In this week's discussion, we cover more detail about the building of the canal and the herculean medical and engineering feats American and Panamanian workers achieved. (Joe even gets to put on his doctor's hat and tell us about yellow fever.) We then get into some of the current-day events and what the future might hold for America and its southern neighbors.

Join us every Monday for discussions and episodes as well as our Thursday pop quizzes and Sketches in History. Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

With events in Iran moving hour by hour, Joe asked about the Iranian Revolution of 1979, how that regime could hold onto the country for so long, and why we are now seeing a possible change in government in the coming weeks (or perhaps even days).

Join us each Thursday for pop quizzes and Sketches in History, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Over a century ago, the United States blasted its way through a continent in one of the largest engineering projects in world history. The Panama Canal's construction brought with it decades of American involvement in Latin America--the effects of which are still felt today.

Join us every Monday as we explore topics in American history leading to our 250th birthday in July and for pop quizzes and "Sketches in History" episodes every Thursday. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

During the holiday break, Jon and Joe wanted to reshare some of their favorite episodes. This episode originally aired on December 14, 2023. New episodes starting this Monday, January 12.

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Have an idea for a topic? Want to try and stump Jon? Send it to us at [email protected] or submit it to our website at https://www.15minutehistorypodcast.org. We promise not to give him any hints.

During the holiday break, Jon and Joe wanted to reshare some of their favorite episodes. This episode originally aired on January 27, 2025. New episodes starting next week!

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The Battle of Agincourt, though small by modern standards, stands as a turning point in European history by bringing democracy to the battlefield. Joe takes us through the battle in all its detail and asks whether Henry V's actions proved to be a good idea or a bad one.

During the holiday break, Jon and Joe wanted to reshare some of their favorite episodes. This episode originally aired on June 5, 2025.

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In this double pop quiz, Jon answers a question from an audience member and then discusses the Overton Window and how the range of "acceptable" political discourse changes over time.

Join us every other week for these pop quizzes during the summer, and comment below with any topics you'd like us to cover!

During the holiday break, Jon and Joe wanted to reshare some of their favorite episodes. This episode originally aired on June 23, 2025.

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This season has been about good and bad ideas, and we are concluding with Jon's thoughts on a journey he's been on through early American history. In his 1989 book Albion's Seed, Dr. David Hackett Fischer describes how four groups of English settlers brought utopian ideals to the New World and created the foundations of what became the United States. Jon takes us through these English "folkways" and identifies some good and bad ideas that were part of America's cultural identity and how we still see them today.

The imagery of Jesus' birth has evolved over the century, but its meaning to all humanity remains as simple as ever in this holiday season.

Special thanks to my Uncle Matt for giving me the idea for this episode! - Jon

This episode originally aired on December 23, 2024.

In this last episode of 2025, Jon takes us on a journey through time and space to learn the stories of several beloved Christmas carols. We hope you enjoy them, and we look forward to seeing you in January with new episodes, discussions, pop quizzes, and "Sketches in History." Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Music: O Come All Ye Faithful

What are the essential works of history every curious reader should know, and where should someone actually start when diving into them? Join Jon and Joe for the first of many conversations about the timeless texts that shaped civilization.

Join us each Thursday for Pop Quizzes and Sketches in History, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.