

My History Can Beat Up Your Politics
Bruce Carlson
Since 2006, this podcast has been using history to elevate today's political debates. "The perfect antidote to bloviating talking heads, My History is thoughtful, nuanced, and highly engaging." -Columbia Journalism Review
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 2, 2025 • 51min
CHESTER ARTHUR PART 1: THE EARLY YEARS
He fought for civil rights and nearly saved New York City. But all we remember is his hair. We start our series on President Chester Arthur with a look at his boyhood / young lawyer years.
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Sep 2, 2025 • 40min
LABOR UNIONS IN FIVE ANGLES
A look at labor unions from their historical beginnings and their height in the 30s to 60s to today, (2015) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25, 2025 • 45min
ANDY JOHNSON OPPOSES THE TELEGRAPH, AND OTHER STORIES
An invention ties together the stories of many people. A frustrated painter, a faded novelist, and a future President. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4, 2025 • 27min
TRUMAN VS. STARK PRIMARY
We almost had no Harry S. Truman as President, except that he was able to beat a tough opponent in a primary, with his typical outworking handshaking and self-driving campaign.
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Jul 28, 2025 • 36min
BECOMING NATIONS AGAIN, w/ Adam Crepelle
"It shouldn't be that hard" says our guest. Americans first recognized Indians as tribes and as nations, at least at a national level. North America's indigenous peoples had government and effective government before european arrival.
Returning to that model of self government should therefore be an answer to today's challenges. American Indian history is the topic of discussion in this interview with Professor Adam Crepelle at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He is the author of "Becoming Nations Again."
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Jul 22, 2025 • 2min
ST. LOUIS ARCH - CORRUPTION AND BEAUTY - NOW ON THE PATREON
We discuss the Gateway Arch Memorial in St. Louis, and its improbable
story, in a special Patreon episode.
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Jul 14, 2025 • 44min
IRAN-IRAQ WAR - PART TWO
Stalemate breaks in a surprise operation. An apathetic America gets involved on both sides. The fighting stops, but nothing is the same after 1988. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 7, 2025 • 45min
THE IRAN-IRAQ WAR - PART ONE
This terrible war, fought in the 1980's, changed everything. Both in the Middle East, and America. We tell the story in two parts.
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Jul 6, 2025 • 30min
1989 MAYORAL PRIMARY, IN NEW YORK CITY, AND TODAY
Ed Koch is a pretty popular guy in the 1980's. He's come to personify New York. But after 3 terms and two easy victories, he's in the fight of his political life. We talk about it, and why people are comparing it to today's events.
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Jun 17, 2025 • 51min
ALCATRAZ AND THE AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT OF 1969
The 1969 occupation of the former federal prison by Native American activists was the beginning of a movement and a shift in perception that lives on today. http://www.myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics.com/alcatraz.mp3 We discuss: Why Alcatraz? The 1973 Standoff at Wounded Knee, South Dakota Vine Deloria and “Custer Died for Your Sins” and Other Items.We are part of Airwave Media Network - www.airwavemedia.comFor advertising information please contact sales@advertisecast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices