First, honor and excitement for this podcast — Listened to the “Silencing the Past” Trouillot episode which brought together some stellar scholars to a round table to discuss the impact of the text in our recent years, in and following 2020. Interspersed between scholars’ remarks about the text or social events, McNeil might chime in, “that’s really interesting” or “wow, that’s incredible” or but added so very little in the way of building, or drawing connections between ideas, I found myself skipping past his commentary and back to the scholars. Interviewing is a craft to be sure, and I’m not sure this host has it down yet, which makes listening to what is otherwise a powerful source for AfAm literature and scholarship a bit painful.

Are there African Americans who write books on African American history? Really!?!? Do better or end this.

Very informative, thank you.

Echo chamber of white authors speaking from their white perspective on black history, when there are plenty of Black established authors writing on the same topics. White liberalism at its peak. do better

love the podcast, very engaging. both of tremendous scope and depth but would like to hear air sirens, funk flex dropping bombs or similar signs of life amidst the scholarly discourse.

I love this podcast. As a scholar it helps me keep up in the new books in the field and learn about topics in titles I may not have time to read myself. I find the interviewers to always be well informed and prepared and the scholars incredible impressive.

If you want to understand American history in real terms, listen to this podcast. My level of engagement and understanding of the plight of American people (past present and future), lives the scholarly exchanges covered in this podcast.

I think this is an important podcast and an excellent way to get the latest on new, interesting books. But the structure of the show, at least the questions, don't make me want to buy the books. The interviews seemed geared for other scholars as a lot of the conversation steers toward the process of writing the book. Not what was found in the book. Case in point, "Rethinking Rufus," I would have loved to hear a discussion about some of the things and stories that Foster found and what did that mean and how does it relate now. Also, the questions are usually long and rambling and the answers are ongoing. I would love to hear more of an actual discussion. Not to compare, but I would suggest listening to an author interview by NPR's Dave Davies. They are excellent and he is in and out with a clear focus. As are the authors. Again, this is an important project, but it can be so much better.

There is such a need for this that’s it frightens me how much we are behind in African-American Studies. We are America TOO & while that is not said to diminish anyone else’s contributions, we have not been acknowledged for quite some time. With that being said, I enjoy the podcast as well as many others under the “New Books” series!!! THANK YOU!

I really appreciate the book topics and the authors who discuss their background and writings. Unfortunately, as other reviewers have said, some of the hosts don’t seem prepared and the resulting conversation is often awkward and uneven.

My only objection is that some of the interviewers/ reviewers seem not fully prepared when engaging the authors. I suggest that interviewers think through and write down questions/ question topics, and be concise in asking the questions (this may cut down on the number of “ums”) Also, quite frankly, some of the interviewers talk too much; engage the authors and let them speak. Otherwise, great and necessary podcast!

A little chaotic as the talks are by people from all over the place. This is a Leftist view of history for the most part, and words such as "gender, femininization, resistance, race, violence yadah yadah yada" are a plenty. It is unfortunate that academia ( if you want to call it that ) is weaponized and tell's a "story". One Lady even openly admits that there was so few sources she just made it up. Terrible.