Episodes
The Maverick: Patricia Schroeder (Part One)
This week's episode comes to you thanks to a listener request! Join me as I dive into part one of feminist politician Patricia Schroeder's life and legacy. In this episode I cover Schroeder's early life, including her experie...
The Transcontinental Railroad
Join me this week as I dive into the history of the transcontinental railroad. Learn all about how it got started, how the two companies bested nature, and the complicated legacy the rail left in its wake.
Reuel Colt Gridley & The Flour Fundraiser
Tune into this listener's request where I dive into the story of Reuel Colt Gridley who stumbled into a creative way to raise money for the United States Sanitary Commission during the Civil War. Learn about Gridley, the fund...
All Play and No Work with Dr. Paul Gagliardi
Join me in this episode as I sit down with Dr. Paul Gagliardi to discuss his book All Play and No Work which analyzes complex portrayals of labor and work relief through plays selected by the Federal Theatre Project. Tune in to learn about the Federal Theatre Project and the organization's role in the New Deal.
Carceral Apartheid with Dr. Brittany Friedman
Join me for another bonus episode where I sit down with Dr. Brittany Friedman to discuss her book, Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons.
The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868
Join me this week as I explore the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. Learn why the United States and Plains tribes engaged in yet another negotiation aimed at securing peace, how the agreement was eventually violated by the U.S. government, and how it all ties to a still-active Supreme Court case.
The Ku Klux Klan & Reconstruction
Join me this week as I explore the history of the first iteration of the Ku Klux Klan. Learn about the earliest days of the organization, how it evolved into a dangerous domestic terrorist group, and how their acts of violence sough to depress the influence of Black Americans and the Republican Party throughout the former Confederacy. Please note, there is mature content shared in this episode.
Kidnapped At Sea with Dr. Andrew Sillen
Join me for this BONUS episode where I welcome Dr. Andrew Sillen to discuss his latest book, Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White.
The People's Poet: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
Frances Harper was an abolitionist, author, and activist who spent her life in the pursuit of a better nation. Risking her safety to tour on the anti-slavery lecture circuit before the war, Harper became one of the loudest critics of Andrew Johnson during Reconstruction. Tune in this week as I dive into her life, motivations, and legacy.
Eliza McCardle Johnson
Join me this week as I dive into the life of Eliza McCardle Johnson. In this episode I dive into McCardle's early years, her relationship with Andrew Johnson, and how she chose to run the house as First Lady.
Dear Unknown Friend with Dr. Alexis Peri
Joining me this week is historian and author Dr. Alexis Peri. In this episode we discuss her latest book Dear Unknown Friend, which tells the story of the Soviet and American women who traded correspondence toward the end of World War II and during the Cold War.
Andrew Johnson: Part Two
Join me this week as I wrap up my coverage of the life and presidency of 17th President Andrew Johnson. In this episode, I dive into Johnson's meeting with Black abolitionists and his impeachment - the first in United States history.
Andrew Johnson: Part One
Join me this week as I dive into the early life of 17th President Andrew Johnson. Learn how a man born to poor, illiterate parents beat the odds to become Vice President then President of the United States.
The Line of Splendor with Salina Baker
In this episode, historian and author Salina Baker discusses her latest book, The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nathaneal Greene and the American Revolution. Tune in to learn who Greene was, what role he played in the American Revolution, and how historical fiction can make the past come alive.
The 14th Amendment
Considered by some historians to be the most important amendment to the Constitution, the 14th Amendment sought to codify the protections provided by the 1866 Civil Rights Act. Tune in to learn why Senators felt an amendment was necessary, how it impacted women's push for the vote, and how it has been used to secure freedom for generations of Americans.
The Memphis Massacre
For a period of three days in May of 1866, the city of Memphis was plagues with violence as racial tensions exploded. The first "race riot" to happen after the Civil War, the massacre demonstrated how ineffective local governments were in responding to lawless, prompting Congress to push for a "radical" reconstruction. Tune in to find out just what happened and how it was used to forge the 14th Amendment.
Radical Reconstruction
After President Andrew Johnson's initial attempts at "reconstruction" demonstrated his hostility toward Black Americans, Republican members of Congress focused their energies on forging a new path for reconstruction. Join me this week where I talk about their efforts, including their work to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Reconstruction Act of 1867, and so much more.
Pearl Harbor
Join me on the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor where I dive into why Japan attacked, how the United States responded, and what the legacy the attack left behind.
Alien Soil with Dr. Katie Singer
Joining me this week is Dr. Katie Singer who recently wrote Alien Soil: Oral Histories of Great Migration Newark. Our conversation covers everything from the importance of oral history to the lived experiences of Black Americans in Newark. When you are finished with the episode, be sure to pick up a copy for you and your friends.
Andrew Johnson's Presidential Reconstruction
At the end of the Civil War, Andrew Johnson faced quite the task in assessing how to reunite the country after years of bloody conflict. A man not known for his political acumen, Johnson moved quickly in establishing his vision for reconstruction. Tune in this week to learn about what Johnson did and why it led to a showdown with Congress.
Third Annual Friendsgiving
The boys and I are back again with another Friendsgiving Spectacular! Tune in as Jerry, Kenny, Howard, and I ask each other questions and dive into the weird and unusual story of the American past.
Union Leagues, Reconstruction, and the KKK: The Rise and Fall of Black Political Power
Join me this week as I dive into how Black Americans entered the political arena in the years immediately after the Civil War. In this episode, I discuss the history of Union Leagues, Black Codes, and what role the Ku Klux Klan played in diminishing African American political participation.
Robert Smalls (Listener Request)
Robert Smalls was one of millions of Black American born into slavery in 1839. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Smalls embarked on one of the most daring escapes imaginable by commandeering a confederate transport ship. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Robert Smalls.
Black Woman on Board with Dr. Donna Nicol
Joining me this week is Dr. Donna Nichol to discuss her latest book Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, the California State University, and the Fight to Save Affirmative Action. Her work traces this life and legacy of the first Black woman to serve on the California State University Board of Trustees, Dr. Claudia Hampton. Tune in to learn about Dr. Hampton and how her work left tangible impacts for California students.