Trapped in History

Within this episode I have my friend Charles North VI back on the podcast to discuss why primary sources are so damn good from his point of view. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.kyschools.us trappedinhistorypodcast@gmail.com Social Media Outlets: Facebook Group Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/zr3rKGzVG2ZN4x8n/ TikTok Link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZP881jy21/ Instagram: r...

Within this episode, APSI trainer and history teacher Kenneth LeSage and I discuss the importance of using primary sources for teaching. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.kyschools.us trappedinhistorypodcast@gmail.com Social Media Outlets: Facebook Group Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/zr3rKGzVG2ZN4x8n/ TikTok Link: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZP881jy21/ Instagram: robertmalc...

Within this introductory episode I wrestle with my personal philosophy on why primary sources can be so powerful. Article Links/References: Nicole Donawho, Lies, Damn Lies, and Primary Sources, July 15, 2025. (On JSTOR) Barton, Keith C. “Primary Sources in History: Breaking through the Myths.” The Phi Delta Kappan 86, no. 10 (2005) Anania, Katie. “Teaching with Primary Sources.” Archives of Americ...

Within this episode, we revisit with Charles North VI to have him share his experiences of vlogging on different revolutionary and civil war battlefields. It is important to note that Charles brings with him and encourages his audience to consider books that correlate with the battle or units that he is historically following in his videos. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.ky...

In this episode, I wrap up the last narrative summary of Unit 9 in AP European History with a focus on topics such as Decolonization, Globalization, Second Wave Feminism, Environmental concerns, Technology, and Globalization. Again, this is just main focus on the themes of the unit. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.kyschools.us trappedinhistorypodcast@gmail.com Social Media O...

Within this episode I take a narrative look at a summary review for the Cold War in Unit 9: Cold War and the Contemporary World in AP European History. Episode 72 will wrap of the last summary for the entire curriculum. Audio Passage: Winston Churchill, “The Sinews (Seen-Yus) of Peace” (known as the Iron Curtain Speech), Westminster College, March 5th, 1946. “ What I have to say about the Communis...

Within this episode I went through a narrative summary of Unit 8: 20th Century Global Conflicts for AP European History. Cited Source: War is no longer a clash between armies, but is a clash between nations, between whole populations. Any distinction between belligerents and non-belligerents is no longer admissible… because when nations are at war everyone takes a part in it, the soldier carrying...

Guiding Question: What happens when human progress accelerates faster than human wisdom? Within this episode, I wrestle, philosophically, through the 19th Century as we go from 1815-1914 and discuss the impact of nationalism, imperialism, Social Darwinism, Art, militarism, unification, etc. This is a narrative overview of Unit 7 in AP European History. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcom...

Within this episode I share a narrative look at the role of Nationalism throughout the school year in AP European history and attempt to use philosophical methods as a way to wrestle with the topic to help me understand it in a more complex way. Social Media Outlets: Facebook Group Link : https://www.facebook.com/share/g/zr3rKGzVG2ZN4x8n/ TikTok Link : https://vm.tiktok.com/ZP881jy21/ Instagram :...

Within this episode we trek through and summarize the working conditions of the Industrial Revolution and how they paved the way for labor movements and ideological reform. This the middle of our series on the Effects of Industrialization. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.kyschools.us trappedinhistorypodcast@gmail.com Social Media Outlets: Facebook Group Link: https://www.fac...

Within this episode we take a deep dive into understanding Urbanization in Industrial Europe in the 19th Century. This is mainly to help AP European History teachers and students, but I hope it also addresses any philosophical curiosities that you may have about how does this topic still impact us today. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.kyschools.us trappedinhistorypodcast@gm...

In this short episode, I explain why I haven't posted as much in January due to illnesses. I also share how I will adjust and plan on content and teaching as I have missed school due to illness, snow, and ice for over two weeks now. This will be an interesting challenge. Expect episodes 66-69 to cover the main topics of Unit 6: Effects of Industrialization for AP European History. Then we will qui...

