History That Doesn't Suck

4,126
History #17

HTDS is a bi-weekly podcast, delivering a legit, seriously researched, hard-hitting survey of American history through entertaining stories. To keep up with History That Doesn’t Suck news, check us out htdspodcast.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram: @Historythatdoesntsuck; on Twitter/X: @HTDSpod. Become a premium member to support our work, receive ad-free episodes and bonus episodes.

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Recent Reviews
  • Windy13007
    California Conservation Corp (CCC)
    Joining the CCC was perhaps the one opportunity that inspired my lifelong love of history, hiking, skiing, running, conservation and hard work. It was the 70’s and the California Gov. Deuk encouraged women to enter into male dominated jobs ie firefighting, trail work, building fish dams and fences in the backcountry. These tasks weren’t exactly what I’d planned when I read the ad for Mammoth Lakes. I just knew I loved to ski and jobs were scarce. It was the 70’s and gas shortages, high prices & low paying jobs, unemployment, and women’s rights were becoming the norm. I’ll never forget. FDR had no idea how far and wide his WPA programs spread. Years later, and still rocking California. Proud to participate in the CCC. Thanks for your Podcast! M.
  • CeliaTisdale
    Incredible
    Probably the most well done podcast I’ve listened to. The detailed research and beautifully written script and music have me on the edge of my seat. He’s not wrong in saying you’re in a class. I learn something every time.
  • misguided muse
    Give it a listen
    You’ll be hooked. Very thoughtfully researched and produced. Get immersed in the narrative and learn some stuff along the way. American history told from the perspective of those who have the power, those who fight the power, those who suffer or benefit the consequences of those decisions and even some correlation in how the choices made then have an impact on the here and now. Thank-you Professor Jackson for your time and effort in the work you do to bring history to life.
  • Funky history
    THE BEST
    My favorite podcast. Thank you!
  • J Miller31042
    Love the show
    Such a great show, I just found it a few weeks ago and have been binging all the old episodes.
  • jfrunvfsxhu
    very good, but a few irritating things
    Professor Jackson spins a great yarn, he keeps you hooked in and wanting more. I love the depth achieved by using personal letters and journals to delve deeper into the thoughts of those making history. However...the attempts at humor fall flat most of the time, you can see the joke or witty comment from a mile away, and his delivery is terrible. Open mic night terrible. I also have to wonder if he bothers to look up word pronunciations, not sure if he's just unfamiliar with the word or he's using an alternate, less common use. With that said, I find his story-telling to be the best in the history genre, and I am hooked.
  • Luuuuuuuuulalalalalal
    Good podcast
    Would like it if you did a podcast about the golden age of comics
  • Bluelily1226
    HTDS Live!!!
    Omg! Just left the Clearwater, FL show! Loved it! Can’t wait to see another show. Storytelling at its best.
  • bone808080
    Not great
    The narrator is kind of hard to understand with his mouth full of woodrow wilson’s balls
  • Kevin Karkiewicz
    Good stuff
    Love the sound effects And story telling
  • BrinksTruck81
    Overrated.
    See the title.
  • ShippyChick
    If you think you learned it in high school…
    This is a great history podcast. So much stuff I never knew.
  • Eli.Nelson
    Best Podcast IN THE WORLD
    Greg Jackson is the best storyteller if ever heard of. Must listen
  • Jasny3068
    Genuine Sources?
    I hope you’re compensated well to peddle this nonsense of the Controllers. If you’re truly still hypnotized, I urge you to Wake Up(!) and use your God given skills for the Benefit of humanity.
  • lnc301
    Great podcast
    I love love love this podcast!!! I’m a huge fan of history and the story telling is awesome!!!
