Podcast thumbnail for History You Can Use

History You Can Use

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by Brian Thomas

4.3(4 reviews)
6 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸

Podcast Overview

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.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

1/26/2026

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for Episode 5: Fake News! America's History with Questionable News Media

May 1, 2026

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.

Episode thumbnail for Episode 4: Tariffs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

April 1, 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.

Episode thumbnail for Episode 3: The Battle to Define America’s Past

March 2, 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.

6 total episodes available

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Frequently asked questions

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What is History You Can Use?

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.

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?

No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.

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