Prick The Balloon

Prick the Balloon 11 - Angry Old Men

Not all angry old men are men, or even old, but they have definitely obstructed progress in our country over the years. Others just want you to get off their lawn. This episode explores both.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 11 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 10 - News Bias

One side loves to complain about bias in the news. As always, they fail to understand the history of the topic. We had finally tamped down much of it until the system was blown apart by a conservative icon. This is the timeline of America's news.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 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 9 - Party of Lincoln My Ass

Political parties change. What was once a bunch of liberals becomes conservative, and vice versa. The run through of American political parties is fascinating and laugh provoking.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 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 8 - Americans and Animals

How is our relationship with animals? Have we gotten better or worse in our interactions with and stewardship of the animal kingdom around us? Mike lays it out so you can decide. But you'd better be nice to those dogs, or there will be trouble.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 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.
Creative Commons photo by Lewis Hurlbert. Thanks!

Prick the Balloon 7 - Spanish American War

The Spanish-American War was a manufactured little conflict that, for the U.S. at least, lasted about three months. On the other hand it was the first time the American Empire expanded off the mainland North American continent. The lessons of intervention still apply.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 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 6 - Most Corrupt State

This one is just a little fun. Sure it's history, but it's also wildly subjective. Let's face it, the U.S. is one corrupt nation, but which state takes the crown? You've probably got your own ideas, but you should get a few laughs and gasps listening to Mike's.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 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 5 - Pilgrims and Puritans

What should we make of those darkly pious New Englanders who sought freedom of religion in the 1600s? In Mike's opinion, the positives are few and far between. Though they have undeniably passed through several filters, their dour negativity is still being imposed on Americans today.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 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 4 - US Grant

This episode gives a little love to a president who sometimes gets a bad rap. Though he was far from perfect, just like the rest of us, Ulysses S. Grant was a strong champion for civil rights and equality, and he even tried, unsuccessfully, to stop the nation's relentless killing of American Indians. It was Grant who gave us our first national park, too.
Host Mike Vance Writer is the published author of 10 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.