freedom, and the complicated relationship with the federal government as we answer... how did slavery impact Cherokee Nation? Joining the podcast is Dr. Andi Bawden. Her PhD considered Cherokee freedpeople and was interested in questions of race, identity, citizenship and sovereignty in the 19th and 20th centuries. If you like this episode, you may also be interested in: How Did the 50 States Become the 50 States? Who Are Native Americans? If you enjoy the podcast, please remember to leave us a rating and review. You can also Tweet/X Liam via @thisistheheff or UEA's American Studies team at @AmericanStudies Alternatively, if you have any episode or guest suggestions, please email hello@podcastsbyliam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you think of slavery, you most likely picture an African American on a white southern plantation, but the roots of slavery extended to Native American communities too. In this episode we take a closer look at Cherokee freedpeople, why emancipation didn't necessarily mean freedom, and the complicated relationship with the federal government as we answer... how did slavery impact Cherokee Nation? Joining the podcast is Dr. Andi Bawden. Her PhD considered Cherokee freedpeople and was interested in questions of race, identity, citizenship and sovereignty in the 19th and 20th centuries. If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you think of slavery, you most likely picture an African American on a white southern plantation, but the roots of slavery extended to Native American communities too.

In this episode we take a closer look at Cherokee freedpeople, why emancipation didn't necessarily mean freedom, and the complicated relationship with the federal government as we answer... how did slavery impact Cherokee Nation?

Joining the podcast is Dr. Andi Bawden. Her PhD considered Cherokee freedpeople and was interested in questions of race, identity, citizenship and sovereignty in the 19th and 20th centuries.

If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1747 no Who is Jimmy Carter? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-is-jimmy-carter From peanut farmer to Nobel Peace Prize winner via the White House, Jimmy Carter is a man driven by his strong faith in God, and a strong desire to succeed. But what exactly did the 39th President achieve, and what will his enduring legacy be? In this episode, we dive a bit deeper in our first Presidential biography as we ask... who is Jimmy Carter? Our guests this week are: Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are ‘Reagan: American Icon’ and ‘FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America’. Daniel K. Williams, a professor of history at the University of West Georgia and the author of several books on religion and politics in the United States, including ‘The Election of the Evangelical: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and the Presidential Contest of 1976’. Additional Resources: READ: Reagan: American Icon READ: FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America READ: The Election of the Evangelical: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and the Presidential Contest of 1976 LISTEN: Presidential - Jimmy Carter: Keeping the Faith LISTEN: American Elections: Wicked Games - 1976, Ford vs Carter: Unimpeachable WEB: The Carter Center If you enjoy this, you may also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 12 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0000 Who is Jimmy Carter? full 14 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast From peanut farmer to Nobel Peace Prize winner via the White House, Jimmy Carter is a man driven by his strong faith in God, and a strong desire to succeed. But what exactly did the 39th President achieve, and what will his enduring legacy be? In this episode, we dive a bit deeper in our first Presidential biography as we ask... who is Jimmy Carter? Our guests this week are: Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are ‘Reagan: American Icon’ and ‘FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America’. Daniel K. Williams, a professor of history at the University of West Georgia and the author of several books on religion and politics in the United States, including ‘The Election of the Evangelical: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and the Presidential Contest of 1976’. Additional Resources: READ: Reagan: American Icon READ: FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America READ: The Election of the Evangelical: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and the Presidential Contest of 1976 LISTEN: Presidential - Jimmy Carter: Keeping the Faith LISTEN: American Elections: Wicked Games - 1976, Ford vs Carter: Unimpeachable WEB: The Carter Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From peanut farmer to Nobel Peace Prize winner via the White House, Jimmy Carter is a man driven by his strong faith in God, and a strong desire to succeed. But what exactly did the 39th President achieve, and what will his enduring legacy be? In this episode, we dive a bit deeper in our first Presidential biography as we ask... who is Jimmy Carter? Our guests this week are: Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are ‘Reagan: American Icon’ and ‘FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America’. Daniel K. Williams, a professor of history at the University of West Georgia and the author of several books on religion and politics in the United States, including ‘The Election of the Evangelical: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and the Presidential Contest of 1976’. Additional Resources: READ: Reagan: American Icon READ: FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America READ: The Election of the Evangelical: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and the Presidential Contest of 1976 LISTEN: Presidential - Jimmy Carter: Keeping the Faith LISTEN: American Elections: Wicked Games - 1976, Ford vs Carter: Unimpeachable WEB: The Carter Center If you enjoy this, you may also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices From peanut farmer to Nobel Peace Prize winner via the White House, Jimmy Carter is a man driven by his strong faith in God, and a strong desire to succeed.

But what exactly did the 39th President achieve, and what will his enduring legacy be? In this episode, we dive a bit deeper in our first Presidential biography as we ask... who is Jimmy Carter?

Our guests this week are:

  1. Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are ‘Reagan: American Icon’ and ‘FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America’.
  2. Daniel K. Williams, a professor of history at the University of West Georgia and the author of several books on religion and politics in the United States, including ‘The Election of the Evangelical: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and the Presidential Contest of 1976’.


