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America: A History Podcast

Liam Heffernan

  • 52 minutes 13 seconds
    Who is Rosa Parks?

    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 the legacy of this great individual as I ask… who is Rosa Parks.

    ...

    Special guest for this episode:

    • Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism.
    • Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College of City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books and articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education in the US, including The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.

    ...

    Highlights from this episode:

    • Rosa Parks' childhood experiences with racial violence shaped her beliefs about self-defense and activism.
    • The Montgomery Bus Boycott was not just a single event but a culmination of ongoing resistance.
    • Rosa Parks' activism extended beyond the bus boycott, influencing civil rights and black power movements.
    • Many women, like Claudette Colvin, played crucial roles in the bus resistance before Parks' arrest.
    • Parks' legacy is often simplified, overshadowing her lifelong commitment to social justice and equality.
    • The importance of community organizing and collective action was vital for the boycott's success.

    ...

    Additional Resources:

    READ: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis

    READ: King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South  by Jeanne Theoharis

    READ: Rosa Parks' Legacy Stained By Court Feud, Accusations Of Corruption

    READ: Biography: Rosa Parks 

    READ: Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do in the fight for racial equality? 

    WATCH: Watch Freedom Riders | American Experience | Official Site | PBS 

    WATCH: The Case of the Scottsboro Boys

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?

    What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?

    What is the Civil Rights Act?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    4 February 2025, 5:00 am
  • 14 minutes 38 seconds
    BONUS: Will Bryan Cranston be the Next Freddy Krueger?

    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 Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture.

    ...

    Highlights from this episode:

    • Noel Mellor reflects on his early horror experiences and how he first watched Freddy Krueger.
    • The conversation highlights the evolution of Freddy Krueger from horror icon to pop culture figure.
    • Dream Warriors is celebrated as a beloved sequel due to its fun and imaginative approach.
    • The meta-narrative in Wes Craven's New Nightmare is discussed as a pioneering horror concept.
    • Both hosts agree that horror movies can deeply affect viewers through discomfort and unsettling themes.
    • The possibility of Freddy's return in a new adaptation raises questions about casting and character development.

    ...

    Additional Resources:

    The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor

    The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films

    The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk

    Wes Craven: the scream of our times

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    Who is Ed Gein?

    Why Do Americans Love Halloween?

    Why Do Americans Love Aliens?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    1 February 2025, 5:00 am
  • 10 minutes 53 seconds
    [EMERGENCY EPISODE] ITM: The Washington D.C. Plane Crash

    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, which raises questions about aviation safety and oversight, especially given his administration's recent moves to limit advisory committees.

    While acknowledging the potential conspiracy theories that could arise, Liam urges listeners to focus on the human tragedy at hand rather than getting caught up in political debates.

    As the recovery efforts continue, he and everyone involved in this podcast ask for a moment of respect and reflection on the loss of life before diving into the inevitable discussions about responsibility and accountability in the days to come.

    ...

    Additional Resources:

    Truth Details | Truth Social

    Trump Guts Key Aviation Safety Committee, Fires Heads Of TSA, Coast Guard | HuffPost Latest News

    Washington DC plane crash live updates: Nineteen bodies recovered after passenger jet collides with helicopter - BBC News

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    30 January 2025, 2:00 am
  • 38 minutes 38 seconds
    What is America's Relationship to the Middle East?

    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 McAlister, a professor at George Washington University, delves into the historical context of U.S. involvement, highlighting the shift in focus towards the Middle East post-World War II, primarily due to the discovery of vast oil resources and strategic geopolitical interests. Plus, the political aspects of these alliances, but also the emotional and cultural investments that shape public opinion on Israel and Palestine.

    And we reflect on the future of U.S. engagement in the Middle East, questioning whether a more diplomatic approach could replace the long-standing pattern of military intervention.

    ...

    Special guest for this episode:

    • Melani McAlister, a Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at George Washington University, whose interests include the rhetoric of foreign policy. Her new book Promises, released in 2024, explores the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US role in it.

    ...

    Highlights from this episode:

    • The United States' long and complicated history of involvement in the Middle East, rooted in strategic interests and resource extraction.
    • U.S. policymakers cultivating Israel as a key ally
    • The current conflict in Gaza, America's support for Israel and its implications for U.S. foreign policy.
    • Many Americans' opposition to military funding for Israel
    • The rise of anti-Palestinian sentiment in the U.S. and public discourse around the Israel-Palestine conflict.
    • Religious groups in the U.S. and their influence on American foreign policy towards Israel.

    ...

