America: The Story of the USA

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 Seatt...

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 visi...

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 t...

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. . Usef...

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 episo...

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,...

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...

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 St...

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 unde...

This 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 , plus How 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 o...

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 i...

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 Senio...

On this day in 1850, the thirty-first state of the Union is admitted. So today, on its 175th birthday, I want to find out a little more about its history before statehood, the reasons why it became an important piece of land for the US, and how it grew to become not just one of the largest states, but one of the largest economies in the world, as I ask… what is the history of California? ... Speci...

This 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 chal...

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...

This week, we're diving deep into the world of money and the pivotal role the U.S. Treasury plays in shaping the American economy. Behind every success and failure in American history lies a story deeply intertwined with greed, power, and the all-important question of how money is spent. We explore who really decides how America manages its finances and what that means for everyday Americans, as I...

In this bonus episode, we unravel the age-old question of who decided gold was worth something in the first place. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about its shiny allure; there’s a whole lot of history and economics at play. We also reflect on the risks and rewards of that era, pondering what we might have done if we were chasing gold back in 1848. From the fleeting nature of mining towns to the biza...

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 a...

This 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 narc...