Shows
America: A HistoryIN THE MAKING: Why We Must Protect Universities from Government InterferenceIn 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...2025-07-2411 min
America: A HistoryIN 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...2025-07-1739 min
America: A HistoryBONUS: Gems of Vegas - Where to Find Fun Beyond the Bright LightsGet 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...2025-07-1211 min
America: A HistoryIN THE MAKING: They Don't Know What the F*ck They're DoingIn 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 Anglia2025-06-2638 minAmerica: A HistoryREPLAY: How Did the 50 States Become the 50 StatesIn 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...2025-05-1332 min
America: A HistoryWho 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 S...2025-04-1542 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: 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:Jenn...2025-04-1217 min
America: A HistoryBONUS: 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 th...2025-04-051h 00America: A HistoryBONUS: 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:Em...2025-03-2913 min
America: A HistoryWhat 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 A...2025-03-1831 min
America: A HistoryWho 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 Coolid...2025-03-0453 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: Talk Until You Drop - The Wild World of FilibustersIn 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...2025-03-0108 min
America: A HistoryWhat 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 entir...2025-02-2535 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: 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...2025-02-2210 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: Rosa Parks is More Than Just the Lady on the BusIn 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...2025-02-1510 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: How American Media Distorts Perceptions of the Middle EastIn 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, pa...2025-02-0810 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: 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...2025-02-0114 min
America: A History[EMERGENCY EPISODE] ITM: The Washington D.C. Plane CrashOn 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...2025-01-3010 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: 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 CowburnWATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | ForwardREAD: How Democracies Die by S...2025-01-2513 min
America: A HistoryWho is Freddy Krueger?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 vi...2025-01-2139 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: The Three-Fifths Compromise & Other Myths About the Constitutional ConventionIn 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...2025-01-1114 min
America: A HistoryIN THE MAKING: New Term, Same Old Donald TrumpIn 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...2025-01-0943 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: 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...2025-01-0414 min
America: A HistoryWhat 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 fi...2024-12-2231 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: The Christmas Goose & Our Favourite On-Screen SantaIn 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:2024-12-1709 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: The Best Christmas Films of All TimeIn 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...2024-12-1011 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: Faith, Feminism, and the American SouthIn 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...2024-12-0312 min
America: A HistoryWhat 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...2024-12-0142 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: How Growing Up in the Projects Shaped My Views on PovertyHomelessness 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...2024-11-3013 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: The Legacy of Sand Creek: Racism, War, and Cultural ExterminationIn 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...2024-11-2613 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: 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 Radio2024-11-2311 min
America: A HistoryITM8: Donald Trump, Russia, and the Risk of World War ThreeIn 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...2024-11-2124 min
America: A HistoryWho 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...2024-11-1940 minAmerica: A HistoryBONUS: The Debate That Altered the Course of American HistoryIn 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...2024-11-1622 min
America: A HistoryITM7: What Does Trump's 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...2024-11-1427 min