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Artwork for America: The Story of the USA

America: The Story of the USA

Liam Heffernan | A Mercury Podcast
Donald Trump
United States
Civil Rights Movement
Trump Administration
Kamala Harris
Christmas
Trump
Disney
American Civil War
Santa Claus
Chinese Exclusion Act
Civil War
California
American History
Racism
Immigration Policy
American Politics
American Culture
Electoral College
Immigration

This is your deep‑dive guide to how the United States became what it is today - politically, culturally, and socially. We unpack the pivotal moments, defining conflicts, influential leaders, and overlooked voices that shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s identity. Designed for curious listeners, students, educators, and lifelong learners, this series blends accessible storytelling with hist... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes225Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsHistory

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Artwork for America: The Story of the USA

Latest Episodes

The 1920s and 1930s in America were a time of seismic change. In the heart of New York City, the neighborhood of Harlem became the stage for a dazzling outpouring of creativity, intellect, and activism. Black writers, artists, musicians, and thinkers... more

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This week, we focus on the recent shootings in Shreveport Louisiana, and what this could mean for gun law reform in the USA. We speak to Chris Marvin at Everytown for Gun Safety about the escalating number of gun violence deaths, and the 'thoughts an... more

Sport is often described as the great American escape; a place where the rules are clear, the stakes are simple, and the drama unfolds on the field rather than in the halls of power. But in reality, American sport has always been political.

From Col... more

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Recent Guests

Beck Krefting
Professor of American Studies and director of the Center for Leadership, Teaching and Learning at Skidmore College
Skidmore College
Episode: Why Don't Americans Get Sarcasm?
Tim Galsworthy
Lecturer in History and Military History
Lincoln Bishop University
Episode: In the Making: The Day A Whole Civilization Nearly Died
Jenny Chan
Founder of Pacific Atrocities Education, educator on wartime atrocities in the Asia-Pacific
Pacific Atrocities Education
Episode: What is Unit 731... and Why Did the USA Cover It Up?
Matthew Davis
Acclaimed author and journalist
Author of A Biography of a Mountain
Episode: What is Mount Rushmore?
Ira Chaleff
Author of To Stop a Tyrant, The Power of Political Followers
Nonpartisan Congressional Management Foundation (Chair Emeritus)
Episode: In the Making: Is Donald Trump Ok?
Alyssa Royse
Writer, gym owner, and advocate for inclusive science-based fitness
Rocket Community Fitness (Seattle)
Episode: What is CrossFit?
Tom Joseph
Founder and treasurer of America's Main Street Party
America's Main Street Party (PAC)
Episode: In the Making: Trump vs NATO and the Rise of Markwayne Mullin
Heather Thompson
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, author, and professor at the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
Episode: What Did Bernie Goetz Do?
Van Connor
Film creator, writer and broadcaster; host of OffScreen and Fifteen Second Cinema
OffScreen / Fifteen Second Cinema
Episode: Who Killed the Movie Star?

Host

Liam Heffernan
Host of the series and show, US political and history expert.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 33 ratings
  • Informative

    Great informative, interesting episode explaining US projects

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lesinbrenrford
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Excellent

    Engaging and informative. Good for people with not much knowledge of US history and politics, but also plenty of interesting material/discussions for those with more knowledge of these topics.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NGG1986!
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • Brilliant informative podcast

    This is a great show. A Brit’s informed look at our American cousins’ way of life and history. Well researched and a really interesting listen!

    Loads about slavery in the first show that I had no idea about such as the myth of the North/ South divide

    Highly recommend 👍

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    fatarchie
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • Would recommend

    I’ve found the first two episodes really interesting. The experts have been engaging with the host asking pertinent questions. Looking forward to listening and learning more.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LeedsTerrier
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • Very Insightful

    An excellent new podcast for anyone interested in American history. An immediate follow from me.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    maetheforcebewithyou
    United Kingdom3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners note high production quality and thoughtful guest selections.
Audience appreciates guests who provide scholarly context to current issues.
Many comments highlight well-researched episodes and clear explanations of complex topics.
Fans value the balance of history with contemporary politics in discussions.
Listeners praise the accessible yet rigorous historical analysis.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why Don't Americans Get Sarcasm?
Q: What role does modern social media play in the evolution of humor and audience engagement?
Krefting argues that platforms like TikTok proliferate a wide range of styles and reduce the time needed to convey a joke, while algorithms drive ideological fragmentation; still, humor continues to reflect and shape cultural sensibilities in real time.
Why Don't Americans Get Sarcasm?
Q: How did new mass media transform comedy, and what stays constant across these shifts?
The guest notes that radio, film, and television amplified the reach of vaudeville and minstrelsy, creating a mediated, global audience for humor; yet across these shifts, humor remains a vehicle for identity formation, social critique, and negotiating power within American society.
Why Don't Americans Get Sarcasm?
Q: So what does the running joke about Americans not getting sarcasm reveal about American humor?
Beck Krefting explains that the joke is not a simple claim about national capability; rather, humor reflects a complex history where sarcasm and irony are tools that can challenge or reinforce social norms, and their deployment is shaped by race, immigration, and cultural politics.
In the Making: Is Donald Trump Ok?
Q: What are the immediate risks to American leadership and credibility given the current Iran conflict and the president's statements?
The guests suggest that mixed messages, inconsistent rhetoric, and a perceived autocratic approach risk eroding trust domestically and with allies, underscoring the need for institutional checks and a clearer, more accountable strategy.
What Did Bernie Goetz Do?
Q: Can you walk us through what happened on the subway that day?
The four teenagers attempted petty theft; Goetz confronted them, pulled a gun, and shot four of them, with later discussions focusing on his motives and the broader social context.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About America: The Story of the USA

What is America: The Story of the USA about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show blends US history with contemporary politics and current events, offering historically grounded context for major moments in American life. Episodes feature expert historians, political analysts, and scholars who dissect topics from policing, civil rights, and imperial policy to media narratives and cultural shifts. A notable strength is the steady integration of academic perspectives with accessible storytelling, helping listeners connect past patterns to present-day debates. The format often centers on deep-dive case studies, supplemented by guest scholars who illuminate complex issues and invite broader reflection on how history informs policy and public discourse.

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Which podcasts are similar to America: The Story of the USA?

These podcasts share a similar audience with America: The Story of the USA:

1. The Rest Is Classified
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5. The Rest Is Politics: US

How many episodes of America: The Story of the USA are there?

America: The Story of the USA launched 3 years ago and published 225 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on America: The Story of the USA?

Recent guests on America: The Story of the USA include:

1. Beck Krefting
2. Tim Galsworthy
3. Jenny Chan
4. Matthew Davis
5. Ira Chaleff
6. Alyssa Royse
7. Tom Joseph
8. Heather Thompson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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