American History Tellers
Wondery
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
Aug 29, 2025 • 35min
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | Digging Deeper | 4
In the 1850s, San Francisco thrived amid chaos, with fires threatening homes and lawlessness challenging new residents. Women carved out business opportunities in the male-dominated gold rush, showcasing resilience and innovation. As gold became scarce, industrial mining techniques shifted the landscape, highlighting the struggles of once-successful prospectors. Meanwhile, the explosive growth of the city fostered a transient community grappling with crime and civic unrest, reflecting a complex society transformed by the quest for wealth.
10 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 40min
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | Battlelines | 3
The California Gold Rush unleashed a torrent of greed, altering the lives of both miners and Native inhabitants. Desperate Indigenous communities faced starvation and violence as settlers encroached on their ancestral lands. Tales of ethical dilemmas unfold amidst fierce storms and chaotic missions to survive. The tragic consequences of systemic discrimination and brutal conflicts, like the Bloody Island Massacre, highlight the dark side of this transformative period. Negotiations promised peace but often led to betrayal, further deepening the struggle for Native peoples.
Aug 27, 2025 • 41min
FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | Treason on Trial | 4
In the summer of 1807, the sensational trial of Aaron Burr captivated the nation. Accused of treason, Burr's fate hung in the balance as President Jefferson aimed for conviction while Chief Justice Marshall defended civil liberties. The courtroom drama unfolded amidst political strife, showcasing the struggle for justice versus political agendas. Burr’s turbulent life thereafter, marked by exile and regret, adds depth to his controversial legacy, which includes dreams of empire and a lasting infamy in American history.
Aug 22, 2025 • 38min
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | The Forty Niners | 2
In 1849, thousands flocked to California, driven by dreams of gold but often woefully unprepared. Personal stories highlight the struggles of a tailor and a young mother navigating fierce competition and harsh landscapes. The tales of resilience amidst disease and hardship reveal the intense camaraderie found among miners. Meanwhile, extravagant spending in saloons transformed cities overnight, juxtaposing the glittering dreams with the stark reality of despair. The profound impact of this gold rush era reshaped both lives and landscapes across America.
Aug 20, 2025 • 41min
FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | The Severance of the Union | 3
In August 1806, Aaron Burr preps for a mysterious expedition, rumored to involve a secessionist rebellion. Tensions rise as federal authorities pursue him, positioning him as a potential threat to the Union. Intriguing betrayals unfold among his closest allies, and a surprising grand jury ruling intensifies the political chaos. The risks grow as Burr navigates escape routes amid rising military pressures, testing the limits of civil liberties during this era of fear and ambition.
Aug 20, 2025 • 37min
FAN FAVORITE: California Gold Rush | The First Strike | 1
Explore the thrilling beginnings of the California Gold Rush as a construction worker stumbles upon gold at Sutter's Mill. Discover the diverse influx of hopeful prospectors from around the globe, including Chinese and Latin American miners, eager to seize opportunity amidst adversity. The podcast delves into the societal upheaval in San Francisco and the profound economic transformations that arose, highlighting both dreams of wealth and the harsh struggles against discrimination faced by many during this pivotal historic moment.
Aug 13, 2025 • 42min
FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | Gathering Forces | 2
Dive into the dramatic aftermath of Aaron Burr's notorious duel with Hamilton. Discover his daring ambitions to reclaim power through schemes in the Louisiana Territory, amid a backdrop of political intrigue and alliance-building. Explore how Burr sought British support for independence in the West and navigate the complexities of early 19th-century politics. Uncover his covert plans for territorial expansion and the skepticism he faced while maneuvering through a chaotic landscape, striving for conquest and influence.
Aug 6, 2025 • 39min
FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | An Affair of Honor | 1
In July 1804, Aaron Burr faced off against Alexander Hamilton in a legendary duel that would alter the course of his life. The podcast delves into Burr's rise as a patriot and politician, emphasizing his rivalry with Hamilton and the fallout from their fateful encounter. It explores Burr's formative years, marked by tragedy and ambition, as well as the societal perceptions he faced after the duel. Ultimately, the discussion reveals Burr's treacherous plans for redemption and power in the wake of his public disgrace.
Jul 30, 2025 • 38min
Evolution on Trial | Live and Let Live | 4
Join Brenda Wineapple, an expert on the Scopes trial and author of 'Keeping the Faith,' as she dives into the pivotal cultural clash of the 1920s. Discover how the trial became a battleground for academic freedom and individual rights, highlighting societal tensions between science and religion. Explore Clarence Darrow's heartfelt defense, the fleeting impact of the trial on its community, and the lasting echoes of this iconic event that continue to shape debates on education and democracy in America.
Jul 28, 2025 • 16min
History Daily: Henry VIII’s Fifth Wedding
Dive into the tumultuous life of Catherine Howard, King Henry VIII's fifth wife, as she navigates the treacherous royal court. Explore her rapid ascent from a modest background to the throne, and the dark secrets that ultimately lead to her tragic downfall. Witness her emotional last day in the Tower of London as she faces execution with grace. The narrative reveals how her fate foreshadows the decline of her family and sets the stage for Henry’s final marriage. A gripping tale of ambition, power, and peril in the Tudor court!
