Best Ashbrook Center Podcasts (2024)

1
Bullets Not Ballots? Political Violence in American History 29:42

2h ago29:42

29:42

Join us for our special episode in response to the attempted assassination of (former) President Donald Trump on Saturday, 13 July 2024. Jeff discusses with Dr. John Moser the existence and impact of violence in American politics from the 19th Century onward, looking into attempted assassinations of Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, …

1
Like a Bull Moose - Theodore Roosevelt and the Impact of Third Parties 44:50

3d ago44:50

44:50

Jeff discusses the pivotal role Theodore Roosevelt played as a spoiler in the 1912 presidential election, and the legacy he left for Third Parties. Do they tend to be about ideas or personalities? Why don't they seem to last beyond an election cycle or two? How do they fit into our political culture and systems, and what can we learn from our past …

1
“What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” - Frederick Douglass Teaches Us About Independence Day 40:29

10d ago40:29

40:29

Jeff is joined by Lucas Morel, Professor of Political Science at Washington & Lee University, to commemorate Independence Day this year with commentary from, arguably, America’s greatest Civil Rights and abolition leader. Douglass, born into slavery, became the most powerful voice for emancipation and the destruction of an institution that flew in …

1
"Charging Forward?" The History and Current Debate Over Electric Vehicles 38:35

21d ago38:35

38:35

Electric vehicles have become more popular in the last decade, and are often promoted as being both good for the environment and the owner's wallet - but is there evidence to back up these claims? You might be surprised by how much an EV really costs to build, how much consumer prices are distorted by subsidies, and how little they do for the envir…

1
Deadly Experiments - Contemporary Drug Policy Fads 43:26

1M ago43:26

43:26

Jeff discusses drug policy in American with researcher and author Karl Zinsmeister. In addition to background on the drug epidemic and policy responses over the years, they focus on recent moves to relax enforcement of anti-drug laws, even to the extent of legalizing a variety of narcotics, such as what Oregon did only a few years ago. Instead of s…

1
How Much Power Does the Constitution Really Give a President? | Documents & Debates 34:26

1M ago34:26

34:26

Dr. Jordan Cash discusses this question with Jeff this week, looking into the decisions and actions of three "isolated" presidents - John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, and Gerald Ford. These three presidents were, essentially, lone actors for their time in office, abandoned by party and other political supports - what did they get done, good or bad? Build…

1
D-Day at 80 Years: What Operation Overlord Accomplished 44:54

2M ago44:54

44:54

Jeff Sikkenga and Dr. David Krugler discussion D-Day - what is was, what happened on that day, and what Operation Overlord accomplished within the context of World War 2. #dday #overlord #ike #eisenhower #ww2 Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea…

1
Bringing Home Forgotten MIAs - Memorial Day 2024 with Project Recover 34:51

2M ago34:51

34:51

Dr. John Moser meet with Derek Abbey, President & CEO of Project Recover, a non-profit organization that searches for still-missing American service members around the world. Focused traditionally on the Palau islands and lost airmen from World War 2, Project Recover has expanded operations over the last 30 years to include efforts in Vietnam, else…

1
When Disaster Strikes: Presidents and Emergencies | Documents & Debates 39:12

2M ago39:12

39:12

Jeff is joined by Tevi Troy, author of "Shall We Wake the President?" to discuss the evolution of presidential and federal involvement in emergency situations, natural disasters, and similar crises. Using examples from the early years of the republic through today, they trace the change over time brought by communications technology, changing expec…

1
Energy and the Environment - Are Things as Bad as We're Told? 39:57

2M ago39:57

39:57

We receive a drumbeat of apocalyptic warnings about climate change, pollution, and dwindling energy supplies - but how much are these claims, and the policy demands that come with them, based on evidence? Jeff is joined by Steven Hayward, resident scholar at the University of California at Berkeley's School of Intergovernmental Studies to discuss t…

1
Did Federal Officials Pressure Social Media Companies to Censor Americans? 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

Jeff is joined by John Vecchione, Senior Litigator for the New Civil Liberties Alliance (nclalegal.org) to discuss their work before the Supreme Court, arguing on behalf of individuals and groups that claim that federal officials abused their power and pressured social media companies to censor their speech. Similar to the “memory hole” of 1984, so…

1
A Conversation with Vivek Ramaswamy 11:07

3M ago11:07

11:07

Jeff sits down with entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to discuss what motivated him to run, what he learned from the experience, and how he views the opportunities America has given him and his family. #vivek #ramaswamy #president #elect ions #campaign #america Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McB…