    Additional Resources:

    Promises, Then the Storm: Notes on Memory, Protest, and the Israel–Gaza War by Melani McAlister

    Melani McAlister – Writing, Teaching, & Other Stuff

    U.S. Policy in the Middle East: A Brief History

    Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance by Amy Kaplan

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

    Is America an Empire?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    28 January 2025, 5:00 am
  • 13 minutes 44 seconds
    BONUS: What Does MAGA Mean for the GOP?

    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 Resources:

    READ: Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries by Mike Cowburn

    WATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | Forward

    READ: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

    READ: The Party Decides: Presidential Nominations Before and After Reform

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    What Was the Constitutional Convention?

    Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

    Is the President Above the Law?

    How Are Presidents Elected?

    What is the US Constitution?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    25 January 2025, 2:00 am
  • 39 minutes 18 seconds
    Who is Freddy Krueger?

    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 transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, allowing audiences worldwide to connect with Freddy's terrifying premise, and create an American pop culture phenom in the process.

    What makes a villain like Freddy Krueger so likeable?

    Is Robert Englund the real brand?

    And what does Freddy tell us about America?

    ...

    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 Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture.

    ...

    Highlights from this episode:

    • Wes Craven's creation of Freddy Krueger in 1984 revitalized the slasher genre, combining nightmare elements with iconic horror.
    • The successful marketing strategy for A Nightmare on Elm Street capitalized on its universal themes of fear in dreams.
    • Freddy Krueger's character depth and charm, portrayed by Robert Englund, set him apart from typical horror villains.
    • The cultural impact of Freddy Krueger extended beyond films into merchandise and TV appearances, creating a household name.
    • The original Nightmare on Elm Street's unique premise of a killer in dreams fascinated audiences and influenced horror films.
    • Freddy's transformation into an anti-hero in sequels reflects audience desires for charismatic villains in horror.

    ...

    Additional Resources:

    The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor

    The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films

    The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk

    Wes Craven: the scream of our times

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    Who is Ed Gein?

    Why Do Americans Love Halloween?

    Why Do Americans Love Aliens?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    21 January 2025, 5:00 am
  • 10 minutes 56 seconds
    BONUS: What Does it Mean to be Vice President?

    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 of the role.

    Plus. Clodagh shares her best and worst Vice Presidential picks in US history.

    ...

    Special guest for this episode:

    • Clodagh Harrington, a US politics lecturer from University College Cork, and host of the excellent podcast A Chicken in Every Pot. Her monograph, co-authored with Alex Waddan, entitled ‘Obama V Trump: the Politics of Presidential Legacy and Rollback is available now, and the follow-up, Trump V Biden is due for publication next year.

    ...

    Highlights from this episode:

    • The Vice Presidency can be interpreted in vastly different ways
    • Fictional Veeps, from Selina Meyer to Christian Bale's Cheney
    • Historical context is crucial to understanding the evolving role of the Vice President
    • Cheney's role as Vice President brought unprecedented influence and power, unlike many predecessors.
    • Walter Mondale is praised for bringing seriousness to the Vice Presidency during his term.
    • The unpredictable nature of political power dynamics in the White House.

    ...

    Additional Resources:

    READ: Obama v. Trump: The Politics of Rollback by Clodagh Harrington

    READ: The vice presidency: From 'insignificant office' to political powerhouse : NPR

    READ: US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become President | HISTORY 

    LISTEN: A Chicken in Every Pot

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    What Was the Constitutional Convention?

    Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

    Is the President Above the Law?

    How Are Presidents Elected?

    What is the US Constitution?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    18 January 2025, 2:00 am
  • 44 minutes 39 seconds
    Why Is American Politics So Divided?

    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 divided?

    Special guest Mike Cowburn, a political scholar whose recent book sheds light on the transformation of party dynamics in the U.S., gives a historical overview of how the Republican and Democratic parties evolved through the mid-20th century, highlighting the ideological shifts that catalyzed the current polarization, and explores the implications of this shift, including how institutional factors like gerrymandering and the Electoral College have reinforced Republican advantages in elections.

    We also discuss Mike's new book, which takes a closer look at the primary election system, and how it has fundamentally changed since the early 2000s, becoming more factionalized and ideological.

    Finally, this episode contemplates the future of American politics, and whether the entrenched two-party system can adapt to the evolving political landscape, or if it will continue to push voters towards extremes.

    ...

    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

    ...

