

Ken Burns
Documentary filmmaker known for multi-part PBS series on American history and culture; guest to discuss his new documentary series about the American Revolution.
Top 10 podcasts with Ken Burns
Ranked by the Snipd community

201 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 59min
How the American Revolution Changed the World, With Ken Burns
Ken Burns, the award-winning filmmaker known for his impactful historical documentaries like 'The Civil War,' dives into the complexities of the American Revolution. He debunks the mythical portrayals of figures like George Washington and highlights the chaotic reality of 1776. Burns discusses the Revolution’s global influence, inspiring movements worldwide, and the importance of crafting nuanced narratives in storytelling. He also shares insights into his filmmaking techniques, including how to evoke history without photographs.

51 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 29min
1238: Ken Burns | What If the American Revolution Isn't Over?
Ken Burns, a renowned documentary filmmaker celebrated for his extensive work on PBS, joins to discuss his new series on the American Revolution. He argues the Revolution stemmed from division and violence, rather than unity. Burns highlights America's ongoing political experiment, revealing the contradictions in freedom built on oppression. He emphasizes the power of storytelling to bridge divides and notes that history is a living dialogue, urging listeners to reflect on how they uphold the promises of the past.

42 snips
Nov 16, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ken Burns on Bringing History’s Greatest Stories Back to Life (And Why Doing So Matters)
Ken Burns, an iconic filmmaker known for his critically acclaimed historical documentaries, shares insights into the art of storytelling. He discusses the significance of Stoicism among America's Founding Fathers and the moral complexities of historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. The conversation also emphasizes the intersection of art and science through Leonardo da Vinci, exploring his enduring influence. Burns highlights the evolution of documentary filmmaking and the importance of nuanced narratives in understanding history.

24 snips
Nov 16, 2022 • 53min
Ken Burns on the Complications of History
In this engaging conversation, Ken Burns, renowned documentarian and author of *Our America: A Photographic History*, shares his insights into the complexities of American history. He discusses the evolution of photography, from formal portraits to today’s selfies, and touches on the ethical implications of depicting violence in documentaries. Burns reflects on the importance of female figures in early photography, his unique quilt collection, and the surprisingly profound connections between crossword puzzles and filmmaking. His passion for storytelling and the future of documentaries are also explored.

22 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 15min
Ken Burns
Neal Brennan hosts Ken Burns, an acclaimed documentarian celebrated for his historical works like 'The Civil War' and 'Baseball.' They dive into what qualifies as a Ken Burns documentary and the creative process behind his latest project on Leonardo da Vinci. Ken opens up about feelings of loneliness and perseverance in his career, discussing the art of storytelling, the complexities of empathy in human relationships, and the spiritual elements that inform his work. Plus, he reflects on the challenges of navigating documentary filmmaking and funding.

20 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 44min
Ken Burns on the future of PBS, the new age of media, and why documentaries will outlast TikTok
Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, known for his iconic works on the Civil War and Vietnam, discusses his return to the American Revolution. He shares insights on using reenactors and sound design to bring history alive. Ken draws fascinating parallels between the media of colonial times and today's landscape of misinformation. He expresses concern over recent PBS funding cuts and argues for the continued relevance of long-form documentaries in the age of TikTok. With a heartfelt plea for active citizenship, he emphasizes the importance of historical knowledge for understanding contemporary challenges.

20 snips
Sep 12, 2019 • 1h 28min
#386: Ken Burns — A Master Filmmaker on Creative Process, the Long Game, and the Noumenal
Acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns, known for beloved works like 'The Civil War' and 'Baseball,' shares insights from his 40-year filmmaking journey. He discusses the profound emotional weight of personal mementos and the storytelling power of film and music. Burns dives into the hidden roots of country music, emphasizing its cultural tapestry and the resilience of influential artists. He reflects on how family and personal experiences shaped his creative vision, showcasing the timelessness of authentic narratives.

17 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 55min
Ken Burns on the American Revolution
Acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns discusses his new PBS series on the American Revolution. He argues that understanding the complexities of the founders is essential for today's unity, emphasizing both their heroic and hypocritical traits. Burns tackles the misconceptions on religious beliefs among the founders and explores how hypocrisy, like slavery, often coexisted with their ideals. He also highlights the significance of empathy and shared civic values in an era of division, making a case for a more honest engagement with America's past.

16 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 28min
Rapid Response: Ken Burns on Leonardo da Vinci, AI, and the future of storytelling
Ken Burns, the iconic documentarian known for his deep dives into American history, discusses his upcoming project on Leonardo da Vinci. He highlights da Vinci's unique blend of art and science and its relevance today for modern leaders. Burns shares insights on the challenges of maintaining creative integrity in an AI-influenced world and the importance of diverse narratives in combating misinformation. He also reflects on how history influences contemporary storytelling, urging us to learn from the past.

13 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 55min
Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein on ‘The American Revolution’
Ken Burns, a renowned documentary filmmaker, teams up with producer Sarah Botstein for a deep dive into the complexities of the American Revolution. They challenge the sanitized narrative, highlighting the roles of women and Native Americans as pivotal players. The discussion spans how the Revolution was a civil war and global conflict, the impact of Enlightenment ideas, and the contradictions of the founders regarding slavery. They also critique modern political attempts to rewrite history, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive, truthful narrative.


