America: The Story of the USA

On this day in 1848, the New York Herald published an article that would change America forever. They reported on a man named James Marshall who, while building a saw mill in California, just outside what we now know as Sacramento, found gold flakes in the river. What followed was a stampede of opportunistic Americans moving west to chase their American dreams, in what became the largest gold rush...

In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon , discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation from the White House. ... Special guest for this episode: Iwan Morgan , an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His m...

On this day in 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties. Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and lesser talked about individuals in America, and why he still, to this day, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, as I ask… who was the Emperor of the United States...

In 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 societ...

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 thi...

This week marks the 51st anniversary of a truly unique event in American history. The one and only time a President left the White House by choice. Not due to death or the 22nd amendment, but resignation. Never before and not yet since has any other President done this, so this week, I want to know… why did Richard Nixon resign? ... Special guest for this episode: Iwan Morgan , an emeritus profess...

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity. This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal...

Liam 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 t...

This week we are talking about talking. The United States of America is a diverse country - geographically, demographically, and culturally, where every state has its own unique sense of identity. And a big part of that identity is language and dialect. So in this episode, I want to understand why and how American accents are so different, both from each other and from the British, as I ask… why d...

Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, was a powerhouse in American politics, yet her legacy often flies under the radar. In this bonus discussion, we get into why Perkins isn't as well-remembered as she should be, despite her monumental contributions like the Social Security Act and labor reforms. We chat with historian Rebecca Brenner Graham, who sheds light on Perkins...

In 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 f...

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity. This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal...

In this special, unfiltered bonus episode, you get a little sneak peak behind the curtain of how America: A History is made, which is fitting as we're also going backstage at the White House to find out what actually keeps the Presidential home running. This episode shines a light on how each president, regardless of their party, has made improvements to this iconic building, leaving it in better...

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...

This week, we are shining a light on one of the most influential women in 20th century America. She was the first woman to serve in a cabinet position in the US government, and her efforts to support Jewish refugees during the holocaust has carved a unique legacy in human history. So in this episode I want to find out more about her life, her work and her legacy, as I ask… who is Frances Perkins?...

Get 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 cha...

We’re diving into one of the most iconic buildings in the world—yep, you guessed it, the White House! This week, we’re unpacking its rich history, from its construction over 200 years ago to its evolution as a symbol of American democracy and politics. I mean, billions are spent just to get a chance to live there, so what’s the real story behind this grand residence? To help us navigate this fasci...

Ever wondered how a tiny railroad stopover in the Nevada desert became the glittering entertainment capital we know today? This week we're diving deep into the wild history of Las Vegas as it celebrates its 120th birthday! From humble beginnings serving railroad workers to becoming the ultimate destination for gambling, shows, and quick weddings, Vegas has quite the story to tell. We're exploring...

In this special bonus episode, the co-creators of Ru Paul's Drag Race challenged me to dress up in drag for this episode's artwork. I forgot, naturally, but I used a free AI tool. What do you think? Turn yourself into a drag queen using this link - https://photostylelab.com/photo-styles/drag-queen/ - and email the results to hello@podcastsbyliam.com We also discussed their all-time favourite momen...

In 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 part...

In this episode we're diving into the fabulous world of RuPaul's Drag Race , a show that’s not just a reality competition but has become a cultural phenomenon over nearly two decades. With a flair for drama that could outshine a Broadway production, this series has launched 26 international versions and catapulted numerous queens into superstardom. But it's not all glitter and glam; we’re unpackin...

As Pope Leo XIV reaffirms the church's position against abortion, we wanted to reshare this conversation, where Rev. Caleb Lines, a leader in the Christian community, explains why abortion is not a fundamentally religious issue, but a political one, and is, if anything, antithetical to the teachings of the Bible. It's a fascinating listen, so check it out and leave a comment, follow, and rate this...

In 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 expansion...

As we all adjust to a rapidly changing America, and the impact this is having around the world, we've taken some time out from the podcast to reflect on exactly what we're doing, and how we can continue to do it appropriately and effectively. We know that at the moment, it's as important to look to the future as it is to understand the past. So our podcast needs to keep up with that, drive importa...

In this bonus episode, I'm joined again by Will McCorkle from the College of Charleston, following our recording of 'How Has Immigration Shaped American Idenitty?' We had such a blast in our previous episode, but there’s just so much more to unpack! We’re taking a closer look at Trump’s ever-elusive border wall and whether it’s ever going to be a reality or just a big ol’ distraction. Spoiler aler...