

Letters from an American
Heather Cox Richardson
Heather Cox Richardson's narrated newsletter about the history behind today's politics. heathercoxrichardson.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

35 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 3min
August 9, 2025
Explore the clash between faith and governance as a Defense Secretary's remarks stir debate around Christian nationalism and women's voting rights. This discussion highlights the vital importance of church-state separation and revisits America's ongoing struggle for equality and democratic ideals. Listen as historical context sheds light on current controversies, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

48 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 12min
August 8, 2025
A deep dive into the shifting geopolitical landscape as the U.S. contemplates a meeting with Putin amidst the Ukraine crisis raises urgent questions about foreign policy and international agreements. The podcast also revisits the controversial narrative surrounding Russian interference in the 2016 election, unveiling how political allies have spun it into a Democratic conspiracy. With Tulsi Gabbard's revelation of declassified reports, the implications for U.S.-Russia relations come into sharp focus.

89 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 10min
August 7, 2025
Dive into the controversy surrounding President Trump's proposal to exclude undocumented immigrants from the census. Explore the constitutional implications and how this move could affect representation and federal funding. The discussion also highlights political strategies at play and the public's reaction amid ongoing human rights and economic challenges. It’s a riveting look at the intersection of policy and politics!

84 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 12min
August 6, 2025
A town hall meeting in Nebraska sparks fierce public outrage over government spending and immigration, showcasing voters' frustrations as elections loom. Meanwhile, Democrats push for transparency in the Epstein case, drawing attention to legislative maneuvers. Intriguingly, an incident arises involving missing constitutional text attributed to a coding error, adding a layer of controversy to current events. Brace for a deep dive into the complexities of political turbulence and the quest for accountability.

60 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 11min
August 5, 2025
Dive into the rich history of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, exploring the intense struggles faced by Black Americans in their fight for equality. Discover the violent opposition they encountered and the crucial federal measures taken to uphold their rights. The conversation then shifts to the contemporary challenges posed by voter suppression tactics in certain states, alongside ongoing legislative efforts aimed at reviving and safeguarding voting rights for all.

50 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 10min
August 4, 2025
The podcast dives into the political fallout from President Trump's firing of the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, highlighting threats to democratic integrity. It addresses the economic turmoil sparked by Trump's policies and rising grocery prices, alongside criticism from economists. The discussion also unveils conspiracy allegations involving a former congresswoman, later revealed to be false, and examines internal conflicts in the Trump administration regarding the Epstein investigations and victims' rights.

35 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 9min
August 3, 2025
Texas Democrats make a bold move by exiting the state to stall a controversial redistricting bill pushed by Republicans. This strategic standoff showcases the intense political landscape and its potential effects on future elections. The decision raises questions about voter representation and sparks a broader discussion on the lengths lawmakers will go to preserve democratic values.

27 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 11min
August 2, 2025
Discover the underbelly of gerrymandering as Texas Republicans manipulate district lines for power ahead of the midterms. Unravel the effects of the Operation Red Map initiative, which distorts electoral fairness and voter engagement. Dive into the political turmoil surrounding judicial nominations, spotlighting Trump’s criticism of Senate procedures. The tension escalates as debates over gerrymandering intensify, with Democrats strategizing to counteract these partisan maneuvers in a rapidly shifting political landscape.

16 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 8min
August 1, 2025
Economic indicators reveal troubling signs during the Trump administration, such as reduced job growth. The discussion highlights how political tensions influence these economic challenges, including Trump’s controversial responses. There's a deep dive into modern nuclear threats, emphasizing the stark differences between today's leaders and past presidents. Concerns about mental acuity in handling such high-stakes issues add a layer of urgency to the conversation. The amalgamation of economic turmoil and global threats paints a complex picture of contemporary politics.

12 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 8min
July 31, 2025
A high-stakes meeting between the UK Prime Minister and the President reveals major economic deals amidst ambitious domestic projects like a new White House event space. The discussion exposes a gap between claims of success and the actual challenges faced in governance and trade. The podcast uncovers the complexities of US-Japan trade negotiations, highlighting the lack of formal agreements. It also delves into President Trump's controversial tariff decisions and his troubling connections, offering a critical lens on political dynamics.


