Breaking History
The Free Press
Sometimes the news moves so fast, you have to look closely to know if you’ve seen it before. And that’s what this show is about. Breaking History breaks down the news, by breaking down history. We cover everything from LBJ and the Roman Republic to Donald Trump and the chaos at Columbia. This twice a month show from The Free Press delivers the best historians, authors, and reporters by mining the archives of human experience to figure out the present. George Santayana wrote, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Tune in to Breaking History to resist the repetition.
Episodes
Mentioned books
14 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 1h 30min
When ‘Good Kids’ Go Radical: A Breaking History Special
Jay Solomon, investigative journalist focused on national security, discusses his reporting on Calla Walsh, a Gen Z activist turned propagandist. He traces Walsh’s path from mainstream youth politics to overseas training, Iran alignment, and a Beirut propaganda role. The conversation links this arc to historical cases like Ulrike Meinhof and explores patterns of middle-class radicalization.
21 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 2h 10min
Eli Lake and Andrew Sullivan Debate the Iran War
Andrew Sullivan, writer and public intellectual known for his Substack and commentary. They spar over Israel, Iran, and U.S. policy. Topics include Iran-Contra to the JCPOA, Israel’s undeclared nuclear status, settlement politics and the rise of Israel’s far right. They debate how and why the Iran war unfolded and the moral and strategic costs for America and the region.
42 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 51min
Modern Terrorism Was Born in the 1970s
Jason Burke, award-winning security correspondent and author of The Revolutionists, explores the 1970s surge in global extremism. He traces dramatic plane hijackings, the Munich crisis, and the rise of iconic militants like Carlos. Short takes cover how tactics, ideology, and state responses evolved and how that decade shaped later waves of violence.
19 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 48min
The Reluctant Prince: Can Reza Pahlavi Lead Iran’s Future? Q&A with Eli Lake
A deep look at Reza Pahlavi’s place in Iran’s opposition landscape. They explore whether he can unite diverse groups and what his exile means for credibility. The conversation covers recent brutal crackdowns, Washington’s cautious stance, and possible post-regime transition paths. Practical nonmilitary tools and regional implications are also debated.
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 29min
The Making of Modern Iran (Part 2) | The Red-Green Alliance
Join historian Abbas Milani, director of Iranian studies at Stanford, as he dives into the pivotal moments leading to Iran's 1979 revolution. He explores Ayatollah Khomeini's evolution from exile in France to revolutionary leader, examining the complex Red-Green Alliance between Islamists and leftists. Milani also discusses Khomeini's use of media, the West's romanticization of him, and the immediate consequences of his rise, including the clampdown on rights and the export of revolution across the Middle East.
28 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 11min
The Making of Modern Iran (Part 1)
Abbas Amanat, a historian specializing in modern Iranian history, and Ray Takei, a foreign policy analyst, delve into Iran's complex political landscape. They discuss the Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1907, exploring its promise and the subsequent trend of autocratic rule. The conversation highlights how foreign intervention shaped political outcomes, leading to the rise of Reza Khan and the consequential 1953 coup. The duo examines the paradox of reforms repeatedly empowering strongmen, revealing a fascinating cycle of revolution and repression in Iran.
12 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 50min
A History of Tough Jews
Pamela Nadell, a historian of American Judaism and professor at American University, dives into the challenges Jews faced in 1930s America amid rising antisemitism. She discusses the precarious balance between community safety and government inaction, highlighting how Jewish gangsters like Meyer Lansky took aggressive stances against Nazi sympathizers. The conversation also touches on modern parallels, community defense initiatives, and the critical importance of standing up against intimidation, drawing lessons from history for today's Jewish communities.
11 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 40min
From the Archives: Why Jews Wrote Your Favorite Christmas Songs
David Lehman, a renowned poet and author of 'A Fine Romance,' dives into the surprising history of Jewish songwriters behind America's beloved Christmas tunes. They explore how immigrants like Sammy Cahn and Irving Berlin shaped the holiday's soundtrack, noting the cultural influences that fostered their creativity. The conversation highlights the inclusive nature of Christmas music, framing it as a uniquely American tradition. Listeners will discover the poignant stories behind iconic songs and the rich tapestry of musical influence that defined the holiday spirit.
43 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 51min
How Clinton, Trump, and Epstein Rewired America’s Moral Compass
The discussion dives into the scandalous 1990s, where political accountability took a nosedive. It explores how scandals involving Clinton and Trump laid the groundwork for the Epstein crisis. Feminists and evangelicals alike are shown to have made questionable compromises for political gain, fostering a culture of impunity. The podcast also highlights the impact of the MeToo movement and the unsettling normalization of elite misconduct, culminating in a populist backlash against the privileged class.
32 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 42min
Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s Socrates
Explore the rebellious spirit of punk as it marks its 50th anniversary, defying rock norms by returning to raw authenticity. Discover how the genre emerged from societal disillusionment and political unrest. The conversation draws intriguing parallels between legendary punk figures and Socrates, highlighting his relentless questioning of authority. Delve into the darker side of punk culture, the moral panic it incited, and its legacy of challenging conformity, ultimately revealing the powerful interplay between questioning and cultural renewal.
