ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

© 2024 ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

FCC Public Inspection Files:
· · ·
· · · · ·
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

An irreverent reimagining of US history’s most revered (and reviled) idols

(Original Caption) 9/29/1952-Washington, DC: GOP Vice Presidential candidate Sen. Richard Nixon of California relaxes at home in Washington with the family pet, a Cocker Spaniel named "Checkers." Nixon, taking a short rest from campaigning, mentioned the dog on his nation wide broadcast.
Bettmann / Bettmann Archive
/
Getty
Then-vice presidential candidate Sen. Richard Nixon of California relaxes at home in 1952 with the family pet, a Cocker Spaniel named Checkers.

There’s currently a debate in America about what students should be learning about U.S. history. Some say we don’t revere American exceptionalism enough. Others say we're giving ourselves an A+ by excluding the tests we failed.

Humorist Alexandra Petri says both sides are wrong. We just don’t know enough about the things we need to know, such as how inventor Nikola Tesla fell in love with his pigeon or about the secret tapes of Nixon yelling at his dog Checkers.

This hour, an irreverent look at how we teach, learn and remember U.S. history.

GUESTS: 

  • Alexandra Petri is a humorist, a columnist for the Washington Post and the author of which was a Thurber Prize finalist. Her new book is
  • Mike Pesca is host of the podcast , author of the Substack column , and the editor of

Join the conversation on and .

Colin McEnroe, Cat Pastor, Lily Tyson, and Jonathan McNicol contributed to this show. 

The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on , , , , or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode!

Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show.

Stay Connected
Betsy started as an intern at WNPR in 2011 after earning a Master's Degree in American and Museum Studies from Trinity College. She served as the Senior Producer for 'The Colin McEnroe Show' for several years before stepping down in 2021 and returning to her previous career as a registered nurse. She still produces shows with Colin and the team when her schedule allows.
Related Content