Episodes

99
July 9, 2026

099: What They Stole: A Familicide Rooted In Intercountry Adoption: A conversation With Paige Towers

Hello! In this week's episode I am joined by Paige Towers to discuss her recent release What They Stole: A Familicide Rooted in Intercountry Adoption. In this episode we discuss the Holt family and their adoption agency as well as the Familicide of the Suepple family. You can find Paige’s book here: https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=what+they+stole If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at itsahistorypodcast@gmail.com....
98
July 2, 2026

098: The Fourth of July and Fireworks

Hello! In this week's episode of It’s a History Podcast, We will be taking a look at the history of Fourth of July celebrations in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, looking at why July 4th became the national holiday even though delegates like John Adams expected July 2nd, when Congress approved the Lee Resolution, to be the official anniversary. In this episode we take a look at what the Lee Resolution said and also look at how British anniversary traditions shaped American celebra...
97
June 11, 2026

097: Pharma Monopoly: The Battle For The Future of Medicines: A Conversation With Tahir Amin

Hello! In this week's episode I am joined by Tahir Amin to discuss his most recent book Pharma Monopoly: The Battle for the Future of Medicines. This book is co-authored with Rohit Malpani. Tahir Amin is a founder and CEO of the Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge (I-MAK). He has spent over two decades working in the global access to medicines movement addressing the systemic inequities in how medicines are developed and distributed. He has over 30 years of experience in the field of i...
96
June 4, 2026

096: Hot Air Balloons: Paper Balloons, Hot Air Vs. Gas, and Modern Ballooning

Hello! In Today's episode we are looking at the history of Hot Air Balloons and Ballooning. The first hot air balloons were designed by two french brothers in the 1780's, and after succesfull experiments, Man would take flight shortly after. With different iterations over the years, ballooning has transformed from the first form of flight to something that has become a hobby and past-time. Sources for today's episode include: An article titled A brief History of Hot Air Ballooning from the And...
95
May 28, 2026

095: Summer Vacation: School Calendars, Union Wins, and Gilded Age Influence

Hello! In this weeks episode we are looking at the history of Summer Vacation. Often thought to be rooted in the agrarian calander, the history of summer vacation actually stems from multiple sources. From a School Calander Compromise to the vactation habbits of the Gilded age, the summer vacation we have today has evolved over time from each of these seperate spheres of influnce. Sources for today's episode include An article from PBS news titled “Agrarian Roots? Think Again. Debunking the My...
94
May 14, 2026

094: There Will Come Soft Rains: A Journey Along The Western Front: A Conversation With Brianna Gervat

Hello! In this weeks episode I am joined by Brianna Gervat and we discuss her recent memior on her travels through the Western Front and how she expereinced the remnants of WWI History. In this episode we look at her experineces on the front, how we interact with history in our daily lives, and how history leaves a mark on not just the people who expereice it, but for generations after. You can fnd the book here: https://a.co/d/037qse30 If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ...
93
May 7, 2026

093: The Boston Tea Party Part 2: Increasing Tensions, The Act of Rebellion, and the Intolerable Acts

Hello! In this week's episode we are wrapping up our look at the Boston Tea Party. This week's episode looks at the various ways the tea issue had tried to be resolved as tea ships started rolling in, ultimately ending in the Boston Tea Party. We go over the tea party itself and what happened in the aftermath of the tea party. Sources for today's episode include: An article from the Massachusetts Historical Society titled The Boston Tea Party https://www.masshist.org/revolution/teaparty.php De...
92
April 30, 2026

092: The Boston Tea Party Part 1: The East India Company, The British Government, and Taxes

Hello! In this weeks Epsiode we start our look at the Boston Tea Party. Looking deeper at this act that is a quintisential aspect of American History, we will take a look at the East India Company and their role in the Boston Tea Party. We will also be looking at how the Tea Tax differed from the other taxes that were placed on colonosits. Today's epsiode will take us up to just before the Boston Tea Party Itself, which we will be exploring next week. Sources for today's episode include: Defia...
91
April 16, 2026

