Conquering Polio | The March of Dimes | 1

American Revolution | A Devil of a Whipping | 5

Jul 1, 202641 minSummary

In this episode of American History Tellers, the narrative shifts to the grueling realities of the Revolutionary War as it dragged into its fifth year. The focus centers on the British Southern strategy and the devastating shift toward a brutal civil war that pitted neighbor against neighbor. Following the stalemates in the North, the British targeted the South in hopes of leveraging local loyalist support and controlling key plantation economies. The episode details the immense hardships faced by both soldiers and civilians, including severe inflation, starvation, and a breakdown of social order in cities like Philadelphia. The hosts explore the harrowing experiences of the Continental Army, particularly during the harsh winter at Morristown, where soldiers faced conditions more dire than Valley Forge. Listeners also learn about the ruthless tactics of British Lieutenant Colonel Bannister Tarleton and the retaliatory violence that consumed the South Carolina countryside. Throughout the conflict, the precarious nature of the French-American alliance is highlighted, as the two powers often struggled to align their strategic priorities. Ultimately, the episode paints a vivid picture of a conflict that evolved from a colonial rebellion into a test of endurance defined by savage brutality and internal strife.

American Revolution | Saratoga | 4

Jun 24, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of American History Tellers, the narrative shifts to the pivotal year of 1777, focusing on the strategic landscape of the American Revolution. The episode centers on the Saratoga campaign, illustrating the British military’s complex, three-pronged plan to isolate New England by controlling the Hudson River Valley. Led by General John Burgoyne, this ambitious campaign faced immediate hurdles, compounded by the lack of coordination with General William Howe, who chose to prioritize the capture of Philadelphia over supporting the northern maneuvers. The episode provides deep insight into the internal divisions of the war, detailing the brutal conflict in the Mohawk Valley where Mohawk leader Joseph Brant aligned with the British, reflecting the difficult choices faced by Native American nations. Meanwhile, the Continental Army’s journey is defined by the tension between cautious commanders like Horatio Gates and aggressive leaders like Benedict Arnold. The podcast highlights how the decisive American victory at Saratoga served as the turning point the Continental Congress desperately needed to prove their viability to potential allies like France. Through vivid storytelling, the episode captures the desperation, tactical blunders, and shifting fortunes that ultimately dictated the future of the American colonies.

Listen Now: Foul Play

Jun 22, 20267 minSummary

In this episode of Foul Play, investigative journalist Gabriel Gatehouse joins forces with Ed Jervis to unravel a bizarre historical mystery involving Ed’s grandfather, the legendary English goalkeeper Gordon Banks. As the hero of England’s 1966 World Cup victory, Banks was at the height of his career during the 1970 tournament in Mexico when he suddenly fell ill with a mysterious case of food poisoning. England’s subsequent elimination from the competition fueled decades of speculation about a supposed curse on the national team. While initially dismissing the narrative as a typical sports conspiracy, the investigation takes a surreal turn when the duo gains access to secret Mexican police archives. To their shock, they discover surveillance photos and documents linking the world-famous athlete to intelligence records from the era. The hosts explore the potential intersection of high-stakes Cold War geopolitics and professional sports, questioning whether the CIA may have orchestrated the illness to influence political outcomes in Brazil. This investigation highlights the chilling possibility that a football icon was caught in the crosshairs of international espionage, transforming a family legend into a complex historical inquiry.

American Revolution | The Times That Try Men's Souls | 3

Jun 17, 202637 minSummary

In this episode of American History Tellers, the narrative shifts to the summer and autumn of 1776, a period of profound crisis for the American Revolution. Following the Declaration of Independence, the British launched a massive invasion of New York, deploying the largest armada to ever cross the Atlantic. The podcast explores the intense strategic importance of New York City, serving as the gateway to the Hudson River, and details the subsequent military disasters that pushed the Continental Army to the brink of collapse. The hosts analyze General George Washington’s struggles to organize a fledgling army against seasoned British forces and Hessian mercenaries. Key discussions include the demoralizing defeat at the Battle of Long Island, the tactical mistakes at Fort Washington, and the internal strife within the Patriot ranks, particularly the insubordination of General Charles Lee. The episode captures the desperation of the American retreat across New Jersey and the shifting loyalties of civilians caught in the crossfire. By examining both the battlefield failures and the personal rivalries that nearly ended the rebellion, the episode illustrates why this specific period was truly the time that tried men’s souls.