Additional Resources:

READ: Reagan: American Icon

READ: FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America

READ: The Election of the Evangelical: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and the Presidential Contest of 1976

LISTEN: Presidential - Jimmy Carter: Keeping the Faith

LISTEN: American Elections: Wicked Games - 1976, Ford vs Carter: Unimpeachable

WEB: The Carter Center


If you enjoy this, you may also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1916 no What is the American Dream? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-american-dream The American Dream has come to define what every American should reach for. You'll hear it in almost every Presidential campaign speech, you'll read about it in every American novel, and you'll see it depicted in every classic American painting (basically anything by Edward Hopper), but do we even know what it is? Is it the same for everyone? And how can you get it? In this episode we are going to take a closer look and figure out if there's any actual reality to this Dream, or if it's one big PR scam, as we answer the question... what is the American Dream? Joining me on the podcast for the first time, but hopefully not the last, is Christopher Bigsby, an emeritus professor at the University of East Anglia. He has published more than sixty books, co-written radio and television plays, and published a number of novels, as well as a biography of Arthur Miller. Points of Discussion: The first use of the American Dream and its popularization through works such as The Great Gatsby Is the American Dream really just the Caucasian Dream? We discuss the intent behind the American Dream, and its applicability to non-white, non-males. If you want to achieve the American Dream, is it more complicated than just buying some land and a gun? Additional Resources: BOOK: The Epic of America by James Truslow Adams SONG: Only in America by Jay & the Americans PLAY: The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O’Neill BOOK: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck BOOK: Who Are We? by Samuel P. Huntington Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 05 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0000 What is the American Dream? full 13 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The American Dream has come to define what every American should reach for. You'll hear it in almost every Presidential campaign speech, you'll read about it in every American novel, and you'll see it depicted in every classic American painting (basically anything by Edward Hopper), but do we even know what it is? Is it the same for everyone? And how can you get it? In this episode we are going to take a closer look and figure out if there's any actual reality to this Dream, or if it's one big PR scam, as we answer the question... what is the American Dream? Joining me on the podcast for the first time, but hopefully not the last, is Christopher Bigsby, an emeritus professor at the University of East Anglia. He has published more than sixty books, co-written radio and television plays, and published a number of novels, as well as a biography of Arthur Miller. Points of Discussion: The first use of the American Dream and its popularization through works such as The Great Gatsby Is the American Dream really just the Caucasian Dream? We discuss the intent behind the American Dream, and its applicability to non-white, non-males. If you want to achieve the American Dream, is it more complicated than just buying some land and a gun? Additional Resources: BOOK: The Epic of America by James Truslow Adams SONG: Only in America by Jay & the Americans PLAY: The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O’Neill BOOK: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck BOOK: Who Are We? by Samuel P. Huntington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The American Dream has come to define what every American should reach for. You'll hear it in almost every Presidential campaign speech, you'll read about it in every American novel, and you'll see it depicted in every classic American painting (basically anything by Edward Hopper), but do we even know what it is? Is it the same for everyone? And how can you get it? In this episode we are going to take a closer look and figure out if there's any actual reality to this Dream, or if it's one big PR scam, as we answer the question... what is the American Dream? Joining me on the podcast for the first time, but hopefully not the last, is Christopher Bigsby, an emeritus professor at the University of East Anglia. He has published more than sixty books, co-written radio and television plays, and published a number of novels, as well as a biography of Arthur Miller. Points of Discussion: The first use of the American Dream and its popularization through works such as The Great Gatsby Is the American Dream really just the Caucasian Dream? We discuss the intent behind the American Dream, and its applicability to non-white, non-males. If you want to achieve the American Dream, is it more complicated than just buying some land and a gun? Additional Resources: BOOK: The Epic of America by James Truslow Adams SONG: Only in America by Jay & the Americans PLAY: The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O’Neill BOOK: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck BOOK: Who Are We? by Samuel P. Huntington Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The American Dream has come to define what every American should reach for. You'll hear it in almost every Presidential campaign speech, you'll read about it in every American novel, and you'll see it depicted in every classic American painting (basically anything by Edward Hopper), but do we even know what it is? Is it the same for everyone? And how can you get it?

In this episode we are going to take a closer look and figure out if there's any actual reality to this Dream, or if it's one big PR scam, as we answer the question... what is the American Dream?

Joining me on the podcast for the first time, but hopefully not the last, is Christopher Bigsby, an emeritus professor at the University of East Anglia. He has published more than sixty books, co-written radio and television plays, and published a number of novels, as well as a biography of Arthur Miller.

Points of Discussion:

  1. The first use of the American Dream and its popularization through works such as The Great Gatsby
  2. Is the American Dream really just the Caucasian Dream? We discuss the intent behind the American Dream, and its applicability to non-white, non-males.
  3. If you want to achieve the American Dream, is it more complicated than just buying some land and a gun?


Additional Resources:

