Impressions Of America: History Podcast

Simon is joined by historian Joshua Tait to discuss the New Conservatives who came about after the Second World War. We talk about the origins of the movement, its key figures and what happened after the movement died. We also look at the Republican party of today and discuss Trump’s impact.

It finally happened; Vaughn has got her episode on Star Wars! We look at the films and TV shows of the Star Wars universe and discuss how they reflect American history. We also go in depth on some of the key philosophical and political themes of Star Wars. Plus, make sure to stick around to the end of the episode to listen to some Star Wars hot takes from Vaughn (including her defence of the prequels).

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn discuss President Biden’s first 100 days in office and look at his successes and failures. We also look at the continued adventures of the Republican party and all the dreadful things they do. Also, how have the people of Scotland been doing without the Duke of Edinburgh around to lead them? Simon gives an update.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn each pick candidates for Conservative and Liberal Halls of Fame. Stay tuned to the end when they discuss which fictional characters would also make it in. Also, Tobi turned out to be the least cynical person on this topic - who saw that coming?

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by comedian, actor, screenwriter and podcaster Dave Anthony to discuss Aaron Sorkin's political TV drama The West Wing.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by investigative journalist Michael Isikoff to discuss his role in investigating the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. Stay tuned to the end of the episode for the co-hosts discussing their thoughts on their trilogy of shows on Bill Clinton.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by author Ben Railton to discuss his latest book Of Thee I Sing: The Contested History of American Patriotism. We also chat about wider themes of patriotism and nationalism, as well as discussing specific individuals, from Andrew Jackson and Donald Trump, to Colin Kaepernick and Ronald Reagan.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn look at Bill Clinton’s time in office – specifically his first term, the 1994 mid-terms and the Republican Revolution. We also briefly look at the 1996 election, meaning Vaughn gets to discuss Ross Perot again. We also cover the Waco Siege and Tobi solves history.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Alex Hochuli from the Aufhebunga Bunga Podcast to discuss the New Democrats and their rise in the late 80s and early 90s. We also chat with Alex about his new book The End of the End of History. Also, Vaughn gets to talk about her favourite subject: Ross Perot.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn discuss the events of January 6th where Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol. We also look at what it means for America to see Washington, D.C. under attack. Later in the episode we look at the Georgia runoff election results and what they mean for President-elect Joe Biden. And finally we wildly speculate on what these events may mean for the future of the Republican party.

In this special Christmas episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn look at Vaughn’s PHD thesis on post-war Christmas films and later in the episode they play some Christmas games, including Vaughn deciding the greatest Christmas film ever made. Also, is Australia a legitimate country? Tobi has some thoughts.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn look at the three most recent presidents to lose an election - Jimmy Carter in 1980, George H. Bush in 1992 and Donald Trump in 2020. Also, Simon goes on a journey to understand whether Ross Perot was a Himbo or not.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by writer and friend of the show Moises to discuss Spike Lee's 1992 film Malcolm X starring Denzel Washington.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn react to Joe Biden being projected as the winner of the 2020 election. This episode also looks at some of the key states in the election, Trump's reaction to Biden being declared the winner and Rudy Giuliani's visit to Four Seasons Total Landscaping.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by returning guest Angie Maxwell to look at the 2020 election, including the key swing states, polling numbers, and the increase in early voting.

Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Felix Salmon to discuss the 1987 film Wall Street. Felix is the chief financial correspondent at Axios and host of Slate Money.

In this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn are joined by Peter Robinson, a speechwriter for Ronald Reagan, to discuss the 1984 election. Also stick around to the end of the episode where we give some thoughts on our trilogy of shows on Ronald Reagan.

In this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn look back at all the fun from the RNC and discuss The Atlantic article on Donald Trump's comments about American soldiers.

In this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn discuss the 2020 Democratic National Convention, as well as Kamala Harris being picked as the VP candidate. They also look ahead to the Republican National Convention and discuss another interesting week for President Trump. Here is the link to the article mentioned in the episode on voting options in every state https://impressionsofamerica.com/2020/08/15/voting-options-in-every-state/

In this episode, Simon, Tobi and Vaughn look at the Christian Right in the second episode of their trilogy of shows on Ronald Reagan. This episode explores the political and social climate that lead to evangelicals forming an alliance with the Republican party and the role religion played in Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign. We also look at Reagan's response to the AIDS crisis and the role religion has played in politics in the decades following Reagan.