History That Doesn't Suck

By: Prof. Greg Jackson
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  • Summary

  • HTDS is a bi-weekly podcast, delivering a legit, seriously researched, hard-hitting survey of American history through entertaining stories. To keep up with History That Doesn’t Suck news, check us out htdspodcast.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram: @Historythatdoesntsuck; on Twitter/X: @HTDSpod. Become a premium member to support our work, receive ad-free episodes and bonus episodes.
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Episodes
  • 175: The Dirty Thirties (The New Deal pt. 2): Dust, Doubts, and the “Second” New Deal

    175: The Dirty Thirties (The New Deal pt. 2): Dust, Doubts, and the “Second” New Deal
    Mar 10 2025
    “I saw and approached the hungry and desperate mother, as if drawn by a magnet.” This is the story of FDR’s first term after facing down the initial emergency. 100 days down, about 1,300 more to go—for this term at least. After the whirlwind of new bills and “alphabet agencies” (AAA, CCC, etc.), the nation is adjusting to and examining FDR’s New Deal. As they do, the NIRA is upsetting both ends of the spectrum: company owners don’t love the Blue Eagle and regulations while workers are frustrated that their employers aren’t eager to see unionization in accordance with section 7(a). Meanwhile, back at the farm, devastating dust storms like “Black Sunday” are hammering the Great Plains and forcing many to flee to other states. Some migrants end up in California, where unionized dock workers and police are duking it out in San Francisco's “Bloody Thursday.” The president tries to set an example as a “Good Neighbor” in the Caribbean even as people erect signs that read, “Okie, go back. We don’t want you.” More time and a “Second” New Deal that is more progressive and Keynesian raises more serious questions: Is this really the correct economic course for recovery? And are some of these presidential actions even Constitutional? But despite the detractors, the decisive 1936 election proves that FDR is here to stay. ____ Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of the Airwave Media Network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 174: The First “First Hundred Days:” FDR Kicks Off the New Deal

    174: The First “First Hundred Days:” FDR Kicks Off the New Deal
    Feb 24 2025
    “[We] had forgotten to be Republicans or Democrats. We were just a bunch of men trying to save the banking system.” This is the story of FDR’s first 100 days in office. In early 1933, banks foreclose on thousands upon thousands of homes and farms every month. The banks have little choice–they too are failing! Meanwhile, unemployment is hovering near 25%. It’s a catastrophe. Capitalism itself and the American way of life appears to be on the precipice. Enter President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who calls an immediate “banking holiday” and an emergency session of Congress to face the hydra of crises sweeping the nation. During this 99-day congressional session that runs almost analogous to FDR’s first 100 days in the White House, they’ll pass 15 major pieces of legislation that create new organizations, regulations, and more with the hopes of getting the American people back on their feet. But how exactly, does Franklin navigate the divergent views, difficult personalities, and competing priorities to get this mountain of legislation through? That is precisely our story. _____ Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of Audacy media network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Contact Audacyinc.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 173: From Hyde Park to the White House: The Early Life and Election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

    173: From Hyde Park to the White House: The Early Life and Election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt
    Feb 10 2025
    “First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-–nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” This is the story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s journey to the White House. Even as a young boy, Franklin admires his fifth cousin Theodore Roosevelt and wants to follow in his footsteps. He seems to have a knack for it too. He attends the same schools. He serves in many of the same political positions. Even his failures only seemed to build his prestige. Ever congenial and likable, Franklin appears to have the world on a string. Then the challenges arrive. Franklin’s affair rocks his and Eleanor’s marriage. Polio robs him of his physical strength, vigor, and ability to walk. As an independently wealthy Roosevelt, he has every excuse to fade into the background. But that isn’t who Franklin is. As Governor of New York, he’s as aggressive in fighting off the Great Depression as he is in fighting off the challenges of polio. Is he onto something? Is his “New Deal” what the nation needs? That’s a question for the American people to decide in 1932 as he runs for the White House. Our gratitude to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum for its rich collection of speeches and other writings. Learn more at FDRlibrary.org. ____ Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of Audacy media network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Contact Audacyinc.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins

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Title says it all.

All the meaty standards stuff plus additional spicy and well documented details that will keep you both entertained and better informed. Narration is great.

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Great stories, well researched

I love the references Greg makes. Information is well reviewed and relevant. My favorite podcast at the moment.

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Love this

I don’t think I found a history podcast quite like this one. Absolutely engaging and interesting and everything he wants it to be and that I am constantly wanting more and I’m so grateful for it. Great job, professor and team, you guys and gals are incredible.

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Great Podcast

A fantastic Podcast that gives the listeners a factually review of the history of the US. it's a great way to learn about history for beginners and a fun way to learn new facts for history lovers

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Good story and performance. I will listen to it again. Recommended for anyone who likes history or not

Good story and performance. I will listen to it again. Recommended for anyone who likes history or not

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tells the story of history

I'm a homeschool mom and have been listening to this with my kids as part of our American history. We enjoy it, and we learn. Jackson gives the details that make the characters memorable and interesting. While we thoroughly enjoy the podcast and have been impressed with the historical value, I have to recommend it to friends with a warning about the language. Unsurprisingly given the title, there are adult words peppered throughout the episodes.

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fabulous and entertaining

I love this podcast. I knew a lot about American history but the variety of perspectives is amazing. I could listen them talk about any topic for hours. I'm learning so much and seeing so many different perspectives.

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History at its finest!

I love this crew! High quality fact based history with excellent narration. My favorite podcast of all time!

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The more you know!

Fun, engaging,educational and very calming voice. Love listening to this every night before bed. Love history? Listen to this!

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A great survival story.

The lesson of mother nature is learned of a paraglider that it goes to the edge of her limits beyond most people's limits and still survives mother nature's power.

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