Episodes
The Mountain Meadows Massacre
As a group of settlers eagerly headed west in the throes of Manifest Destiny, they were being watched by a group who were convinced they posed a grave threat. Known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the murder of over one hundred settlers led to the excommunication of members of the Mormon Church and remained shrouded in mystery for generations. So what exactly happened? Tune in to find out.
Bonus: 2nd Annual Friendsgiving
Happy Thanksgiving week everyone! I am here with a BONUS episode to help you make it through your travel week. Last year, a group of us podcasters got together to chat history, podcasting, and everything in between. We had such a good time that we decided to do it again this year! Come learn all about Kenny from Abridged Presidential Histories, Howard from Plodding Through the Presidents, Jerry from the Presidencies of the United States, and me! Your local favorite podcast host. And…
Dred Scott
One of the most contentious Supreme Court decisions in United States history, Scott v. Sanford effectively robbed Black Americans of recognition as citizens. So just who was Dred Scott? And how did his court case impact the millions of Black Americans living in the country at the time? Tune in and find out.
James Buchanan
A president who consistently ranks toward the bottom of the list, James Buchanan made several missteps during his tenure that furthered the country toward war. How is that a man who spent his entire adult life striving for the highest political office could fail so tremendously? Tune in this week to find out.
Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons with Dr. Charlotte Gray
Most history fans know at least the basics about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, two of the most prominent and influential political leaders of the twentieth century. Significantly less is known about the women who had the largest impact on their development: their mothers. In her recently published double biography, historian Charlotte Gray shines a light on Jennie Jerome Churchill and Sara Delano Roosevelt and provides readers with a new understanding of what role each mo…
The Trailside Killer
A man who stalked his victims along the serene trails of several California state parks, David Joseph Carpenter was a career criminal who arguably should have never been free to murder seven people in an eight month span between 1980 and 1981. This week, I am diving into the story of The Trailside Killer. What happened? And what does the Zodiac have to do with the case?
Mary Ann Shadd Cary
A woman who lived enough for several lifetimes, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was one of the loudest voices in support of Canadian emigration for Black Americans. Growing up in a household committed to racial justice, Shadd Cary spent her life turning words into action, becoming the first Black woman to launch a periodical in North America. But she also bucked societal norms, often alienating supporters and potential benefactors. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Mary Ann Shadd Cary.
Imperfect Spouse: Jane Pierce
The wife of fourteenth president Franklin Pierce, Jane Appleton Pierce often gets a bad rap. Seen as a woman who was unwilling to support her husband's political efforts, Jane Pierce definitely lacked excitement in serving in the position of First Lady. But she was also a woman who lived with chronic pain and suffered tremendous loss. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Jane Pierce. And when you are done, be sure to let me know where you fall: was Pierce a bad wife? Or simply a dam…
Franklin Pierce
Fourteenth President Franklin Pierce is frequently listed as one of the country's worst presidents by historians. A man who so desperately wished to keep his preferred political party intact, Pierce made questionable decisions that arguably pushed the country further towards war. So why does he get such a bad grade? Join me this week as I look at the life and presidency of Franklin Pierce.
The Rough Rider & The Professor with Laurence Jurdem
Joining me this week is Laurence Jurdem to discuss his newest book, The Rough Rider & the Professor: Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, and the Friendship that Changed American History. Dr. Jurdem is an Adjunct Professor of history at Fairfield University and Fordham College’s Lincoln Center campus. In this episode, we chat about the relationship between Lodge and Roosevelt and what their relationship tells us about politics during the Gilded Age & Progressive Era.
The Fillmore Women
Some presidential wives are more well known than others. Throughout the nineteenth century, there are a string of women who did not leave as lasting an impact to the role of First Lady or a voluminous set of journals and letters for historians to mine to craft a narrative of their lives. Abigail Powers Fillmore is one such presidential spouse. Even less is known about Fillmore's second wife, the wealthy widow Caroline McIntosh. Though the record may be scant, what we do know about Abigail Po…
Millard Fillmore
Join me this week as I dive into the life and career of Millard Fillmore. The second "accidental president," Fillmore ascended to the office after the passing of Zachary Taylor. The two men, who had no relationship before Taylor's death, proved to have very different opinions on the issue of the day. Fillmore is considered by many to be one of the worst presidents in history. Tune in to find out why.
