Since the World's been Turning

 Dwight (“Ike”) D. Eisenhower, the general who served as Supreme Allied Commander of the Western Allies in Europe during World War II and then later became the 34th President of the United States. His popular appeal as a strong and level-headed leader was characterised by the simple election slogan, “I like Ike.” He presided over an apparent golden age of the American Dream in the 1950s, but this common perception hid the reality of what life was like for many of his citizens, particularly African Americans. Although he was highly respected, in his efforts to avoid nuclear war with the Soviet Union, he also carried out many controversial foreign policies in Asia and Latin America. Like all leaders, he was a complex individual.

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For this weeks episode we will explore the Catcher in the Rye. A famous book that came out in 1951 written by J.D. Sallinger. The book would soon become very popular and controversial. With 70 million copies sold world wide the Catcher in the Rye is one of the most popular books ever written. We are joined in this episode by Susan Mizruchi professor of English Literature at Boston University who has studied the book many times. 

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Hello fans,

 First hitting the Broadway stage in 1951 with one of the biggest stars in the business, Gertrude Lawrence, in the leading role, The King and I became an instant hit. Having been revived many times since its original production, and inspiring an Oscar-winning film adaptation in 1956, the musical challenged 1950s audiences to consider issues of race, imperialism, and the values of cultural exchange. To help us better understand this poignant piece of musical history, we’re joined once more by musical expert Mark Robinson, who’s latest book The Magical Mice of Broadway is out now.

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 Marlon Brando - arguably the greatest actor of all time . Modernising the craft of acting, Brando brought a natural realism to the screen that nobody had ever seen before and won two Oscars in the process. But he could be notoriously difficult to work with, sometimes ignoring directors and not learning his lines. Off screen, his life was equally colourful; he advocated for Native American rights, fathered (at least) 11 children, and struggled with his weight. Susan Mizruchi, author of "Brando's Smile: His Life, Thought, and Work," joins us to explain why Marlon Brando remains the godfather of acting.

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Sugar Ray Robinson arguably the greatest pound for pound boxer of all time, a man who could knock someone out while going backwards. His rivalry with the equally fascinating Jake LaMotta, defined his career. We’ll look into Sugar Rays rise to the top and his fall by the end of his career. This week we're joined by boxing historian Lou Eisen, who was mentored by Muhammed Ali's trainer Angelo Dundee. Listen in, to learn about Sweet Thunder, the Middleweight champion of the world, Sugar Ray Robinson"

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 Want to learn more about the deadliest weapon ever built – the hydrogen bomb – which in the 1950s gave the United States and the Soviet Union the power to destroy the world. While the h-bomb took humanity terrifyingly close to the brink of a nuclear apocalypse several times during the Cold War, it may have also stopped World War 3 from happening. Historian of science Alex Wellerstein joins us to explain how this most dangerous invention shaped, and continues to shape, the modern world.

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In the aftermath of World War 2, the United States was the only country to possess the most powerful weapon ever developed, the atomic bomb. US intelligence estimated that it would take the Soviet nuclear programme at least another 10 years to catch up. However, much to the surprise of the Americans, the Soviets detonated their first atomic bomb in 1949. It was obvious that spies had helped them steal America's nuclear secrets. This episode focuses on the American husband and wife who were charged with handing over those secrets, betraying their country, and placing the entire world in grave danger – Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. We are joined by a very special guest, their son Michael, who shares his side of this incredible story

 This episode explores one of Hollywoods biggest icons and the woman beneath the fame. The real Marilyn Monroe. We will dive deep into the her career highlights and her tragic personal life. This week's guest Greg Schreiner, (the President and a founding member of the longest running fan club in existence today - Marilyn Remembered) will give his insight on the topic.  So join us for a detailed look into the life of this pop culture icon.

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The focus of this episode will be covering three topics. North Korea, South Korea and Panmunjom. The ongoing conflict in Korea, a tragedy that has dragged on for more than 70 years. The Korean War, fought between 1950 and 1953, never ended with a peace treaty, only a ceasefire, and Korea remains divided and in a state of high alert to this day. American history professor Dolores Janiewski helps us understand why the US led a UN coalition into Korea and why their mission only partially succeeded.

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This episode focuses on one of the biggest inventions of the 20th century - Television. No other medium has had such a dramatic impact on society and culture. People managed to see for the first time, momentous historical events, such as the Vietnam War and the Moon Landing from the comfort of their homes. Television impacted society at all levels, from sports to music, to culture, and to politics. We are joined by Mike Conway, from the Indiana Media school in the USA, to discuss the impact that Television had on society. 

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