Season 1
The Precedent Setting President: George Washington
This episode I wrap up the Washington focus by diving into the first presidency of the United States. While the election of George Washington was hardly a surprise, his interpretation of what it meant to be president left an undeniable mark on the institution. There is so much to cover about the man and the myth, so I focused this episode on some of the incredible firsts he achieved and traditions he started as our first president.
I Am Free: Ona Judge
This week I am diving into the story of the enslaved woman who managed a daring escape from the president's household - Ona Marie Judge Staines. Listen in as I talk about her life, what prompted her escape and how she managed to seek a life of freedom, despite the odds.
Martha Washington: Protector In Chief
Tune in as I continue my month of Washington based shows. In this week's episode, I am talking all about our first First Lady, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. We all know her as the first of the firsts, but there is so much more to her story. From outliving all of her children and her two husbands, to her time spent on the fields of battle during the American Revolution, Martha was one interesting character.
George Washington - The Early Years
Tune in this week as I start on the journey that is the life of Washington. As I mention in the episode, the first president has made several appearances on prior episodes and I think they're worth listening to in preparation to the closing chapter of Washington. Take a listen to the following episodes: Episode 7: First Comes War... Episode 19: The Culper Spy Ring, Part 1 Episode 20: The Culper Spy Ring, Part 2 Episode 22: The American Revolution - Impacts Episode 29: The Madison Dash…
The Notorious: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Closing out Women's History Month with a bang ! Tune in as I discuss the infamous Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is known by many as the Notorious RBG, but Ginsburg life is an example of never giving up on your dreams and always fighting for what you believe.
The Northwest Indian War
This week, I am diving into the first of what is known as the U.S / Indian Wars. Looking to protect their land from American settlers, the tribal nations of the Northwest Territory banned together to attempt negotiations with the new United States government. However, the U.S was interested only in further expanding their borders. The result? A series of skirmishes that took place over a decade. Listen in as I dive into the war, how it came to be and why it is important to American Hist…
Communist, Activist: Angela Davis
Welcome to another bonus round of Civics & Coffee. This week's Wonder Woman Wednesday is dedicated to the activist, academic and infamous FBI Most Wanted, Angela Davis. From her youth trying to survive living in a place known as Dynamite Hill in Alabama to her acquittal of attempted murder in 1972, Davis has lived in an intense life! Come listen as I dive into Dr. Angela Yvonne Davis.
The Bill of Rights
This week I dive into the creation and ratification of the Bill of Rights. Did you know that when the Bill of Rights were originally ratified they were only meant to cover federal crimes and limit the federal governments authority? Tune in this week as I explain the history of the document and how it got expanded to state law.
Unapologetically SHE: Zora Neale Hurston
Welcome to another bonus episode! This Wonder Woman Wednesday is in tribute to the famed author, essayist and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston. Listen in as I discuss her life and legacy and her contributions to American history.
From Confederation to Constitution
We have spent a lot of time going over the run up to the constitution and what exactly took place to make the document a whole. And while the gentlemen present at the Constitutional Convention were proud of their achievement, they still had to get the people to agree. And so the real battle began! Listen this week as I talk about the various ratifying conventions and how two opposing sides each made their case to the people.
A Catalyst for Change - Shirley Chisholm
Another bonus episode in celebration of Women's History Month. This week I am diving into the life and presidential run of Shirley Chisholm. Born in Brooklyn during the Great Depression, Shirley would buck convention over and over as she broke barriers and championed women's rights. And while she came back into the conversation during Kamala Harris' presidential run, there is so much more to the story.
Franklin, Benjamin Franklin
I asked - you answered! This week is all about famed scientist, statesmen and printer Benjamin Franklin. Listen to learn all about the amazing accomplishments and achievements this one founding father crammed into his 84 years. From running a newspaper to founding the University of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin can be seen and felt to this day.
Hidden Computers - Women in Tech
This month I am celebrating women and their accomplishments throughout history. All topics showcased on Wednesdays this month are suggestions from you, my listeners! This week I am talking about the history and impact women have made in the field of technology - primarily computers and programming. Did you know that women computers date back to the 1800's? Tune in to this episode to learn that and more!
Frida Kahlo
This week I am taking a momentary break from covering all the happenings surrounding the constitution and covering a trail blazer: artist, icon and all around bad ass woman, Frida Kahlo. Though this is a United States history focused podcast, Frida made her mark on the United States - and the U.S on her. Some of her most infamous artwork was painted during her time in the United States including Henry Ford Hospital, My Dress Hangs There and Self Portrait on the Border of Mexico and the Unit…
The Constitution - A Break Down
It is the document that provided the foundation for American democracy and is internationally revered. And while it is so familiar to us as the bedrock of our government, very few of us know exactly what it says. And so this episode takes the deep dive. Article by article, section by section. Take a listen and learn about just what Madison and his buddies sent out to the states for ratification. Enjoy.
The Compromises of the Convention
This week I am talking all about the debates and compromises that went into writing the Constitution. From James Madison's Virginia Plan to the Three-Fifths Compromise, tune in this week as I dive into how the framers were ab...
The Madison Dash to the Constitution
The Articles of Confederation were flawed and in need of a massive rewrite, however support for such an idea was severely lacking. In the newly established country's mind, the tacit partnership agreement found within the arti...
A Man of Science: The Life of Benjamin Banneker
Very little is known about the first black inventor, scientist and part time surveyor, Benjamin Banneker. However, what is known is infinitely fascinating. This week, I discuss the life of Benjamin Banneker. From growing up o...
Apollo 11 - Part Two
This week I wrap up my two part series on the mission to put the first man on the moon, Apollo 11. In this episode, I give you the history of the three man team that made up Apollo 11: Neil Armstrong, Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin and ...
Apollo 11 - Part One (Listener Request)
The first part of a two part series running down the history the first man to ever walk on the moon. Learn all about how NASA was created and how one became an astronaut.
Articles of Confederation - Doomed From the Start
An episode all about our first draft of government - the Articles of Confederation! Including what led to it's eventual failure.
The Revolution & Slavery - All Men Created Equal?
This episode focuses on the institution and attitude surrounding slavery in the immediate aftermath of the American Revolution. The new republic just battled to earn their independence - but what about those who were denied such freedom?
2020: What a Decade this Year Has Been - BONUS Episode
Let's celebrate the end of this decade.. I mean year with a review of all the historical stuff that went down in 2020, shall we? From Kobe Bryant to impeachment; fires to COVID, 2020 grabbed our attention from the beginning a...
The American Revolution - Impacts
An overview on the impact of the American Revolution for those most forgotten in history - including a story of the first female soldier to earn a military pension.