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We can’t navigate safely to the future unless we understand what lies behind us. That’s why the move by cowardly politicians to limit the history we’re taught is so inexcusable. Sanitized hero worship does not move us forward. Enter Mike Vance’s podcast, the irreverent Prick the Balloon. It features Mike, a widely published historian, deflating popular myths and telling history that’s true, complete, impertinent, well-researched and fun. It’s a look at our real past, wherever that might lead ...
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Prick the Balloon 19 - American Rebellions
55:52
55:52
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There have been a handful of times over the last 450 years when a group of Americans felt aggrieved enough to take up arms. Other than the combined colonists in 1775 (and American-Mexicans and some Tejano allies in 1836) they never succeeded. This is the interesting story of several American Rebellions. Hopefully it is also a reminder that we shoul…
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The wealthy Americans who have gifted artwork to the nation's museums are a total mixed bag. They come from all ends of the political spectrum, and, aside from their donations, some lived more admirable lives than others. It makes for fascinating, non-partisan history to keep in mind next time you visit the museum. Host Mike Vance Writer is the pub…
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A recap of vacation leads to the recent and not so recent history of certain US foreign relations and how that impacts what everyday citizens of other countries think about Americans in general. Our internal politics can sometimes produce a rough reception for us when we go abroad. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 12 books with mor…
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PTB Quickie 2 - Post Civil War Voting Rights
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18:07
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The Voting Rights Act exists for a very important reason. Here's a quickie (relatively) about a murderous and violent overthrow of an election for reals. Not the totally fabricated nonsense currently being slung before swine. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 11 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight…
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The New Deal-era Federal Writers Project produced some wonderfully fun guides to each of the 48 states, plus Alaska and Puerto Rico and several cities. This short episode explains and shares. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 11 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentar…
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Petty bickering over a cabinet member's wife tore the Jackson administration apart for two years, but was it really just bitter politics as usual? It all pitted a president against a vice-president topped with name calling and the offer of a duel. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 11 books with more on the way. He has written, produ…
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Prick the Balloon 15 - Integrating Sports
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55:51
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Sports has often led the way in civil rights, so even non sports fan will find great nuggets of both outrage and triumph in this episode. No prior knowledge required. Game on. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 11 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150…
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We face stereotyping in so many different ways every day, and lumping people and places and things all together is almost always a bad idea. This episode makes the strong case that American liberalism owes its roots to Texas Populists. Seriously, yes - Texas. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 11 books with more on the way. He has wr…
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Prick the Balloon 13 - Woodrow Wilson Part 2
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55:16
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The sad and frustrating story of Woodrow Wilson resumes as the U.S. enters WWI. Unfortunately for Wilson, his legacy largely goes downhill from there. It ends with a president unable to perform his duties and some unforgiveable stains to weigh against some real progress. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 11 books with more on the wa…
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Prick the Balloon 12 - Woodrow Wilson Part 1
45:59
45:59
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People are complicated, but few in American history are more confounding than Woodrow Wilson, who hit the extremes of good and bad. He left so much to unpack that it takes two episodes. In this first one, we ride with Woody through reelection in 1916. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 11 books with more on the way. He has written, p…
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Not all angry old men are men, or even old, but they have definitely obstructed progress in our country over the years. Others just want you to get off their lawn. This episode explores both. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 11 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentar…
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One side loves to complain about bias in the news. As always, they fail to understand the history of the topic. We had finally tamped down much of it until the system was blown apart by a conservative icon. This is the timeline of America's news. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 books with more on the way. He has written, produc…
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Prick the Balloon 9 - Party of Lincoln My Ass
43:38
43:38
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Political parties change. What was once a bunch of liberals becomes conservative, and vice versa. The run through of American political parties is fascinating and laugh provoking. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over…
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Prick the Balloon 8 - Americans and Animals
37:20
37:20
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How is our relationship with animals? Have we gotten better or worse in our interactions with and stewardship of the animal kingdom around us? Mike lays it out so you can decide. But you'd better be nice to those dogs, or there will be trouble. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 books with more on the way. He has written, produced…
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Prick the Balloon 7 - Spanish American War
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38:05
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The Spanish-American War was a manufactured little conflict that, for the U.S. at least, lasted about three months. On the other hand it was the first time the American Empire expanded off the mainland North American continent. The lessons of intervention still apply. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 books with more on the way. …
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This one is just a little fun. Sure it's history, but it's also wildly subjective. Let's face it, the U.S. is one corrupt nation, but which state takes the crown? You've probably got your own ideas, but you should get a few laughs and gasps listening to Mike's. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 books with more on the way. He has …
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Prick the Balloon 5 - Pilgrims and Puritans
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35:22
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What should we make of those darkly pious New Englanders who sought freedom of religion in the 1600s? In Mike's opinion, the positives are few and far between. Though they have undeniably passed through several filters, their dour negativity is still being imposed on Americans today. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 books with m…
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This episode gives a little love to a president who sometimes gets a bad rap. Though he was far from perfect, just like the rest of us, Ulysses S. Grant was a strong champion for civil rights and equality, and he even tried, unsuccessfully, to stop the nation's relentless killing of American Indians. It was Grant who gave us our first national park…
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Prick the Balloon 3 - Hollywood Blacklist
41:26
41:26
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The alternate title for this episode is Lucille Ball vs. John Wayne, but few things about the Hollywood Blacklist were that clear cut. It was a sad example of shutting down good Americans solely because of their beliefs, in many cases, not even their current beliefs. There is plenty of old-time movie gossip here, but also some lessons that resonate…
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Prick the Balloon 2 - Mauls & Strikes: American Labor History
39:34
39:34
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American labor unions have a long history of successes and failures, some of them downright murderous. Study that history, though, and one thing becomes clear - without a strong labor movement, there is no American middle class. This episode provides proof of the struggle. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 books with more on the …
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For the guy who's been staring back at us from the $20 bill for almost a century, the 7th president doesn't have much to recommend him in the way of ethics. Learn all about Andrew Jackson, and have some fun along the way. Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight fea…
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