America: A History
Liam Heffernan
Recent Episodes
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!
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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, creator and host of Christmas Past
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Highlights from this episode:
- The importance of traditions like Santa Claus in family celebrations.
- Brian explains the Christmas Goose.
- Tom reflects on the evolution of Santa Claus in modern holiday culture and media.
- How children's understanding of Santa changes as they grow older.
- The fleeting nature of childhood magic during Christmas celebrations.
- The portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving role.
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie
What's the History of Christmas in America?
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SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map
What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219
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 the world, to tell their story in their own words.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Jody Williams, a Nobel Peace Laureate, who changed international law by founding the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). She is now a founding member of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, and her tireless determination to make the world a better, safer, and more equitable place has had an unfathomable impact on millions.
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Additional Resources:
My Name Is Jody Williams: A Vermont Girl's Winding Path to the Nobel Peace Prize by Jody Williams
Jody Williams – Biographical - NobelPrize.org
Jody Williams: A realistic vision for world peace | TED Talk
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map
What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219
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...
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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/
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Highlights from this episode:
- Comic books have played a significant role in fostering a love for reading among children.
- The accessibility of comic books in the United States was much greater during the speaker's childhood.
- Collecting comics can lead to acquiring valuable editions, but many childhood collections were discarded.
- The comic book market is complex and often confusing, especially regarding the value of certain issues.
- The speaker expresses a desire to own a rare comic called Lobo, known for its historical significance.
- Comic book conventions are places where collectors can search for rare finds and engage with others in the community.
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Additional Resources:
Origins and History
- History of American comics - Wikipedia
- History Of American Comics: From Victorian Roots To The Modern Multimedia Era (Toons Mag)
- American comic book - Wikipedia
- Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois – Wikipedia + Guinness World Records, Guinness World Records: First Comic
- A History of the Comic Book - Random History
Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages
- Comic Book Ages Explained - Biowars
- Silver Age Comics - Comic Buying Center
- The Flash: The Silver Age - Slings & Arrows
- Modern Age of Comic Books - Wikipedia
- 20 Major Comic Events That Shaped Us – GoCollect
Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting
- Why Comic Books Remain Popular Among Collectors - Big News Network
- U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share | Grand View Research
Cross-Media Adaptations
- The Impact of Comic Books on Popular Culture - Comicbooklist.com
- From Pop Art Panels to Record Breaking Blockbusters - The Science Survey
- The Transformation of Comic Books Into Movies - WhatsAfterTheMovie.com
- A Brief History of Comic Book Movies - Springer
Representation and Diversity
Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship
- Julian C. Chambliss – Michigan State University
- Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men – Cambridge Scholars Publishing/Open Library, Open Library
Comics Studies as an Academic Field
- The Oxford Handbook of Comic Book Studies - Oxford University Press, Amazon UK
- The Power of Comics: History, Form & Culture - Duncan & Smith
Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms
- The Rise of Digital Comics: Trends and Technologies - electricomics.net
- The Rise of Webcomics Explained - Toons Mag
- Evolution of Digital Comics and Graphic Novels - EMB Global
Other Notable Reference Titles
- Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright
- Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet
- Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg
- Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan
- The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger
- Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt
- The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map
What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219
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 communities nationwide.
So in this episode, we will explore its origins, cultural impact, and enduring popularity, as I ask… why does America love comic books?
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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 transformed from simple newspaper strips into a significant component of American pop culture, highlighting their incredible evolution and widespread appeal.
- The connection between comic book narratives and societal anxieties reflects the historical context of American culture during significant events, like wars and societal shifts.
- Comic book characters, especially superheroes, serve as symbols of American values, often embodying the ideals of hope, justice, and the fight against tyranny, as seen in figures like Captain America.
- The enduring popularity of comic books can be attributed to their diverse storytelling capabilities, allowing them to transcend genres and reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
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Additional Resources:
Origins and History
- History of American comics - Wikipedia
- History Of American Comics: From Victorian Roots To The Modern Multimedia Era (Toons Mag)
- American comic book - Wikipedia
- Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois – Wikipedia + Guinness World Records, Guinness World Records: First Comic
- A History of the Comic Book - Random History
Golden, Silver, Bronze, and Modern Ages
- Comic Book Ages Explained - Biowars
- Silver Age Comics - Comic Buying Center
- The Flash: The Silver Age - Slings & Arrows
- Modern Age of Comic Books - Wikipedia
- 20 Major Comic Events That Shaped Us – GoCollect
Fandom, Endurance, and Collecting
- Why Comic Books Remain Popular Among Collectors - Big News Network
- U.S. Comic Books Market Size, Share | Grand View Research
Cross-Media Adaptations
- The Impact of Comic Books on Popular Culture - Comicbooklist.com
- From Pop Art Panels to Record Breaking Blockbusters - The Science Survey
- The Transformation of Comic Books Into Movies - WhatsAfterTheMovie.com
- A Brief History of Comic Book Movies - Springer
Representation and Diversity
Julian Chambliss and Comics Scholarship
- Julian C. Chambliss – Michigan State University
- Ages of Heroes, Eras of Men – Cambridge Scholars Publishing/Open Library, Open Library
Comics Studies as an Academic Field
- The Oxford Handbook of Comic Book Studies - Oxford University Press, Amazon UK
- The Power of Comics: History, Form & Culture - Duncan & Smith
Digital Transformation, Webcomics, and New Platforms
- The Rise of Digital Comics: Trends and Technologies - electricomics.net
- The Rise of Webcomics Explained - Toons Mag
- Evolution of Digital Comics and Graphic Novels - EMB Global
Other Notable Reference Titles
- Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America – Bradford W. Wright
- Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books – Jean-Paul Gabilliet
- Seal of Approval. The History of the Comics Code – Amy Kiste Nyberg
- Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre – Peter Coogan
- The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics – Mark Voger
- Baby Boomer Comics: The Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Comic Books of the 1960s! – Craig Shutt
- The Comic Book: The One Essential Guide for Comic Book Fans Everywhere – Paul Sassiene
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map
What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219
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.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Kathleen Cummings, a professor of history and American studies at the University of Notre Dame, with a focus on the history of women, Catholicism and American religion. Her books include A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American.
- John Doughney, a childhood friend of Pope Leo. They attended Catholic school together in Chicago, and he now lives in Texas, running a beautiful stained glass business with his wife.
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Highlights from this episode:
- The Catholic Church's hierarchical structure makes it highly unlikely for women to become priests in the near future, let alone a pope.
- The slow pace of change within the Catholic Church means that any significant reforms will take generations to implement, if they happen at all.
- Pope Leo XIV's past education under female theologians suggests potential for progressive change, but resistance remains strong regarding women's ordination.
- The idea of faith as a justification for values is discussed, emphasizing that goodness is not inherently linked to religious beliefs.
- John's reflections on growing up in a blue-collar family highlight how community and tradition shape individual values and beliefs.
- The conversation touches on the intersection of faith, politics, and morality, urging listeners to reflect on the true essence of serving one's fellow man.
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Additional Resources:
A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American by Kathleen Cummings
'We knew there was something special about him,' says childhood friend of Pope Leo
How a humble Chicago schoolboy Robert Prevost with a veteran father rose to become America's first Pope by the Daily Mail
Pope Leo XIV: Robert Prévost arrived in Chulucanas, Peru in 1985 by the Peru News Agency
Stained Glass by John & Nancy Doughney
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map
What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219