Throughline
NPR
Throughline is a time machine. Each episode, we travel beyond the headlines to answer the question, "How did we get here?" We use sound and stories to bring history to life and put you into the middle of it. From ancient civilizations to forgotten figures, we take you directly to the moments that shaped our world. Throughline is hosted by Peabody Award-winning journalists Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei.Subscribe to Throughline+. You'll be supporting the history-reframing, perspective-shifting, time-warping stories you can't get enough of - and you'll unlock access bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/throughline
Episodes
Mentioned books
43 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 52min
The Bitter History of Chocolate
Explore the rich and often troubling history of chocolate, from its origins in Mesoamerica to its transformation by European conquest. Discover how cacao became a global commodity tied to plantation brutality and forced labor. Delve into the responses of companies like Cadbury as they confront ethical issues in their supply chains. Hear firsthand accounts of childhood on cocoa farms and learn about initiatives aimed at eradicating child labor in the industry. This journey through chocolate reveals layers of nostalgia, exploitation, and the fight for change.
11 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 50min
The Mother of Thanksgiving
Discover a gripping tale of Sarah Josepha Hale, a woman who campaigned for a national Thanksgiving holiday to unify a nation on the brink of Civil War. Explore the overlooked origins of Thanksgiving, revealing the real history beyond the cozy myths of Pilgrims and Native Americans. The narrative dives into Hale's influence through Godey's Ladies' Book, her strategic correspondence with governors, and Lincoln's proclamation in 1863. The episode also examines the resilience of the Wampanoag people and the complexities of remembering history.
14 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 15min
What Happened to Vladimir Alexandrov?
Andrew Revkin, a veteran environmental and science journalist, delves into the mysterious disappearance of Soviet scientist Vladimir Alexandrov, who championed nuclear winter theory. Revkin shares insights on Alexandrov's charisma and pivotal collaborations with Carl Sagan. The conversation explores Alexandrov's erratic behavior prior to vanishing and the conflicting reports surrounding his last night. Speculations arise about possible kidnapping, defection, or even murder, as Revkin reflects on the ongoing investigation into this enigma.
42 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 52min
Democracy Dies in a Day
Sergio Bitar, a former Chilean government minister and political prisoner, shares his gripping firsthand account of the 1973 military coup in Chile. John Dingus, an American journalist who reported on the upheaval, provides insightful commentary on the events that led to the fall of a democracy. They discuss the economic inequality and Cold War pressures that catalyzed the coup, the brutal regime's consolidation of power, and the eventual return to democracy through strategic non-violent resistance and the pivotal 1988 plebiscite.
64 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 51min
The Creeping Coup
In this conversation, Khulud Khair, a Sudanese commentator and former think tank director, provides a firsthand perspective on the ongoing conflict in Sudan. She shares her harrowing escape from Khartoum amidst chaos and highlights the staggering humanitarian crisis facing millions. The discussion extends to the international stakes involved, revealing how countries like the U.S., China, and the UAE are entangled in Sudan's turmoil, with civilians tragically caught in the crossfire of power struggles between rival military factions.
71 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 52min
Winter is Coming
David Sepkoski, a historian of science and author, joins for an intriguing exploration of how the discovery of the dinosaur extinction event during the Cold War shifted our understanding of catastrophic risks. The discussion weaves through Walter Alvarez's groundbreaking research linking iridium to an asteroid impact. Sepkoski reveals how these insights paralleled nuclear winter models championed by Carl Sagan, ultimately influencing public perception and policy against nuclear war. The conversation highlights the intertwined fates of dinosaurs and humanity through the lens of scientific advocacy.
28 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 51min
Prosecuting Genocide
Delve into the legal evolution of the term 'genocide' from its origins in World War II to its first applications in the Bosnian War. Explore how investigative journalism unveiled horrific ethnic cleansing. Learn about the complexities of the International Criminal Tribunal and the challenges it faced in prosecuting war crimes. Discover the significance of the Srebrenica tragedy and how it shaped international law. The podcast also discusses ongoing implications for contemporary cases, making it a powerful reflection on justice and accountability.
12 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 30min
Throughline Dances
Get ready to groove as Ramtin Arablouei takes you on a musical journey! Discover how house music feels like a sacred celebration, fostering joy and community on the dance floor. Explore the clashes between rave culture and authorities, and dive into the rich history of DIY electronic scenes. Marvel at the marathon parties of Chicago that electrified the early house sound. Experience the powerful emotions tied to non-stop music and learn how dance floors can unite people across divisions. It's a rhythmic escape you won't want to miss!
82 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 51min
The Internet Under the Sea
Ben Roberts, an expert in subsea cable engineering, shares insights on the fragility of undersea cables and their pivotal role in carrying most internet traffic. Cyrus Field IV, a descendant of the visionary behind the first transatlantic cable, discusses his ancestor’s determination to connect the world across oceans. They explore the challenges of cable construction, including storms and mechanical failures, as well as the modern implications of recent cable disruptions, raising concerns about sabotage in today’s interconnected world.
40 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 52min
The Rise of the Right Wing in Israel
The podcast delves into the rise of right-wing politics in Israel, highlighting Benjamin Netanyahu’s political journey. It examines the historical backdrop of significant events, like Yitzhak Rabin's assassination and the impact of militant activism. The discussion includes figures like Meir Kahane and Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose radical ideologies reshaped Israeli politics. It also explores Netanyahu’s strategic alliances and the normalization of extremist rhetoric in political discourse, while reflecting on societal divisions and civil conflict concerns.
