5 Podcasts That Will Teach You About American History

July 4th is coming up, and whether you’re planning a huge barbecue, checking out the nearest fireworks display, or simply seeking refuge in the cool embrace of air conditioning, it might be a good time to brush up on your knowledge of American history. (After all, it's been a while since those A.P. U.S. History days). Honor the triumphs and acknowledge the challenges of our nation with these thought-provoking podcasts that offer profound insights and delve deep into the rich tapestry of United States history.

This American President

Episode length: 15-60 minutes
Episode cadence: Mondays

In this podcast, host Richard Lim and guests take deep dives into American presidents and their leadership styles. Recent series on This American President include one on “progressive presidents” like Woodrow Wilson, and one-off episodes about “improbable presidents” like Gerald Ford. Whether you know the name of every president or can only remember a few, this one’s for you.

Perfect for: people who can list every POTUS in order

The American History Podcast

Episode length: 30 minutes
Episode cadence: Inconsistent

Every season of The American History Podcast focuses on a different era in the country’s history, with its most recent one focusing on China during World War II, and a previous one concerning the Guadalcanal Campaign. If you need a break from the heavier topics, though, there are a lot of bonus episodes with historians and experts, like author Scott Horton (The War on Terror) or historian Katherine C. Mooney.

Perfect for: fans of more niche, less-discussed history

American History Tellers

Episode length: 45 minutes
Episode cadence: Wednesdays

Hosted by Lindsay Graham — no, not the Senator — American History Tellers is another deep dive podcast that investigates different periods of turmoil and discord in America. Whether Graham is covering the Reconstruction Era, the Boston Molasses Disaster, or the origin of farmer’s unions, he finds a way to tie the topic to modern-day American politics and struggles. One recent standout? A multi-episode arc about how Hawaii gained its statehood.

Perfect for: listeners who want to hear how history still connects to our present

American Scandal

Episode length: 30-45 minutes
Episode cadence: Tuesdays

Want your American history with a side of juicy gossip? American Scandal is perfect for you. Also hosted by the Lindsay Graham, this podcast hones in on some of the biggest and most controversial scandals in American history, including the creation of the opioid crisis, the “kids for cash” kickback scheme orchestrated by judges, and America’s coup overseas in Iran.

Perfect for: those curious about the dark underbelly of America

Slow Burn

Episode length: 60 minutes
Episode cadence: 2 episodes every Wednesday

The current season of Slow Burn, hosted by Joel Anderson, focuses on the entire life and career of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, with previous seasons letting listeners learn about the history of Roe v. Wade and the Rodney King riots in L.A. Looking for longform seasons on things you should definitely know more about? Check out Slow Burn.

Perfect for: listeners who want to focus on one topic at a time