  • Rizzyboygyattsigma13
    Awsome😃😃😃😃😃😃
    I listen to your podcast every night and it makes me fall asleep 😴 😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴 I love it 😄😄😄😄😄😄😄 keep up the great work 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇egnor the nasty comments and focus on your podcast 😌😌😌😌😌 this podcast is dizzy which it is so great 🤫🧏🏻🤫🧏🏻🤫🧏🏻🤫🧏🏻 I’m 11 years old and that’s why there is so many emojis. Love it
  • Icesmooth_the-ice-dragon-
    Do this one?
    I’m wondering if you can do a 9/11 ep.🫡🫡🫡🫡 because I want to learn more about it thank you have a nice day. Ps.I hope we all remember that fateful day God bless
  • LittleBull85
    Exceptional
    Professor Jackson’s podcast is exceptional. As an historian who has chosen to remain in the classroom (teach everything from on-level to AP level classes), one of the greatest challenges I face is getting my students to understand that history is made up of flawed individuals with dreams, hopes, aspirations, loved ones, etc); while I can share the human stories behind historic events, the classroom setting limits the amount of time I can devote to doing so. This podcast helps me do that with a bit more devoted time when employed as a pre-class assignment that I then fold into our class discussions. Thank you, Professor!
  • BassMasterCHS
    Background music
    The background 80’s sci-fi music in episode 172 doesn’t fit the vibe of this show. It’s distracting and feels over produced.
  • bsue29
    Love it!
    I love this podcast and the way these stories get told! Thank you for the hard work you put into making sure these long forgotten stories get told to us!
  • JSurma
    History project
    My daughter is in the 7th grade and has a history day project due. This has really grabbed her attention and she is now excited to work on her project.
  • jkrueger1016
    Best History Podcast!
    Mr. Jackson is a phenomenal story teller and his team has made history more entertaining than I could have ever imagined! And that’s coming from a history nerd.
  • C_L3K
    Great
    Great
  • TellEmLargeMargeSentYa
    Decent
    Only giving it a four because of the host’s godawful accents. Southern and French are particularly horrible. If you can get past that, it’s a great show.
  • Francofool
    Versailles with Inspector Clouseau
    I was looking for an in-depth history podcast, but the episode on the Treaty of Versailles was so difficult to listen to that I gave up on this presenter. Are the execrable accents necessary?Or referring to historical figures by their first names? “Woodrow”? Really?
  • @dad_vader
    Love the Quality of this Podcast
    I am particularly impressed by the high-quality audio and production values of this podcast.
  • SirenMegg
    Best. Freaking. Podcast. Ever,
    I always wanted to be a history and theatre teacher and listening to Greg reminds me of why. I love that the team strives for perfection and in the epilogues correct any mistakes that have been found (Mobile is my fav). That reach to be perfect while acknowledging the human moments make this podcast perfect. The way he conveys the good, the bad, and the mediocre qualities of historical figures gives a depth to history that was missing in my textbooks. It’s difficult to recognize when we as a society are repeating a pattern that historically led to the dark side if the people aren’t accurately portrayed. As someone who was raised Mormon and left the church but still has family who are active members, I appreciate how Greg told the history of the pioneers. I either hear a sanitized version where the Mormons did no wrong and were persecuted for no reason; or I get a version where the good guys ran off that no good cult of weirdos. Both frustrate me beyond belief. It was refreshing to not only hear about the awful things done to the Mormons, but what unjustifiable actions Mormons were responsible for as well. And to hear Moroni pronounced correctly was a balm to my tattered, neurotic, soul. Thank you for being the first to tell me a fair and much more complete story about the people who made our country what it is. I’ve been binging this podcast exclusively for the last week and thus far the epilogues are my jam. I’ll listen a 2nd and 3rd time when I need a laugh. Y’all have the perfect amount of sarcastic banter. If you read this far you’re a saint. I got a bit rambly. You’re amazeballs
  • Polowonder
    Awesome history
    I had a history professor years ago that had the same kind of style. She would right a list of topics on the board but would lecture about each in almost a story format. For me, it really held my attention so on exam days it was relatively easy. Your style captivates my attention and is a wonderful listen. Awesome. BTW found you by searching baseball history and one of your episodes came up. Enjoyed it so much went to the beginning and have heard several each day since. Amazing the change in warfare from 1775 to 1861. More weaponry than tactics. Positional cover important both at Saratoga and Gettysburg. Great show. Thank you so much.
