Episodes
- 01
What Is History, Actually?
History as a discipline vs. "stuff that happened." The role of the historian. No "view from nowhere." Every account is constructed — that's how the discipline works, not a scandal.
Coming soon - 02
Primary Sources, Secondary Sources, and How to Read Both
What counts as a primary source? Evaluating sources. Practical skills: reading old documents, understanding context, recognizing genre.
Coming soon - 03
Bias, Perspective, and the Myth of Objectivity
Everyone has a perspective, but not all are equal. How to identify bias without dismissing everything. Bias vs. dishonesty.
Coming soon - 04
Presentism & Anachronism
The cardinal sin of amateur history. How to take historical context seriously without excusing everything. Nuance as a skill.
Coming soon - 05
Hagiography, Myth-Making, & National Stories
Every community tells stories about its founders that serve present needs. American civil religion, Catholic saints, LDS pioneer narratives. Appreciating stories while reading critically.
Coming soon - 06
When History Hurts: Encountering Difficult Pasts
What do you do when you learn something that challenges a story you built your identity on? Frameworks for processing disillusionment without overcorrecting.
Coming soon - 07
Becoming a Better Reader of History
Synthesis. How to evaluate a historical claim. How to read a history book critically. How to hold complexity. Recommended reading.
Coming soon