Join Don Wildman twice a week for your hit of American history, as he explores the past to help us understand the United States of today.
We’ll hear how codebreakers uncovered secret Japanese plans for the Battle of Midway, visit Chief Powhatan as he prepares for war with the British, see Walt Disney accuse his former colleagues of being communists, and uncover the dark history that lies beneath Central Park.
From pre-colonial America to independence, slavery to civil rights, the gold rush to the space race, join Don as he speaks to leading experts to delve into America’s past.
New episodes every Monday and Thursday.
Brought to you by History Hit, the award-winning podcast network and world’s best history channel on demand, featuring shows like Dan Snow’s History Hit, Not Just The Tudors and Betwixt the Sheets.
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Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
Downfall of Richard Nixon
#20 trending · History
We're repeating a classic-episode today - the downfall of President Richard Nixon. He is a complex figure. There are sides to him that get overlooked, like that he had a
Nov 12 37 min
The Death Penalty in America
Besides language, religion and social customs, one of the most important things that North America inherited from Britain in its early years was its legal system, includi
Nov 9 45 min
Crossing the Delaware: George Washington’s Greatest Victory
We've all seen the famous painting of General George Washington leading his men across the icy waters of the Delaware River. But what happened next? Today, we're explorin
Nov 5 51 min
Rise & Fall of the Aztec Empire
What made the Aztecs one of the most sophisticated empires of their age? How widespread was human sacrifice? And what brought about their fall from power?
Our guest toda
Nov 2 1 h 04 min
The Jersey Devil Uncovered
Have you ever heard of the Jersey Devil? A creature with bat-like wings, horse's hooves and hellish horns that stalks the New Jersey Pine Barrens, terrorising humans and
Oct 29 48 min
Salem Witch Trials
It all started with two young girls and three accused women. It ended with more than 200 accused, 20 executed and the name Salem forever connected with another word: witc
Oct 26 53 min
Takeover of Alcatraz Island
In November 1969 a group of Native American activists, protesting against centuries of forced relocation, broken treaties and the erosion of tribal sovereignty, launched
Oct 22 1 h 11 min
The Truth About Alexander Hamilton
We're rerunning a classic episodes today from a mini-series we did all about Alexander Hamilton. Who really was he, and what do we actually know about his life?
A Foundi
Oct 19 44 min
The Boston Courthouse Bombing
On April 22, 1976 a bomb went off at Suffolk County Courthouse in Boston. 22 people were injured in the blast, but no one was ever tried for the crime.
Kevin Galvin join
Oct 15 32 min
Life Down a California Goldmine
In 1848, James Marshall's discovery of gold in California's American River kicked off one of the biggest Gold Rushes in U.S. history. But what was life really like in Cal
Oct 12 54 min
Fur Trapping, Empire & the Hudson’s Bay Company
Did you know that almost 40% of the land that is now Canada was once owned by a single commercial company?
The Hudson's Bay Company surrendered this area for the sum of
Oct 8 43 min
Winter at Valley Forge: Washington's Darkest Hour?
After suffering defeat after defeat, George Washington’s battered army was forced to retreat into the forests of rural Pennsylvania, where they set up camp to wait out th
Oct 4 43 min
Nazi Scientists in America: Operation Paperclip
Why would the United States have welcomed Nazis after the Second World War? Through Operation Paperclip, more than 1,500 German and Austrian scientists and engineers move
Oct 1 39 min
Early Humans of Ice Age America
When did the first humans arrive in America? Archaeologists have long pushed the theory that human habitation in the Americas dates back only to about 10,000 years. But n
Sep 28 47 min
LBJ & the Vietnam War
How did a President who was so reluctant to ramp up America's presence in Vietnam become the one who increased it more than any other? When Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in
Sep 24 56 min
The Mormon Founding of Salt Lake City
What drew the Latter Day Saints to Utah? Was anyone living there before the arrival of Brigham Young? And how did the city develop?
Max Perry Mueller joins Don today to
Sep 21 49 min
Jefferson & the Revolutionary War
Thomas Jefferson has had no issue being remembered in American History. Ask anyone, this man was fundamental to Independence. But did he fight in the Revolutionary war it
Sep 17 41 min
What Really Happened At Waco?
76 people died on 19th April 1993 when the compound of a religious sect, the Branch Davidians, went up in flames. It had been under siege by government agencies for 51 da
Sep 14 53 min
Sherman's March: Invading the South
General William Tecumseh Sherman's famous invasion of the Confederacy in 1864 has become American legend... but what did Union troops do along their route and how consequ
Sep 10 55 min
America's Worst President
What makes a bad President? Who was the worst of all time? In this episode from the archive, Don is joined by Professor Jeremi Suri, author of The Impossible Presidency a
Sep 7 32 min
Chart trend
Position in the History chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#20#39AugSepOctNov
#2
all-time peak
4
days in the top 3 since Nov 2024
Chart positions
Where American History Hit ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Nov 14, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
Great subjects & content, but consistently annoying sound when we listen in our (late model) car - guests often too muted, so we ramp up treble & mid to hear the content. Then host or podcast break sound blast volume. We really want to just relax & enjoy the show, but it’s a struggle.
Tmac Dad's iTunes · Sep 2026
Don is a great host. I love this podcast! It makes history so accessible and the guests he brings on and conversations they have is so exciting! Truly, one of the best history podcasts! I love how you can really sense how much Don cares about historical topics and his love for American History really shines through. I’ve listened to every episode! Sometimes more than once. 😊
GraceLovesArchaeology · Jul 2026
Love the format of this podcast! The host’s and guests’ passion for US history emanates from every episode. Every topic is intriguing, if not entirely fascinating, and all episodes are presented in easy-to-follow, entertaining dialogues. I highly recommend to all history fans and Americans alike!
mwambalacuto · Jul 2026
The American History Hit Podcast is at the top of my list every week. I have voted in Presidential elections since 1972! Your pod about President Carter after his passing yesterday was really welcome. I voted for him but have regretted it in retrospect. The review of his work the the Camp David Accords and other foreign policy work was impressive. The Iran Hostage Crisis and badly organized rescue weighs heavily on my recollection, however. I remember mortgage rates at 14% which were devastating. I didn’t relate to the Oil Embargo until your interview, but it makes sense. The bottom line of my review is that the Podcast is always amazing. Don Wildman is a superbly well read host whose studio presence is the best in the business. I look forward to every episode!
mcmonte · Dec 2024
I used to love this show a lot but lately I hesitate to listen. Far too many political remarks for a history podcast. I’m just trying to learn and hear an unbiased telling of our history.
Strider-OTN · Aug 2026
Good show. Great guests. Good voice for narration. I’d suggest less political remarks.
jrock000007 · Jul 2026
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of American History Hit, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
