Best Smithsonian | National Museum of American History Podcasts (2025)

1
Space Jams 41:47

5d ago41:47

41:47

If you were curating a mixtape that might be heard by aliens billions of years from now - but definitely would be seen by your fellow Earthlings - what would you put on it? In 1977, two Voyager spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral on a journey that would take them beyond our solar system. Affixed to the side of these two planetary explorers was …

1
Zoo's Clues 41:21

19d ago41:21

41:21

The Curious Case of the Dizzy Kudu. Rhinos with an unexplained skin disease. A lion that could barely chew. Who do you call when there's a mystery at the zoo? The Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's anatomical pathologists. These highly-skilled vets search for clues to investigate animal disease and death — sometimes encou…

1
Writing on the Wall 37:36

1M ago37:36

37:36

From the time we’re old enough to hold a crayon, it feels instinctive to draw on the wall. But for MISS CHELOVE – also known as Cita Sadeli – this instinct became a calling. Through bold color and layered symbolism, she transforms everyday public spaces into deeply personal statements, inspiring some passers-by to wonder: what is the role of the pu…

1
Cellphones Rock 28:35

2M ago28:35

28:35

Cellphones put the power of the world at our fingertips. With the touch of a finger, you can instantly connect with your doctor, have food delivered to your office or simply obliterate your niece at Words with Friends. And it's all made possible by rocks formed millions of years ago, deep underground. Join us as we bust open our devices to figure o…

1
ADAM MOSS - Fmr. Editor of New York Magazine, Author, Artist on Creativity as a Process - Highlights 14:23

2M ago14:23

14:23

“When I was working at the Times and the Times Magazine, on one Tuesday morning, the towers fell. September 11, 2001. The magazine had a 10-day lead time, so it was a weekly that was essentially 10 days old by the time it came out. We came to work and realized the world had changed, and the entire process, the magazine had been made for over a hund…

1
The Art of the Fist 34:49

2M ago34:49

34:49

The United States has more martial arts schools than any other country – by far. Chances are you or someone you know practiced karate or another martial art growing up. While martial arts gained popularity in the U.S. for many reasons, one name stands out: Jhoon Rhee. Known as the Father of American Taekwondo, Rhee famously taught Bruce Lee how to …

1
Asteroid Tag 36:59

3M ago36:59

36:59

A billion-dollar spacecraft, a daring deep-space mission, and one of humanity’s biggest questions: Where did we come from? NASA’s OSIRIS-REx set out to collect a pristine sample from asteroid Bennu, a cosmic time capsule that may hold clues to the origins of life in our solar system. But the journey was anything but easy. Guests: Erica Jawin, postd…

1
Feminism in the 21st Century 17:10

3M ago17:10

17:10

How has feminism changed in light of the way we live now? DEAN SPADE (Author of Love in a F*cked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up & Raise Hell Together) on recognizing political conditions in personal relationships. MARILYN MINTER (Artist, Feminist) on sexual agency, beauty & her creative process. TEY MEADOW (Author of Trans Kids: Bein…

1
Episode 6: The Future of Black Women in Music 29:15

3M ago29:15

29:15

Episode 6: The Future of Black Women in MusicBy Smithsonian | National Museum of American History

1
Poison and Poisonability 35:17

3M ago35:17

35:17

When we think of serial killers, we tend to think of men—Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Jack the Ripper. But in the 1800s, the deadliest killers often wore corsets. In fact, so many women were arrested for serial poisoning that the era became known as the “Golden Age of Arsenic.” Journey back in time to trace the crimes of Lydia Sherman, a Victorian Er…

1
Inside the Mind of PETER WELLER, Actor, Art Historian, Director, Musician, Author - Highlights 13:57

3M ago13:57

13:57

Peter Weller is a renowned theater and Hollywood actor. His performances in films such as RoboCop and Naked Lunch garnered him much critical and commercial success over the years. His television acting and directing credits include Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, and 24. Unbeknownst to most, Weller has spent decades honing his appreciation for the visual …

1
From RoboCop to the Renaissance w/ Actor, Art Historian, Director, Musician, Author PETER WELLER 1:11:27

3M ago1:11:27

1:11:27

“I met Miles backstage at the Hollywood Bowl—the last gig he ever played. Miles asked, “Who’s that white boy?” I introduced him to Bob Thiele Jr., whose father produced Coltrane. When Miles discovered this, he said, “Well, you can hang,” following this friendly gesture with me walking Miles to his car. I did not know he was dying. I kissed him on b…

1
Episode 5: To Advocate Like Bernice 30:16

3M ago30:16

30:16

Episode 5: To Advocate Like BerniceBy Smithsonian | National Museum of American History

