IN THE MAKING: Trump Deploys the National Guard in Chicago and Dolly Parton is NOT Dead

IN THE MAKING: Trump Deploys the National Guard in Chicago and Dolly Parton is NOT Dead

Author: Liam Heffernan October 9, 2025 Duration: 35:56

This week, we're talking about Donald Trump expanding his deployment of the National Guard to Chicago, the Federal shutdown enters its second week with little optimism over a resolution, and a Mississippi golf course gets an unexpected visitor.

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

.

Special Guest:

Alyssa Royse, the owner of Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle, who is deeply passionate about fighting to preserve a fair and equal democracy in the US.

.

Featured in this episode:

Treasury Department Considers Minting a $1 Trump Coin: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/03/treasury-department-trump-dollar-coin-00593368 

The shutdown continues: https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-federal-workers-pay-health-care-415768faa14b4e54525d5e6d18ac97b4 

Shutdown affects US airports: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx27z97ryr0o 

Dolly Parton is not dying: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15172709/Dolly-Parton-sets-record-straight-health-issues-sister-concern-prayers.html 

The National Guard Rollout: https://apnews.com/article/immigration-chicago-portland-memphis-trump-arrests-b36199b00e0511e687c10fa83fd838b5 

Alligator on the Golf Course: https://apnews.com/article/vince-whaley-alligator-sanderson-farms-pga-tour-950794673062998659bc76ecd7c92f72

.

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

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

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


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 Chinese Exclusion Act? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:45
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 stands as a pivotal moment in American immigration history, marking the first time in U.S. history that a law was enacted to prohibit immigration based on race or ethnicity.This episode…
BONUS: What Really Keeps the White House Running? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:09
In this special, unfiltered bonus episode, you get a little sneak peak behind the curtain of how America: A History is made, which is fitting as we're also going backstage at the White House to find out what actually kee…
Who is Frances Perkins? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:09
This week, we are shining a light on one of the most influential women in 20th century America. She was the first woman to serve in a cabinet position in the US government, and her efforts to support Jewish refugees duri…
BONUS: Gems of Vegas - Where to Find Fun Beyond the Bright Lights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:02
Get ready for a whirlwind chat about Las Vegas, where we dive deeper into some hidden gems and local favorites that’ll make your next trip a blast!I’m hanging out with the fabulous Professor Michael Green from UNLV, who…
What is the White House? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:53
We’re diving into one of the most iconic buildings in the world—yep, you guessed it, the White House!This week, we’re unpacking its rich history, from its construction over 200 years ago to its evolution as a symbol of A…
Who Put the Fabulous in Las Vegas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:12
Ever wondered how a tiny railroad stopover in the Nevada desert became the glittering entertainment capital we know today? This week we're diving deep into the wild history of Las Vegas as it celebrates its 120th birthda…
BONUS: What Would You Look Like as a Drag Queen? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:49
In this special bonus episode, the co-creators of Ru Paul's Drag Race challenged me to dress up in drag for this episode's artwork. I forgot, naturally, but I used a free AI tool. What do you think?Turn yourself into a d…
IN THE MAKING: They Don't Know What the F*ck They're Doing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 Mayor…
How Has Ru Paul's Drag Race Changed America? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:14
In this episode we're diving into the fabulous world of RuPaul's Drag Race, a show that’s not just a reality competition but has become a cultural phenomenon over nearly two decades.With a flair for drama that could outs…