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Daniel Immerwahr

History professor at Northwestern University and award-winning author. His work challenges conventional thinking about attention spans and technology.

Top 10 podcasts with Daniel Immerwahr

Ranked by the Snipd community
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451 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 35min

ReThinking: The truth about the attention crisis with historian Daniel Immerwahr

Daniel Immerwahr, a history professor at Northwestern University and award-winning author, dives deep into the myths surrounding attention spans in the digital age. He challenges the notion that technology is shrinking our focus, instead suggesting it's the objects of our attention that are changing. Immerwahr discusses historical moral panics over distractions, compares the cognitive benefits of video games to traditional forms of art, and questions the cultural value of Marvel movies, sparking a captivating conversation about engagement and creativity.
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112 snips
May 22, 2025 • 41min

How Experts Became the Enemy

Daniel Immerwahr, a Northwestern history professor and New Yorker contributor, delves into the growing American distrust of institutional experts, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. He discusses how this skepticism boosted R.F.K., Jr.'s controversial rise and contrasts historical trust in experts with present-day cynicism. The conversation also touches on the reconciliation between Anthony Fauci and AIDS activists, suggesting pathways to rebuild public trust. Immerwahr emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue between health officials and the public amidst these challenging dynamics.
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101 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 35min

The truth about the attention crisis with historian Daniel Immerwahr

Daniel Immerwahr, a history professor at Northwestern University and award-winning author, dives deep into the myth of our dwindling attention spans. He counters the narrative that technology is the villain, arguing that our focus has merely shifted. The conversation spans historical panics over attention, the surprising cognitive benefits of video games, and whether engaging with Marvel movies can be justified. Immerwahr prompts us to rethink how we perceive distraction and the evolving nature of our interests.
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71 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 43min

266. American Greenland: Nazis, Secret Nuclear Bases, & Trump (Ep 4)

In this lively discussion, Daniel Immerwahr, author of 'How to Hide an Empire,' unpacks the intriguing history of America's fascination with Greenland. He reveals the U.S. attempts to buy the territory as early as 1867 and its strategic significance during WWII and the Cold War. Immerwahr delves into 'Project Iceworm,' uncovering the environmental costs of nuclear endeavors. He also critiques President Trump’s imperial ambitions, illustrating how historical perspectives shape contemporary politics and America's global footprint.
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46 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 50min

168. Teddy Roosevelt Takes on the Old World

Joining the discussion is Daniel Immerwahr, a Northwestern University history professor and author of "How to Hide an Empire." He dives into Teddy Roosevelt's controversial initiation of the Spanish-American War during an osteopathic break. The talk explores Cuba's crucial economic role and the moral dilemmas of American imperialism. They highlight Roosevelt's dynamic persona and the jingoism that fueled war fever, alongside reflections on the lasting impacts of this conflict on U.S. identity and colonial ambitions.
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45 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 32min

Trump’s New Brand of Imperialism

Historian Daniel Immerwahr, a professor at Northwestern University and author of "How to Hide an Empire," delves into Trump's embrace of imperialism and the historical roots of U.S. interventionism. He discusses the surprising global reach of U.S. military bases, often kept hidden, and contrasts Trump's rhetoric with traditional presidential norms. The conversation touches on the strategic implications of U.S. aggression, particularly regarding China and Russia, and the long-term instability that results from interventions, urging a critical reevaluation of America's foreign policies.
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38 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 42min

169. Freedom Fighters Betrayed: Colonising the Philippines

Join historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of "How to Hide an Empire," as he dives into the brutal colonization of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. Immerwahr discusses the chilling orders of General Jacob Smith and the horrific consequences for the Filipino population. He also examines the racial theories that justified imperial ambitions and the complexities of Americanization. The struggle for independence led by Emilio Aguinaldo against American imperialism reveals the stark realities of colonialism and its lasting impacts.
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36 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 31min

Trump’s New Brand of Imperialism

Daniel Immerwahr, a historian and professor at Northwestern University, dives into the complexities of U.S. imperialism and recent foreign interventions. He compares Trump's unabashed rhetoric about territorial annexation to historical patterns of expansion, highlighting explicit motives like oil in Venezuela. Immerwahr discusses the geopolitical consequences of U.S. actions on Russia and China, and links imperialism to masculine pride throughout history. The conversation reveals how current U.S. policies might be eroding international norms and supremacy.
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35 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 51min

America’s Empire State of Mind

In a compelling discussion, historian Daniel Immerwahr delves into America’s hidden history of imperialism, exposing how it intertwined with ideals of democracy and freedom. He shares how guano, a seemingly unremarkable resource, fueled America's overseas ambitions. Immerwahr also highlights the complex debates about American identity in light of territorial expansion, and he explores the often-overlooked realities of labor exploitation during the 19th century. The conversation sheds light on the lasting impacts of this imperial past on contemporary issues of citizenship and identity.
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32 snips
Jul 8, 2024 • 40min

166. How To Hide An Empire

Daniel Immerwahr, a history professor at Northwestern University and author of How to Hide an Empire, reveals the surprising role of guano, or bird poop, in shaping America's imperial ambitions. He discusses how the late 19th-century expansion marked a turning point, highlighting America's complex relationship with its territories and the armed struggles for inclusion by marginalized groups. Immerwahr also delves into the overlooked history of Native Americans and the impact of racial narratives in shaping national identity.

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