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
Apr 14, 2022 • 55min
The Everlasting Problem (2020)
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.
24 snips
Apr 7, 2022 • 50min
Capitalism: What Makes Us Free? (2021)
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.
Mar 31, 2022 • 45min
The Land of the Fee (2021)
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.
Mar 24, 2022 • 48min
All Wars Are Fought Twice
Viet Thanh Nguyen, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and memory scholar, discusses how wars are remembered and its impact on identity. He explores the dual narratives of the Vietnam War, emphasizing the complexity of personal versus national memories. Nguyen sheds light on recent conflicts like Ukraine and Afghanistan, advocating for the acknowledgment of refugee stories and the need to confront historical injustices. His insights highlight the ongoing battle of memory, shaping our understanding of war's enduring effects and the resilience of those affected.
Mar 17, 2022 • 51min
Our Own People (2021)
Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese American activist known for her pivotal role in social justice movements, shares her experiences from wartime internment to her passionate advocacy for Black liberation and Asian American rights. She reflects on the solidarity needed in the wake of the Atlanta spa shootings, draws connections between historical and contemporary struggles, and emphasizes the importance of collective care. Kochiyama's deep ties with Malcolm X and the birth of the Asian American movement illustrate the necessity of unity in the fight against systemic oppression.
Mar 10, 2022 • 44min
Ukraine's Dangerous Independence
Serhii Plokhii, a historian at Harvard and director of the Ukrainian Research Institute, passionately discusses the unique formation of Ukrainian identity. He debunks the notion proposed by Putin that Ukrainians lack a distinct identity, highlighting the intertwined but unique histories of Ukraine and Russia. The conversation navigates crucial moments like the Cossack resistance and the impact of events such as the Holodomor, framing Ukraine's struggle for independence as a powerful narrative of resilience against geopolitical tensions.
Mar 3, 2022 • 51min
Of Rats and Men
In this engaging discussion, biologist Jason Munshi-South and pest control expert Andy Brigham dive into the fascinating world of rats. They explore how urbanization and the pandemic impacted rat populations across cities. With insights into rats' adaptability and their surprising genetic similarities to humans, the conversation reveals the complex historical relationship between these creatures and urban environments. From Victorian companions to modern pests, they challenge our perceptions and spark a reconsideration of our coexistence with these resilient rodents.
Feb 24, 2022 • 49min
There Are No Utopias
Robin D.G. Kelley, a UCLA history professor, sheds light on the often overlooked narratives of Black labor organizers and anti-capitalists. He argues that racism is integral to capitalism's endurance, challenging the notion of justice within the current economic system. Kelley also discusses the revolutionary spirit of Harlem in the '60s and the struggles of present labor movements, like the fight for unionization at Amazon. This fascinating perspective invites listeners to rethink the deep connections between race, labor, and systemic inequality.
Feb 17, 2022 • 60min
Marcus Garvey: Pan-Africanist (2021)
Marcus Garvey, a pivotal Pan-Africanist leader, passionately advocated for Black empowerment in the 20th century. He envisioned a united Africa and founded the Black Star Line to facilitate repatriation, although it ultimately never set sail. Garvey’s influence is felt in the legacies of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The podcast explores his struggle against societal challenges, his contrasting views with W.E.B. Du Bois, and how his message of self-worth continues to resonate in today’s movements, inspiring generations.
Feb 10, 2022 • 53min
Pirates of the Senate
In this engaging discussion, political scientists Sarah Binder and Gregory Wawrow unravel the complexities of the filibuster in the U.S. Senate. They explore its historical roots and transformation from a tool of debate to a modern weapon of obstruction. The duo debates how the filibuster impacts democracy, especially during pivotal legislative moments, while raising critical questions about reform and political standoffs. Their insights shed light on the ongoing struggle between legislative efficiency and the rights to dissent in a divided political landscape.
