America: The Story of the USA

In this special episode of America: A History in the Making, the day after the 2024 U.S. election, we bring reactions, insights, and reflections from a diverse group of American voters discussing one of the most unpredictable elections in American history. The conversation highlights a stark realization: despite a highly qualified candidate in Kamala Harris, many voters gravitated towards Trump, r...

In this extra bonus, following on from a previous main episode, we delve into the prospects of Kamala Harris winning the presidency and the broader implications for women and candidates of color in American politics. Special guest Farida Jalalzai shares her insights on Harris' current campaign dynamics, highlighting both the enthusiasm surrounding her candidacy and the criticisms regarding the per...

As the US election approaches, this special episode looks at the experiences of first time American voters casting their ballots from abroad, highlighting the unique challenges they face. Guests Henry and McKenna, both students on an exchange semester at UEA in the UK, share their insights on the registration process and the emotional weight of participating in their first presidential election. W...

On Tuesday November 5th 2024, millions of Americans will decide who moves into the White House for the next four years: former President Donald Trump, or incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. This election cycle has been like no other, and the outcome will set the course of America's future. In the first of our two-part deep dive into the U.S. electoral process, this week’s episode explores the...

In the second part of our US election special, we dive into the complexity and intricacies surrounding the U.S. electoral process, particularly as the nation approaches a pivotal presidential election. Special guests Dr. Emma Long and Daffy Townley engage in an exploration of the mechanisms that uphold the integrity, fairness, and inclusivity of elections, beginning with the principles of democrat...

Baseball's status as America's pastime is deeply intertwined with its rich history and the shared experiences it fosters among fans. This bonus episode delves into the unique structure of baseball games, which revolve around innings rather than a strict time limit, allowing for a slower, more reflective pace compared to other sports. We discuss how this leisurely nature of the game has both contri...

Baseball's evolution from a localized pastime to America's national sport is intricately linked to the social dynamics and historical context of the 19th century. In this episode, we discuss the rise of baseball, and focus on the Celestials, a semi-professional baseball team comprised of Chinese American students, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced amid a backdrop of xenophobia an...

This bonus episode delves into the complexities surrounding Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," particularly why it has faced challenges and bans over the years. Guest Professor Thomas Smith explores the book's rich historical context, its impact on American literary culture, and the nuances of its language that continue to engage contemporary readers. We also discuss the importance of understanding...

In this milestone 50th episode of the main podcast, we delve into the complex history of Hawai'i, exploring its journey from an independent kingdom to becoming the 50th state of the United States in 1959. We discuss the significant cultural, political, and economic changes that have shaped Hawaii's identity over the years, including the impact of American missionaries, the sugar industry, and mili...

Medicare, a national health insurance program for individuals over 65, has been a pivotal part of American social policy since its inception in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Despite its significance, the program remains a contentious topic in U.S. politics, often debated in the context of broader healthcare reforms and federal tax implications. In this episode we explore what Medicare co...

Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" continues to stir debate over a century after its publication, primarily due to its racial themes and language. In this episode, we delve into the book's historical context, examining its use of vernacular and portrayals of race. The book continues to face scrutiny for its depiction of race and its frequent use of racial slurs, prompting calls for it t...

Since 1779, the United States have sworn in 46 Presidents. All very different - some democrat, some republican, even whigs, and federalists. Northern, southern, white, black, old, young. And each one has carved a different road to the White House, and left behind a unique legacy. But there is one common factor between them. All 46, without exception, are men. So in this episode, I want to know… wi...

This week we are donning our stetsons and grabbing a cold one, as we discuss the most rootin’ tootin’ American music genre of them all. From Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift with a little bit of Footloose, country has come to epitomise the US, but as the genre’s popularity booms internationally, does its Americanness still endure? So in this episode I’m asking… what makes country music so American? .....

If June 27th is remembered as the night that ended the Biden re-election campaign, then September 10th may just be remembered as the night that derailed Trump's. It was memorable, it was full of talking points, and it may have just put the momentum firmly back in Harris' camp. So what exactly went down at the debate? With reaction and insight to everything that happened, this is America: A History...

Presidential debates are a staple of the election cycle, but in recent years the drama of deciding who gets to host a debate and when can often be more exciting than the event itself. In a world where news is instant and everyone is connected, do they have the same impact and influence on elections as they once did? So in this episode, I want to know… who cares about Presidential debates? Special...

In Britain, council estates are a standard part of the housing ecosystem. That is, government-built housing for those who lack the means to house themselves. But the US also has a long-standing public housing system, used by millions, but the challenges are unique and, reportedly, their future is uncertain. So in this episode, I want to understand this a lot more, as I ask… what are the Projects?...

This week, as the 2024 Presidential election draws nearer, the possibility of a second Trump term looms larger, and the very question of what is and isn’t constitutional becomes increasingly divisive, I want to go all the way back to where it all began. So in this episode, I want to know… what was the Constitutional Convention? Special Guests: Emma Long , Associate Professor of American History an...

This is America: A History in the Making, where we discuss the biggest stories and breaking news from the USA. On this episode, we react to the Democratic National Convention, which has just wrapped in Chicago, where Kamala Harris and Tim Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for President and VP respectively. We discuss the highs, the lows, the speeches, and if, with less than 80 day...

In 1959, toy entrepreneur Ruth Handel changed her life forever. Her new product, a doll named after her Daughter Barbara, would become one of the biggest toy franchises in history. Despite the criticisms and its problems, a recent Oscar-winning movie adaptation has won over a whole new generation of fans that guarantees this toy is going nowhere. So in this episode, I want to know… how is Barbie s...

In America: A History in the Making , host Liam Heffernan is joined by show regulars and special guests to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. This week, as the US election rages on, we discuss Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz, and recent polls suggesting they now have a lead over Trump. Is the momentum shifting in one of the weirdest Presidential election cycles ever?...

This week, with the Republican National Convention been and gone, and the Democratic National Convention happening over the next few days, the Presidential race is about to be set in stone. If Donald Trump wins, he will be only the second President to serve non-consecutive terms in office. But why is there a time limit? When did this start? And can, or should, there be an exception? In this episod...

Exactly 79 years ago to the day this episode is released, the USA changed the course, not just of World War II, but of global history, by using nuclear weapons. The bombs that hit Hiroshima and, three days later, Nagasaki, killed an estimated 200,000 people, and swiftly prompted Japan’s surrender. But how did it get to this? What were Japan and America even doing in a war triggered by Nazi Germany...

This week, we are taking a closer look at the unidentified, the unexplained, and the stuff that, until recently, have been some of the most closely-guarded secrets of the US government. From E.T. to the X-Files via American Dad and Futurama, the existence of extraterrestrial beings has captured the imagination of the American public for decades, and as we edge closer to finding out if the truth re...

In the first of our new strand of episodes, America: A History in the Making , Liam is joined by show regular Emma Long to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. It's been a rollercoaster in American politics, as Joe Biden announced he is not seeking re-election in November, just over three months before the election, but within just 48 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris secu...

In just a few days, the Olympic flame will make its way to the Seine River, where tens of thousands of athletes converge to mark the opening of another summer games. The biggest sporting event in the world has not been on American soil for nearly 30 years, so in this episode we’re going to look back to Atlanta 1996, and I ask… when did the USA last host the Olympics? Special Guests: David Wallechi...