Podcast · 106 episodes
Throughline, page 3
by NPR · English
Throughline is a time machine. Each episode, we travel beyond the headlines to answer the question, "How did we get here?" We use sound and stories to bring history to life and put you into the middle of it. From ancient civilizations to forgotten figures, we take you directly to the moments that shaped our world. Throughline is hosted by Peabody Award-winning journalist Rund Abdelfatah. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for Throughline.
All episodes, page 3
What the banana tells us about US historyThe episode explains how bananas became a staple in the U.S. by tracing U.S.31 Mar 2026 · 15 min · 7 chapters
How Saudi Arabia shaped Silicon ValleyHow Saudi Arabia—especially Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and the Public Investment Fund (PIF)—used money, diplomacy, and coercion to reshape Silicon Valley and U.S.26 Mar 2026 · 50 min · 24 chapters
The Ojibwe NationThis episode explores the history of the Ojibwe people and their efforts to maintain their land and culture amid U.S. westward expansion in the 19th century.24 Mar 2026 · 17 min · 10 chapters
Why is Cuba in crisis?In this episode, the hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei explore the multifaceted crisis in Cuba, delving into historical, political, and economic factors that have contributed to the current…19 Mar 2026 · 48 min · 21 chapters
The confederates who left the USAThe Confederates Who Left the USA17 Mar 2026 · 17 min · 10 chapters
3 key moments that led to the U.S.-Iran warThis episode explores the historical tensions and confrontations between the United States and Iran, starting from the Iranian Revolution in 1979 to contemporary conflicts, including military…12 Mar 2026 · 48 min · 17 chapters
Everyone should have a voiceFrederick Douglass’s lifelong fight for universal suffrage—arguing voting is a “sacred right” and the ultimate protection in American democracy—despite Reconstruction backlash, KKK terror, and Jim…10 Mar 2026 · 22 min · 6 chapters
Iran and the Jewish people: An alliance before warThe episode traces how Jewish life in Iran shaped (and was later shattered by) the Israel-Iran relationship, starting with Cyrus the Great’s 539 BCE proclamation allowing faith practice and Jewish…5 Mar 2026 · 52 min · 26 chapters
We the People, RedefinedHow the 14th Amendment redefined who counts as an American and established nationwide basic rights after the Civil War, amid backlash and violence.3 Mar 2026 · 19 min · 9 chapters
Why Super PACs have more power than ever in electionsHow the Supreme Court’s Citizens United (2010) and related rulings enabled super PACs to raise and spend unlimited money, reshaping elections—especially via “dark money,” loopholes, and informal…26 Feb 2026 · 50 min · 27 chapters
How the Civil War changed how we voteRund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei24 Feb 2026 · 16 min · 6 chapters
Who profits from migrant detention?In this episode of *Throughline*, hosted by Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei, the focus is on the U.S.19 Feb 2026 · 50 min · 22 chapters
The lasting legacy of the slave patrolsThe Lasting Legacy of the Slave Patrols17 Feb 2026 · 17 min · 4 chapters
How Bad Bunny took Puerto Rican independence mainstreamThroughline is a historical podcast that delves into significant moments that shaped the world.12 Feb 2026 · 49 min · 25 chapters
The right to free speechThis episode explores the evolution of the First Amendment, focusing on the right to free speech, and examines the complexities and legal implications surrounding its interpretation throughout…10 Feb 2026 · 21 min · 10 chapters
The Man Who Took On The KlanIn this episode, the focus is on the violent resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in South Carolina during the Reconstruction era of the United States, particularly in 1871.5 Feb 2026 · 49 min · 18 chapters
Becoming Supreme | America in PursuitThroughline explores historical events and figures that have shaped the world, presented by award-winning journalists Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei.3 Feb 2026 · 14 min · 5 chapters
James Baldwin's Fire*Throughline* serves as a historical time machine, aiming to explore how historical events shape contemporary issues.29 Jan 2026 · 43 min · 16 chapters
Signed, Sealed & Delivered | America in PursuitA podcast that delves into historical events and figures to explore how they shaped the present. Hosted by Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei.27 Jan 2026 · 11 min · 6 chapters
Iran Protests ExplainedIn this episode of *Throughline*, hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei delve into the recent protests in Iran, exploring the historical context, the root causes of the unrest, and the potential…22 Jan 2026 · 47 min · 32 chapters
The Deadliest Ally | America in PursuitRund Abdelfatah & Ramtin Arablouei20 Jan 2026 · 10 min · 5 chapters
Ken Burns and the American RevolutionKen Burns and the American Revolution15 Jan 2026 · 50 min · 16 chapters
Your 15-Minute Guide to 250 Years | America in PursuitRund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei13 Jan 2026 · 15 min · 9 chapters
El Libertador (Venezuela update)El Libertador (Venezuela update)8 Jan 2026 · 54 min · 22 chapters