Breaking History

Edward Said, a groundbreaking scholar and activist known for his seminal work 'Orientalism,' delves into the reverberating impact of his ideas on modern campus unrest, particularly at Columbia University. He discusses the relationship between student activism and government intervention in Middle Eastern studies, shedding light on media stereotypes and their influence on perceptions of the region. Said also reflects on his formative years, identifying the pivotal moments that shaped his perspective on Palestinian identity and the ongoing struggle for representation in academia.

Luigi Mangione's sensational trial ignites discussions on political violence and societal perceptions. Delving into the life of Ulrike Meinhof reveals her radical journey from a troubled past to a key figure in leftist activism. The podcast connects her story to modern narratives of bourgeois terrorism and media glamorization. It highlights how privilege can lead to radicalization while exploring the temptations of violence in today’s protest movements. The emotional toll of activism and historical parallels to current events are examined, inviting reflection on the complexities of resistance.

Explore the legendary moment when Reagan challenged Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, a pivotal event that symbolized the end of communism. Dive into Václav Havel's inspiring journey from dissident to leader in Czechoslovakia, illustrating how art fueled resistance against totalitarianism. Discover the ethical dilemmas in Ukraine's connection with the West and the complexities of modern leadership amid ongoing conflict. The discussion reflects on the enduring legacy of resistance, truth, and the fight for democracy in challenging times.

The podcast dives into the cultural impact of the 1991 film JFK, revealing how it brought conspiracy theories about the assassination into the mainstream. It explores the public skepticism towards official narratives and highlights the role of figures like Oliver Stone in shaping perceptions. Various theories are dissected, including involvement from the U.S. government and the chaos following the event. With government transparency questions at play, the discussion leaves listeners contemplating the elusive nature of truth in history.

The podcast dives into the recent catastrophic wildfires in L.A., highlighting the incompetence of local officials amidst predictable disasters. It contrasts California's glorious past with its current challenges. The vibrant history of Haight-Ashbury is explored, showcasing the rise of the hippie movement alongside its darker realities. Political shifts, from bipartisanship to a Democratic stronghold, are discussed, revealing how changes in governance have affected public services and urgency in crises. Finally, the narrative calls for reflection on California's future.

Former President Donald Trump shares insights into his populist appeal, likening it to the historical wave driven by figures like Andrew Jackson. He explores how disillusionment with the elites has fueled contemporary politics. Trump's story is framed as a part of a longer American tradition of populism, contrasting his rise with Jackson's chaotic inauguration. The discussion highlights the cyclical and emotional connections of populism to the working class, raising questions about the implications for his second term.

Sometimes the news moves so fast, you have to look closely to know if you’ve seen it before. And that’s what this show is about. Breaking History breaks down the news, by breaking down history. We cover everything from LBJ and the Roman Republic to Donald Trump and the chaos at Columbia. This twice a month show from The Free Press delivers the best historians, authors, and reporters by mining the archives of human experience to figure out the present. George Santayana wrote, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Tune in to Breaking History to resist the repetition.Go to groundnews.com/BreakingHistory to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and stay fully informed on today’s biggest news stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how Jewish songwriters shaped the landscape of Christmas music, crafting beloved classics like 'White Christmas' and 'Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.' Explore the cultural significance of these iconic tunes and the rich histories of their creators, many of whom fled persecution in Europe. Learn about the unique blend of Jewish tradition and American holiday spirit, revealing a story of unity and inclusivity that transcends cultural boundaries. It's a fascinating dive into the melodies that have become part of the fabric of Christmas celebrations.

*This episode originally ran on November 12, 2024 on Honestly with Bari Weiss* Even your most optimistic Mar-a-Lago member didn’t see Donald Trump winning the popular vote and taking all seven swing states. He even came within five points of taking the Democratic stronghold of New Jersey!So, what on earth does the Democratic Party do next? They can stay the course and resist. It’s what they did the last time Trump won.In the aftermath of Trump’s 2016 victory, America was stunned. Every time he opened his mouth, Trump exploded political norms, and the Democratic Party responded in kind. Being a mere opposition party—at least at that moment for the Democrats—was not strong enough for this situation they believed. Instead they needed to become a resistance.And while Democrats won in 2020, the resistance ultimately did not work. Democrats spent a decade telling Americans that Trump was an existential threat, yet Americans didn’t care. The Democrats’ goal was to scrub Trump from future history. Instead, he now controls it. Democrats need to look inward if they want to have a shot at winning in 2028. They need to act like an opposition, not a resistance. Eli tells the story of how a few centrist renegades saved the Democrats from oblivion 40 years ago. In 1984, after Ronald Reagan’s 525–13 Electoral College landslide over Walter Mondale, the Democrats were not just in disarray—they were on life support. And yet, eight years later, they found their savior: a young governor from Arkansas named Bill Clinton. And they remade their party.Go to groundnews.com/BreakingHistory to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and stay fully informed on today’s biggest news stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*This episode originally ran on November 2, 2024 on Honestly with Bari Weiss* Bullshit is an American tradition. Think the theatrics of P.T. Barnum, miracle products sold ad nauseam on television in the 1980s and, of course, politicians. Who can forget President Bill Clinton saying “It depends upon what the meaning of the word is is” during his grand jury testimony in the Monica Lewinsky scandal?And then there’s Donald Trump. He presents as a man with no fact-checking filter, someone happily buying his own convenient bullshit. That’s not quite the same thing as lying. That isn’t to say Trump doesn’t lie. He’s a politician, after all. But he exists outside the binary of truth and lies. It’s the netherworld of flimflam, hyperbole, sales pitches, and ad copy delivered with all the quiet dignity of a wet T-shirt contest. Donald Trump is a very modern artist, weaving a barrage of anecdotes, fake and real statistics, gossip, and memes into a nebulous and suggestive species of patter. Democrats have tried to paint Trump as an American Hitler, a Russian agent, a man consumed with evil and hatred. But what they fail to understand is that Trump’s casual relationship to the truth is an echo of past politicians. He is hardly the first bullshitter to ascend to the White House; he’s just the best ever to do it. He paints a picture of a reality he would like us to see, not as it really is. In this respect, Trump is the crack cocaine variant of many of his predecessors. Ronald Reagan was a folksy, sentimental bullshitter, a president as a Hallmark greeting card. Bill Clinton was a slick bullshitter, perfect for spinning stories at the dawn of the cable news era.Eli Lake explores the soft spot that Americans have for bullshitters like Trump, and their disdain for liars like Richard Nixon. He argues that if you want to understand why Trump may be on the verge of winning the White House again, you have to reckon with our country’s relationship to the pungent brown stuff. It pervades everything from our economy to our culture. Bullshit is dangerous when it comes to science. But in politics, bullshit is sadly essential. Go to groundnews.com/BreakingHistory to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and stay fully informed on today’s biggest news stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices