Episodes

  • Prick the Balloon 19 - American Rebellions
    Jul 28 2024

    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 should always settle our differences peacefully.

    Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 12 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

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    56 mins
  • Prick the Balloon 18 - Art Donors
    Jul 3 2024

    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 published author of 12 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

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    52 mins
  • Prick the Balloon 17 - Americans Abroad
    Jun 14 2024

    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 more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

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    54 mins
  • PTB Quickie 2 - Post Civil War Voting Rights
    Jun 4 2024

    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 feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

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    18 mins
  • PTB Quickie 1 - WPA Guides
    May 20 2024

    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 documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

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    11 mins
  • Prick the Balloon 16 - Petticoat Affair
    May 4 2024

    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, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

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    32 mins
  • Prick the Balloon 15 - Integrating Sports
    Apr 18 2024

    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 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

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    56 mins
  • Prick the Balloon 14 - Texas Liberals
    Apr 1 2024

    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 written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

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    47 mins