15 Minute History
The University of Texas at Austin
15 Minute History is a history podcast designed for historians, enthusiasts, and newbies alike. This is a joint project of Hemispheres, the international outreach consortium at the University of Texas at Austin, and Not Even Past, a website with articles on a wide variety of historical issues, produced by the History Department at the University of Texas at Austin.
This podcast series is devoted to short, accessible discussions of important topics in world history, United States history, and Texas history with the award winning faculty and graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin, and distinguished visitors to our campus. They are meant to be a resource for both teachers and students, and can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in history.
For more information and to hear our complete back catalog of episodes, visit our website!
Texas Podcast Network is brought to you by The University of Texas at Austin. Podcasts are produced by faculty members and staffers at UT Austin who work with University Communications to craft content that adheres to journalistic best practices. The University of Texas at Austin offers these podcasts at no charge. Podcasts appearing on the network and this webpage represent the views of the hosts, not of The University of Texas at Austin.
This podcast series is devoted to short, accessible discussions of important topics in world history, United States history, and Texas history with the award winning faculty and graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin, and distinguished visitors to our campus. They are meant to be a resource for both teachers and students, and can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in history.
For more information and to hear our complete back catalog of episodes, visit our website!
Texas Podcast Network is brought to you by The University of Texas at Austin. Podcasts are produced by faculty members and staffers at UT Austin who work with University Communications to craft content that adheres to journalistic best practices. The University of Texas at Austin offers these podcasts at no charge. Podcasts appearing on the network and this webpage represent the views of the hosts, not of The University of Texas at Austin.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 1, 2025 • 16min
Episode 154: The Nature of Empire: Power, Ecology and Knowledge
Sumit Guha, a professor of history at UT and author of 'Ecologies of Empire in South Asia,' discusses the intricate ties between empires, ecology, and knowledge. He delves into how the Mughal and British empires reshaped landscapes while centralizing local practices into bureaucratic power. Guha also explores the role of horse culture in establishing the Mughal Empire and contrasts the different ecological strategies employed by these empires. Furthermore, he examines the evolution of land mapping and agricultural practices, showcasing resistance to imperial governance.
Feb 11, 2025 • 22min
Episode 153: Horses and Humans throughout History
Join CU Boulder professor William Taylor, author of "Hoof Beats," as he explores the profound historical relationship between horses and humans. He reveals how horses were crucial in colonization and indigenous sovereignty, especially for the Comanche. Taylor discusses the unique traits of horses that fostered deep bonds with humans and their multifaceted roles in trade, warfare, and communication across empires. The podcast examines how horses shaped geopolitics and evolved from work animals to revered cultural icons.
Feb 11, 2025 • 16min
Episode 152: Rethinking the Slave Trade
Beginning in the 15th century, European history took a dark turn with the rapid
expansion of the slave trade. We’re joined today by Emory professor David Eltis, the co-
editor of www.slavevoyages.org that draws on thousands of records — ship logs,
registers, letters and government records — to understand the mechanics of the trade.
His new book, Atlantic Cataclysm, utilizes these records to offer a new interpretation of
transatlantic slavery centered on the Iberian rather than French or British Americas.
Feb 5, 2025 • 22min
Episode 151: Henri Christophe: First and Last King of Haiti
Between 1807 and 1820, Haiti was led by it’s first and last king, Henri Christophe. A contemporary of Robespierre and Napoleon, Washington and Hamilton, his life was as colorful, controversial and as tragic as any from his age. He presided over a Haitian state that was opulent and cultured on one hand, brutal and repressive on the other. Today I’m joined by Yale professor Marlene Daut, whose new book, "The First and Last King of Haiti", charts the rise and fall of this revolutionary, enigmatic and largely forgotten figure who despite all his flaws pioneered a vision of black sovereignty amidst almost impossible circumstances.
Dec 9, 2024 • 20min
Episode 150: America First: The Debate Then and Now
In the late 1930s, War in Europe seemed inevitable. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a fierce debate was underway — if war comes to Europe, should America get involved or stay out?
On one side of the debate was President Franklin Roosevelt — who favored intervention — and on the other, Charles Lindbergh — the most famous aviator of his day, the son of a congressman and the de facto spokesperson for the “America First” committee. At the time, it was the latest round in a debate that has raged in America since the 18th century.
Our guest today is UT professor HW Brands whose new book is, America First Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War. We discuss how the interventionist/isolationist debate panned out in the ’30s and ’40s, why those are imperfect terms for the two sides, and how the interventionist consensus is more fragile today than at any point since Pearl Harbor.
Dec 4, 2024 • 22min
Episode 149: A crisis of confidence – America in 1876
Two years from now, America will enter its 250th year as a nation. For some, it will be a day to celebrate without question. But, for others it may be something of an anti-climax, or at least a chance to reflect upon the continuing gap between the promise and reality of the American project. Today, I’m joined by UT professor Jeremi Suri to discuss the lay of the land in 1876 — America’s 100th birthday. That year witnessed another incredibly tight and contentious election rife with accusations of voter fraud and corrupt bargains. Jeremi is the author of Civil War by Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight for Democracy and The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office.
Jul 22, 2024 • 20min
Episode 148: US China relations in the 1970s
During the 1970s, relations between the US and China were transformed. Previously the two nations were cold war enemies. But Kazushi Minami argues that the '70s saw Americans reimagine China as a country of opportunities, while Chinese reinterpreted the US as an agent of modernization, capable of enriching their country. Crucial to this process was "people's diplomacy" the title of Minami's book on US-China relations which focuses on how Americans and Chinese from all walks of life engaged in people-to-people exchanges across the realms of business, culture and sport. Minami teaches history at Osaka University in Japan.
Jun 28, 2024 • 17min
Episode 147: The Court Packing Crisis
In 1937, American politics was gripped by President Roosevelt's court packing plan. Frustrated with what he perceived to be an aging, obstructionist Supreme Court, Roosevelt pressed congress to expand the court from 9 to 15 members. Stepping into the ensuing maelstrom was Texas congressman Hatton Sumners, chair of the House judiciary committee, ally of Roosevelt and an opponent of the plan. We're joined today by Josiah Daniel. Now a full time legal historian, Daniel was a partner in the intl. law firm Vinson & Elkins. He received his JD in Law and MA in History from UT Austin.
May 23, 2024 • 29min
Episode 146: Black Labor in Boston
The historian Henry Adams once wrote that, “the American boy of 1854 stood nearer the year 1 than to the year 1900.” Changes during that period were indeed profound in Adam’s home town of Boston. And yet, for the majority of the city’s black men and women, life and work in 1900 were not that different from the 1850s — despite Boston’s proud progressive history. We're joined today by Professor Jackie Jones, whose new Pulitzer Prize-winning book “No Right to An Honest Living” traces the Struggles of Boston’s Black Workers in the Civil War Era. Professor Jones’ book not only reconstructs black life — and indeed white hypocrisy — in compelling detail, it also shows the incredible value that labor history furnishes us with for understanding the past.
May 9, 2024 • 25min
Episode 145: Student Protests
Over the course of the academic year, student protests have roiled college campuses like at no other time in recent memory. Going further back though, historians see plenty of parallels — as well as some key differences — with student protest movements focused on Vietnam (1960s/70s) and South Africa (1980s/90s.) Today we're joined today by Jeremi Suri, a professor in UT Austin’s Department of History and LBJ School of Public Affairs. Jeremi is the author and editor of eleven books on politics and foreign policy, most recently: Civil War By Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight for Democracy, and also Power and Protest: Global Revolution and the Rise of Détente.
