America: The Story of the USA

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 we...

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 communicati...

With the looming threat of mass deportations and the revocation of birthright citizenship, the atmosphere surrounding immigration in the United States is thick with uncertainty. In this episode, we dive into the complexities that shape the immigration debate, from passionate advocacy to fervent opposition. We shed light on the historical context of immigration in America, revealing how deeply inte...

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 c...

This week, following an election cycle dominated by misinformation, AI, social media, and a… well, strange blossoming relationship between a Silicon Valley billionaire and the 47th President, I think it’s time to look closer at the relationship between technology and politics. How has social media impacted US politics? How is this being regulated? And ultimately, how has the internet changed Ameri...

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 Pro...

Ever wondered what American schools really look like beyond the glossy TV portrayals? Well, grab your backpack because we’re diving deep into the quirky, complex world of the U.S. education system! From the early dame schools of the 1600s to the well-oiled machinery of today’s public school system, our guest gives us the lowdown on how American education evolved. We chat about how local communitie...

In this special bonus episode, Professor Rebecca Fraser and Rev. Caleb Lines stick around for a chat following the main episode, Why is Abortion So Controversial in America, which you can listen to in full right now. They discuss the interesting contradiction in states largely voting for reproductive rights on the same day they re-elect Trump to the White House. Plus, Caleb discusses how he balanc...

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...

Today, we're discussing President Calvin Coolidge a little more and why his general mid-table ranking among Presidents might be a harsh reflection of his success as America's 30th President. ... Special guest for this episode: Amity Shlaes , the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin...

This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues in the United States, but why? I’m joined by the b...

 In 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: th...

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? I...

In 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 polit...

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; w...

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. ......

Ever wonder what a filibuster actually is? Well, this week we dive into the quirky world of filibusters with a political science professor who’s literally written the book on the subject! He breaks down the origins of filibusters, how they’ve evolved over time, and why they still make headlines today. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the drama of endless speeches; it’s also a strategic game of p...

In 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: Afri...

This week, as Trump promises to make America great again.. again, I want to find out more about the prison system. In some states, up to 10% of budgets are allocated to correctional facilities, and yet incarceration rates and the costs continue to rise, while issues around systemic racism and politics continue to plague its reputation and put question marks over its effectiveness. So in this episo...

 In 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 sa...

This week, to celebrate Black History Month in the US, we are shining a light on one of the most influential figures in American history. Her relentless efforts for social justice and equality made her a powerful voice of the civil rights movement, and her work and legacy still endures today, alongside figures such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. So today we remember the life, the work, and t...

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 Salfor...

On 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, w...

Every American generation has a unique memory tied to the nation's involvement in the Middle East, from the Gulf War to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. America has often inserted itself into the politics and the conflicts within the region, but why? In this episode we find out why it cares, and what it has to gain, and… what exactly is America’s relationship to the Middle East? Special guest Melani...

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 Resource...