Let me put my Historian Hat on

Andrew McGregor
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Thoughts and Rants from Doctor's Perspective. I have a PhD in American History with an emphasis on race, sport, and politics plus specialized training in public and digital history. I use this experience to discuss contemporary events and tell stories. amcgregor.substack.com

  1. Episode 25: The Politics of MSEs

    06/23/2025

    Episode 25: The Politics of MSEs

    Dallas is one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup. In this episode I explore how Mega-Sporting-Events (MSEs) have played a role in international relations, altering perceptions of host nations. In recent years this has brought more attention to Human Rights, creating opportunities to move beyond national and civic boosterism and to create lasting legacies. * Correction: I note that the 1934 World Cup took place before fascism took hold in Italy. Mussolini took power in 1922, and did in fact try to use the 1934 World Cup to promote his regime. Get full access to History + Sport at amcgregor.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min
  2. Episode 24: Another Endless War

    06/23/2025

    Episode 24: Another Endless War

    Responding to the recent bombing of Iran by the United States, I explore how Cold War ideology and the Military Industrial Complex continue to shape and complicate U.S. foreign relations. Get full access to History + Sport at amcgregor.substack.com/subscribe

    30 min
  3. Episode 23: Kansas and the Harms of Reform Fatigue

    02/13/2025

    Episode 23: Kansas and the Harms of Reform Fatigue

    In this episode I reflect on the chaos of our current political moment before looking at the lessons of Bleeding Kansas. I discuss the success of Kansas as a political project of the New England Emigrant Aid Company to consider how we may reach out to Red States, and warn of the dangers of “reform fatigue,” which has undermined every truly progressive movement toward equality. Get full access to History + Sport at amcgregor.substack.com/subscribe

    34 min
  4. Episode 22: MLK Day 2025

    01/20/2025

    Episode 22: MLK Day 2025

    This episode reflects on the lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. amidst the heaviness of January 20, 2025. I weave together ideas that I think can help us move forward and inspire us as we face a daunting four years ahead. Get full access to History + Sport at amcgregor.substack.com/subscribe

    17 min
  5. Episode 21: Panic, Depression, and Christmas Fulfillment

    12/18/2024

    Episode 21: Panic, Depression, and Christmas Fulfillment

    This is my Christmas Episode. I start by walking us through the cycles of Panics and Depressions in U.S. history before discussing the causes of the Great Depression and how it set us on path towards never ending consumption. I conclude by considering the dangers of modern consumption, including its dehumanizing impact on anonymous blue-collar workers left unfulfilled within the Christmas supply chain. Get full access to History + Sport at amcgregor.substack.com/subscribe

    41 min
  6. Episode 20: Theory of Change

    12/06/2024

    Episode 20: Theory of Change

    In this episode I discuss historical methodology and theory of change. I begin by reflecting on a new book I’m eager to read and how hearing a few interviews with its author already has my historical mind spinning. I follows these tangents into explorations of how history helps us develop a sense of place, how places hold history and make us curious, and how that curiosity is really all about studying change, which can then help us develop our theories of change so that we can use lessons from the past to influence the future. Get full access to History + Sport at amcgregor.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min
  7. Episode 19: Thanksgiving and Rebecca the Raccoon

    11/26/2024

    Episode 19: Thanksgiving and Rebecca the Raccoon

    In this episode I suggest we’ve got more work to do to complicate the myth of thanksgiving and center the lives and agency of indigenous people. I also discuss how the holiday has become an American tradition aided by gifts to American presidents. One of those strange gifts, intended to be a part of the thanksgiving meal, became a beloved presidential pet. Get full access to History + Sport at amcgregor.substack.com/subscribe

    15 min
  8. Episode 18: L. Frank Baum creator of the Oz Universe

    11/21/2024

    Episode 18: L. Frank Baum creator of the Oz Universe

    With the release of Wicked this weekend, I wanted to share the story of L. Frank Baum, author of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Baum created the Oz universe, which is a uniquely American fairy tale with enduring popularity. Yet, hidden within the original Oz book is a parable on the populist politics of the 1890s. Get full access to History + Sport at amcgregor.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min
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Thoughts and Rants from Doctor's Perspective. I have a PhD in American History with an emphasis on race, sport, and politics plus specialized training in public and digital history. I use this experience to discuss contemporary events and tell stories. amcgregor.substack.com

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