America: The Story of the USA

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

America: The Story of the USA episodes

March 18, 2025What is Emancipation?
This week, we're diving into one of the biggest game-changers in American history: the Emancipation Proclamation.
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared all enslaved people in rebellious states to be free, and while it sounds like a happy ending, the reality is a whole lot more complicated. After all, emancipation and freedom are two very different things.
So what does it actually mean? What were the implications? And what really changed? In this episode, I’m going to find out… what is emancipation?
...
Special guest for this episode:
Bennett Parten, an Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, and the author of ‘Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation’
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Highlights from this episode:
On New Year's Day in 1863, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for enslaved people in rebellious states, a pivotal moment in American history.
Emancipation was not a singular event but evolved through various stages during the Civil War, starting with acts of Congress in 1861 and culminating in the 13th Amendment.
While emancipation legally freed enslaved individuals, the actual meaning of freedom was complex and continued to evolve during Reconstruction and beyond.
Lincoln's decision to emancipate slaves was as much about strategic war efforts against the Confederacy as it was about moral advocacy for human rights.

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Additional Resources:
Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten
Emancipation Proclamation (1863) | National Archives
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Why Did America Ban Slavery?
How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?
Who is Frederick Douglass?
What Does Kindred Tell Us About Plantation Life?
Who is Harriet Tubman?
...
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34 min
March 15, 2025BONUS: Is Calvin Coolidge America's Quietest Overachiever?
Today, we're discussing President Calvin Coolidge a little more and why his general mid-table ranking among Presidents might be a harsh reflection of his success as America's 30th President.
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Special guest for this episode:
Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge.
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Highlights from this episode:
Calvin Coolidge, often overlooked in history classes, was a surprisingly impactful president who deserves more recognition.
Despite the challenges of his time, Coolidge successfully stabilized the economy and fostered growth through his deliberate policies.
Coolidge's immigration stance was complex; he supported restrictions but was not motivated by bigotry, which was quite progressive for his era.
The podcast discusses how presidential rankings can be misleading, as one president's rise often means another's fall in public perception.

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Additional Resources:
READ: The Coolidge Foundation
READ: Coolidge by Amity Shlaes
LISTEN: Calvin Coolidge: A tale of two - Presidential - Apple Podcasts
LISTEN: 1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. L - American Elections: Wicked Game - Apple Podcasts
READ: Calvin Coolidge: Life Before the Presidency | Miller Center
...
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?
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10 min
March 11, 2025Why is Abortion So Controversial in America?
This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues in the United States, but why?
I’m joined by the brilliant Rebecca Fraser, a historian with a keen focus on gender and race, and the insightful Reverend Caleb Lines, who’s made waves on social media for his candid takes on such hot-button topics. Together, we’ll explore the historical context of abortion, the tangled relationship between politics and religion, and how these factors shape current debates.
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Special guest for this episode:
Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America.
Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show.
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Highlights from this episode:
The recent political climate has intensified concerns about reproductive rights in America, especially after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Understanding the historical context of abortion reveals that it's been a contentious issue influenced by various social and political factors over the decades.
The podcast dives into how different interpretations of Christianity shape attitudes towards abortion, highlighting the clash between progressive and fundamentalist views.
Economic factors play a crucial role in the abortion debate, as many women seeking abortions do so due to financial constraints and lack of support for raising children.
The episode emphasizes that pro-choice advocates are not pro-abortion; they advocate for women's right to choose based on individual circumstances and needs.
The conversation touches on the intersection of patriarchy and reproductive rights, questioning whether abortion would be as controversial if it primarily affected men.

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Additional Resources:
READ: Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean? - BBC News
READ: Caleb Lines Website
WATCH: Why Do Religious Groups Care About Abortion? - Caleb Lines via TikTok
READ: 10 States Put Abortion Rights on the Ballot This Year. 7 Voted to Enshrine Protections
LISTEN: The Moonshine Jesus Show
READ: Analysis: How Abortion Rights Are Linked to Gender Equality | Best States | U.S. News
...
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?
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56 min
March 08, 2025BONUS: Drill, Baby, Drill! The Impact of Trump's Agenda on Native Lands
In this week's bonus episode, we’re diving into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools and the ongoing challenges faced by Native communities in light of recent political shifts.
It’s a real gut-wrencher, but we’re here with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the fallout from these schools and the alarming direction some policies are taking under the current administration. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot of concern in Indian country about how these changes might affect sovereignty and rights.
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Special guest for this episode:
Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia
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Highlights from this episode:
This bonus episode dives deep into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools, a truly heartbreaking chapter in history.
We had an enlightening discussion with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the alarming political climate for Native American communities.
The episode emphasizes the ongoing struggles for sovereignty and rights faced by Native Americans in today's political landscape.
Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Native American history and its implications in contemporary society.
The conversation touches on the surprising political choices of some Native Americans during recent elections and its complex implications.
The discussion highlights the urgent need for respect towards Native communities and their resources, especially under current environmental policies.

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Additional Resources:
Forced assimilation and abuse: How US boarding schools devastated Native American tribes | News | cherokeephoenix.org
Biden apologizes to Native Americans for abusive government-funded boarding schools | CNN Politics
The U.S. history of Native American Boarding Schools — The Indigenous Foundation
Historian: American Indian Boarding Schools and Their Impact | TIME
...
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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11 min
March 04, 2025Who is Calvin Coolidge?
On this day 100 years ago, a Presidential inauguration was broadcast on national radio for the first time. Having inherited the White House from Warren G. Harding three years into his Vice Presidential career, the thirtieth President of the United States arrived amidst scandal and left behind a Great Depression. But was he popular? Was he successful? And why didn’t he run for a second full term? In this episode, I’m asking… who is President Calvin Coolidge?
...
Special guest for this episode:
Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge.
...
Additional Resources:
READ: The Coolidge Foundation
READ: Coolidge by Amity Shlaes
LISTEN: Calvin Coolidge: A tale of two - Presidential - Apple Podcasts
LISTEN: 1924, Coolidge vs. Davis vs. L - American Elections: Wicked Game - Apple Podcasts
READ: Calvin Coolidge: Life Before the Presidency | Miller Center
...
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
55 min
March 01, 2025BONUS: Talk Until You Drop - The Wild World of Filibusters
In this bonus episode following the main recording of What is a Filibuster? Liam and special guest Gregory Koger continue their discussion on the history of filibuster's, including its British origins and the role they played in the Civil Rights Act.
...
Special guest for this episode:
Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami, who specializes in legislative politics and political parties and author of the book Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate
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Highlights from this episode:
Filibusters can be a complex political tool, not just a stubborn roadblock to legislation. They serve a purpose in forcing issues onto the agenda, showcasing their strategic use in U.S. politics.
The history of filibustering dates back to the 19th century, with early examples even found in the UK Parliament, illustrating that this isn't just a U.S. phenomenon.
Negotiating under pressure is crucial in politics, and filibusters often create that necessary urgency for lawmakers to reach agreements.
Filibusters can sometimes prevent disastrous outcomes, such as a government default, highlighting their importance in legislative processes.
The role of filibusters in campaign finance reform discussions in the 1990s demonstrates how they can bring critical issues to the forefront, ultimately leading to significant legislation.
Understanding filibusters enriches our perspective on political maneuvering, revealing how they can be leveraged for both obstruction and progress in legislative debates.

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Additional Resources:
Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate by Greg Koger
U.S. Senate: About Filibusters and Cloture
10 Wildest Filibusters In History - Listverse
How The Filibuster Has Been Used To Block Civil Rights Progress | NBC News NOW
The filibuster has been a thorn in Democrats' side. Now it's their last hope - Fast Company
Filibuster Reform - Center for Effective Government
...
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
10 min
February 25, 2025What Were Native American Boarding Schools?
This week, we’re diving deep into what President Joe Biden called “one of the worst chapters in American history” — the Native American boarding schools.
These institutions, which operated for over a century, were designed with the aim of systematically stripping away the cultures and identities of Native American children, often through brutal means.
Trust me, it's not going to be a light chat; we’re tackling some heavy topics that might leave you feeling a bit uneasy. However, it’s super important to understand the history behind these schools and the devastating impact they had on entire communities.
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Special guest for this episode:
Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia
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Highlights from this episode:
This episode explores the dark history of Native American boarding schools, highlighting their role in systematic abuse.
Over 500 boarding schools were established across the United States, aimed at assimilating Native children into white culture.
The boarding school system was not just about education, but involved severe cultural suppression and trauma for generations.
Despite the oppressive past, Native communities today are showing remarkable resilience and a revival of their cultural identities.

