Many of the issues facing the world today have long historical roots and everyone from co-workers to politicians seem to have their own version of that history. In the History You Can Use podcast, we cut through all of the boring dates, names, and dry descriptions of the past to give you an accurate and useable understanding of the history behind today’s pressing issues.
Episode 5: Fake News! America's History with Questionable News Media
"Fake news" has agitated for war, smeared political opponents, and stoked tensions within the country... and that's just talking about the role of newspapers before 1850. We've come a long way since then; some things have changed, and some things haven't. What exactly qualifies as "fake news" and how has that term evolved over time?
This episode traces the history of "fake news" in America, from sensational Revolutionary-era reports and partisan 18th-century newspapers to yellow journalism, the rise of investigative muckrakers, and the development of broadcast and cable news.
1 Apr 2026
Episode 4: Tariffs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Why are tariffs such a big political issue? What's the purpose of tariffs and, do they work? What does the Constitution say about tariffs?
Did you know that tariffs had a role in the onset of the American Revolution? How about the fact that they both protected the economy, and caused economic depressions? On more than once occasion, they influenced presidential elections. They also contributed to sectionalism and civil war.
This episode traces the American history with tariffs, their role in shaping the economy, and how they have impacted the politics of the United States.
2 Mar 2026
Episode 3: The Battle to Define America’s Past
Why do people have such conflicting views of American history? What is revisionist history, and why does it have such a bad reputation? And what do we make of this current idea of “patriotic history?”
This episode explores why American history is so hotly debated, contrasting descriptive history (facts of who, what, when, where, and how) with interpretive history (the why), and traces how perspectives—from the Southern Lost Cause to voices of marginalized communities—have shaped the nation's story.
With help from John Wayne, Thomas Jefferson, the Enola Gay, and one of the best historical analogies you'll ever hear, this episode examines revisionism, patriotic history, and the ongoing struggle to balance pride, truth, and lessons from the past.
26 Jan 2026
Episode 2: The United States' Ambivalent Relationship with Foreign Alliances
Has the United States always been so committed to foreign alliances, such as NATO? If not, then when and why did that change and can the U.S. really be neutral on the world stage?
This episode traces the United States' journey from neutrality and strategic economic partnerships to full-scale post–World War II alliances like NATO. Along the way, we confront several key moments you probably remember hearing about at some point, such as the Battle of Yorktown, the Monroe Doctrine, and the Truman Doctrine.
In tracing America's move from isolationist neutrality to the most allied nation in the world, we weigh the costs and benefits of U.S. engagement in alliances today and ask... should the U.S. return to its isolationist roots or is the risk too great?
26 Jan 2026
Episode 1: Christianity and the Founding of the American Republic
Was the United States really founded as a Christian nation? What does the separation of church and state even mean, and what does the Constitution actually say?
To answer these questions we explore colonial religious life, Enlightenment influences, and the debates of the Founding Fathers. Along the way, we meet the original Christian evangelicals, watch a political boxing match unfold in Virginia, and briefly run into pirates in North Africa. Who knew the religious roots of the United States involved so many different stories? In the end, we gain a better understanding of the role of the Christian religion in the founding of the country... and the limits of that influence.
26 Jan 2026
Introduction: What is "History You Can Use?"
Welcome to the "History You Can Use" podcast with Brian Thomas. This episode introduces the podcast’s approach: examining historical facts behind today’s political and social debates with clarity and balance. The host outlines how the show will present evidence, encourage listener judgment, and connect past events to modern issues.
Hosted by a psychologist with a master’s in history and experience in historical publishing and teaching, the podcast promises conversational, accessible episodes that provide the background needed to understand contemporary debates.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
4 ratings
Contact History You Can Use
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of History You Can Use?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
