America: A History

Ever wondered what American schools really look like beyond the glossy TV portrayals? Well, grab your backpack because we’re diving deep into the quirky, complex world of the U.S. education system!

From the early dame schools of the 1600s to the well-oiled machinery of today’s public school system, our guest gives us the lowdown on how American education evolved. We chat about how local communities shaped schools, the rise of the federal government’s influence, and the tug of war between state and federal control.

What’s the deal with that 10% of funding from Uncle Sam? And why do folks cling to local control like it's the last slice of pizza at a party? Spoiler alert: it’s all about community identity!

And let’s not forget the elephant in the room—why does the U.S. rank 31st in education compared to other countries? We dig into how local pride can sometimes blind us to the need for improvement.

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Jonathan Zimmerman, a Professor of History of Education at the University of Pennsylvannia, and has a particular interest in how political and social movements shape education. He has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic and others.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• The American education system has evolved significantly since colonial times, with local communities playing a crucial role in shaping schools.
• Federal involvement in education really kicked off with the establishment of the Department of Education under Jimmy Carter in the late 1970s.
• Local control of schools can empower communities but may also lead to significant disparities in education quality across the country.
• The No Child Left Behind Act mandated testing and accountability, but its execution often led to absurd outcomes, like inflated proficiency rates in certain states.
• Extracurricular activities, from sports to drama clubs, are seen as integral to the American schooling experience and can enhance deeper learning.
• American schools are not just about academics; they're community hubs where various social functions and services come together.

...

Additional Resources:

In this special bonus episode, Professor Rebecca Fraser and Rev. Caleb Lines stick around for a chat following the main episode, Why is Abortion So Controversial in America, which you can listen to in full right now.

They discuss the interesting contradiction in states largely voting for reproductive rights on the same day they re-elect Trump to the White House.

Plus, Caleb discusses how he balances his life as a clergyman with his newfound fame as a social media influencer.

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America.
• Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• In the podcast, we explored the surprising contradiction between political trends and voter preferences regarding reproductive rights in America.
• Despite the election of a conservative president, many voters actually supported measures to protect reproductive rights in various states.
• The discussion highlighted how generational perspectives on reproductive rights can influence voting behavior and community support systems.
• It's essential to recognize that people's daily struggles, like paying rent, often overshadow their concerns about abortion rights and reproductive health.
• We also touched on the importance of women's networks in supporting reproductive choices and how these networks can empower future generations.
• Lastly, we discussed how the rhetoric surrounding reproductive health often conflicts with the actual beliefs of the majority of people in the country.

...

Additional Resources:

This week, we're diving into one of the biggest game-changers in American history: the Emancipation Proclamation.

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared all enslaved people in rebellious states to be free, and while it sounds like a happy ending, the reality is a whole lot more complicated. After all, emancipation and freedom are two very different things.

So what does it actually mean? What were the implications? And what really changed? In this episode, I’m going to find out… what is emancipation?

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Bennett Parten, an Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, and the author of ‘Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation’

...

Highlights from this episode:

• On New Year's Day in 1863, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for enslaved people in rebellious states, a pivotal moment in American history.
• Emancipation was not a singular event but evolved through various stages during the Civil War, starting with acts of Congress in 1861 and culminating in the 13th Amendment.
• While emancipation legally freed enslaved individuals, the actual meaning of freedom was complex and continued to evolve during Reconstruction and beyond.
• Lincoln's decision to emancipate slaves was as much about strategic war efforts against the Confederacy as it was about moral advocacy for human rights.

...

Additional Resources:

Today, we're discussing President Calvin Coolidge a little more and why his general mid-table ranking among Presidents might be a harsh reflection of his success as America's 30th President.

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Amity Shlaes, the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Coolidge, a full-length biography of the thirtieth president. She now chairs the board of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, a national foundation based at the birthplace of President Coolidge.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• Calvin Coolidge, often overlooked in history classes, was a surprisingly impactful president who deserves more recognition.
• Despite the challenges of his time, Coolidge successfully stabilized the economy and fostered growth through his deliberate policies.
• Coolidge's immigration stance was complex; he supported restrictions but was not motivated by bigotry, which was quite progressive for his era.
• The podcast discusses how presidential rankings can be misleading, as one president's rise often means another's fall in public perception.

...

Additional Resources:

This week, as one of the most conservative administrations in recent times settle into the White House, concern grows on the left around what this means for reproductive rights. The overturning of Roe v Wade, back in June 2022, was a seismic decision by the Supreme Court, and one that has made abortion one of the most important and divisive issues in the United States, but why?

I’m joined by the brilliant Rebecca Fraser, a historian with a keen focus on gender and race, and the insightful Reverend Caleb Lines, who’s made waves on social media for his candid takes on such hot-button topics. Together, we’ll explore the historical context of abortion, the tangled relationship between politics and religion, and how these factors shape current debates.

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Rebecca Fraser, a professor of American history and culture at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on discourses of gender, race, and sexuality, particularly in 19th century America.
• Rev. Caleb Lines, the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in San Diego, the Co-Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org, and the Co-Host for The Moonshine Jesus Show.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• The recent political climate has intensified concerns about reproductive rights in America, especially after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
• Understanding the historical context of abortion reveals that it's been a contentious issue influenced by various social and political factors over the decades.
• The podcast dives into how different interpretations of Christianity shape attitudes towards abortion, highlighting the clash between progressive and fundamentalist views.
• Economic factors play a crucial role in the abortion debate, as many women seeking abortions do so due to financial constraints and lack of support for raising children.
• The episode emphasizes that pro-choice advocates are not pro-abortion; they advocate for women's right to choose based on individual circumstances and needs.
• The conversation touches on the intersection of patriarchy and reproductive rights, questioning whether abortion would be as controversial if it primarily affected men.

...

Additional Resources: