What was it really like to grow up in America during the early nineteen seventies?

In this powerful episode of History Told Forward, author and podcast creator Laura Van Wormer takes us back to a world before cell phones, before seatbelts, before the internet—when kids roamed free, parents trusted streetlights, and the nation wrestled with Vietnam, Watergate, and cultural upheaval.

Laura is the creator of The Class of ’74, a serialized audio drama set in a Connecticut suburb between nineteen seventy-one and nineteen seventy-four. Drawing from her own lived experience and decades as a bestselling novelist and former Doubleday editor, she recreates a time when music, protest, war, and coming-of-age collided.

We explore:

1. How post–World War Two America created the suburbs
2. Why nearly every father wore the same “uniform” to work
3. The shadow Vietnam cast over an entire generation
4. How music, movies, and teenage rebellion shaped identity
5. Why young listeners today are discovering this era to understand their parents
6. The surprising global reach of Laura’s podcast

This is more than nostalgia. It’s a living time capsule—and a reminder that storytelling preserves the soul of history.

All links referenced in this episode:

1. The Class of ’74 Podcast (available on all platforms):
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Pandora
5. YouTube
6. Podbean

(Search “The Class of ’74” on your favorite podcast platform.)

1. Doubleday
2. IBM
3. Apple Podcasts
4. Spotify
5. Pandora
6. YouTube
7. Veteran Voice Radio
8. Semper Fi Country
9. Ranger Rockwave
10. Planned Parenthood
11. The Veterans Administration (VA)

Mentioned in this episode:

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The salient point of this discussion revolves around the innovative intersection of cannabis, artificial intelligence, and genetic markers, particularly in the realm of personalized medicine. Lynn May, a pioneer in the fields of genetics and human optimization, elucidates how DNA and AI can be harnessed to design precision health protocols. His journey from a diagnosis of ADHD to developing tools for high achievers exemplifies the transformative power of understanding neurodivergence and genetic predispositions. Throughout our dialogue, we delve into the implications of genetic testing for conditions such as PTSD and the potential for a more tailored approach to mental health and overall well-being. By embracing these advancements, we strive to illuminate the path toward a more informed and empowered healthcare experience. Engaging with the profound interplay between genetics and artificial intelligence, this podcast episode features Lynn May, a pioneering figure in the field of personalized medicine and the CEO of EndoDNA. Lynn articulates the innovative use of genetic testing combined with AI to create tailored health protocols that cater to individual needs. The conversation invites listeners to reflect on Lynn's own experiences with ADHD, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding one's neurological differences. Rather than viewing his condition as a deficit, Lynn has harnessed it to cultivate a unique perspective on learning and achievement, a message he imparts to others navigating similar challenges. As the dialogue progresses, the discussion shifts to the implications of genetic markers, particularly in relation to mental health issues such as PTSD. Lynn elucidates how genetic predispositions can influence an individual's response to stress and trauma, advocating for a more informed approach to mental health care that incorporates genetic insights. By identifying markers associated with conditions like PTSD, practitioners can better support individuals in high-stress environments, such as the military, enhancing their capacity for resilience and recovery. The podcast culminates in a discourse on the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, with Lynn proposing that AI can serve as a valuable tool for practitioners, enabling them to make informed decisions based on comprehensive genetic data. He emphasizes the necessity for a synergistic relationship between technology and personal healthcare, promoting a model where AI enhances the human touch rather than detracting from it. This episode ultimately calls for a reimagining of healthcare practices, advocating for a system that recognizes and values the diversity of human genetics as a key component in fostering holistic, personalized care.

Takeaways:

1. In the podcast, Lynn May discusses his journey from being diagnosed with ADHD to utilizing DNA and AI for personalized health protocols.
2. Lynn emphasizes that understanding one's genetic predispositions can lead to better health outcomes and optimized performance.
3. The conversation highlights the potential of AI in medicine to provide tailored recommendations based on genetic makeup and individual health needs.
4. The discussion includes the importance of recognizing neurodivergence as a variation in brain wiring rather than a deficiency.
5. Lynn addresses the genetic markers associated with PTSD and how they can inform treatment for individuals in high-stress professions.
6. The episode underscores the significance of an integrated approach to...

History Told Forward is a conversational podcast that explores history through storytelling and reflection.

Each episode features authors, historians, educators, and storytellers discussing moments from the past and why they continue to matter today. Rather than focusing on dates and memorization, the show centers on people, decisions, and the lasting impact of historical events.

Episodes are audio-only and run approximately thirty to forty-five minutes, designed for listeners who enjoy thoughtful conversation and meaningful historical context without academic jargon.

History Told Forward is part of the Barracks Media Network, offering engaging conversations for those who believe history is best understood when it’s told with perspective and purpose.