Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast
Sep 1, 2026 · 48 min · 12 segments
Most know that the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in 1911 swept in massive labor reforms and highlighted the need for workplace safety laws. Yet, this is only part of the story. Join me as I…
David Conrad PérezGuestAliciaHostWelcome to Civics & Coffee, a history podcast, the show all about United States history, delivered to you in the time it takes to enjoy your morning cup of coffee.
I'm your host, Alisha, a historian trained in United States history with a passion for telling both the known and unknown parts of America's past.
So grab your coffee and get ready for some bite-sized history.
Those who've followed the show for a while know that I have a deep fascination with the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
So when I saw earlier this year that a new book was analyzing the fire and offering a fresh perspective, I was immediately interested and hoped I would be lucky enough to chat with the historian behind the research.
I am thrilled to say that Dr. Conrad Perez's Fire in the Heart of the City is a new, compelling look at a story we all thought we knew.
I hope you all enjoyed the conversation.
Welcome, everyone.
Joining me today is Dr. David Conrad Perez.
He is a media historian and the research director of the Center for Media and Social Impact at American University, who recently wrote a book about the events that made me fall in love with history, Fire in the Heart of the City, the Triangle Shirtwaist Tragedy, and the Origins of Modern Charity, which will be the focus of our conversation today.
Welcome, Dr. Conrad Perez.
Thanks so much.
I'm so happy to be here.
So I cannot wait to explore this book with you.
So let's dive right on in.
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Welcome to Civics & Coffee, a history podcast, the show all about United States history, delivered to you in the time it takes to enjoy your morning cup of coffee.
I'm your host, Alisha, a historian trained in United States history with a passion for telling both the known and unknown parts of America's past.
So grab your coffee and get ready for some bite-sized history.
Those who've followed the show for a while know that I have a deep fascination with the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.
So when I saw earlier this year that a new book was analyzing the fire and offering a fresh perspective, I was immediately interested and hoped I would be lucky enough to chat with the historian behind the research.
I am thrilled to say that Dr. Conrad Perez's Fire in the Heart of the City is a new, compelling look at a story we all thought we knew.
I hope you all enjoyed the conversation.
Welcome, everyone.
Joining me today is Dr. David Conrad Perez.
He is a media historian and the research director of the Center for Media and Social Impact at American University, who recently wrote a book about the events that made me fall in love with history, Fire in the Heart of the City, the Triangle Shirtwaist Tragedy, and the Origins of Modern Charity, which will be the focus of our conversation today.
Welcome, Dr. Conrad Perez.
Thanks so much.
I'm so happy to be here.
So I cannot wait to explore this book with you.
So let's dive right on in.
