This week we are revisiting Bob's conversation with UNC-Chapel Hill historian Molly Worthen about her book, Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Trump.

Can a midterm election transform American politics overnight? In this clip, historian Nicole Hemmer @pastpunditry breaks down why looking back at 1994 helps put future congressional races into perspective.

What drove the major shift in congressional power in 1994? In part 4 of our Midterm series, historian Nicole Hemmer (@pastpunditry) joins us to analyze the 1994 elections and the factors that reshaped the political landscape in the 1990s.

What makes a great campaign slogan? Sometimes the most effective ones are just two words long. In part 3 of our Midterm series, we look at how 1946’s "Had enough?" helped flip Congress. Listen to ep. 380 wherever you get your podcasts!

Congress matters. Whether you show up to vote in a congressional election or stay home, profound things can happen.  Listen to episode 380 wherever you get your podcasts.

After leading the US through the Great Depression and WWII, why did Democrats suddenly lose Congress in 1946? In part 3 of our Midterms series, we break down this historic political swing and what it teaches us today. Listen to episode 380 wherever you get your podcasts!

Is history just "Old News"? Jefferson Cowie joins us for part 2 of our midterm election series, to break down the crucial 1874 midterms. Listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

Most histories mark 1876 as the end of Reconstruction, but the real turning point may have been the 1874 midterms. In the second episode of our Midterm series, Jefferson Cowie, author of the Pulitzer-winning "Freedom's Dominion," joins us to explain how Democrats won the House.

With the 2026 midterms right around the corner, we are launching a brand new 4 part series on the most important midterm elections in American history. We are kicking things off with the massive stakes of 1858.

What makes everyday people fall for dangerous ideologies? 🎙️ We are revisiting episode 342 where Ben talks with documentarian Jeff Bieber about his PBS film Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny. They explore Arendt's life as a refugee and why her concerns about power still matter today.