1
Bombing Hitler's Hometown - the Untold Story of the Last Mass Bombing Raid Over Europe in WW2 | Documents & Debates 34:09

3M ago34:09

34:09

On April 25th, 1945, the 15th Air Force launched the last mass bombing raid in the war in Europe, on Hitler's self-declared hometown of Linz, Austria. This strategically-important transportation hub was also the location where Hitler dreamed of creating a shrine to himself and Nazism, in the form of museums, monuments, (stolen) art collections, and…

1
World War 1's Far-Reaching Impact on America | Documents & Debates 46:54

3M ago46:54

46:54

World War 1 had a profound and far-reaching impact on American politics, government, law, international standing and, perhaps even more significant, on American culture and society. Many of the most important movements of the 20th Century - Civil Rights, Women's Suffrage, the growth of government power and size - have their roots in how America and…

1
The Importance of Good Local Government | American Core Ideas 1:01:56

3M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

Jeff moderates a panel with mayors of four small towns in Ohio, discussing their work and the importance of good local government and how we can, with our neighbors, play an essential role in America’s civic life. This episode was recorded live at one of the Ashbrook Center’s recent “Major Issues Lecture Series,” held at Ashland University. Host: J…

1
Servant Leadership and Building a Winning Team | American Core Ideas 35:02

4M ago35:02

35:02

Building a winning team - in business, education, sports, or the military - is hard, essential work; sustaining excellence over time is, perhaps, even harder. Kari Pickens, head coach of Ashland University’s Women’s Basketball Team, knows a lot about both, and shares her experiences and insights with Jeff in this episode. Kari’s reflections are als…

1
Perspectives on Leadership and Current Threats to America with Congressman Jim Jordan 16:14

4M ago16:14

16:14

Jeff is joined by Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-4, R) to discuss some of most essential elements of a leader, as well as some of the most pressing challenges facing American today. They discuss government-sponsored threats to the First Amendment,and the challenges presented internationally by Russia and China. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: G…

1
China's Trojan Horse? Tik Tok and the Information Wars 32:32

4M ago32:32

32:32

With the Senate now having to consider a House bill that would force the sale of TikTok or ban the app in the United States, it's time to get the truth on why this social media platform is not like Facebook or Instagram or others. Jeff is joined by foreign policy expert Michael Sobolik of the American Foreign Policy Council to discuss what TikTok i…

1
The Harlem Renaissance - A Uniquely American Movement | Documents & Debates 36:58

4M ago36:58

36:58

John Moser discusses the origins, evolution, and impact of the Harlem Renaissance with historian David Krugler. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

1
Clear and Present Danger: The Use and Abuse of Presidential War Powers 46:02

5M ago46:02

46:02

Jeff Sikkenga and Dr. Sarah Burns discuss the long, complicated history of how presidential war powers have been understood, implemented, and expanded, and how these changes have impacted American government and America's place in the world. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/t…

1
Civilian-Military Relations from the Founding to Today 41:10

5M ago41:10

41:10

Jeff discusses the unique history of American civilian-military relations with Miles Smith IV of Hillsdale College in today's episode.Suspicious of standing armies, but cognizant of the need for military power, the Founders were emphatic about civilian supremacy over the military - especially senior officers. From George Washington's handling of th…

1
Not Getting What We're Paying For: U.S. Healthcare Policy 39:11

5M ago39:11

39:11

Jeff discusses the evolution of the U.S. healthcare system since the late 19th Century with Dr. Lauren Hall of the Rochester Institute of Technology. At issue are the surprising, and disheartening, unintended consequences of changes in technology and policy that have yielded the high-cost, low-efficiency and in some ways even lower-effectiveness "s…

1
U.S. Energy Policy - The Pursuit of Failure 31:00

5M ago31:00

31:00

Jeff discusses the history and sad state of U.S. national energy policy with Peter Grossman, Emeritus Professor of Economics. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

1
The Chevron Doctrine: What is it and How Does it Challenge Our Constitutional System? 39:03

6M ago39:03

39:03

Jeff Sikkenga discusses the “Chevron Doctrine” with Mark Chenoweth, Director of the New Civil Liberties Alliance, and how this 1984 Supreme Court decision has led to a runaway federal regulatory regime. They discuss the history of the decision and current challenges to it - including NCLA’s appearance before the Supreme Court to challenge Chevron i…

1
Political Parties - Not Part of the Plan But There From the Beginning | Documents & Debates 38:41

6M ago38:41

38:41

Jeff is joined by Dr. Eric Sands of Berry College to discuss the origins, role, evolution, and impact of political parties in America. This is one of those episodes wherein you learn some history, and your understanding of our current situation becomes more clear. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscri…