  • Kjell2155
    Greatness
    I started listening to this podcast to brush up on my knowledge. I didn’t know what to expect but have found it to be truly amazing. I appreciate the time spent by the team to produce a great project. I can also appreciate how it is done in a way that continually keeps your interest up. Keep up the great work and know you are appreciated!
  • Charli Baltimore
    Black History is American History
    A wonderfully detail podcast that dives into the many different eras and stories that make up the fabric of American History. Professor Jackson does an excellent job of highlighting, emphasizing, and weaving in the Black experience and history that is so vital to America since its inception. I appreciate he doesn’t shy away from the hard truths but also makes sure to discuss Black joy. Keep the stories coming!
  • Ak Munchkin
    Thank you!
    Thank you for the fun, enjoyable, and exciting podcast. It brings to life history. I also enjoy the lack of agenda, and plain history. History has been my favorite subject for a while, but this makes me enjoy it more! Thank you so much!
  • annoyed phillies fan
    Starting to change…not for the better
    Have listened to every episode and have even seen a live show, but lately it seems like many of the episodes focus too much on race, even going out of the way to discuss the race when not relevant or necessary. The leftist bias by the professor is starting to ruin the podcast
  • arrrrrrrghh!
    Simplistic Storytelling
    If this podcast were targeted to middle school students, it would be okay. However, if you are even a moderately intelligent adult, it’s hard to get beyond all the aggressive dumbing-down in terms of vocabulary, sentence structure, and historical complexity. In a particularly stupid touch, the host refers to historical figures by modern nicknames (Alexander Hamilton = Alex). You just get the sense that whoever writes these episodes assumes that the audience isn’t very bright, is easily bored, and can’t handle even remotely complex discussions of historical issues. It’s weird to have a podcast talk down to you, but that is what this one specializes in. Finally ads erupt into the episode at random intervals, sometimes in the middle of a thought.
  • Kasrhp
    Terrible ads
    Lots of annoying ads that share TMI.
  • BongCrosby
    He brings his religion into too many episodes
    I didn’t subscribe to the podcast but it was often “recommended” because of my other listening choices, so it would come into rotation when I let the algorithms select my shows. The shows were great - informative, well produced, and engaging. This guy definitely knows his history. But then in one episode, there was a mention of the Mormon religion in an episode that I didn’t think would have anything to do with the topic. I thought it kind of odd but let it pass. Listening to other episodes and it happened again and again. Having grown up in Salt Lake City as a non-Mormon and surrounded by Mormons, I had a hunch something was up and so I did an internet search. Sure enough, Utah Valley University and I have to assume a Mormon - sorry, member of The Church of Latter Day Saints. If you’re going to be a historian, you need to be as neutral and unbiased as a person can be. I don’t think you’ll get that view from this podcast. He definitely has filters that he colors history based on his mention and influence from outside forces. Too bad! It’s a good podcast otherwise.
  • Jayson…
    Awesome Podcast
    Just started listening on vacation trip, loved it, so I went back and started at episode 1. Keep them coming, you guys are doing great work and important for a country with a weakening educational system.
  • craneshaft
    Infected By Wokeism
    This podcast is too interested in denigrating Americans that have shaped our history from its incessant dredging up any sort of perceived transgressions to other races, religions, etc. instead if learning I feel like I am being preached at. No wonder why patriotism is at an all time low.
  • Love this/you
    Great!
    I have been listening for a while I think it is educational but interesting. I love the way it set up and the storytelling is amazing. It makes me feel like I’m there. It’s like books, but I get to listen to it. Definitely recommend.
  • Jgreenstone
    I finally caught up with you
    Makes me sad in a way…Now I i’ll have to wait for the next episode. No more binging my favorite podcast. 😜 thanks for doing this. I’ve learned more from you than in any of my college or high school classes.
