Riley King, later known as B.B. King, was born in the Mississippi Delta and rose to fame as a blues musician, known for his unique guitar sound and voice. Despite facing racial segregation and slights, King persevered and became a star, breaking through to white audiences in the 1960s and influencing generations of musicians, including Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. [... more]

Author Beverly Gage tells the story of J. Edgar Hoover, the first director of the FBI, who shaped the agency's early years and left a lasting impact on American law enforcement and history. Hoover's life was marked by paradoxes and contradictions, from his progressive views on science and federal service to his deeply racist views on civil rights. He was a master of bureaucracy and file management, but also a ruthless opponent of those he deemed a threat to national security, including Martin Luther King Jr. [... more]

Duke Ellington's life and career are a testament to his genius and resilience in the face of racial segregation and societal expectations. From his early days as a composer and performer to his rise as a national figure, Ellington's story is one of determination and creativity. His music, which blended jazz, classical, and African American influences, continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and artists. [... more]

Thomas Jefferson's paradoxical nature has made him an everyman figure in American history, with his words 'We hold these truths to be self-evident' influencing various historical events and figures, including the Declaration of Independence and the constitutions of Vietnam and the United States. However, his ownership of slaves and inability to take a strong stand against slavery in his latter years have raised questions about his legacy and moral bankruptcy. [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses the top five matchups of week 11, including the Bears and Vikings, and the Seahawks and Rams. He also talks to actor Tracy Letz about his new movie House of Dynamite, a thriller about a missile attack on the United States. Letz shares his experiences working on the film and his thoughts on the human condition. [... more]

The life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a self-made tycoon who rose to become one of the richest men in American history, is a fascinating tale of business acumen, ethics, and legacy. From his humble beginnings to his dominance of the railroad industry, Vanderbilt's story is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unshakeable commitment to his values. However, his life was not without its complexities, and his relationships with his family and business associates reveal a multifaceted individual who was both ruthless and compassionate. T.J. Stiles' Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, 'The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt,' offers a nuanced and engaging portrayal of this remarkable figure, shedding light on the intricacies of his life and the enduring impact he had on American history. [... more]

David McCullough tells the story of John Adams, one of America's founding fathers, who rose to greatness through his education and determination. From his early days as a farmer's son to his role as a diplomat and statesman, Adams' life was marked by courage, conviction, and a commitment to the principles of the Enlightenment. McCullough's narrative explores Adams' relationships with his wife Abigail and his son John Quincy, as well as his struggles with slavery and his ultimate optimism in the face of adversity. [... more]

Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough shares his insights on teaching history, the importance of narrative history, and his love affair with the subject. He also discusses his writing process, the challenges of historical research, and the need for historians to make their work accessible to a broad audience. Meanwhile, a new audio course explores the gut microbiome and its impact on our health, and a podcast host shares practical advice for managing common challenges in life. [... more]

George Custer's life and legacy are explored in depth, revealing a complex figure who was both a celebrated hero and a troubled individual. His experiences during the Civil War and his subsequent career as a military leader are examined, as well as his struggles with identity and his relationships with Native Americans. The story of Custer's life serves as a lens through which to view the broader themes of American history, including the country's expansion and the treatment of its indigenous peoples. [... more]

Thomas Smallwood, a former slave, and Charles Torrey, a white abolitionist, collaborated to help slaves escape by the wagon load, demoralizing slaveholders and undermining slavery. Their operation was revolutionary, and Smallwood's dispatches to an abolitionist newspaper may have coined the term 'Underground Railroad'. [... more]

The bald eagle's journey from being a symbol of freedom to a nearly extinct species, and its eventual recovery thanks to conservation efforts and the ban on DDT, is a remarkable story of America's wildlife and its history. [... more]

Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak in 1941 is one of the greatest achievements in baseball history, captivating a nation that was soon to face the challenges of World War II. DiMaggio's elegance and consistency on the field, as well as his understated style, made him a hero to a generation. His career was marked by impressive statistics, including an astonishingly small difference between his home runs and strikeouts, and a remarkable 0 times thrown out going from first to third base. [... more]

Shakespeare's works continue to influence modern leaders and politics, with his exploration of power, abuse of power, and the dangers of leadership. Maureen Dowd discusses how Shakespeare's themes are relevant to contemporary issues, including reproductive health care and the White House. [... more]

Author Anne Tyler discusses her writing process, drawing from her Quaker upbringing and experiences with marriage and family. She shares insights into her characters, their relationships, and the ways in which she crafts their stories. [... more]

A woman's mission to bring comfort to families of fallen soldiers, a look at the legacy of a pioneering female cartoonist, and a story of a retired shop owner who pursued a college education at 79, are just a few of the stories featured on this Memorial Day weekend. Meanwhile, a Russian journalist shares his experiences covering the war in Ukraine, and a bestselling author discusses her approach to writing literary fiction. In other news, Delta Airlines celebrates its 100th anniversary, and a legendary music producer talks about his career and his latest project, a Broadway musical. [... more]

A discussion on the India-UK free trade agreement and its implications, as well as the challenges of implementing trade agreements in the US. The hosts also discuss the importance of deregulation and cutting taxes, and critique the media for their coverage of certain issues, including the Loudoun County Public Schools' handling of transgender students. Additionally, they touch on the controversy surrounding John Fetterman's criticism of Hamas and the media's response to it. [... more]

A tribute to soldiers who've fallen, remembering September 11, 2001, and honoring their sacrifice and bravery. Tony Dolan's moving tribute highlights the heroism of wounded soldiers and their families, and the importance of remembering their service and sacrifice. [... more]

Thomas Jefferson's paradoxical nature has made him America's everyman, with his words 'We hold these truths to be self-evident' becoming a cornerstone of American history. Historian Joseph Ellis explores Jefferson's complexities, from his role in the Declaration of Independence to his ownership of slaves and the implications for his legacy. [... more]

Cornelius Vanderbilt's life and career are a testament to his genius and force of will, which created the modern American economy. His personal wealth and influence intersected with the public interest, making him a pivotal figure in American history. This story explores Vanderbilt's most skillful and chilling moments, including his battle with Jay Gould and the impact of his actions on the financial markets. [... more]

The Lewis and Clark expedition was a federally funded project that explored the western two-thirds of the continent, creating a country that is democratic and stretches from sea to shining sea. Their journals are considered one of America's national literary treasures, offering a vivid account of their journey and the people they encountered. [... more]