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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

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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11:12

BONUS: Baseball's Unique Place in American Culture

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/10/26

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

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38:45

How Did Baseball Become an American Pastime?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/10/20

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

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09:31

BONUS: Exploring Mark Twain and the Challenges of...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/10/19

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

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43:22

What is the History of Hawai'i?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/10/15

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

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38:59

What is Medicare?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/10/08

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

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33:19

Why Is Huck Finn Banned?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/10/01

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

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43:58

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/09/24

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

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35:21

What Makes Country Music So American?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/09/17

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,

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36:07

ITM 4: Debates, Dog Food, and Taylor Swift, Reaction...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/09/11

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

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43:42

Who Cares About Presidential Debates?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/09/10

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

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45:55

What Are the Projects?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/09/03

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

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48:14

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/08/27

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

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48:05

ITM 3: Reaction to the Democratic National Convention

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/08/23

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

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51:34

How is Barbie Still Relevant?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/08/20

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

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46:43

IN THE MAKING: Can Trump Stop the Harris Hype Train?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/08/15

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

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41:53

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/08/13

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

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52:35

Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/08/06

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

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46:09

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/07/30

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 -

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39:29

IN THE MAKING: Biden Out, Harris In, and What This...

America: The Story of the USA ·

2024/07/25

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

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182 results

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