Episodes
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?
First in Her Class: Elizabeth Blackwell, MD
The first to earn a medical degree in the United States, Elizabeth Blackwell broke barriers and carved a path for others to follow. Graduating at the top of her class, Blackwell would fight to create a medical practice and would spend her life championing medical education for other women. So just who was Elizabeth Blackwell? Tune in to find out.
Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin
One of the best selling novels in history, Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin forcefully took on the institution of slavery and challenged citizens of the country to fight for abolition. Beginning as a short story in an abolitionist newspaper, Uncle Tom's Cabin remains one of the most analyzed and studied novels. But how did the story come together? And who exactly was Harriet Beecher Stowe? Tune in to find out.
William Wells Brown
One of the most prolific authors of the nineteenth century, William Wells Brown remains a bit of a mystery. A man born into slavery who clawed his way to freedom, Brown has quite the fascinating biography. An author, abolitionist, and member of the underground railroad, Brown can tell us a lot about nineteenth century America. So just who was William Wells Brown? Tune in to find out.
Supreme Court: The Confirmation Process
In recent years, much has been written about the political theater involved in Supreme Court Justice confirmation hearings. Many Americans report feeling frustrated at both the question asked by Senators and the answers provided by future associate justices. One long time listener asked that I review the history of supreme justice nominations and the confirmation process. Has it always been so polarizing and political? Have justices always avoided answering questions?
Making Airwaves at the Society for Military History
Earlier this year I attended to annual Society for Military History academic conference in San Diego. I was invited to participate in a panel on podcasting, aptly named Making Airwaves. Fellow podcaster Philip Shackelford not only organized the panel, but recorded the discussion live - which I am releasing today. My sincerest gratitude goes to Philip who has his own show, The Modern Scholar Podcast, as well as Bill Allison from Military Historians are People Too, Kelly DeVries with Bow and …
The Bloody Island Massacre
After the murder of two white men in the Clear Lake region of California, the United States government responded by launching a campaign to exact revenge. This campaign came to be known as the Bloody Island Massacre. But what exactly happened? Tune in this week to find out.
Speaking While Female with Dana Rubin
Join me this week as I chat with speechwriter, consultant, and former journalist Dana Rubin to discuss her book, Speaking While Female. Our conversation covers her book, the value of learning about women's voices from our past, and an inside look into what it is like to self publish.
Ah Toy
Experiencing a new wave of interest thanks to the HBO series Warrior, Ah Toy is a fascinating woman from history. She immigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area during the California Gold Rush and quickly made a name for herself as a courtesan and, eventually, madam. Who was Ah Toy? How did she become so successful? And what does her experience tell us about women in California during this time period? Tune in to find out.
The Fight for Speaker of the House (Listener Request)
Earlier this year, many watched as California Representative Kevin McCarthy waited out multiple ballots to secure his position as Speaker of the House. The week-long series of votes led many to wonder what was happening and whether there was any historical precedent for this. In fact, so many of you reached out to ask about this and request I do an episode covering it that I felt duty bound to push this to the front of the line. So join me as I talk about what the House of Representatives a…
Rise of the Mavericks with Philip C Shackelford
Joining me this week is military historian, podcaster, and newly published author Philip C Shackelford to discuss his brand new book The Rise of the Mavericks: The U.S. Air Force Security Service and the Cold War. In this episode we focus on his scholarship including how he became interested in this facet of military history, how his grandfather influenced his studies, and what it is like working with an academic press.
The Gold Rush
The discovery of gold in California's waterways is one of the most consequential moments in United States history. Not only did it put the newly acquired territory on the fast track towards statehood, it also prompted a massive influx of immigrants, and provided new economic opportunities for women. But the Gold Rush also proved devastating. Tune in this week as I dive into the Gold Rush. What happened? And what is its legacy?