America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, The Rules of American Football - a brief history of the game, and everything you need to know, to understand what the heck is going on! . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand...
Feb 06, 2026•4 min•Ep. 136
This week, we're talking about the DOJ's release of three million documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein, and Trump's suggestion of nationalising elections. Plus Sanam Naraghi Anderlini MBE discusses growing tension in the middle east, as the US and Iran inch ever closer to conflict. All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guests: Clodagh Harrington from University College Cork. She is also host of the wonderful podcast A Chicken in Every Pot alongsi...
Feb 04, 2026•54 min•Ep. 152
Set in the forests of upstate New York during the French and Indian War, James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel has become one of the most enduring works of early American literature. It helped define the frontier myth, shaped American ideas about Native peoples, and influenced generations of writers, filmmakers, and cultural storytellers. Today, as we mark its 200th anniversary, we explore its themes, its historical context, and its complicated legacy. So in this episode, I’m asking… what is The La...
Feb 03, 2026•55 min•Ep. 134
America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, A Brief History of the 50 States . I’ll explain how the United States grew from the 13 original states into the 50 states we have today, explaining the legal process of admission, major land acquisitions, political forces that shaped statehood, and the final additions of Alaska and Hawaii. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patre...
Jan 30, 2026•5 min•Ep. 133
This week, we're talking about Trump showing signs of cooling on ICE in Minnesota, social media giants feel the pressure, plus Mr. Potato Head finds himself at the center of a legal dispute. Plus, the US are lining up for a possible strike on Iran, but when will they make their move, and what will this mean for Iran, America, and the world? All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by Theo Zenou, Visitin...
Jan 29, 2026•39 min•Ep. 132
This week, we explore what is arguably the most consequential event in the creation of the United States, reshaping the Western world by enshrining new concepts of liberty, equality, and self-governance. So I want to know what really caused it, why people risked their lives for it, and how are modern day debates about power, justice and identity still shaped by it, as I ask… what is the American Revolutionary War? ... Special guest for this episode: Liz Covart , the award-winning creator and hos...
Jan 27, 2026•58 min•Ep. 131
America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask. This week, US time zones: what they are, why they exist, and a few quick tips so you don’t miss a lecture (or a podcast recording) ever again. . Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/ Brand &am...
Jan 23, 2026•5 min•Ep. 130
This week, on America: In the Making … Will Greenland be the death of the UK-US special relationship? AI-generated confusion after Monkeys escape a zoo in Missouri, and One small step for Congress, one giant leap for mankind. I speak to Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, about Trump’s failed efforts to decimate the NASA budget. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by Emma Long, an Associate Professor in American History and Politics at the Universi...
Jan 22, 2026•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 129
Today, we turn our focus to a figure who remains as enigmatic as he is iconic. Ascending to the presidency at one of the tensest moments in American and world history, he energized a nation with his call for a “New Frontier,” navigated the shoals of the Cold War, and inspired Americans with his vision for space and civil rights. Yet behind his polished image lay personal struggles, political obstacles, and a legacy marked as much by tragedy as by promise. So in this episode, on the anniversary o...
Jan 20, 2026•1 hr•Ep. 128
In July 2023, I launched a bit of a passion project, with my old lecturers at the University of East Anglia. America: A History was born. But a lot has changed in two and half years. And we thought it was about time we did too... Introducing, America: The Story of the USA, in partnership with the British Association for American Studies. Returns 19th January. ... Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50%...
Jan 08, 2026•5 min
The tree is up, the lights are on, and the presents are (probably) wrapped. Only two more sleeps until the day when sacred, family-oriented togetherness merges with ruthless consumer culture… or, as it’s more commonly known, Christmas. So in this episode we’re going to dive into the murky, tinsel-covered contradiction of the holiday season, as I ask… is Capitalism killing Christmas? ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith , Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Di...
Dec 23, 2025•39 min•Ep. 127
In our last bonus episode of the year, I wanted to share some episodes that can get you through the holiday season, linked below, and give you a little tease of what's to come in 2026. Spoiler alert: we are going bigger, better and bolder than ever before, so follow the podcast right now and be part of something mega! ... And if you like this episode, you might also love: Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? What is Disney's America? Why is Santa So American? I Am... Jody Williams ... Cont...
Dec 20, 2025•7 min
Last year, I asked ‘Who is Santa Claus?’ We discussed the origins and early incarnations of the figure we now understand to be Santa through a more global lens. So this year, I want to continue this conversation, but look specifically at how he became America’s poster boy for Christmas, and why this could be challenged in future, as I ask… why is Santa so American? ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith , a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of the Ne...
Dec 16, 2025•47 min•Ep. 126
In this special festive bonus episode, Liam & guests discuss their own personal Christmas traditions, their favourite screen Santa Claus and what, if anything, we would change or add to the myth of Santa. Happy holidays everyone! ... Special guest for this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman . Brian Earl, crea...
Dec 13, 2025•12 min•Ep. 125
This edition of the podcast is a very special one. Firstly, it’s our 100th main episode, which is astonishing, so I want to thank everyone who has played any part in making this podcast - from everyone at UEA and behind the scenes to every guest who has donated their time and expertise. This genuinely would not have been possible without all of you. On which note, today also marks the first of our ‘I Am…’ series, where we are joined by someone who has made an indelible mark on America, if not th...