091: Hidden in Berlin: A Holocaust Memoir: A Conversation With Evelyn Grossman

Hello! This week I am joined by Evelyn Grossman. Evelyn is the author of Hidden in Berlin: A Holocaust Memoir which details her parents' separate stories of survival during WWII. Over the course of today's episode Evelyn describes her parents' stories, and the unique ways that her parents survived Nazi Germany. We also take a look at their lives after WWII and Evelyn's work towards bringing this bringing their stories to light. You can find Evelyn's book here: https://bookshop.org/beta-search?ke...
90
April 9, 2026

090: The History of Quilting

Hello! This week we are taking a look at the history of quilting. Quilting has been around for quite some time, but the patchwork style quilt that we know today is something that is newer to our history. Over the course of today's episode, we will take a look at how quilting has evolved over time and some influential figures in the quilting space. Sources for this episode include a video essay by Mary Fons titled a Brief History of the American Quilt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VuqN1xEfeM...
89
April 2, 2026

089: The Sinking of The USS Narcissus: A Collaboration With Rich Napoltano From Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs

Hello! In this week's episode, I am joined by Rich Napolitano from Shipwrecks and Seadogs Podcast and we discuss the USS Narcuccus. Over the course of today's episode we will look at the life the ship had before sinking, the sinking itself, and the shipwreck's legacy here in Florida. Make sure to check at ShipWrecks and SeaDogs here: https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com Sources for todays epsiode include: Sources Tumbleson Morris, Melissa Nicole. “USS Narcissus: The Role Of The Tugboat In Th...
88
March 19, 2026

088: Stuck: How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress: A Conversation with Dr. Maya Kornberg

Hello! This week I am joined by Dr. Maya Kornberg to discuss her most recent release Stuck: How money, media, and violence prevent change in Congress. STUCK reveals how money, media, and political violence have hollowed out Congress and how reform-minded lawmakers can still make it work. Drawing on interviews and history, Kornberg shows why Congress is paralyzed and what it would take to restore democratic power. Maya L. Kornberg, Ph.D is a senior research fellow and manager at NYU Law’s Brenn...
87
March 12, 2026

087: Skyway Bridge Collapse: Cause and Aftermath

Hello! In this weeks episode we are taking a look at the 1980 collapse of teh Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Through bad luck and unfortunate circumstance, a freighter ship made impact with the bridge leading to the deaths of 35 individuals traveling over the bridge. Listen to today's epsiode to learn more about this disaster. Sources for today's episode include: An article from Fox 13 Tampa Bay titled Sunshine Skyway Bridge Disaster:45 years later by Ryan Burkett and Aaron Mesmer https://www.fox13n...
86
March 5, 2026

086: The Pacific Theater and WWII: A Conversation With Jenny Chan From Pacific Atrocities Education

Hello! In this Weeks Epsiode I am Joined By Jenny Chan from Pacific Atrocities Education to discuss the Pacific Theater during WWII. Often overlooked in western classrooms, the war in the Pacific Theater was just as brutal and active as it was on the western front. Through various articles and podcasts, Jenny and team are working towards making what happened in the Pacific Theater something more people are aware of. The content in this epsiode may be disturbing to some listeners. Link to Pacif...
85
Feb. 19, 2026

085: Why Washington D.C. is our Capital City

Hello! In this weeks episode, I am taking a look at why Washington DC is our capital city. Throughout todays episode we will look at how the capital transitioned from being located in Phillidelphia to its current location in Washington D.C. Sources for today's episode include An article from the National Constitution Center titles How Philadelphia Lost the Nations Capital to Washington An article from the White House Historical Association titled “Where oh Where Should the Capital be, the Seat...
Feb. 18, 2026

It's A History Podcast Update

Hello! Just hopping on to give a quick update about the release schedule! Episodes will now be releasing on Thursdays with a three week on one week off release frequency. This will better help me to make sure I am delivering the kinds of epsidoes I want you guys to hear!
84
Feb. 12, 2026

