Shows
America: The Story of the USAIn the Making: Is America About to Strike Iran?This week, we're talking about Trump showing signs of cooling on ICE in Minnesota, social media giants feel the pressure, plus Mr. Potato Head finds himself at the center of a legal dispute.Plus, the US are lining up for a possible strike on Iran, but when will they make their move, and what will this mean for Iran, America, and the world?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...
2026-01-2937 min
America: The Story of the USAAmerica: The Story of the USA Returns SoonIn July 2023, I launched a bit of a passion project, with my old lecturers at the University of East Anglia.America: A History was born.But a lot has changed in two and half years.And we thought it was about time we did too...Introducing, America: The Story of the USA, in partnership with the British Association for American Studies.Returns 19th January....Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.comJoin the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50...
2026-01-0804 minAmerica: The Story of the USABONUS: Disney, Christmas, and 2026In our last bonus episode of the year, I wanted to share some episodes that can get you through the holiday season, linked below, and give you a little tease of what's to come in 2026.Spoiler alert: we are going bigger, better and bolder than ever before, so follow the podcast right now and be part of something mega!...And if you like this episode, you might also love:Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth?What is Disney's America?Why is Santa So American?...
2025-12-2007 minAmerica: The Story of the USABONUS REPLAY: 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:
2025-12-1309 min
America: The Story of the USAI Am... Jody WilliamsThis 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 world, to tell the...
2025-12-091h 00
America: The Story of the USAIN THE MAKING: Will the Epstein Scandal Actually Change Anything?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...
2025-11-2031 min
America: The Story of the USAIN THE MAKING: Trump Deploys the National Guard in Chicago and Dolly Parton is NOT DeadThis 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 this episode:...
2025-10-0935 min
America: The Story of the USAIN THE MAKING: Do the Right Thing and End the US Government ShutdownThis 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...
2025-10-0211 min
America: The Story of the USAWho is Dr. Charles Drew?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 Dublin, Ohio. He is also the author of Genius Unbroken...
2025-09-3049 min
America: The Story of the USAIN THE MAKING: The Death of America's Late Night TVOn 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
2025-09-2547 minAmerica: The Story of the USABONUS: Why You Should Watch Netflix's Katrina DocuseriesKatrina: 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....Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.comJoin the community: https://www.patreon...
2025-09-2007 min
America: The Story of the USAIN THE MAKING: Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump's UK Visit, Robert Redford, and the TikTok DealThis week, we're talking about:the assassination of Charlie Kirk and what this tells us about America's gun control problem,Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, plusHow the death of a celebrity can bring people together.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 Ira Chaleff, the Chair Emeritus of the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation, and his newest book, To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers, has won several...
2025-09-1838 min
America: The Story of the USAWhat is the Mayflower?On this day in 1620, a boat carrying over pilgrims from Plymouth, England, set sail. It’s destination? The New World. The events that followed have been retold, mythicised, and immortalised as one of the defining moments in the colonisation of the United States of America.So in this episode I want to know more about the voyage, the people, and the reality of what really happened, as I ask… what is the Mayflower?...Special guest for this episode:Peter Mancall, a Professor of History, Anthropology, and Economics at the University of Southern Cali...
2025-09-1639 min
America: The Story of the USABONUS: Should the US Treasury Be Independent from the President?In this bonus episode, we explore the intricate relationship between the U.S. Treasury and the broader financial system, the complexities of government finance, and its impact on our daily lives. We also discuss the separation of powers within the government, particularly how the Treasury's functions are influenced by the executive branch....Special guest for this episode:Sean Vanatta, a Senior Lecturer in Financial History and Policy at the University of Glasgow, with an interest in US history and the political economy of finance. His books include Plastic Capitalism: Banks, Credit Cards, and the...
2025-09-1312 min
America: The Story of the USABONUS: Houdini, London and the Unpickable LockThis bonus episode delves deeper into the life and performances of the legendary magician Harry Houdini, with a focus on one of his most remarkable feats, at the London Hippodrome, where he was challenges to unpick the world's most unpickable lock.We explore the buildup to this defining moment, including the public's anticipation and the media's portrayal of Houdini as he faced this daunting challenge....Special guest for this episode:John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working...
