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Throughline

NPR
Iran
Israel
Hezbollah
Civil War
United States
Hamas
Civil Rights Movement
Supreme Court
Lebanon
14th Amendment
PLO
Dreams
Civil Rights
Democracy
Abraham Lincoln
First Amendment
Gaza Strip
Second Amendment
Motherhood
Conspiracy Theories

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.Subscribe ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes470Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryDocumentarySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Throughline

Latest Episodes

Prediction market sites allow users to put money on everything from the war in Iran to the winner of the Super Bowl. But where did these markets come from? And what can that history tell us about where they might be going? Today on the show, how bett... more

YouTube

This week, we explore the life of the first woman Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins, and how in the midst of the Great Depression she helped reshape the nation by fighting for minimum wage, Social Security, and unemployment insurance.

To access bo... more

YouTube

Drones are swarming battlefields in Ukraine, Iran, and beyond. Drone warfare is cheap, efficient, autonomous — and changing warfare forever. Today on the show, the past, present and future of battle by remote control. This episode originally publishe... more

YouTube

A glimpse into life during the Great Depression from the people that lived it.

To access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline.

See pcm.adswizz.com for inf... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

Recent Guests

James Rodgers
War historian
University of Georgia? (as inferred from episode materials)
Episode: War by remote control, how drones changed modern warfare
Henry Wright
A former hobo who rode the rails during the Great Depression
Oral history subject
Episode: Four voices from the Great Depression
Meridel Lassour
Writer who documented Depression-era life; lived in the Midwest
Oral history subject
Episode: Four voices from the Great Depression
Dorothy Height
Activist who grew up in Pennsylvania and engaged in Harlem organizing
Civil rights and community organizer
Episode: Four voices from the Great Depression
Viet Thanh Nguyen
Award-winning author and memory studies scholar
University of California (professor) / author
Episode: How our memory of war can shape the future
Nick Salvatore
Historian, author of Eugene V. Debs, Citizen and Socialist
College of Liberal Arts, Syracuse University
Episode: The origins of the Socialist Party of America
Ernest Freberg
History professor, author
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Episode: The origins of the Socialist Party of America
Alison Dirk
Director of the Eugene V. Debs Museum
Eugene V. Debs Museum, Terre Haute
Episode: The origins of the Socialist Party of America
Racquel Gates
Associate professor of film and media studies
Columbia University
Episode: Gladiators, real housewives and the pull of reality TV

Hosts

Rund Abdelfatah
Co-host and journalist known for storytelling that connects history to present-day contexts.
Ramtin Arablouei
Co-host and journalist dedicated to creating engaging narratives that highlight historical perspectives.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 21.4k ratings
  • 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 Podcasts
    3
    trillpickles666
    United States11 days 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 Addict
    5
    curmudgeon
    14 days ago
  • 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 Podcasts
    5
    bailindsey
    United States18 days 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 Podcasts
    5
    Kyya!
    United States25 days 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 Podcasts
    5
    Who’sYourNonnie
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

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

Feedback highlights the podcast's ability to make history engaging, with immersive sound design and diverse perspectives.
Listeners praise the podcast for its in-depth and thorough historical storytelling, often connecting the past to current themes.
Some criticisms have been noted regarding certain tones during serious discussions, but overall content quality is strongly favored.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Spotify
#13
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#239
United States/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#8
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#34
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#81
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#84
Australia/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How our memory of war can shape the future
Q: So how do we actually make it so that this is just the way we talk about history?
Nguyen argues that we need to acknowledge multiple perspectives, challenge dominant narratives, and implement visible justice mechanisms like memorials and reparations to shift from a single heroic/victim story to a broader, more inclusive memory that informs future choices.
James Baldwin's Fire
Q: Did he come out of the civil rights movement feeling hopeful?
Baldwin was disillusioned but continued to bear witness to the struggles for justice and fought against apathy in society, emphasizing the constant potential for change.
James Baldwin's Fire
Q: What do you think Baldwin would have made of that tension today?
Baldwin would likely point to the importance of understanding individual pain within the context of broader social criticism, arguing that personal experiences should drive the quest for social justice.
Iran Protests Explained
Q: How are these protests different from past ones?
These protests are calling for the end of the Islamic Republic rather than just reforms, reflecting deeper frustrations with the regime.
Ken Burns and the American Revolution
Q: What was the American Revolution really about?
It was a civil war characterized by various social dynamics and involved different groups fighting for their interpretation of liberty and rights.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Throughline

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

Exploring the intricate tapestry of history, the podcast takes a deep dive into pivotal events and figures that have significantly shaped the world we live in today. Each episode connects the past with the present, addressing themes such as political influence, civil rights, and societal change through immersive storytelling and expert insights. The unique blend of sound design and narrative brings historical events to life, making complex subjects accessible and engaging for listeners.

Notably, the thoughtful exploration of diverse perspectives, especially those often overlooked in traditional narratives, sets this podcast apart. With a focus on both well-known and obscure topics, it offers an enriching experience that appeals to history ... 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. Code Switch
4. Fresh Air
5. Up First from NPR

How many episodes of Throughline are there?

Throughline launched 7 years ago and published 470 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.

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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. James Rodgers
2. Henry Wright
3. Meridel Lassour
4. Dorothy Height
5. Viet Thanh Nguyen
6. Nick Salvatore
7. Ernest Freberg
8. Alison Dirk

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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