
Throughline is a time machine. Each episode, we travel beyond the headlines to answer the question, "How did we get here?" We use sound and stories to bring history to life and put you into the middle of it. From ancient civilizations to forgotten figures, we take you directly to the moments that shaped our world. Throughline is hosted by Peabody Award-winning journalist Rund Abdelfatah. Support p... more
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 495 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistoryDocumentarySociety & Culture | |||

Monopoly is one of the best-selling board games of all time. It heralds free market economics and celebrates the American dream. That's a far cry from the original intent. This week on our series Hidden Histories, we go back in time to reveal the swi... more
In our final installment of AP250, how We Shall Overcome became the anthem of generations of protestors. Today on the show, we revisit an episode from the NPR archives about the legacy of hope found in the lyrics of this timeless song.
Support publi... more
Over the next few episodes, we present Hidden Histories: stories that will make you rethink how the world works. First up, the conspiracy behind the lightbulb—and how it came to shape the entire consumer economy. If you ever wondered why your tech ou... more
One of the most fundamental aspects of American democracy has been the public’s ability to critique power, whether that’s through protest, legislation, or a really funny joke. Today, we take a romp into the history of American comedy, showing no matt... more
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Has loud sudden car horn noises without warning, I had to turn the podcast off while driving.
I’m happy to make this show a part of my weekly podcast rotation. I look forward to new episodes and even going back to listen to their catalog where I am sure to find something worthy! Thank you for doing what you do!
So interesting and important no need to nitpick.
Thank you, Throughline & NPR. Your work quality has never wavered, especially during these uncertain times. You make me proud to be supporter of all Public Radio and Television.
Very diverse yet timely topics as it pertains to the many listeners Interests in current affairs.
Great style and delivery💪🏻
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #16 | |
Apple Podcasts | #17 | |
Apple Podcasts | #43 | |
Apple Podcasts | #76 | |
Apple Podcasts | #68 | |
Apple Podcasts | #116 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Throughline offers richly researched historical storytelling that connects past events to today's headlines. Episodes span topics from prediction markets and memory wars to labor history, civil rights, border policy, and media evolution, all illustrated with archival material, expert interviews, and narrative storytelling. Listeners can expect rigorous context, nuanced viewpoints, and a tendency to frame current issues through long arcs in politics, technology, and culture. A notable strength is the blend of academic rigor with accessible storytelling, often featuring historians, journalists, and policy experts who illuminate how historical forces shape present-day debates. This mix makes it especially valuable for audiences seeking deeper ... more
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Throughline. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Throughline and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Throughline:
1. Radiolab
2. This American Life
3. Code Switch
4. Fresh Air
5. Short Wave
Throughline launched 8 years ago and published 495 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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Recent guests on Throughline include:
1. Tom Bramel
2. Giles Slade
3. Markus Krajewski
4. Alfred Sloan
5. Henry Ford
6. Jeff Bennett
7. Danielle Fuentes Morgan
8. Kerry Brown
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.