Best Liam Heffernan Podcasts (2025)

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IN THE MAKING: The Death of America's Late Night TV 47:48

Play Pause

9h ago47:48

47:48

On this week's edition of In the Making: ● Is the Supreme Court set to overturn a 90 year old precedent? ● The Jimmy Kimmell saga divides America, ● Trump’s unhinged speech… even by his standards, and ● Hide your acorns, because San Francisco is under attack! All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Gue…

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What Would You Put in a US Time Capsule? 59:56

2d ago59:56

59:56

On this day in 1938, the World’s Fair came to Flushing Meadows Park in New York City. It is here that the Westinghouse Time Capsules were buried underground, to be opened in 5,000 years time. Its contents include a copy of Life magazine, a pack of Camel cigarettes, a dictionary, and a variety of seeds. So this week, we are going to curate our own t…

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BONUS: Why You Should Watch Netflix's Katrina Docuseries 7:59

4d ago7:59

7:59

Katrina: Hell and High Water is the new three part docuseries, available to stream now on Netflix. In this special bonus episode, I explain why this series is really worth your time, and I hope you take a few hours to watch it this weekend. Racial tension and social division is not American history. It's a present issue that needs our attention, be…

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IN THE MAKING: Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump's UK Visit, Robert Redford, and the TikTok Deal 40:32

7d ago40:32

40:32

This week, we're talking about: the assassination of Charlie Kirk and what this tells us about America's gun control problem, Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, plus How the death of a celebrity can bring people together. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to …

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What is the Mayflower? 41:10

8d ago41:10

41:10

On this day in 1620, a boat carrying over pilgrims from Plymouth, England, set sail. It’s destination? The New World. The events that followed have been retold, mythicised, and immortalised as one of the defining moments in the colonisation of the United States of America. So in this episode I want to know more about the voyage, the people, and the…

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BONUS: Should the US Treasury Be Independent from the President? 14:33

12d ago14:33

14:33

In this bonus episode, we explore the intricate relationship between the U.S. Treasury and the broader financial system, the complexities of government finance, and its impact on our daily lives. We also discuss the separation of powers within the government, particularly how the Treasury's functions are influenced by the executive branch. ... Spec…

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What is the History of California? 59:20

15d ago59:20

59:20

On this day in 1850, the thirty-first state of the Union is admitted. So today, on its 175th birthday, I want to find out a little more about its history before statehood, the reasons why it became an important piece of land for the US, and how it grew to become not just one of the largest states, but one of the largest economies in the world, as I…

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BONUS: Houdini, London and the Unpickable Lock 10:07

19d ago10:07

10:07

This bonus episode delves deeper into the life and performances of the legendary magician Harry Houdini, with a focus on one of his most remarkable feats, at the London Hippodrome, where he was challenges to unpick the world's most unpickable lock. We explore the buildup to this defining moment, including the public's anticipation and the media's p…

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IN THE MAKING: Is America Heading Towards a Trump Dictatorship? 20:25

21d ago20:25

20:25

In this special solo edition of In The Making, I explore the troubling signs that suggest America might be inching towards a dictatorship under Donald Trump, and lay out the evidence indicating how he’s strategically surrounding himself with loyalists, silencing critics, and altering voter laws to skew the electorate in his favor. It’s alarming how…

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What is the US Treasury? 49:39

22d ago49:39

49:39

This week, we're diving deep into the world of money and the pivotal role the U.S. Treasury plays in shaping the American economy. Behind every success and failure in American history lies a story deeply intertwined with greed, power, and the all-important question of how money is spent. We explore who really decides how America manages its finance…

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BONUS: What Would You Do in a Gold Rush? 12:28

26d ago12:28

12:28

In this bonus episode, we unravel the age-old question of who decided gold was worth something in the first place. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about its shiny allure; there’s a whole lot of history and economics at play. We also reflect on the risks and rewards of that era, pondering what we might have done if we were chasing gold back in 1848. Fr…

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Who is Harry Houdini? 47:47

1M ago47:47

47:47

Would you throw yourself over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Well, this week, we’re talking about the man who, allegedly, did just that. His performances have become the stuff of legend, including the one he did on this very day in 1907, escaping from chains underwater in San Francisco. So I want to know more about the life, career, and legacy of one o…

