America: The Story of the USA

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 transc...

What does it mean to be a Vice President in the modern political landscape? This bonus episode dives into the complex role of the Vice President with UCC's Clodagh Harrington. We touch on the often-overlooked influence of Vice Presidents throughout history, contrasting this with the satirical portrayal seen in the popular TV show Veep , and how it encapsulates the cynical and opportunistic nature...

As Donald Trump prepares to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, our latest episode dives into the complexities of the American political landscape, focusing on the deepening divide within the two-party system. How has the MAGA movement come to dominate republican politics? What are the mechanisms driving the two-party system? And ultimately… why is American politics so divid...

In 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 compro...

In 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 wi...

This week, as JD Vance prepares to follow Donald Trump into the White House for the next four years, I want to shine a light on the most high profile understudy in the world. The Vice Presidency is often criticised and ridiculed by many, including those who have held the office, but how much power do they really wield? In this episode, I ask… what does the Vice President actually do? ... Special g...

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 F...

Today, we pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who passed away at the age of 100. From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to his impactful presidency and remarkable post-presidential humanitarian efforts, Carter's journey is one of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to human rights. Known for his integrity and...

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 ga...

In 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 Ang...

Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, Babbo Natale, Kanakaloka, Papa Noel, and Saint Nicholas - just some of the names used for a figure who has become synonymous with Christmas around the world. But who is this jolly fat man with the beard, and what makes him so American? In this episode, as we deck our halls and get ready for the holidays, I want to know… who is Santa Claus? ... Special g...

In 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 fi...

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to dust off those old DVDs, whip up some egg nogg, and cosy up on the sofa with a festive film. From It's a White Christmas to Miracle on 34th Street, there's nothing quite like losing ourselves in a holiday favourite, but why do Christmas films resonate so much? Is the genre more important than we like to think? And ultimately… what can Christmas f...

In 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 controversia...

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 relig...

Homelessness 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...

In 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...

The Sand Creek Massacre stands as one of the most horrific events in American military history, where hundreds of U.S. army volunteers attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village, resulting in the deaths of approximately 150 to 200 individuals, primarily women, children, and the elderly. This brutal act highlights the broader context of settler colonialism and the U.S. government's broken tre...

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 evolve...

In 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 be...

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 expe...

In 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...

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 o...

The transition period following a presidential election is a critical yet often overlooked phase in American politics, so in this episode we explore the intricate processes and protocols that occur in the two months between the election and the inauguration of a new president. We discuss the historical evolution of the transition, its additional complexity with the growth of the executive branch,...

A recent poll suggests that 72% of Americans believe the US used to be a good example of democracy but has not been for the past few years. In this special live event, recorded at the University of East Anglia's Norwich campus in England, a group of experts on the US come together to discuss the recent election, the political and historical context, the result, and what it all means for the state...