Best Bicentennial Podcasts (2026)

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The Bicentennial Boondoggles (1976) [Part 2] 32:04

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2h ago32:04

32:04

In part two of our look at the bicentennial, Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how the festivities played out, and how Philadelphia ended up becoming the center of the action, depsite (or because of) their corrupt mayor Frank Rizzo. Join our America250 newsletter community! Subscribe for free to get the latest news and analysis of how America250 is pl…

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Bicentennial Fever! (1976) [Part One] 25:18

2h ago25:18

25:18

It's Week 1 of "50 Weeks That Shaped America," and we're headed to 1976 to look at how America's last big birthday came together. In part one, Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how the country was in a deep malaise headed into the bicentennial, and the shambolic planning of the festivities reflected the larger distrust and dysfunction of government. J…

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2026 Predictions and Provocations 19:48

2d ago19:48

19:48

2026 is here! As is America250. On Tuesday, we're launching our 50 Weeks That Shaped America series, but today we get together to ring in the new year with a few "predictions and provocation." Note: The full version of this episode, with video, is available for paying subscribers to our newsletter. Our America250 series will always be free in the r…

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The StreamVoid Podcast E205 - Fazing Out 2:00:37

6d ago2:00:37

2:00:37

MikeyT33 and KurbStomped talk about life and video games and everything in between! (00:00) Intro and Week Catchup (1:11:00) Supervive Sunset (1:15:15) Vince Zampella, video game developer behind ‘Call of Duty,' killed in Ferrari crash (1:18:10) Vedal and Neuro break the twitch hype train record, which they already held. (1:22:44) XQC exposes Nina …

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"Give Me Liberty Or..." [2025 Favorite] 20:36

7d ago20:36

20:36

We're bringing you some of our favorite episodes of 2025 while we get a holiday break -- and prepare for our big America250 series. See you in 2026! It's March 23rd. This day in 1775, Patrick Henry of Virginia gave a speech in which he (maybe) uttered one of the more famous phrases in American political history. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how H…

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Wikipedia Saves The Internet [2025 Favorite] 32:18

13d ago32:18

32:18

We're bringing you some of our favorite episodes of 2025 while we get a holiday break -- and prepare for our big America250 series. See you in 2026! It's June 24th. In 2003, Jimmy Wales, the owner of Wikipedia, made the decision to put the site under the ownership of a non-profit company. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss why this decision made a huge…

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Sanctuary Churches vs Immigration Enforcement [2025 Favorite] 19:59

12d ago19:59

19:59

We're bringing you some of our favorite episodes of 2025 while we get a holiday break -- and prepare for our big America250 series. See you in 2026! It's March 25th. This day in 1980, a church in Tucson announces that it will provide sanctuary to immigrants -- in open defiance of US law. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss the roots of the church sanctu…

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"I'm Just A Bill" [2025 Favorite] 19:09

14d ago19:09

19:09

We're bringing you some of our favorite episodes of 2025 while we get a holiday break -- and prepare for our big America250 series. See you in 2026! It's March 27th. This day in 1976, Schoolhouse Rock premieres the song "I'm Just A Bill," an animated look at the process by which legislation gets passed -- or languishes in the halls of Congress. Jod…

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Starbucks Fixes Racism [2025 Favorite] 21:05

16d ago21:05

21:05

We're bringing you some of our favorite episodes of 2025 while we get a holiday break -- and prepare for our big America250 series. See you in 2026! It's April 3rd. In 2015, Starbucks announces that it is bringing its "Race Together" initiative to a close, after it was relentlessly mocked and critced online and in stores. Jody, Niki, and Kellie loo…

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The Anglo-American Film Spat (1947) 20:46

19d ago20:46

20:46

It's December 17th. This day in 1947, the US and UK film industries are in a trade war -- a couple years after the two countries fought together in an actual war. Jody, NIki, and Kellie talk about the year-long battle over taking the film industries, how Britain tried to protect its domestic industry from US dominance -- and the various ripple effe…

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Archie Bunker's America (1971) w/ Oscar Winberg 31:40

21d ago31:40

31:40

It's December 15th. This winter, 1971, the first season of "All In The Family" is coming to a close, and it's already the biggest show in America. It's a total sensation, in part because of its willingness to dive into the cultural and political battles of the age. Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by Oscar Winberg to discuss the way All In The Fam…

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The StreamVoid Podcast E204 - So Many Awards 2:20:37

29d ago2:20:37

2:20:37

MikeyT33 and KurbStomped talk about life and video games and everything in between! Patreon https://www.patreon.com/StreamVoidPod Purple Room Studios Discord https://discord.gg/tECwP5K9vv Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/streamvoidpod http://www.twitch.tv/KurbStomped http://www.twitch.tv/MikeyT33 Twitters: http://www.twitter.com/KurbStomped http://www…

