NPR · History

Throughline

Throughline is a time machine. Each episode, we travel beyond the headlines to answer the question, "How did we get here?" We use sound and stories to bring history to life and put you into the middle of it. From ancient civilizations to forgotten figures, we take you directly to the moments that shaped our world. Throughline is hosted by Peabody Award-winning journalist Rund Abdelfatah. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including sponsor-free listening for Throughline.

Episodes

This NPR Throughline podcast episode explores the history of healthcare costs and insurance in the US, tracing its evolution from the 1800s to the mid-20th century. The narrative follows the shift from home-based care to the rise of hospitals and private insurance, highlighting key moments like the rejection of nation...