History doesn’t have to be overwhelming. On History Rhymes, host Lukas Kwon brings expert guests into engaging, easy-to-follow conversations that go beyond names and dates to uncover the meaning behind key events. Each episode connects the past to the forces shaping our world today, making complex topics accessible to everyone. Tune in to better understand history—and how it influences your life today.
History Rhymes - The Decline of American Empire with Matthew Hoh
What does declining American power mean for the world? What has led to this decline, and is there anything that the United States can do to reverse it?
Today’s guest, Matthew Hoh, discusses America’s wars, its foreign and domestic policy, and what he thinks is next for America in an increasingly multipolar world.
Matthew Hoh is a Senior Fellow with the Eisenhower Media Network. Matt is a former Marine Corps captain, a former Afghanistan State Department officer, and a disabled Iraq War veteran.
In 2009, Matt resigned his post with the State Department in Afghanistan over the escalation of the war by the United States.
🎵 Music: “jazzy_lofi” by Alex Morgan
🎵 Music: “smooth coffee” by djartmusic
6 Oct 2026
History Rhymes - The Fall of Bashar al Assad with Professor Joshua Landis
In December of 2024, rebel forces swept across Syria in an astonishingly rapid offensive, capturing the capital city of Damascus in just 12 days and ending 54 years of brutal Assad family rule that began with deposed dictator Bashar al Assad's father, Hafez al Assad.
In today's episode, Professor Joshua Landis explains how Bashar al Assad's fall has profoundly impacted the Middle East. What at first glance seems to be an isolated event is actually one that has remade the geopolitical landscape of the region, continuing to influence the conflicts and rivalries shaping the Middle East in 2026.
🎵 Music: “jazzy_lofi” by Alex Morgan
🎵 Music: “smooth coffee” by djartmusic
30 Sept 2026
Oakland at 125 - The FRG Shooting
The story of how a shooting erupted in Oakland reveals its history as a resort town. For much of the 20th century, Oakland's mountains and abundant lakes served as a vacation spot for those living in nearby cities, but the slow transition away from its tourist economy was accelerated after shots rang out at the FRG Sports Complex on August 4th, 1985.
This podcast was created for the Oakland Historical Society . Learn more about OHS from their official website.
https://oaklandhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/ (https://oaklandhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/)
Special thanks to the Oakland Public Library for assisting the Oakland Historical Society in its efforts and Mr. Schaubach for supporting my research for the podcast.
Sources
South Florida Sun Sentinel, “Gunmen Kill 2, Wound 10 at Crowded Park,” August 5, 1985. Read article (https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1985/08/05/gunmen-kill-2-wound-10-at-crowded-park/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
The New York Times, “Gunmen Slay 2 and Wound 9, Setting Off Panic in Jersey Park,” August 5, 1985. Read article (https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/05/nyregion/gunmen-slay-2-and-wound-9-setting-off-panic-in-jersey-park.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
The New York Times, “3 Are Indicted in Jersey Shootout,” October 20, 1985. Read article (https://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/20/nyregion/3-are-indicted-in-jersey-shootout.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
29 Sept 2026
Oakland at 125 - The Missile Base Nextdoor
Today's episode takes us back to the Cold War, a time where a missile base armed with anti-aircraft missiles with nuclear warheads was built right next to Oakland in Franklin Lakes and Mahwah. The history of the missile base is the story of an era of tension and uncertainty where the threat of nuclear war loomed over Oakland residents.
This podcast was created for the Oakland Historical Society . Learn more about OHS from their official website.
https://oaklandhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/ (https://oaklandhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/)
A special thanks to Jack Goudsward and Erik Schaubach for sharing their perspectives on the missile base and the Cold War.
29 Sept 2026
Oakland at 125 - Oakland's Historic Stone Houses
In this episode we learn the history behind Oakland's historic stone houses. Buildings like the Van Allen House are physical anchors to Oakland's settlement by Europeans, and their history represents how Oakland has evolved as a town.
This podcast was created for the Oakland Historical Society . Learn more about OHS from their official website.
https://oaklandhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/ (https://oaklandhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/)
29 Sept 2026
Oakland at 125 - Oakland's Historic Downtown
Oakland is turning 125 years old in 2027, and in this episode we explore the history behind Oakland's downtown. Between buildings with historic architecture that still stand today, and a Church that has been rebuilt many times throughout its lifetime, Oakland's downtown is full of fascinating history.
This podcast was created for the Oakland Historical Society . Learn more about OHS from their official website.
https://oaklandhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/ (https://oaklandhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/)
A special thank you to the work of Oakland historians Shirley Kern and Kevin Heffernan, as well as the guidance of Erik Schaubach, the President of the Oakland Historical Society.
3 Sept 2026
History Rhymes Ep. 1 - The Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine has once again resurfaced, making its way into headlines after the 2026 US Intervention in Venezuela. But what is the Monroe Doctrine, and how has its history influenced today's world?
Helping us unpack all of this is Mrs. Christine Wallace, a history teacher at Bergen County Academies who teaches the history behind this doctrine to her students.
🎵 Music: “jazzy_lofi” by Alex Morgan
🎵 Music: “smooth coffee” by djartmusic
30 Mar 2026
History Rhymes - Trailer
History doesn’t have to be overwhelming. History Rhymes breaks down complex topics through engaging conversations with expert guests, going beyond names and dates to uncover the meaning behind key events. Each episode connects the past to the present, revealing the forces that continue to shape our world and making history accessible to everyone.
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