James Baldwin - Part Two
Welcome back to James Baldwin - Part Two! Join me this week as I complete the story of Baldwin's life, including his ascension to the top of the literary world, his work during the Civil Rights Movement, and the legacy he left behind. Thanks again to Ethan for making such a wonderful request.
James Baldwin: Part One
I am back with another listener request! James Baldwin is one of the most well known authors of the twentieth century. Growing up in Harlem during the roaring twenties and depression riddled thirties, Baldwin knew from a young age he wanted to be a writer. But living with an overbearing stepfather made that dream something he had to fight for. Tune in this week as I dive into the first half of Baldwin's life including growing up in New York, his early introduction to the arts, and wh…
The Wounded World with Dr. Chad Williams
Joining me this week is Professor of History at Brandeis University, Dr. Chad Williams. In this episode, we discuss his new book, The Wounded World: W.E.B. DuBois and the First World War. The book traces DuBois' efforts to write a comprehensive biography of African American military service during the World War I and explores the reasons why DuBois' ultimately decided against publication. Dr. Williams provides a thorough analysis of not only DuBois' evolution, but what service during World W…
Violence in Congress
Tensions were high in the run-up to the Civil War. Disagreements proliferated about the institution of slavery and just what should be done about it. And nowhere were disagreements and tempers high than inside the halls of Congress. While many know about the caning of Charles Sumner, some may be surprised to learn that this was just one in a long line of violent acts conducted by members of Congress. Tune in this week as I dive into the history of congressional violence. And when you're…
The Long Island Murders
In 1854, a sleepy community on the north fork of Long Island was devastated by reports of a double murder. James and Frances Wickham appeared to have everything a young couple could want: a beautiful home, comfortable wealth, and good health. So what happened? Tune in this week to learn more about the Wickham Murders.
Celebrity Nation with Landon Jones
Joining me this week is former managing editor of People magazine, Landon Jones, to discuss his latest book, Celebrity Nation. Our conversation covers what brought Jones to the subject, what we can learn from American history by studying celebrity, and the dangers of celebrity culture. To learn more about Landon, please visit his website at www.lannyjones.com
Zachary Taylor
Known for his military success, Zachary Taylor came to office as President of the United States at a critical moment in United States history. Despite being a leader on the battlefield, many historians argue he failed to deliver the same while president, propelling the country further on the path to war. So just who was Zachary Taylor? Tune in to find out.
Anna Kingsley
I am back with another listener request! Anna Kingsley was a slave woman who went on to become property and slave owner who won a monumental court case during a period when women and former slaves were given little, if any, agency or respect. Much of Anna's life remains a mystery, but what we do know is quite fascinating. Tune in this week as I dive into the life of Anna Kingsley.
Sarah Winchester's Mystery House
Sitting along the busy intersections of San Jose stands a grand mansion with a haunted past. The Winchester Mystery House has been a top tourist destination for one hundred years and is known for its creepy design elements like the stairs to nowhere and doors that do not open. Most have heard the stories about how Sarah Winchester, a rich widow who lost her husband and daughter, visited a medium who told her to move west and build a house big enough for all who had fallen victim to the Winc…
Sustaining the Carrier War with Dr. Stan Fisher
Join me this week as I interview historian, professor, and new author Dr. Stan Fisher about his book, Sustaining the Carrier War: The Deployment of U.S. Naval Air Power to the Pacific.
The New York Times
One of the most well known newspaper in the world, The New York Times has been publishing the news since 1851. Despite the financial hurdles faced by many news organizations, the New York Times manages to stay afloat and has expanded into several other media formats. So how did the New York Times come together? Who were its founders?
James McCune Smith
The first African American to earn a medical degree, James McCune Smith was a leader black intellectual, counting friends like Frederick Douglass and Henry Highland Garnet. He was known for both his scientific knowledge and his reformist activities during his lifetime and wrote extensively for Douglass' newspaper. However, today most are unfamiliar with Smith or his accomplishments. So this week, I am focusing on Dr. James McCune Smith. Who was he? And why don't know we know more about him?