America: The Story of the USA

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

America: The Story of the USA episodes

August 09, 2025BONUS: Hoagies, Grammar Police, and Momphoria
In this bonus episode, linguistics professor Valerie Fridland discusses her favourite American accents, invents a new slang word, and chats with Liam about some of the everyday differences between American and English.
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Special guest for this episode:
Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now.
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Highlights from this episode:
The perception of accents in America often reflects cultural stereotypes that can be misleading.
Southern accents evoke a sense of warmth and home for many, despite negative stereotypes associated with them.
Linguists focus on the descriptive nature of language rather than enforcing strict grammar rules, emphasizing authenticity in speech.
The organic evolution of slang often reflects the emotional experiences of younger generations and their unique social contexts.
Accents are often judged based on social class and education, leading to a complex relationship between language and identity.
Expressions like 'mumforia' highlight the evolving nature of language, as new terms emerge to describe contemporary experiences.

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Additional Resources:
Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland
Sociophonetics (Key Topics in Sociolinguistics) by Tyler Kendall, co-authored by Valerie Fridland
Why We Talk Funny by Valerie Fridland
ValerieFridland.com
Language in the Wild | Psychology Today
...
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]
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Email [email protected] and let's talk.

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12 min
August 07, 2025IN THE MAKING: Can Donald Trump Run for President in 2028?
The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why changing this would be almost impossible in just three years.
Let us know in the comments what you think:
Do you want Trump to run again in 2028?
Should he be allowed?
Who do you think the Republican nominee contenders are?
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Highlights from this episode:
In this episode, we delve into the implications of Donald Trump's potential third presidential run in 2028 and the constitutional barriers that exist.
We clarify that the 22nd Amendment restricts any individual from being elected for more than two terms as president, creating significant legal challenges.
Our discussion includes Trump's recent comments suggesting JD Vance as a likely Republican nominee, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the MAGA movement.
We explore the argument that Trump could run for vice president, but we detail why this is constitutionally problematic and unlikely to succeed.
The episode emphasizes that there is no legal route for Trump to regain the presidency, addressing concerns among both supporters and critics alike.
We conclude that unless significant legal changes occur, Donald Trump will not be president after 2028, which is a critical point for understanding future elections.

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Additional Resources:
12th Amendment - Election of President and Vice President | Constitution Center
Can Donald Trump run for a third term? Constitution sets two-term limit despite 'Trump 2028' merch
Trump touches on the 22nd Amendment and that is bad news for US history
...
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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13 min
August 05, 2025Why Did President Richard Nixon Resign?
This week marks the 51st anniversary of a truly unique event in American history. The one and only time a President left the White House by choice. Not due to death or the 22nd amendment, but resignation. Never before and not yet since has any other President done this, so this week, I want to know… why did Richard Nixon resign?
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Special guest for this episode:
Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America
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Highlights from this episode:
This episode commemorates the 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon's resignation, marking a unique moment in U.S. presidential history.
Nixon's resignation was not due to death or a constitutional amendment, but rather a voluntary choice amid the Watergate scandal.
The discussion highlights Nixon's insecurities and the political context that ultimately led to his decision to resign from office.
The establishment of CREEP, Nixon's re-election committee, played a significant role in the events that led to the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up.
The Watergate scandal revealed a pattern of cover-ups and dishonesty at the highest level of government, leading to a loss of public trust in presidential integrity.
Nixon's resignation set a precedent in American politics, shaping future expectations of presidential accountability and the ethical standards expected from elected officials.

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Additional Resources:
Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan
President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize
John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History
Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente
...
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
47 min
August 02, 2025BONUS: Understanding the Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on Today's Immigration Debate
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity.
This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal in 1943.
he discussion highlights the socioeconomic conditions leading to the Act's introduction, emphasizing the growing anti-Chinese sentiment among American workers who perceived Chinese immigrants as a threat to their jobs and wages, and features insights from Professor Marco Tabellini, an expert on the economic ramifications of the Act, who explains how the exclusion of Chinese laborers disrupted local economies, particularly in the western United States, where they constituted a significant portion of the workforce.
The conversation navigates through the complexities of cultural opposition and economic fears that fueled the Act, examining how these sentiments resonated with the broader narrative of immigration policy in the U.S.
...
Special guest for this episode:
Marco Tabellini, an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and a co-author of The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S.
...
Highlights from this episode:
The podcast episode discusses the historical implications of the Chinese Exclusion Act and its relevance to current immigration policies in America.
Marco Tabellini emphasizes that mass deportation efforts today may lead to negative labor supply shocks similar to those in the past.
There is a misconception that native-born workers will readily fill jobs left vacant by deported immigrants, which is not supported by evidence.
The podcast highlights the economic significance of immigrant labor in sectors like agriculture and construction, which are often overlooked in policy discussions.
The discussion touches on how anti-immigration sentiment can deter high-skilled immigrants, impacting the U.S. economy negatively in the long run.
Listeners are encouraged to explore the full episode for a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration policies and their effects.