084: Bianca's Cure: A Conversation with Gigi Berardi

Hello! In this weeks episode, I am Joined by Author Gigi Berardi to discuss her most recent release, the Historical Fiction "Bianca's Cure". “Bianca’s Cure” fictionalizes a search for a cure for malaria in the country where the disease was named (“bad air” in Italian), depicting the main character’s struggles against prevailing medical beliefs. It draws from the author’s real and meticulous research, her work spanning science and her personal experience living and teaching in Florence." Link to...
83
Feb. 4, 2026

083: Beneath the Lightless Sky: Surviving the Holocaust in the Sewers of Lvov: A Conversation With Doron Keren About His Families Story of Survival

Hello! In this weeks episode I am joined by Doron Keren to speak about his grandfather Ignacy Chiger's book Beneath the Lightless sky Surviving the Holocaust in the Sewers of Lvov, a survival story of a family of four who sought shelter in the sewers during the nazi occupation of poland. I do want to let you know that some of the topics discussed may be uncomfortable for some listeners. Within this episode we discuss murder, torture, and death including that of an infant. Unearthed and shepherd...
82
Jan. 28, 2026

082: The Declaration of Independence: How the Document has Faired Over Time

Hello! In this episode we are taking a look at the Decleration of Independence and how it has faired over time. From its various displays, to prior care, we take a look at how the document came to be in its current condition. Sources for today's episode include: An article from the national archives written by Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler and Catherine Nicholson titled The Declaration of Independence and the Hand of Time. An article from Word Press Tittles William Godwins’s Wet Transfer Copies and ...
81
Jan. 21, 2026

081: The History of Billboards: How Roadside Advertisements Became What They Are Today

Hello! In this weeks episode we are taking a look at the history of billboards! Starting out in the early 19th century, billboards have come a long way. Sources for today's episode include: An article titled The History of Billboard Advertising by Sam Mikhail An article titled The Bigger the Bolder: Outdoor Advertising. An article titled How the Highway Beautification Act Became Law by the Federal Highway Administration If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for futu...
80
Jan. 14, 2026

080: Attack on The Philippines: What Happened Hours After The Attack on Pearl Harbor

Hello! Welcome to a NEW episode of Its a History Podcast. This week we are looking at what happened in the Philippines just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbour. Over the course of today's episode we take a look at the history of the Philippines and the Philippines during WWII. Sources for today's episode include: An article from the UN titled The Philippines at a Glance How to Hide an Empire by Daniel Immerwahr An article from the Naval institute titled From Tragedy to Redemption: The Fal...
79
Dec. 17, 2025

079: RERUN: 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair

Hello! This week I am running a fan Favorite instead of a new epsiode, There will be a new episode next week! Enjoy this epsiode about the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair! If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at itsahistorypodcast@gmail.com. You can also find me on Instagram and Threads @itsahistorypodcast Thank you for listening!
78
Dec. 10, 2025

078: Pearl Harbor: What Led up to the Attack, FDR's Speech, And the Aftermath

Hello! In this weeks episode we are taking a look at the Attack on Pearl Harbor, specifically what was happening in the elad up to the attack. Sources for today's episode include: An article from the National Park Service titled Preserving Memories and Inspiring Peace About the Pearl Harbor National Memorial https://www.nps.gov/perl/index.htm An article from the National World War II Museum titled Pearl Harbor Attack, December 7, 1941 https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/topics/pearl-harbor...
77
Dec. 3, 2025

077: The Doctor of Auschwitz: A Conversation With Kit Sergeant

Hello! In this weeks epsiode we are joined by Kit Sergeant to talk about her most recent release "The Doctor of Auschwitz". Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Auschwitz-Powerful-Womans-Courage-ebook/dp/B0FCW3Q55J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GWFFZSEXYG74&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WyDTZNn8Ty0BWapLxHaadoI3Lj4zTIAN4dYXM1UpSWIxUS_jiqD16cYE8WDLIL6eA0SHfrEH-2wtP2_VKjlxjyp1Au-eETpVm8B8Sw3wJY0k-AdJaCAlylsNYfZxYluULp6QelOGU7rvMGBsUJU397Cmn28fdq1Fug7OkHNoiDsImTS6w7OSxAdt4E7xm1zunK64_64RPnpusdAnCVBQVuKR0xybzBTkI...