From Revolutionary War myths to rock & roll rivalries, the weekly series unpacks unexpected and iconic moments from America’s past

Listen to the first episode HERE

WHAT: iHeartPodcasts today debuts a new iHeart Original podcast “American History Hotline,” a new weekly series that will follow host and history enthusiast Bob Crawford as he searches for the best historians and experts to answer listener questions about American history — from the Revolutionary War to rock & roll feuds. 

The first two episodes airing today, July 2nd, will dive into some of the most fascinating and timely aspects of American history and government. Episode 1, "Dead on the 4th of July," explores the true story of Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both dying on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Historian Lindsay Chervinsky unpacks this uncanny coincidence, along with other surprising tales of patriotic deaths linked to Independence Day. Episode 2, "Does the Constitution Prevent a Dictator," features Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, who explains how the U.S. Constitution is designed to protect our country from being taken over by a power-hungry dictator and how much of our federal government is based on political norms and precedents that are vulnerable to the whims of the masses. 

WHO: Bob Crawford is a founding member and longtime bassist of the acclaimed folk-rock band The Avett Brothers. Known for his versatile musicianship and heartfelt presence on stage, Crawford has played a pivotal role in shaping the Grammy-nominated band's signature blend of bluegrass, rock, folk, and Americana. Originally from New Jersey, Bob Crawford studied jazz at Winthrop University, where he refined his skills on the upright bass. Before joining the Avett Brothers, he played in several local jazz and rock bands, giving him a wide-ranging musical background that he would later bring to the group’s eclectic style. In 2011, Crawford’s young daughter Hallie was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This life-altering event led him to scale back his touring and become deeply involved in pediatric cancer advocacy. He is the co-managing partner of **The Press On Fund**, a nonprofit that supports childhood cancer research, especially in areas that are underfunded like brain cancer. Crawford is also a podcast host and history enthusiast. He co-hosts “The Road to Now” podcast with historian Ben Sawyer, which explores the intersection of history, culture, and current events. The show has featured conversations with scholars, authors, and journalists, reflecting Crawford’s intellectual curiosity and thoughtful approach to storytelling. He also hosted “Founding Son: John Quincy’s America,” a limited series co-produced by iHeartPodcasts and Curiosity Stream. 

WHEN + WHERE: The first episode of “American History Hotline” will be available today, July 2, 2025, on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. New episodes will be available on Wednesdays. 

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ASSETS: Hi-Res Show Art can be found HERE.