

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

Nov 17, 2025 • 33min
DEATH BY LIGHTNING: My Opinion of the Netflix Series, and Other Thoughts
Well, the 1880's finally has some visual media coverage. That's the good news.
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Nov 3, 2025 • 30min
1989 MAYORAL PRIMARY, IN NEW YORK CITY, AND TODAY
Ed Koch is a pretty popular guy in the 1980's. He's come to personify New York. But after 3 terms and two easy victories, he's in the fight of his political life. We talk about it, and why people are comparing it to today's events.
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Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 27min
1990'S EPHEMERA
Push in the drawer of your CD-ROM and enjoy random stories of politics and culture from the 1990's. that did not get much notice since.
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Oct 29, 2025 • 58min
TALKING BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S NEBRASKA ALBUM (WITH MUSIC REWIND PODCAST)
In this very special episode we replay Bruce's appearance on Music Rewind Podcast (https://www.musicrewindpodcast.com/) to talk about Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album. It is now the subject of a movie.
If you like to hear about albums both new and classic, and hear stories about music, listen to Steve's excellent podcast.
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Oct 27, 2025 • 49min
THE SURPRISING HISTORY OF RANKED CHOICE VOTING
The very Republican and business-like history of American ranked choice voting and single transferable votes, first used in a major city in the 1920's may surprise some who (may) think it's a new idea.
Initially created to make a Good Government Charter system work, it was used in Cincinnati for 20 years, and was part of a set of changes that lives on today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 6min
1977 NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL RACE
As a blackout, serial killer and budget crisis hits New York City, an election is held. 2 major figures run, but it's the newcomers who steal the show. A governor tries to extract revenge on a mayor. A newspaper baron goes full-in. And a lingering mystery of dubious importance is created. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 13, 2025 • 42min
TRENTON TREND: NJ OFF-YEAR GOVERNOR ELECTIONS
A few good yarns about the Garden State and politics. Does the state always vote against the party in the White House? No. Not when a candidate hustles to buck the Trenton Trend. But it does have a contrarian streak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 9, 2025 • 37min
MOVE MY BILL: A History of Discharge Petitions
Learn about the power of discharge petitions in Congress, how they have been used throughout history to pass important bills, and the resistance they face from committee heads. Explore the rare instances of bipartisan cooperation and the challenges faced by those attempting to bypass committee procedures. Understand the importance of committee review and concerns surrounding the use of discharge petitions. Discover the tactics employed by House leadership to prevent the success of discharge petitions.

Aug 30, 2025 • 1h 23min
CARTER 1981
A President becomes a former President. But not before one of the toughest final days of a Presidency.We are part of Airwave Media Network - www.airwavemedia.comAdvertise? advertising@airwavemedia.comWe have a patreon if you'd like to support us - see www.myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 41min
CARTER 1979
In the third year of the Presidency, Jimmy Carter wrestles with combining the principles of his first term with realities of the American economy amid myriad domestic struggles, two hostage-taking incidents, and a intraparty political rival. He attempts to make a speech that will reconnect him with the American people.We are part of Airwave Media NetworkTo advertise, email advertising@airwavemedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


