Segment from Little Caesars

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.

00:00:00 / 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