BOOK: The Epic of America by James Truslow Adams

SONG: Only in America by Jay & the Americans

PLAY: The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O’Neill

BOOK: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

BOOK: Who Are We? by Samuel P. Huntington


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2343 no Why Are Guns Still Legal? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-are-guns-still-legal On average, there is at least one mass shooting in America every single day. News of the latest school shooting has become a regular occurrence, as gun crime in America draws attention not just domestically, but around the world. Gun violence is an epidemic that shows no signs of stopping, but why? Why is banning guns so controversial? Who is standing in the way? And why would anyone still be in support of gun ownership? In this episode, we discuss an issue that continues to plague and divide America, as we figure out... why are guns still legal? Returning to the podcast from the faculty is Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Our special guest is Chris Marvin, a retired Army officer, Black Hawk helicopter pilot, and a combat-wounded veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Today he serves as the veteran lead for the nation’s largest gun violence prevention organization, Everytown for Gun Safety. He is also an expert on gun suicide prevention, and he is currently producing a documentary exploring American gun culture. Chris shares his insights as he continues the fight to end gun violence, and prevent guns from being the single biggest killer of children in the US. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Everytown for Gun Safety ARTICLE: Gun Violence a Major and Growing National Problem by Pew Research Center If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 29 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0000 Why Are Guns Still Legal? full 12 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast On average, there is at least one mass shooting in America every single day. News of the latest school shooting has become a regular occurrence, as gun crime in America draws attention not just domestically, but around the world. Gun violence is an epidemic that shows no signs of stopping, but why? Why is banning guns so controversial? Who is standing in the way? And why would anyone still be in support of gun ownership? In this episode, we discuss an issue that continues to plague and divide America, as we figure out... why are guns still legal? Returning to the podcast from the faculty is Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Our special guest is Chris Marvin, a retired Army officer, Black Hawk helicopter pilot, and a combat-wounded veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Today he serves as the veteran lead for the nation’s largest gun violence prevention organization, Everytown for Gun Safety. He is also an expert on gun suicide prevention, and he is currently producing a documentary exploring American gun culture. Chris shares his insights as he continues the fight to end gun violence, and prevent guns from being the single biggest killer of children in the US. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Everytown for Gun Safety ARTICLE: Gun Violence a Major and Growing National Problem by Pew Research Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On average, there is at least one mass shooting in America every single day. News of the latest school shooting has become a regular occurrence, as gun crime in America draws attention not just domestically, but around the world. Gun violence is an epidemic that shows no signs of stopping, but why? Why is banning guns so controversial? Who is standing in the way? And why would anyone still be in support of gun ownership? In this episode, we discuss an issue that continues to plague and divide America, as we figure out... why are guns still legal? Returning to the podcast from the faculty is Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Our special guest is Chris Marvin, a retired Army officer, Black Hawk helicopter pilot, and a combat-wounded veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Today he serves as the veteran lead for the nation’s largest gun violence prevention organization, Everytown for Gun Safety. He is also an expert on gun suicide prevention, and he is currently producing a documentary exploring American gun culture. Chris shares his insights as he continues the fight to end gun violence, and prevent guns from being the single biggest killer of children in the US. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Everytown for Gun Safety ARTICLE: Gun Violence a Major and Growing National Problem by Pew Research Center If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On average, there is at least one mass shooting in America every single day.

News of the latest school shooting has become a regular occurrence, as gun crime in America draws attention not just domestically, but around the world.

Gun violence is an epidemic that shows no signs of stopping, but why? Why is banning guns so controversial? Who is standing in the way? And why would anyone still be in support of gun ownership? In this episode, we discuss an issue that continues to plague and divide America, as we figure out... why are guns still legal?

Returning to the podcast from the faculty is Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

Our special guest is Chris Marvin, a retired Army officer, Black Hawk helicopter pilot, and a combat-wounded veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Today he serves as the veteran lead for the nation’s largest gun violence prevention organization, Everytown for Gun Safety. He is also an expert on gun suicide prevention, and he is currently producing a documentary exploring American gun culture.

Chris shares his insights as he continues the fight to end gun violence, and prevent guns from being the single biggest killer of children in the US.

Additional Resources:

WEBSITE: Everytown for Gun Safety

ARTICLE: Gun Violence a Major and Growing National Problem by Pew Research Center


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2052 no What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-do-we-get-wrong-about-the-civil-rights-movement When you think of the Civil Rights Movement, you probably think of Martin Luther King, the back of the bus, or maybe even the Klu Klux Klan. Over time, the battle for civil rights in America has been simplified, tweaked, even fabricated. So in this episode we take a closer look at a struggle which has torn apart, reshaped and defined the United States of America as we ask... what do we get wrong about the Civil Rights Movement? Joining from the faculty is Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. We also have the pleasure of being joined on this episode by Gary Younge, an award-winning author, broadcaster and professor of sociology at the University of Manchester. His books include The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream, and he is one of the most highly regarded voices on global civil rights. Connect with Gary Younge: Visit his website Follow on X Additional Resources: BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant BOOK: The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream by Gary Younge WEBSITE: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) BOOK: Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision by Barbara Ransbury BOOK: Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Women Who Started It: The Memoir of Jo Ann Gibson Robinson If you enjoy this episode, you may also like: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 22 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0000 What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? full 11 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast When you think of the Civil Rights Movement, you probably think of Martin Luther King, the back of the bus, or maybe even the Klu Klux Klan. Over time, the battle for civil rights in America has been simplified, tweaked, even fabricated. So in this episode we take a closer look at a struggle which has torn apart, reshaped and defined the United States of America as we ask... what do we get wrong about the Civil Rights Movement? Joining from the faculty is Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. We also have the pleasure of being joined on this episode by Gary Younge, an award-winning author, broadcaster and professor of sociology at the University of Manchester. His books include The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream, and he is one of the most highly regarded voices on global civil rights. Connect with Gary Younge: Visit his website Follow on X Additional Resources: BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant BOOK: The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream by Gary Younge WEBSITE: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) BOOK: Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision by Barbara Ransbury BOOK: Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Women Who Started It: The Memoir of Jo Ann Gibson Robinson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you think of the Civil Rights Movement, you probably think of Martin Luther King, the back of the bus, or maybe even the Klu Klux Klan. Over time, the battle for civil rights in America has been simplified, tweaked, even fabricated. So in this episode we take a closer look at a struggle which has torn apart, reshaped and defined the United States of America as we ask... what do we get wrong about the Civil Rights Movement? Joining from the faculty is Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism. We also have the pleasure of being joined on this episode by Gary Younge, an award-winning author, broadcaster and professor of sociology at the University of Manchester. His books include The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream, and he is one of the most highly regarded voices on global civil rights. Connect with Gary Younge: Visit his website Follow on X Additional Resources: BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant BOOK: The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream by Gary Younge WEBSITE: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) BOOK: Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision by Barbara Ransbury BOOK: Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Women Who Started It: The Memoir of Jo Ann Gibson Robinson If you enjoy this episode, you may also like: What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement? What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America? What is the Civil Rights Act? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you think of the Civil Rights Movement, you probably think of Martin Luther King, the back of the bus, or maybe even the Klu Klux Klan. Over time, the battle for civil rights in America has been simplified, tweaked, even fabricated. So in this episode we take a closer look at a struggle which has torn apart, reshaped and defined the United States of America as we ask... what do we get wrong about the Civil Rights Movement?

Joining from the faculty is Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism.