Dec 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 125
In this bonus episode, comic book expert Julian Chambliss sticks around to discuss his own childhood comic book collection, and reveals the one rare comic book he wishes he could find... ... Special guest for this episode: Julian Chambliss , a Professor of English at Michigan State University, whose research focuses on race, culture, and power in real and imagined spaces, with a particular interest in comic book history/ ... Highlights from this episode: Comic books have played a significant rol...
Dec 06, 2025•8 min
Comic books are woven into the fabric of American pop culture, evolving from humble newspaper strips to a multi billion dollar industry. Their stories have inspired hope during wars, reflected societal anxieties during culture shifts, and consistently adapted to embrace new technologies and audiences. Today, comic book heroes and genres remain vibrant symbols of American imagination and reinvention, their influence reaching well beyond the printed page to movies, fashion, digital art, and fandom...
Dec 02, 2025•52 min•Ep. 124
In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the intriguing question of whether a woman could ever become pope. Plus, we discuss the current hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church and the significant barriers women face in being ordained. We also come back to the goodness that Pope Leo XIV seems to embody, suggesting that regardless of religious titles, it's the inherent kindness that truly matters. ... Special guest for this episode: Kathleen Cummings , a professor of history and American ...
Nov 29, 2025•15 min
From the heart of Chicago’s South Side to the highest office in the Catholic Church, the journey of Robert Provost is as improbable as it is inspiring. So in today’s episode, we’re exploring the life, legacy, and cultural significance of the first American Pope. From his early years in Illinois, via his transformative missionary work in Peru, all the way to the papacy, this is a story that both reflects and reshapes the American Catholic experience. So… who is Pope Leo XIV? ... Special guest for...
Nov 25, 2025•40 min•Ep. 123
In this special bonus episode, we learn about Fannie Lou Hamer, an activist and one of the lesser known heroes of the civil rights movement, who championed for voter equality in the US, and risked her own safety for justice. ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant , an Associate Professor of International History at the University of East Anglia. He is an expert on twentieth century United States, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism. ... Highlights from this ...
Nov 22, 2025•5 min
This week, we're talking about Jeffrey Epstein files, why both sides of the political aisle are uniting and, as the house is set to approve a bill forcing the release of the files in full, could this finally be the beginning of the end for President Trump and the MAGA era? All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making. . Special Guest: This week, we are delighted to be joined by friend of the show Alyssa Royse, a business owner from Seattle, who talks to us about he...
Nov 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 122
This week I am discussing one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in US history. Signed during the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, it stands as a monument to the unfinished struggle for democracy. So I want to go beyond the legal text, and peel back the layers of history, injustice, activism, and resilience that not just made it possible, but continue to define its relevance, as I ask… what is the Voting Rights Act? ... Special guest for this episode: Nicholas Grant , an Associa...
Nov 18, 2025•44 min•Ep. 121
In this bonus episode, we shed light on the historical significance of Chief Seattle while confronting the challenges of finding credible sources about Native American history. We explore how his voice has been filtered through settler perspectives, creating a shadowy figure in the archives, and discuss the cultural appropriation that often distorts Indigenous narratives. As we navigate through the noise that surrounds Chief Seattle, we aim to uncover the real stories of Indigenous history, part...
Nov 15, 2025•13 min
This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native American rights culminated in a speech that would go down in history, and ultimately lead to his legacy as the namesake for what is now one of the most famous cities in the world. So in this episode, I want to know… who is Chief Seattle? ... Special guest for this episode: Coll Thru...
Nov 11, 2025•39 min•Ep. 120
Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth. Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but less than a year after being announced, it was scrapped. But why? What was so different about this park compared to others? What was the public reaction? And when Disney was able to launch other parks, even cruise ships, and anything else it wanted, what went so spectacularly wro...
Nov 04, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 119
In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides. What are yours? Email america@podcastsbyliam.com with your opinions, or leave a comment on Spotify and you might be featured on the show next week. ... Special guest for this episode: Sabrina Mittermeier , a research associate at the University of Kassel following a PhD in American Cultural History, with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultu...
Nov 01, 2025•12 min
When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has raked in hundreds of billions of dollars. But have you ever stopped to wonder what fuels this enduring love affair with Disney? In this episode, we explore the cultural significance of Disneyland: its roots, its innovative beginnings, and how it has shaped family entertainment. An...
Oct 28, 2025•53 min•Ep. 118
In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten. This follows on from our previous episode, Who is Pocahontas? as we continue our discussions on Native American culture and history. ... Special guest for this episode: Camilla Townsend , the author of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma . She is also a Distinguished Professor of History...
Oct 25, 2025•8 min
The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla Townsend of Rutgers University. We begin by examining Pocahontas's early life, born in the late 1590s to Powhatan, the chief of a confederacy of tribes in Virginia. While Pocahontas was indeed the daughter of a powerful leader, she was not a princess in the conventional sense. Her ...
Oct 21, 2025•42 min•Ep. 117
This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity. So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish? ... Special guest for this episode: Steven Nolt , a professor of history and Anabaptist studies and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pie...
Oct 18, 2025•12 min