1
The Hostage Crisis and America's Troubles with Iran | Documents & Debates 35:48

6M ago35:48

35:48

John Moser and Greg Schneider discuss the background to the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979-1981, and America's broader, longer-term problems with Iran. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

1
Jefferson, Race, and Slavery: A New Perspective 43:10

6M ago43:10

43:10

Jeff discusses the complicated ideas and legacy of Thomas Jefferson as they pertain to race and slavery, with Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens, author of a new book on the subject. Far more complex than presented in textbooks and conventional histories, Jefferson condemned slavery in some of the harshest language of his times, owned slaves, perhaps fathered…

1
Parental Rights in Education | Contemporary Conversations 36:58

6M ago36:58

36:58

Jeff is joined by Dr. Joseph Griffith, Professor of Political Science, to discuss the history, norms, laws, and current and possible future state of parental rights in education in America. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via YouTube or another platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea…

1
Core American Ideas: The Electoral College 45:34

7M ago45:34

45:34

Jeff discusses the Electoral College - its origins, the rationale behind it, and controversies surrounding it over the years, with Michael Maibach, a noted authority on the topic. They dig deeply into the origins of the system, as created at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, debunk contemporary claims of its connection to slavery, and analyze …

1
American Portraits - Jazz: America's Classical Music 27:34

7M ago27:34

27:34

Jeff is joined by David Parker - musician and music educator, philanthropist, and investor - to discuss the origins, meaning, and importance of a uniquely American genre of music: jazz.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea…

1
John Brown - American Extremist | American Portraits 48:14

7M ago48:14

48:14

Jeff is joined by Dan Monroe of Millikin University to discuss John Brown, the man some claim 'lit the fuze' that caused the Civil War. Monroe explains and analyzes Brown's background, his influences, and his firm embrace of violence as a means-of-choice for addressing the scourge of slavery. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Pr…

1
Documents & Debates: Shipwrecked - A True Civil War Story 43:41

7M ago43:41

43:41

Jeff is joined by historian and author Dr. Jonathan White to discuss "Shipwrecked: A True Civil War Story of Mutinies, Jailbreaks. Blockade-Running, and the Slave Trade." This fascinating tale is of a little-known story of ship captain Appleton Oaksmith and his, to put it lightly, varied and adventurous life experiences, many of which intersected a…

1
All the Troubles in the World: An Update on Israel, Ukraine, and China 34:43

8M ago34:43

34:43

Jeff is joined by Rebeccah Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and defense policy expert at the Hudson Institute, to discuss current developments in Israel, Ukraine, and China. How do these conflicts impact American politics and policy? Get a thoughtful strategic analysis in this week's episode. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: …

1
Documents & Debates: Nixon, China, and Ramifications for Today 55:22

8M ago55:22

55:22

John Moser and Eric Pullin discuss rapprochement and detente with China during the Nixon administration - how it came about, what resulted from it in the short-term, and what longterm challenges it created for America and the world. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jc…

1
Documents & Debates: JFK's Assassination at 60 Years 42:50

8M ago42:50

42:50

Jeff is joined by Steve Knott to discuss JFK"s assassination on the 60th anniversary of this key event in American history. The two cover the day itself, the investigation by the Warren Commissions, early and more recent conspiracy theories, and the evidence as best we know it, along with the enduring legacy of this event.Take a look at Steve's JFK…

1
Documents & Debates: The Gettysburg Address at 160 Years 42:31

8M ago42:31

42:31

Jeff is joined by Jason Stevens, professor of Political Science at Ashland University, to discuss the meaning and legacy of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered 160 years ago this month. Learn what made it so important then, and what we can draw from it now. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe …

1
Documents & Debates: The Battle of Tarawa at 80 Years 36:45

9M ago36:45

36:45

In this week's episode of The American Idea, we look back 80 years to the pivotal Battle of Tarawa, the first in America's 'Island Hopping' campaign during World War 2 in the Pacific. Dr. John Moser is joined by military historian Bruscinocino to discuss why the battle took place, why America suffered such a high casualty rate, and how the battle a…

1
Contemporary Conversations: CRT, Identitarianism, and the Struggle for America's Heart and Mind 36:20

9M ago36:20

36:20

Jeff discusses the historical and intellectual roots of Critical Race Theory with Robert George of Princeton University. What is CRT? Where does it come from? What are its roots as an academic movement? What does it preach, in practice, and how do these things shape the mind of the individual and relations between people? George suggested a few rea…