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Additional Resources:
The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S.
...
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
11 min
July 31, 2025IN THE MAKING: Comparing the Epstein Files to Nixon's Watergate Tapes
Liam here, and in this impromptu edition of America: A History in the Making, I look into the parallels between the Nixon administration's Watergate scandal and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files, discussing how both situations highlight the complexities of political accountability and public transparency.
Recently, there has been significant pressure on former President Trump to release the Epstein files, particularly as claims emerge regarding his connections to Epstein. We explore the implications of Trump's reluctance to disclose this information and how it could reflect on his standing within his own party.
Additionally, I look at the historical context of Nixon's tapes and the Supreme Court's role in demanding transparency, contrasting it with today's political landscape and the differing judicial responses, raising important questions about accountability and the evolving nature of political scandals in America.
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Highlights from this episode:
This episode discusses the parallels between Nixon's Watergate scandal and the current situation surrounding the Epstein files.
Previewing the next episode of America: A History where I speak with UCL's Iwan Morgan about Nixon's resignation.
The Supreme Court's involvement in both Nixon's case and the Epstein files raises questions about political transparency.
Trump's reluctance to release the Epstein files suggests potential issues within his own party and public image.

...
Additional Resources:
Senate Democrats Try to Force Release of Epstein Files With Little-Known Law - The New York Times
...
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
13 min
July 29, 2025Why Do Americans Speak Differently?
This week we are talking about talking.
The United States of America is a diverse country - geographically, demographically, and culturally, where every state has its own unique sense of identity. And a big part of that identity is language and dialect.
So in this episode, I want to understand why and how American accents are so different, both from each other and from the British, as I ask… why do Americans speak differently?
...
Special guest for this episode:
Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now.
...
Highlights from this episode:
The podcast explores the complexities of American accents, emphasizing their diversity across regions, which reflects the different cultural identities found in the USA.
Differences between dialects and accents are discussed, with dialects representing broader linguistic variations while accents focus specifically on pronunciation features.
Language evolution is shaped by both nature and nurture, as cognitive structures influence language change while social factors determine specific dialectal features.
The historical context of language in America is highlighted, illustrating how early settlement patterns contributed to the development of distinct American accents over time.
The impact of mass media on language and accents is nuanced, as it has not significantly altered established accents but can reinforce existing linguistic trends.
The three-generation pattern of language loss among immigrant communities demonstrates how ethnic identities persist through evolving accents even when original languages are forgotten.

...
Additional Resources:
Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland
Sociophonetics (Key Topics in Sociolinguistics) by Tyler Kendall, co-authored by Valerie Fridland
Why We Talk Funny by Valerie Fridland
ValerieFridland.com
Language in the Wild | Psychology Today
...
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
49 min
July 26, 2025BONUS: Why Isn't Frances Perkins a Household Name?
Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, was a powerhouse in American politics, yet her legacy often flies under the radar.
In this bonus discussion, we get into why Perkins isn't as well-remembered as she should be, despite her monumental contributions like the Social Security Act and labor reforms.
We chat with historian Rebecca Brenner Graham, who sheds light on Perkins' complicated relationship with the media and her strategic choice to remain out of the spotlight, which ironically contributed to her historical obscurity. She also highlights how Perkins’ memoirs often downplayed her own influence, attributing her successes to President Roosevelt instead.
It’s a thought-provoking conversation about how historical narratives are shaped, often by the male-dominated journalism of the time, leading to Perkins becoming a mere trivia answer rather than the icon she truly is, and we ponder how modern movements can learn from her story.
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Special guest for this episode:
Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany.
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Highlights from this episode:
Frances Perkins, the first woman in the U.S. Cabinet, played a pivotal role in the New Deal legislation, shaping the modern welfare state with her innovative policies.
Despite her significant contributions, Frances Perkins remains largely unremembered by the public, overshadowed by male contemporaries who wrote history from their perspective.
The Frances Perkins Center has been instrumental in revitalizing her legacy, advocating for her recognition as a moral icon and ensuring her contributions are not forgotten.
Individual and collective action were both essential to Perkins' approach, demonstrating that real change requires collaboration and community involvement.
The historical narrative often neglects female figures like Perkins; it's crucial to highlight women’s roles in shaping policy and social reform throughout history.
Frances Perkins' legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing women in leadership roles and their impact on society, particularly in times of crisis.

