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.

Don't forget to like and subscribe!

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. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe!

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.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe!

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.”

Don’t forget to like and subscribe!

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.

We hope you enjoy and remember to like and subscribe!

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.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe!

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