1
The Battle for the Speaker's Gavel | Contemporary Conversations 31:27

9M ago31:27

31:27

What is going on in the House of Representatives, and why did the Republicans fire their own Kevin McCarthy as Speaker? Where did this come from, what does it say about Congress, the House, political parties in general and in this point in our history, and in particular the Republican party? Jeff Sikkenga is joined by Joe Postell of Hillsdale Colle…

1
Documents & Debates: Court Packing Then, and Now? 48:34

9M ago48:34

48:34

Jeff Sikkenga and John Moser discuss the 'court packing' scandal of FDR's second term, how Democrats and Republicans in Congress revolted against what they saw as an attempt to consolidate power, even akin to how a dictator would behave. They also draw parallels with more recent calls to add Supreme Court justices, or force them to retire at a cert…

1
Documents & Debates: American Exceptionalism and the Civil War 46:53

10M ago46:53

46:53

Andy Lang and Jeff discuss the idea of American Exceptionalism - is America a special, distinct place because of its political culture and ideas? - and the Civil War. In particular, they discuss the question the Civil War presented: would America be exceptional because it sought to live up to its founding principles, or would exceptionalism result …

1
Core American Ideas: Separation of Powers - Why it Matters; Why We Should Care 43:57

10M ago43:57

43:57

Jeff is joined by David Alvis, of Wofford Colege, to discuss the reasons behind and important of the separation of powers in American government. Sure, we were all taught about the three branches, but why those? And how does the American system of government try to balance among them, even while admitting overlap between them? Host: Jeff Sikkenga E…

1
American Portraits: Last Summer Boys 39:47

10M ago39:47

39:47

Jeff is joined by Bill Rivers, author and former speechwriter for James Mattis, for a discussion of Bill's coming of age novel, "Last Summer Boys." Set in the summer of 1968, the story follows the experiences and choices of three boys living through the tumult of the political and cultural issues of the late 1960s. Jeff and Bill discuss the writer'…

1
Contemporary Conversations: Ohio Attorney General David Yost on Constitution Day 2023 23:49

10M ago23:49

23:49

Jeff is joined by Ohio Attorney General to discuss the role of an attorney general, the rule of law, and the importance of a properly-balanced constitutional order. This podcast was recorded during the AG's visit to the Ashbrook Center on 12 SEP 23 for Ashbrook's "Major Issues Lecture Series" luncheon in recognition of Constitution Day 2023.Host: J…

1
Contemporary Conversations: A "Post-America" American History? 32:40

10M ago32:40

32:40

John Moser and Johann Neem, of Western Washington University, discuss the movement by many toward a version of American history that seeks to get beyond what have been understood as America's fundamental meaning, identity, and role in the world. From the traditional view of America as a source of hope and good to a reformed vision of America as a f…

1
Core American Ideas: Natural Rights and Limited Government 38:27

11M ago38:27

38:27

Jeff discusses two of the most fundamental ideas at the foundation of the American experiment: natural rights and their outgrowth, limited government. Get a firm, documents-based understanding of these fundamental principles, and ideas of what to read to consider them in even greater depth.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProduce…

1
Contemporary Conversations: A Student's Journey 43:04

11M ago43:04

43:04

In this special episode, a former teacher - and Ashbrook MAHG graduate - and former Ashbrook Scholar - and recent law school graduate - discuss their years-long connection and the importance of mentorship, collegial relationships in education, and the place of a classical liberal education. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Prod…

1
Documents & Debates: The Summer of Beer & Whiskey 39:44

11M ago39:44

39:44

Jeff is joined by Ed Achorn, author of "The Summer of Beer and Whiskey," a fascinating story of the 1883 baseball season. Far more than a history of the early years of baseball as a sport and commercial enterprise, it's also a story of America, Americans at leisure, and the individuals who made their mark at the time and, in many ways, on the years…

1
Documents & Debates: Oppenheimer - Hollywood and History 34:33

11M ago34:33

34:33

John Moser discusses "Oppenheimer," the movie, with David Krugler, analyzing what's accurate, what's not, and - spoiler alert - why this is a good movie about history. Host: John Moser Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea…

1
Documents & Debates: Reconsidering the Atomic Bombs 47:08

12M ago47:08

47:08

Dr. John Moser discusses the use of the atomic bombs in World War 2 with noted author and historian, Richard Frank. Of special interest is the deep body of declassified documents from within the Japanese military and government, only recently brought to light and use in English-language histories of the war. Host: John Moser Executive Producer: Gre…

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