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
Feb 5, 2026 • 49min
The Man Who Took On The Klan
Kidada Williams, historian of Reconstruction-era terror and survival. Bernard Powers, scholar of slavery and Black political life in South Carolina. Guy Gugliotta, author on Amos Akerman and Klan prosecutions. They trace Akerman’s surprising turn from Confederate to federal enforcer. They explore Klan terror in rural South Carolina, legal fights using the 14th Amendment, raids and trials, and the political fallout that weakened enforcement.
20 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 14min
Becoming Supreme | America in Pursuit
A dramatic origin story of the Supreme Court, filled with political rebellions and family feuds. The transformation from a weak judiciary to a powerful national court. Midnight judicial appointments, John Marshall’s tactics, and the strategic rise of judicial review. Political battles around the 1800 election and how symbolism and legal strategy reshaped American power.
37 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 43min
James Baldwin's Fire
Eddie S. Glaude Jr., a professor of African-American studies and author, reflects on James Baldwin's life and lasting relevance. He explores Baldwin's critique of America's foundational lies. He recounts moments that reshaped his reading of Baldwin, examines Baldwin's moral urgency around confrontation and vulnerability, and highlights Baldwin's insistence on love, responsibility, and the continual invention of hope.
20 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 11min
Signed, Sealed & Delivered | America in Pursuit
Winifred Gallagher, journalist and author who explores how institutions shape society, discusses the postal service as the colonies' communications backbone. She traces Benjamin Franklin’s role in linking the colonies. She covers postal policies that subsidized newspapers, spurred transportation and book circulation, and created an informal national education network.
86 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 47min
Iran Protests Explained
In this discussion, Ali Alfoneh, an Iranian-born political scientist, and Holly Dagres, a prominent Iran analyst, delve into the cycles of protest in Iran. They highlight the unique aspects of the current movement, linking economic crises and social frustrations to the 2022 Woman Life Freedom protests. The guests analyze the regime's oppressive tactics, the rise of national symbols, and the shifting aspirations of the Iranian people for democracy. They also explore the implications of foreign relations on Iran's internal dynamics, questioning the regime’s survival in this tumultuous climate.
12 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 10min
The Deadliest Ally | America in Pursuit
Dr. Tim Weingard, a history professor and author renowned for his work on disease's historical impact, dives into the crucial role of mosquitoes during the American Revolution. He reveals how these flying foes forced strategic changes, highlighting Washington's cautious approach. Weingard discusses the susceptibility of British troops to malaria, Cornwallis’s misguided maneuvers, and how Yorktown’s marshes contributed to the British defeat. Further, he warns of mosquitoes' ongoing influence on human movement and history today.
93 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 50min
Ken Burns and the American Revolution
Ken Burns, a renowned documentary filmmaker famous for works like The Civil War, dives deep into the American Revolution's relevance today. He discusses how the revolution's principles resonate with current political divides and the importance of understanding our origin stories. Burns emphasizes the need to honor foundational ideals while also recognizing the complexities of historical figures like George Washington. He shares insights on how optimism and active participation can shape the country’s future, urging listeners to engage with history to better navigate the present.
57 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 15min
Your 15-Minute Guide to 250 Years | America in Pursuit
Celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a fresh take on U.S. history. Discover the contrasting narratives of 1776 and the 1619 Project. Delve into the founders' motivations and the complex legacy of American democracy, shaped by ongoing conflict. Explore how local histories enrich national stories. The podcast also features innovative connections, linking historical artifacts to contemporary discussions on civil rights, encouraging a reflection on whether America lives up to its ideals.
39 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 54min
El Libertador (Venezuela update)
Alejandro Velasco, a historian and NYU professor, dives into the complex legacy of Venezuelan leaders Bolívar and Chávez. He examines Chávez's dramatic exhumation of Bolívar to solidify his political myth. The discussion touches on Bolívar’s personal tragedies and military strategies that shaped his quest for independence. Velasco also explores Chávez's rise from failed coup leader to president during a tumultuous economic period, revealing how his charisma and media presence transformed Venezuela’s political landscape.
6 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 3min
Winter Book Club: Octavia Butler’s Visionary Fiction
Adrienne Marie Brown, a prominent writer and Octavia Butler scholar, and Lane Kaplan-Levinson, a reporter and producer, delve into Butler's groundbreaking contributions to science fiction. They discuss how Butler uses time travel in 'Kindred' to evoke the emotional truth of slavery and explore nuanced character motivations in her narratives. The conversation highlights Butler’s prophetic insights on societal collapse and climate issues in 'Parable of the Sower.' Finally, they celebrate Butler’s lasting legacy in paving the way for diverse voices in literature.