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Additional Resources:
Forced assimilation and abuse: How US boarding schools devastated Native American tribes | News | cherokeephoenix.org
Biden apologizes to Native Americans for abusive government-funded boarding schools | CNN Politics
The U.S. history of Native American Boarding Schools — The Indigenous Foundation
Historian: American Indian Boarding Schools and Their Impact | TIME
...
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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38 min
February 22, 2025BONUS: Lights, Cameras, Incarceration - Are We Simplifying Prison Life?
In this bonus episode, Liam and guests continue their discussion on the US prison system, in particular how it is represented and simplified in popular media, and the impact this can have on wider public perceptions of incarceration. Plus, they explore the potential impact of a Trump administration on prisons, and why other countries like the UK may not be as different as they like to appear.
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Special guest for this episode:
Nicholas Grant, a historian of the twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.
Heather Ann Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. She was also the historical consultant for the Oscar-nominated documentary ATTICA.
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Highlights from this episode:
In this episode, we dove deep into America's prison system and discussed its many flaws, shedding light on the complexities that are often oversimplified in popular media.
We explored how reality TV shows can sometimes glorify incarceration, which isn't just misleading but also dehumanizing for those behind bars.
The conversation highlighted the important role of documentaries in revealing the harsh realities of prison life, challenging the voyeuristic narratives often presented.
Trump's impact on prison policies could be significant, exacerbating issues that affect the most vulnerable populations in society.
The dialogue also touched on the media's responsibility to represent the incarcerated more humanely and accurately, rather than just sensationalizing their stories.
Lastly, we emphasized that the conversation around prison reform is ongoing and needs continued attention, as these issues won't simply disappear overnight.

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Additional Resources:
Dr. Heather Ann Thompson - Pulitzer Prize Winner | Author | Speaker | Consultant
Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson
U.S. prisons - number of prisoners 2022 | Statista
Incarceration Rates by Country 2024
Global Prison Trends Report
How Much Does A Prisoner Cost Per Year USA? - Prison Inside
50 years after the US declared war on drugs, AP examines racial disparities | The Associated Press
...
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
February 18, 2025What is a Filibuster?
Ever wonder what a filibuster actually is? Well, this week we dive into the quirky world of filibusters with a political science professor who’s literally written the book on the subject! He breaks down the origins of filibusters, how they’ve evolved over time, and why they still make headlines today.
Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the drama of endless speeches; it’s also a strategic game of political chess! So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s unravel the mysteries behind this bizarre but fascinating practice in American government.
...
Special guest for this episode:
Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami, who specializes in legislative politics and political parties and author of the book Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate
...
Highlights from this episode:
Filibusters are a unique way for legislators to block decisions and slow down processes, allowing a minority to exert influence over a majority's agenda.
The history of filibustering dates back to the early 19th century, showcasing how this tactic has evolved in American politics over the years.
In the U.S. Senate, there is no formal limit on how long someone can speak, leading to marathon speeches that can last for hours or even days.
The effectiveness of a filibuster often depends on the willingness of senators to wait out the opposition, highlighting the strategic nature of this political maneuver.
Filibusters can be seen as both a tool for minority rights and a source of legislative gridlock, especially in today's polarized political climate.
Attempts to reform the filibuster have been met with resistance, illustrating the complexities of changing long-standing legislative rules.

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Additional Resources:
Filibustering: A Political History of Obstruction in the House and Senate by Greg Koger
U.S. Senate: About Filibusters and Cloture
10 Wildest Filibusters In History - Listverse
How The Filibuster Has Been Used To Block Civil Rights Progress | NBC News NOW
The filibuster has been a thorn in Democrats' side. Now it's their last hope - Fast Company
Filibuster Reform - Center for Effective Government
...
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
42 min
February 15, 2025BONUS: Rosa Parks is More Than Just the Lady on the Bus
In this special bonus chat, following the release of 'Who is Rosa Parks?' Liam and guests discuss how the civil rights movement, and figures like Parks, are taught and remembered, particularly in an age where disinformation and division is rife.
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Special guest for this episode:
Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism.
Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College of City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books and articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education in the US, including The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.

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Additional Resources:
READ: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis
READ: King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South by Jeanne Theoharis
READ: Rosa Parks' Legacy Stained By Court Feud, Accusations Of Corruption
READ: Biography: Rosa Parks
READ: Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do in the fight for racial equality?
WATCH: Watch Freedom Riders | American Experience | Official Site | PBS
WATCH: The Case of the Scottsboro Boys
...
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

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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America: The Story of the USA

America: The Story of the USA episodes

About America: The Story of the USA