This week we step up to the plate to take on the origins and history of baseball, and how the sport has both reflected and shaped American society. Among the many things we'll discuss: Early bat and ball games that date back as 14th century Europe (and one involving nuns and monks!). How … [Read more...]
Episode 032 How Baseball Became America’s National Pastime
Episode 025 Who Was Thomas Jefferson?
In this episode, we take a close look at another Founding Father - Thomas Jefferson (Episode 23 focused on Alexander Hamilton). And why not? Jefferson was born in the month of April – April 13th to be precise – and he’s Thomas Jefferson, maybe the most multi-talented of the Founders. He was part … [Read more...]
Episode 023 Alexander Hamilton: The Man, The Myth, and, Yes, The Musical!
In this episode of ITPL, we focus on Alexander Hamilton. You may have noticed that Hamilton has become the hottest Founder in recent years – and it’s all due to the smash Broadway hit, “Hamilton: The Musical.” So here's the lineup: 1. First, I provide a brief backgrounder on the remarkable life of … [Read more...]
Episode 019 The Hidden History of Indian Slavery in America
This week at ITPL, I speak with historian Andres Resendez about his new book, The Other Slavery: The Uncovered History of Indian Slavery in America. The enslaving of native peoples in the Americas began the moment Christopher Columbus arrived. And it was no small venture. Some 2.5 – 5 million … [Read more...]
Episode 017 American Revolutions with Alan Taylor & More
This week at In The Past Lane, we take a new look at a familiar event - the American Revolution. Think you know this key chapter in American history? Think again. For as our special guest, historian Alan Taylor, argues in his new book, American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804, the … [Read more...]