  • Hermione 80
    Great storytelling
    History was boring in high school. But not this history. It’s truly all about weaving a story that is compelling and fascinating. This podcast does just that. My ten year old and I love listening. Highly recommend!
  • Maymoss89
    Just listened to the preamble
    I am so excited to start listening to this podcast. The preamble described everything I wanted in a history podcast. Thank you!
  • breegwatney
    This is a NEEDED PODCAST!
    I am a High School US History Teacher, and I love this podcast. I am often utilizing aspects of the podcast and elements within my lessons. Keep up the great work! And PLEASE!!! add more southern states for your tour. Huntsville, AL, Tupelo, MS… some of these locations would be great :)
  • USA Mknitter
    Great story telling
    Learning about history here is so much more interesting and fun than years ago when I was in school!
  • Dan361D
    “The One Guy in South Dakota”
    I’ve loved American History since I was lucky enough to have the best 8th grade American History teacher a kid could have. He taught history by telling the stories. Making us as his students hang on every minute of his lectures. Fast forward to last year, my twin boys were in 8th grade. Their American History teacher assigned reading in their text books, and had the students tell her about what they read in class. No lectures or teaching. My boys struggled to learn and understand. When they asked me for help understanding the intolerable acts, I was ashamed to admit that I couldn’t remember. I then began to look for a podcast that would help me remember what I had forgotten, and show my boys that history was not only extremely important, but could (and should) be fun. I work in law enforcement, and spend most of my work day in a vehicle. Your podcast has helped me through many long shifts. As for the title of this review, I just finished your Q&A with the team, and heard you to refer to the “One guy in South Dakota.” Thanks for what you do!
  • Rskamaya
    Provides the basics but falls short.
    There’s some good information but for the most part it comes across as a reading of Wikipedia articles. Very little reflection or insight. Contains the usual historical figure “fanboy” gushing about people that were ultimately wealthy, hypocritical, racist and condescending. The first volume containing the Revolutionary War skips over the fact that wealthy landowners convinced poor whites to fight the British so that the American landowners can be the ones to rule over the “trampling bewildered herd”. Instead, it’s several hours of gushing over the various founding fathers, most of which did not believe slaves and natives to be proper people. The believed them to be more like children that needed to be shepherded by good christians. Audiobooks are most likely the better platform for history.
  • good day today hello
    Wow 🤩
    I learned so much from this and I feel like I know these people
  • Death was Arrested by the King
    Insanely Good
    Unbelievably good story telling and detail. If you are looking for a history podcast, this is it
  • nursebecky2006
    Thank You For Teaching Me American History!
    I wasn’t a great student growing up as I was distracted by a home where I was just trying to get by. Being almost 60 now I binge listen to your show and Redacted History to learn. You have a great way of explaining things and I feel richer in knowledge. Thank you so much!
  • heatherbc911
    The great amongst us
    Well done! We need a podcast about the good people did throughout history. I definitely need this dopamine hit way more than once a year. ☺️🫡
  • TV Miester
    Great Podcast with Questionable Ethics
    This truly is a great podcast. The depth this team goes into is startling and amazing However when it comes time that history moves west the episode on Mormonism is biased at best and intentionally ignorant at worst. He warns ahead of time that almost everyone on podcast is Mormon and he claims he had non Mormons read over the podcast and say it was fair and truthful with no objections. I would object. He glosses over the plural marriages of Mormon leaders, by saying only 1 out of 6 practiced this. However all of the founders of the church and the richest men all did. He discuss Bringham Young, but leaves out his over 50 wives and never mentions the fact that he married girls as young as 13. He just omits parts of history because he has either been instructed to do so, is uncomfortable with his church’s founders past or he is trying to just ignore behavior of men that should be described as pedophiles. The problem is that if he will ignore the truth if it hits to close to home what other parts of history as he left out or misrepresented. He is a Professor and this leads to massive questions.
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