Year(s) Discussed: 1908-1921 Four candidates. Forty-eight states. Only one can come out on top with at least 266 electoral votes needed to win. To discuss the knock down, drag out brawl that was 1912, I am joined by Joseph Pascone of the Turning Tides Podcast to go through the ins and outs of this impactful election and the elements of modern US pr…

While I typically try to avoid talk of current events on the podcast, the events of July 13th, 2024 did necessitate a delay in the release of the next episode, and I wanted to offer support and thoughts in the face of this latest example of violence in American politics along with some historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg…

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1815 As the second year of the war against Britain wrapped up, the Madison administration found that little progress had been made. The invasion of Canada had stalled, and merchants in New England were undermining the war effort by continuing to trade with the British. Meanwhile, a new commander of the British North American…

Year(s) Discussed: 1781-1815 The early republic was a tumultuous time for the United States both domestically and in the realm of diplomacy, and one man who rather consistently found himself at the center of its all in the nation's first few decades was James Madison. In my discussion with Tyson Reeder about his new book, Serpent in Eden: Foreign M…

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1805 - April 20, 1812 After coming out of retirement for one more term as governor of New York, George Clinton went on to become Jefferson's vice president. Find out how he became the first of only two VPs to date to serve under two different presidents and why he didn't necessarily see that as a good thing by listening t…

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1805 - April 20, 1812 No, he's not *that* George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic fame, but there are still so many interesting points to discuss about the life and career of Revolutionary War general and first governor of New York George Clinton. In this episode, Alex and I explore his rise to political prominence and hi…

Year(s) Discussed: 1813-1814 The Allied forces of Europe were drawing ever closer to the French capital in the early months of 1814, and the Emperor Napoleon had to consider what options remained for him and for his empire. Meanwhile, American diplomats in Europe worked to determine what impact events on the continent would have on negotiations wit…

Year(s) Discussed: 1860-1861 Though the United States had experienced an election with four primary candidates before, the presidential election of 1860 was unique in that the candidates were based more on geographic region, and the result of that election would change the course of American history. Join me and my special guest, Alycia from Civics…

Year(s) Discussed: 1813-1814 Within a few months' time, Andrew Jackson went from having a depleted force under his command to achieving one of the most decisive victories in his military career. In this episode, we explore how that transpired and the ramifications that this would have for the Native peoples of the Gulf South. Meanwhile, back in Was…

Tenure of Office: February 10, 1814 - November 12, 1817 (as Attorney General); March 07, 1825 - March 05, 1829 (as Secretary of the Treasury) In Part Two of this episode, Rush returned to the Cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury in the administration of John Quincy Adams, but he quickly found out that the Era of Good Feelings was long past over at …

Tenure of Office: February 10, 1814 - November 12, 1817 (as Attorney General); March 07, 1825 - March 05, 1829 (as Secretary of the Treasury) As discussed in this two-part episode, while Richard Rush may not be the most well-known Cabinet member we've examined to date, his career spanning four decades meant that he was involved with some major even…

Year(s) Discussed: 1732-1989 Leadership is naturally one of the main topics that comes up when talking about US presidents, but it’s not always talked about with practical implications in mind. In this conversation with Talmage Boston about his latest book, we discuss the insights that he found during the course of his research about the leadership…

Year(s) Discussed: 1813 As the War of 1812 moved into its second year, two American commanders on the northwestern frontier - William Henry Harrison and Oliver Hazard Perry - struggled against logistical challenges and political infighting to assemble their respective forces in order to finally accomplish what had been a goal of the US since war wa…

Year(s) Discussed: 1742-1814 Nathanael Greene served as one of Washington's top generals during the Revolutionary War, but what lasting legacy did this man whose life was cut tragically short leave for the Early Republic? In this episode, I am joined by historical fiction author Salina B Baker to discuss her new novel about Greene and her research …

Year(s) Discussed: 1800-1801 The election rematch between President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson in 1800 did not go quite according to plan thanks to the original method of electors casting ballots. In this episode, I am joined by friend and fellow podcaster, Howard Dorre from Plodding Through the Presidents, to discuss the ins an…

