About

BackStory is a weekly podcast that uses current events in America to take a deep dive into our past. Hosted by noted U.S. historians, each episode provides listeners with different perspectives on a particular theme or subject – giving you all sides to the story and then some.

BackStory started in 2008 with hosts Ed Ayers, Peter Onuf, and Brian Balogh. In 2017, BackStory welcomed two new hosts, Joanne Freeman and Nathan Connolly who join Ed and Brian to take you behind the scenes of American history. Peter Onuf will continue as a guest host and contributor to the show.

With guest historians, questions from audience callers, and the production team, BackStory makes learning about history like going to a lively cocktail party.

BackStory is more than facts and headlines — it’s about how the past has shaped who we are today.

BackStory is made possible through Virginia Humanities. BackStory has ranked in the Top 10 of the iTunes Society and Culture list and as high as #10 among all iTunes podcasts. Listen for free on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher other popular podcatchers or our website and get the history behind the headlines.