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
6 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.
53 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.
5 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.
22 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 31min
Winter Book Club: Why You'll Love 'Dune'
Ramtin Arablouei, a host and producer on Throughline, shares his deep love for Frank Herbert's iconic novel, Dune. He recounts how reading it at 13 shaped his worldview and highlights the book's intricate plot filled with betrayal and power. The discussion delves into Dune's dense world-building, cultural influences connecting it to Star Wars, and its themes of technology and morality. Ramtin also emphasizes Dune's relevance to modern geopolitics and its insightful reflections on religion and human resilience.
Dec 25, 2025 • 49min
Winter Book Club: A Christmas Carol
Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, a direct descendant of Charles Dickens and an expert in Victorian England, dives into the fascinating evolution of Christmas traditions shaped by her ancestor's iconic tale, A Christmas Carol. She reveals how Dickens’ own childhood experiences and the harsh realities of industrial London influenced his writing. The discussion covers the holiday's transformation from a quiet observance to a cultural phenomenon, highlighting Dickens's role as a social commentator and the lasting legacy of his work on modern Christmas celebrations.
16 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 45min
Winter Book Club: The Story of Us?
Tamim Ansary, an author and former textbook editor, delves into the captivating idea that history itself is a crafted narrative. He discusses how societies depend on shared stories to process information and maintain power, and highlights the importance of a global perspective in our interconnected world. With a bicultural background, he reflects on how myths shape group identities and the challenges of revising narratives. Tamim poses vital questions about what could unify humanity, emphasizing that collective projects can help forge shared myths.
9 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 53min
Pride, Prejudice, and Peer Pressure
Devoney Looser, Professor of English at Arizona State University and author of Wild for Austen, dives into the intricate world of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The discussion highlights the economic stakes of marriage in the novel and how characters like Darcy and Wickham illustrate social snobbery. Looser also examines the complexities of Darcy's quiet generosity and reflects on Austen's silence regarding historical injustices. With insights on modern adaptations, the conversation reveals how Austen's legacy continues to evolve.
75 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.
