Episode Backlog

Episode 1: The Dawn of a Dream

In this first episode we are introducing the situation in which makes this game so influential to American Identity.

The Cold War was a period of intense ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. It wasn't outright warfare, but a constant dance of political maneuvering, military build-up, and proxy conflicts. This shadow war permeated every facet of life, from cultural exchanges to scientific advancements, and sports were no exception. The 1980 Winter Olympics were played against the backdrop of this simmering tension. The Soviet Union, with its formidable hockey team boasting seasoned professionals, was the dominant force, having won the previous four Olympic gold medals. The American team, on the other hand, was comprised of college students and amateurs, seemingly outmatched from the start.

Hosted by: Piper Rogers. Special Guest: N/A

Episode 2: Building the Underdogs (Feat. Herb Brooks)

In today's episode, I sit down with Head Coach of the underdogs himself, Herb Brooks, as we discuss the recruitment process for his gold medal team. We also address some concerns about his coaching methods in which he bonded the team together against a common enemy- himself.

"These guys we’re going to have on this team don’t like each other. They just don’t. And the only way I know how to make them a team is for them to be united against me." (-Herb Brooks, to assistant coach Craig Patrick)

The 1980 American hockey team's triumph is not only remembered for its historical significance but also for the legacy it left behind. It became a symbol of persistence, teamwork, and the power of human spirit. Brooks' unconventional coaching methods and rigourous training regimen created the teams strong mentality and a refusal to accept anything that limited them.

Hosted by: Piper Rogers. Special Guest: Head Coach Herb Brooks

Episode 3: The Road to Lake Placid (Feat. Herb Brooks)

In today's episode, I am once again joined by Head Coach Herb Brooks for the first 15 minutes as we discuss the United States and their underdog journey through the Olympic Tournament. We also highlight the important games in their run such as the victory over Czechoslovakia in the medal round. Later on, I discuss the topic of how America's relationships with other nations in the Olympics were impacted by the ideological battle within the Cold War, and how the United States team treated known communist opponents.

The Miracle on Ice reinforced the American belief in its own exceptionalism. The victory was seen as proof that the United States, despite its underdog status, could still achieve greatness on the world stage. It strengthened the narrative of American triumphalism and the idea that the United States was destined to be a global leader.

Hosted by: Piper Rogers. Special Guest: Head Coach Herb Brooks

Episode 4: Part 1: A Game of Inches

Today I sit down and analyze the nerve-wracking first period of the miracle game, where both teams traded scoring chance, discuss the crucial saves made by goalie Jim Craig and the team's resilience in the face of adversity.

"I- I always say playing one period against the Russians is like playing a whole game against someone else" (Jim Craig, goalie, on an NHL interview.)

The game itself was a nail-biter. The US team, led by coach Herb Brooks, overcame early deficits and played with a relentless energy, mirroring the unstoppable energy of the United States' national pride. Today we anaylze the plays that led up to the United States' historic 4-3 victory.

Hosted by: Piper Rogers. Special Guest: N/A

Episode 4: Part 2: The Turning Point

We dive headfirst into the second period, where the US team rallied to score two goals in rapid succession. I also explore the impact of Mike Eruzione's iconic pep talk and the team's newfound belief in themselves, and how it shows that Americans are fueled by their pride in national identity.

The Miracle on Ice wasn't merely about a hockey game. It was a powerful moment in the Cold War narrative. The victory ignited a wave of national pride in America, proving that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, the underdog could triumph. It was a blow to Soviet prestige, a symbolic reminder that the Cold War wasn't a one-sided affair.

Hosted by: Piper Rogers. Special Guest: N/A

Episode 4: Part 3: The Third Period of Madness (Feat. Mike Eruzione)

Let's relive the chaotic and thrilling final period, where both teams fought tooth and nail for victory! Featuring a short interview session with player Mike Eruzione as we discuss his game-winning goal halfway through the third period that brought the Americans their pride and joy- a victory over the Soviets (not on the battlefield, but on ice).

"‘I remember where I was when Kennedy was assassinated, I remember where I was in 9/11, I remember where I was when the Challenger blew up, and I remember where I was when we won.’ And I always say, ‘We? I didn’t know you were on the team.’ But people felt a part of it, and it’s nice to know 40 years later that it’s not on the tip of people’s tongues, but it’s nice to know that people remember and share some great stories about what we did so long ago." (Mike Eruzione, 40th ANNIVERSARY OF MIRACLE ON ICE MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL)

Hosted by: Piper Rogers. Special Guest: Mike Eruzione

Episode 5: From The People

This episode strictly focuses on snippets from other interviews with or about the 1980 United States Olympic Men's Hockey Team and accounts of the the training, the game, and the life-changing impact.

“We did win- We won as a country, as a nation" (Jim Craig in WCVB Channel 5 Boston interview)

Using these snippets and direct quotes I draw the conclusion that the Miracle On Ice Hockey Game influenced American National identity transcended the Ice Hockey Rink and became a metaphor for the finale of the Cold War and the introduction of the United States as a global superpower, fueled by their seemingly small victories.

As historian Eric Foner notes in his book 'The Nation,' the game 'became a symbol of American exceptionalism, a reminder of the country's enduring spirit and its ability to achieve the impossible.” The victory generated a sense of unity and purpose, bolstering belief in the American dream.

Hosted by: Piper Rogers. Special Guest: N/A

Episode 6: Post

After the United States' Upset victory over the Soviet Union and their Gold Medal victory versus Finland, let's take a look at the timeline for the United States following the end of the Cold War.

While the 1980 hockey game was merely a symbolic victory, it captured the spirit of the US's newfound global dominance. The 'miracle' was not just about a sporting upset, but represented the unexpected triumph of a nation that had overcome numerous internal challenges and emerged as a leader on the world stage.

"Politically, there was a sense of disillusionment and mistrust following the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. Against this backdrop, the "Miracle on Ice" served as a much-needed source of inspiration and hope." (IPL, How Did Miracle On Ice Affect The Lives Of American People During The Cold War?)

In conclusion, the US's path to global superpower status was a complex journey shaped by the collapse of the Soviet Union and its own strengths. The 1980 'Miracle on Ice' serves as a reminder of the unexpected victories that can occur, and the need for continued vigilance and adaptation in a constantly changing world. As the 21st century unfolds, the US will face new challenges and opportunities in shaping its role in the global landscape.

Hosted by: Piper Rogers. Special Guest: N/A

Episode 7: From The Other People

A bonus episode where testimonies from future generations of American Hockey Players reflect on the Miracle On Ice and how it impacted their pride in the game and the nation.

"The most influential hockey moment ever for me was when that happened. I was 15 and that was the first exposure I had to even knowing that hockey was an Olympic sport. I didn't know it from '76. I didn't know it from '72. I just didn't hear of it, and then all of a sudden hockey is on the front page of the paper and in the spotlight on TV, and it's American kids. At that point, being a youth hockey player in Chicago, our chances of ever playing professionally were very, very slim. It was a Canadian-dominated sport and that opened the door for all of us. It gave us 20 overnight idols to look at and be our heroes. That's what it meant to me and it always will." (Tony Granato, 1988 U.S. Olympian, coach of 2018 Olympic team, NHL interview)

Listen in firsthand on how the victory inspired people on an individual scale.

Hosted by: Piper Rogers. Special Guest: Many