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
70 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 46min
Iran and the U.S., Part Three: Soleimani's Iran
Kareem Sadjadpour is a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment and an adjunct professor at Georgetown, while Ali Alfoneh is a Senior Fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute and a researcher on the Revolutionary Guard. They discuss Qassem Soleimani’s ascent to power and his impact on Iran's military strategy. The conversation covers the complex U.S.-Iran relationship, the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and how Soleimani's leadership shifted Iran’s regional influence. They also reflect on the emotional aftermath of his assassination and its lasting legacy on national identity.
73 snips
Jun 28, 2025 • 47min
Iran and the U.S., Part Two: Rules of Engagement
Explore the tumultuous history between Iran and the U.S. from the fallout of the 1979 Iranian Revolution to today's high-stakes tensions. Discover the multifaceted Iran-Iraq War and the controversial U.S. involvement that escalated conflicts, including the tragic downing of a civilian airliner. Dive into key events like the Beirut barracks bombing and the evolution of military tactics, including Iran's proxy warfare and cyber operations. The Stuxnet cyber-attack marks a pivotal moment, illustrating how digital warfare is reshaping international relations.
39 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 48min
What the Supreme Court Does in the Shadows
Steve Vladek, a law professor at Georgetown University and author of 'The Shadow Docket,' delves into the significant but often unnoticed impact of the Supreme Court's shadow docket. He discusses how this mechanism has become more prevalent since the Trump administration, influencing key rulings on immigration and other critical issues. The conversation also touches on the court's expanding power over life and death matters and the contentious nature of emergency rulings, all while challenging the public's trust and accountability within the judicial system.
77 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 36min
Iran and the U.S., Part One: Four Days in August
Stephen Kinzer, author of 'All the Shah's Men,' dives into the roots of U.S.-Iran tensions, tracing back to the 1953 coup that overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. He reveals the chaotic details of the CIA's operation, including the manipulation behind the scenes and the ambitious strategies of Kermit Roosevelt. Kinzer discusses how this pivotal moment not only shifted Iranian politics but also sowed the seeds for decades of conflict, showcasing the irony of both sides being funded by the same agency.
70 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 52min
Abortion Before Roe
Leslie Regan, a historian and professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, dives into the history of abortion before Roe v. Wade. She reveals how abortion was once commonplace, facilitated by women and midwives, before a medical crusade shifted that narrative. Discussion topics include the rise and fall of figures like Madame Restell, the male-dominated medical assault on women's reproductive autonomy, and the ethical and racial motivations behind the criminalization of abortion in the 19th century.
42 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 48min
The First Department of Education
Michael Studeman, an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric at Penn State, dives into the intriguing history of the first U.S. Department of Education created in 1867 after the Civil War. He discusses its ambitious inception aimed at unifying a fractured nation yet highlights how it was essentially shut down a year later. Studeman reveals how figures like Henry Barnard and Frederick Douglass were pivotal in advocating for educational equity, reflecting on the struggles for literacy among formerly enslaved Americans and the ongoing debates over federal versus local educational control.
51 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 49min
The Woman Behind The New Deal
Kirsten Downey, author of 'The Woman Behind the New Deal', sheds light on Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history. They discuss Perkins' transformative journey after witnessing the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which propelled her commitment to labor rights. Downey reveals how Perkins shaped critical policies like Social Security and the minimum wage, navigating a male-dominated political landscape. Listeners learn about her enduring legacy and influence on American social safety nets that continue to impact lives today.
21 snips
May 29, 2025 • 48min
We the People: Search and Seizure
In this discussion, legal experts Sarah Sayo and Paul Butler delve into the complexities of the Fourth Amendment and its intended limits on government power. Sayo explores how historical figures like James Otis influenced constitutional thought on search and seizure. Butler highlights the implications of landmark cases, including Terry v. Ohio, revealing the troubling intersection of racial profiling and police authority. Together, they dissect how interpretations of 'reasonable' searches continue to challenge civil liberties today.
127 snips
May 22, 2025 • 51min
War Crimes
Michael Bryant, a historian and legal studies professor, and David Bosco, author and expert on the International Criminal Court, dive deep into the evolution of war crimes and accountability. They trace war crimes from the U.S. Civil War to the Nuremberg Trials and beyond. The conversation highlights the complexities of international law and the challenges of prosecuting atrocities. They also discuss the significance of The Hague and the ongoing relationship between the U.S. and the ICC amid global power dynamics.
177 snips
May 15, 2025 • 52min
The Tax Collector
In this engaging discussion, Paul Camacho, a retired IRS special agent and board member at the Mob Museum, dives into the fascinating history of tax enforcement and organized crime. He illuminates how the IRS transformed from a financial agency into a powerful crime-fighting force during Prohibition, particularly in the pursuit of Al Capone. Camacho also reveals the unique roles played by government officials in law enforcement and explores the evolving relationship between taxation and public trust, all set against the backdrop of America's tumultuous history.
