

Sarah Botstein
Documentary filmmaker and producer who co-directed The American Revolution with Burns and speaks about the series' research, themes, and historical interpretation in the episode.
Top 5 podcasts with Sarah Botstein
Ranked by the Snipd community

51 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ken Burns & Sarah Botstein on Finding Hope in America’s Brutal Beginnings
Ken Burns, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker known for his historical series, teams up with Sarah Botstein, a co-director of 'The American Revolution.' Together, they discuss the complexities of America's founding, highlighting George Washington's moral flaws amidst his leadership. The duo explores how enslaved African Americans perceived the British as a beacon of hope, challenging the notion of all Loyalists as traitors. They also stress the importance of uncovering nuanced history and civic engagement, revealing reasons to find hope in America's 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.

8 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 33min
Ken Burns on The American Revolution
Ken Burns, a celebrated documentary filmmaker known for his compelling historical narratives, and Sarah Botstein, a dedicated co-director involved in extensive research, dive deep into their new PBS docuseries about the American Revolution. They discuss why this 12-part series is timely as we approach America's 250th anniversary. The pair reveal how they've chosen to frame the narrative through the voices of various historical figures, addressing the complexities of colonial unity, the portrayal of slavery, and the challenges of storytelling without visual documentation.

Nov 17, 2025 • 39min
Ken Burns Reimagines the American Revolution | A Conversation with Ken Burns & Sarah Botstein
Ken Burns, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker renowned for his immersive historical narratives, and Sarah Botstein, a dedicated producer and co-director, discuss their latest project on the American Revolution. They delve into the chaos of 1776, exploring Washington's struggles and the overlooked contributions of women, Native nations, and enslaved individuals. With unique storytelling techniques and a focus on lesser-known figures, they reveal how the Revolution's complex legacy sheds light on today's societal divides.

Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 49min
Thanksgiving Best Of: Revolution; Indigenous History; Military Clothing; 100 Years of Thanksgiving Celebrations; Family Words
Ken Burns, renowned documentary filmmaker, and his collaborator Sarah Botstein discuss their latest project on the American Revolution, uncovering diverse voices and the complexities of the era. Julian Brave Noisecat shares insights from his book, weaving indigenous storytelling with historical narratives. Avery Trufelman explores the influence of military clothing on modern fashion. Finally, historian Kenneth C. Davis reviews the evolution of Thanksgiving traditions over the last century, revealing its multifaceted history and the impact of politics on family gatherings.


