Throughline

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Throughline is a time machine. Each episode, we travel beyond the headlines to answer the question, "How did we get here?" We use sound and stories to bring history to life and put you into the middle of it. From ancient civilizations to forgotten figures, we take you directly to the moments that shaped our world. Throughline is hosted by Peabody Award-winning journalists Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei.

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Episodes

California's 'Bum Blockade'

The story of the Los Angeles police chief who, faced with one of the largest internal migrations in American history, tried to close California's borders to stop it. To access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...

May 08, 2025•52 min

Motherhood

This episode of Throughline explores the myths surrounding motherhood, including the maternal instinct, the welfare queen, and the doting housewife. It delves into the historical and economic factors that have shaped these myths, featuring the stories of activists like Johnnie Tillman and Silvia Federici, who fought for a more generous vision of family, labor, and care. The episode challenges societal expectations of mothers and advocates for recognizing and valuing care work.

May 01, 2025•51 min•Ep. 340

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