I’m pleased—and not without a bit of pride—to announce that I’m releasing an audio version of my popular history book chapter by chapter. But this isn’t just a straight reading—you’ll find bonus materials woven into every single chapter, from evocative songs that reinforce the ethos of the era, movie clips, mini “side trips” that add rich details , sound effects that bring the moment to life, and more surprises tucked in along the way. Think of it as your personal, immersive history broadcast—layered, rich, and designed to go beyond the words on the page, delivering a full audio experience.
Part 9 covers the period from the counterculture to the present. This era includes many of the low points in U.S. history—moments that stand in stark contrast to the story of heroism and triumph during and after World War II.
I’ve included many speeches in this part, including President Jimmy Carter’s entire “malaise” speech—spoiler: he never actually uses the word malaise—because it marks an important turning point. After so many triumphs, the United States began to wander off script in the 1970s. Despite Reagan’s “Morning in America” period, an element of doubt crept into the country, its institutions, and its political discourse that can be traced back to this era.
We also examine the fall of the Berlin Wall, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the Clinton years. There is a great deal here, including, in several instances, the complete speeches delivered by the dominant political figures of the day.
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