American Experience Presents

GBH
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American Experience Presents

"American Experience Presents" brings a fresh take on the iconic stories told on TV's most-watched history series. This 10-episode anthology launches with three powerful narratives: Joseph McCarthy, whose anti-communist crusade terrorized 1950s America; media titan William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper mogul whose empire shaped public opinion for decades; and Sgt. Isaac Woodard, the decorated World War II veteran whose brutal assault by police sparked a civil rights awakening. This new GBH podcast examines how these three transformative figures shaped pivotal moments in 20th century America, bringing their stories to life for a new generation of listeners. Connect with American Experience on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. ----------------------------------- Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriters: Galen Beebe and Andrew Newman Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins  Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrators: James Edwards and Cameo George Executive Producer: Cameo George

Episodes

  1. Part 2: The Isaac Woodard Case

    3 DAYS AGO

    Part 2: The Isaac Woodard Case

    In a gripping courtroom confrontation, Isaac Woodard comes face to face with his attacker, revealing a miscarriage of justice that will shake the foundations of American racism. Discover President Harry Truman's stunning transformation from a man shaped by Southern prejudices to a bold champion of civil rights, as powerful testimonies and behind-the-scenes revelations culminate in a groundbreaking moment that will forever alter the landscape of racial justice in America. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------ Credits:  Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Andrew Newman Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator and Executive Producer: Cameo George

    42 min
  2. Part 1: Isaac Woodard's Fateful Bus Ride

    DEC 11

    Part 1: Isaac Woodard's Fateful Bus Ride

    Just hours after his honorable discharge from the Army, Isaac Woodard, a decorated World War II veteran, faces a brutal encounter with law enforcement that leaves him blind and ignites a national conversation about race and justice, highlighting the stark realities of returning home as a Black man in the Jim Crow South.  Enter Orson Welles, the famous director and radio personality, who uses his weekly broadcasts to launch a riveting real-life whodunit. As Welles and the NAACP race to uncover the truth, their investigation captivates the country and sets in motion a chain of events that will challenge segregation in the South and change the course of the civil rights movement. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------ Credits:  Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Andrew Newman Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator and Executive Producer: Cameo George

    31 min
  3. Introducing: Isaac Woodard

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introducing: Isaac Woodard

    In 1946, decorated World War II veteran Isaac Woodard is brutally beaten and blinded by police just hours after his honorable discharge – a shocking act of racial violence that ignites a firestorm of change. Join host Cameo George as she unravels this powerful, forgotten story that reveals how one soldier's unimaginable tragedy inspired President Harry Truman, challenged the brutal system of segregation, and became the unexpected spark that would ultimately transform the course of American civil rights history. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------ Credits:  Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Andrew Newman Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator and Executive Producer: Cameo George

    3 min
  4. Part 4: Hearst's Hollywood Dreams Meet the Great Depression

    NOV 27

    Part 4: Hearst's Hollywood Dreams Meet the Great Depression

    From Hollywood glamor to financial ruin, William Randolph Hearst's empire crumbles as the Roaring Twenties crash into the Great Depression. Facing economic collapse, a fractured relationship with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and whispers of communism, Hearst navigates a treacherous landscape. His unexpected encounter with Hitler, passionate proposal to longtime love Marion Davies, and eventual inspiration for the film "Citizen Kane" reveal a man wrestling with power, love, and legacy. This is the final chapter of an American titan's extraordinary journey. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------ Credits:  Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George

    30 min
  5. Part 3: Hearst Conquers Hollywood and Builds a Castle

    NOV 20

    Part 3: Hearst Conquers Hollywood and Builds a Castle

    By 1919, William Randolph Hearst had conquered the world of print media, but the ambitious mogul isn't satisfied. As America roars into the 1920s, Hearst sets his sights on a dazzling new frontier—the silver screen. From pioneering newsreels to lavish Hollywood productions, Hearst aims to dominate this revolutionary medium just as he has with newspapers. Meanwhile, atop an isolated California hilltop, Hearst begins construction on a monumental castle to house his insatiable appetite for art and antiques. As his empire and real estate holdings expand, complications arise in his personal life as well. Don't miss the next chapter in the saga of America's first media tycoon. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------ Credits:  Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George

    28 min
  6. Part 2: Hearst vs. Pulitzer

    NOV 13

    Part 2: Hearst vs. Pulitzer

    William Randolph Hearst has one goal: to dethrone Joseph Pulitzer as the king of newspapers. What follows is a circulation war like no other, where no tactic is off-limits. Hearst slashes prices to a penny, poaches top talent, and even lures away Pulitzer's pressroom cat. But it's his sensational coverage that truly captivates readers. From exposing corrupt ice trusts to smuggling Cuban revolutionaries, Hearst's 'new journalism' knows no bounds. He assembles his own 'murder squad,' races through city streets to catch killers, and brazenly claims credit for starting the Spanish-American War. As Hearst's influence grows, so do concerns about his unchecked power. When newsboys go on strike against his unfair practices, the self-proclaimed champion of the working class shows his true colors. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------ Credits:  Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George