1
Episode 4: To Rise Like Donna 36:11

3M ago36:11

36:11

Episode Notes The work of Donna Summer sits at the heart of Disco’s brief and influential time at the center of American pop culture. In this episode, we look beyond the title “Queen of Disco,” to understand Donna’s ride to the top of the charts and the work that made her an icon. Find more information at s.si.edu/collected. Guests Daphne Brooks, P…

1
Right Stuff, Wrong Sex 40:35

3M ago40:35

40:35

There was a time, before Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, when some researchers believed women were better suited for space than men. In 1961, a group of female pilots—today known as the Mercury 13—quietly aced NASA’s toughest astronaut tests, even outperforming the Mercury men in some areas. But with the space race heating up, their mission wa…

1
Episode 3: To Dance Like Tina 33:16

4M ago33:16

33:16

Episode Notes Tina Turner always commanded the audience’s attention—with her dancing, energy, and rich singing voice. In this episode, we explore Tina Turner’s career and learn how she became known as “The Queen of Rock.” Her genius as a performer who couldn’t be placed in a genre is clear, and her courage and impact extended far beyond the stage. …

1
Episode 2: To Scat Like Ella 33:48

4M ago33:48

33:48

Episode Notes Ella Fitzgerald “The First Lady of Song” is one of the foremothers of Jazz, known for her crystal-clear voice and the innovation of scat singing. In this episode, we focus on Ella, her contributions to jazz, and the overall American songbook. Find more information at s.si.edu/collected. Guests Margo Jefferson is a Pulitzer Prize-winni…

1
To Sweat Like Beyoncé 18:21

4M ago18:21

18:21

Beyoncé is one of the most well-known and appreciated Black women in music today, but to understand her work, we need to look at who came before her and what those women contributed to the story of Black women on stage. In this special guest episode, curator Krystal Klingenberg introduces a new season of Collected, a podcast from the Smithsonian’s …

1
Episode 1: To Sweat Like Beyoncé 15:49

4M ago15:49

15:49

Episode Notes: How do we understand the work of Beyoncé? While she is one of the most well-known and appreciated Black women in music today, to understand her work, you need to see who came before her and what those women contributed to the story of Black women on stage. In this opening episode of the season, we take a look at the web of Black wome…

1
Collected Season Two: The Musical Genius of Black Women (trailer) 1:57

4M ago1:57

1:57

Black women have dominated the mainstream stages of American Popular music for almost a century. How can we understand the labor, spirit, and genius that got them there? Building on the exploration of contemporary Black feminist history in Season One, Season Two of the Collected podcast looks again at the brilliant work of African American women, t…

1
How Art Helps Us Understand the World - Filmmakers, Writers & Artists Share their Stories 11:52

4M ago11:52

11:52

How do our personal lives influence the art we make? JIM SHEPARD (Author of The Book of Aron, Project X, & The World to Come starring Casey Affleck, Vanessa Kirby, Katherine Waterston · Winner of the PEN New England Award, The Story Prize) explores historical human dilemmas, the emotional imagination and literature's role in extending empathetic un…

1
The Sex Lives of Giant Pandas 33:20

4M ago33:20

33:20

Whether it's live on the Smithsonian National Zoo's panda cam or in front of a crowd, possibly no other animal's sex life is as closely watched as the giant pandas' is. And there's a reason. These cuddly-looking black and white bears just can't figure out how to mate. But, with a little help from science, the once-endangered giant panda is making a…

1
Everybody Pledge Now 30:32

5M ago30:32

30:32

Children say it every day in school, but have you ever wondered why we recite the pledge of allegiance? We journey back to the late 1800s to understand how a massive wave of immigration and sagging magazine subscriptions gave rise to this vow of patriotism. From the Civil War to anti-immigrant nativism and Cold War politics, this one pledge tells m…

1
Midnight Magic 24:35

5M ago24:35

24:35

"I’m not superstitious, but I’m a little stitious.” As the New Year approaches, this iconic line from The Office feels more relatable than ever. From gulping grapes in Spain to donning yellow underwear in South America and practicing Scotland’s ancient “first-footing” tradition, people around the world embrace odd – and oddly meaningful - rituals t…

1
Elon Musk, Putin's Russia, Murdoch's Fox News: How Billionaires Shape Our World with DARRYL CUNNINGHAM 42:02

6M ago42:02

42:02

What influence do billionaires have on politics, journalism, and the technology that shapes our lives? What drives people to seek absolute power, and how can we hold them accountable? Darryl Cunningham is a cartoonist and author of Science Tales, Psychiatric Tales, The Age of Selfishness, and Billionaires: The Lives of the Rich and Powerful. Cunni…

1
The Whole Truth 33:47

6M ago33:47

33:47

Sojourner Truth was a women's rights advocate known best for her famous speech "Ain't I a Woman." But Truth never actually said these words. In fact, much of the Truth we know… is fiction. Depictions from different artists and journalists have tweaked Truth's legacy to fit their messages, giving her a “kaleidoscopic reputation,” according to Nell I…