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Meet America's Most Influential Black Congressman (1971) w/ Marion Orr 28:30

26d ago28:30

28:30

It's December 11th. This day in 1971, Representative Charles C Diggs of Michigan resigned from a UN delegation in order to protest the US stance towards South Africa's apartheid regime. Jody, NIki, and Kellie are joined by Dr. Marion Orr of Brown University to discuss Diggs's decades-long fight to oppose apartheid, and his long tenure in Congress, …

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The First Transgender Celebrity (1952) 25:40

28d ago25:40

25:40

It's December 8th. This day in 1952, the New York Daily News runs a feature on Christine Jorgensen headlined "Ex-GI Becomes Blond Beauty." Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the life and legacy of Christine Jorgensen, who became the first transgender celebrity -- and how her story reflected sexual and cultural norms of the era. Sign up for our newslett…

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A Big Vaccine Win (Some Sunday Context) 22:57

1M ago22:57

22:57

Welcome to Some Sunday Context, where we bring you new conversations and archival episodes to provide some context on the stories playing out in the news today. This week, we just wrapped up our two-part series on early vaccine skeptics from the 1890s through the 1920s. We discussed how a lot of the skepticism began to fade away in mid-century, in …

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The Vaccine Fights Go Mainstream (Part Two) 28:49

1M ago28:49

28:49

It's December 1st. This week, a two-part look at the roots of vaccine skepticism and anti-vaccine activism in the United States. First we look at the early legal battles of the 1860s-1900s, then discuss how anti-vaccine activists found more purchase in the cultural and political spheres going into the first half of the 20th century. Sign up for our…

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The First Vaccine Fights (Part One) 24:16

1M ago24:16

24:16

It's December 1st. This week, a two-part look at the roots of vaccine skepticism and anti-vaccine activism in the United States. First we look at the early legal battles of the 1860s-1900s, then discuss how anti-vaccine activists found more purchase in the cultural and political spheres going into the first half of the 20th century. Sign up for our…

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Hippo For Thanksgiving w/ Dan Pashman [Thanksgiving Week] 27:04

1M ago27:04

27:04

This Thanksgiving Week, some episodes favorite about community, what binds us -- and food! It’s April 2nd. This day in 1910, a Louisiana senator proposes allocating a quarter of a million dollars to import hippos from Africa and grow them in American swamps, then harvest them for food. Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by Dan Pashman of The Sporkfu…

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An Aid Ship To Ireland (1847) [Thanksgiving Week] 13:41

2M ago13:41

13:41

This Thanksgiving Week, some episodes favorite about community, what binds us -- and food! It’s May 2nd. In 1847, a US military ship, the USS Jamestown, was loaded up with food and other relief to sail to Ireland and help with the famine in that country. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how disparate communities in the US rallied around the cause, an…

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"Death By Lightning" and Chester Arthur's Rise (Some Sunday Context) 15:36

1M ago15:36

15:36

The new Netflix series "Death By Lightning" focuses on the unexpected rise of James Garfield in the 1880 election, and his assassination by Charles Guiteau. It also features Nick Offerman as Chester Arthur, a product of machine politics who ends up as Garfield's VP and then as president. So, today, some Sunday context in the form of an episode we r…

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The StreamVoid Podcast E202 - Life Altering Events 2:12:39

2M ago2:12:39

2:12:39

MikeyT33 and KurbStomped talk about life and video games and everything in between. Patreon https://www.patreon.com/StreamVoidPod Purple Room Studios Discord https://discord.gg/tECwP5K9vv Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/streamvoidpod http://www.twitch.tv/KurbStomped http://www.twitch.tv/MikeyT33 Twitters: http://www.twitter.com/KurbStomped http://www…

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Evacuation Day: NYC's Forgotten Holiday (1783) 23:07

2M ago23:07

23:07

It's the last week in November -- on November 25th, 1783, British troops finally left New York City, which had suffered a brutal two years since the formal end of the Revolutionary War. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss what life was like in the period when British troops were occupying the city, what Evacuation Day was actually like -- and why the co…

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The Myth of The Myth of Lewis & Clark (1805) 22:06

2M ago22:06

22:06

It's November 18th. This day in 1805, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark have returned back east to report on their trip to President Jefferson. It hasn't been very successful. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how their names faded into relative obscurity in the years after they returned, and how the myth of Lewis and Clark has been revived…

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The Penny Is Dead [Some Sunday Context] 13:32

2M ago13:32

13:32

Welcome to our Sunday Context series, where we try and bring you new conversations and episodes from the archives to give a little context for the news of the day. Today, a look at the very first one-cent coins, as the US minted the very last new penny. ..... It’s April 20th. This day in 1787, Congress authorized the production of the country’s fir…

