Throughline

50 years ago the world watched as man first landed on the moon, an incredible accomplishment by the engineers and scientists of NASA. But what if some of those same engineers and scientists had a secret history that the U.S. government tried to hide? This week, the story of how the U.S. space program was made possible by former Nazis.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Explore the evolution of Hong Kong and the recent intense protests against extradition. Delve into the historical relationship between Hong Kong and China, including the impact of the opium trade and the first Opium War. Discover the colonial era of Hong Kong under British control and the transformation of the city. Learn about the challenges and uncertainties faced by the British in maintaining control and the negotiations between China and the UK. Understand the birth of Hong Kong's democracy movement and the hope it brought for a better future.

Today the foundations of philosophy are seen as a straight line from Western antiquity, built on thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle. But, between the 8th century and 14th century, the West was greatly overshadowed by the Islamic world and philosophy was in very different hands. This week, how one Medieval Islamic philosopher put his pen to paper and shaped the modern world.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When Andrew Johnson became president in 1865, the United States was in the middle of one of its most volatile chapters. The country was divided after fighting a bloody civil war and had just experienced the first presidential assassination. We look at how these factors led to the first presidential impeachment in American history.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Parth Shah, a producer on NPR's Hidden Brain, shares the gripping tale of the Blackburns' daring escape from slavery. Sonny Dossi, a retired geography professor, discusses the Confederados' migration to Brazil after the Civil War, revealing the complexities of identity in their new home. Luciana Brito, a historical expert, contrasts American and Brazilian narratives of slavery and freedom. Together, they explore themes of desperation, resilience, and cultural identity in the face of oppression, challenging perceptions of migration.

Pedro Albizu Campos, a key figure in Puerto Rican history and independence leader, shares insights into the island's fight for autonomy. Cornelius Packard Rhodes, a controversial doctor, sparked nationalist sentiments with his racist views. They discuss the tension between Puerto Rico and the U.S., and the socio-political struggles born from natural disasters and colonial legacies. The essence of 'La tierra de borinquen' comes alive as they explore the passionate yearning for independence and the darker side of U.S. influence on Puerto Rican identity.

When Lil Nas X released his viral hit "Old Town Road" last year, he sparked a conversation about what country music is and who is welcome in the genre. To better understand the deep and often misunderstood history of country music, we sat down with renowned filmmaker Ken Burns to talk about his new documentary series Country Music and his process as a storyteller.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Heather Rogers, journalist and author of "Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage," joins Iron Eyes Cody, the actor famously known as the 'Crying Indian,' and Finis Dunaway, a history professor. They delve into the history of waste management in the U.S., discussing how branding litter has shifted the responsibility from manufacturers to individuals. The impact of the 'Crying Indian' ad is explored, critiquing the misrepresentation of Native identities while highlighting its role in raising environmental awareness. They call for acknowledging corporate responsibility in pollution.

Amira Rose Davis, a Professor at Penn State and co-host of the feminist sports podcast Burn It All Down, dives into the complex legacy of athlete activism. She discusses Colin Kaepernick's protest and its impact on societal conversations around patriotism and police brutality. The talk touches on historical figures like Jack Johnson and Wilma Rudolph, who broke barriers and championed civil rights. Davis also explores the challenges athletes face when their activism meets public scrutiny, as seen through Mahmoud Abdul-Raouf's journey.

Billie Holiday helped shape American popular music with her voice and unique style. But, her legacy extends way beyond music with one song in particular — "Strange Fruit." The song paints an unflinching picture of racial violence, and it was an unexpected hit. But singing it brought serious consequences.In a special collaboration with NPR Music's Turning the Tables Series, how "Strange Fruit" turned Billie Holiday into one of the first victims of the War on Drugs.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy