Chapters: SIU Student History

With the conclusion of Season Two and the finale of the four part series, Francesca discusses with Lydia the often vilified and hated figure of Margret Thatcher. What makes Margaret Thatcher so hated? Is all the hatred expressed to her fair? Where their any good things that she did as Prime Minister? Francesca will answer these questions in more as she reimagines Margaret Thatcher through new eyes. 

For our third part of the British podcasts, Ryan is joined by Deanna as they discuss the "great appeaser" Neville Chamberlain. Was this term appropriate for Neville Chamberlain? Did he truly believe all of Hitler's promises? Is Neville Chamberlain as weak as history portrays him? These questions will be evaluated and examined by Ryan as he offers a fresh take on the often-misunderstood Prime Minister. 

As we continue with the British figures, Deanna is joined by Lydia as they discuss the ever controversial Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor. Deanna evaluates many aspects of Wallis' life, particularly her relationship with the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VIII. Was Wallis as bad as she was portrayed and was she responsible for as much as she is credited? Deanna will answer these questions throughout. 

For the first part of our British podcast, we are joined by Lydia and Deanna as they discuss the often misunderstood Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria's legacy as the Grandmother of Europe is often overlooked by her legacy that is associated with the British Empire. Lydia offers more modern interpretations, as the British Royal Family is still a central part of British culture today, and how Victoria fit into the larger context of the empire. 

As Season Two continues, Josh is joined here by Deanna as they discuss the four podcasts that will conclude this season. Each of these podcasts will reimagine four important historical figures in British history, Queen Victoria, Wallis Simpson, Neville Chamberlain, and Margaret Thatcher. Deanna, Lydia, Francesca, and Ryan all offer fresh analyses of often misunderstood individuals in British history.  

In this episode of Season Two, we join Ollie and Francesca as they examine the history and impact of American summer camps. Ollie being an employee at a summer camp is able to offer first hand experience. As they examine where and why the fasciation of summer camps began in America, one will view camps through new eyes. Later in the episode, we are joined once again by Josh and Lindsey as they discuss the process of writing the script for this work. 

In this episode, we are joined by Claire and Kyah as they discuss the history of American Girl Dolls. American Girl Dolls have been a staple of young girls' lives since 1986, but how does inclusion play into the dolls and the books that were published by the brand? By reimagining the history of American Girl Dolls, Claire and Kyah can show a new perspective, through new eyes. 

In this debut episode of Season Two, Josh is joined by Claire, Larry, Lindsey, and Ollie as they discuss the graphic novel Maus, which was recorded live at the SIU History Fair. Maus has drawn recent attention as being a popularly banned book. Claire, Larry, Lindsey, and Ollie evaluate these bans and the historical context of the subject matter of Maus, the Holocaust. This season will feature new analyses of historical topics, through new eyes, as historical subjects are reimagined. All works were student written, recorded, and produced.

Ben takes over the interviewee seat as he and Josh talk about Ben's senior paper two years after he wrote it. The two discuss how the paper came to be just as much as they talk about the more interesting than it sounds history of Parking at SIUC. 

George joins Ben and Josh to discuss the very mixed record of Richard Nixon on Civil Rights. Before being president, Martin Luther King and Black newspapers had praised Nixon for his Civil Rights Records. However, his hesitation on speaking with black leaders during his campaign against John F Kennedy, and later his Southern Strategy in his next campaign quickly changed how he was viewed by the Black community. 1

In Chapter's second narrative style podcast, SIU advertising student Ryan takes us through a brief history of the troubled town of Cairo, IL.  

Usual co-host Josh shares his senior research: exploring the microcosm of American culture that was WCIL radio in the mid twentieth century. Ben and Josh discuss the power the radio station had in contributing to newly emerging liberal ideas in the 1950s and 60s in a region of the country which you may not expect to find them. 

Ben and Josh listen in to a historical retelling of the 1916 Irish Rebellion as told by SIU history student Davis Tige. Davis sits down to give an overview and backstory to the rebellion before jumping into a day-by-day narrative told through the eyes of the Irish. 

SIU history student Sean sits down with Ben and Josh to discuss the importance three separate mining disasters in southern Illinois had on a national level. Sean argues that these three tragedies could likely have been prevented with better regulations and abilities to enforce them. As some politicians advocate for the expansion of these industries, at the very least these disasters should serve as a warning for the immediate safety of mine employees

Brock, Ben, Josh, and Ryan are joined by a guest from the past! Well kind of. Brock continues the history of psychedelics, including Nixon's war on drugs, and their recent revival for research in their potential medical uses. Part 2 of 2!

SIU Senior Brock Renshaw sits down with Ben, Josh, and guest co-host Ryan to discuss the fascinating history of psychedelic drugs, including natural hallucinogens found in Meso-America to Dr. Albert Hoffman's discovery of LSD in the 1930s and 40s. Brock focuses on the early and middle twentieth century where psychedelics were being studied for their medical benefits, at least until a couple of government experiments and a Harvard professor went a little overboard. Part one of a two part series!

2020 Chapters host Ben and overseeing instructor, Professor Joseph Sramek sit down and talk about the upcoming debut Chapters, a podcast celebrating and sharing student historical research.