BackStory
BackStory is a weekly public podcast hosted by U.S. historians Ed Ayers, Brian Balogh, Nathan Connolly and Joanne Freeman. We're based in Charlottesville, Va. at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. Each week we take a topic that people are talking about and explore it through the lens of American history. Through stories, interviews, and conversation with our listeners, we make history engaging and fun.
26
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? The History of A...
On this episode of Backstory, Ed, Nathan and Brian explore the iconic figure of the American Millionaire.
46 min
27
After Hurricane Maria: The History of Puerto Ri...
On this episode of BackStory, Brian, Ed and Nathan take a look at the historical relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States.
53 min
28
Fit to Print?: A History of Fake News
On this episode of BackStory, Nathan, Joanne and Ed look at other times in history when Americans had to be a bit more careful about what they read.
33 min
29
Hot Enough For You? The History of Climate Change
On this episode of BackStory, Nathan, Brian and Joanne talk about our past understanding of climate and weather and how the invention of air conditioning changed America forever.
31 min
30
In the Shadow of the Mushroom Cloud: A History ...
On this week’s episode of BackStory, Brian, Joanne and Ed talk atomic power, and the indelible mark it left on American culture.
55 min
31
A More Perfect Union? The Reconstruction Era
On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Nathan and Joanne explore the central questions of the Reconstruction era.
43 min
32
The Battle for Charlottesville's Soul: One Year...
On this episode of BackStory, Brian talks to "Past Present" podcast host Nicole Hemmer about her six-part series, "A12," a reflection on the one-year anniversary of the "Summer of Hate." You'll also hear part 6 of "A12" in this show.
45 min
33
Elementary Mr. President: Sherlock Holmes, the ...
On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Joanne and Brian explore the history of filling SCOTUS seats, the connections between Sherlock Holmes and U.S. presidents, and consider how Dr. Spock's book changed America.
38 min
34
The Melting Pot: Americans & Assimilation
On this episode of BackStory, Brian, Joanne, and Nathan wrestle with a long-running tension in our country’s history: what it means to assimilate and “become American.”
61 min
35
Shore Thing: A History of the Beach
On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Joanne, and Brian dip their toes into four tales from America’s shoreline.
49 min
36
What’s in a Number? Thirteen in American History
On this episode of BackStory, Joanne, Nathan and Brian explore stories of superstition and the surprising roles the number 13 has played across American history.
49 min
37
Saving American History
On this episode of BackStory, Joanne, Ed and Nathan talk about the people who decided to take it upon themselves to collect stuff they knew people would care about someday -- even if others thought they were weird.
39 min
38
Summer Reading List: 14 History Books You’ll Wa...
On this episode of BackStory, Brian, Ed, Joanne and special guests share their recommendations of the history page turners you should pack for the beach.
53 min
39
The Camera Never Lies? History Through the View...
On this episode of BackStory, Joanne and Brian look at the early days of photography and learn if photos should be trusted at all.
35 min
40
Death Before Dishonor: Shame and Reputation in ...
On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Nathan and Joanne discuss the importance of honor throughout American history.
45 min
41
Are We There Yet? Americans On Vacation
On this episode of BackStory, Joanne, Ed, and Nathan explore the ways Americans have spent their time off.
34 min
42
Reflecting on Darkness: Lynching; Americans and...
On this episode of BackStory, Nathan, Brian, Joanne & Ed talk about how Americans remember and reckon with systematic violence, and how we keep this difficult history alive and in the public eye.
39 min
43
Upward Nobility: American-Made Royalty
On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Brian, and Joanne look at the long history and political impact of Americans marrying royals.
44 min
44
Shock of the New: The Legacy of the 1893 World’...
On this episode of BackStory, Joanne, Ed, and Nathan explore the grounds of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
56 min
45
Crowning Glory: A History of Hair in America
On this episode of BackStory, Brian, Joanne and Nathan explore some of the many meanings Americans have attached to hair.
50 min
46
“Dear Mr President…”: Letters to FDR, #twitters...
On this episode of BackStory, Joanne talks about letters written to FDR and #twitterstorians. We also hear from a man who reflects on his family's experience of slavery.
29 min
47
Behind the Bylines: Advocacy Journalism in America
On this episode of BackStory, Nathan, Joanne, and Brian look at the deep roots of advocacy in journalism.
48 min
48
Teen Activists: A History of Youth Politics and...
On this episode of BackStory, Joanne, Brian & Ed talk about the role young people have played in American politics.
63 min
49
The Habit: Opioid Addiction in America
On this episode of BackStory, Nathan, Ed and Brian look at America's long history with opioids - like opium, morphine and heroin.
40 min
50
The Real Martin Luther King: Reflecting on MLK ...
On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Brian, Nathan and Joanne explore the legacy of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. 50 years after his death.
50 min