Since the World's been Turning

This episode we cover one of America's greatest companies-Studebaker. A company that went from horse drawn carriages to automobiles. Throughout the 20th century Studebaker was an emblem of American industrial might. Their cars were beloved by millions and their factory was the beating heart of South-Bend Indiana. We're joined by Studebaker National Museum archivist Andrew Beckman, to help explore the rise and fall of this mega-manufacturer.

 The man behind one of the darkest periods of American political history. In the early 1950s, Senator McCarthy stoked Cold War paranoia and launched a nationwide witch-hunt to oust communists from society. Without evidence, he destroyed people’s lives. The era now bears his name and “McCarthyism” has become synonymous for baseless accusations, fear, and lies. Political scientist Dan Zirker helps us understand how this one man made such a terrible impact, the legacy of which the United States has never fully recovered.

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This week’s episode tells the life story of baseball superstar, Joe DiMaggio. Tara Krieger from the Society for American Baseball Research joins us to explain how a fisherman’s son ended up becoming a Yankee hero, marrying Marilyn Monroe, and changing cultural perceptions of Italian Americans. So, in the words of Simon and Garfunkel – “Here’s to you, Joe DiMaggio.”

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Walter Winchell was America's biggest news broadcaster. Yet today he is almost forgotten. Winchell came from poverty, before rising to the peak of American society, making or breaking the careers of movie stars and politicians. We're joined by Professor Joe Saltzman, so listen in as we explore the eventful life of this hugely influential man, and understand how a friend of the president and broadcaster with 2/3rds of America as his audience is now forgotten. 

The Rodgers and Hammerstein wartime romance that forever changed Broadway. Joined by musical director and historian, Mark Robinson, we'll learn how 'South Pacific' brought American theatre audiences face to face with a message about race that is still as relevant today as it was 70 years ago.

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This episode tells the fascinating story of Johnnie Ray, the ‘inventor of the rock star’ who was also partially deaf. Before The Rolling Stones, before The Beatles, before Johnny Cash, and before Elvis – Johnnie Ray cut loose on stage, showing the world what a modern entertainer could do. But though his star burned bright, it burned fast; the biggest musical star in the world in 1952 was largely forgotten by the 1960s. We’re joined by his nephew, Randy Ray, who sheds light on Johnnie’s career and private life, which were often just as turbulent as each other.

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For centuries, China was ruled by dynasties and warlords. At the beginning of the 20th century, however, change was imminent. With contributions from Dr Jason Young of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre, this episode chronicles the events that led to the rise of communism in China under the leadership of Mao Zedong.

In this episode, we look at the life of America’s sweetheart, Doris Day. A talented singer and actress, Doris was loved by fans all over the world. However, her private life was full of ups and downs. We’re joined by musicologist, Dr Gregory Camp, from the University of Auckland 

This second installment continues our two-part series on Harry Truman by delving into the events of his presidency, from finishing World War 2, to rebuilding an international system torn apart, all while trying to fend off opposition back home and preventing the outbreak of World War 3.

This first installment of our two part series on Harry Truman looks at his early life as a struggling farmer and businessman, a soldier in World War I, and an up and coming politician that culminates with becoming the 33rd president of the United States. We’re joined by Dr Robert Patman from the University of Otago