    Highlights from this episode:

    • The American political divide is deeply rooted in historical party transformations and societal changes.
    • Trump's ability to navigate between establishment politics and populist sentiments illustrates a unique political strategy.
    • The primary system in the U.S. significantly influences party polarization and candidate positioning.
    • Many Americans are disengaged from politics, viewing it through a non-political lens despite strong values.
    • The ideological differences between parties today stem from a historical shift towards extremism.
    • Institutional factors and electoral mechanics play a crucial role in maintaining the two-party system.

    ...

    Additional Resources:

    READ: Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries by Mike Cowburn

    WATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | Forward

    READ: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

    READ: The Party Decides: Presidential Nominations Before and After Reform

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    What Was the Constitutional Convention?

    Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

    Is the President Above the Law?

    How Are Presidents Elected?

    What is the US Constitution?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    12 January 2025, 2:00 am
  • 15 minutes 6 seconds
    BONUS: The Three-Fifths Compromise & Other Myths About the Constitutional Convention

    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 compromise and the perceived unchangeability of the Constitution.

    ...

    Special guest for this episode:

    • Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia.
    • Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History at Edinburgh University. Originally from Massachusetts, he’s been living in the UK since 1992, teaching all of us a thing or two about the USA.

    ...

    Highlights from this episode:

    • The Constitutional Convention's three-fifths compromise is often misunderstood regarding enslaved people's status.
    • Many believe the Constitution is unchangeable, but the framers anticipated amendments and adjustments.
    • The Articles of Confederation are frequently overlooked, despite being America's first governing document before the Constitution.
    • The Federalist Papers were political propaganda aimed at convincing states to ratify the Constitution, not neutral explanations.
    • Edinburgh is a lovely city, but the conversation also highlights the charm of Massachusetts.
    • The Confederate States modeled their constitution largely on the U.S. Constitution with added protections for slavery.

    ...

    Listen to the full episode with Emma and Frank here:

    What Was the Constitutional Convention?

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    What Was the Constitutional Convention?

    Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

    Is the President Above the Law?

    How Are Presidents Elected?

    What is the US Constitution?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    11 January 2025, 2:00 am
  • 43 minutes 19 seconds
    IN THE MAKING: New Term, Same Old Donald Trump

    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 with the MAGA Republicans' historical resistance to unfavorable outcomes.

    They also explore the alarming influence of figures like Elon Musk in global politics, with a looming presence in the UK, and the potential repercussions of their actions on democracy.

    Plus, the legacy of Jimmy Carter following his recent passing, and how his post-presidency humanitarian efforts overshadowed his mixed legacy in office.

    ...

    Special guest for this episode:

    • Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.

    ...

    Highlights from this episode:

    • Trump threatens to use military force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, plus...
    • He called the US-Canada border an 'artificial line', suggesting Canada should become a state
    • Elon Musk continues to interfere in UK politics
    • January 6th came and went without an insurrection - hurrah!
    • The United States mourns former President Jimmy Carter

    ...

    Additional Resources:

    What to know about Jimmy Carter's funeral - BBC News

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

    Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run for President?

    What is a Primary and a Caucus?

    Who is Ron DeSantis?

    How Are Presidents Elected?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    9 January 2025, 2:00 am
  • 44 minutes 18 seconds
    What Does the Vice President Actually Do?

    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 guest for this episode:

    • Clodagh Harrington, a US politics lecturer from University College Cork, and host of the excellent podcast A Chicken in Every Pot. Her monograph, co-authored with Alex Waddan, entitled ‘Obama V Trump: the Politics of Presidential Legacy and Rollback is available now, and the follow-up, Trump V Biden is due for publication next year.

    ...

    Highlights from this episode:

    • The Vice President's influence in the Senate
    • The importance of good rapport with their Presidents
    • The dynamic between a First Lady and a Vice President
    • Notable Vice Presidents like Cheney have redefined their roles, showcasing how these positions can evolve over time based on individual character and circumstance
    • The impact of political legacies of Presidents on their their Vice Presidents, either bolstering or hindering their future electoral campaigns
    • The relationship and trust between a President and Vice President

    ...

    Additional Resources:

    READ: Obama v. Trump: The Politics of Rollback by Clodagh Harrington

    READ: The vice presidency: From 'insignificant office' to political powerhouse : NPR

    READ: US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become President | HISTORY 

    LISTEN: A Chicken in Every Pot

    ...

    And if you like this episode, you might also love:

    What Was the Constitutional Convention?

    Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

    Is the President Above the Law?

    How Are Presidents Elected?

    What is the US Constitution?

    ...

    Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:


    Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

    Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

    5 January 2025, 2:00 am
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