Listener Favorites
Not sure where to begin? Take a listen to some fan favorites.
310
Jan. 3, 2026
Welcome to the Gilded Age: Wealth, Upheaval, and Reinvention
The Gilded Age began as the United States marked the 100th anniversary of independence, entering an era of rapid industrial growth and profound social change. This introductory episode sets the stage for what you can expect in my coverage of the Gilded Age, exploring how new technologies, expanding railroads, and rising industrial power transformed everyday life. Learn how as wealth accumulated at the top and economic inequality widened workers organized and demanded better and safer working
320
Feb. 21, 2026
The Exodusters: The Great Migration You Haven’t Heard About
Before the Great Migration, there was a smaller, yet just as important emigration of Black Americans out of the South. For several months in 1879, thousands of freedmen and their families headed for Kansas, hoping to create a better life for themselves and establish a better future for the children. Learn about the motivation behind this exodus and why it sparked a Senate investigation. Support the show
280
Aug. 9, 2025
Axes, Activism, and Abstinence: The WCTU and the Fight for Temperance
The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was one of the most powerful reform organizations of the 19th century, but its story goes far beyond banning booze. Sit down with me as I dive into the WTCU's origins, its wide-ranging activism, and the influential women who helped shape its legacy. From the moral crusades of Frances Willard and her ambitious "Do Everything" policy to the saloon-smashing spectacle of Carrie Nation, learn how temperance became a launchpad for broader social change, includ
Recent Episodes
368
Sept. 15, 2026
Complex Founders: Jim Rasenberger on A Perfect Coincidence
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are two of the most notable men of the founding era - as is their complicated and occasionally fraught relationship. Join me as I sit down with Jim Rasenberger to discuss his latest book A Perfect Coincidence which explores their friendship, political differences, and what lessons we can learn from their reconciliation. To learn more about Jim, check out his website: jimrasenberger.com To grab your copy of A Perfect Coincidence, consider shopping at my affiliate
367
Sept. 12, 2026
Lawless Legends: Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday & the Shootout at the OK Corral
The gunfight at the OK Corral remains one of the most iconic moments of the American West, a whirlwind of chaos that lasted less than a minute but has echoed through history. Learn what led to the fight, why Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday were in Tombstone to begin with, and how the battle scarred Earp for the remainder of his days. If all you know about the shootout is what Hollywood showed you, listen up - you're in for a wild ride. Support the show
366
Sept. 8, 2026
Community History: Jason Green on Too Precious to Lose
How many of us make time? Join me as I sit with Jason Green to discuss his book Too Precious to Lose, which intertwines memoir and oral history to explore the rich history of a Black community in Maryland. He shares the importance of community, the richness uncovered in oral histories, and how preserving history is a collective responsibility. Green reflects on pivotal moments in his family's history and how these experiences connect to broader themes of hope, responsibility, and the significanc
365
Sept. 5, 2026
The American Westerner: Wild Bill Hickok
James "Wild Bill" Hickok is a figure who embodies the spirit of the American frontier. His adventures, often dramatized in tales and folk songs, paint a vivid picture of a man who was both a hero and an outlaw. Tune in this week to learn about the man behind the legend and join me as I explore the life of Wild Bill Hickok; from his early days in Illinois to his rise as a frontier icon and his tragic end in Deadwood. Discover how his story shaped the myth of the American West and the truths behin
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About the Host
Alycia
Host
Alycia has a master's degree in History from Sonoma State University where she researched women, labor, and welfare bureaucracies. She fell in love with history at a young age when her teacher, Mr. Lamb, pointed out the beautiful flaws found throughout our past. She believes history is fun and engaging - if told the right way.
When not creating new episodes for the podcast she enjoys traveling with her husband, running to 90's hip hop and planning her next Disneyland adventure.