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
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.
May 5, 2022 • 50min
Cinco de Mayo and the Rise of Modern Mexico
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.
11 snips
Apr 28, 2022 • 50min
The New Gilded Age
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.
Apr 21, 2022 • 49min
Force of Nature (2021)
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.
