Throughline

Explore the remarkable journey of China's language as it transitioned from an elite form to a modern tool for the masses. Learn about key reformers who risked everything to standardize Chinese, fostering a new national identity. Delve into historical conflicts like the Opium Wars and their impact on language and culture. Discover the heroic librarian preserving precious manuscripts during crises and witness Mao Zedong's revolutionary ideas in educational reform. This compelling narrative highlights the vital link between language, culture, and a nation's resilience.

In this insightful discussion, historian Leslie Regan sheds light on the evolution of abortion practices in early America. She reveals how, initially, abortion was widely accepted until the mid-1800s, when a group of male physicians, led by Horatio Storer, worked to criminalize it, intertwining morality with racial fears. Regan also addresses the transition from midwives to male doctors in childbirth, and the profound impacts of women's rights activism leading up to the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. It's a captivating look at a pivotal moment in reproductive history.

Anna Malaika Tubbs, a sociologist and author of "The Three Mothers," sheds light on the often-overlooked mothers of civil rights leaders. She reveals how Alberta King, Louise Little, and Burtis Baldwin shaped their sons' lives and the broader movement. Tubbs discusses Alberta's emotional journey as MLK Jr.'s mother and the enduring legacy of love and resilience from Louise and Burtis. This enlightening conversation calls for a reevaluation of historical narratives, emphasizing these women's crucial roles in advancing societal change.

Heidi Schreck, a celebrated playwright known for her impactful one-woman show, delves into the complexities of the U.S. Constitution. She shares how historical narratives shape personal identities and experiences, particularly for women. The conversation touches on the Constitution's contradictions, its protective limitations, and its evolving interpretation through landmark cases. Schreck's reflections reveal deep connections between personal trauma, women's rights, and systemic change, sparking a vital discussion on America's founding document and its implications today.

In this engaging discussion, Kelly Lytle Hernandez, a UCLA history professor and author of 'Bad Mexicans', unpacks the complexities of Cinco de Mayo and its cultural significance. She delves into Mexico's fight for autonomy and the historical narrative that shaped its modern identity. Topics include the impact of Porfirio Diaz, the rise of the Magonistas amidst oppression, and how Cinco de Mayo evolved from a symbol of anti-imperialism to a commercialized holiday, illustrating the intertwined stories of Mexico and the U.S.

Rutger Bregman, a historian and author known for his insights on wealth inequality, joins Stan Katz, a retired professor specializing in philanthropy. They dive deep into the origins of modern philanthropy, exploring the legacies of titans like Carnegie and Rockefeller. The discussion highlights the tension between huge wealth and public welfare, scrutinizing the impact of large philanthropic foundations on democracy. They question whether philanthropy truly serves the public good or merely perpetuates inequality, emphasizing the need for accountability and change in today’s society.

Dennis Hayes, President of the Bullitt Foundation and pivotal Earth Day organizer, alongside Arturo Sandoval, a Chicano civil rights activist, delve into the origins and impact of Earth Day. They discuss the environmental crises of the past, from rivers on fire to species extinction, and how these galvanized a movement for change. Listeners will uncover the grassroots efforts that transformed public consciousness, the intersection of environmental and social justice, and the evolving landscape of activism that continues to shape today’s environmental discourse.

Paul Starr, a Princeton sociology professor and healthcare history expert, teams up with Jim Marone, a Brown political science professor and co-author of "The Heart of Power." They dissect the U.S. health insurance crisis tied to employment and trace its roots from 19th-century grim hospital conditions to modern employer-based systems. The duo highlights Truman's push for universal health insurance, the fierce opposition he faced, and the lasting impacts of political resistance. Their insights prompt a critical reevaluation of healthcare in light of recent challenges.

Laine Catherine Levinson, a historian and author, dives into the Democratic Party's failed approaches to address inequality, while economic titan Milton Friedman champions free markets. They unravel the complex origins of neoliberalism from a 1947 Swiss meeting, highlighting the balance between individual freedom and government roles. The discussion addresses the rise of economic unrest in the 1930s, FDR's New Deal, and how Friedman’s ideas reshaped American policy in the 1970s, ultimately setting the stage for the Democratic Party's neoliberal shifts in the 1990s.

Nina Martyris, a freelance journalist known for her insightful writing on tipping, dives deep into the controversial practice's history in the U.S. She reveals how tipping emerged post-Civil War as a method to exploit low-wage labor, particularly among formerly enslaved individuals. The conversation touches on the cultural clash surrounding tipping, debunking its evolution from an unpopular tradition to an American staple. Martyris also critiques the socio-economic implications of tipping, highlighting ongoing debates about labor justice in the service industry.