Throughline
NPRThroughline 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.Subscribe ... more
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 490 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistorySociety & CultureDocumentary | |||
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Latest Episodes
From impoverishment to global superpower, China’s supremacy happened at a breakneck speed thanks to the visionary strategy of the man who took power in 1978. Over the next decade, under leader Deng Xiaoping’s firm leadership, China flirted with capit... more
We think of Walmart as ultra-American, but its business relationship with China has fundamentally changed how American retail operates.
In this episode, how one retailer helped turn China into the world’s factory, eventually becoming the single lar... more
In the summer of 2020, teenager Antonio Mays Jr. traveled a thousand miles to join a racial justice movement after the killing of George Floyd. Less than a week after he arrived in Seattle, he was shot and killed there. The case remains unsolved. In ... more
Route 66 turns 100 this year. It's considered America’s most nostalgic road trip. With wide open road, sunsets that fill the whole sky, dirt-kissed Chevy trucks, and revving motorcycles. But Route 66 started out as a muddy road to nowhere. Today on t... more
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- Hmmm..
I’m confused on the anti communist lens some stories have. I think it can be really disingenuous. Kinda gave me the ick.
It’s 2026. Pls don’t loose the plot…
Apple Podcasts3trillpickles666
United States2 months ago Please use 5 stars more sparingly. We'd all be better off if 5 stars ratings were less commonly used so we could highlight the truly exceptional podcasts, like this one.
Podcast Addict52 months agocurmudgeon- Absolute fan of Throughline
Today I see that Throughline is replaying its 2022 conversation with Viet Thanh Nguyen about how the way we remember and selectively forget the ravages of war has the power to reshape our future. This episode is exceptional, adding to a long list of other Throughline episodes that remain in my memory to this day. I want to thank you for continuing your excellent journalism.
Apple Podcasts5bailindseyUnited States3 months ago - I love Throughline
But the latest Reality TV episode was a level above all the rest. It helps that it’s a lighter topic, but the audio engineering especially was great. 10/10
Apple Podcasts5Kyya!United States3 months ago - Best Podcast
If you only listen to one podcast, make it Throughline. This team creates the most informative and balanced material that provides a deep and insightful analysis of contemporary topics through an historical lens. I’ve learned so much and have a better understanding of today’s complex issues by listening to Throughline. You guys at Throughline rock!!!
Apple Podcasts5Who’sYourNonnieUnited States3 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #15 | United States/History |
Apple Podcasts | #222 | United States/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #8 | United States/History |
Apple Podcasts | #36 |  Canada/History |
Apple Podcasts | #101 |  United Kingdom/History |
Apple Podcasts | #65 |  Australia/History |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About Throughline
What is Throughline about and what kind of topics does it cover?
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
Where can I find podcast stats for Throughline?
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.
How many listeners does Throughline get?
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What are the audience demographics for Throughline?
Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for Throughline, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.
How many subscribers and views does Throughline have?
To see how many followers or subscribers Throughline has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to Throughline?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Throughline:
1. Radiolab
2. This American Life
3. Fresh Air
4. Short Wave
5. Code Switch
How many episodes of Throughline are there?
Throughline launched 7 years ago and published 490 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Throughline?
Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.
Where can I see ratings and reviews for Throughline?
Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Throughline from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.
View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.
How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Throughline?
Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of Throughline. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.
What guests have appeared on Throughline?
Recent guests on Throughline include:
1. Walter Isaacson
2. Denise Kiernan
3. Heidi Schreck
4. Alex Von Tunzelmann
5. Faria al-Muslimi
6. Kate Bowler
7. Chris Lehmann
8. Thea Butler
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.