Prick The Balloon

Prick the Balloon 25 - Executive Orders

Before you lose faith in our country's institutions over the actions of a wannabe dictator, take a look at the history of executive orders by past presidents. It's a mixed bag, but one thing is for certain - very few of the orders last forever.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 14 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

Prick the Balloon 24 - Early Aviators

From the Wright Brothers to Lindbergh was barely over two decades, but the dash, daring, heroics, and heartbreaks were numerous in the beginning of powered flight. Prick the Balloon applies its usual unvarnished truth and sarcastic wit to early aviation.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 14 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

Prick the Balloon 23 - Election Rant and History

Many of us were not happy with the 2024 election outcome. Mike offers both relevant history lessons to ease the pain and blunt political criticism that hopefully provides food for thought. Back to straight up history in Episode 24. We promise.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 13 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

Prick the Balloon 22 - Rutherford B Hayes

The first in an occasional subseries about somewhat underrated presidents looks at Rutherford B Hayes. Certainly not a great commander in chief, but maybe one who deserves a little more respect than he gets these days.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 13 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

Prick the Balloon 21 - Foreign Policy Mistakes

The US has had some glaring mistakes in foreign policy throughout our history, though we've gotten things right more than we've gotten them wrong. The "Containment Policy" created under Truman but beefed up by Eisenhower's foreign policy gurus, the Dulles Brothers, may have hurt us the most.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 13 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

Prick the Balloon 20 - Women's Rights

As the current Supreme Court dismantles decades of precedent, no one should consider their rights to be safe. That is especially true for the rights of American women. How did we reach the gains that are now in peril, and what could put minds more at ease?
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 13 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

Prick the Balloon 19 - American Rebellions

There have been a handful of times over the last 450 years when a group of Americans felt aggrieved enough to take up arms. Other than the combined colonists in 1775 (and American-Mexicans and some Tejano allies in 1836) they never succeeded. This is the interesting story of several American Rebellions. Hopefully it is also a reminder that we should always settle our differences peacefully.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 12 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.

Prick the Balloon 18 - Art Donors

The wealthy Americans who have gifted artwork to the nation's museums are a total mixed bag. They come from all ends of the political spectrum, and, aside from their donations, some lived more admirable lives than others. It makes for fascinating, non-partisan history to keep in mind next time you visit the museum.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 12 books with more on the way. He has written, produced and directed eight feature length history documentaries and over 150 short history films, and he sometimes teaches continuing studies in history at one of the country's highest rated private universities. He also headlined comedy clubs across North America for 16 years, so we'll keep things interesting.