Not only is this podcast geared toward teaching incredibly useful history instead of just fun tidbits, but as a high school history teacher hearing the head of the American Historical Association call secondary history teachers professionals healed something in me after my profession has been vilified so consistently over the last 5 years. Thank you!!

I enjoy this podcast because it makes history so interesting. The discussions are always relevant and informative.

The Road to Now is one of the best history podcasts out there, blending expert storytelling with deep historical insights. Bob and Ben have an incredible ability to make the past feel relevant and engaging, connecting historical events to our present in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. Their research is thorough, their guests are top-notch, and their conversations are always thought-provoking. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about how the past shapes our world today, this podcast is a must-listen. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves smart, well-crafted discussions about history!

Thanks for the in depth treatment of so many topics. Insightful guests and great analysis. Editing could be tightened up a bit, though

Enjoy listening to this podcast. As a life long history buff, I enjoy listening to topics you never here or read about back in school. The diversity and obscurity of the topics is very refreshing.

Love the energy, the discussions, and the questions. Thank you also for not making it two hours long.

As a retired high school history teacher I have lots of admiration for this highly informative and enjoyable show. There are a number of other history podcasts out there but this one is by far the best. The hosts know their stuff even the musician who is co host. They stay up to date on issues and will open your eyes if you tune in.

Love this podcast! I always learn something, and the interesting conversations keep me thinking.

RTN is such a thoughtful, insightful, and relevant podcast about the intersection of the past and present. Ben and Bob are entertaining hosts and interviewers with exceptional guests who are at the top of their area of study. A must-listen if you’re interested in where we are, how we got here, and where we are going.

I discovered this podcast because of Bob’s Founding Son podcast and being a fan of his music. The various topics they touch on are always very interesting and in depth.

Why does the Lafayette episode stop after 15 minutes?

You guys are great! Thank you for what you do. I’ve learned a lot from both of you and your guests.

Dudes! I really do love your exceptional podcast covering the details of history. I was especially tracking with your third-party candidate series. But you guys dropped the ball with the 2016 election edition. Come on guys, can you not have given your guest a heads up that you run a fairly clean language show. It just took me by surprise since all the other third-party candidate additions had very little if any F bombs or the S word. Now I’m not Mr. sensitive ears so please don’t call me out on that. But I do think words like those just dumb down our language and we could do better than that. Would’ve given you five stars if it wasn’t for that episode. I would appreciate it if you clean things up a little bit. Thanks guys for your other shows. Lots of good stuff.

I have to agree with those why say you’ve become too liberal. Joe Biden has been an awful president.

Some of the early stuff is very good and there isn’t not a ton of historical in accuracies. However, as time goes on, you can definitely hear the liberal leaning talking points versus true historical stories. Take, for instance, their claim the Hoover handpicked Reagan and ushered in corruption. if you read the Hoover archives, it is clear that there was very little to no relationship that existed. I would love to hear more unbiased historical tellings from this pod.

Find it very informative and interesting! Thank you!

Long time listener. Thanks so much for your work. I love the podcast. I really enjoyed the episode on Stephen Foster today. Great discussion with the panel.

Bob and Ben discuss our American history with joy and awareness! They often start with connections to the past, but then they usually move into examination of our overall culture. Somehow, they keep things friendly and cordial, even when they are exploring difficult ideas.

Please stick to History which you guys are very interesting . I listen to escape politics not listen to your views on Trump!!

Always informative and interesting. Bob & Ben are engaging and I have learned so much! Very enjoyable.

Too bad the left leaning interpretation of historical events (recent and past) from the Professor permeates the narrative of the week.

Bob and Ben make so many great points in this episode #279 during their discussion on President Harding, AI and UFOs with a comedic twist that makes learning so much fun! If you aren’t already following the Road to Now as a history lover or just enjoy intriguing conversations, check this podcast out now and subscribe.

Sometimes hosts and knowledgeable but can’t host. Sometimes hosts don’t know anything and ask horrible questions. The Road to Now is neither. Ben and Bob are amazingly prepared and knowledgeable and can engage guests with meaningful and insightful questions. If you want to learn more history this is the podcast for you.

Great hosts with interesting guests. History stories are fun to hear.

I turned to politics to escape politics. I would think a show about history can easily avoid current political arguments. Otherwise, five stars.

Great history conversational podcast

Greatest professor and most chill podcast ever

Amazing podcast! So enjoyed it.

Thoughtful laid back approach to a variety of topics. Solid middle of the road content which is oh so appreciated in our polarized times.

I think I know a lot of things, but this 68 year old grandmother stimulates some brain cells every time I listen.

I’ve been listening to the Road to Now for years now, but felt compelled to share my love of this podcast with the world. Bob and Ben bring a deep understanding and carefully researched questions and opinions to each episode. You really never know what topic they will address next, but each one is educational and delivered in a way that is accessible to all listeners, whether they are history buffs or not. There are always facts, laughs, and intelligent discussions, and I find myself buying the books of their very interesting guests. So, come on, give the Road to Know a chance. You won’t be disappointed.

I love listening to this show and learning about various historical subjects from various perspectives. I look forward to new episodes every Monday when I wake up! So glad I found this podcast a few years back when they did a segment on SiriusXM POTUS channel.

Excellent podcast with interesting subjects. Love how they let guests explain their answers rather than cutting them off. Show also does not come off as overtly political which can be hard to find.

Really enjoyed this one! Made me want to revisit the museum.

I love the variety of guests and topics! Ben and Bob do an excellent job of researching each week and pulling out the information that is relevant and interesting. Sometimes serious topics but very relatable and fascinating.

Just listened to the Swept Away episode and absolutely loved the dialogue between Bob, Ben, John and Johnny. Crossing my fingers that this show makes it to NY. And excited to keep tuning into future episodes of RTN to hear new stories and interviews. Thanks all!

I never would think that something like the history of Coca Cola would be so captivating. I always enjoy it more than expected!

Love these guys and their guests. ❤️

I have been listening to RTN since the beginning. I have never regretted spending the time with Ben and Bob and have always closed the episode knowing more than when I pressed play. I cannot wait to hear more about how we got to where we are

As an Avett Brothers fan, I knew of Bob Crawford as a great bass player but I was completely blown away by these podcast episodes. I love their interesting guests/topics and the friendly banter in each episode. I’m a high school history teacher and plan to recommend this podcast to my students. Top notch work, guys!

I am a lifelong educator and 18-year veteran high school history teacher. I stumbled upon “The Road to Know” podcast in the fall and am addicted. I learn something new every time I listen and the guests are insightful. A must listen for anyone who wants to learn more about American history. Ben and Bob are terrific hosts. Look forward to going back and listening to every episode over the next six months.

Good idea for podcast. However the hosts political views taint the reporting. Once historians and journalists deviate from reporting historical facts and events, devoid of their own likes and dislikes of whom and what, then everything they say or write must be relegated to opinion. Otherwise they are simply trying to validate their own beliefs by trying to convince the audience that their view is the true and correct way to perceive what they have reported to you. Next question, because you are obviously to slow to understand what you are asking is beneath me and that I have already answered you. Yes Ben, you sound exactly like that!! Arrogant and condescending. It is only when you know what you don’t know, that you can appreciate the fact you are not the smartest man in the world. But, then you don’t know that yet do you? Next question!!!

Not for me. If I wasn’t out in 45 degree weather walking I would have turned off much quicker. I’m sure there is an audience for this.

What a neat walk down memory lane! Thank you.

1. Defend the left 2. Bash the right

This podcast is like hanging out with some guys over beer, having the greatest, warmest conversation - and then you find out you’re friends with university professors. And they’re just guys you know. Based in the south (and southerners are the best story tellers!) this pod gets me out of the “coastal” mindset and takes me to a wonderful part of the country where life is recalled and shared in a different way. The conversations bring new perspectives and leaves you feeling relaxed and a little smarter. (You aren’t left alarmed with visions of doom.) Time to look forward to and really get connected.

Complex historical theories/stories broken into understandable, straightforward talk.

It would be disingenuous of me to rate this without first disclosing that I am a huge Avett Brother’s fan. That’s how I found out about the podcast. However that does not play into my rating and love for RTN. Having always enjoyed history this show has created an appetite for me to learn more about how we as a country/people got to where we are now. It gives me some perspective of why we are so divided. I think Bob and Ben make a good team, one that has devoted his career to history and the other that is like me and catching up as quickly as possible.

Yes

Ben Sawyer and Bob Crawford bring current events and historical context to life through lively and engaging conversations. Their guests are excellent and their topics are timely. Great podcast.