American Experience Presents
<p><br></p><p>"American Experience Presents" brings a fresh take on the iconic stories told on TV's most-watched history series. This 10-episode anthology launches with three powerful narratives: Joseph McCarthy, whose anti-communist crusade terrorized 1950s America; media titan William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper mogul whose empire shaped public opinion for decades; and Sgt. Isaac Woodard, the decorated World War II veteran whose brutal assault by police sparked a civil rights awakening. This new GBH podcast examines how these three transformative figures shaped pivotal moments in 20th century America, bringing their stories to life for a new generation of listeners.</p><p>Connect with American Experience on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.</p><p>-----------------------------------</p><p><strong>Credits:</strong></p><p><strong>Lead Producer: </strong>Devin Maverick Robins</p><p><strong>Associate Producer: </strong>Meiqian He</p><p><strong>Scriptwriters: </strong>Galen Beebe and Andrew Newman</p><p><strong>Story Editor: </strong>Devin Maverick Robins </p><p><strong>Editorial Advisor:</strong> John Bredar</p><p><strong>Sound Designer: </strong>Jack Pombriant</p><p><strong>Narrators: </strong>James Edwards and Cameo George</p><p><strong>Executive Producer: </strong>Cameo George</p>
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Raised on her father’s stories as a Marine recruit, CJ Scarlet wanted to prove she could be as tough as her Dad. Like her twin brother, in 1981 she joined the Corps, and she excelled on the rifle range, became an expert marksman, and completed boot camp as an honor graduate. Scarlet planned on a twenty-year career as a photojournalist, but the constant sexual harassment she encountered at bases like Camp Pendleton turned her dream into a nightmare. For more powerful memories from veterans, visit the PBS series, American Veteran, where you can also watch the television series and digital short films. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
Harold Brown earned his wings as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black aviators in the United States armed services. At the outset of his distinguished, two-decade-long career in the military, Brown flew for this ground-breaking World War II unit. On his 30th mission, his P-51 Mustang was shot down. He survived as a prisoner of war in Germany until liberation. Brown recognized the irony that the first time he experienced integrated living was in a POW camp.” For more powerful memories from veterans, visit the PBS series, American Veteran, where you can also watch the television series and digital short films. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads----------------------------In Memoriam: Harold Brown (1924-2023) This episode features the story of Tuskegee Airman Harold Brown, who passed away on January 12, 2023 at the age of 98. A fighter pilot in WWII, POW, and Korean War veteran who later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Brown experienced firsthand how the military's integration preceded and helped influence broader civil rights progress in America. We are honored to preserve his testimony about this pivotal chapter in our nation's history.
Nick Irving was a member of the elite Army Rangers, serving three deployments each in Iraq and Afghanistan. He became a sniper and earned the nickname “The Reaper” for his deadly accuracy and high body count. But returning home wasn’t so simple. “Overseas,” Irving said, “I had all the control in the world. I just pull a trigger and anything that was bad went away.” Once he was stateside, he realized that the most dangerous enemies he faced were his own demons.For more powerful memories from veterans, visit the PBS series, American Veteran, where you can also watch the television series and digital short films. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
Edie Meeks had two brothers, one who was serving in Vietnam and the other who was protesting the war. She loved them both but decided that if something happened to her brother in combat, she wanted him to have the best care. She volunteered for the Army Nurses Corps, one of 100,000 women who served in Vietnam during the war, working 12 hours a day, six days a week, fighting to save lives and haunted by those who died.For more powerful memories from veterans, visitthe PBS series, American Veteran, where you can also watch the television series and digital short films. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
As a teenager watching the 9/11 attacks, Clifton Hicks remembers that it was “our Pearl Harbor moment.” He joined the army as an M1 Abrams tank specialist and deployed to Germany, Kuwait, and finally to Iraq. There, his experiences in combat convinced him that what he was doing wasn’t glamorous or honorable. He earned the enmity of many of his colleagues by speaking out against the war. Then he made the risky decision to try and get out of the army as a conscientious objector. For more powerful memories from veterans, visitthe PBS series, American Veteran, where you can also watch the television series and digital short films. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
Edward Field grew up feeling out of place in Long Island, New York, a gay, Jewish “interloper.” When he joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, he felt he’d “escaped from a world I didn’t like to one I did.” Field became a navigator and flew twenty-seven missions over Germany. One mission ended in a crash landing in the North Sea and an astonishing act of altruism.For more powerful memories from veterans, visit the PBS series, American Veteran, where you can also watch the television series and digital short films. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
When she joined the Army, Shoshana Johnson figured that she’d “save some money, lose some weight, and come back home.” It didn’t work out as planned: in her first month in Iraq, working as a cook in a maintenance unit, her convoy took a wrong turn and she was wounded and captured, becoming the first Black American woman to be held as a POW. But her captivity was only the beginning.For more powerful memories from veterans, visit the PBS series, American Veteran, where you can also watch the television series and digital short films. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Frank DeVita wanted revenge. He enlisted in the Coast Guard, his quickest way into service. His mom figured he’d “patrol a beach on Coney Island.” Instead, on D-Day, he ended up on a landing craft transporting soldiers to the slaughterhouse that was Omaha Beach and ferrying back shocking numbers of dead and wounded. It was a story that he bottled up for seventy years.For more powerful memories from veterans, visit the PBS series, American Veteran, where you can also watch the television series and digital short films. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads----------------------------In Memoriam: Frank DeVita (1926-2022) This episode features the story of WWII veteran Frank DeVita, who passed away on March 12, 2022 at the age of 96. We remain deeply grateful for his service at D-Day and for his courage in sharing his experiences with future generations.
