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
Jul 2, 2025 • 41min
Typhoid Mary | Cook, Carrier, Captive | 3
Dr. Seema Yasmin, a clinical assistant professor at Stanford and former Epidemic Intelligence Service officer, uncovers the harrowing tale of Typhoid Mary, Mary Mallon. She discusses her unexpected role as a 'healthy carrier' of typhoid, leading to her isolation and the societal implications of public health versus individual rights. The conversation dives into the stigma surrounding disease carriers, the ethics of quarantine, and the legacies of such historical figures, making parallels to contemporary health issues.
9 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 34min
Typhoid Mary | Destroying Angel | 2
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.
18 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 41min
Typhoid Mary | An Invisible Menace | 1
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.
Jun 16, 2025 • 18min
History Daily: The First Woman In Space
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.
29 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 38min
The Progressive Era | In the Arena | 6
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.
24 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 38min
The Progressive Era | Wilson's War on Tariffs | 5
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.
6 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 15min
History Daily: The Killing of Benno Ohnesorg
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.
22 snips
May 28, 2025 • 38min
The Progressive Era | A Bruising Fight | 4
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.
36 snips
May 21, 2025 • 37min
The Progressive Era | The Crisis | 3
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.
May 19, 2025 • 16min
History Daily: England Becomes a Republic
Discover the dramatic aftermath of the English Civil War as England transitions from monarchy to republic. Explore Oliver Cromwell’s tactical brilliance at the Battle of Naseby and his enduring struggles for control post-republicanism. Uncover the societal upheaval and chaos that followed Charles I's execution, as Cromwell navigates a tumultuous political landscape. Witness a pivotal coup that reshaped English governance and set the stage for future conflicts between military power and political authority.