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Additional Resources:
Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor
How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News
Social Security History
Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin
The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,and the Minimum Wage by Kirstin Downey
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
...
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
12 min
July 24, 2025 IN THE MAKING: Why We Must Protect Universities from Government Interference
In this special solo episode, I explore the challenges facing universities in the United States, particularly as they navigate the intersection of politics and education, addressing a significant legal settlement involving Columbia University and Donald Trump, which has broader implications for how educational institutions are perceived and treated by political powers.
Universities must maintain freedom and autonomy to fulfill their roles as centers of learning and critical inquiry. When government entities begin to dictate what can be taught and discussed, it fundamentally undermines the purpose of higher education. It is critically important to protect academic freedom, and institutions ability to operate independently from political pressures.
Recent political and economic factors have meant that universities are being seen as financial burdens, but they are essential contributors to societal growth and innovation.
So I urge you all to support the preservation of academic integrity and resist the encroachments of political influence in the classroom. Let's advocate for a future where universities can continue to thrive as bastions of knowledge and independent thought.
...
Note: all the opinions in this episode belong entirely to producer and host Liam Heffernan, and are in no way affiliated with, or endorsed by, any institution, company or individual.
...
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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14 min
July 22, 2025What is the Chinese Exclusion Act?
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity.
This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a permanent fixture of American law until its repeal in 1943.
he discussion highlights the socioeconomic conditions leading to the Act's introduction, emphasizing the growing anti-Chinese sentiment among American workers who perceived Chinese immigrants as a threat to their jobs and wages, and features insights from Professor Marco Tabellini, an expert on the economic ramifications of the Act, who explains how the exclusion of Chinese laborers disrupted local economies, particularly in the western United States, where they constituted a significant portion of the workforce.
The conversation navigates through the complexities of cultural opposition and economic fears that fueled the Act, examining how these sentiments resonated with the broader narrative of immigration policy in the U.S.
...
Special guest for this episode:
Marco Tabellini, an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and a co-author of The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S.
...
Highlights from this episode:
Historical Significance: The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act marked America's first immigration ban based solely on race or ethnicity, setting a precedent for future restrictive immigration policies including the 1920s quota systems
Economic Devastation: The act created a massive negative supply shock in Western states where Chinese workers comprised up to 20% of the labor force, leading to business closures, slower economic growth, and reduced manufacturing development
Enforcement Mechanics: Chinese immigrants primarily entered through San Francisco, making enforcement relatively straightforward, though the act didn't require deportations—instead creating conditions that encouraged voluntary departure
Social Impact: The legislation legitimized discrimination and violence against Chinese communities, including lynchings and legal restrictions on property ownership and citizenship
Long-term Consequences: Economic effects persisted for 60 years, slowing urbanization, manufacturing growth, and the transition from agricultural to industrial economy in affected regions
Modern Parallels: The episode draws connections between 19th-century anti-Chinese sentiment and contemporary immigration debates, exploring recurring themes of economic competition and cultural anxiety

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Additional Resources:
The Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on the Economic Development of the Western U.S.
...
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
34 min
July 19, 2025BONUS: What Really Keeps the White House Running?
In this special, unfiltered bonus episode, you get a little sneak peak behind the curtain of how America: A History is made, which is fitting as we're also going backstage at the White House to find out what actually keeps the Presidential home running.
This episode shines a light on how each president, regardless of their party, has made improvements to this iconic building, leaving it in better shape than they found it.
Our guest from the White House Historical Association shares some juicy tidbits about the day-to-day operations and the dedicated staff that keep everything running smoothly—because let’s be real, the White House isn’t just a nine-to-five gig!
We even explore some quirky roles that you might not expect, like who’s responsible for the flowers and who keeps the lights on (spoiler: it’s not just the President!).
So, whether you're a politics buff or just curious about what goes down in that grand ol’ house, we’ve got a delightful mix of history, humor, and insights waiting for you. Grab your earbuds and settle in for a fun chat about the heartbeat of American democracy!
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Special guest for this episode:
Stewart McLaurin, the president of the White House Historical Association, and the author of three books including the 2021 anthology James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House.
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Highlights from this episode:
The White House has evolved through multiple presidencies, each leaving it better than before.
Despite political differences, there's a shared respect for preserving the White House's history.
The daily operations of the White House are run by an impressive, dedicated staff that works 24/7.
Many people are surprised by the small size of the White House compared to their expectations.
The original design of the White House was meant to reflect American values without being too grand.
If it weren't for James Madison's decision, the White House could have been built in Ohio instead of D.C.!

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Additional Resources:
The White House Historical Association: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/
The White House 1600 Sessions: https://open.spotify.com/show/75CjkWPYFGXZvz2u9Xpeid?si=f527f98c7dad4c9a
James Hoban : Designer and Builder of the White House Hardcover by Stewart McLaurin
The People’s House: A White House Experience: https://www.thepeopleshouse.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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11 min

About America: The Story of the USA

From the publisher's feed

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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America: The Story of the USA

America: The Story of the USA episodes

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