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
38 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.
25 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.
101 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 50min
A History of Hamas
Martin Keir, a lecturer at the University of Sydney and author on Hamas, and Khalid El-Gindi, an expert on Palestinian affairs, dive deep into the origins and evolution of Hamas. They discuss how grassroots protests during the First Intifada fueled its emergence and the defining aims in its 1988 charter. The conversation highlights Hamas's identity as an Islamist movement, the impact of historical events on its formation, and the shifting dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian relations over the decades.
31 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 52min
From the Frontlines
Enes Baba, a courageous Gaza-based journalist for NPR, shares harrowing firsthand accounts of life under bombardment and the heavy toll on local reporters. Walter Rogers, a seasoned war correspondent, reflects on the evolution of wartime journalism, revealing the complexities of embedding with troops. Both guests highlight the critical role of local journalists in conflict zones and the escalating risks they face. Their poignant narratives shed light on the ethical burdens and operational challenges of uncovering truths amid chaos.
Sep 30, 2025 • 30min
Throughline Sleeps
Explore the soothing world of sleep with a calming audio journey designed to help you drift off. Experience a serene guided induction that eases you into relaxation. Delve into deeper imagery as the narration slows, inviting you to embrace dreamlike states. Complete your transition to sleep with gentle encouragement towards restful immersion. This serene experience is perfect for unwinding after a challenging day.
90 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 49min
The Anti-Vaccine Movement
Join Paul Offit, a leading vaccine expert from the Vaccine Education Center, and historian Elena Conis as they delve into the roots of the anti-vaccine movement. They discuss pivotal moments like the botched polio vaccine and the origins of vaccine skepticism. Hear about the infamous Wakefield study, the media's role in public perception, and how celebrity influence has shaped vaccine debates. They also explore the consequences of declining vaccination rates and the erosion of public trust in health authorities, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
45 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 50min
The Business of Migrant Detention
Brianna Nofil, an assistant professor at The College of William & Mary and author of *The Migrant's Jail*, dives into the troubling history of the U.S. immigration detention system. She highlights its origins in early 1900s profit motives and the 1903 Malone case that exploited vulnerable migrants. The discussion also touches on Cold War policies, including Operation Wetback, and the growth of a detention industry fueled by federal investment and local economies courting such facilities. Nofil sheds light on how this massive system evolved into today's controversial practices.
42 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 49min
Line. Fence. Wall.
In this insightful discussion, historian Rachel St. John reveals the evolution of the U.S.-Mexico border from mere lines in the sand to formidable walls. Former Congressman Silvestre Reyes brings a personal perspective on the real-life implications of this border infrastructure. They explore the historical transformations, political narratives, and the human experiences underpinning immigration policies. The conversation also delves into the complexities of border communities and the economics intertwined with immigration enforcement, painting a vivid picture of life at the border.
91 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 49min
ICE
Peter Markowitz, a law professor and immigrant rights advocate, and Rodger Werner, a Homeland Security expert, delve into the complexities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They discuss the creation of ICE post-9/11, the historical context of immigration enforcement, and how perceptions of crime and terrorism have shaped policies. The conversation highlights the alarming increase in deportations, the impact on immigrant communities, and the ethical dilemmas within enforcement agencies. Their insights reveal the tangled web of immigration politics in modern America.
66 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 53min
A History of Settlements
Gideon Aran, a former anthropology professor, and Khaled El-Gindy, a former senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, dive into the complex history of Israeli settlements. They explore how recent settlement projects challenge international law and impact Palestinian lives. The discussion highlights the ideological roots of the settlement movement, its evolution amid political shifts, and the ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the historical and contemporary struggles over land and identity in the region.