1
Art, Creativity & Intuition - Filmmakers, Musicians & Artists discuss their Creative Process 16:04

6M ago16:04

16:04

Where does our intuition come from? How are lifelong creative partnerships formed and what role do friendship and personal connection play? How do our personal lives influence the art we make? Erland Cooper (Scottish composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist) explores the emotional and transformative effects of music and visual arts. He undersc…

1
Finding Cleopatra 27:06

6M ago27:06

27:06

Edmonia Lewis was the first sculptor of African American and Native American (Mississauga) descent to achieve international fame. Her 3,000-pound masterwork, “The Death of Cleopatra,” commemorated another powerful woman who broke with convention… and then the sculpture disappeared. On this return episode of Sidedoor, we find them both. You can see …

1
Bitcoin Bank Heist 39:46

7M ago39:46

39:46

Imagine this: invisible robbers break into a bank and steal massive sacks of cash, but instead of running away with it they set their haul on the front stoop of the bank in a glass case. Everyone can see the money, but only the robbers can get to it. That’s how IRS Special Agent Chris Janczewski describes the 2016 Bitfinex heist – when mystery hack…

1
JULIAN LENNON on Art, Empathy & Creativity - Highlights 18:34

7M ago18:34

18:34

“I think a lot of joy comes from helping others. One of the things that I've been really focusing on is finding that balance in life, what’s real and what’s true and what makes you happy. How can you help other people feel the same and have a happier life? I think whatever that takes. So if that's charity, if that's photography, if that's documenta…

1
Life’s Fragile Moments with JULIAN LENNON - Photographer, Musician, Documentary Filmmaker 55:58

7M ago55:58

55:58

What is the power of photography? How do images and songs bookmark our lives, reminding us of what we care about, who we love, and what it means to be alive? Julian Lennon is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, photographer, documentary filmmaker, and NYTimes bestselling author of the Touch the Earth children’s book trilogy. This autumn, Whispers…

1
The Wide Awakes 35:42

7M ago35:42

35:42

They carried torches and marched at night. Their goal: defend free speech in America. What started as a small group of young men demonstrating during the 1860 election, snowballed into a mass movement of working-class Americans marching to end slavery. They called themselves the Wide Awakes. And they’re widely seen as the political force that helpe…

1
The Devil’s Composer 39:18

8M ago39:18

39:18

Imagine Jaws without the sneaking tuba. Or Psycho without the shrieking violins. Music can help a horror film strike fear in the heart of theatergoers. And you can trace some of these musical scare tactics back to the era of SILENT films — when organists made up film scores on-the-spot. To celebrate the spooky season this year, we're slashing apart…

1
Bankers in the Boudoir 32:08

8M ago32:08

32:08

In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Frodo becomes invisible when he puts the Ring on his finger. Well, at banks in the 1970s, this is basically what happened when a woman put a wedding ring on her finger. Her credit cards would no longer work, and the banks wouldn't count her income as part of the household income. This led to a fight for women's fin…

1
Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future - SCOTT DOORLEY & CARISSA CARTER - Highlights 21:08

8M ago21:08

21:08

“Today, someone is putting the finishing touches on a machine- learning algorithm that will change the way you relate to your family. Someone is trying to design a way to communicate with animals in their own language. Someone is designing a gene that alters bacteria to turn your poop bright blue when it’s time to see the doctor. Someone is cleani…

1
Can Design Save the World? - SCOTT DOORLEY & CARISSA CARTER - Co-authors of Assembling Tomorrow - Directors of Stanford’s d.School 57:06

8M ago57:06

57:06

How can we design and adapt for the uncertainties of the 21st century? How do emotions shape our decisions and the way we design the world around us? Scott Doorley is the Creative Director at Stanford's d. school and co author of Make Space. He teaches design communication and his work has been featured in museums and architecture and urbanism and …

1
Jim the Penman 37:36

9M ago37:36

37:36

During the mid-1800s, one third of all paper money in America was thought to be fake. It was the golden age of counterfeiting, and one exceptionally talented con artist stood out from all the rest. His fakes were nearly perfect…but for a trademark tell. Known to law enforcement only as “Jim the Penman,” this celebrity criminal led many Americans to…

1
How Can Museums Stay Relevant & Engage with Communities? - Highlights - STEPHEN REILY 16:06

9M ago16:06

16:06

“The opportunity is that we have never had a public that is more passionate and obsessed with visual imagery. If the owners of the best original imagery in the world can't figure out how to take advantage of the fact that the world has now become obsessed with these treasures that we have to offer as museums, then shame on us. This is the opportuni…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Smithsonian | National Museum Of American History Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide