Minds Blown

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Watch The Untold History of the United States

Read The Untold History of the United States

Exploring Untold Histories with Eric S. Singer

Join Olamide Samuel and Vincent Intondi as they dive into a thought-provoking discussion with historian and educator Eric S. Singer about his contributions to historical narratives, his forthcoming book 'Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb,' and the challenges of adapting dense historical content for young readers. Eric shares insights into the inadequacies of historical education, the importance of storytelling, and his inspiration for making history accessible and engaging for younger generations.

03:55 Eric's Journey into Historical Narratives
05:15 The Importance of Storytelling in History
10:11 Challenges and Rewards of Writing for Young Readers
13:54 Adapting American Prometheus for Young Readers
20:27 The Process of Historical Adaptation
27:32 The State of Historical Education Today
31:58 Eric's Inspirations and Influences
35:37 Addressing the Atomic Bombings in Adaptations
39:38 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

• Setsuko Thurlow Nobel Peace Speech
• Ronald Takaki, Hiroshima: Why America Dropped the Atomic Bomb

Hhosts Olamide Samuel and Vincent Intondi explore the development and use of the atomic bomb during World War II. They delve into why the United States created the bomb, how Harry Truman's ascent to the presidency influenced its use, and the significant historical events and decisions that led to the bombs being dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The conversation highlights the ethical and humanitarian consequences, the role of racism in the decision-making process, and the military perspective on the necessity (or lack thereof) of the bomb. 

00:00 Introduction to Minds Blown

00:07 The Atomic Bomb Announcement

01:44 The Development of the Atomic Bomb

01:58 The Political Landscape: Roosevelt, Wallace, and Truman

04:35 Truman's Background and Rise to Power

08:40 The Democratic Coup of 1944

13:39 Truman's Presidency and the Atomic Bomb Decision

18:12 The Justification and Impact of the Atomic Bomb

22:17 Japan's Diplomatic Strategy

22:36 Intercepted Messages: Japan's Peace Efforts

23:45 Alternative Ways to End the War

25:35 Truman's Decision and Its Aftermath

28:49 Public and Military Reactions

35:30 The Role of Racism and Propaganda

39:03 Historical Reflections and What-Ifs

42:13 Book Recommendations and Conclusion

Learn how you can support Anna and get involved in her campaign:

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Guevara visits Hiroshima, can’t conceal anger at atrocity

Che Guevara Farewell letter and tape from Hiroshima

Similarities Between Benin and Japanese Cultures.

Living with the Bomb: American and Japanese Cultural Conflicts in the Nuclear Age: American and Japanese Cultural Conflicts in the Nuclear Age a book by Mark Selden and Laura E. Hein

Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up the Bomb a book by Togzhan Kassenova

• Tom Hayden, Rebel: A personal history of the 1960s
• Lawrence Roberts, Mayday 1971: A White House at War, a Revolt in the Streets, and the Untold History of America's Biggest Mass Arrest
• Francis Gavin, Nuclear Statecraft: History and Strategy in America's Atomic Age
• Michael Koncewicz, They Said No to Nixon: Republicans Who Stood Up to the President's Abuses of Power
• Leeja Miller, How Student Protesters Will Save Democracy (They've Done It Before) - Video

• 00:00 Welcome to Minds Blown: Unveiling the Power of Student Protests
• 01:09 Diving Deep into Nixon's Nuclear Obsession
• 08:23 Exploring the Impact of Student Activism with Michael Koncewicz
• 19:45 The Legacy of SDS and the New Left Movement
• 26:34 Columbia University's Historic Stand Against War
• 31:35 The 1968 Columbia Protests: A Reflection
• 32:39 The Evolution of Student Activism and Nonviolence
• 33:03 The Symbolism of Columbia in the 60s Activism
• 33:28 Tom Hayden's Journey Through Activism
• 36:17 The Democratic National Convention of 1968
• 37:52 Comparing Past and Present Political Unrest
• 45:11 The Legacy of 60s Activism in Today's Political Climate
• 46:48 The Role of Leadership in Social Movements
• 50:29 The Changing Landscape of Protest and Music
• 54:06 Reflections on the Anti-War Movement's Impact
• 56:18 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/nixons-nuclear-specter-the-secret-alert-1969-madman-diplomacy-and-the-vietnam-war

https://outrider.org/nuclear-weapons/articles/nixons-drunken-run-ins-bomb

https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB195/index.htm

https://blog.nuclearsecrecy.com/2013/10/25/nixon-and-the-bomb/

Books

• Banning the Bomb and Smashing the Patriarchy by Ray Acheson
• Nuclear War a Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

Learn about divesting from companies and banks supporting nuclear weapons.

