

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

48 snips
May 6, 2025 • 14min
May 5, 2025
A surprising proposal emerges: Alcatraz might reopen as a prison for violent offenders, raising questions about its practicality. Delve into the ethical quagmire of the Trump administration's foreign policies, with a spotlight on corrupt practices. Cryptocurrency ventures linked to the Trump family are analyzed, alongside their global investments in projects like a golf club in Qatar. The U.S. toy industry faces turmoil from controversial tariffs, and a hacking scandal reveals serious security vulnerabilities among government officials.

59 snips
May 5, 2025 • 12min
May 4, 2025
Dive into a riveting discussion featuring a presidential interview that challenges the constitutional right to due process, provoking a debate on legal precedents. Discover the complexities within the Department of Justice as it grapples with rising skepticism towards its competencies. The podcast also tackles the controversial stance on vaccination policies in the U.S., raising alarms over misleading claims. Finally, it examines historical perspectives on disease theories, questioning the traditional focus on germs versus holistic health.

33 snips
May 4, 2025 • 10min
May 3, 2025
Discover the profound legacy of the Kentucky Derby, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of black jockeys. Explore impactful tales of iconic horses like Comanche and Beautiful Jim Key, who championed animal kindness. Delve into figures like Trigger and Sergeant Reckless, revealing their roles in culture and entertainment. The podcast also connects real equine legends with their Hollywood counterparts, showcasing how these magnificent creatures influenced both history and film. Uncover the timeless bond between humans and horses.

57 snips
May 3, 2025 • 13min
May 2, 2025
The podcast delves into the missteps of the Trump administration regarding social media's portrayal of authority. It discusses the deployment of troops in D.C. amid rising right-wing extremism and the ongoing challenges to judicial independence, featuring insights from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Legal battles involving Trump reveal constitutional crises, while Maine faces significant lawsuits to uphold education funding laws. These topics highlight the intense political and judicial landscape currently affecting American society.

34 snips
May 2, 2025 • 12min
May 1, 2025
A national security breach leads to the firing of Mike Waltz, sparking political turmoil and losing a fighter jet. Government departments grapple with budget cuts from billionaire leadership, raising concerns over immigration policies. The impact of wartime legislation is starkly illustrated by a family raid in Oklahoma City, contrasting past misconceptions of democracy with a rallying plea for unity from a Democratic candidate. The discussion underscores the fragile nature of democratic ideals and the pressing need for cohesive governance.

25 snips
May 1, 2025 • 13min
April 30, 2025
The discussion kicks off with a report on the troubling decline in the U.S. economy, spotlighting the GDP drop and responses from the former president. It contrasts significant job growth with the lingering effects of tariffs put in place during Trump's administration. The talk then shifts to the rising costs of holiday goods due to these tariffs and critiques the president's use of emergency powers. Tensions rise as the judiciary clashes with executive authority regarding Abrego Garcia's release, revealing deeper frustrations with governance.

20 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 12min
April 29, 2025
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25 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 8min
April 28, 2025
A significant transformation is happening within the Democratic Party, shifting from bipartisanship to a more assertive stance against Republican ideologies. The discussion underscores the urgency of political activism to protect Constitutional rights. Emphasizing the importance of advocacy, it calls for standing up for marginalized communities amid government overreach. This dynamic change in strategy could reshape the political landscape.

49 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 12min
April 27, 2025
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17 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 11min
April 26, 2025
The podcast delves into troubling deportation policies affecting U.S. citizen children, revealing the impact of executive orders on birthright citizenship. It highlights the historical context and legal battles surrounding citizenship rights. Additionally, the legacy of birthright citizenship from the landmark 1898 Supreme Court decision is explored, emphasizing its role in shaping American identity and immigration narratives. The discussion underscores the importance of diversity in defining the nation's strength.