Dive into the vibrant world of early American musical theater! Discover how 'Show Boat' redefined the genre with its serious themes and innovative storytelling. Explore the evolution of Broadway through the Roaring Twenties, and meet influential figures like Irving Berlin and Noble Sissle. Learn about the cultural shifts that shaped iconic performances and how they resonated with audiences amid significant historical moments. Get ready for a captivating journey through the history of an art form that continues to inspire!

Eadweard Muybridge, a pioneer in motion photography, kicks off a fascinating conversation about the birth of movies. He, alongside early filmmaker Louis Lumière and inventor Thomas Edison, discusses the shift from short films to the emergence of Hollywood. They delve into the business dynamics of early cinema, revealing Edison’s fierce attempts to control the industry. The group also explores the revolutionary introduction of synchronized sound, dramatically transforming the film landscape and audience experiences. The tale of the silver screen unfolds!

Daniel Okrent, a distinguished author and the first Public Editor of The New York Times, joins to discuss the end of Prohibition. He delves into the unexpected lack of public support for this constitutional ban and the contradictory enforcement tactics employed. The conversation highlights the rise of organized crime and the iconic Walgreens during this era. Okrent also shares insights into the evolution of journalism, emphasizing the need for critical thinking about media biases. They both look ahead to the vibrant cultural developments of the Roaring Twenties.

Discover the rise and fall of Al Capone, the notorious mobster known for his violence and luxury lifestyle during Prohibition. Dive into his criminal empire, legal battles, and the attempt to bring him down by the 'untouchables' in Chicago. Explore the effects of Prohibition's repeal and the vibrant culture of the 1920s.

Delve into the world of prohibition-era crime with bootleggers, moonshiners, and crime lords. Learn about the rise of organized crime, undercover agents like Izzy Einstein, and notorious gangsters like George Remus and Lucky Luciano. Explore the underground world of speakeasies, illegal booze, and law enforcement battles in a thrilling and dangerous time in American history.

Dive into the thrilling world of rum running during Prohibition! Discover the audacious exploits of Bill McCoy, a master bootlegger, as he navigates the treacherous waters from Nassau to New York. Experience the creative smuggling techniques that evaded the Coast Guard and rival pirates. Explore the secretive, vibrant speakeasies that brought together those craving forbidden drinks. Balance your morals in this fun, historical escapade filled with danger, excitement, and a taste of the past's golden age of piracy!

Dive into the fervent world of temperance and Prohibition! Discover how groups like the American Temperance Society and the Women's Christian Temperance Union rallied against alcohol consumption, driven by social reform and domestic violence concerns. Meet Carrie Nation, armed with bricks, as she famously smashed saloons. Explore the brewing industry's attempts to defend its place in American culture and the strategic rise of the Anti-Saloon League, leading to the transformative 18th Amendment. This tale intertwines morality, activism, and the complexities of a nation grappling with its vices.

“I believe I can swing it.”This is the story of the Coolidge Administration.Calvin Coolidge isn’t the most talkative guy–he’s painfully shy, to be frank–but “Silent Cal” does care deeply about public service. Over the years, the thrifty, hard-working New Englander moves up the ranks, from municipal offices to state offices, until, as Massachusetts Governor, he’s asked to join Warren G. Harding’s run for the White House. When the scandalous, playboy President meets an untimely end, family man Cal suddenly finds himself President of the United States.Cal slashes government spending and taxes while pursuing peace abroad. He also sees terrible heartache with the loss of loved ones. Meanwhile, the nation is debating if evolution should be taught in schools, the Mississippi floods, and the sculpting of Mount Rushmore begins. Cal might not be a hands-on president, but much is happening during his time in office that will reverberate into the years ahead. ____Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette  come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of the Airwave Media Network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If you knew of a great scandal in our administration, would you for the good of the country and the party expose it publicly or would you bury it?” This is the story of a brilliant man’s presidency and the greatest presidential scandal to precede Watergate. This is the story of Warren G. Harding and the Teapot Dome Scandal.Growing up in Ohio, Warren–or little “Winnie,” as his mom calls him–shows his brilliance from day one. The smart, charismatic, and handsome boy grows up to become a newspaperman and falls in love with politics while reporting. He soon becomes a rising star, holding Ohio then national offices. Taking the reins of government after World War I, the Republican hopes to return the post-war, economically downtrodden, and fearful nation to “normalcy.”But can he return the nation to “normalcy” while his friends in the “Ohio Gang” are making shady deals? And what does Warren know of these deals? Is he naive? Or is the several-times adulterous president, who copes with the stress of office through drink and gambling, in on it? That’s the question we’ll ask ourselves as we follow his less-than-a-full-term presidency.____Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette  come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of the Airwave Media Network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Prof. sits down with fellow Prof. Ben Sawyer of the Road to Now Podcast and Middle Tennessee State University to chat through the last volume episodes. Russia, the Red Scare, the second Klan, and more, while Ben gets Greg to share behind-the-scenes details on the writing process. Enjoy!____Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette  come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of the Airwave Media Network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices