Discover the American Dynasties that have ruled America and shaped our perception of the American Dream. We will discuss American Dynasties from their beginning to today.
In this episode of American Dynasties: The Rockefellers, we travel to the heart of New York City to uncover the story behind one of America’s most beloved landmarks — Rockefeller Center. Built during the Great Depression, John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s ambitious “city within a city” became a symbol of resilience, artistry, and American optimism.
From the steel beams of 30 Rockefeller Plaza to the shimmering lights of the iconic Christmas tree, this episode traces how Rockefeller Center evolved from an architectural masterpiece into a global holiday tradition. Discover the origins of the first tree in 1931, the creation of the skating rink, and how one family’s vision turned into a beacon of joy that continues to unite millions every December.
14 Aug 2025
Rockefeller: The Oil King Part 2
In this episode of American Dynasties, we pick up where we left off—at the height of Standard Oil’s power. John D. Rockefeller’s empire controlled more than 90% of the U.S. oil market, but cracks were beginning to show.
We’ll follow the rise of investigative journalist Ida Tarbell, whose groundbreaking exposé revealed the hidden tactics behind Standard Oil’s success. We’ll explore the wave of public outrage her work ignited, the legal battles that reached all the way to the Supreme Court, and the landmark 1911 decision that shattered Rockefeller’s monopoly.
This is the story of how one man’s business brilliance collided with the growing demand for fairness in the American marketplace—and how the fall of Standard Oil forever changed the way America does business.
26 May 2025
Rockefeller: The Oil King Part 1
John D. Rockefeller's meteoric rise and the creation of Standard Oil are explored, revealing how he dominated American industry and amassed unprecedented wealth, while also examining the darker realities of his ambition.
2 Jan 2025
Rockefeller: Humble Beginnings
Before he became the world’s first billionaire and the mastermind behind Standard Oil, John D. Rockefeller was just a boy from a modest family in upstate New York. In this episode, we explore the formative years that shaped one of the most influential and controversial figures in American history. From his upbringing with a con-artist father and a devout, hardworking mother to his early fascination with business and frugality, we trace the origins of Rockefeller’s relentless drive. How did the son of a traveling snake oil salesman grow into the man who would dominate the oil industry and leave a lasting mark on the world? Join us as we uncover the story of John D. Rockefeller’s early life, where the seeds of ambition and power were first sown.
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25 Nov 2024
The Johnson Family
Renowned business historian and author, Doris Kearns Goodwin, delves into the captivating story of the Johnson family, tracing their humble beginnings to their lasting impact on the healthcare industry.
8 Nov 2024
Roosevelt: Modern Day Impact
In this episode of American Dynasties Podcast, we explore the lasting impact of the Roosevelt family, focusing on both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s influence on modern-day America. From the enduring legacy of New Deal programs like Social Security to Eleanor’s advocacy for civil rights and global human rights, we delve into how their efforts continue to shape policies and societal values today. We also examine their roles in shaping international relations and gender equality, demonstrating how their pioneering actions still resonate in today’s political, social, and cultural landscapes. Tune in to understand how the Roosevelts’ transformative vision lives on.
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5 Nov 2024
Roosevelt: Different but the Same
Learn about the Roosevelt family.
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27 Apr 2024
Roosevelt: Family of a Million Homes Part 2
Learn about some of the many Roosevelt homes and their stories. We talk about the homes of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and more!
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6 Dec 2023
Roosevelt: The Attack on Pearl Harbor
Did you know Franklin D. Roosevelt was NOT the first person to address the nation after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941?
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18 Nov 2022
Roosevelt: Family of a Million Homes Part 1
Learn about some of the many Roosevelt homes and their stories. We talk about the homes of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and more!
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29 Jun 2022
Roosevelt: A Political Dynasty
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1 Jan 2022
Vanderbilt: Poor Little Rich Girl
Learn about the incredible life of Gloria Vanderbilt. From artist to fashion designer to mother- she did it all.
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23 Oct 2021
Vanderbilt: Gilded Age of Design
The Vanderbilt family is responsible for the Gilded Age of design. Throughout this dynasty’s existence, the Vanderbilts have built mega mansions across the country. In this episode we are going to talk about a few of them and some of them are actually still around and open to tourists.
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1 Sept 2021
Vanderbilt: Family Tree
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24 Aug 2021
Vanderbilt: America's First Millionaire
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17 Aug 2021
Welcome to the American Dynasties Podcast
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Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
3.6 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
37
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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