Welcome to the home of AMSEcast, STEM of History and the AMSE Science Report

Episodes

Aug. 9, 2025

AMSE Science Report with Marc Wortman

The Nuclear Navy's Oak Ridge, TN beginning

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Aug. 8, 2025

AMSE Science Report with Richard Ellis

Author speaks about book: The Quest for the Cosmic Dawn

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Aug. 6, 2025

When the River Ran Backward with Jay Feldman

Author and historian Jay Feldman joins host Alan Lowe to discuss When the Mississippi Ran Backwards, his gripping account of the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes. Alan and Feldman explore the quakes’ massive impact, including...

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July 29, 2025

STEM of History with Dr. Todd Braje

A discussion on Dr. Braje's book, Understanding Imperiled Earth

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July 29, 2025

STEM of History The Science of Archives

A conversation with Lorraine Daston

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July 23, 2025

Connecting Cultures and Cosmos with Ed Krupp

Dr. E.C. “Ed” Krupp joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the Griffith Observatory and his role as its longtime director. Now in its 90th year, the observatory remains a hub for public astronomy, drawing over 1.6 ...

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July 5, 2025

The keys to innovation

Success has patterns

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July 5, 2025

AMSE Science Report Al Romig

From Skunk Works to the National Academy of Engineering

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July 2, 2025

Gunpowder: From Alchemy to Empire with Jack Kelly

Jack Kelly joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to talk about his book Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics. They discuss gunpowder’s accidental invention in 10th-century China and its explosive mix of saltpeter, ...

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June 11, 2025

Tracks Across America with Simon Cordery

Alan Lowe speaks with Dr. Simon Cordery about the transformative role of railroads in American history. From the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1828 to a national network by 1916, Cordery details how rail shaped commerce, ind...

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June 4, 2025

General MacArthur’s War Path with Walter Borneman

Alan talks with historian Walter Borneman about his book MacArthur at War: World War II in the Pacific. They examine General Douglas MacArthur’s early career, his leadership in the Philippines, and his strategic command from ...

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May 31, 2025

AMSEcast with guest Tom Zoellner

Uranium: War, Energy, and the Rock that Shaped the World, Author speaks

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May 28, 2025

Inside the National Air and Space Museum with Margaret Weitekamp

Alan Lowe speaks with Dr. Margaret Weitekamp of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum about its transformation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. They explore how new exhibits, immersive storytelling, and iconic ...

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May 21, 2025

Inside the Invention Factory with Kathleen Carlucci

Kathleen Carlucci, director of the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park, joins AMSEcast to discuss Edison’s lasting impact on American innovation. From his early love of telegraphy to his system-wide inventions in sound, light,...

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May 14, 2025

A Library of Treasures in American History with Josh Levy

Dr. Josh Levy is a historian of science and technology at the Library of Congress. In this episode of AMSEcast, he highlights key figures and artifacts from all across America’s innovation history. From Samuel Morse’s early t...

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May 7, 2025

Sailing the High Seas of History with Peter Armstrong

Alan is joined by Peter Armstrong, president of Mystic Seaport Museum, to continue our celebration of 250 years of American innovation. Peter reflects on his 25 years in museum leadership and shares insights into Mystic’s long shipbuilding history....

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April 30, 2025

The Legacy of George Washington Carver with Curtis Gregory

AMSEcast continues celebrating 250 years of American innovation with Curtis Gregory. A park ranger at the George Washington Carver National Monument, Curtis sits down with Alan to share Carver’s inspiring journey from enslavement to becoming a...

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April 23, 2025

Engineering a Nation with Guru Madhavan

Alan speaks with Dr. Guru Madhavan at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC, as we continue our series marking 250 years of American innovation. Guru, a leader at the National Academy of Engineering, explores the Academy’s Civil War...

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April 16, 2025

The History of Spies with Andrew Hammond

AMSEcast celebrates 250 years of American innovation with Dr. Andrew Hammond, historian and curator at the International Spy Museum. Hammond explores the evolution of intelligence and espionage, from trial-and-error codebreaking by pioneers like the...

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April 9, 2025

Inside the U.S. Mint with Don Bennett

We continue to celebrate 250 years of American innovation with Don Bennett, Deputy Associate Director of the U.S. Mint’s Manufacturing Directorate. He joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to talk about the Mint’s history, operations, and...

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