Segment from Little Caesars

Hey Ladies

Host Ed Ayers interviews historian Sarah Deutsch about women reformers in 19th century Boston, who had a major influence on how American cities were run — even though they couldn’t vote.

00:00:00 / 00:00:00

Rock the Vote

Robert Church, the son of the South’s first black millionaire, used his wealth to build a black-run political machine in Memphis.

00:05:33

Power Brokers

The hosts talk about the nature of local power in the 18th and 19th century.

00:02:17

Hey Ladies

Host Ed Ayers interviews historian Sarah Deutsch about women reformers in 19th century Boston, who had a major influence on how American cities were run — even though they couldn’t vote.

00:07:20

Movers and Shakedowns

A caller asks the hosts whether corruption is always a part of machine politics.

00:05:53

More Machine than Man

Host Brian Balogh interviews author Adam Cohen about the legacy of Mayor Richard J. Daley, who shaped Chicago in ways that are still visible today.

00:08:05

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Producer Steven Jackson profiles the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, and the challenges facing residents who wanted to diversify the area.

00:09:10

Not Dead Yet

Producer Kelly Jones talks with the hosts about the surprising history of coroners, and how this position was used as a stepping stone to greater political power.

00:07:38

Let Your Freak Flag Fly

Producer Nina Earnest brings us the story of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s unlikely campaign to become sheriff of Pitkin County, Colorado.

00:09:41