

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

Oct 9, 2023 • 40min
BLACK HAWK WAR and Chief Black Hawk - Part I
In 1832, a renegade chief crossed the Mississippi river. In his view, it was simply to get back to his cornfields. But the United States considered it an invasion, and reacted accordingly, and at first, badly, leading to deaths on both sides. It was, according to the general that led troops in the war, a mistake. But it would make the careers of Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis and Zachary Taylor and open up western settlement.Yet if Black Hawk was an enemy, why was he embraced by those that defeated him. Why in the name of newspapers, in the county courthouse, in state motos and in attack helicopters, does he remain? We look at the story of Black Hawk, his 'war,' and the consequences. We'll look at appropriation of Native American symbols and the legacy of Black Hawk's war today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 8, 2023 • 32min
Mississippi Bans Sesame Street (From the Useless Information Podcast)
From the excellent Useless Information podcast, the story of the development of educational television in Mississippi, and the exclusion of one particular program.For more information on Useless Information podcast, please go to www.uselessinformation.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 38min
BENEVOLENT POLICEMAN: THE HISTORY OF CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEES
Harry S. Truman thought a congressional committee ideally should be like a 'benevolent policeman' Not changing the facts but investigating them. He should know as he headed up one. Yet he was also critical of committees during his time that he felt did not meet the criteria. Since an investigation of a U.S. army defeat by a Native American tribe in the 1790's, to a look at an attack on the Capitol today, there is a voluminous history of Congressional committees. That makes even this hour and one half plus episode an incomplete history. We take a look at some of the committees, including HUAC the House Un-American Activities Committee, not only in the 1940's but it in it's earlies form under Martin Dies in the 1930, we take a look at Kefauver's crime commission that became a TV sensation and a Civil War era committee that is viewed by historians to have hurt the Union effort in that war.We are part of Airwave Media Network.OUR SPONSOR IS SHORTFORM - To get a 5 days of unlimited access and an additional 20% discount on the annual subscription, join Shortform through my special link, shortform.com/myhistory or click the link in the description. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 10, 2023 • 47min
LEBANON 1983 and Other Stories
A look at Reagan's intervention in Lebanon in 1983, from a podcast back in 2009. We also look at Wilson' intervention in Mexico in 1913We are part of airwave media newtorkwant to advertise? advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8, 2023 • 50min
SECRECY AND DEMOCRACY, with Dr. Katlyn Carter of Notre Dame
We hear the phrase democracy dies in darkness and how important transparency is - but is it really? After all the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention met in private. Bruce talks with Dr. Katlyn Carter of Notre Dame about the history of secrecy and democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 21min
JOHN QUNICY ADAMS w/ Bob Crawford of The Road to Now Podcast
Bob Crawford, co-host of Road to Now Podcast and bassist for The Avett Brothers, discusses the little-known President, John Quincy Adams. They delve into Adams' presidency and post-presidency, reflecting on his visionary ideas and his impact on the nation. They also touch on personal college experiences, national politics, and the controversial election of 1824. The podcast covers topics such as education standards in Florida, Republican candidates and strategies, the gag rule and the abolitionist movement, and the importance of diverse political views in American history.

Aug 21, 2023 • 42min
Running For President From Prison
The story of Eugene Debs and another case where a Presidential candidate ran from prison and compare - as well as contrast - with the current politics. Also a bit about experimental TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 25min
Eyewitness Accounts of COLUMBINE, JONESTOWN and Other Events with Josh Cohen of "Eyewitness History Podcast"
Learn something new about major news events from the people there. We talk to Josh Cohen of Eyewitness History Podcast (https://www.parthenonpodcast.com/eyewitness-history/). The excerpts from his interviews manage to knock down some of the myths about major historical events and news stories. We start with the principal of Columbine High School, there on that terrible day, and we go to the newsman covering The Lake Placid Olympics in 1980. We also talk to a Jonestown Massacre survivor, a member of the rock band Queen, and the so-called father of podcasting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 17, 2023 • 53min
THREE POINT TWO: The Story of NEW DEAL BEER, Science, Government and Common Sense
Before Prohibition could be repealed but after many Americans had grown tired of it, a novel political trick was tried - declaring beer was OK. Well a certain kind of beer, called 3.2. It only lasted eight months, though in many states it lasted longer and in one American state, is still law. We look at this forgotten part of the New Deal and how it provides an example of the role of science in American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 3, 2023 • 1h 12min
Playing Cards With the Signers of The Declaration w/ Jason Petri
Break your news bubble and see biases in coverage clearly -Download our sponsor Ground News's App at - Ground.News/myhistory All about Signers in this one. We talk to Jason Petri, listener to MHCBUYP about his playing card deck project, and we discuss: :the lives of the signers What can Button Gwinnett, Stephen Hopkins or Thomas Heyward Jr. do for us?The importance of the Declaration, even when the country hasn't lived up always to the aspiration (with help from a former president for a good interpretation). The history of the actual document, and how it was saved from British capture. A reminder - we are part of Airwave Media Podcast Network - Check out great shows at airwavemedia.com Songs by Lee Rosevere - https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com/ and Kevin MacLeod who has excellent jazz music opens our episode up.https://kevinmacleod.bandcamp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices