American History Tellers
Audible
The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race. Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We'll take you to the events, the times and the people that shaped our nation. And we'll show you how our history affected them, their families and affects you today. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator). From Wondery, the network behind American Scandal, Tides of History, American Innovations and more.Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of American History Tellers ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 39min
FAN FAVORITE: The Insurrection of Aaron Burr | An Affair of Honor | 1
In July 1804, Aaron Burr faced off against Alexander Hamilton in a legendary duel that would alter the course of his life. The podcast delves into Burr's rise as a patriot and politician, emphasizing his rivalry with Hamilton and the fallout from their fateful encounter. It explores Burr's formative years, marked by tragedy and ambition, as well as the societal perceptions he faced after the duel. Ultimately, the discussion reveals Burr's treacherous plans for redemption and power in the wake of his public disgrace.
Jul 30, 2025 • 38min
Evolution on Trial | Live and Let Live | 4
Join Brenda Wineapple, an expert on the Scopes trial and author of 'Keeping the Faith,' as she dives into the pivotal cultural clash of the 1920s. Discover how the trial became a battleground for academic freedom and individual rights, highlighting societal tensions between science and religion. Explore Clarence Darrow's heartfelt defense, the fleeting impact of the trial on its community, and the lasting echoes of this iconic event that continue to shape debates on education and democracy in America.
Jul 28, 2025 • 16min
History Daily: Henry VIII’s Fifth Wedding
Dive into the tumultuous life of Catherine Howard, King Henry VIII's fifth wife, as she navigates the treacherous royal court. Explore her rapid ascent from a modest background to the throne, and the dark secrets that ultimately lead to her tragic downfall. Witness her emotional last day in the Tower of London as she faces execution with grace. The narrative reveals how her fate foreshadows the decline of her family and sets the stage for Henry’s final marriage. A gripping tale of ambition, power, and peril in the Tudor court!
10 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 38min
Evolution on Trial | Duel to the Death | 3
The trial of John Scopes in 1925 ignites a fierce battle between modern science and traditional beliefs. Defense attorney Clarence Darrow makes a shocking move by calling a surprise witness, turning the courtroom into a battleground for ideologies. Tensions rise as the community grapples with evolving views on evolution and religion. The outcome leaves a lasting impact, prompting a broader cultural debate that influences American education for decades. Personal stories reveal the stakes of this intellectual clash, showcasing its profound societal implications.
7 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 37min
Evolution on Trial | Monkeytown | 2
In 1925, Dayton, Tennessee, became the center of a media frenzy as the Scopes Trial kicked off, pitting evolution against traditional beliefs. Key figures like William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow engaged in a legal showdown that captivated the nation. The atmosphere was electric, with curious spectators and innovative advertising competing for attention. As tensions rose, the trial not only highlighted societal conflicts but also marked a pivotal moment for civil liberties and the evolution of American media.
Jul 14, 2025 • 14min
History Daily: The Lincoln Hospital Takeover
On July 14, 1970, Puerto Rican activists took a bold stand, seizing Lincoln Hospital to demand better healthcare. Their hijacking of a mobile x-ray truck revealed a tuberculosis crisis in their community. This action highlighted systemic injustices faced by Puerto Ricans and spurred significant activism for health reform. The takeover uncovered dire patient conditions and sparked negotiations for meaningful changes. Despite internal conflicts, the Young Lords' efforts laid the groundwork for a new community-focused hospital.
30 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 38min
Evolution on Trial | A Clash of Giants | 1
In 1925, a shy teacher named John Scopes sparked a national debate by challenging Tennessee's law against teaching evolution. The trial, fueled by the passionate oratory of William Jennings Bryan, pitted modern science against traditional faith. The small town of Dayton became a battleground for this clash of ideologies, reflecting deep societal tensions. As the media spotlight shone on the courtroom drama, the trial reshaped discussions on educational freedom and the acceptance of scientific theories in America.
Jul 2, 2025 • 41min
Typhoid Mary | Cook, Carrier, Captive | 3
Dr. Seema Yasmin, a clinical assistant professor at Stanford and former Epidemic Intelligence Service officer, uncovers the harrowing tale of Typhoid Mary, Mary Mallon. She discusses her unexpected role as a 'healthy carrier' of typhoid, leading to her isolation and the societal implications of public health versus individual rights. The conversation dives into the stigma surrounding disease carriers, the ethics of quarantine, and the legacies of such historical figures, making parallels to contemporary health issues.
9 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 34min
Typhoid Mary | Destroying Angel | 2
Explore the riveting story of Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary, who fought for her freedom after years of confinement as a healthy carrier of typhoid. Delve into her struggles post-release, from abandoning her cooking career to battling health authorities. Discover the tense public health crisis at a maternity hospital, and the relentless efforts of officials to track down the elusive carrier during a deadly outbreak. Uncover the moral questions surrounding individual rights versus public safety that continue to resonate today.
18 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 41min
Typhoid Mary | An Invisible Menace | 1
In the fall of 1906, a typhoid outbreak in a wealthy New York family sparks a frantic search for the cook who vanished. This leads to the infamous Typhoid Mary, stirring a fierce debate over public health versus individual rights. The investigation, driven by the determination of health officials, highlights the challenges of tracking healthy carriers of disease. The dramatic confrontations and the story of Mary Mallon illuminate the era's complexities surrounding disease and civil liberties, evolving public health measures, and the struggles of an immigrant cook.
