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Artwork for The Way of Improvement Leads Home: American History, Religion, Politics, and Academic life.

The Way of Improvement Leads Home: American History, Religion, Politics, and Academic life.

John Fea
Identity Politics
Eugene Debs
American Socialism
New Left
Great Depression
Civil War
Karl Marx
The Squad
Bernie Sanders
Black Lives Matter
Sports
Black Evangelicals
Evangelicalism
Christianity
Race Relations
Christian Athlete Movement
The American Revolution
Racial Identity
American Church History
Black Athlete Revolt

A biweekly discussion dedicated to American History, historical thinking, and the role of history in our every day lives. Hosted by historian John Fea

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes134Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureHistory

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Way of Improvement Leads Home: American History, Religion, Politics, and Academic life.

Latest Episodes

Our guest in this episode, historian Andrew Hartman, writes, "Americans are thinking about [Karl] Marx to a degree not matched since the 1960s, or perhaps even the 1930s." Join us for a discussion of Hartman's new book, Karl Marx in America.

Learn m... more

Our guest on this episode of the podcast is Jeffrey Rosen, the president of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. He is with us to talk about his more recent book, The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Bat... more

Most of the stories we will tell about the American Revolution during the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026 will take on a feel of American exceptionalism. They will come mostly from within the geographical bounds of what today is the United States,... more

Many Americans have heard of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. But did you know that her father was a famous evangelist, her brother was "the most famous man in America," and her sister founded the home economics movement? In th... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Andrew Hartman
A distinguished professor of history at Illinois State University and the author of "Karl Marx in America," Hartman has a significant background in the history of American culture and politics.
Illinois State University
Episode: Episode 131: Karl Marx in America
Jeffrey Rosen
President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, professor of law at George Washington University Law School
National Constitution Center
Episode: Episode 130: Hamilton vs. Jefferson in History and Memory
Richard Bell
British-born, American-trained historian of the early United States
University of Maryland, author of The American Revolution and the Fate of the World
Episode: Episode 129: The American Revolution as a World War
Obbie Tyler Todd
Historian, pastor and theologian in residence at Cross Community Church
Cross Community Church, Buford, South Carolina
Episode: Episode 128: Beecherism
David Waldstreicher
Historian and author of the biography The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley.
Graduate Center of the City University of New York
Episode: Episode 127: Phillis Wheatley: A Black Evangelical Poet in Revolutionary America
Paul Putz
Author of The Spirit of the Game, American Christianity and Big Time Sports
Baylor University
Episode: Episode 126: Christianity and Big Time Sports in Modern America
Vincent Bacote
Professor of Theology and the Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College.
Wheaton College
Episode: Episode 125: Black Evangelicals in American History

Host

John Fea
Host of discussions on American history, focusing on its societal implications and connections to religion and politics.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 129 ratings
  • Perfect for my commute.

    I first heard Jon on an episode of PA books. Where he referenced this podcast, and I’m so glad I checked it out and subscribed. On my commute it is great time too as a joke get smarter. This definitely fits the bill. Through Jon’s podcast. I also found some new favorite voices in American contemporary history.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    gggyoung
    United States3 years ago
  • Excellent Interviews and Insights

    John Fea's podcasts are enjoyable to listen to and very informative. The interviews are always well prepared and gives some much needed attention to Christian political discourse on the American "left".

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bill Garrett
    United States3 years ago
  • Wonderful

    I have enjoyed every episode. I suppose I am new to the podcast and it looks like the podcast has ended - strike that last sentence, Dr Fea still releases new episodes - not as often as I’d like, but he seems to be a very busy man. The new platform is called Current and I have enjoyed the site (looks like the podcasts there are only for subscribers $), but, once I finish all of the back episodes here - well, I will have to go back and listen to them again. Well worth the time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NM CK
    United States4 years ago
  • Wonderful

    I have enjoyed every episode. I suppose I am new to the podcast and it looks like the podcast has ended. The new platform is called Current and I have enjoyed the site (looks like the podcasts there are only for subscribers $), but, once I finish all of the back episodes here - well, I will have to go back and listen to them again. Well worth the time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NM CK
    United States5 years ago
  • All

    I came to the podcast through several of Dr. Fea’s books and then Twitter. I absolutely love the historical context the podcast provides for contemporary events and the blending of history, religion, and politics. Doing so provides at least a glimpse into understanding why people behave the way they do.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ralph McRalph
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

The podcast is recognized for its high-quality interviews with knowledgeable guests, providing unique insights into historical contexts.
Audience members value the accessible nature of the content, often finding it enriching and educational for personal and professional development.
Some listeners have noted occasional criticism towards the fast-paced delivery of information, preferring a slower, more deliberate discussion style.
Listeners appreciate the engaging, thoughtful discussions that connect historical events to contemporary social and political issues.
The overall consensus highlights the importance of historical thinking in understanding current events, with many expressing gratitude for the intellectual stimulation.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 131: Karl Marx in America
Q: What is it about identity politics that Marxists are often skeptical of?
Hartman points out that Marxists believe the major focus should be on class struggle rather than identity divisions that can distract from the shared working-class struggles.
Episode 131: Karl Marx in America
Q: How did Debs bring Marxism, Republicanism and Christianity together in his activism?
Debs blended his Christian ethics with Republicanism and labor activism, seeing Marxist ideas as consistent with his early beliefs about standing up for the little guy.
Episode 131: Karl Marx in America
Q: How does Genovese turn Marx's view of the Civil War on its head?
Hartman explains that Genovese criticized Marx for being too sympathetic to the industrial north and dismissed Marx's interpretations as liberal.
Episode 131: Karl Marx in America
Q: What led you then from studying the Culture Wars to going into Marx as a subject of historical inquiry?
Hartman explains that he was involved in Marxist reading groups which shaped his worldview, leading him to explore Marx's influence in American history.
Episode 129: The American Revolution as a World War
Q: Can you give me an example or give me a story to illustrate this migratory movement, this peopling, if you will?
Bell shares the story of John Mosley, an enslaved man who fought for the British in exchange for freedom and ultimately became one of the first Black Americans in Australia.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Content focuses on the intersection of American history, religion, politics, and social issues. The discussions often include deep dives into significant historical figures and movements, such as the American Revolution, the Beecher family, and Black Evangelicalism. Unique perspectives are provided by various guests, all experts in their fields, who offer insights that connect historical events to contemporary debates, enriching listeners' understanding of how history shapes modern-day society. This podcast likely appeals to those interested in academic discussions that challenge conventional narratives through the lens of history and its relevance today.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Ask NT Wright Anything
2. The Holy Post
3. The Russell Moore Show
4. The Bible For Normal People
5. Good Faith

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 10 years ago and published 134 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 this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Andrew Hartman
2. Jeffrey Rosen
3. Richard Bell
4. Obbie Tyler Todd
5. David Waldstreicher
6. Paul Putz
7. Vincent Bacote

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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