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
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.
Nov 24, 2025 • 16min
History Daily: Darwin’s Origin of Species
Explore Charles Darwin's transformative journey aboard the Beagle, where his observations in the Galapagos sparked doubts about traditional creationism. Discover the intriguing backstory behind publishing "On the Origin of Species" and its mixed initial reception. Relive the heated Oxford debate between science and religion, highlighting Huxley's staunch defense versus FitzRoy's condemnation. Finally, uncover Darwin's lasting legacy as his revolutionary ideas reshaped science, culminating in a burial at Westminster Abbey.
Nov 19, 2025 • 35min
The Mayflower | The First Thanksgiving | 3
The harsh winter of 1620-21 devastated Plymouth Colony, with illness claiming many lives and the Mayflower doubling as a hospital. Fear of Native attacks gripped the settlers, prompting defensive measures. The arrival of Samoset, who spoke English, marked a turning point, followed by Squanto's consequential return. A formal peace treaty with Massasoit was negotiated, leading to alliances that proved vital for survival. The successful autumn harvest led to a celebratory feast with Native allies, though tension grew with new arrivals and internal conflicts.
11 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 36min
The Mayflower | A Sea of Troubles | 2
In the fall of 1620, the Mayflower's perilous journey presented fierce storms and dwindling supplies. Tensions ran high between the Puritan Separatists and the 'Strangers' onboard, threatening unity. The discovery of buried corn sparked moral debates about survival. As they navigated Cape Cod, tempers flared, leading to the creation of the Mayflower Compact for self-governance. The harsh winter loomed ahead, with early tragedies and health crises setting the stage for a challenging settlement. The Pilgrims' resolve faced dire tests right from the start.
8 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 34min
The Mayflower | Saints and Strangers | 1
Discover the turbulent journey of William Bradford and the Pilgrims as they flee religious persecution in England. Experience the dramatic sea voyage aboard the Mayflower, filled with peril and rising tensions. Learn about the deep convictions of the Separatists and their struggle for a new life in Holland before setting their sights on the New World. The complex negotiations with merchant adventurers add another layer of intrigue, leading to a fateful decision that sets the course for establishing Plymouth Colony.
