Impressions of America: History Podcast
115 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★ - 14 ratingsWelcome to Impressions of America, a podcast on modern American history, presented by Simon, Tobi and Vaughn. We cover the changing political discourse since the 1950s. From the Cronkite years to Trump. You can also follow us on Twitter @USAimpressions
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Episodes
A Very Merry Impressions Christmas Special
December 19, 2020 12:27 - 2 hours - 116 MBIn this special Christmas episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn look at Vaughn’s PHD thesis on post-war Christmas films and later in the episode they play some Christmas games, including Vaughn deciding the greatest Christmas film ever made. Also, is Australia a legitimate country? Tobi has some thoughts.
Carter, Bush and Trump - One-term Presidents
December 13, 2020 16:05 - 1 hour - 94.1 MBSimon, Tobi and Vaughn look at the three most recent presidents to lose an election - Jimmy Carter in 1980, George H. Bush in 1992 and Donald Trump in 2020. Also, Simon goes on a journey to understand whether Ross Perot was a Himbo or not.
Malcolm X (1992) Film Review
December 01, 2020 13:40 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBSimon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by writer and friend of the show Moises to discuss Spike Lee's 1992 film Malcolm X starring Denzel Washington.
Politics - Trump Loses the Election
November 08, 2020 16:39 - 1 hour - 93.2 MBSimon, Tobi and Vaughn react to Joe Biden being projected as the winner of the 2020 election. This episode also looks at some of the key states in the election, Trump's reaction to Biden being declared the winner and Rudy Giuliani's visit to Four Seasons Total Landscaping.
Politics – The 2020 Election with Angie Maxwell
November 01, 2020 19:50 - 1 hour - 82 MBSimon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by returning guest Angie Maxwell to look at the 2020 election, including the key swing states, polling numbers, and the increase in early voting.
Wall Street (1987) Film Review with Felix Salmon
October 10, 2020 20:10 - 1 hour - 65 MBSimon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Felix Salmon to discuss the 1987 film Wall Street. Felix is the chief financial correspondent at Axios and host of Slate Money.
Episode 25 - Wall Street (1987) Film Review with Felix Salmon
October 10, 2020 20:10 - 1 hour - 65 MBSimon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Felix Salmon to discuss the 1987 film Wall Street. Felix is the chief financial correspondent at Axios and host of Slate Money.
Reagan and the 1984 Election - With Peter Robinson
September 27, 2020 14:17 - 1 hour - 77.9 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Peter Robinson, a speechwriter for Ronald Reagan, to discuss the 1984 election. Also stick around to the end of the episode where we give some thoughts on our trilogy of shows on Ronald Reagan.
Episode 24 - Reagan and the 1984 Election - With Peter Robinson
September 27, 2020 14:17 - 1 hour - 77.9 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Peter Robinson, a speechwriter for Ronald Reagan, to discuss the 1984 election. Also stick around to the end of the episode where we give some thoughts on our trilogy of shows on Ronald Reagan.
Politics - The RNC and another bad week for Donald Trump
September 05, 2020 13:55 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn look back at all the fun from the RNC and discuss The Atlantic article on Donald Trump's comments about American soldiers.
Politics - DNC, Biden, Harris and Trump
August 23, 2020 19:12 - 1 hour - 81.1 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn discuss the 2020 Democratic National Convention, as well as Kamala Harris being picked as the VP candidate. They also look ahead to the Republican National Convention and discuss another interesting week for President Trump. Here is the link to the article mentioned in the episode on voting options in every state https://impressionsofamerica.com/2020/08/15/voting-options-in-every-state/
Episode 23 - The Christian Right
August 09, 2020 19:40 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn look at the Christian Right in the second episode of their trilogy of shows on Ronald Reagan. This episode explores the political and social climate that lead to evangelicals forming an alliance with the Republican party and the role religion played in Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign. We also look at Reagan's response to the AIDS crisis and the role religion has played in politics in the decades following Reagan.
The Christian Right
August 09, 2020 19:40 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn look at the Christian Right in the second episode of their trilogy of shows on Ronald Reagan. This episode explores the political and social climate that lead to evangelicals forming an alliance with the Republican party and the role religion played in Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign. We also look at Reagan's response to the AIDS crisis and the role religion has played in politics in the decades following Reagan.
Bonus Episode - Website Launch, The President Is Missing, Too Much and Never Enough
July 31, 2020 18:29 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBTo celebrate the launch of our new website www.ImpressionsOfAmerica.com we've done a bonus episode focusing on Vaughn's Book Corner - featuring The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson and Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump. A special thanks to Tim Fransen for creating the website.
Politics - The Never Trump Movement with Adam H. Johnson from Citations Needed Podcast
July 18, 2020 18:19 - 1 hour - 50.4 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Adam H. Johnson from Citations Needed Podcast to discuss the Never Trump Movement.