Does your bank profit from nuclear weapons? Check the list.

The hosts discuss various current global nuclear threats, including Israel's threat to use nuclear weapons in Gaza, Russia's threats towards Ukraine, North Korea's threats, and Russia's exercises with non-strategic nuclear weapons. They also explore nuclear deterrence, its definition, failures, and the concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD). The discussion encompasses the ineffectiveness of nuclear deterrence in preventing conventional attacks, the potential spread of nuclear armament to ensure global security based on faulty logic and the importance of multilateral disarmament. They also touch on societal and racial prejudices in nuclear armament legitimacy, the parallels between nuclear disarmament and the Black Panther Party's effect on gun legislation, and the need for re-education on nuclear policies beyond deterrence.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Minds Blown: Unpacking Nuclear Deterrence

00:55 Exploring the Complexities of Nuclear Deterrence

05:35 The Realities of Nuclear Deterrence in Modern Conflicts

07:52 The Global Nuclear Arms Race: A Critical Analysis

11:20 Racial and Geopolitical Dynamics in Nuclear Policy

20:23 The Path to Nuclear Disarmament: Challenges and Solutions

26:29 The Importance of Dialogue in Nuclear Disarmament

30:00 The Stark Reality of Nuclear Warfare

32:11 The Urgent Need for Nuclear Disarmament

33:31 Confronting Skepticism: The Case for Disarmament

34:32 Empowering Arguments for Disarmament Advocates

36:08 Political Change and the Power of the People

37:35 The Intersection of Animal Rights and Nuclear Issues

38:54 Youth Activism and University Divestment Movements

39:28 Corporate Influence and Education in the Nuclear Age

40:20 Reeducating Society on Nuclear Deterrence

44:51 Practical Steps Towards Nuclear Disarmament

48:37 Financial Strategies for Nuclear Disarmament

54:26 Book Recommendations for Further Learning

With nuclear weapons on screen and the war on Gaza ongoing, will this year's Oscars be more explosive than ever? Vin and Ola look back at movies and moments that shook the Academy and audiences.

Most Politically Outspoken Moments In Oscar History: From Brando To Halle Berry, Sean Penn To Spike Lee

The Eerie Story of Low Background Steel

The 'Most Violent Moment' in Oscar History

Oscars Rewind: The Most Political Ceremony in Academy History](Oscars Rewind: The Most Political Ceremony in Academy History

But it’s unlikely any ceremony will ever inspire more heated division than the Oscars a little over 40 years ago, when the best supporting actress winner, Vanessa Redgrave, was burned in effigy outside the theater, booed by some audience members during her acceptance speech and rebuked by a presenter later in the evening.

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• Escalating to de-escalate with nuclear weapons: Research shows it’s a particularly bad idea
• Neil deGrasse Tyson explains why he thinks Russian space weapon 'makes no tactical sense'
• ‘Everyone needs to calm down’: experts assess Russian nuclear space threat

Find us on Twitter @minds_blownpod and Instagram minds_blownpod

https://mindsblown.show/

Dave Zirin: https://www.davezirin.com/

Vin's new book: https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12923/saving-world-nuclear-war

Kansas Relays and the Soviets: https://www.kansan.com/arts_and_culture/breaking-the-ice-how-lawrence-became-an-olive-branch-between-nations-during-the-cold-war/article_986a6f2c-f9ac-11e6-8893-b723ad654f38.html

Athletes United for Peace: http://www.athletesunitedforpeace.org/?q=athletes-united-for-peace-our-story

The Nuclear Freeze and Randall Forsberg : https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2010_12/LookingBack