American History Tellers

Explore the riveting story of Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary, who fought for her freedom after years of confinement as a healthy carrier of typhoid. Delve into her struggles post-release, from abandoning her cooking career to battling health authorities. Discover the tense public health crisis at a maternity hospital, and the relentless efforts of officials to track down the elusive carrier during a deadly outbreak. Uncover the moral questions surrounding individual rights versus public safety that continue to resonate today.

In a heart-wrenching tale, a young girl named Abbi faces the turmoil of unplanned pregnancy in a devoutly religious environment. Her parents send her to a facility designed to guide girls like her, but the real message is about giving their babies to 'deserving' couples. As Abbi struggles with the decision, the societal pressures and moral expectations weigh heavily on her. Some girls push against these constraints, while others succumb to the system, sparking a story of resilience and defiance in the face of coercive adoption practices.

In the fall of 1906, a typhoid outbreak in a wealthy New York family sparks a frantic search for the cook who vanished. This leads to the infamous Typhoid Mary, stirring a fierce debate over public health versus individual rights. The investigation, driven by the determination of health officials, highlights the challenges of tracking healthy carriers of disease. The dramatic confrontations and the story of Mary Mallon illuminate the era's complexities surrounding disease and civil liberties, evolving public health measures, and the struggles of an immigrant cook.

On June 16, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova made history as the first woman in space, orbiting Earth for nearly three days. Her journey from factory worker to cosmonaut against a backdrop of skepticism and the Cold War space race is truly inspiring. The podcast delves into the immense challenges she faced, including intense training and societal barriers. It also highlights the legacy of women in space, featuring other pioneers like Dr. Sally Ride, and emphasizes the ongoing significance of female representation in exploration.

In this engaging discussion, Edward O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation and author of 'The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt', delves into the transformative presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. He reveals how Roosevelt championed progressive reforms, tackled monopolies, and prioritized food safety and conservation. O’Keefe emphasizes the significant yet often overlooked role women played in shaping Roosevelt’s ideals, highlighting their influence on his political journey. The conversation connects Roosevelt's legacy of activism to today's leadership challenges.

In 1913, Woodrow Wilson aimed to implement his vision of a 'New Freedom' through aggressive domestic reforms. He faced significant challenges balancing lower tariffs and banking reform with racial segregation issues. As World War I loomed, the tensions between progressive ideals and national conflict intensified. The war's outbreak threatened to derail Wilson's agenda, raising questions about the future of social movements like women's suffrage. Ultimately, the post-war backlash would complicate the legacy of progressivism in America.

Discover true survival stories that plunge you into the heart of chaos, from being trapped under rubble during a devastating earthquake to facing the ferocity of bears in the wild. Hear gripping tales that highlight the human spirit's resilience and learn essential survival strategies from doctors and psychologists. Whether it’s finding food adrift at sea or navigating life-threatening encounters, these narratives offer not only thrills but invaluable lessons to help you survive against the odds.

On June 2, 1967, a protest in West Berlin turns tragic when police officer shoots student Benno Ohnesorg, sparking outrage and radicalization among German youth. The aftermath sees intense public outcry and a trial that questions state actions. As political tensions rise, politician Peter Lawrence prepares for a crucial election while facing threats from a radical group. The narrative deepens with the discovery of links between the retired officer and East Germany's Stasi, reshaping debates on democracy and human rights.

In the early 1900s, tensions flared between Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, igniting a fierce battle within the Republican Party. Roosevelt's return to politics highlighted his ambitious 'New Nationalism,' while Taft grappled with internal divisions and tariff controversies. Amidst rising socialist movements and labor unrest, the 1912 election emerged as a pivotal moment for progressivism. The rise of the Bull Moose Party showcased new political dynamics and challenges as competing visions shaped America's future.

Delve into the racial tensions of the Progressive Era, examining Teddy Roosevelt's controversial discharge of Black soldiers after the Brownsville shooting. Discover the formation of the NAACP in response to the Springfield race riots and the enduring fight against racial prejudice. Explore how segregation in schools impacted U.S.-Japan relations and the struggles for voting rights faced by marginalized communities. Uncover the complexities of women's rights and labor reform against the backdrop of evolving political landscapes.