Welcome to Innovative History, a podcast that explores new directions in historical research and storytelling. Innovative History is hosted by Fulton Bryant-Anderson and Mike Halvorson, two historians at Pacific Lutheran University. Together, the team investigates the most creative approaches to teaching and learning history, including using video games to study the past, musicians as agents of historical change, and the impact of new technologies on research. For more information, visit https://innovativehistory.org/.
S3 | E2: Tolkien's secret sauce: World building and History
Mike and Fulton are joined by music director Felix Halvorson to discuss the history, literature, and music behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. How can a deeper understanding of Tolkien’s innovative methods and experience as a soldier contribute to our enjoyment of medieval history, fantasy writing, and role-playing games? Original music and commentary by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/
2 Oct 2023
S3 | E1: What is innovative about capitalism?
Mike and Fulton are joined by PLU faculty member Rebekah Mergenthal to discuss the history of capitalism in the U.S. and the History department’s approach to the study of economic history, corporations, workers, and consumers. Featured books: Glory Liu’s Adam Smith’s America and Marcia Chatelain’s Franchise: The Golden Arches in America. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/
2 Oct 2023
What is innovative history?
Welcome to Innovative History, a podcast that puts history in motion and charts new directions in historical research and teaching. Join Fulton and Dr. Mike for each fascinating episode as they discuss how new technologies influence our understanding of the past, the secret world of video games, the alt music scene, and more! Visit https://innovativehistory.org/ for the details.
5 Sept 2023
S3 | E4: Comics as History & Community Building in Northern Ireland Pt. 2
Fulton is joined by comic book writer and producer Danny McLaughlin of Revolve Comics in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland. McLaughlin describes his innovative storytelling process, including how he uses history and art to produce creative works for education and socially-beneficial causes. Recorded in three parts. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/
5 Sept 2023
S3 | E3: Comics as History & Community Building in Northern Ireland Pt. 1
Fulton is joined by comic book writer and producer Danny McLaughlin of Revolve Comics in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland. McLaughlin describes his innovative storytelling process, including how he uses history and art to produce creative works for education and socially-beneficial causes. Recorded in three parts. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/
5 Sept 2023
S3 | E5: Comics as History & Community Building in Northern Ireland Pt. 3
Fulton is joined by comic book writer and producer Danny McLaughlin of Revolve Comics in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland. McLaughlin describes his innovative storytelling process, including how he uses history and art to produce creative works for education and socially-beneficial causes. Recorded in three parts. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/
12 Oct 2022
S2 | E3: Historians in the archives
Mike and Fulton enter the depths of ancient and modern archives. They discuss the goals of archival research and practical advice from their experiences in Europe and the United States. Fulton reviews an internship at the City of Lacey researching Nat and Thelma Jackson. Mike reflects on his time at the Herzog August Bibliothek in Germany and the hidden mysteries he uncovered. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/.
7 Oct 2022
S2 | E2: What are automobiles to society?
Mike and Fulton return to their roots by discussing a selection of fascinating transportation technologies in American culture and society. The hosts explore the development of early automobiles, challenges and mishaps for drivers, and the unintended consequences of cars. Henry Ford, Clyde Barrow, and the power trio "Rush" make exciting appearances. Hop-in and cruise down 101 with Mike and Fulton! Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/ and to se...
3 Oct 2022
S2 | E1: How do students study video games?
Mike and Fulton are joined by PLU students Coley Query and Jevan Wilksey to discuss video games and their use in historical storytelling. The group completed projects in Mike's History capstone class on the history of business and technology, media studies, and storytelling via video games and augmented reality. Featured titles: Hades, Call of Duty, Pokemon Go, and several indie games. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/.
30 Sept 2022
Welcome to Season 2
Mike and Fulton return for Season 2 of Innovative History. The two explore new directions in historical research with a trip to the archives, reflections on automobile history, and a discussion with other history students about how video games are transforming historical storytelling. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/.
3 Oct 2021
S1 | E5: This is not a test - reflections on history
Fulton and Mike wrap up the first season of Innovative History and reflect on their search for creative ways to study the past. Mike describes life in the classroom and Fulton prepares for a new semester. See what the hosts have in store for Season 2! Learn more about the series and suggest topics for future episodes at https://innovativehistory.org/.
2 Oct 2021
S1 | E4: Exploring the Western Genre with Red Dead Redemption
Can virtual worlds increase our understanding of history? In this episode, Fulton and Mike tackle Rockstar Games’ bestselling video game series Red Dead and it’s relation to the history and culture of the Old West. Mike shares his experience teaching a new history course about video games. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/.
30 Sept 2021
S1 | E3: Are video games as violent as the past?
Episode 3: Video games are now played by two-thirds of the American population, including the majority of high school and college students. When young people study the past, they bring their knowledge of gaming with them, including popular titles that depict medieval warfare, the Old West, World War II, and more. Fulton and Mike analyze video game violence and how it influences our understanding of the past. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/.
25 Sept 2021
S1 | E2: How do musicians influence history?
What would happen if historians put music and musicians at the center of their analysis when interpreting the past? Tune in this week as Fulton and Mike explore music as a vibrant, living historical source. The team surveys a range of musical material--from the chant of medieval monks to the protest songs of Canadian singer-songwriter Willie Dunn. Guest Felix Halvorson introduces Dunn’s Half Breed Blues (1971). To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/.
18 Sept 2021
S1 | E1: Cultural History & L.A. Noire
In our first episode, Fulton and Mike discuss using historical video games as a source of inspiration for college students. Learn about the newest trends in teaching cultural history and how games like L.A. Noire are influencing the way we explore the past. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/.
16 Sept 2021
Promo 1: Cultural History & L.A. Noire
In our first episode, Fulton and Mike discuss using historical video games as a source of inspiration for college students. Learn about the newest trends in cultural history and how games like L.A. Noire are influencing the way we explore the past. Original music by Felix Halvorson. To learn more, visit https://innovativehistory.org/.
14 Sept 2021
Episode 0: Project Background
Learn more about the hosts of Innovative History, Fulton Bryant-Anderson and Dr. Mike Halvorson. The team explores new directions in historical research and teaching through media such as video games, roots music, and emerging technologies. Check back for new episodes at https://innovativehistory.org/.
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