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PODCAST

America: A History

The number one American history podcast for anyone with an interest in the people and events that shaped the USA. Every week, Liam Heffernan is joined by the world"s foremost experts, academics and broadcasters in the only podcast that connects US past, present and future... and tries to make some sense out of it! . From the founding fathers to contemporary politics, we connect historical events to current issues, making American history accessible and relevant. Perfect for students, educators, and

history politics

All Episodes

32:38

IN THE MAKING: Will the Epstein Scandal Actually...

America: A History ·

2025/11/20

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

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44:10

What is the Voting Rights Act?

America: A History ·

2025/11/18

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

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10:41

BONUS: Chief Seattle, Cultural Appropriation, and...

America: A History ·

2025/11/15

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,

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39:22

Who is Chief Seattle?

America: A History ·

2025/11/11

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

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01:00:19

What is Disney's America... and Why Didn't It Happen?

America: A History ·

2025/11/04

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

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12:01

BONUS: The Wild World of Disney Adults

America: A History ·

2025/11/01

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

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52:25

Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth?

America: A History ·

2025/10/28

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

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08:06

BONUS: Cultural Appropriation or Recognition?

America: A History ·

2025/10/25

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

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41:56

Who is Pocahontas?

America: A History ·

2025/10/21

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

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12:36

BONUS: Why Did the Amish Leave Europe?

America: A History ·

2025/10/18

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

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56:53

Who Are the Amish?

America: A History ·

2025/10/14

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

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36:26

IN THE MAKING: Trump Deploys the National Guard in...

America: A History ·

2025/10/09

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

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51:34

What Were the Latino Urban Riots?

America: A History ·

2025/10/07

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

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08:45

BONUS: Writing the Life of Dr. Drew

America: A History ·

2025/10/04

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

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12:28

IN THE MAKING: Do the Right Thing and End the US...

America: A History ·

2025/10/02

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 NewsUS government shutdown: What does it mean

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48:56

Who is Dr. Charles Drew?

America: A History ·

2025/09/30

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

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10:07

BONUS: The Underwhelming Reality of Plymouth Rock

America: A History ·

2025/09/27

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

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47:48

IN THE MAKING: The Death of America's Late Night TV

America: A History ·

2025/09/25

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.Are you a

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59:56

What Would You Put in a US Time Capsule?

America: A History ·

2025/09/23

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

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07:59

BONUS: Why You Should Watch Netflix's Katrina Docuseries

America: A History ·

2025/09/20

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....SUPPORT THE

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