    33 min
  7. Part 1: Hearst's San Francisco Sensation

    NOV 6

    Part 1: Hearst's San Francisco Sensation

    In 1887, a 24-year-old Harvard dropout takes over a struggling San Francisco newspaper. Within weeks, he's arrested for libel. Meet William Randolph Hearst, the audacious young publisher who transforms The San Francisco Examiner from a money-losing headache into the 'Monarch of the Dailies.' Discover how Hearst's outrageous stunts—like timing how long it takes a ferry to rescue an overboard reporter—skyrocket circulation from 5,000 to 55,000 in just three years. And meet the mother who controls his purse strings. From championing racist policies to laying the foundations of his media empire, Hearst's rise proves as controversial as it is meteoric. Listen as this mercurial maverick makes his mark on journalism. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------ Credits:  Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George

    29 min
  8. Introducing: William Randolph Hearst

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introducing: William Randolph Hearst

    American newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst's immense wealth and power transformed the media's role in politics and society. In this 4-part series, we delve into Hearst's early life and his rise as a media titan, revealing how his prodigious appetites and control over vast media holdings allowed him to shape public opinion and influence major events.  Hearst's innovative and often controversial approach to journalism, known as "yellow journalism," redefined the boundaries of news reporting and had a profound impact on American culture. Discover how his publishing empire not only sensationalized stories but also played a critical role in political campaigns and public perception during pivotal moments in history.  Join host James Edwards for a richly detailed account of William Randolph Hearst, where expert interviews, rare archival audio, and compelling storytelling illuminate the legacy of this pioneering media titan whose impact continues to resonate today.  Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------ Credits:  Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George

    3 min
  9. Part 3: Downfall

    OCT 23

    Part 3: Downfall

    At the height of his power, Senator Joseph McCarthy seems unstoppable. But his downfall comes from an unexpected place—the U.S. Army. Follow the dramatic escalation of McCarthy's anti-communist campaign in 1953 as his crusade collides with the military, leading to televised hearings that captivate the nation. The drama intensifies with Edward R. Murrow's iconic broadcast, as the legendary newsman challenges McCarthy's methods, marking a seismic shift in public opinion. Listen as this chaotic political showdown unfolds, revealing the raw interplay of power, media, and accountability—and witness the beginning of the end for one of America's most controversial political figures. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------------- Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe  Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George

    29 min
  10. Part 2: Chasing the Lie

    OCT 16

    Part 2: Chasing the Lie

    As Cold War fears grip 1950s America, Joseph McCarthy weaponizes accusations of communist infiltration, rocketing from obscurity to national prominence. Discover how one man's relentless pursuit of a lie explodes into a nationwide witch hunt. Through rare audio and firsthand accounts, hear McCarthy's audacious tactics unfold - from smearing political opponents to interrogating alleged subversives in government and beyond, no institution is safe, not even public libraries. Listen as the televised hearings and flying subpoenas leave careers in ruins, as everyday Americans face an impossible choice: their principles or their survival. But as the senator's power reaches new heights, dark clouds gather on the horizon. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------------- Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe  Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards  Executive Producer: Cameo George

    31 min
  11. Part 1: The Birth of McCarthyism

    OCT 16

    Part 1: The Birth of McCarthyism

    Joseph McCarthy grows up on a Wisconsin farm where he learns the value of hard work. After serving in World War II, he capitalizes on his military service to launch a successful Senate campaign. As the Cold War intensifies, McCarthy seizes the opportunity to exploit public fears of communism, framing himself as a defender of American democracy. Discover how his rise coincides with a national climate of paranoia, setting the stage for the demagoguery that would define McCarthy's career—all against the backdrop of a nation grappling with its identity and values. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ----------------------- Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George

    27 min
  12. Introducing: Joseph McCarthy

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introducing: Joseph McCarthy

    In 1950, an obscure senator from Wisconsin stood before a small crowd in Wheeling, West Virginia, and ignited a firestorm that would change American politics forever. With a single speech, Joseph McCarthy thrust himself into the national spotlight, brandishing accusations of Communist infiltration at the highest levels of government. But was there any truth to his claims? Discover the origins of McCarthyism in this three-part podcast series. From McCarthy's humble beginnings on a Wisconsin farm to his meteoric rise in Washington, follow the journey of a man whose name would become synonymous with political fearmongering. Through rare archival audio, expert insights, and compelling storytelling, join host James Edwards as we uncover the story of a man who wielded power through fear and suspicion—a story whose legacy still echoes in today's political landscape. Learn more about American Experience  Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads ------------------------------------- Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George

    3 min

Trailers

4.4
out of 5
172 Ratings

About

"American Experience Presents" brings a fresh take on the iconic stories told on TV's most-watched history series. This 10-episode anthology launches with three powerful narratives: Joseph McCarthy, whose anti-communist crusade terrorized 1950s America; media titan William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper mogul whose empire shaped public opinion for decades; and Sgt. Isaac Woodard, the decorated World War II veteran whose brutal assault by police sparked a civil rights awakening. This new GBH podcast examines how these three transformative figures shaped pivotal moments in 20th century America, bringing their stories to life for a new generation of listeners. Connect with American Experience on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. ----------------------------------- Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Associate Producer: Meiqian He Scriptwriters: Galen Beebe and Andrew Newman Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins  Editorial Advisor: John Bredar Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant Narrators: James Edwards and Cameo George Executive Producer: Cameo George

Information

  • Creator
    GBH
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2024
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2024 WGBH Educational Foundation
  • Show Website
    American Experience Presents

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