In war and in peace, the veteran experience is part of the American Experience. Welcome to American Veteran: Unforgettable Stories, an 8-part series built around the direct testimony of a single veteran - from a Coast Guard gunner’s mate who manned a landing craft at Omaha Beach on D-Day, to an Army cook in Iraq who became the first Black American woman held as a POW to an Army nurse in Vietnam who struggled to do her part. This collection of riveting first-person stories provides a compelling portrait of the veteran experience over multiple generations.Each episode revolves around a single veteran's unforgettable story, creating a powerful mosaic of military service across generations. These intimate accounts—raw, honest, and deeply personal—reveal the true cost and meaning of serving one's country.The series is hosted by Phil Klay, a Marine Corps veteran featured in the “American Veteran” television series and author of the National Book Award-winning collection of short stories, “Redeployment." Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads
A single act of brutality. A spark that would ignite a revolution. In this bonus episode, hear how Isaac Woodard's tragic story rippled through history, transforming Judge Waties Waring, mobilizing the NAACP, and setting the stage for seismic shifts in American justice. Join filmmaker Jamila Ephron, Judge Richard Gergel, and Harvard law professor Kenneth Mack as they reveal the extraordinary, interconnected journey from one soldier's suffering to landmark moments like military desegregation and Brown v. Board of Education – a testament to how individual courage can change the course of a nation.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads------------------------------Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Andrew NewmanStory Editor: Galen BebeeEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator and Executive Producer: Cameo George
In a gripping courtroom confrontation, Isaac Woodard comes face to face with his attacker, revealing a miscarriage of justice that will shake the foundations of American racism. Discover President Harry Truman's stunning transformation from a man shaped by Southern prejudices to a bold champion of civil rights, as powerful testimonies and behind-the-scenes revelations culminate in a groundbreaking moment that will forever alter the landscape of racial justice in America.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads------------------------------Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Andrew NewmanStory Editor: Galen BebeeEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator and Executive Producer: Cameo George
Just hours after his honorable discharge from the Army, Isaac Woodard, a decorated World War II veteran, faces a brutal encounter with law enforcement that leaves him blind and ignites a national conversation about race and justice, highlighting the stark realities of returning home as a Black man in the Jim Crow South. Enter Orson Welles, the famous director and radio personality, who uses his weekly broadcasts to launch a riveting real-life whodunit. As Welles and the NAACP race to uncover the truth, their investigation captivates the country and sets in motion a chain of events that will challenge segregation in the South and change the course of the civil rights movement.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads------------------------------Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Andrew NewmanStory Editor: Galen BebeeEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator and Executive Producer: Cameo George
In 1946, decorated World War II veteran Isaac Woodard is brutally beaten and blinded by police just hours after his honorable discharge – a shocking act of racial violence that ignites a firestorm of change. Join host Cameo George as she unravels this powerful, forgotten story that reveals how one soldier's unimaginable tragedy inspired President Harry Truman, challenged the brutal system of segregation, and became the unexpected spark that would ultimately transform the course of American civil rights history.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads------------------------------Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Andrew NewmanStory Editor: Galen BebeeEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator and Executive Producer: Cameo George
From Hollywood glamor to financial ruin, William Randolph Hearst's empire crumbles as the Roaring Twenties crash into the Great Depression. Facing economic collapse, a fractured relationship with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and whispers of communism, Hearst navigates a treacherous landscape. His unexpected encounter with Hitler, passionate proposal to longtime love Marion Davies, and eventual inspiration for the film "Citizen Kane" reveal a man wrestling with power, love, and legacy. This is the final chapter of an American titan's extraordinary journey.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads------------------------------Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen BeebeStory Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George
By 1919, William Randolph Hearst had conquered the world of print media, but the ambitious mogul isn't satisfied. As America roars into the 1920s, Hearst sets his sights on a dazzling new frontier—the silver screen. From pioneering newsreels to lavish Hollywood productions, Hearst aims to dominate this revolutionary medium just as he has with newspapers.Meanwhile, atop an isolated California hilltop, Hearst begins construction on a monumental castle to house his insatiable appetite for art and antiques. As his empire and real estate holdings expand, complications arise in his personal life as well. Don't miss the next chapter in the saga of America's first media tycoon.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads------------------------------Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen BeebeStory Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George