2025-09-0607 min
America: The Story of the USAIN THE MAKING: Is America Heading Towards a Trump Dictatorship?In this special solo edition of In The Making, I explore the troubling signs that suggest America might be inching towards a dictatorship under Donald Trump, and lay out the evidence indicating how he’s strategically surrounding himself with loyalists, silencing critics, and altering voter laws to skew the electorate in his favor.It’s alarming how these actions, which might seem trivial at first glance, collectively paint a picture of a dangerous political landscape where dissent is stifled and loyalty is enforced. I discuss how these tactics echo historical precedents of authoritarian regimes and why it’s crit...
2025-09-0419 min
America: The Story of the USAWho is Harry Houdini?Would you throw yourself over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Well, this week, we’re talking about the man who, allegedly, did just that. His performances have become the stuff of legend, including the one he did on this very day in 1907, escaping from chains underwater in San Francisco. So I want to know more about the life, career, and legacy of one of the greatest showmen in American history, as I ask… who is Harry Houdini?...Special guest for this episode:John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who...
2025-08-2646 min
America: The Story of the USABONUS: The Legacy of Emperor NortonThis bonus episode delves deeper into the intriguing subject of Emperor Norton, a figure who declared himself the Emperor of the United States, and the cultural implications of such a declaration.We touch on the unique nature of America’s relationship with monarchy and whether such a concept could ever take root in the country, and discuss how Emperor Norton's self-appointment was not one of narcissism but rather a call for unity and order during a time of tumult.We reflect on Norton’s legacy and his genuine desire to serve the public, which resonates thro...
2025-08-2308 min
America: The Story of the USABONUS: Hoagies, Grammar Police, and MomphoriaIn this bonus episode, linguistics professor Valerie Fridland discusses her favourite American accents, invents a new slang word, and chats with Liam about some of the everyday differences between American and English....Special guest for this episode:Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now....Highlights from this episode:...
2025-08-0909 min
America: The Story of the USAIN THE MAKING: Can Donald Trump Run for President in 2028?The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why changing this would be almost impossible in just three years.Let us know in the comments what you think:Do you want Trump to run again in 2028?Should he be allowed?Who do you think the Republican nominee contenders are?...Highlights from this episode:In this...
2025-08-0710 min
America: The Story of the USAIN THE MAKING: Comparing the Epstein Files to Nixon's Watergate TapesLiam here, and in this impromptu edition of America: A History in the Making, I look into the parallels between the Nixon administration's Watergate scandal and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files, discussing how both situations highlight the complexities of political accountability and public transparency.Recently, there has been significant pressure on former President Trump to release the Epstein files, particularly as claims emerge regarding his connections to Epstein. We explore the implications of Trump's reluctance to disclose this information and how it could reflect on his standing within his own party.Additionally, I...
2025-07-3111 min
America: The Story of the USAIN 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: The Story of the USAIN 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 minAmerica: The Story of the USABONUS: 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: The Story of the USAIN 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 Anglia
2025-06-2638 minAmerica: The Story of the USAREPLAY: 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: The Story of the USAWho 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 min
America: The Story of the USABONUS: 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: The Story of the USABONUS: 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: The Story of the USAWhat 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 minAmerica: The Story of the USABONUS: Drill, Baby, Drill! The Impact of Trump's Agenda on Native LandsIn this week's bonus episode, we’re diving into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools and the ongoing challenges faced by Native communities in light of recent political shifts.It’s a real gut-wrencher, but we’re here with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the fallout from these schools and the alarming direction some policies are taking under the current administration. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot of concern in Indian country about how these changes might affect sovereignty and rights....Special guest for this episode:Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous...
2025-03-0808 min
America: The Story of the USAWho 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 min
America: The Story of the USAWhat 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: The Story of the USABONUS: 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: The Story of the USABONUS: 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: The Story of the USA[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: The Story of the USABONUS: 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 minAmerica: The Story of the USABONUS: 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: The Story of the USAIN 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 min