"Daring Mighty Things" | The Panama Canal and American Intervention in Latin America
Over a century ago, the United States blasted its way through a continent in one of the largest engineering projects in world history. The Panama Canal's construction brought with it decades of American involvement in Latin America--the effects of which are still felt today.Join us every Monday as we explore topics in American history leading to our 250th birthday in July and for pop quizzes and "Sketches in History" episodes every Thursday. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
12 Jan 16min
Pop Quiz | Communism vs. Fascism (Repost)
During the holiday break, Jon and Joe wanted to reshare some of their favorite episodes. This episode originally aired on December 14, 2023. New episodes starting this Monday, January 12. __Have an idea for a topic? Want to try and stump Jon? Send it to us at 15minutehistory@gmail.com or submit it to our website at https://www.15minutehistorypodcast.org. We promise not to give him any hints.
8 Jan 11min
Arrows vs. Knights | How England Defied the Odds at Agincourt (Repost)
During the holiday break, Jon and Joe wanted to reshare some of their favorite episodes. This episode originally aired on January 27, 2025. New episodes starting next week!___The Battle of Agincourt, though small by modern standards, stands as a turning point in European history by bringing democracy to the battlefield. Joe takes us through the battle in all its detail and asks whether Henry V's actions proved to be a good idea or a bad one.
5 Jan 15min
Pop Quiz | Answering an Audience Question & The Overton Window (Repost)
During the holiday break, Jon and Joe wanted to reshare some of their favorite episodes. This episode originally aired on June 5, 2025.___In this double pop quiz, Jon answers a question from an audience member and then discusses the Overton Window and how the range of "acceptable" political discourse changes over time.Join us every other week for these pop quizzes during the summer, and comment below with any topics you'd like us to cover!
1 Jan 9min
America's Utopian Mores (Repost)
During the holiday break, Jon and Joe wanted to reshare some of their favorite episodes. This episode originally aired on June 23, 2025.___This season has been about good and bad ideas, and we are concluding with Jon's thoughts on a journey he's been on through early American history. In his 1989 book Albion's Seed, Dr. David Hackett Fischer describes how four groups of English settlers brought utopian ideals to the New World and created the foundations of what became the United States. Jon takes us through these English "folkways" and identifies some good and bad ideas that were part of America's cultural identity and how we still see them today.
29 Des 202516min
Special Christmas Episode | The History of the Nativity (Repost)
The imagery of Jesus' birth has evolved over the century, but its meaning to all humanity remains as simple as ever in this holiday season.Special thanks to my Uncle Matt for giving me the idea for this episode! - JonThis episode originally aired on December 23, 2024.
26 Des 20257min
Low Songs, Holy Songs
In this last episode of 2025, Jon takes us on a journey through time and space to learn the stories of several beloved Christmas carols. We hope you enjoy them, and we look forward to seeing you in January with new episodes, discussions, pop quizzes, and "Sketches in History." Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Music: O Come All Ye Faithful
22 Des 202511min
Pop Quiz | A (Very Incomplete) History Reading List
What are the essential works of history every curious reader should know, and where should someone actually start when diving into them? Join Jon and Joe for the first of many conversations about the timeless texts that shaped civilization.Join us each Thursday for Pop Quizzes and Sketches in History, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
18 Des 20253min
