It’s March 23rd. This is, in some ways, the birthday of Uncle Sam — it was the first time that the character appeared in a political cartoon.
Niki, Jody and Kellie discuss how Uncle Sam had its origins in a real-life figure, and how the character truly burst into the public imagination with those iconic “I Want You” posters.
Mar 5
"With Malice Towards None" w/ Jamelle Bouie [Part Two]
We continue our conversation about Lincoln's second inaugural address with a close reading of how it was written and addressed.Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by special guest Jamelle Bouie to break it down, line by line. Be sure to check out his work in the New York Times, on ... Show More
44m 39s
Mar 3
Lincoln's Second Inaugural w/ Jamelle Bouie (1865) [Part 1]
This week on "50 Weeks That Shaped America," we're headed to March 1865 to talk ab out Abraham Lincoln for the first time in our series. There are two speeches inscribed in the Lincoln Memorial - Gettysburg, of course, but also his second inaugural address. If people know they sp ... Show More
40m 26s
Mar 1
How To 250: Live from On Air Fest!
This past week, we took part in On Air Fest in Brooklyn, soft-launching a series of bonus conversations about America 250 and the work of history in 2026. We talked about which events we're actually excited to attend, how we'd craft the perfect historical road trip, and what stor ... Show More
25m 59s
May 2024
Thomas Nast, Part One: The Cartoonist Who Shaped America
Tons of people have a soft spot for their favorite cartoon or comic strip -- yet few have attained the social status of the legendary artist Thomas Nast, the caricaturist often referred to as the "Father of the American Cartoon." In the first part of this two-part series, Ben, No ... Show More
32m 3s
Feb 2022
Episode 1309 - Sam Elliott
Sam Elliott plays a lot of tough guys - cowboys, bikers, soldiers - who can (and often do) beat people up. But in reality, Sam says the only guy he beats up is himself. Sam and Marc talk about how he came to terms with some of the things in his life that were really doing a numbe ... Show More
1h 11m
Mar 2021
Our Thing with Sammy The Bull - S1 Episode 8: My Crew
Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano (born March 12, 1945) is an American gangster who became the underboss of the Gambino crime family. This is his story. Directed by James Carroll.
After a difficult but successful commission hit, Sammy tells us about his loyal, incredible crew.
51m 59s