The Californian Ideology with Richard Barbrook and Alex Sayf Cummings
July 05, 2020 18:29 - 1 hour - 71.2 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Richard Barbrook and Alex Sayf Cummings to discuss the "Californian Ideology", an essay co-authored by Richard in 1995 which was a critique of dotcom neoliberalism.
Episode 22 - The Californian Ideology with Richard Barbrook and Alex Sayf Cummings
July 05, 2020 18:29 - 1 hour - 71.2 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Richard Barbrook and Alex Sayf Cummings to discuss the "Californian Ideology", an essay co-authored by Richard in 1995 which was a critique of dotcom neoliberalism.
Ronald Reagan - The Hollywood Years
June 21, 2020 15:46 - 1 hour - 79.1 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn kick-off their trilogy of shows on Ronald Reagan by looking at his career in Hollywood and the politics of the time, including HUAC's Hollywood hearings.
Episode 21 - Ronald Reagan - The Hollywood Years
June 21, 2020 15:46 - 1 hour - 79.1 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn kick-off their trilogy of shows on Ronald Reagan by looking at his career in Hollywood and the politics of the time, including HUAC's Hollywood hearings.
Politics - George Floyd - Racism, Murder and Protests - With guest Rasheed (@phreedomjawn)
June 06, 2020 18:06 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBIn this special episode we're joined by Rasheed (@phreedomjawn) to discuss the events going in in America right now around the death of George Floyd and the protests that have been taking place all around America.
Politics - The President Is Missing But Here Comes Klobuchar
May 22, 2020 21:11 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn discuss the novel The President Is Missing, written by Bill Clinton and James Patterson. They also talk about Klobuchar being vetted for Vice President and another lively few days for Trump.
Episode 20 - Black Panther Party - With Bill Fletcher Jr. and Trevor Beaulieu
May 11, 2020 15:53 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by special guests Bill Fletcher Jr. and Trevor Beaulieu to discuss the Black Panther Party.
Black Panther Party - With Bill Fletcher Jr. and Trevor Beaulieu
May 11, 2020 15:53 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by special guests Bill Fletcher Jr. and Trevor Beaulieu to discuss the Black Panther Party.
Politics - Biden's VP, Trump the Travelling Salesman and Mitt Romney Breaking News
April 26, 2020 12:49 - 57 minutes - 44.7 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn discuss who might be Biden's pick for VP, what the hell is going on in America right now, the possible death of Kim Jong-un and near the end of the episode there's some "Breaking News" on Mitt Romney and who he is backing in the 2020 election.
Episode 19 - Ayn Rand with Ben Sixsmith
April 12, 2020 16:09 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBSimon and Tobi are joined by writer Ben Sixsmith to discuss the life and work of Russian-American author Ayn Rand.
Ayn Rand with Ben Sixsmith
April 12, 2020 16:09 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBSimon and Tobi are joined by writer Ben Sixsmith to discuss the life and work of Russian-American author Ayn Rand.
Politics - Vaughn of the Dead - Biden, Trump and Coronavirus
March 22, 2020 17:50 - 1 hour - 51.3 MBIn this episode, we introduce our new co-host Vaughn and then discuss the Democratic primary race, Trump and the Coronavirus.
Episode 18 - Josh Levin Interview - Linda Taylor - The Welfare Queen
March 01, 2020 19:15 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and our new co-host Vaughn are joined by Slate writer and executive editor to discuss Josh's book “The Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth”.
Josh Levin Interview - Linda Taylor - The Welfare Queen
March 01, 2020 19:15 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and our new co-host Vaughn are joined by Slate writer and executive editor to discuss Josh's book “The Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth”.
Nixon and Watergate with Justin Sherin (@dick_nixon)
February 16, 2020 20:23 - 1 hour - 70.5 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi are joined by Justin Sherin (@dick_nixon on Twitter) to look at the Watergate scandal and the attempted cover up by Richard Nixon and those close to the President.
Episode 17 - Nixon and Watergate with Justin Sherin (@dick_nixon)
February 16, 2020 20:23 - 1 hour - 70.5 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi are joined by Justin Sherin (@dick_nixon on Twitter) to look at the Watergate scandal and the attempted cover up by Richard Nixon and those close to the President.
Nixon's Visit to China with Nate Bethea
December 07, 2019 22:27 - 56 minutes - 44.6 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi are joined by Nate Bethea to discuss Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China.
Episode 16 - Nixon's Visit to China with Nate Bethea
December 07, 2019 22:27 - 56 minutes - 44.6 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi are joined by Nate Bethea to discuss Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China.
Richard Nixon 1968 - Law and Order
November 10, 2019 16:46 - 49 minutes - 38.9 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi look at the 1968 Presidential election between Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey and George Wallace, and specifically the issue of Law and Order which dominated the election.
