The Power of the Written Word (2018)
Scholar Martin Puchner takes us through the history of writing stories down, and how those written accounts have become so important to our understanding of the world.
History Sub-categories:
- African American History (3)
- American Revolution (3)
- Ancient Civilization (9)
- Apollo 11 (1)
- Apollo 13 (1)
- Apollo 8 (3)
- Battle of the Bulge (1)
- Black History Month (3)
- Bubonic Plauge (1)
- Civil Rights and Activism (37)
- Civil War (4)
- Fair Housing Act (1)
- Great Depression (2)
- Historical Justice (1)
- Holocaust (4)
- Pearl Harbor (3)
- Pirates (2)
- Segregation (7)
- September 11 Attacks (1)
- Slavery (10)
- Tulsa Race Massacre (1)
- U.S. Presidents (14)
- Vietnam War (2)
- Wall Street Bombing (2)
- Watergate (1)
- World War I and World War II (23)
Reworking a Classic
Author A.J. Finn talks about his book “The Woman in the Window,” which uses Alfred Hitchcock’s film "Rear Window" as inspiration to tell a story about the anxiety disorder agoraphobia.
The Real History Behind the Evacuation of Dunkirk
In the last year, two movies including Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster have introduced the story of Dunkirk to American audiences. We talk to Michael Korda, a historian and author, who explains some of the real history, including why Hitler and Churchill acted the way they did throughout the ordeal.
Finding Inspiration in Our Communities (2018)
Sarah Van Gelder, co-founder of Yes! Magazine, travelled across America to see how change is being made at the local level and found examples of community involvement solving big problems.
Diversity in Sci-Fi (2018)
For decades, science fiction was written almost exclusively by white males. Now, it is flourishing with diverse voices, thanks in part to the trailblazing writer Octavia E. Butler.
Author Jack London’s Writings and Social Activism
We discover how Jack London’s own journey informed his writing, and how his books reflect the plight of exploited workers and impoverished women and children.
W.E.B. Du Bois’s Lasting Impact in Sociology (2017)
We talk to a scholar about what exactly W.E.B. Du Bois did to improve the study of sociology and what his impact truly was.
Terrorism in America, 1920 (2017)
Americans pride themselves on never forgetting the attacks and terrorism of our history, but somehow a 1920 attack on New York City has slipped through the cracks.
Inventing the Polaroid (2017)
We look back at the man, and the business deals, that made Polaroid and instant photography possible.
Bobby Kennedy’s Legacy
Biographer Larry Tye and talks about Bobby Kennedy's personal side, how he helped his brother John become president, and how his legacy inspires liberals and conservatives to this day.
Intelligent Disobedience: Knowing when and how to say “no” (2017)
Our guest discusses when and how to say “no” effectively for the benefit of the individual and others.
Asa Jennings: A forgotten American hero
After World War I, the city of Smyrna was set ablaze and people had to run to the beaches just to escape the flames. We’ll hear how governments and diplomats in the West all but ignored their plight, and how the efforts of one brave relief worker and a Navy commander finally brought the victims to safety.
The Story of Apollo 8 (2017)
We discuss the mission that effectively ended the space race and set an important precedent that may have saved the lives of the astronauts on board Apollo 13.
Adventure in the Jungle: The Discovery of the Maya Civilization
We talk to author William Carlsen about the two men who ventured into the jungle and discovered the Mayans.
The Complications of Spelling English (2017)
The rules of the English language always seem to have an exception or ten. We explored how the language got so complicated.
The History of Physics (2017)
Science historian and author Tom Jackson talks about a few of the highlights throughout the long history of physics and astronomy.
Religion Behind Bars (2017)
We talk to Tanya Erzen, a professor of religion, what role prison ministries play in the lives on inmates.
Culture Crash: The Impact of “Hamilton: An American Musical”
We look at the musical people can’t stop talking about: Hamilton, the brainchild of Lin-Manuel Miranda, that has already won numerous awards.
Casey Stengel’s Life in Baseball
Yankees historian Marty Appel talks about the life of Casey Stengel, who spent over 50 years in professional baseball and won 8 World Series titles
The Immigrant Narrative in Modern Times (2017)
We talk to two writers about the more modern immigrant journey.
Bob Marley’s Legendary Life
It has been decades since Bob Marley’s death, but his music is still played and his face still shows up on tee shirts.
Charlton Heston’s Politics: MLK Marches and NRA Speeches
Charlton Heston was a soldier, a liberal, and a conservative in his 84 years. Biographer Marc Eliot discusses how Heston's politics impacted his career and legacy.
A Fresh Look at the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights may seem like they were simply added on to the end of the Constitution but civil liberty lawyer Burt Neuborne offers a different outlook on the document.
What Goes Into a Spy Thriller Series
Author Mark Greaney talks about separating the true elements he learned from real US operatives from the fiction he imagines when writing.
