Suburbs, rock n roll, and the "good old days," but also redlining, segregation and the "woman's place." Get ready for a rollicking ride through America in the 1950s, cool tunes and cold wars.

In this episode, Cassady Cooper takes listeners on a walking tour of Greenwich Village, highlighting its rich history as a center of protest, artistic expression, and radical thought. From the iconic Washington Square Park to the legacy of folk musicians and political activists, the conversation explores how this vibrant neighborhood has been a haven for those challenging societal norms and advocating for change. The episode emphasizes the importance of place in understanding history and the ongoing spirit of rebellion that permeates the area.

https://www.nps.gov/places/greenwich-village-historic-district.htm

"History's just around the corner."

Keywords: Keywords

Greenwich Village, history, protest, artistic expression, bohemian, radicalism, Washington Square Park, cultural heritage, social movements, folk music

By 1953, the U.S. and Soviet Union had gone from allies to enemies… and the Cold War had its first battlefield in Korea. From Berlin to Hollywood to the 38th parallel, this is how it all began

The Cold War Begins (1945–1953)

The story of how WWII allies became Cold War enemies in less than a decade.

A short comparative episode tying U.S. “law and order” measures to:

• ​India’s use of sedition and protest laws

• ​France’s police surveillance post-yellow vests

Repressive tools often rise in democratic and authoritarian regimes alike — especially when power is threatened. America’s trajectory isn’t isolated; it fits a wider pattern of “order politics.”

New mini-episode:

🛑 National Guard in the streets

🧊 ICE with expanded powers

⚖️ “Law and order” from both Left and Right

We’ve heard this before...

And we’re breaking it down — with historical parallels and sociological tools.

America's fun times come to an end. The Wall Street Crash of 1929 heralds the beginnings of an economic depression that would change the way Americans perceive their government's role in their lives.

A quick dive into issues of race and racism portrayed in Lorraine Hansberry's award-winning play, "A Raisin in the Sun."

What put the "roar" in the "Roaring 20s"? This week you'll find out. Take a dive into the grand experiment of Prohibition and its disastrous outcomes.