

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

21 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 12min
June 10, 2025
The podcast dives into President Trump's immigration policies and the military presence in Los Angeles, highlighting the tensions between federal and local authorities. It covers confrontations involving ICE agents, including an incident with an injured journalist. Comparisons of California's safety statistics add context to the political rhetoric. Furthermore, the discussion emphasizes the growing political turmoil and the urgent need for a united response against authoritarianism, inspired by calls for democracy from influential leaders.

14 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 15min
June 9, 2025
The podcast dives into a controversial Republican bill with troubling implications for democracy and budget impacts on lower-income citizens. It highlights the political fallout from immigration raids in Los Angeles, showcasing government tactics aimed at public manipulation. Tensions are rising as state and federal officials clash over immigration policies, with civil rights at stake. Protests erupt following the arrest of a local labor leader, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for justice in the face of militarized law enforcement.

36 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 16min
June 8, 2025
Unpack the intense militarization surrounding immigration crackdowns and the societal unrest it has incited. Discover the turmoil in Los Angeles as criticism mounts against Democratic leaders amid riots. A riveting confrontation unfolds between a former president and a billionaire, raising crucial questions about political accountability and government spending. Dive into how these issues intertwine and reflect current tensions.

37 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 9min
June 7, 2025
A political figure’s recent visit to the USS Arizona Memorial sparks a debate on the legacy of Pearl Harbor and the appointment of a Secretary of the Navy lacking military experience. The discussion also critiques the Trump administration's approach to historical narratives. Additionally, a revisionist movement aiming to reshape American history for political gain is examined. The Journey to American Democracy initiative is introduced, emphasizing the importance of authentic historical education and the promotion of true democratic values.

25 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 11min
June 6, 2025
Explore the tangled relationship between a billionaire and a former president, revealing the impact on government contracts. Discover the call for a new political party catering to moderates amidst governmental chaos and Trump’s attempts to restore job cuts. Delve into national security and immigration challenges, highlighting employee frustrations at the FDA and the dangers of inexperienced leaders. Lastly, examine the indictment of Abrego Garcia, addressing concerns over political motivations behind immigration enforcement and the risks of creating a police state.

19 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 11min
June 5, 2025
Tensions rise between President Trump and Elon Musk as Musk openly critiques Trump's spending habits, hinting at shifts within the Republican Party. Reflecting on history, the podcast discusses FDR's fireside chat, emphasizing unity during World War II as Allied forces liberated Rome. The narrative transitions to D-Day, unveiling the hopes and risks surrounding the Normandy Invasion in June 1944, a pivotal moment that showcased bravery against Nazi oppression.

45 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 11min
June 4, 2025
The podcast dives into the economic fallout from tariffs introduced by the previous administration, revealing how they may have benefited the wealthy at the expense of American consumers. It highlights disturbing shifts in government policies that jeopardize essential services and healthcare, raising alarms about manipulated inflation data. The discussion also critiques recent healthcare and immigration policy changes, including contentious new travel bans and abortion guidance reversals, examining their ideological motivations and wider political consequences.

50 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 15min
June 3, 2025
A bold Ukrainian operation involving 117 drones caused major damage to Russian airfields, challenging Putin's military strategies. The use of innovative drone technology is reshaping modern warfare and influencing U.S.-Ukraine relations. On the political front, tensions rise as Trump navigates complex dynamics with China while facing domestic legal controversies and reactions from figures like Rand Paul and Elon Musk. This blend of military strategy and political intrigue creates an engaging discussion about current global affairs.

35 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 12min
June 2, 2025
In this discussion, a contentious Republican budget bill proposes severe cuts to Medicaid, sparking outrage over healthcare access. The impact of budget cuts on NOAA and NWS raises alarms about public safety during hurricane seasons due to inadequate resources. The dialogue also highlights alarming ignorance within FEMA regarding hurricane season and critiques cuts to NIH that threaten cancer research, showcasing the dangerous blend of politics and scientific integrity.

44 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 10min
June 1, 2025
The discussion opens with the increasing activity of the Department of Homeland Security, spotlighting controversial arrests and a notable incident involving a Congressional aide. Tensions escalate as an ICE raid in San Diego stirs distrust in local law enforcement. Political fallout from recent actions and critiques of health policy proposals reveal significant governance challenges. The internal struggles within the Trump administration are also examined, highlighting the president's engagement with intelligence and the promotion of conspiracy theories.