We also have the pleasure of being joined on this episode by Gary Younge, an award-winning author, broadcaster and professor of sociology at the University of Manchester. His books include The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream, and he is one of the most highly regarded voices on global civil rights.

Connect with Gary Younge:

Visit his website

Follow on X


Additional Resources:

BOOK: Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960 by Nicholas Grant

BOOK: The Speech: The Story Behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream by Gary Younge

WEBSITE: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

BOOK: Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision by Barbara Ransbury

BOOK: Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Women Who Started It: The Memoir of Jo Ann Gibson Robinson


If you enjoy this episode, you may also like:

What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

What is the Civil Rights Act?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2465 no What Makes the Super Bowl so Super? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-makes-the-super-bowl-so-super The Super Bowl has evolved from just an American football game to an annual entertainment spectacle. But how did the Super Bowl manage to live up to its name so much? Why is football so deeply rooted in American life? And what does America's love of sport tell us about their national identity? In this episode, we explore how a national sport became a multi-billion dollar economy as we answer the question… what makes the Super Bowl so super? From the faculty this week, and making his professional debut on the podcast, is Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. And our special guest is a guy who, to many NFL podcast fans, will be a very recognisable voice. Robert Mays is the host of The Athletic Football Show and all-round expert of the sport. Additional Resources: PODCAST: The Athletic Football Show WEBSITE: NFL Website BOOK: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Makes the Super Bowl so Super? When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 15 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0000 What Makes the Super Bowl so Super? full 10 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The Super Bowl has evolved from just an American football game to an annual entertainment spectacle. But how did the Super Bowl manage to live up to its name so much? Why is football so deeply rooted in American life? And what does America's love of sport tell us about their national identity? In this episode, we explore how a national sport became a multi-billion dollar economy as we answer the question… what makes the Super Bowl so super? From the faculty this week, and making his professional debut on the podcast, is Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. And our special guest is a guy who, to many NFL podcast fans, will be a very recognisable voice. Robert Mays is the host of The Athletic Football Show and all-round expert of the sport. Additional Resources: PODCAST: The Athletic Football Show WEBSITE: NFL Website BOOK: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Super Bowl has evolved from just an American football game to an annual entertainment spectacle. But how did the Super Bowl manage to live up to its name so much? Why is football so deeply rooted in American life? And what does America's love of sport tell us about their national identity? In this episode, we explore how a national sport became a multi-billion dollar economy as we answer the question… what makes the Super Bowl so super? From the faculty this week, and making his professional debut on the podcast, is Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia. And our special guest is a guy who, to many NFL podcast fans, will be a very recognisable voice. Robert Mays is the host of The Athletic Football Show and all-round expert of the sport. Additional Resources: PODCAST: The Athletic Football Show WEBSITE: NFL Website BOOK: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Makes the Super Bowl so Super? When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Super Bowl has evolved from just an American football game to an annual entertainment spectacle. But how did the Super Bowl manage to live up to its name so much?

Why is football so deeply rooted in American life?

And what does America's love of sport tell us about their national identity?

In this episode, we explore how a national sport became a multi-billion dollar economy as we answer the question… what makes the Super Bowl so super?

From the faculty this week, and making his professional debut on the podcast, is Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia.

And our special guest is a guy who, to many NFL podcast fans, will be a very recognisable voice. Robert Mays is the host of The Athletic Football Show and all-round expert of the sport.

Additional Resources:

PODCAST: The Athletic Football Show

WEBSITE: NFL Website

BOOK: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

What Makes the Super Bowl so Super?

When Did the USA Last Host the Olympics?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

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]]> 1952 no Who Are Native Americans? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/who-are-native-americans When you think of US history, do Native Americans come to mind? In this episode, we begin our journey into the history of indigenous people of North America, their complicated relationship with the US federal government, and their ongoing fight to protect the land they call home, as we answer the question... who are Native Americans? Returning from the faculty today is Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia. And our special guest is Stephanie Pratt, who was appointed as the first Cultural Ambassador for the Crow Creek Dakota Tribal Council, where she is an enrolled member. She is also a highly respected academic who has published extensively on the visual and museum representations made of Indigenous American peoples from early contact to the present day. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Edward S. Curtis Gallery BOOK: Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota by Gwen Westerman & Bruce White FILM: We Shall Remain If you enjoy this episode, you may also like: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 08 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0000 Who Are Native Americans? full 9 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast When you think of US history, do Native Americans come to mind? In this episode, we begin our journey into the history of indigenous people of North America, their complicated relationship with the US federal government, and their ongoing fight to protect the land they call home, as we answer the question... who are Native Americans? Returning from the faculty today is Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia. And our special guest is Stephanie Pratt, who was appointed as the first Cultural Ambassador for the Crow Creek Dakota Tribal Council, where she is an enrolled member. She is also a highly respected academic who has published extensively on the visual and museum representations made of Indigenous American peoples from early contact to the present day. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Edward S. Curtis Gallery BOOK: Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota by Gwen Westerman & Bruce White FILM: We Shall Remain Please remember to follow and share wherever you're listening to this podcast, and connect with us on twitter via @thisistheheff or @AmericanStudies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you think of US history, do Native Americans come to mind? In this episode, we begin our journey into the history of indigenous people of North America, their complicated relationship with the US federal government, and their ongoing fight to protect the land they call home, as we answer the question... who are Native Americans? Returning from the faculty today is Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia. And our special guest is Stephanie Pratt, who was appointed as the first Cultural Ambassador for the Crow Creek Dakota Tribal Council, where she is an enrolled member. She is also a highly respected academic who has published extensively on the visual and museum representations made of Indigenous American peoples from early contact to the present day. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: Edward S. Curtis Gallery BOOK: Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota by Gwen Westerman & Bruce White FILM: We Shall Remain If you enjoy this episode, you may also like: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When you think of US history, do Native Americans come to mind?

In this episode, we begin our journey into the history of indigenous people of North America, their complicated relationship with the US federal government, and their ongoing fight to protect the land they call home, as we answer the question... who are Native Americans?

Returning from the faculty today is Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia.

And our special guest is Stephanie Pratt, who was appointed as the first Cultural Ambassador for the Crow Creek Dakota Tribal Council, where she is an enrolled member. She is also a highly respected academic who has published extensively on the visual and museum representations made of Indigenous American peoples from early contact to the present day.

Additional Resources:

WEBSITE: Edward S. Curtis Gallery

BOOK: Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota by Gwen Westerman & Bruce White

FILM: We Shall Remain


If you enjoy this episode, you may also like:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2228 no What is the Supreme Court? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-supreme-court The US Supreme Court is not averse to grabbing headlines. It caused a major recent controversy for overturning Roe v Wade in 2022. The decisions made by the Supreme Court set precedence and define the US legal landscape. However, the small group of justices are comprised of individuals nominated by the President. In this episode we're going to look at the politics of the Supreme Court - who are the justices and what power do they really have - as we find out... what exactly is the Supreme Court? Joining from the faculty this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: The Supreme Court Official Website WEBSITE: SCOTUSblog If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 01 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0000 What is the Supreme Court? full 8 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The US Supreme Court is not averse to grabbing headlines. It caused a major recent controversy for overturning Roe v Wade in 2022. The decisions made by the Supreme Court set precedence and define the US legal landscape. However, the small group of justices are comprised of individuals nominated by the President. In this episode we're going to look at the politics of the Supreme Court - who are the justices and what power do they really have - as we find out... what exactly is the Supreme Court? Joining from the faculty this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: The Supreme Court Official Website WEBSITE: SCOTUSblog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The US Supreme Court is not averse to grabbing headlines. It caused a major recent controversy for overturning Roe v Wade in 2022. The decisions made by the Supreme Court set precedence and define the US legal landscape. However, the small group of justices are comprised of individuals nominated by the President. In this episode we're going to look at the politics of the Supreme Court - who are the justices and what power do they really have - as we find out... what exactly is the Supreme Court? Joining from the faculty this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Additional Resources: WEBSITE: The Supreme Court Official Website WEBSITE: SCOTUSblog If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The US Supreme Court is not averse to grabbing headlines. It caused a major recent controversy for overturning Roe v Wade in 2022. The decisions made by the Supreme Court set precedence and define the US legal landscape. However, the small group of justices are comprised of individuals nominated by the President.

In this episode we're going to look at the politics of the Supreme Court - who are the justices and what power do they really have - as we find out... what exactly is the Supreme Court?

Joining from the faculty this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

Additional Resources:

WEBSITE: The Supreme Court Official Website

WEBSITE: SCOTUSblog


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1764 no How Did the 50 States Become the 50 States? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-did-the-50-states-become-the-50-states Over the past 250 years, the United States of America have grown from 13 founding colonies to 50 states and multiple territories, but what does it take to become a state? Why is expansionism so important? And what about Native Americans? In this episode, we explore how colonialism created a blueprint for modern America as we answer the question... how did the 50 states become the 50 states? We're joined on this episode by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation. Additional Resources: BOOK: The Invasion of America by Francis Jennings PAMPHLET: Common Sense by Thomas Paine If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 25 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000 How Did the 50 States Become the 50 States? full 7 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Over the past 250 years, the United States of America have grown from 13 founding colonies to 50 states and multiple territories, but what does it take to become a state? Why is expansionism so important? And what about Native Americans? In this episode, we explore how colonialism created a blueprint for modern America as we answer the question... how did the 50 states become the 50 states? We're joined on this episode by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation. Additional Resources: BOOK: The Invasion of America by Francis Jennings PAMPHLET: Common Sense by Thomas Paine Please share this podcast with friends, colleagues or peers, and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us. Alternatively, you can tweet us at @AmericanStudies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the past 250 years, the United States of America have grown from 13 founding colonies to 50 states and multiple territories, but what does it take to become a state? Why is expansionism so important? And what about Native Americans? In this episode, we explore how colonialism created a blueprint for modern America as we answer the question... how did the 50 states become the 50 states? We're joined on this episode by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation. Additional Resources: BOOK: The Invasion of America by Francis Jennings PAMPHLET: Common Sense by Thomas Paine If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Who Are Native Americans? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? What is Thanksgiving? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Over the past 250 years, the United States of America have grown from 13 founding colonies to 50 states and multiple territories, but what does it take to become a state?

Why is expansionism so important?

And what about Native Americans?

In this episode, we explore how colonialism created a blueprint for modern America as we answer the question... how did the 50 states become the 50 states?

We're joined on this episode by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation.

Additional Resources:

