In the Making: Is America About to Strike Iran?

In the Making: Is America About to Strike Iran?

Author: Liam Heffernan January 29, 2026 Duration: 37:40

This week, we're talking about Trump showing signs of cooling on ICE in Minnesota, social media giants feel the pressure, plus Mr. Potato Head finds himself at the center of a legal dispute.

Plus, the US are lining up for a possible strike on Iran, but when will they make their move, and what will this mean for Iran, America, and the world?

All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.

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Special Guest:

This week, we are delighted to be joined by Theo Zenou, Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University. He earned his PhD in American history from Cambridge University and writes for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal UnHerd and others.

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Links to Stories in this Episode:

Donald Trump describes 'very good call' with Tim Walz

Who Was Alex Pretti?

Judge orders ICE chief to appear in court or risk contempt | AP News

Greg Bovino, architect of Trump's immigration sweeps, departs Minneapolis | AP News

Why Rhode Island might ditch its Mr. Potato Head license plates | AP News

TikTok settles just before social media addiction trial to begin - BBC News

Seahawks, Patriots set to meet in Super Bowl rematch - CBS News

Composer Philip Glass drops Kennedy Center world premiere over Trump takeover | Reuters

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

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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
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