Best Cold War International History Project Podcasts (2025)

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167: How America’s Main Streets Are Fighting Back—The Wabash Playbook 41:16

8d ago41:16

41:16

Nearly every American town has the same heart-in-crisis story: a once-bustling Main Street hollowed out by big-box stores, sprawl, and online shopping. In this episode, Shane zooms out to look at the nationwide Main Street movement—then zooms in on Wabash, Indiana as a living lab that shows what’s possible anywhere. You’ll hear the origin of the Na…

1
166: Nursing Through the Ages, Part 3 – The Rise of Modern Nursing 9:45

14d ago9:45

9:45

World War trenches, inflatable splints, and airborne operating rooms—this finale races from post-Nightingale training schools to the helicopter pads of today. Host Shane Waters uncovers how pioneers like Mary Seacole, Clara Barton, and Lillian Wald turned wartime chaos into blueprints for public-health nursing; how state licensure and the GI Bill v…

1
165: Nursing Through the Ages, Part 2 – Florence Nightingale and the War on Death 9:32

20d ago9:32

9:32

When war-torn wards near the Bosphorus Strait reeked of sewage and despair, Florence Nightingale arrived with 38 nurses, a ledger, and one stubborn oil-lamp. In today’s Hometown History, Shane Waters traces how Nightingale’s evidence-based reforms—and the parallel heroics of Jamaican-Scottish healer Mary Seacole—drove mortality at Scutari Barracks …

1
164: Nursing Through the Ages, Part 1: The Dark Origins of Nursing 18:42

1M ago18:42

18:42

Before “nurse” meant respect, it meant desperation. In this opening chapter of our three-part series, host Shane Waters drags us into the overcrowded 19th-century wards where poverty, prejudice, and cholera reigned. Discover why hospitals were once “death houses,” how nurses faced infection rates four times higher than other women, and what drove u…

1
163: The Mysterious Disappearance of the Sodder Children: A Christmas Eve Tragedy 13:19

3M ago13:19

13:19

In this episode of Hometown History, we explore the chilling and unsolved mystery of the Sodder children, who vanished on Christmas Eve, 1945, after a fire destroyed their home in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Despite the devastation, no remains were ever found, and a series of strange events both before and after the fire have led to decades of spe…

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162: The Bone Wars: Paleontology’s Greatest Rivalry 16:43

5M ago16:43

16:43

In this episode of Hometown History, we dive into one of the most intense scientific rivalries of the 19th century—the infamous "Bone Wars." Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope, two leading paleontologists, began as colleagues but quickly turned into bitter enemies. What started as a competitive pursuit for fossil discoveries spiraled int…

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161: The Curse of Rebel Without a Cause: Hollywood’s Tragic Tale 18:19

6M ago18:19

18:19

In this episode of Hometown History, we explore the eerie and tragic events surrounding one of Hollywood’s most iconic films, Rebel Without a Cause. While celebrated for its portrayal of youthful rebellion, the film is remembered for more than its performances—it’s also linked to a string of untimely deaths. From James Dean’s fatal car crash to Nat…

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160: Psychiana: The Mail-Order Religion That Swept America 15:51

6M ago15:51

15:51

In this episode of Hometown History, we uncover the rise and fall of the Psychiana Movement, one of the most unusual religious movements in American history. Founded in 1929 by Frank Bruce Robinson, a man with a troubled past, Psychiana promised its followers the power to communicate directly with God and harness divine energy through the power of …

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159: The Vanishing of Judge Crater: New York’s Greatest Mystery 15:09

7M ago15:09

15:09

In this episode of Hometown History, we uncover the mysterious disappearance of Judge Joseph Force Crater, an event that captured the nation’s attention in 1930 and coined the phrase “to pull a Crater.” Judge Crater’s sudden vanishing after a dinner in New York City sparked one of the most baffling investigations in American history. Was it foul pl…

1
Episode 9 - Francesca Lessa 55:39

8M ago55:39

55:39

In today’s episode we welcome Dr Francesca Lessa. Dr Lessa is associate professor in International Relations of the Americas at University College London. Previously, she was a researcher and lecturer at the University of Oxford, where, among other achievements, she secured a prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship. Her research focuses on transnational…

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158: How a Telegraph Cable Launched Tiffany & Co. to Fame 17:49

8M ago17:49

17:49

In this episode of Hometown History, we dive into the surprising story of how a monumental achievement in telecommunications catapulted Tiffany & Co. to fame. In 1858, Charles Tiffany seized on the success of the first transatlantic telegraph cable by selling pieces of the cable as souvenirs. What started as a technological milestone turned into a …

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157: The Vanishing of Ambrose Bierce: A Literary Mystery 14:11

8M ago14:11

14:11

In this episode of Hometown History, we delve into one of the most fascinating literary mysteries of the 20th century: the disappearance of Ambrose Bierce. A celebrated writer, Civil War veteran, and the sharp wit behind The Devil’s Dictionary, Bierce vanished without a trace in 1913 while journeying through Mexico during the revolution. Was it a s…

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156: Beneath the Greenbrier: America’s Cold War Bunker Exposed 15:17

9M ago15:17

15:17

In this episode of Hometown History, we uncover the incredible story of a secret hidden beneath one of America's most luxurious resorts—the Greenbrier. Nestled in the hills of West Virginia, the Greenbrier has long been a haven for the elite, but during the height of the Cold War, it became the site of a covert government project known as "Project …

1
155: The Great Diamond Hoax of 1872 16:01

10M ago16:01

16:01

In this intriguing episode of Hometown History, we unravel the tale of one of America’s most audacious cons: The Great Diamond Hoax of 1872. What began as a whispered rumor of hidden diamonds in the vast American wilderness quickly escalated into a full-blown frenzy, drawing in some of the country’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals. Led by …

1
154: Secrets in Stone: The Mystery of Coral Castle 14:47

10M ago14:47

14:47

In this episode of Hometown History, we delve into the enigma of Coral Castle, a mysterious structure hidden in the sunny shores of Florida. Built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin, a man of modest stature, this architectural marvel is composed of massive coral blocks, some weighing as much as thirty tons. How did one man, using only homemade t…

1
153: Crafting a Revolution: The Legacy of Paul Revere 19:32

11M ago19:32

19:32

In this episode of Hometown History, we journey into the life of Paul Revere, not just as the legendary rider who warned of the British invasion, but as the Founding Father of Propaganda. Through his craftsmanship and powerful engravings, Revere ignited the revolutionary spirit and unified the colonies against British rule. From his early days as a…

1
152: The Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run 17:51

11M ago17:51

17:51

In this chilling episode of Hometown History, we journey back to the fog-laden streets of 1930s Cleveland, where the shadow of the infamous Cleveland Torso Murderer loomed large over the city. From the grim discovery of the first victim on the shores of Lake Erie to the relentless hunt for a killer that left the police baffled and the public in fea…

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151: Beyond the Myths: The Real Secret Societies of America 15:08

11M ago15:08

15:08

Welcome back to Hometown History. In today’s intriguing episode, we delve into the shadowy world of secret societies. Often shrouded in mystery and conspiracy, these organizations evoke images of clandestine meetings and sinister agendas. However, not all secret societies are as malevolent as they seem. We will uncover the stories of two lesser-kno…

1
150: Shadow of Pearl Harbor: The Internment of Japanese Americans 18:58

11M ago18:58

18:58

Welcome back to Hometown History. In this episode, we delve into one of America's most troubling chapters: the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, over 120,000 Japanese Americans were uprooted from their lives and forced into internment camps under Executive Order 9066. We explore the origins …

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149: America’s Youngest Serial Killer: The Crimes of Jesse Pomeroy 17:27

11M ago17:27

17:27

In this chilling episode of Hometown History, we delve into the dark tale of Jesse Pomeroy, America's youngest serial killer. Born in 1859 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Jesse's early life was marked by accusations of animal cruelty and peculiar behavior, culminating in a series of brutal attacks on young boys when he was just 13. Despite initial i…

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148: The Dark Side of Paradise: Inside the Rat Utopia Experiment 17:30

12M ago17:30

17:30

In this episode of Hometown History, we explore the Rat Utopia Experiment by John Calhoun in the 1970s, which examined the effects of overpopulation in a controlled environment. Known as Universe 25, this study provided mice with ideal living conditions, but as the population grew, social dysfunction and chaos ensued, leading to the colony's collap…

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147: A Century-Old Naval Mystery: The U.S.S. Cyclops 15:42

12M ago15:42

15:42

Today, we're diving into the enigmatic disappearance of the U.S.S. Cyclops, a naval mystery that has baffled sailors, historians, and explorers for over a century. This colossal ship, launched in 1910, had a distinguished career providing vital support during the U.S. occupation of Veracruz and World War I. However, on March 4, 1918, after departin…

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146: Haunted Beginnings: The Rise of the Fox Sisters 17:35

1y ago17:35

17:35

In today's episode, we delve into the fascinating story of the Fox Sisters, whose playful pranks in the mid-19th century inadvertently ignited the Spiritualist movement. From a small cabin in Hydesville, New York, Kate and Maggie Fox's innocent tricks evolved into a phenomenon that convinced their community they could communicate with the dead. The…

1
145: Forgotten Wholesome Stories from America’s Past 17:09

1y ago17:09

17:09

Welcome back, friends, to Hometown History. Today, we're sharing three heartwarming tales that highlight the kindness, creativity, and community spirit in America's history. First, we explore the story of Mildred and Patty Hill from Louisville, Kentucky, who created the "Happy Birthday" song. Originally a classroom greeting called "Good Morning to …

1
144: The Night Doctors 17:25

1y ago17:25

17:25

In this episode of Hometown History, we delve into the unsettling legend of the Night Doctors. Far from mere folklore, the Night Doctors were a terrifying reality for African-American communities in the 18th and 19th centuries. Often likened to boogeymen, these sinister figures were believed to abduct unsuspecting individuals under the cover of dar…

1
143: The Hollywood Blacklist 25:23

1y ago25:23

25:23

In this Hometown History episode, we explore the chilling era of the Hollywood Blacklist, a time when fear and suspicion dominated the American entertainment industry. Initiated during the Cold War, this blacklist barred countless artists from Hollywood jobs due to their real or suspected Communist ties, as dictated by the House Un-American Activit…

1
142: Lewis Howard Latimer 25:00

1y ago25:00

25:00

In today's episode of Hometown History, we delve into the life of Lewis Howard Latimer, an unsung hero whose inventions and technical skills significantly influenced the development of electric lighting and telecommunications. Despite his crucial work with Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, Latimer's contributions have often been overshadowed…

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141: The Truth about Movie Censorships 25:16

1y ago25:16

25:16

In this Hometown History episode, we explore the transformative Fatty Arbuckle scandal of the 1920s, which led to a critical examination of movie censorship. Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle's rise from adversity to comedy stardom and his subsequent fall following Virginia Rappe's death spotlighted Hollywood's darker aspects. Despite his acquittal, Arbuckle…

1
140: The First Light: Charles Brush’s Lighting System 24:07

1y ago24:07

24:07

In this episode of Hometown History, we explore the legacy of Charles Brush, a pioneering inventor whose contributions predate even Edison's lightbulb. Brush's work with arc lighting and dynamos in the late 19th century brought electric light to city streets, laying the groundwork for the widespread use of electricity. From his childhood experiment…

1
139: The Truth About May Day 26:17

1y ago26:17

26:17

In today's Hometown History episode, we explore the true essence of May Day, an emblem of workers' rights and social justice, born from the strife of the late 19th-century Industrial Revolution. Workers faced daunting challenges: grueling hours, meager pay, and hazardous conditions. This episode dives into the labor movement's rise, galvanized by d…

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138: America’s Greatest Conspiracy Theory: The Disappearing Ship 28:34

1y ago28:34

28:34

In this episode of Hometown History, we unravel the enigma of The Philadelphia Experiment, a story shrouded in mystery and conspiracy against the backdrop of World War II. At the center is the USS Eldridge, alleged to possess invisibility amidst a top-secret operation. Through stormy nights and clandestine experiments, we explore the boundaries bet…

1
137: Battle of Alcatraz 26:20

1y ago26:20

26:20

In today's episode of Hometown History, we dive deep into the turbulent waters surrounding Alcatraz Island, unearthing the harrowing saga of the Battle of Alcatraz. This tale, far removed from its Hollywood depictions and video game incarnations, reveals the true face of what was considered the most secure prison in America. With its iron-clad secu…

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136: The Female Pirates of the Caribbean 22:01

1y ago22:01

22:01

Welcome to another episode of Hometown History, where we dive deep into the lesser-known corridors of our past, bringing to light the stories that shaped our world in ways we seldom acknowledge. Today, we're setting sail on the turbulent waters of the Caribbean, far from the Hollywood glamorization of pirates, to uncover the real lives of two of th…

1
135: The Whiskey Ring of 1875 25:46

1+ y ago25:46

25:46

In the shadowy corridors of post-Civil War America, the Whiskey Ring scandal of 1875 emerges as a riveting saga of corruption, intrigue, and the battle for justice. This episode of Hometown History transports listeners to St. Louis, a city pulsing with the spirit of commerce and the undercurrents of political scheming during the presidency of Ulyss…

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134: The Real Stories of Project Blue Book 28:16

1+ y ago28:16

28:16

In today's episode of Hometown History, we pull back the curtain on the secretive Project Blue Book, an effort by the United States Air Force to explore the unknown: unidentified flying objects (UFOs), from 1952 to 1969. Tucked away at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, this project aimed to shed light on the many mysterious sightings in our …

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133: The Winchester Mystery House 27:15

1+ y ago27:15

27:15

In this episode we delve into the enigmatic world of the Winchester Mystery House, a sprawling Victorian mansion in San Jose, California, shrouded in intrigue and lore. Constructed by Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Wirt Winchester, the mansion is an architectural anomaly, featuring doors that lead to nowhere, staircases ending a…

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Illuminating the Past: A Time Travel Tour of Downtown Wabash, Indiana 36:15

1+ y ago36:15

36:15

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Hometown History, where I'm doing something a bit different. Join me for a historical guided audio tour, an immersive journey through the heart of a city that shines bright with tales of innovation, inspiration, and historical milestones. As the first electrically lighted city in the world, Wabash is not just a…

1
132: The Underground Railroad 25:59

1+ y ago25:59

25:59

In this episode of Hometown History, we dive into the heart of The Underground Railroad, revealing the struggle for freedom by those enslaved in the United States. Through stories of harrowing escapes and the individuals who risked everything to help, like Harriet Tubman and Levi Coffin, we highlight the bravery, innovation, and solidarity that pow…

1
131: The Lost Colony of Roanoke 27:34

1+ y ago27:34

27:34

In today's episode of Hometown History, we delve into the Lost Colony of Roanoke, a mystery that has puzzled historians and enthusiasts for centuries. This story takes us back to the late 16th century, when a group of English settlers vanished without a trace from Roanoke Island, leaving behind a legacy of questions and the mysterious word "Croatoa…

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130: The Monkey Trial: A Nation Divided 23:47

1+ y ago23:47

23:47

Hello friend, today we are exploring the Scopes ‘Monkey’ trial, a riveting legal battle that erupted in the small town of Dayton, Tennessee, during the sweltering summer of 1925. This episode delves into the heart of a national debate that questioned the intersection of science, religion, and education. The trial, triggered by the Butler Act which …

1
129: The Leopold and Loeb Case 26:10

1+ y ago26:10

26:10

In this episode we delve into the sinister world of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two prodigiously intelligent young men from affluent backgrounds who believed themselves to be above the law. Their story unfolds in 1924 Chicago, a city alive with the Jazz Age's vibrancy but also a backdrop to one of the most chilling chapters in American crimina…

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128: Hollywood Used to be in Florida 23:16

1+ y ago23:16

23:16

In this intriguing episode we uncover a forgotten chapter of the American film industry that places Jacksonville, Florida, at the heart of early 20th-century movie-making. Before the glitz and glamour settled in California, Jacksonville was the burgeoning center of silent films, dubbed the "Winter Film Capital of the World." We delve into the reaso…

1
127: The Teapot Dome Scandal 27:48

1+ y ago27:48

27:48

In this episode, we dive deep into the murky waters of the Teapot Dome Scandal, a pivotal moment in American history that epitomizes the intersection of politics, greed, and corruption in the early 20th century. As we peel back the layers of this complex story, we explore how the scandal unfolded, from the secretive leasing of oil-rich public lands…

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126: Mystery from the Sky: The Kentucky Meat Shower 25:04

1+ y ago25:04

25:04

Imagine a quiet afternoon turning bizarre as chunks of meat rain down from the blue sky. On March 3, 1876, the residents of Bath County, Kentucky, experienced just that, in an event that would come to be known as the Kentucky Meat Shower. Today on Hometown History, we'll sift through this peculiar precipitation to uncover the truths behind what is,…

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125: In the Shadow of Power: Edith Galt, the Secret President 27:52

1+ y ago27:52

27:52

Whispers of a 'petticoat government' reverberated through the corridors of the White House during Woodrow Wilson's presidency, but how much truth was there to the rumors? It is said that for a time, the most powerful nation on Earth was steered not by the elected commander-in-chief, but by a woman no one had voted for—Edith Galt Wilson. In today's …

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124: The Two Faces of Hannah Duston: Heroine or Horror? 25:41

1+ y ago25:41

25:41

They say one person's hero is another's villain, and the tale of Hannah Duston embodies this adage with chilling precision. At the dawn of American lore, her story emerges from the shadows of 1697—a frontier mother's ordeal that swerves into a harrowing saga of survival and vengeance. But as we peel back the layers of this historic enigma, we are f…

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123: Secrets of the Met Museum, Part 02: Thievery at the Met 26:18

1+ y ago26:18

26:18

Imagine standing in the opulent rooms of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where priceless works of human achievement reside. It’s a sanctum of culture and history, where the pulse of the past beats strong. But what happens when the sanctity of such a place is breached not by time, but by thieves? This episode of Hometown History ventures into the da…

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122: Secrets of the Met Museum, Part 01: The Humble First Home 26:56

1+ y ago26:56

26:56

You might walk the grand halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art today, surrounded by the splendor of centuries-old artifacts and the whispers of history echoing off marble walls. But once upon a time, the Met had a far more modest abode. This episode of Hometown History peels back the layers of time to reveal the Met's first home, a place worlds a…

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121: Secrets from WW2, Part 03: The Woman Who Won WW2 25:22

1+ y ago25:22

25:22

The saying goes that behind every successful mission, there's a story of an unsung hero whose bravery defies imagination. In this chapter of Hometown History, we turn the spotlight on a figure whose cunning and courage changed the course of World War II, yet her name remains known to few: Virginia Hall. An American spy with a wooden leg, Hall's tal…

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120: Secrets From WW2, Part 02: Unveiling Project Sunshine 25:28

1+ y ago25:28

25:28

It's said that truth is often stranger—and more chilling—than fiction, a sentiment that finds its proof in the covert operations of World War II. In this episode of Hometown History, we peel back the veil on one of the war's most secretive endeavors: Project Sunshine. It was a mission not fought with bullets and bombs but conducted in the shadows o…

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