BOOK: The Invasion of America by Francis Jennings

PAMPHLET: Common Sense by Thomas Paine


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1855 no How Accurate is Forrest Gump? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-accurate-is-forrest-gump In the mid 1980s, author Winston Groom published a story which would, thanks to its Oscar-winning Hollywood adaptation, come to be a quintessential American tale. Forrest Gump's life zigzags around some of the most important moments in 20th century American history. But where's the line between fact and fiction? In this episode we dive into a modern classic and do a bit of fact-checking to answer the question... how accurate is Forrest Gump? Joining me from the faculty today is Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality. See Jon's full bio Additional Resources: BOOK: Forrest Gump (1986) by Winston Groom MOVIE: Forrest Gump (1994) BOOK: Revisions of the American Adam: Innocence, Identity And Masculinity In Twentieth Century America (Continuum Literary Studies) by Jon Mitchell If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 18 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0000 How Accurate is Forrest Gump? full 6 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In the mid 1980s, author Winston Groom published a story which would, thanks to its Oscar-winning Hollywood adaptation, come to be a quintessential American tale. Forrest Gump's life zigzags around some of the most important moments in 20th century American history. But where's the line between fact and fiction? In this episode we dive into a modern classic and do a bit of fact-checking to answer the question... how accurate is Forrest Gump? Joining me from the faculty today is Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality. See Jon's full bio Additional Resources: BOOK: Forrest Gump (1986) by Winston Groom MOVIE: Forrest Gump (1994) BOOK: Revisions of the American Adam: Innocence, Identity And Masculinity In Twentieth Century America (Continuum Literary Studies) by Jon Mitchell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the mid 1980s, author Winston Groom published a story which would, thanks to its Oscar-winning Hollywood adaptation, come to be a quintessential American tale. Forrest Gump's life zigzags around some of the most important moments in 20th century American history. But where's the line between fact and fiction? In this episode we dive into a modern classic and do a bit of fact-checking to answer the question... how accurate is Forrest Gump? Joining me from the faculty today is Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality. See Jon's full bio Additional Resources: BOOK: Forrest Gump (1986) by Winston Groom MOVIE: Forrest Gump (1994) BOOK: Revisions of the American Adam: Innocence, Identity And Masculinity In Twentieth Century America (Continuum Literary Studies) by Jon Mitchell If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Makes Country Music so American? Are the Oscars Still Relevant? Why Does Everyone Love Disney? Could Friends BE Any Bigger? How Accurate is Forrest Gump? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the mid 1980s, author Winston Groom published a story which would, thanks to its Oscar-winning Hollywood adaptation, come to be a quintessential American tale.

Forrest Gump's life zigzags around some of the most important moments in 20th century American history. But where's the line between fact and fiction?

In this episode we dive into a modern classic and do a bit of fact-checking to answer the question... how accurate is Forrest Gump?

Joining me from the faculty today is Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality.

See Jon's full bio

Additional Resources:

BOOK: Forrest Gump (1986) by Winston Groom

MOVIE: Forrest Gump (1994)

BOOK: Revisions of the American Adam: Innocence, Identity And Masculinity In Twentieth Century America (Continuum Literary Studies) by Jon Mitchell


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1734 no How Are Presidents Elected? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/how-are-presidents-elected The President of the United States is arguably the most high profile head of state, and not an easy job to win. But what does it actually take to get to the White House? How is it possible for someone to lose the national vote and still win the election? And how is it that America's democratically elected Presidents can be as divisive as Donald Trump, or as scandalous as Richard Nixon? In this episode, we take a closer look at the election process - how it works, who can run, and why certain people seem to find it much easier to win, as we answer the question... how are Presidents elected? Joining in from the faculty this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. We’re also joined by Jon Sopel, the former BBC North America Editor and author of three books about the Trump presidency, including the bestseller ‘If Only They Didn’t Speak English’. He has been at the forefront of BBC coverage of the last five presidential elections, and he now hosts daily podcast ‘The News Agents’ and spin-off show 'The News Agents USA' akongside Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall. Additional resources: BOOK: If Only They Didn’t Speak English by Jon Sopel PODCAST: Presidential PODCAST: Wicked Games WEBSITE: The Living Room Candidate If you enjoy this, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 11 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0000 How Are Presidents Elected? full 5 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The President of the United States is arguably the most high profile head of state, and not an easy job to win. But what does it actually take to get to the White House? How is it possible for someone to lose the national vote and still win the election? And how is it that America's democratically elected Presidents can be as divisive as Donald Trump, or as scandalous as Richard Nixon? In this episode, we take a closer look at the election process - how it works, who can run, and why certain people seem to find it much easier to win, as we answer the question... how are Presidents elected? Joining in from the faculty this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. We’re also joined by Jon Sopel, the former BBC North America Editor and author of three books about the Trump presidency, including the bestseller ‘If Only They Didn’t Speak English’. He has been at the forefront of BBC coverage of the last five presidential elections, and he now hosts daily podcast ‘The News Agents’ and spin-off show 'The News Agents USA' akongside Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall. Additional resources: BOOK: If Only They Didn’t Speak English by Jon Sopel PODCAST: Presidential PODCAST: Wicked Games WEBSITE: The Living Room Candidate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The President of the United States is arguably the most high profile head of state, and not an easy job to win. But what does it actually take to get to the White House? How is it possible for someone to lose the national vote and still win the election? And how is it that America's democratically elected Presidents can be as divisive as Donald Trump, or as scandalous as Richard Nixon? In this episode, we take a closer look at the election process - how it works, who can run, and why certain people seem to find it much easier to win, as we answer the question... how are Presidents elected? Joining in from the faculty this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. We’re also joined by Jon Sopel, the former BBC North America Editor and author of three books about the Trump presidency, including the bestseller ‘If Only They Didn’t Speak English’. He has been at the forefront of BBC coverage of the last five presidential elections, and he now hosts daily podcast ‘The News Agents’ and spin-off show 'The News Agents USA' akongside Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall. Additional resources: BOOK: If Only They Didn’t Speak English by Jon Sopel PODCAST: Presidential PODCAST: Wicked Games WEBSITE: The Living Room Candidate If you enjoy this, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The President of the United States is arguably the most high profile head of state, and not an easy job to win. But what does it actually take to get to the White House? How is it possible for someone to lose the national vote and still win the election? And how is it that America's democratically elected Presidents can be as divisive as Donald Trump, or as scandalous as Richard Nixon?

In this episode, we take a closer look at the election process - how it works, who can run, and why certain people seem to find it much easier to win, as we answer the question... how are Presidents elected?

Joining in from the faculty this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

We’re also joined by Jon Sopel, the former BBC North America Editor and author of three books about the Trump presidency, including the bestseller ‘If Only They Didn’t Speak English’. He has been at the forefront of BBC coverage of the last five presidential elections, and he now hosts daily podcast ‘The News Agents’ and spin-off show 'The News Agents USA' akongside Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall.

