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
What is the History of Education in America? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:38
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 sch…
BONUS: The Abortion Paradox in America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:52
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…
What is Emancipation? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
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,…
BONUS: Is Calvin Coolidge America's Quietest Overachiever? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:49
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 epis…
Why is Abortion So Controversial in America? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:53
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 Jun…
Who is Calvin Coolidge? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:11
On this day 100 years ago, a Presidential inauguration was broadcast on national radio for the first time. Having inherited the White House from Warren G. Harding three years into his Vice Presidential career, the thirti…
BONUS: Talk Until You Drop - The Wild World of Filibusters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:10
In this bonus episode following the main recording of What is a Filibuster? Liam and special guest Gregory Koger continue their discussion on the history of filibuster's, including its British origins and the role they p…
What Were Native American Boarding Schools? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:26
This week, we’re diving deep into what President Joe Biden called “one of the worst chapters in American history” — the Native American boarding schools.These institutions, which operated for over a century, were designe…