Podcast thumbnail for History Told Forward: The Stories That Shape Who We Are

History Told Forward: The Stories That Shape Who We Are

Claim This Podcast

by Donald Dunn

10 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸

Podcast Overview

History Told Forward is a storytelling podcast that looks at the past with an eye toward the present. Through narrative-driven episodes, the show explores historical events, figures, and moments that continue to shape how we live, lead, and make decisions today. Rather than focusing on timelines or trivia, each episode examines the context, consequences, and human choices behind history — revealing patterns, lessons, and perspectives that still matter. History Told Forward is for listeners who want more than facts, and who believe understanding the past is essential to understanding the world we live in now.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

1/4/2026

Reach the team behind History Told Forward: The Stories That Shape Who We Are

Verified contact details for this show aren't on file yet — sign up to get notified when they land.

Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for The Real Problem in American Politics Isn’t Left vs Right — It’s Civic Confusion

March 4, 2026

The Real Problem in American Politics Isn’t Left vs Right — It’s Civic Confusion

<p>Why do so many Americans struggle to understand how their government actually works? In this episode of History Told Forward, host Donald Dunn sits down with Marine Corps veteran and civic educator Carl Abel, founder of <strong>Crayon Box Politics</strong>, to discuss the real issue behind America’s political divide: civic confusion.</p><p>After two decades in the United States Marine Corps, Carl Abel began questioning why even highly trained professionals—including military members—often lack a clear understanding of government systems and civic responsibility. That realization led him to create <strong>Crayon Box Politics</strong> and develop <strong>The Archivist</strong>, a platform designed to make government data easier for everyday Americans to access and understand.</p><p>In this conversation, Dunn and Abel explore leadership failures in both politics and the military, why Americans have slowly given away their political power, and how technology—including AI—may help rebuild civic awareness. They also discuss the dangers of partisan extremes, the importance of informed voters, and why the future of democracy depends on education, transparency, and civic engagement.</p><p>If you’ve ever wondered why politics feels broken—or what ordinary citizens can do to fix it—this episode dives deep into the structural and cultural challenges facing American democracy today</p><p><a href="https://www.crayonboxpolitics.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.crayonboxpolitics.com/</a></p>

Episode thumbnail for John Kiriakou: Whistleblower Inside the CIA’s Torture Program

February 18, 2026

John Kiriakou: Whistleblower Inside the CIA’s Torture Program

<p>What really happens when a government insider decides to speak out?</p><p>In this episode of History Told Forward, former CIA officer <strong>John Kiriakou</strong> shares the story that reshaped his life and ignited a global debate. After spending 15 years inside the Central Intelligence Agency as a Middle East analyst and counterterrorism operative, Kiriakou became the first U.S. official to publicly confirm the CIA’s use of waterboarding and other “enhanced interrogation techniques.”</p><p>The consequences were severe.</p><p>Kiriakou discusses the post-9/11 transformation of the CIA, the realities of intelligence work, the ethics and legality of torture, and the personal cost of becoming a whistleblower. From counterterrorism operations in Pakistan to a federal prison sentence under the Espionage Act, this conversation explores the collision between national security, law, and conscience.</p><p>This episode examines:</p><p>• The CIA’s role after 9/11</p><p> • The origins of the torture program</p><p> • Why torture produces unreliable intelligence</p><p> • The hidden risks faced by whistleblowers</p><p> • Life inside federal prison</p><p> • Government accountability and power</p><p>Whether you’re interested in intelligence agencies, modern American history, ethics in warfare, or the human impact of state secrets, this is a rare firsthand account from the center of one of the most controversial chapters of the War on Terror.</p>

Episode thumbnail for What do New Yorkers really think about Andrew Cuomo, and New York Politics.

February 10, 2026

What do New Yorkers really think about Andrew Cuomo, and New York Politics.

<p>What do New Yorkers really think about Andrew Cuomo, politics, and the culture surrounding power and accountability?</p><p>In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker <strong>Sara Alessandrini</strong>, creator of the documentary miniseries <strong>This Is What New Yorkers Say</strong>, to unpack the real conversations happening on the streets of New York. Filmed over five years, her project captures unfiltered public opinion during and after the controversial tenure of former New York Governor <strong>Andrew Cuomo</strong>.</p><p>Rather than pushing a political agenda, Alessandrini’s work explores the human side of modern politics—examining women’s empowerment, cancel culture, due process, and how public perception collides with media narratives. Through candid interviews with everyday New Yorkers, the series exposes the complexity, contradictions, and emotional weight behind political opinion in one of the most influential cities in the world.</p><p>This conversation dives into the challenges of political filmmaking, the responsibility of storytelling, and why listening—rather than labeling—matters more than ever in today’s polarized climate.</p><p>Takeaways:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Filmmaker Sara Alessandrini explores the intricate intersection of New York politics and personal narratives in her documentary.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>The documentary investigates how the resignation of Andrew Cuomo impacted everyday New Yorkers and their perspectives on governance.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Through Candid Conversations, the series delves into critical issues such as women's empowerment and the implications of cancel culture.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>The project emphasizes the necessity of nuanced dialogue, allowing marginalized voices to be heard beyond mainstream narratives.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Sara's work challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths regarding societal norms and the application of due process.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>The documentary serves as a catalyst for discussions surrounding the complexities of modern political landscapes and social justice movements.</li></ol><br/><p>Links referenced in this episode:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><a href="https://thisiswhatnew Yorkerssay.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thisiswhatnew Yorkerssay.com</a></li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><a href="https://apple tv on demand" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apple tv on demand</a></li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><a href="https://youtube" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">youtube</a></li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><a href="https://zoomo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">zoomo</a></li></ol><br/><p>Companies mentioned in this episode:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Candid Conversations</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Fox</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>CNN</li></ol><br/><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>Build your website today and start reaching Customers</strong></p><p>Contact Barracks Media Today and Schedule your free consultation. https://calendly.com/donalddunn/project-planning</p><p><strong>Lets build a show that will inspire generations!</strong></p><p>Lets build a show that will inspire generations, it starts by scheduling your free consultation call. https://calendly.com/donalddunn/project-planning</p>

10 total episodes available

Deep-dive analytics for History Told Forward: The Stories That Shape Who We Are

Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What is History Told Forward: The Stories That Shape Who We Are?

History Told Forward is a storytelling podcast that looks at the past with an eye toward the present. Through narrative-driven episodes, the show explores historical events, figures, and moments that continue to shape how we live, lead, and make decisions today.

Rather than focusing on timelines or trivia, each episode examines the context, consequences, and human choices behind history — revealing patterns, lessons, and perspectives that still matter.

History Told Forward is for listeners who want more than facts, and who believe understanding the past is essential to understanding the world we live in now.

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

Legal Disclaimer

Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.

All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.

We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.

By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.