History That Doesn't Suck

Dive into the thrilling Golden Age of Sports, where horse racing, boxing, basketball, and football battled for dominance. Discover how James Naismith invented basketball to keep students engaged during harsh winters. Explore the ruthless world of boxing, marked by racial tensions and legendary fighters. Hear about the pivotal reforms in football, thanks to Theodore Roosevelt's intervention for safety. Marvel at the incredible journey of Jim Thorpe, hailed as the greatest athlete of his time, navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving sports landscape.

Bob Kendrick, the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, dives into the rich and often overlooked history of African-American baseball. He shares personal anecdotes and discusses the recent recognition of over 2,300 Negro Leagues players in Major League Baseball records. The conversation explores the impact of segregation on the sport, the transition to integration with pioneers like Jackie Robinson, and the museum's plans to expand and educate future generations about this vital chapter in American history.

Dive into the captivating world of baseball, exploring its transformation from colonial roots to a roaring pastime in America. Unravel the drama of the 1919 World Series scandal and its lasting impact on the sport. Discover the rise of the Negro Leagues and key figures like Rube Foster, who challenged segregation. Learn about Babe Ruth's legendary journey from the Red Sox to the Yankees, and how he reshaped the game. This exploration celebrates baseball's rich legacy and cultural significance in shaping American history.

“Harlem is the queen of the black belts, drawing Aframericans together in a vast humming hive . . . from the different states, from the islands of the Caribbean, and from Africa . . . It is the Negro capital of the world.” This is the story of the Harlem Renaissance. In the early twentieth century, many Black families and individuals down South are finding that the only way out is up—to the North. Driven by Jim Crow discrimination and harsh economic realities, hundreds of thousands of African Americans head to cities like Chicago (the “promised land”) or Harlem (“Black Mecca”). This Great Migration fosters communities of gifted artists, and eventually, the rest of the country takes notice. By the 1920s, Black culture is truly blooming. Up-and-coming writers including Zora Neal Hurston and Langston Hughes are crafting literature we still consume some 100 years later. Master musicians like Cab Calloway and Ella Fitzgerald are scattin’ up a storm in New York clubs. And let’s not forget the visual arts! The Harlem Renaissance features countless artists that contribute mightily to American culture and Black identity: let’s meet just a few. (Audio of Cab Calloway was recorded in 1982 at the White Plains Public Library in White Plains, NY, and used with their permission. We are grateful to the library and encourage listeners to support their local public library for the services they provide.)____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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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!