American History Tellers
Audible
The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race. Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We'll take you to the events, the times and the people that shaped our nation. And we'll show you how our history affected them, their families and affects you today. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator). From Wondery, the network behind American Scandal, Tides of History, American Innovations and more.Listen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 21, 2026 • 36min
Conquering Polio | The Cutter Fiasco | 3
In 1954, first graders in Virginia became part of a massive polio vaccine trial, marking the largest peacetime health mobilization. Tensions rose as scientific rivals debated vaccine safety, leading to public skepticism and sensational media coverage. After a hopeful announcement of success, chaos erupted with the Cutter Fiasco, where contaminated doses sparked fear and halted vaccinations. The aftermath prompted sweeping reforms in health oversight, while the eventual adoption of the Sabin oral vaccine paved the way for polio's near eradication.
9 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 40min
Conquering Polio | Beyond the Microscope | 2
In the race against polio, the National Foundation's Basil O'Connor seeks fresh talent, leading him to a young Jonas Salk. Tensions rise as Salk begins developing a killed-virus vaccine, clashing with rival Albert Sabin, who champions a live-virus approach. Salk's rigorous trials with monkeys yield promising results, yet ethical dilemmas emerge as he secretly tests on humans. As polio cases peak, O'Connor fights to expedite vaccine trials, navigating public skepticism and internal opposition to bring hope in a time of crisis.
Jan 7, 2026 • 36min
The Ice King | Indian Summer | 4
Frederic Tudor, the Ice King, navigates a tumultuous journey in the ice trade, turning risks into profits. After his bold southern expansion, a desperate gamble to ship ice to India arises. With innovative ice-harvesting techniques and dramatic weather challenges, Tudor faces mounting pressures. Triumph follows in Calcutta, but betrayal and disastrous coffee speculation threaten his empire. As competition heats up and railroads emerge, Tudor must adapt or face decline, ultimately shaping the future of the ice industry.
9 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 41min
Conquering Polio | The March of Dimes | 1
The summer of 1921 brought a personal tragedy for Franklin D. Roosevelt as he contracted polio, leading to a national outcry against the disease that terrorized families. The podcast dives into the creation of the March of Dimes, spearheaded by Roosevelt and Basil O'Connor, which transformed fundraising efforts for polio care and research. From innovative birthday balls to grassroots campaigns, the fight against polio emerged as a powerful unifying force during challenging times.
Dec 24, 2025 • 34min
The Ice King | Slippery Business | 3
In 1816, Frederic Tudor faced near ruin in the ice trade until a bold idea led him to South Carolina. After being denied a monopoly, he adapted by marketing ice to everyday consumers with clever strategies. As sales soared in Charleston, he expanded but soon contended with crises like a mild winter that brought a devastating ice drought. Tudor resorted to dangerous iceberg harvesting and navigated family debts, managing to thrive through risky partnerships and ambitious expansion plans that reshaped his destiny.
Dec 17, 2025 • 35min
The Ice King | Frozen Assets | 2
Dive into the audacious story of Frederic Tudor, who aimed to ship ice from Boston to the Caribbean in 1806. Faced with an embargo and mounting debts, he landed in jail but refused to give up. Tudor's journey includes attempts to secure a monopoly in Cuba, innovative ice house designs, and dramatic gambles on shipping. His pursuit led to inventive solutions like selling chilled water and packing fruit with ice for transport. Despite setbacks, Tudor's determination highlights the lengths one can go for a frosty dream.
Dec 10, 2025 • 36min
The Ice King | No Joke | 1
In 1806, Frederic Tudor dared to ship ice from New England to the tropics, an idea met with skepticism. His journey began with a failed venture in Cuba, leading to immense debt and even jail time. Despite these setbacks, Tudor’s relentless determination transformed frozen water into profit. As he navigated challenges, including embargoes and failed shipments, he crafted strategies like securing exclusive licenses. Tudor’s innovative spirit highlights how one man's audacious dream reshaped trade, making the impossible a reality.
12 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 40min
The Mayflower | The Thanksgiving Myth | 5
David Silverman, a historian and author of "This Land Is Their Land," shares crucial insights into the Wampanoag perspective on the arrival of the Mayflower. He discusses the deep-rooted history between the Wampanoag and Europeans long before 1620, revealing the complex dynamics of trade and cultural exchanges. Silverman also clarifies the roles of figures like Squanto and Massasoit, highlighting the fraught nature of early interactions and the myths surrounding Thanksgiving. His reassessment provokes a deeper understanding of Native sovereignty and the brutal realities of colonization.
Dec 1, 2025 • 20min
History Daily: The Assassination of Sergei Kirov
On December 1, 1934, the assassination of Leningrad mayor Sergei Kirov sparked a monumental turning point in Soviet history. Discover the motives behind Leonid Nikolaev’s infamous attack and the chaotic aftermath that followed. Stalin seized the opportunity to streamline his power, launching a brutal purge of political rivals. The shocking details of forced confessions and sham trials highlight the relentless crackdown during the Great Terror, revealing the dark legacy of Kirov's death as a catalyst for Stalin's repressive regime.
9 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 36min
The Mayflower | Cutthroats | 4
In 1622, the Pilgrims faced dire hunger as they contended with Thomas Weston's rival settlement draining their supplies. Tensions escalated with rumors of Indian plots, prompting Governor Bradford to fortify Plymouth. The situation spiraled into violence when Miles Standish led a brutal raid on Weston's colony, earning the Pilgrims a fearsome reputation. Amid this chaos, familial agricultural reforms helped end the famine, yet the colony's struggles foreshadowed its decline as the Puritan migration to Boston began.
