

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

28 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 13min
July 6, 2025
Central Texas faces devastating floods, revealing the harsh consequences of government budget cuts on disaster response. The discussion highlights the tragic loss of life and calls for better preparedness. Additionally, a surge in measles cases uncovers the impact of decreased public health funding. The turmoil within the National Security Council and troubling claims about presidential authority also take center stage, raising questions about national security and public health priorities.

17 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 13min
July 5, 2025
The podcast delves into the fallout from a controversial budget reconciliation bill signed by President Trump, aimed at making tax cuts permanent. It uncovers how these tax cuts, despite claims of economic growth, are expected to widen the socioeconomic gap. Additionally, the discussion highlights the political and financial upheaval tied to new legislation that raises the national debt and reallocates funds for immigration enforcement, scrutinizing the vulnerabilities of social programs and the growing partisan divide.

10 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 4min
July 3, 2025
Dive into the radical claim of equality in the Declaration of Independence and its historical impact. Uncover the stories of groups overlooked by this foundational document. Explore the evolution of equality in America through pivotal moments and the sacrifices made to uphold this ideal. Reflect on how these themes resonate in today's society.

21 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 7min
July 2, 2025
The podcast delves into the heated political backdrop surrounding a controversial budget bill, revealing fierce opposition due to tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to social programs. Tensions spike in the House as lawmakers navigate pressure from influential figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Additionally, it addresses the fallout from delayed military aid to Ukraine, showcasing a Pennsylvania representative's fears and highlighting internal party rifts amid growing public frustration with leadership. The political landscape is clearly in turmoil.

25 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 13min
July 1, 2025
Explore the contentious budget reconciliation bill that stirs debate over immigration and public welfare funding. Dive into Trump's controversial visit to a detention facility, dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz,' and the implications of his presidential immunity. Unpack the erosion of democracy as the Supreme Court allows former presidents to evade trials for federal crimes. Additionally, hear about inflammatory political rhetoric that raises alarms about violence and authoritarianism while reflecting on the beauty and charm of Florida amidst shifting residency trends.

18 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 10min
June 30, 2025
The podcast dives into a controversial legislative proposal to slash healthcare and nutrition benefits for vulnerable populations, highlighting moral responsibilities against historical commitments to public health. It also explores the economic turmoil before the Great Depression and how the New Deal reshaped regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the discussion reveals tax cuts favoring the wealthy and the public's outrage over proposed cuts to social safety programs, featuring a senator's passionate dissent that echoes widespread feelings of governmental corruption.

21 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 6min
June 29, 2025
Dive into the tumultuous political landscape marked by President Trump’s tariff war and its chilling effect on consumer spending. Explore heated battles among senators over a vital budget reconciliation bill, highlighting intense bipartisan negotiations and disagreements on tax cuts. Gains and losses in military communications add another layer of intrigue, revealing the complexities within party lines as they tackle immigration and welfare funding. It's a whirlwind of economic and political drama!

33 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 10min
June 28, 2025
Explore recent Republican revisions to a significant bill impacting healthcare and funding allocations. Discover parallels between today's contentious legislation and the historical McKinley Tariff, revealing how both favor the wealthy amid rising inequality. Dive into the late 19th-century Alliance movement, spotlighting trailblazers like Mary Elizabeth Lease and Theodore Roosevelt, who championed economic justice and reform for the working class.

29 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 13min
June 27, 2025
A deep dive into the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling in Trump v. Casa reveals how it alters the landscape of nationwide injunctions. The discussion critiques President Trump's assertions about birthright citizenship and situates them within a historical framework. Contemporary immigration policy is examined, offering listeners insight into the broader impact of these legal decisions.

20 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 13min
June 26, 2025
The podcast opens with a heated press conference where the Defense Secretary defends military actions against Iran, sparking backlash from Senate Democrats. It delves into the crucial role of the Senate Parliamentarian amid tight budget timelines and Republican disputes over wealth distribution. Additionally, a stark contrast is drawn between Jeff Bezos's extravagant wedding and the increasing public unrest surrounding healthcare and immigration, reflecting broader tensions within American politics.