American Experience Presents

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 gripping podcast series, American Experience Presents. 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, only to be undone by his own hubris. Don't missthis riveting account of a senator whose name became synonymous with fear and suspicion, and whose legacy still echoes in today's political landscape.Learn more about American Experience -------------------------------------Credits:Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen BeebeEditor: 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 transformed 'The Examiner' from a money-losing headache into the 'Monarch of the Dailies.'Discover how Hearst's outrageous stunts - like timing how long it took a ferry to rescue an overboard reporter - skyrocketed circulation from 5,000 to 55,000 in just three years. Explore his lavish Sausalito bachelor pad and the mother who controlled his purse strings. From racing across the bay in the world's fastest steamship to championing racist policies, Hearst's rise was as controversial as it was meteoric. Discover how this mercurial maverick laid the foundations of his media empire.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 whose immense wealth and power transformed the media's role in politics and society. In this series, we delve into Hearst's life, from his humble beginnings to 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 media empire not only sensationalized stories but also played a critical role in political campaigns and public perception during pivotal moments in history.Through expert interviews, rare archival audio, and compelling storytelling, this series uncovers the legacy of a man who wielded the power of the press with remarkable skill. Join host James Edwards for this fascinating account of William Randolph Hearst, a figure whose influence continues to resonate in today's media 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

At the height of his power, Senator Joseph McCarthy seemed unstoppable. However, his downfall would come from an unexpected place—the U.S. Army. Follow the dramatic escalation of McCarthy's anti-communist campaign in 1953 and how his crusade collided with the military, leading to televised hearings that captivated the nation. The narrative is further intensified by Edward R. Murrow's iconic broadcast, in which he critiques McCarthy's methods, marking a significant shift in public perception. The chaotic political landscape showcases the interplay of power, media, and accountability, marking the beginning of the end for one of the most controversial figures in American political history.Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads-------------------------------------Credits:Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen Beebe Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George

Joseph McCarthy grew up on a Wisconsin farm where he learned the value of hard work. After serving in World War II, McCarthy capitalized 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 his career. Explore the ambition, fear, and complexities of power, as McCarthy's story unfolds 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 BeebeEditor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Cameo George

As Cold War fears grip 1950s America, McCarthy weaponizes accusations of communist infiltration, rocketing from obscurity to national prominence. Discover how one man's relentless pursuit of a lie transforms into a nationwide witch hunt. Through rare audio and firsthand accounts, experience McCarthy's audacious tactics unfold - from smearing political opponents to interrogating alleged subversives in government and even public libraries.Experience the frenzy of televised hearings and flying subpoenas that left careers in ruins. Hear from those who faced McCarthy's wrath, forced to choose between principles and survival. But as the senator's power grows, so do the seeds of his undoing. Learn more about American Experience Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads-------------------------------------Credits:Lead Producer: Devin Maverick RobinsAssociate Producer: Meiqian HeScriptwriter: Galen Beebe Editor: Devin Maverick RobinsEditorial Advisor: John BredarSound Designer: Jack PombriantNarrator: James Edwards Executive Producer: Cameo George