Additional resources:

BOOK: If Only They Didn’t Speak English by Jon Sopel

PODCAST: Presidential

PODCAST: Wicked Games

WEBSITE: The Living Room Candidate


If you enjoy this, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2858 no Why Did America Ban Slavery? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/why-did-america-ban-slavery It's almost impossible to talk about American history without looking at slavery. The slave trade and slavery became one of the economic foundations of the US throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, but a growing anti-slavery movement created a huge political divide which ultimately led to the American Civil War. Today, it's hard to imagine why anyone would risk their life to preserve the institution of slavery, so in this episode we are going to take a closer look at those people and their reasons. Who supported slavery? What was in it for them? And ultimately... why did America ban slavery? Joining the podcast this week is Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience. Additional Resources: NOVEL: Colson Whitehead, The Underground Railroad (2016) TV Adaptation The Underground Railroad, Dir., Barry Jenkins, 2021 on Amazon Prime NOVEL: Toni Morrison, Beloved, (1987) NOVEL: Yaa Gysai, Homegoing (2016) FILM: Harriet, Dir., Kasi Lemmons (2019) FILM: 12 Years a Slave, Dir., Steve McQueen (2013) BOOK: Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, eds., Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019. London: Penguin, 2021. BOOK: Marcus Rediker, The Slave Ship: A Human History. London: John Murray 2008. If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Jul 2023 01:00:00 -0000 Why Did America Ban Slavery? full 4 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast It's almost impossible to talk about American history without looking at slavery. The slave trade and slavery became one of the economic foundations of the US throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, but a growing anti-slavery movement created a huge political divide which ultimately led to the American Civil War. Today, it's hard to imagine why anyone would risk their life to preserve the institution of slavery, so in this episode we are going to take a closer look at those people and their reasons. Who supported slavery? What was in it for them? And ultimately... why did America ban slavery? Joining the podcast this week is Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience. Additional Resources: NOVEL: Colson Whitehead, The Underground Railroad (2016) TV Adaptation The Underground Railroad, Dir., Barry Jenkins, 2021 on Amazon Prime NOVEL: Toni Morrison, Beloved, (1987) NOVEL: Yaa Gysai, Homegoing (2016) FILM: Harriet, Dir., Kasi Lemmons (2019) FILM: 12 Years a Slave, Dir., Steve McQueen (2013) BOOK: Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, eds., Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019. London: Penguin, 2021. BOOK: Marcus Rediker, The Slave Ship: A Human History. London: John Murray 2008. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's almost impossible to talk about American history without looking at slavery. The slave trade and slavery became one of the economic foundations of the US throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, but a growing anti-slavery movement created a huge political divide which ultimately led to the American Civil War. Today, it's hard to imagine why anyone would risk their life to preserve the institution of slavery, so in this episode we are going to take a closer look at those people and their reasons. Who supported slavery? What was in it for them? And ultimately... why did America ban slavery? Joining the podcast this week is Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience. Additional Resources: NOVEL: Colson Whitehead, The Underground Railroad (2016) TV Adaptation The Underground Railroad, Dir., Barry Jenkins, 2021 on Amazon Prime NOVEL: Toni Morrison, Beloved, (1987) NOVEL: Yaa Gysai, Homegoing (2016) FILM: Harriet, Dir., Kasi Lemmons (2019) FILM: 12 Years a Slave, Dir., Steve McQueen (2013) BOOK: Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, eds., Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019. London: Penguin, 2021. BOOK: Marcus Rediker, The Slave Ship: A Human History. London: John Murray 2008. If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Why Did America Ban Slavery? How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation? Who is Frederick Douglass? What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life? Who is Harriet Tubman? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It's almost impossible to talk about American history without looking at slavery. The slave trade and slavery became one of the economic foundations of the US throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, but a growing anti-slavery movement created a huge political divide which ultimately led to the American Civil War.

Today, it's hard to imagine why anyone would risk their life to preserve the institution of slavery, so in this episode we are going to take a closer look at those people and their reasons. Who supported slavery? What was in it for them? And ultimately... why did America ban slavery?

Joining the podcast this week is Dr. Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America with a particular interest in the history of African Americans, especially relating to their resistance against slavery and the enslaved experience.

Additional Resources:

NOVEL: Colson Whitehead, The Underground Railroad (2016) TV Adaptation The Underground Railroad, Dir., Barry Jenkins, 2021 on Amazon Prime

NOVEL: Toni Morrison, Beloved, (1987)

NOVEL: Yaa Gysai, Homegoing (2016)

FILM: Harriet, Dir., Kasi Lemmons (2019)

FILM: 12 Years a Slave, Dir., Steve McQueen (2013)

BOOK: Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, eds., Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019. London: Penguin, 2021.

BOOK: Marcus Rediker, The Slave Ship: A Human History. London: John Murray 2008.


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

Why Did America Ban Slavery?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

Who is Frederick Douglass?

What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life?