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BONUS: The Legacy of Emperor Norton 11:07

1M ago11:07

11:07

This bonus episode delves deeper into the intriguing subject of Emperor Norton, a figure who declared himself the Emperor of the United States, and the cultural implications of such a declaration. We touch on the unique nature of America’s relationship with monarchy and whether such a concept could ever take root in the country, and discuss how Emp…

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What Was the California Gold Rush? 45:25

1M ago45:25

45:25

On this day in 1848, the New York Herald published an article that would change America forever. They reported on a man named James Marshall who, while building a saw mill in California, just outside what we now know as Sacramento, found gold flakes in the river. What followed was a stampede of opportunistic Americans moving west to chase their Ame…

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BONUS: Why Didn't Nixon Destroy the Watergate Tapes? 13:08

1M ago13:08

13:08

In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon, discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation from the White House. ... Special guest for this episode: Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College L…

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Who is the Emperor of the United States of America? 47:50

1M ago47:50

47:50

On this day in 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties. Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and lesser talked about individuals in America, and why he still, to this day, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, …

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BONUS: Hoagies, Grammar Police, and Momphoria 12:01

2M ago12:01

12:01

In this bonus episode, linguistics professor Valerie Fridland discusses her favourite American accents, invents a new slang word, and chats with Liam about some of the everyday differences between American and English. ... Special guest for this episode: Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an exper…

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IN THE MAKING: Can Donald Trump Run for President in 2028? 12:47

2M ago12:47

12:47

The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why changing this would be almost impossible in just three years. Let us know in the comments what you think: Do you want Trump to run a…

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Why Did President Richard Nixon Resign? 47:12

2M ago47:12

47:12

This week marks the 51st anniversary of a truly unique event in American history. The one and only time a President left the White House by choice. Not due to death or the 22nd amendment, but resignation. Never before and not yet since has any other President done this, so this week, I want to know… why did Richard Nixon resign? ... Special guest f…

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BONUS: Understanding the Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act on Today's Immigration Debate 11:31

2M ago11:31

11:31

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity. This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a …

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IN THE MAKING: Comparing the Epstein Files to Nixon's Watergate Tapes 13:25

2M ago13:25

13:25

Liam here, and in this impromptu edition of America: A History in the Making, I look into the parallels between the Nixon administration's Watergate scandal and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files, discussing how both situations highlight the complexities of political accountability and public transparency. Recently, there has bee…

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Why Do Americans Speak Differently? 49:10

2M ago49:10

49:10

This week we are talking about talking. The United States of America is a diverse country - geographically, demographically, and culturally, where every state has its own unique sense of identity. And a big part of that identity is language and dialect. So in this episode, I want to understand why and how American accents are so different, both fro…

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BONUS: Why Isn't Frances Perkins a Household Name? 12:12

2M ago12:12

12:12

Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, was a powerhouse in American politics, yet her legacy often flies under the radar. In this bonus discussion, we get into why Perkins isn't as well-remembered as she should be, despite her monumental contributions like the Social Security Act and labor reforms. We chat with historian …

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IN THE MAKING: Why We Must Protect Universities from Government Interference 13:54

2M ago13:54

13:54

In this special solo episode, I explore the challenges facing universities in the United States, particularly as they navigate the intersection of politics and education, addressing a significant legal settlement involving Columbia University and Donald Trump, which has broader implications for how educational institutions are perceived and treated…

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What is the Chinese Exclusion Act? 34:03

2M ago34:03

34:03

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity. This episode delves into the origins and implications of the Act, which was initially intended as a temporary measure but ultimately became a …

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BONUS: What Really Keeps the White House Running? 11:27

2M ago11:27

11:27

In this special, unfiltered bonus episode, you get a little sneak peak behind the curtain of how America: A History is made, which is fitting as we're also going backstage at the White House to find out what actually keeps the Presidential home running. This episode shines a light on how each president, regardless of their party, has made improveme…

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IN THE MAKING: Can Elon Musk Disrupt the American Political Landscape? 41:33

2M ago41:33

41:33

In the latest episode of America: A History in the Making, we dive into the evolving political landscape in the United States, focusing on recent developments regarding Trump's shift in stance on military aid to Ukraine. We discuss how Trump's promise to provide weapons through NATO has sparked mixed reactions among his supporters, particularly fro…

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Who is Frances Perkins? 41:28

2M ago41:28

41:28

This week, we are shining a light on one of the most influential women in 20th century America. She was the first woman to serve in a cabinet position in the US government, and her efforts to support Jewish refugees during the holocaust has carved a unique legacy in human history. So in this episode I want to find out more about her life, her work …

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BONUS: Gems of Vegas - Where to Find Fun Beyond the Bright Lights 13:21

3M ago13:21

13:21

Get ready for a whirlwind chat about Las Vegas, where we dive deeper into some hidden gems and local favorites that’ll make your next trip a blast! I’m hanging out with the fabulous Professor Michael Green from UNLV, who shares some of his top spots to explore beyond the glitzy Strip. We’re talking museums, quirky cafes, and even the nostalgia of B…

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What is the White House? 38:11

3M ago38:11

38:11

We’re diving into one of the most iconic buildings in the world—yep, you guessed it, the White House! This week, we’re unpacking its rich history, from its construction over 200 years ago to its evolution as a symbol of American democracy and politics. I mean, billions are spent just to get a chance to live there, so what’s the real story behind th…

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Who Put the Fabulous in Las Vegas? 45:30

3M ago45:30

45:30

Ever wondered how a tiny railroad stopover in the Nevada desert became the glittering entertainment capital we know today? This week we're diving deep into the wild history of Las Vegas as it celebrates its 120th birthday! From humble beginnings serving railroad workers to becoming the ultimate destination for gambling, shows, and quick weddings, V…

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BONUS: What Would You Look Like as a Drag Queen? 9:07

3M ago9:07

9:07

In this special bonus episode, the co-creators of Ru Paul's Drag Race challenged me to dress up in drag for this episode's artwork. I forgot, naturally, but I used a free AI tool. What do you think? Turn yourself into a drag queen using this link - https://photostylelab.com/photo-styles/drag-queen/ - and email the results to [email protected]…

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IN THE MAKING: They Don't Know What the F*ck They're Doing 40:42

3M ago40:42

40:42

In our latest review of US news and headlines, we discuss Trump's high stakes gamble in the Middle East... and it seemingly paying off. But was this luck or judgment? Plus, we also take a look at the recent New York Mayoral primary, where up-and-comer democrat Zohran Mamdani beat former a state governor to the nomination. What does this tell us abo…

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How Has Ru Paul's Drag Race Changed America? 46:33

3M ago46:33

46:33

In this episode we're diving into the fabulous world of RuPaul's Drag Race, a show that’s not just a reality competition but has become a cultural phenomenon over nearly two decades. With a flair for drama that could outshine a Broadway production, this series has launched 26 international versions and catapulted numerous queens into superstardom. …

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REPLAY: Why is Abortion So Controversial in America? 59:39

4M ago59:39

59:39

As Pope Leo XIV reaffirms the church's position against abortion, we wanted to reshare this conversation, where Rev. Caleb Lines, a leader in the Christian community, explains why abortion is not a fundamentally religious issue, but a political one, and is, if anything, antithetical to the teachings of the Bible. It's a fascinating listen, so check…

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REPLAY: How Did the 50 States Become the 50 States 34:29

5M ago34:29

34:29

In this episode, with Trump's threats about Canada, Greenland, Panama, Gaza and others becoming US-owned territories and states, one of our earliest conversations on the podcast is now more important than ever. . Over the past 250 years, the United States of America have grown from 13 founding colonies to 50 states and multiple territories, but wha…

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The Future of America: A History Podcast 7:56

5M ago7:56

7:56

As we all adjust to a rapidly changing America, and the impact this is having around the world, we've taken some time out from the podcast to reflect on exactly what we're doing, and how we can continue to do it appropriately and effectively. We know that at the moment, it's as important to look to the future as it is to understand the past. So our…

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BONUS: Pushback Against Trump's Anti-Immigrant Agenda 21:53

5M ago21:53

21:53

In this bonus episode, I'm joined again by Will McCorkle from the College of Charleston, following our recording of 'How Has Immigration Shaped American Idenitty?' We had such a blast in our previous episode, but there’s just so much more to unpack! We’re taking a closer look at Trump’s ever-elusive border wall and whether it’s ever going to be a r…

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Who is J.P. Morgan? 44:45

5M ago44:45

44:45

This week, on the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, which was 113 years ago today, we’re shining a light on one of its biggest investors; a man who is as controversial as he was transformative to the future of America. The railroad, the steel industry, the treasury - all impacted greatly by his involvement and investment. So in this episod…

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BONUS: Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse for Democracy? 19:28

6M ago19:28

19:28

In this lively bonus episode, we hit the rewind button to dig deeper into our earlier talk on the Internet’s influence on American politics, focusing on the undeniable role of social media. Liam and the brilliant Jennifer Stromer-Galley dive into the vibrant and sometimes volatile world of Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. They contemplate whether socia…

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How Has Immigration Shaped American Identity? 40:18

6M ago40:18

40:18

With the looming threat of mass deportations and the revocation of birthright citizenship, the atmosphere surrounding immigration in the United States is thick with uncertainty. In this episode, we dive into the complexities that shape the immigration debate, from passionate advocacy to fervent opposition. We shed light on the historical context of…

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BONUS: The Rise of Fascism with Ece Temelkuran [FEED DROP via IF YOU WERE IN CHARGE] 1:02:53

6M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

On this bonus episode, we're doing something a little different, and sharing another podcast doing some great things. If You Were in Charge features global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini talking to the frontline doers and imaginers—activists, organizers, and peacebuilders—whose lived experience, courage, and ideas are reshaping what’s pos…

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How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics? 47:30

6M ago47:30

47:30

This week, following an election cycle dominated by misinformation, AI, social media, and a… well, strange blossoming relationship between a Silicon Valley billionaire and the 47th President, I think it’s time to look closer at the relationship between technology and politics. How has social media impacted US politics? How is this being regulated? …

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BONUS: Is Abraham Lincoln the Great Emancipator or Just Another Racist? 15:31

6M ago15:31

15:31

In this special bonus episode, following our previous episode What is Emancipation?, we discuss the often overlooked issue of Abraham Lincoln's own prejudice, and how this changed over the course of the civil war. Plus, our guest discusses his own research on Sherman's March, and his upcoming biography on General Sherman himself. ... Special guest …

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What is the History of Education in America? 39:57

6M ago39:57

39:57

Ever wondered what American schools really look like beyond the glossy TV portrayals? Well, grab your backpack because we’re diving deep into the quirky, complex world of the U.S. education system! From the early dame schools of the 1600s to the well-oiled machinery of today’s public school system, our guest gives us the lowdown on how American edu…

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BONUS: The Abortion Paradox in America 13:10

6M ago13:10

13:10

In this special bonus episode, Professor Rebecca Fraser and Rev. Caleb Lines stick around for a chat following the main episode, Why is Abortion So Controversial in America, which you can listen to in full right now. They discuss the interesting contradiction in states largely voting for reproductive rights on the same day they re-elect Trump to th…

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What is Emancipation? 34:15

6M ago34:15

34:15

This week, we're diving into one of the biggest game-changers in American history: the Emancipation Proclamation. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared all enslaved people in rebellious states to be free, and while it sounds like a happy ending, the reality is a whole lot more complicated. After all, emancipation and freedom are tw…

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BONUS: Is Calvin Coolidge America's Quietest Overachiever? 10:07

6M ago10:07

10:07

Today, we're discussing President Calvin Coolidge a little more and why his general mid-table ranking among Presidents might be a harsh reflection of his success as America's 30th President. ... Special guest for this episode: Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth p…

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Why is Abortion So Controversial in America? 56:12

7M ago56:12

56:12

This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues …

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BONUS: Drill, Baby, Drill! The Impact of Trump's Agenda on Native Lands 10:58

7M ago10:58

10:58

In this week's bonus episode, we’re diving into the impact of American Indian Boarding Schools and the ongoing challenges faced by Native communities in light of recent political shifts. It’s a real gut-wrencher, but we’re here with Jacqueline Fierce Siegel about the fallout from these schools and the alarming direction some policies are taking und…