Welcome to U.S. History: 20 Minutes at a Time. This podcast is built for anyone who wants a deeper, more structured understanding of American history, whether you’re preparing for the Advanced Placement U.S. History exam, enrolled in a college survey course, or just brushing up on the events and ideas that shaped the nation.

Each episode runs around twenty minutes, give or take a few, and is designed to hit that sweet spot between depth and accessibility.

Over the course of one hundred episodes, we’ll move from Native North America before 1492 all the way to globalization in the twenty-first century. You’ll hear about politics and wars, but also about the social changes, cultural movements, and economic shifts that made the United States what it is today.

Whether you’re studying for an exam, reviewing for class, or just curious about the country’s story, this series is meant to be a valuable companion. It gives you the big picture, episode by episode, in a way that’s both manageable and enjoyable.

Dive into the vibrant world of Native North America Before 1492 in this episode of U.S. History: 20 Minutes at a Time. Discover the ingenious Inuit of the Arctic, thriving in extreme environments, and the sophisticated Haudenosaunee Confederacy, a model of democratic governance. From the urban marvel of Cahokia to the ecologically savvy practices of California’s tribes, we uncover a continent buzzing with diverse nations, intricate trade networks, and profound spiritual traditions. Tune in to explore a history far richer and more dynamic than you ever imagined!

Step into the heart of the Mississippian World in this episode, where we explore Cahokia, North America’s greatest pre-contact city. With towering mounds, sprawling plazas, and a population rivaling medieval London, Cahokia was a hub of trade, ceremony, and power. Uncover the vibrant culture of the Mississippians, their mastery of maize agriculture, and the intricate rituals that bound their society. Join us to discover a civilization that reshaped the American Midwest long before 1492!

Journey to the ancient Southwest in this episode, where the Pueblo peoples built thriving civilizations in the desert. From the awe-inspiring cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde to the sprawling stone cities of Chaco Canyon, discover how the Ancestral Puebloans and Hohokam mastered irrigation, agriculture, and trade across vast networks. Explore their rich spiritual traditions, intricate kivas, and enduring cultural legacy that still shapes the Southwest today. Tune in for a story of ingenuity and resilience under the desert sun!

Set sail with the Norse explorers in this thrilling episode as we uncover their daring voyages to North America centuries before Columbus. From the windswept shores of Vinland to the archaeological mysteries of L’Anse aux Meadows, discover how Vikings like Leif Erikson navigated uncharted waters and made early contact with Indigenous peoples. Explore the fleeting settlements, cultural encounters, and the untold stories of America’s first European visitors. Join us for a tale of adventure and discovery that rewrites the early chapters of American history!

Embark on a pivotal journey in this episode as we explore Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1492 and the seismic wave of Spanish conquest that followed. From the Caribbean shores to the fall of mighty Indigenous empires, uncover the ambitions, encounters, and devastating consequences that reshaped the Americas. Dive into the clash of worlds, where European dreams of gold met vibrant Native civilizations, forever altering the course of history. Tune in for a gripping tale of exploration, conquest, and transformation!

Venture into the vibrant and complex world of Spanish colonies in this episode, where conquest gave way to sprawling empires across the Americas. Explore how Spain built a colonial system blending Indigenous traditions, African influences, and European ambitions. Uncover the stories of encomiendas, Catholic missions, and resilient communities that shaped early America. Join us for a deep dive into a transformative era of cultural collision and creation!

Embark on a thrilling journey through the heart of early America in this episode, as we trace the French explorers who ventured deep into the continent’s rivers and forests. From Samuel de Champlain’s founding of Quebec to the voyageurs paddling through vast wilderness, discover how the fur trade forged alliances with Indigenous nations and shaped a unique colonial frontier. Uncover tales of adventure, diplomacy, and cultural exchange that defined New France. Tune in for a captivating story of exploration and connection in the wilds of North America!