My History Can Beat Up Your Politics
Bruce Carlson
Since 2006, this podcast has been using history to elevate today's political debates. "The perfect antidote to bloviating talking heads, My History is thoughtful, nuanced, and highly engaging." -Columbia Journalism Review
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 12, 2025 • 55min
TRUSTBUSTING, A HISTORY
A lively tour of corporate trusts from 19th-century sugar rings to Standard Oil's rise. Stories include Rockefeller’s tactics, Ida Tarbell’s exposé, and Roosevelt’s high-profile legal fights. The evolution of antitrust law, mergers, and Ma Bell’s unique breakup are explored. The politics and practical tradeoffs behind breaking up big companies get center stage.
Dec 7, 2025 • 50min
MORE ABOUT THE KEN BURNS AMERICAN REVOLUTION DOCUMENTARY AND BEN FRANKLIN
Deeper dive on Ken Burns documentary and Franklin and Iroquois Confederacy debate. Plus: Iran Iraq war and midterms.
Sponsored by:
The University of Aberdeen:
https://on.abdn.ac.uk/online-history-courses/
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Dec 6, 2025 • 21min
KEN BURNS AMERICAN REVOLUTION DOCUMENTARY - A FEW THOUGHTS
No I don't think the Iroquois Confederacy influenced th Revolution much. (Nor do I think Burns says this). And I take a little issue with American Revolution as a Civil War theory. (If it was merely that, it would have been quickly settled).
Sponsored by:
The University of Aberdeen:
https://on.abdn.ac.uk/online-history-courses/
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Dec 2, 2025 • 45min
ATTACK ON SCIENCE - ANDY JOHNSON OPPOSES THE TELEGRAPH, AND OTHER STORIES
An invention ties together the stories of many people. A frustrated painter, a faded novelist, and a future President. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 45min
PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANTS AND AIDES "Separated By a Swinging Door"
From the man who answered T.R.'s phone and maybe saved his life, to the secret "Sphinx" around Woodrow Wilson, to Coolidge's surprise enforcer. We look at all sorts of Presidential assistants and aides, both official ones and non-official ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 23, 2025 • 1h 37min
CHESTER ARTHUR - PART 5: "HE IS NOT ARTHUR ANYMORE, HE IS THE PRESIDENT!"
The untold story of the 21st President. Music by Lee Rosevere, and others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 22, 2025 • 1h 1min
CHESTER ARTHUR - PART 4: THE PISTOL AND THE TRANSOM
Political violence changes politics. Vice President Chester Arthur is getting the hang of Parliamentary procedure, and building a reputation for being a more partisan vice president than we've seen in a while, Not on the team with his President. Then events will conspire to elevate him in an unexpected way.
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Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 7min
CHESTER ARTHUR PART 3: I WILL ACCEPT THE NOMINATION
Arthur makes an unlikely comeback in the 1880 Republican Convention in this episode. The story is a little more complex than it's often told, and involves a bit more of Arthur's skill than is often mentioned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 23min
CHESTER ARTHUR PART 2: I AM A STALWART!
(2nd posting ) We look at Chester Arthur and also at Roscoe Conkling, New York Senator and political "boss" of the post-Civil War period. The two are tied together in history. Arthur was, to a point, a Stalwart, which means he supported Ulysses S. Grant and the concept of a party system. Which is also known by the name - spoils. Are Stalwarts all bad? What about Half-Breeds? We get into Arthur the Stalwart in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 19, 2025 • 51min
CHESTER ARTHUR PART 1: THE EARLY YEARS
He fought for civil rights and nearly saved New York City. But all we remember is his hair. We start our series on President Chester Arthur with a look at his boyhood / young lawyer years.
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