America: The Story of the USA

By Liam Heffernan | A Mercury PodcastSociety & Culture News Politics History

America: The Story of the USA episodes

December 13, 2025BONUS REPLAY: The Christmas Goose & Our Favourite On Screen Santa
In this special festive bonus episode, Liam & guests discuss their own personal Christmas traditions, their favourite screen Santa Claus and what, if anything, we would change or add to the myth of Santa.
Happy holidays everyone!
...
Special guest for this episode:
Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman.
Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past
...
Highlights from this episode:
The importance of traditions like Santa Claus in family celebrations.
Brian explains the Christmas Goose.
Tom reflects on the evolution of Santa Claus in modern holiday culture and media.
How children's understanding of Santa changes as they grow older.
The fleeting nature of childhood magic during Christmas celebrations.
The portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving role.

...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What is the War on Christmas?
How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie
What's the History of Christmas in America?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
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12 min
December 09, 2025I Am... Jody Williams
This edition of the podcast is a very special one. Firstly, it’s our 100th main episode, which is astonishing, so I want to thank everyone who has played any part in making this podcast - from everyone at UEA and behind the scenes to every guest who has donated their time and expertise. This genuinely would not have been possible without all of you.
On which note, today also marks the first of our ‘I Am…’ series, where we are joined by someone who has made an indelible mark on America, if not the world, to tell their story in their own words.
...
Special guest for this episode:
Jody Williams, a Nobel Peace Laureate, who changed international law by founding the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). She is now a founding member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, and her tireless determination to make the world a better, safer, and more equitable place has had an unfathomable impact on millions.
...
Additional Resources:
My Name Is Jody Williams: A Vermont Girl's Winding Path to the Nobel Peace Prize by Jody Williams
Jody Williams – Biographical - NobelPrize.org
Jody Williams | Peace Jam
Jody Williams: A realistic vision for world peace | TED Talk
Homepage - ICBLCMC
NobelPrize.org
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
How Are Presidents Elected?
What is the US Constitution?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

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1 hr 3 min
December 06, 2025BONUS: The Industry of Comic Book Collectibles
In this bonus episode, comic book expert Julian Chambliss sticks around to discuss his own childhood comic book collection, and reveals the one rare comic book he wishes he could find...
...
Special guest for this episode:
Julian Chambliss, a Professor of English at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on race, culture, and power in real and imagined spaces, with a particular interest in comic book history/
...
Highlights from this episode:
Comic books have played a significant role in fostering a love for reading among children.
The accessibility of comic books in the United States was much greater during the speaker's childhood.
Collecting comics can lead to acquiring valuable editions, but many childhood collections were discarded.
The comic book market is complex and often confusing, especially regarding the value of certain issues.
The speaker expresses a desire to own a rare comic called Lobo, known for its historical significance.
Comic book conventions are places where collectors can search for rare finds and engage with others in the community.
...
Additional Resources:
Origins and History
History of American comics - Wikipedia
History Of American Comics: From Victorian Roots To The Modern Multimedia Era (Toons Mag)
American comic book - Wikipedia
Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois – Wikipedia + Guinness World Records, Guinness World Records: First Comic
A History of the Comic Book - Random History
Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages
Comic Book Ages Explained - Biowars
Silver Age Comics - Comic Buying Center
The Flash: The Silver Age - Slings & Arrows
Modern Age of Comic Books - Wikipedia
20 Major Comic Events That Shaped Us – GoCollect
Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting
Why Comic Books Remain Popular Among Collectors - Big News Network
U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share | Grand View Research
Cross-Media Adaptations
The Impact of Comic Books on Popular Culture - Comicbooklist.com
From Pop Art Panels to Record Breaking Blockbusters - The Science Survey
The Transformation of Comic Books Into Movies - WhatsAfterTheMovie.com
A Brief History of Comic Book Movies - Springer
Representation and Diversity
Kamala Khan - Wikipedia (Ms. Marvel)
Black Panther First Appearance - Comic Book Addicts
Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship
Julian C. Chambliss – Michigan State University
Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men – Cambridge Scholars Publishing/Open Library, Open Library
Comics Studies as an Academic Field
The Oxford Handbook of Comic Book Studies - Oxford University Press, Amazon UK
The Power of Comics: History, Form & Culture - Duncan & Smith
Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms
The Rise of Digital Comics: Trends and Technologies - electricomics.net
The Rise of Webcomics Explained - Toons Mag
Evolution of Digital Comics and Graphic Novels - EMB Global
Other Notable Reference Titles
Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright
Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet
Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg
Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan
The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger
Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt
The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene

...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9 min
December 02, 2025Why Does America Love Comic Books?
Comic books are woven into the fabric of American pop culture, evolving from humble newspaper strips to a multi billion dollar industry. Their stories have inspired hope during wars, reflected societal anxieties during culture shifts, and consistently adapted to embrace new technologies and audiences.
Today, comic book heroes and genres remain vibrant symbols of American imagination and reinvention, their influence reaching well beyond the printed page to movies, fashion, digital art, and fandom communities nationwide.
So in this episode, we will explore its origins, cultural impact, and enduring popularity, as I ask… why does America love comic books?
...
Special guest for this episode:
Julian Chambliss, a Professor of English at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on race, culture, and power in real and imagined spaces, with a particular interest in comic book history/
...
Highlights from this episode:
Comic books have transformed from simple newspaper strips into a significant component of American pop culture, highlighting their incredible evolution and widespread appeal.
The connection between comic book narratives and societal anxieties reflects the historical context of American culture during significant events, like wars and societal shifts.
Comic book characters, especially superheroes, serve as symbols of American values, often embodying the ideals of hope, justice, and the fight against tyranny, as seen in figures like Captain America.
The enduring popularity of comic books can be attributed to their diverse storytelling capabilities, allowing them to transcend genres and reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
...
Additional Resources:
Origins and History
History of American comics - Wikipedia
History Of American Comics: From Victorian Roots To The Modern Multimedia Era (Toons Mag)
American comic book - Wikipedia
Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois – Wikipedia + Guinness World Records, Guinness World Records: First Comic
A History of the Comic Book - Random History
Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages
Comic Book Ages Explained - Biowars
Silver Age Comics - Comic Buying Center
The Flash: The Silver Age - Slings & Arrows
Modern Age of Comic Books - Wikipedia
20 Major Comic Events That Shaped Us – GoCollect
Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting
Why Comic Books Remain Popular Among Collectors - Big News Network
U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share | Grand View Research
Cross-Media Adaptations
The Impact of Comic Books on Popular Culture - Comicbooklist.com
From Pop Art Panels to Record Breaking Blockbusters - The Science Survey
The Transformation of Comic Books Into Movies - WhatsAfterTheMovie.com
A Brief History of Comic Book Movies - Springer
Representation and Diversity
Kamala Khan - Wikipedia (Ms. Marvel)
Black Panther First Appearance - Comic Book Addicts
Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship
Julian C. Chambliss – Michigan State University
Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men – Cambridge Scholars Publishing/Open Library, Open Library
Comics Studies as an Academic Field
The Oxford Handbook of Comic Book Studies - Oxford University Press, Amazon UK
The Power of Comics: History, Form & Culture - Duncan & Smith
Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms
The Rise of Digital Comics: Trends and Technologies - electricomics.net
The Rise of Webcomics Explained - Toons Mag
Evolution of Digital Comics and Graphic Novels - EMB Global
Other Notable Reference Titles
Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright
Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet
Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg
Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan
The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger
Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt
The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene

...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
52 min
November 29, 2025BONUS: Can a Woman Ever Be Pope?
In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the intriguing question of whether a woman could ever become pope. Plus, we discuss the current hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church and the significant barriers women face in being ordained.
We also come back to the goodness that Pope Leo XIV seems to embody, suggesting that regardless of religious titles, it's the inherent kindness that truly matters.
...
Special guest for this episode:
Kathleen Cummings, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Notre Dame, with a focus on the history of women, Catholicism and American religion. Her books include A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American.
John Doughney, a childhood friend of Pope Leo. They attended Catholic school together in Chicago, and he now lives in Texas, running a beautiful stained glass business with his wife.
...
Highlights from this episode:
The Catholic Church's hierarchical structure makes it highly unlikely for women to become priests in the near future, let alone a pope.
The slow pace of change within the Catholic Church means that any significant reforms will take generations to implement, if they happen at all.
Pope Leo XIV's past education under female theologians suggests potential for progressive change, but resistance remains strong regarding women's ordination.
The idea of faith as a justification for values is discussed, emphasizing that goodness is not inherently linked to religious beliefs.
John's reflections on growing up in a blue-collar family highlight how community and tradition shape individual values and beliefs.
The conversation touches on the intersection of faith, politics, and morality, urging listeners to reflect on the true essence of serving one's fellow man.

...
Additional Resources:
A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American by Kathleen Cummings
'We knew there was something special about him,' says childhood friend of Pope Leo
How a humble Chicago schoolboy Robert Prevost with a veteran father rose to become America's first Pope by the Daily Mail
Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985 by the Peru News Agency
Stained Glass by John & Nancy Doughney
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
How Are Presidents Elected?
What is the US Constitution?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15 min
November 25, 2025Who is Pope Leo XIV?
From the heart of Chicago’s South Side to the highest office in the Catholic Church, the journey of Robert Provost is as improbable as it is inspiring.
So in today’s episode, we’re exploring the life, legacy, and cultural significance of the first American Pope. From his early years in Illinois, via his transformative missionary work in Peru, all the way to the papacy, this is a story that both reflects and reshapes the American Catholic experience. So… who is Pope Leo XIV?
...
Special guest for this episode:
Kathleen Cummings, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Notre Dame, with a focus on the history of women, Catholicism and American religion. Her books include A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American.
John Doughney, a childhood friend of Pope Leo. They attended Catholic school together in Chicago, and he now lives in Texas, running a beautiful stained glass business with his wife.
...
Highlights from this episode:
Robert Provost's journey from Chicago's south side to the papacy is truly remarkable.
This episode highlights the cultural significance of Pope Leo XIV as the first American Pope.
We delve into how Pope Leo's early life influenced his commitment to servant leadership.
Pope Leo XIV's missionary work in Peru profoundly shaped his understanding of social justice and community.
The podcast explores the unique dynamics of being an American Pope in a diverse global church.
We discuss how Pope Leo XIV's choice of name signifies hope and a commitment to social teaching.

...
Additional Resources:
A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American by Kathleen Cummings
'We knew there was something special about him,' says childhood friend of Pope Leo
How a humble Chicago schoolboy Robert Prevost with a veteran father rose to become America's first Pope by the Daily Mail
Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985 by the Peru News Agency
Stained Glass by John & Nancy Doughney
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
How Are Presidents Elected?
What is the US Constitution?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
40 min
November 22, 2025BONUS: Fannie Lou Hamer - An Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement
In this special bonus episode, we learn about Fannie Lou Hamer, an activist and one of the lesser known heroes of the civil rights movement, who championed for voter equality in the US, and risked her own safety for justice.
...
Special guest for this episode:
Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.
...
Highlights from this episode:
In this bonus episode, we further unpack the significance of the Voting Rights Act and its historical context, which is crucial for understanding today's political landscape.
Fannie Lou Hamer emerged as a central figure in the civil rights movement, emphasizing the power of grassroots activism to effect real change in voting rights.
We encourage listeners to explore Fannie Lou Hamer's life, as her story exemplifies the struggles faced by ordinary individuals fighting for their right to vote.
The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party was co-founded by Hamer in 1964, challenging the all-white Democratic Party and advocating for Black political participation.
Hamer's famous quote, 'I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired,' reflects the frustration and resilience of those fighting against voter suppression.
As we continue to discuss voting rights, we invite everyone to engage in informed discussions and explore the resources linked in our show notes.
...
Additional Resources:
National Archives Voting Rights Act (1965) Milestone Documents: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act
Civil Rights History Project – Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/civil-rights-movement/
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – Fannie Lou Hamer and Voting Rights: https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/fannie-lou-hamer-and-fight-voting-rights
Primary Source Spotlight: Voting Rights Act of 1965: https://primarysourcenexus.org/2019/02/primary-source-spotlight-voting-rights-act-1965/
Supreme Court of the United States: Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021) – Full Opinions: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-1257_g204.pdf
Shelby County v. Holder (2013) Decision – Wikipedia Guide and Analysis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_County_v._Holder
Brennan Center for Justice – Effects of Shelby County v. Holder on the Voting Rights Act: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/effects-shelby-county-v-holder-voting-rights-act
Smithsonian Magazine – Fannie Lou Hamer’s Dauntless Fight for Black Americans’ Right to Vote: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/fannie-lou-hamers-dauntless-fight-for-black-americans-right-vote-180975610/
TIME Magazine – Rosa Parks and Voting Rights Activism: https://time.com/5933396/rosa-parks-voting-rights/
The National Constitution Center – History and Legacy of the Voting Rights Act: https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-history-and-legacy-of-the-voting-rights-act
Wikipedia: Timeline of Voting Rights in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_voting_rights_in_the_United_States
Smith v. Allwright (1944) Decision – White Primaries: https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/archive/html/vce/features/0404_01/smith.html
SNCC Digital Gateway – People Who Led the Movement: Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and Ella Baker: https://snccdigital.org/people/
PBS LearningMedia – The Black Codes, Reconstruction, and Voting: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/f5b1df5d-399b-4895-b561-0d2fcd040c49/reconstruction-the-black-codes/
National Park Service – The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: https://www.nps.gov/semo/index.htm
Learning for Justice – Why the Voting Rights Act Matters: https://www.learningforjustice.org/why-the-1965-voting-rights-act-is-crucial-for-democracy
American Civil Liberties Union – Voting Rights Act: Major Dates in History: https://www.aclu.org/news/topic/voting-rights-act-major-dates-history

...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?
What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?
What is the Civil Rights Act?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 min
November 20, 2025 IN THE MAKING: Will the Epstein Scandal Actually Change Anything?
This week, we're talking about Jeffrey Epstein files, why both sides of the political aisle are uniting and, as the house is set to approve a bill forcing the release of the files in full, could this finally be the beginning of the end for President Trump and the MAGA era?
All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.
.
Special Guest:
This week, we are delighted to be joined by friend of the show Alyssa Royse, a business owner from Seattle, who talks to us about her own experience of sexual assault when she was a teenager (not related to Epstein).
.
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
34 min
November 18, 2025What is the Voting Rights Act?
This week I am discussing one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in US history. Signed during the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, it stands as a monument to the unfinished struggle for democracy.
So I want to go beyond the legal text, and peel back the layers of history, injustice, activism, and resilience that not just made it possible, but continue to define its relevance, as I ask… what is the Voting Rights Act?
...
Special guest for this episode:
Nicholas Grant, an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.
...
Highlights from this episode:
The Voting Rights Act emerged from a long struggle for democracy, deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement and its ongoing relevance today.
Grassroots activism and mass protests were essential in the fight for voting rights, culminating in significant legislative changes like the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The historical context of Reconstruction highlights the ongoing fight against systemic racism and the need for continued vigilance in protecting voting rights.
The preclearance provision in the Voting Rights Act effectively prevented thousands of discriminatory voting changes until it was weakened by the Supreme Court in 2013.
...
Additional Resources:
National Archives Voting Rights Act (1965) Milestone Documents: https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act
Civil Rights History Project – Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/civil-rights-movement/
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – Fannie Lou Hamer and Voting Rights: https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/fannie-lou-hamer-and-fight-voting-rights
Primary Source Spotlight: Voting Rights Act of 1965: https://primarysourcenexus.org/2019/02/primary-source-spotlight-voting-rights-act-1965/
Supreme Court of the United States: Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021) – Full Opinions: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-1257_g204.pdf
Shelby County v. Holder (2013) Decision – Wikipedia Guide and Analysis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_County_v._Holder
Brennan Center for Justice – Effects of Shelby County v. Holder on the Voting Rights Act: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/effects-shelby-county-v-holder-voting-rights-act
Smithsonian Magazine – Fannie Lou Hamer’s Dauntless Fight for Black Americans’ Right to Vote: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/fannie-lou-hamers-dauntless-fight-for-black-americans-right-vote-180975610/
TIME Magazine – Rosa Parks and Voting Rights Activism: https://time.com/5933396/rosa-parks-voting-rights/
The National Constitution Center – History and Legacy of the Voting Rights Act: https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-history-and-legacy-of-the-voting-rights-act
Wikipedia: Timeline of Voting Rights in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_voting_rights_in_the_United_States
Smith v. Allwright (1944) Decision – White Primaries: https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/archive/html/vce/features/0404_01/smith.html
SNCC Digital Gateway – People Who Led the Movement: Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and Ella Baker: https://snccdigital.org/people/
PBS LearningMedia – The Black Codes, Reconstruction, and Voting: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/f5b1df5d-399b-4895-b561-0d2fcd040c49/reconstruction-the-black-codes/
National Park Service – The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail: https://www.nps.gov/semo/index.htm
Learning for Justice – Why the Voting Rights Act Matters: https://www.learningforjustice.org/why-the-1965-voting-rights-act-is-crucial-for-democracy
American Civil Liberties Union – Voting Rights Act: Major Dates in History: https://www.aclu.org/news/topic/voting-rights-act-major-dates-history

...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?
What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?
What is the Civil Rights Act?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
44 min
November 15, 2025BONUS: Chief Seattle, Cultural Appropriation, and Native Legacies
In this bonus episode, we shed light on the historical significance of Chief Seattle while confronting the challenges of finding credible sources about Native American history. We explore how his voice has been filtered through settler perspectives, creating a shadowy figure in the archives, and discuss the cultural appropriation that often distorts Indigenous narratives.
As we navigate through the noise that surrounds Chief Seattle, we aim to uncover the real stories of Indigenous history, particularly in urban settings like Seattle, where the past continually resurfaces. Join us as we delve into the intertwined histories of Indigenous and settler communities and reflect on how those relationships evolve over time.
...
Special guest for this episode:
Coll Thrush, a professor of history at the University of British Columbia, with a teaching focus on Indigenous and settler colonial histories. His books include the acclaimed Native Seattle.
...
Highlights from this episode:
Chief Seattle remains a somewhat elusive figure, with historical records often filtered through settler perspectives.
Urban and Indigenous histories are not mutually exclusive; they are intertwined and shape each other significantly.
Cultural appropriation and the use of Native imagery in cities raise important questions about respect and representation.
Indigenous communities in Washington have experienced a resurgence in culture and political presence over the last fifty years.
Historical injustices, such as the treatment of Indigenous peoples in boarding schools, continue to impact present-day relations.
Apologies for past wrongs, like those issued by political leaders, must be accompanied by meaningful actions to foster true reconciliation.

...
Additional Resources:
Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place by Coll Thrush
Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name: The Change of Worlds for the Native People and Settlers on Puget by David Buerge
Chief Seattle Speech | The Suquamish Tribe
What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay? – The Discourse
Treaty of Point Elliott, 1855 | GOIA
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Who Are Native Americans?
How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?
What is Thanksgiving?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

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13 min

About America: The Story of the USA

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SOTUS is your deep‑dive guide to how the United States became what it is today. From George Washington to Donald Trump, we unpack the people, places and events that shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s identity.

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About America: The Story of the USA