William Randolph Hearst has one goal: to dethrone Joseph Pulitzer as the king of newspapers. What follows is a circulation war like no other, where no tactic is off-limits. Hearst slashes prices to a penny, poaches top talent, and even lures away Pulitzer's pressroom cat. But it's his sensational coverage that truly captivates readers. From exposing corrupt ice trusts to smuggling Cuban revolutionaries, Hearst's 'new journalism' knows no bounds. He assembles his own 'murder squad,' races through city streets to catch killers, and brazenly claims credit for starting the Spanish-American War.As Hearst's influence grows, so do concerns about his unchecked power. When newsboys go on strike against his unfair practices, the self-proclaimed champion of the working class shows his true colors.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads------------------------------Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen BeebeStory Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George
In 1887, a 24-year-old Harvard dropout takes over a struggling San Francisco newspaper. Within weeks, he's arrested for libel. Meet William Randolph Hearst, the audacious young publisher who transforms The San Francisco Examiner from a money-losing headache into the 'Monarch of the Dailies.'Discover how Hearst's outrageous stunts—like timing how long it takes a ferry to rescue an overboard reporter—skyrocket circulation from 5,000 to 55,000 in just three years. And meet the mother who controls his purse strings. From championing racist policies to laying the foundations of his media empire, Hearst's rise proves as controversial as it is meteoric. Listen as this mercurial maverick makes his mark on journalism.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads------------------------------Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen BeebeStory Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George
American newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst's immense wealth and power transformed the media's role in politics and society. In this 4-part series, we delve into Hearst's early life and his rise as a media titan, revealing how his prodigious appetites and control over vast media holdings allowed him to shape public opinion and influence major events. Hearst's innovative and often controversial approach to journalism, known as "yellow journalism," redefined the boundaries of news reporting and had a profound impact on American culture. Discover how his publishing empire not only sensationalized stories but also played a critical role in political campaigns and public perception during pivotal moments in history. Join host James Edwards for a richly detailed account of William Randolph Hearst, where expert interviews, rare archival audio, and compelling storytelling illuminate the legacy of this pioneering media titan whose impact continues to resonate today. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads------------------------------Credits: Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen BeebeStory Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George
At the height of his power, Senator Joseph McCarthy seems unstoppable. But his downfall comes from an unexpected place—the U.S. Army. Follow the dramatic escalation of McCarthy's anti-communist campaign in 1953 as his crusade collides with the military, leading to televised hearings that captivate the nation. The drama intensifies with Edward R. Murrow's iconic broadcast, as the legendary newsman challenges McCarthy's methods, marking a seismic shift in public opinion. Listen as this chaotic political showdown unfolds, revealing the raw interplay of power, media, and accountability—and witness the beginning of the end for one of America's most controversial political figures.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads-------------------------------------Credits:Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George
As Cold War fears grip 1950s America, Joseph McCarthy weaponizes accusations of communist infiltration, rocketing from obscurity to national prominence. Discover how one man's relentless pursuit of a lie explodes into a nationwide witch hunt. Through rare audio and firsthand accounts, hear McCarthy's audacious tactics unfold - from smearing political opponents to interrogating alleged subversives in government and beyond, no institution is safe, not even public libraries.Listen as the televised hearings and flying subpoenas leave careers in ruins, as everyday Americans face an impossible choice: their principles or their survival. But as the senator's power reaches new heights, dark clouds gather on the horizon.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads-------------------------------------Credits:Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen Beebe Story Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George
Joseph McCarthy grows up on a Wisconsin farm where he learns the value of hard work. After serving in World War II, he capitalizes on his military service to launch a successful Senate campaign. As the Cold War intensifies, McCarthy seizes the opportunity to exploit public fears of communism, framing himself as a defender of American democracy. Discover how his rise coincides with a national climate of paranoia, setting the stage for the demagoguery that would define McCarthy's career—all against the backdrop of a nation grappling with its identity and values.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads-----------------------Credits:Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen BeebeStory Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George
In 1950, an obscure senator from Wisconsin stood before a small crowd in Wheeling, West Virginia, and ignited a firestorm that would change American politics forever. With a single speech, Joseph McCarthy thrust himself into the national spotlight, brandishing accusations of Communist infiltration at the highest levels of government. But was there any truth to his claims?Discover the origins of McCarthyism in this three-part podcast series. From McCarthy's humble beginnings on a Wisconsin farm to his meteoric rise in Washington, follow the journey of a man whose name would become synonymous with political fearmongering.Through rare archival audio, expert insights, and compelling storytelling, join host James Edwards as we uncover the story of a man who wielded power through fear and suspicion—a story whose legacy still echoes in today's political landscape.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads-------------------------------------Credits:Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen BeebeStory Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George
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