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
Jul 7, 2022 • 51min
Throughline Presents: School Colors
School District 28 is located in one of the most racially and ethnically diverse places in the U.S.: Queens, N.Y. But the neighborhood served by this school district has two sides – a Northside and a Southside. To put it simply, the Southside is Black and the farther north you go, the fewer Black people you see. But it wasn't always like this.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 30, 2022 • 51min
Do Not Pass Go
Mary Pilon, journalist and author of "The Monopolists," dives into the intriguing history of Monopoly, revealing it as a mirror of America’s dreams and inequities. She discusses the game's unexpected rise during economic downturns and its roots as a critique of capitalism by Lizzie McGee. Pilon highlights how Monopoly embodies the myth of the American Dream while also exposing social disparities. With engaging anecdotes, she reflects on personal stories around the game's legacy and its continuous relevance in today's society.
Jun 23, 2022 • 51min
The Evangelical Vote (2019)
Molly Worthen, a history professor at the University of North Carolina, delves into the powerful intersection of evangelicalism and U.S. politics. She traces the evolution of white evangelicalism, linking it to conservative movements since the 1970s. Worthen highlights the impact of pivotal figures like John Nelson Darby and the racial divides that shaped the community. The discussion also touches on the surge of political activism following landmark events like Roe v. Wade, illustrating a complex and often contentious relationship between faith and politics.
Jun 16, 2022 • 53min
After Roe: A New Battlefield
Jennifer Holland, a history professor at the University of Oklahoma and author of "Tiny You," dives into the evolving landscape of abortion rights in America. She discusses the immediate aftermath of Roe v. Wade, highlighting how it ignited a powerful anti-abortion movement. Holland reveals the grassroots tactics employed by activists and the shifting dynamics within the medical community. With reflections on the personal and political impacts, she captures the ongoing conflict surrounding reproductive rights and the implications of recent political changes.
5 snips
Jun 9, 2022 • 59min
By Accident of Birth
Julie Su, an attorney and fourth-generation San Franciscan, and Carol Nackenoff, a Richter Professor Emerita, dive deep into the compelling story of Wong Kim Ark. They discuss his tumultuous return from China in 1895, where he was unjustly denied entry despite being born in the U.S. The conversation reveals the historical struggle against the Chinese Exclusion Act and the pivotal Supreme Court case that followed. Together, they reflect on the ongoing debates surrounding birthright citizenship and the profound implications for American identity and civil rights.
Jun 2, 2022 • 48min
The Modern White Power Movement (2020)
Kathleen Ballou, an assistant professor of history at the University of Chicago and author of "Bring the War Home," dives into the chilling rise of the modern white power movement. She discusses how post-Vietnam War disillusionment transformed individuals into radical extremists. The podcast covers the evolution of domestic terrorism, the deep-seated ties between racism and anti-communism, and critical incidents like the Greensboro Rally. Ballou also highlights the amplification of these threats in today’s society, especially through social media.
May 26, 2022 • 48min
The Characters That Built China
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.
6 snips
May 19, 2022 • 53min
Before Roe: The Physicians' Crusade
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.
May 17, 2022 • 50min
Bonus: The Forgotten Mothers of Civil Rights 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.
9 snips
May 12, 2022 • 42min
The Shadows of the Constitution (2020)
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.
