BONUS: Houdini, London and the Unpickable Lock

BONUS: Houdini, London and the Unpickable Lock

Author: Liam Heffernan September 6, 2025 Duration: 7:48

This bonus episode delves deeper into the life and performances of the legendary magician Harry Houdini, with a focus on one of his most remarkable feats, at the London Hippodrome, where he was challenges to unpick the world's most unpickable lock.

We explore the buildup to this defining moment, including the public's anticipation and the media's portrayal of Houdini as he faced this daunting challenge.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career.

...

Highlights from this episode:



...

Additional Resources:

WILD ABOUT HARRY

Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox

Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman

...

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?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month

Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/

Brand & advertising enquiries: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?

Email liam@mercurypodcasts.com and let's talk.


Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

America: The Story of the USA
Podcast Episodes
IN THE MAKING: Will the Epstein Scandal Actually Change Anything? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
This week, we're talking about Jeffrey Epstein files, why both sides of the political aisle are uniting and, as the house is set to approve a bill forcing the release of the files in full, could this finally be the begin…
What is the Voting Rights Act? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:59
This week I am discussing one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in US history. Signed during the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, it stands as a monument to the unfinished struggle for democracy.So I wa…
BONUS: Chief Seattle, Cultural Appropriation, and Native Legacies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:41
In this bonus episode, we shed light on the historical significance of Chief Seattle while confronting the challenges of finding credible sources about Native American history. We explore how his voice has been filtered…
Who is Chief Seattle? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:11
This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native Ame…
What is Disney's America... and Why Didn't It Happen? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:17
Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth.Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but l…
BONUS: The Wild World of Disney Adults [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:52
In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides.What are yours?Email america@podcastsbyliam.com with your opinions, or leave…
Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has r…
BONUS: Cultural Appropriation or Recognition? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:56
In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten.This foll…
Who is Pocahontas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:46
The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla To…
BONUS: Why Did the Amish Leave Europe? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:26
This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity.So in this…