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Sesame Street Premieres (1969) 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

We continue with part two of our look at the birth of Sesame Street. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the show's premier, how it was received -- and what the program has meant to them over the years. Sign up for our America250 Watch newsletter, where you'll also get links and lots more historical tidbits. https://thisdaypod.substack.com/ Find out mor…

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The Birth of Sesame Street (1969) 24:54

2M ago24:54

24:54

It's November 11th. This day in 1969, a new show for children is on the airwaves -- Sesame Street. Jody, Niki, and Kellie dive into a two-part look at the birth of this new show, from the big ideas about television and children's psychology, to the set design and use of puppets. Sign up for our America250 Watch newsletter, where you'll also get lin…

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Utah's Revolutionary Senator (1868) 16:53

2M ago16:53

16:53

It's November 6th. This day in 1868, Martha Hughes Cannon becomes the first female state senator in US history, when she beats her husband in a Utah election. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss Cannon's career as a doctor, her move into women's rights and then politics -- and how the question of polygamy hovered over the entire political landscape of U…

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The Sewer Socialist Mayor (1916) 24:49

2M ago24:49

24:49

It's Election Day in many parts of the country, including in New York City, which may elect a Democratic Socialist mayor. 100 years ago, many cities in the US had socialist mayors, who came to be known as "sewer socialists" for their relentless focus on city services. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss Milwaukee's history of electing socialist mayors, …

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Japanese Cars, Made In America (1982) 24:54

2M ago24:54

24:54

It's October 30th. This day (technically November 2nd) in 1982, a Honda Accord rolls off the assembly line at a new plant in Marysville, Ohio -- the first Japanese car made by American workers. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the rise of Japanese auto manufacturing throuhgout the 1970s, the arguments over protectionism and American manufacturing tha…

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Dizzy Gillespie For President (1964) 24:13

2M ago24:13

24:13

It's October 28th. This day in 1964, the presidential election is in the home stretch, with candidates like Lyndon B Johnson, Barry Goldwater -- and Dizzy Gillespie? Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss the only-half-joking candidacy of the legendary jazz trumpeter, and the intersection of entertainment and politics in that era. Plus: the power of great …

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Fear the White Noise 1:51:32

2M ago1:51:32

1:51:32

Cool show with an awesome live performance from Columbia Hip Hop artist, White Noise. Plus a visit from Dylan Lewis, aka Drexyl Bowie and a new song from him along with a visit from Brian J and and a new one from him, as well. Really fun show.By Mike Hagan

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The Memory Palace: This Weekend's Teach-In 11:21

2M ago11:21

11:21

This Sunday, we are convening a teach-in in Washington DC with our friend Nate DiMeo of The Memory Palace. Here is Nate's latest episode, where he discusses the path to this event and the need to defend the work of history and museums. Find out more information about the teach in here. Sign up for our America250 Watch newsletter, where you'll also …

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Bigs in Blue: Big Brothers Big Sisters 34:41

2M ago34:41

34:41

In this episode of Inside the Squad, we’re talking about Bigs in Blue, a program from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette that pairs law enforcement officers with local youth to build meaningful, mentoring relationships.Our guests include Chad Krockover, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette; Chief Adam Ferguson of the West…

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The (Actual) Tree Of Liberty 24:17

3M ago24:17

24:17

It's October 22nd. This day in 1999, in Annapolis, MD, the last of the so-called "Liberty Trees" was cut down. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the original liberty trees that served as gathering spots for political ideas to be shared -- and political violence to play out -- during the American revolution. And they make the case for bringing back gat…

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A Toxic Town Fights Back (1982) 25:15

3M ago25:15

25:15

It's October 21st. This day in 1982, residents of Warren County, NC are fighting back against plans to dump tons of PCB-laden dirt in their local landfill. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss how Warren County came to be a target of this environmental disaster, how residents banded together, and the legacy of "environmental racism." Sign up for our Amer…

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Ian Cook 1:55:06

3M ago1:55:06

1:55:06

Wonderful visit with my friend Ian Cook from Lawrence Kansas. Ian played a bunch of his compositions for us and we had a good talk. Plus a visit from Jamie Meadows and a couple songs from her.By Mike Hagan

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Teddy Roosevelt's "Race Suicide" Fears (1903) w/ Andrew Porwancher 31:11

3M ago31:11

31:11

It's 1903. This day, Teddy Roosevelt is visiting Ellis Island amid a fierce conversation about American immigration policy. Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by Andrew Porwancher of Arizona State to discuss how Roosevelt's views on immigration were always shifting, from a humanitarian instinct to electoral concerns to scientific ideas about racial …

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Cuba–India Ties in 2025 What’s Next A Rare Talk with the Ambassador 58:53

3M ago58:53

58:53

Rare Talks by Jjuliaa Gangwani | Presented by The Blue Moon In this exclusive episode of Rare Talks, Editorial Director Jjuliaa Gangwani sits down with His Excellency Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera, Ambassador of Cuba to India, for a wide-ranging conversation on diplomacy, trade and cultural resonance. From Havana’s cobblestone alleys to New Delhi’s c…

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The Obamacare Website Crashes On Day One (2013) 24:13

3M ago24:13

24:13

It's October 13th. This day in 2013, the healthcare.gov website is a total fiasco. It had launched a couple weeks earlier and was immediately unusable, with only six people being able to enroll in the Obamacare exchanges on the first day. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss why the website was so broken, the blame game that ensued, and the lessons about…

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Teach-Ins (Plus A Special Announcement!) w/ Nate DiMeo 29:25

3M ago29:25

29:25

It's October 9th. Today, we look back at the first "teach-ins" at the University of Michigan in 1965, and discuss the power of gathering together to learn and teach. Plus, we announce our very own teach-in, taking place in Washington DC on October 26th! Jody, NIki, and Kellie are joined by Nate DiMeo, host of our fellow Radiotopia show "The Memory …

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The First Modern Shutdown w/ Steve Kornacki (2013) [Archive Episode] 24:25

3M ago24:25

24:25

By Jody Avirgan & Radiotopia

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The First Time Democrats Shut Down The Government (1879) [Some Sunday Context] 21:22

3M ago21:22

21:22

On Sundays, we try to bring you new conversations and episodes from the archives that provide a little context for the news of 2025. Today: a look back at the very first government shutdown, and how shutdowns have wrapped up budget fights and larger ideological battles before. Sign up for our America250 Watch newsletter, where you'll also get links…

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"We Didn't Start The Fire's" Crash Course In History (1989) 31:44

3M ago31:44

31:44

It's October 2nd. This day in 1989, Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start The Fire," which name-checks a ton of events that took place from the 50s through the 80s, is rocketing up the charts. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss why Joel felt compelled to write the song, some of the more obscure references in the song -- and whether they are buying Joel's histo…

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The Elaine Massacre (1919) 24:27

3M ago24:27

24:27

It's September 30th. This day in 1919, a bloody racial conflict is breaking out in the Arkansas Delta. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how a push to organize sharecroppers, combined with rumors and a frenzied media led to possibly hundreds of Black residents being killed by white mobs. Sign up for our America250 Watch newsletter, where you'll also g…

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Post-911 Patriotic Mania (2001) [Chilled Speech Week Pt 2] 31:42

3M ago31:42

31:42

This week, we're bringing you two episodes that highlight periods in American history where political speech was being policied, repressed, and persecuted -- much like it is today. Today: A look back at the way speech was policed in the wake of the 9-11 attacks. Bill Maher lost his job, professors were fired, Clear Channel removed songs that mentio…

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The Red Channels Whisper Network (1950) [Chilled Speech Week Pt 1] 27:56

4M ago27:56

27:56

It's September 22nd. This week, we're bringing you two episodes that highlight periods in American history where political speech was being policied, repressed, and persecuted -- much like it is today. Today: A look back at "Red Channels," an anti-Communist newsletter that started to create lists, mostly in the entertainment industry, of suspected …

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Campus Loyalty Oaths [Some Sunday Context] 16:58

4M ago16:58

16:58

It's Sunday, and on Sundays we like to bring you new conversations and conversations from the archives that help provide a little context for the stories playing out today. Today, as we see a chilling effect on free speech around the country, we revisit part of our conversation on the history of universities and government funding, and how a lot of…

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Meredith Shaw...Rocheport Bicentennial 1:52:57

4M ago1:52:57

1:52:57

Meredith Shaw and the Borrowed Band provide the music for our live remote from Rocheport, Missouri celebrating the bicentennial of that town. Ina Linville co-hosts with me for a mural dedication and conversation with Joe Schlottach, the artist who painted it, along with a bunch of other folks involved with the project. Gene Baumann told some wonder…

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Washington's Masonic Cornerstone (1793) 20:31

4M ago20:31

20:31

It's September 17th. This day in 1793, President Washington visits a site where construction is beginning on what would be the Capitol. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss how the ceremony around the laying of the cornerstone was shot through with Masonic symbolism and pageantry --- and some of the many conspiracy theories that surround the cornerstone.…

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The Great Crush Train Crash (1896) 17:28

4M ago17:28

17:28

It's September 16th. This day in 1896, a railroad executive named William Crush (really) has a brilliant idea: take two trains and hurtle them towards each other in the middle of the Texas prairie. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss why Crush had this idea, the incredible hype around the event -- and how it went exactly the way you'd expect. Don't forg…