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PODCAST

America: The Story of the USA

Your ultimate guide to America past, present, and future. Alongside the biggest guests and experts, from Nobel prize winners to legendary broadcasters, we discuss the biggest moments in history and the breaking news from the United States. . For ad-free and exclusive content, join our Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa . Sign up to our free newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ . America: A History is a part of the Mercury Podcast Network,

history politics

All Episodes

10:00

BONUS: The Christmas Goose & Our Favourite On-Screen...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/12/17

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

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34:19

Who is Santa Claus?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/12/15

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

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11:36

BONUS: The Best Christmas Films of All Time

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/12/10

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

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38:11

What Do Christmas Films Tell Us About America?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/12/08

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

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12:40

BONUS: Faith, Feminism, and the American South

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/12/03

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

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43:21

What is the Bible Belt?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/12/01

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

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14:08

BONUS: How Growing Up in the Projects Shaped My Views...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/30

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,

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13:12

BONUS: The Legacy of Sand Creek: Racism, War, and...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/26

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

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36:35

What Was the Sand Creek Massacre?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/24

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

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12:07

BONUS: Is Country Music a 'Mongrel' Genre?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/23

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

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25:17

ITM8: Donald Trump, Russia, and the Risk of World War...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/21

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

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41:03

Who Was Christopher Columbus?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/19

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

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22:21

BONUS: The Debate That Altered the Course of American...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/16

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

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28:15

ITM7: What Does Trump's Comeback Mean for American...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/14

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

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36:58

What Happens After a Presidential Election?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/10

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

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01:15:10

UEA Lasdun Lecture: Broken Democracy? Lessons from...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/09

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,

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50:29

ITM 6: Election Aftermath - Voices from America on...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/06

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,

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11:48

BONUS: Will Kamala Harris Break the Glass Ceiling?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/11/02

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

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49:04

ITM 5: Young Americans Share their Election...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/10/31

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,

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53:03

How to Run a Democratic Election: Part I

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/10/29

In this engaging first of a two-part exploration of the U.S. electoral process, this week’s episode provides a thorough examination of the systems and challenges that shape American democracy.Host Liam Heffernan, along with historians Dr. Emma Long and Professor Iwan Morgan, talk through the dual phases of the electoral system: the primary elections where candidates seek their party's nomination, and the general election where the chosen candidates compete for the presidency, laying out the

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182 results

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