American Revolution | Tis' Time to Part | 2

Jun 10, 202641 minSummary

In this episode of American History Tellers, the narrative shifts to the escalating tensions and strategic maneuvers of 1775. Following the initial clashes at Lexington and Concord, the focus turns to the surprise capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen. This victory provided the Continental forces with essential artillery but highlighted the ongoing chaos and lack of coordination within the burgeoning rebellion. The episode explores the complex reality of the early war, characterized by a paradoxical mix of battlefield conflict and lingering loyalty to the British Crown. As George Washington assumes command of the Continental Army in Cambridge, he faces the daunting challenge of transforming a collection of undisciplined, localized militias into a cohesive national force. The discussion highlights the internal divisions within the colonies, where neighbors were often pitted against each other, and examines the strategic impact of Lord Dunmore’s proclamation in Virginia, which offered freedom to enslaved people who joined the British cause. Through these accounts, the podcast illustrates how the conflict evolved from a localized dispute into a full-scale civil and revolutionary war, pushing the colonies toward the ultimate, once-unimaginable goal of independence.

New Season - Dr. Death: The Cowboy

Jun 9, 20266 minSummary

In this episode of Doctor Death: The Cowboy, host Laura Beil uncovers the disturbing true story of a charming, charismatic neurosurgeon who manipulated his way through western towns by cultivating a persona of confidence and care. Known for wearing cowboy boots in the operating room, he successfully gained the trust of vulnerable patients who believed he was their path to healing. Instead, he left behind a devastating trail of broken bodies and shattered lives. The narrative focuses on the experience of a patient and her daughter, Christie, as they realize the surgeon had likely misled them about the necessity and success of multiple spinal procedures. When a second opinion reveals that the patient had been living with hardware that never properly fused to her spine, the family is forced to confront the doctor’s deception. The episode highlights the chilling gaslighting tactics the surgeon used to discourage second opinions and maintain control. It is an exploration of a broken medical system, the struggle for accountability, and the painful journey of victims trying to uncover the truth behind a surgeon who betrayed the fundamental oath to do no harm.

American Revolution | Liberty or Death | 1

Jun 3, 202642 minSummary

In the first episode of the American History Tellers series on the American Revolution, titled Liberty or Death, the podcast explores the escalating tensions between the American colonies and the British Empire that eventually ignited a war for independence. The narrative begins with the dramatic backdrop of April 1775, capturing Paul Revere’s pivotal midnight ride to warn of British plans to seize munitions in Concord. The episode traces the roots of the conflict back to the aftermath of the French and Indian War, detailing how Britain’s victory left them with crippling national debt and a desire to tighten control over the colonies. Listeners are introduced to the growing resentment caused by the Proclamation of 1763 and the controversial Stamp Act of 1765. The host highlights the emergence of key figures like Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams, who galvanized colonial opposition through fiery rhetoric and the formation of the Sons of Liberty. By examining the shift from loyal subjects to revolutionary participants, the episode paints a vivid picture of a divided society standing on the brink of a historic and transformative civil war.

Edison vs. Tesla | The Business of Discovery | 4

May 27, 202637 minSummary

In this episode of American History Tellers, the host explores the life and legacy of Thomas Edison, the man who fundamentally reshaped daily existence through his pioneering work in electricity and sound. Joined by Dr. Paul Israel, a leading expert on Edison’s papers, the discussion delves into Edison’s evolution from a curious, self-educated youth and itinerant telegraph operator into the mastermind behind the Menlo Park laboratory. The episode highlights how Edison transformed the business of discovery by establishing the model for modern industrial research and development. Through a collaborative process involving machinists and researchers, Edison moved inventions from the laboratory to commercial viability. The narrative also addresses the complex rivalry between Edison and Nikola Tesla, focusing on the conflict between direct current and alternating current. Rather than a simple clash of genius versus businessman, the conversation frames this as a fundamental difference in approach to commercial innovation. Ultimately, the episode details how Edison’s later career, even after his name was removed from General Electric, continued to drive technological progress in industries ranging from mining to sound recording, cementing his status as an essential architect of the modern world.

Edison vs. Tesla | Triumph of Illumination | 3

May 20, 202642 minSummary

This episode of American History Tellers explores the intense professional and personal rivalry between Thomas Edison and the partnership of George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla during the late 19th century. As the race to power American cities accelerated, the conflict centered on two competing electrical standards: Edison’s direct current (DC) and the alternating current (AC) championed by Westinghouse and Tesla. The narrative highlights how a technological disagreement transformed into a bitter, high-stakes battle. When a series of accidental electrocutions in New York City turned public opinion against high-voltage overhead wires, Edison exploited these fears to discredit AC as dangerous. He even took the drastic step of endorsing the use of AC for state-sanctioned executions to frame the technology as lethal. Despite these smear campaigns and legal challenges, Westinghouse and Tesla’s AC system ultimately proved its efficiency and scalability in remote projects like Telluride, Colorado. The episode illustrates how Edison’s obsessive focus on defeating his rivals ultimately led to his displacement from the company he founded, setting the stage for the pivotal competition to illuminate the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

St. Valentines Day Massacre: Closing In On Capone | 3