Episode 15 - Richard Nixon 1968 - Law and Order
November 10, 2019 16:46 - 49 minutes - 38.9 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi look at the 1968 Presidential election between Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey and George Wallace, and specifically the issue of Law and Order which dominated the election.
Episode 14 - Vice Film Review
October 27, 2019 12:17 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi are joined by Taeil (@Judge_T234 on Twitter) to discuss the 2018 film Vice film, which looks at the life of Dick Cheney. We also chat about Taeil's own experience of being a Marine over in Iraq.
Vice Film Review
October 27, 2019 12:17 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi are joined by Taeil (@Judge_T234 on Twitter) to discuss the 2018 film Vice film, which looks at the life of Dick Cheney. We also chat about Taeil's own experience of being a Marine over in Iraq.
Once Upon a Time In Hollywood Review
October 06, 2019 14:31 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi review and discuss the recently released Quentin Tarantino film Once Upon a Time In Hollywood.
Episode 13 - Once Upon a Time In Hollywood Review
October 06, 2019 14:31 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBIn this episode, Simon and Tobi review and discuss the recently released Quentin Tarantino film Once Upon a Time In Hollywood.
The John Birch Society - With Julian from QAnon Anonymous
September 22, 2019 18:24 - 54 minutes - 44.2 MBIn this episode, we discuss the far-right, anti-communist group the John Birch Society with Julian from the QAnon Anonymous podcast.
Episode 12 - The John Birch Society - With Julian from QAnon Anonymous
September 22, 2019 18:24 - 54 minutes - 44.2 MBIn this episode, we discuss the far-right, anti-communist group the John Birch Society with Julian from the QAnon Anonymous podcast.
Politics: Spicer, Sanders and the Mooch
September 08, 2019 11:37 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode, recorded for our sister podcast Impressions of America:Politics, Simon and Tobi chat about 3 former Trump staffers: Sean Spicer, Sarah Sanders and Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci.
Episode 11 - The Long Southern Strategy with Angie Maxwell
August 24, 2019 20:30 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBIn this episode we chat with Angie Maxwell, co-author of The Long Southern Strategy. We discuss the history of the Southern Strategy and dive into the coded language of the Republicans when discussing race, the role of Southern white women in the strategy and the large role Christianity plays in shaping the identity of southern politics. We also look ahead to 2020 and how the extreme views of Trump's Republican party could help turn Texas blue.
The Long Southern Strategy with Angie Maxwell
August 24, 2019 20:30 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBIn this episode we chat with Angie Maxwell, co-author of The Long Southern Strategy. We discuss the history of the Southern Strategy and dive into the coded language of the Republicans when discussing race, the role of Southern white women in the strategy and the large role Christianity plays in shaping the identity of southern politics. We also look ahead to 2020 and how the extreme views of Trump's Republican party could help turn Texas blue.
Ralph Steadman Interview
July 02, 2019 18:15 - 51 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and friend of the show Steve Lawes are joined by legendary illustrator Ralph Steadman to discuss Ralph's life and career, working with Hunter S. Thompson and the role of political art in society. And as always on the show, the topic of Richard Nixon is never far away.
Episode 10 - Ralph Steadman Interview
July 02, 2019 18:15 - 51 minutes - 37.6 MBIn this episode, Simon, Tobi and friend of the show Steve Lawes are joined by legendary illustrator Ralph Steadman to discuss Ralph's life and career, working with Hunter S. Thompson and the role of political art in society. And as always on the show, the topic of Richard Nixon is never far away.
Interview with Matt Christman - Discussing The Weather Underground
June 23, 2019 18:05 - 58 minutes - 45.8 MBIn this episode we chat with Matt Christman from Chapo Trap House to discuss the radical left militant group The Weather Underground and the New Left of the 1960s and 1970s. We also discuss the current Democratic party and its failure to embrace the Left.
Episode 9 - Interview with Matt Christman - Discussing The Weather Underground
June 23, 2019 18:05 - 58 minutes - 45.8 MBIn this episode we chat with Matt Christman from Chapo Trap House to discuss the radical left militant group The Weather Underground and the New Left of the 1960s and 1970s. We also discuss the current Democratic party and its failure to embrace the Left.
Advert - Impressions of America: Politics
June 02, 2019 21:11 - 2 minutes - 2.52 MBA 2 minute advert for our sister podcast Impressions of America: Politics
Glam Rock and the 1970s - Simon Reynolds Interview
April 21, 2019 21:50 - 1 hour - 73.6 MBIn this episode we interview music journalist, critic, and author Simon Reynolds and discuss his book Shock and Awe: Glam Rock and Its Legacy, as well as wider social themes connected to music and pop culture.