HISTORY This Week

Ken Burns, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker renowned for his immersive historical narratives, and Sarah Botstein, a dedicated producer and co-director, discuss their latest project on the American Revolution. They delve into the chaos of 1776, exploring Washington's struggles and the overlooked contributions of women, Native nations, and enslaved individuals. With unique storytelling techniques and a focus on lesser-known figures, they reveal how the Revolution's complex legacy sheds light on today's societal divides.

Peter Coyote, an actor and activist, recounts his pivotal role in the Grinnell 14 protest against nuclear testing in 1961. He shares the urgency that drove college students to act amidst Cold War fears and how they aligned with civil rights movements for their cause. The intense fasting protest led them to the White House, where they faced skepticism and mockery. Despite the challenges, their activism sparked a nationwide student movement, leaving a mixed legacy of cultural change and partial success in the peace efforts.

Mike Makowsky, the creator of the Netflix series *Death by Lightning*, dives into the forgotten story of President James Garfield, who ascended from poverty to the presidency unexpectedly. They explore his progressive ideals on civil rights and his commitment to reform. The discussion unveils the tragic circumstances surrounding his assassination by Charles Guiteau, revealing themes of political violence and vulnerability. Makowsky also speculates on what Garfield could have accomplished had he survived, making parallels to modern political challenges.

Adam Seltzer, an author and Chicago tour guide, dives deep into the haunting tale of H.H. Holmes, often dubbed America's first serial killer. They unravel the thrilling courtroom drama of Holmes’s trial and his struggles as a self-represented defendant. Seltzer shares mind-bending insights from his research, debunking myths around Holmes's infamous 'murder castle.' The discussion explores Holmes's deceptive early life, his notorious scams, and the sensationalized media frenzy that shaped his legacy, leaving listeners questioning what really happened.

In this enlightening discussion, historian Marc Leepson, author of a Francis Scott Key biography, unveils Key's complex ties to slavery and his surprising role in creating the national anthem. Tim Grove, a Smithsonian consultant, shares insights on the Star-Spangled Banner's debut with the Battle of Baltimore as its backdrop. They explore Key's motivations, the song's controversial lyrics, and the stark contradictions between its message of freedom and the reality of slavery in early America, all framed within a historical narrative that resonates today.

Keisha Blain, a professor of Africana Studies and History, dives into the pivotal roles of Mary McLeod Bethune and Marguerite Cartwright in early United Nations history. They discuss Bethune's unique position as the only Black woman in the U.S. delegation and her efforts to confront colonialism within the UN Charter. Blain highlights how both women connected U.S. civil rights to global struggles, reframing our understanding of human rights and activism beyond national borders.

October, 1955. In living rooms across Denmark, children tear open the box of a brand-new toy: the LEGO System in Play. Inside are plastic bricks, a printed playmat of roads, little houses and trees — everything in perfect scale. As they build, something new is taking shape.  It looks simple, but it’s a radical idea — every piece connects, no matter when or where it’s made. It’s more than a toy — it’s a system. That quiet innovation will turn a small family workshop into one of the most successful companies in the world. How did a small-town Danish carpenter launch a plastic toy empire? And how did LEGO re-envision what a toy can be? Special thanks to Kristian Reimer Hauge, corporate historian at the LEGO Idea House; Daniel Konstanski, historian for Blocks Magazine and author of The Secret Life of LEGO® Bricks: The Story of a Design Icon; and Chris Byrne, researcher, historian, and “The Toy Guy.” We also want to thank Dana Goldsmith, Andreas Friis, and Roberta Cardazzo. Get in touch: historythisweekpodcast@history.com  Follow on Instagram: @historythisweek Follow on Facebook: ⁠HISTORY This Week Podcast⁠ To stay updated: http://historythisweekpodcast.com 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

William deJong-Lambert, a historian of science and author, delves into the troubling tale of Trofim Lysenko, who convinced Stalin that ideology trumped genetics. Discover how Lysenko's rise to power led to the purging of dissenting scientists like Nikolai Vavilov. The discussion explores Lysenko's bizarre agricultural theories, his manipulation of politics and media, and the dire consequences for Soviet science. Ultimately, deJong-Lambert highlights the political interference that caused a significant setback in genetic research during a crucial era.

October 4, 1915. President Woodrow Wilson designates Dinosaur National Monument as a national historic site. That’s a big deal, right? There must’ve been a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony, maybe even a parade. But no. In 1915, nobody really cares about dinosaurs. But that is all about to change. And when it does, it is largely because of two paleontologists. Two guys who started off as best friends … until their growing obsession with unearthing and cataloging dinosaur bones would turn them into rivals. Then enemies. How did the competition between a pair of paleontologists lead to unprecedented dinosaur discoveries? And how did their rivalry unhinge them both?  Special thanks to guest Dr. Hans Sues, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. ** This episode originally aired October 3, 2022. Get in touch: historythisweekpodcast@history.com  Follow on Instagram: @historythisweek Follow on Facebook: ⁠HISTORY This Week Podcast⁠ To stay updated: http://historythisweekpodcast.com 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

Jeremy Parish, a media curator and co-host of Retronauts, dives into Nintendo's ingenious strategy that revived the U.S. video game market after the 1983 crash. He discusses how Nintendo cleverly disguised its NES as an entertainment system, using R.O.B. to appeal to parents. The conversation highlights the creation of iconic games like Donkey Kong and Super Mario Brothers, exploring their massive impact on gaming culture. Parish also details Nintendo's tactics to gain retailer support, ultimately making gaming a household staple once more.