IN THE MAKING: They Don't Know What the F*ck They're Doing

IN THE MAKING: They Don't Know What the F*ck They're Doing

Author: Liam Heffernan June 26, 2025 Duration: 38:24

In our latest review of US news and headlines, we discuss Trump's high stakes gamble in the Middle East... and it seemingly paying off. But was this luck or judgment?

Plus, we also take a look at the recent New York Mayoral primary, where up-and-comer democrat Zohran Mamdani beat former a state governor to the nomination. What does this tell us about the democrats and the fractures within the party?

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics at the University of East Anglia

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of American politics, especially how Trump's unpredictable style has led to significant shifts in both domestic and foreign policies.
  • Listeners will learn about the ongoing U.S. involvement in conflicts like those between Israel and Iran, and how this situation demands careful examination and nuanced conversation.
  • We discuss the fractures within the Democratic Party, highlighting the tension between moderate and progressive factions, and how that shapes their future strategies.
  • Our hosts share their thoughts on the impact of Trump's presidency and how it has forever changed the landscape of American politics, leaving a lasting imprint for generations to come.
  • The episode emphasizes the necessity for Democrats to define their identity moving forward, especially as the political landscape shifts with new leaders emerging.
  • We wrap up with a light-hearted reminder that the world of politics is ever-evolving, and there's always more to chat about, so stay tuned for our next episode.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

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 Was the California Gold Rush? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:07
On this day in 1848, the New York Herald published an article that would change America forever.They reported on a man named James Marshall who, while building a saw mill in California, just outside what we now know as S…
BONUS: Why Didn't Nixon Destroy the Watergate Tapes? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:49
In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon, discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation…
Who is the Emperor of the United States of America? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:31
On this day in 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties.Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and…
BONUS: Hoagies, Grammar Police, and Momphoria [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:43
In this bonus episode, linguistics professor Valerie Fridland discusses her favourite American accents, invents a new slang word, and chats with Liam about some of the everyday differences between American and English...…
IN THE MAKING: Can Donald Trump Run for President in 2028? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:29
The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why ch…
Why Did President Richard Nixon Resign? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:53
This week marks the 51st anniversary of a truly unique event in American history. The one and only time a President left the White House by choice. Not due to death or the 22nd amendment, but resignation. Never before an…
IN THE MAKING: Comparing the Epstein Files to Nixon's Watergate Tapes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:06
Liam here, and in this impromptu edition of America: A History in the Making, I look into the parallels between the Nixon administration's Watergate scandal and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files, disc…
Why Do Americans Speak Differently? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:52
This week we are talking about talking.The United States of America is a diverse country - geographically, demographically, and culturally, where every state has its own unique sense of identity. And a big part of that i…
BONUS: Why Isn't Frances Perkins a Household Name? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:53
Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, was a powerhouse in American politics, yet her legacy often flies under the radar.In this bonus discussion, we get into why Perkins isn't as well-remember…