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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

47:21

Why is Santa So American?

America: A History ·

2025/12/16

EPISODE BLURB...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

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11:45

BONUS REPLAY: The Christmas Goose & Our Favourite On...

America: A History ·

2025/12/13

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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01:01:55

I Am... Jody Williams

America: A History ·

2025/12/09

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

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08:10

BONUS: The Industry of Comic Book Collectibles

America: A History ·

2025/12/06

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

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52:19

Why Does America Love Comic Books?

America: A History ·

2025/12/02

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

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14:44

BONUS: Can a Woman Ever Be Pope?

America: A History ·

2025/11/29

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

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40:05

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

America: A History ·

2025/11/25

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

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04:57

BONUS: Fannie Lou Hamer - An Unsung Hero of the Civil...

America: A History ·

2025/11/22

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

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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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