Former U.S. President Barack Obama is lending his voice and insight to a new podcast series hosted by Malcolm Gladwell that explores one of the most transformative yet often overlooked periods in American history—the Reconstruction Era.
Titled Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise, the eight-part podcast examines the years following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, a time when the United States struggled to rebuild the nation while redefining freedom, citizenship, and democracy. The series is a collaboration between the History Channel, Higher Ground—the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama—Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries, and Audible.
The podcast premieres on Audible on Thursday, with all episodes becoming available across major podcast platforms between June 18 and July 16.
Reflecting on the significance of the project, Obama described Reconstruction as a short but defining chapter in American history whose effects continue to shape the nation today.
“The Reconstruction Era was a brief but pivotal and turbulent chapter in our nation’s history—one that is often overlooked, even though its consequences are still felt today,” Obama said. “By examining this period honestly, I hope listeners can reconnect with an important part of our past and be reminded that even during times of division and uncertainty, perseverance can remain a powerful source of hope.”
The series opens and closes with conversations between Obama and Gladwell. Throughout the podcast, listeners will also hear perspectives from a range of historians, writers, and commentators, including Jelani Cobb, Wyatt Cenac, David Blight, Kai Wright, Kellie Carter Jackson, Ashley C. Ford, Manisha Sinha, Kidada Williams, and Eric Foner.
Drawing on letters, diaries, court documents, eyewitness accounts, and archival materials, the podcast offers an in-depth look at the challenges, achievements, and lasting legacy of Reconstruction, while connecting its themes to issues that continue to influence American society today.
Originally announced in 2024, the project is part of Higher Ground’s first-look partnership with Audible. The collaboration has previously produced several acclaimed audio programs, including Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast, Your Mama’s Kitchen: Conversations from the Heart of the Home hosted by Michele Norris, The Wonder of Stevie hosted by Wesley Morris, and Fela Kuti: Fear No Man hosted by Jad Abumrad.
The release also forms part of the History Channel’s broader initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, using storytelling and historical exploration to encourage deeper public engagement with the nation’s past.