Within this episode we start with a short, macro narrative look at the Effects of Industrialization before we take a deeper dive in future episodes. Document in Episode: “The industrial system has brought the mass of workers together in great cities, where they are crowded into wretched dwellings, deprived of all cleanliness, ventilation, and health. The streets are narrow, the houses badly built,...

Document: “The great object of the present negotiations must be to re-establish the equilibrium of Europe. The system of political balance, once destroyed, can only be restored by a wise distribution of power among the states. It is not the ambition of one nation, but the peace of all, that must guide our councils. If Europe is to be preserved from renewed convulsions, no single power must be allo...

Within this episode I begin a two part series on how to tackle multiple choice questions while referencing strategies from excellent teachers such as Larry Treadwell, Kenneth LeSage, and Steve Heimler. This is a philosophical and strategic episode and the next one will be more about wrestling with an actual example. Thank you for your support. Social Media Outlets: Facebook Group Link: https://www...

Within this episode I cover a long form narrative of the "story" behind the first semester in AP European History from 1450-1815. Enjoy this summary and philosophical narrative. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.kyschools.us trappedinhistorypodcast@gmail.com Social Media Outlets: Facebook Group Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/zr3rKGzVG2ZN4x8n/ TikTok Link: htt...

Within this episode, I reflect on the First Community Seminar in Russellville, KY on November 22nd at the SEEK Museum. This was our first time extending this discussion method beyond the classroom into our community in hopes of encouraging a culture of normalcy in terms of bringing people together with public philosophical discussions. This time it was a focus on the Philosophy of Community. Philo...

Within this episode I spoke in a narrative format about the scope of the Enlightenment and it's connection to past and future topics. Wrestling with a Primary Source:  Cardinal Robert Bellarmine, Jesuit Cardinal, Theologian, and Advisor to the Roman Inquisition, Letter to Paolo Antonio Foscarini, 1615. “I say that if there were a true demonstration that the sun is at the center of the world an...

Throughout this episode, I continue the journey through the Scientific Revolution, specific theories, and individuals who had an important impact on that time and beyond. Three Philosophical Questions for Thought: 1. If the Earth is not the center of the universe, how should that change the way we see ourselves: in faith, in society, and in history? 2. Can reason and belief coexist, or must one al...

Within this episode, we dive into the context of the Scientific Revolution as an introduction into a series of many episodes over the topic leading into the Enlightenment. Philosophical Questions for Thought: 1. If knowledge can change our understanding of the universe, can it also change our understanding of ourselves? 2. How do we balance faith, tradition, and reason when each claims to hold the...

In this episode, I have a meaningful conversation with history content creator, Charles North VI. This was an excellent examination of his love for history, battlefields, and literature. He has incredible enthusiasm for the subject and I believe he will be a wonderful, recurring guest on the podcast. Please check out his links below and subscribe. Guest Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Boo...

Within this episode I summarize the Glorious Revolution, James II, John Locke, and the rise of Constitutionalism. Additionally, I explain some upcoming episodes and my involvement in organizing two public events in Russellville. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.kyschools.us trappedinhistorypodcast@gmail.com Social Media Outlets: Facebook Group Link : https://www.facebook.com/...

Within this episode I take a deep dive into the topic of the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell, and the profound effect of the event. Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.kyschools.us trappedinhistorypodcast@gmail.com Social Media Outlets: Facebook Group Link : https://www.facebook.com/share/g/zr3rKGzVG2ZN4x8n/ TikTok Link : https://vm.tiktok.com/ZP881jy21/ Instagram : robertmal...

This is a long form conversation within an content creator who has greatly helped me and influenced me over the past year. I invited him on to discuss his outlook on the JFK assassination, his TikTok experience, and his views on wrestling with history. Enjoy! Trapped in History Email Links: robert.malcomson@logan.kyschools.us trappedinhistorypodcast@gmail.com Social Media Outlets: Facebook Group L...

This is a conversation amongst history enthusiasts and teachers about why should we wrestle with history? My Narrative: We ought to wrestle with history because it helps define who we are and who we want to become. To wrestle with history is to spar with it. When I read, I don’t just underline or highlight. I step into the ring with the text. I annotate like I’m having a conversation, or even an a...