America: A History -- Top History Indie Podcast Celebrates Its 100th Episode

 American History in America is like any other historical record in any other nation. Skewed toward a specific narrative, even if historical facts did not support that version of events. Don't believe me? Here are a few examples.

The government, under Viktor Orbán, has revised history to portray Hungary as an innocent victim of outside forces like Nazis and Communists, minimizing its own role in certain events. Japan has faced criticism for politicizing its history, particularly regarding World War II, and sometimes downplaying its wartime actions. The Putin government has promoted a sanitized version of Soviet history, including downplaying repression and glorifying figures like Stalin, while also aggressively pushing national narratives about its history and neighbors, including convincing citizens that Ukraine invaded Russia. Who outside of Russia would believe that falsehood? Oh yeah, that's right. 

America: A History is a History podcast with a Brit as the narrator. Hosted by Liam Heffernan on the Mercury Podcast Network, America: A History stands alone as the only show that connects the U.S.'s past, present, and future, helping listeners make sense of the nation’s complex and compelling story. Each week, Liam is joined by the world’s leading historians, academics, experts, and broadcasters to explore the forces that forged America and continue to define it today. Past guests have included John Sopel, Gary Younge, and Heather Thompson.

On December 9th, the show marked a major milestone today as it released its 100th main episode. To commemorate its 100th episode, the podcast is launching a new ad hoc content strand: America’s Living Legends.

This new series celebrates extraordinary individuals whose contributions have shaped the nation and the world, from politicians, philanthropists, and pioneers to artists, athletes, and cultural influencers. Each edition offers listeners a rare chance to hear these iconic figures tell their own stories, in their own words.

Speaking on the milestone, Liam says: “The best way to understand America’s past is to listen to the people that have shaped its present. With our 100th episode, we’re creating space for the voices who have made a real impact on this country and the wider world. Jody Williams is an extraordinary example and a reminder that history isn’t just written in books; it’s lived, fought for, and carried by individuals who refuse to accept injustice. I’m proud that America: A History can help tell those stories.”

Here's Liam Heffernan explaining the objective of the show: "Welcome to America: A History, the podcast where we explore the people, places and events that make the USA what it is today. Each week, I answer a different question about the United States, with the help of an expert from the University of East Anglia and special guests. "


"From elections to mass shootings, and from Trump to Hollywood, this is U.S. history without the fake news, as we have honest and frank conversations about the things that really matter; the moments that shaped America."

This history podcast brings together award-winning podcast producer and Mercury Podcast Network Liam Heffernan, and the University of East Anglia’s American Studies faculty.

Heffernan has a long history in podcasting, from  2 Minute Movies,   The Friday Film Club, In Ukraine: A Civilian Diary, and Bingewatch. Heffernan is the Audio Director at The Podcast Boutique. 

Liam Herffernan is also a hero in independent podcasting circles. 

Mercury, a new UK-based podcast network, officially launched in February. It is designed to support the unique needs of independent creators looking to grow and monetize their podcasts.

Its offering differs from other networks, with a strong focus on ensuring podcasters keep full control of their content. Benefits include direct involvement in advertising and sponsorship decisions. Mercury also promises a more personalized approach than other networks, prioritizing value over volume.

“We’re going toe to toe with the big networks… and we’re winning!” insists Liam, who is Mercury’s Founder.

 The podcast doesn't always delve into deep historical issues but can focus its high-powered lens on events such as holidays. In 2023, the podcast had three episodes on Christmas: What is the War on Christmas, How to make a Hollywood Christmas movie, and What's the History of Christmas in America. I recommend these shows for their informational value and their insight on American consumerism and its often-fabricated culture wars. 

The podcast has run shows on Disney's influence, Jackie Kennedy's influence on the White House, the relevance of the Oscar Awards, and even the popularity of the TV sitcom Friends.

One of my favorite shows was about Frederick Douglass. As an African American born into slavery, nobody would have suspected this man would grow up to be one of the greatest public speakers of all time. Learning how to read and write by exchanging bread for books with local white children, Frederick Douglass broke out of bondage and became the most photographed person in 19th  Century America, and one of the most influential.

With too many U.S. politicians pandering to whiny citizens who wish to sanitize the darker aspects of U.S. History (It is admittedly very dark), it may be that outsiders are the only people available to offer a fair accounting of the history of the USA. 

Check out America: A History. Its distance gives it more objectivity, and its narrator, Liam Heffernan, excels at bludgeoning U.S. historical propaganda. You'll love the brazenly patriotic music, the cheeky tone, and the historical research.