Who is Harriet Tubman?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2042 no What is the US Constitution? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-the-us-constitution The US Constitution has been the bedrock of United States law since its creation shortly after the American Revolution. But how does something drafted over 200 years ago remain so relevant? What exactly is the difference between the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Amendments? And what exactly is the difference between federal and state law? In this episode we're taking a closer look at one of the most important documents ever written to answer the question... what is the Constitution? Joining Liam this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Additional Resources: PODCAST: Constitutional podcast by the Washington Post WEBSITE: National Constitution Center If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0000 What is the US Constitution? full 3 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast The US Constitution has been the bedrock of United States law since its creation shortly after the American Revolution. But how does something drafted over 200 years ago remain so relevant? What exactly is the difference between the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Amendments? And what exactly is the difference between federal and state law? In this episode we're taking a closer look at one of the most important documents ever written to answer the question... what is the Constitution? Joining Liam this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Additional Resources: PODCAST: Constitutional podcast by the Washington Post WEBSITE: National Constitution Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The US Constitution has been the bedrock of United States law since its creation shortly after the American Revolution. But how does something drafted over 200 years ago remain so relevant? What exactly is the difference between the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Amendments? And what exactly is the difference between federal and state law? In this episode we're taking a closer look at one of the most important documents ever written to answer the question... what is the Constitution? Joining Liam this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. Additional Resources: PODCAST: Constitutional podcast by the Washington Post WEBSITE: National Constitution Center If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: What Was the Constitutional Convention? Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Is the President Above the Law? How Are Presidents Elected? What is the US Constitution? Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The US Constitution has been the bedrock of United States law since its creation shortly after the American Revolution. But how does something drafted over 200 years ago remain so relevant? What exactly is the difference between the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Amendments? And what exactly is the difference between federal and state law?

In this episode we're taking a closer look at one of the most important documents ever written to answer the question... what is the Constitution?

Joining Liam this week is Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.

Additional Resources:

PODCAST: Constitutional podcast by the Washington Post

WEBSITE: National Constitution Center


If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?


Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2125 no What is America? https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/what-is-america In this special preview episode of America: A History Podcast, we ask some of our faculty and special guests... what is America? From gun control to Black Lives Matter, the US is a land of opportunity and contradiction; a 'land of the free' but also one of the last countries to ban slavery; the 'home of the brave' where guns are the single biggest killer of children. America is a country with a complex and complicated history, which is why we made a podcast about it. A special thanks to the guests featured on this episode: Robert Mays, host of The Athletic Football Show Jon Sopel, journalist and host of The News Agents & The News Agents USA Chris Marvin, Veteran Lead at Everytown for Gun Safety Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 20 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0000 What is America? bonus 2 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast In this special preview episode of America: A History Podcast, we ask some of our faculty and special guests... what is America? From gun control to Black Lives Matter, the US is a land of opportunity and contradiction; a 'land of the free' but also one of the last countries to ban slavery; the 'home of the brave' where guns are the single biggest killer of children. America is a country with a complex and complicated history, which is why we made a podcast about it. A special thanks to the guests featured on this episode: Robert Mays, host of The Athletic Football Show Jon Sopel, journalist and host of The News Agents & The News Agents USA Chris Marvin, Veteran Lead at Everytown for Gun Safety Remember to visit the website and follow the show wherever you get your podcasts. America: A History Podcast launches on July 4th 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special preview episode of America: A History Podcast, we ask some of our faculty and special guests... what is America? From gun control to Black Lives Matter, the US is a land of opportunity and contradiction; a 'land of the free' but also one of the last countries to ban slavery; the 'home of the brave' where guns are the single biggest killer of children. America is a country with a complex and complicated history, which is why we made a podcast about it. A special thanks to the guests featured on this episode: Robert Mays, host of The Athletic Football Show Jon Sopel, journalist and host of The News Agents & The News Agents USA Chris Marvin, Veteran Lead at Everytown for Gun Safety Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special preview episode of America: A History Podcast, we ask some of our faculty and special guests... what is America? From gun control to Black Lives Matter, the US is a land of opportunity and contradiction; a 'land of the free' but also one of the last countries to ban slavery; the 'home of the brave' where guns are the single biggest killer of children.

America is a country with a complex and complicated history, which is why we made a podcast about it.

A special thanks to the guests featured on this episode:

Robert Mays, host of The Athletic Football Show

Jon Sopel, journalist and host of The News Agents & The News Agents USA

Chris Marvin, Veteran Lead at Everytown for Gun Safety

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 910 no America: A History Podcast Trailer https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.captivate.fm/episode/america-a-history-podcast-trailer Welcome to America: A History Podcast, where we have a dream to do US history more bigly than anyone has done it before and make podcasts great again. Launching on July 4th 2023. Each week, host Liam is joined by an expert from the University of East Anglia and a special guest to explore the people, places and events that make the USA what it is today, answering a different question like 'how are Presidents elected', 'what is the Supreme Court' or 'how accurate is Forrest Gump'? This is US history without the fake news, as we have honest and sometimes sensitive conversations about the things that really matter to understand how the alleged greatest country in the world came to be. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 04 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000 America: A History Podcast Trailer trailer 1 Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast Welcome to America: A History Podcast, where we have a dream to do US history more bigly than anyone has done it before and make podcasts great again. Launching on July 4th 2023. Each week, host Liam is joined by an expert from the University of East Anglia and a special guest to explore the people, places and events that make the USA what it is today, answering a different question like 'how are Presidents elected', 'what is the Supreme Court' or 'how accurate is Forrest Gump'? This is US history without the fake news, as we have honest and sometimes sensitive conversations about the things that really matter to understand how the alleged greatest country in the world came to be. Follow now wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to America: A History Podcast, where we have a dream to do US history more bigly than anyone has done it before and make podcasts great again. Launching on July 4th 2023. Each week, host Liam is joined by an expert from the University of East Anglia and a special guest to explore the people, places and events that make the USA what it is today, answering a different question like 'how are Presidents elected', 'what is the Supreme Court' or 'how accurate is Forrest Gump'? This is US history without the fake news, as we have honest and sometimes sensitive conversations about the things that really matter to understand how the alleged greatest country in the world came to be. Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community? Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to America: A History Podcast, where we have a dream to do US history more bigly than anyone has done it before and make podcasts great again. Launching on July 4th 2023.

Each week, host Liam is joined by an expert from the University of East Anglia and a special guest to explore the people, places and events that make the USA what it is today, answering a different question like 'how are Presidents elected', 'what is the Supreme Court' or 'how accurate is Forrest Gump'?

This is US history without the fake news, as we have honest and sometimes sensitive conversations about the things that really matter to understand how the alleged greatest country in the world came to be.

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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