The controversial appointment of Joseph P. Kennedy as US Ambassador to Great Britain on the eve of WWII. Author Susan Ronald argues within two years of his appointment, the legendary Boston tycoon had revealed himself to be a Fascist sympathizer and raging antisemite who misrepresented American foreign policy and disobeyed direct orders from FDR. Host historians Chris Anderson and Rick Beyer welcome Susan Ronald , author of “The Ambassador: Joseph P. Kennedy at the Court of St. James’s, 1938-1940. ” An unflattering appraisal of the legendary Kennedy patriarch's diplomatic star-turn at the start of [...] more

The remarkable patriotism of Japanese American soldiers during WWII. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans had to navigate the complexity of their country being attacked by their ancestral home, virulent racism, and the horror of internment. Despite unimaginable injustice, many young Japanese American men still volunteered to fight for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which became the most decorated unit (for its size and length of service)in US history. Host-historians Chris Anderson and Rick Beyer welcome Daniel James Brown , author of “Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World [...] more

Welcome to Revolution November! Three shows in a row about the American Revolution. This week: a tale you likely have never heard about the lead-up to the famous battles of Lexington and Concord. Discover the secret story of the role played by four stolen cannons. Both Redcoats and Patriots alike had reason to keep this hot take under wraps, and both sides succeeded well enough that the full story has never appeared until now. Host-historians Chris Anderson and Rick Beyer welcome John L. Bell to talk about his new book: “The Road to [...] more