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1805 Burr may only have served one term as Vice President, but as we discuss in this episode, it was a turbulent four years filled with political intrigue, power struggles, and a rather infamous duel. The drama would not end when Burr left office, however, as his post-vice presidency years had conspiracies…

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1805 For the first Vice President whose life we are covering from start to end, Aaron Burr brings quite the tale to tell. From personal tragedy early in life to a meteoric rise in politics, from distinguished instances of military service to a romantic relationship with a married woman, there is much to di…

Year(s) Discussed: 1865-1877 The history of the Reconstruction era has in the past been deliberately misconstrued to downplay the achievements of Black Americans and the inhumanity of self-described white supremacists. In his latest work, Fergus Bordewich dispels the myths and explores the history of how the Grant administration worked to combat th…

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1813 After the failed campaign in Russia, French Emperor Napoleon had to regroup. And by regroup, I mean launch another war, of course. It soon became clear, though, that the tide was shifting, and instead of a war of conquest, Napoleon was now fighting for the survival of his regime. Meanwhile, the Republic of Texas was pro…

Year(s) Discussed: 1824 and 1876 In the first of a special series of conversations about past US presidential elections, I am joined in this episode by Zachary DeBacco of Drinks with Great Minds in History to discuss the two "corrupt bargain" elections of 1824 and 1876. In addition to the ins and outs of these elections, we also compare and contras…

Year(s) Discussed: 1813 Tensions had been building between the Native inhabitants and the incoming American settlers in the Gulf South, and the year 1813 saw open hostilities which resulted in a joint operation planned by the US federal government and state and territorial governments in the area. However, the generals assigned to military operatio…

Tenure of Office: February 9, 1814 - October 5, 1814 The successor of Albert Gallatin as Secretary of the Treasury was always going to have big shoes to fill, but coming in while the nation was at war and with a nearly empty treasury, George Campbell of Tennessee had quite a challenge ahead of him from day one. Join me and my special guest, Kenny R…

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1815 Thanks to all of the listeners and social media followers who sent in their suggestions for a new name for the War of 1812! Listen to hear all of the suggestions and learn more about how we'll choose what should be the new name for this conflict that has been a major focus of the Madison presidency series. Learn more ab…

Year(s) Discussed: 1850-1924 US presidential history is filled with notable friendships and partnerships, and arguably one of the most impactful was that between President Theodore Roosevelt and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. In this episode, I am joined by Laurence Jurdem, author of The Rough Rider and the Professor: Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lo…

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1797 - March 4, 1801 Though Thomas Jefferson's four years in the nation's second highest office doesn't always get as much attention as other points in his career, as my co-host Alex and I explored in this episode, the man from Monticello was doing more than twiddling his thumbs while presiding over the Senate. However, w…

Year(s) Discussed: 1933-1945 The presidency of Franklin D Roosevelt was faced with major challenges in terms of the Great Depression and World War II, and over the years, many decisions had to be made in order to navigate the political waters of the time with some involving questionable methods and solutions. In this episode, I am joined by David T…

Year(s) Discussed: 1813 The 1812 ground campaign in the north may have been a bust, but with a new year and a new Secretary of War in place, surely the invasion of Canada would go better in 1813, right? Meanwhile, President Madison had to deal with trying to work with a contentious Congress as well as a bout of ill health that started to lead folks…

Tenure of Office: February 5, 1813 - September 27, 1814 When Armstrong assumed office in 1813, he found a War Department facing serious challenges. Would Madison's fifth choice for the post be the person who could turn the American war effort around? Join me and my special guests, Eric and Matt from the Ranking '76 Podcast, as we explore Armstrong'…

Tenure of Office: February 5, 1813 - September 27, 1814 Revolutionary War veteran, member of the Confederation Congress, US Senator, US Minister to France - certainly sounds like an illustrious career leading up to service in the President's Cabinet, but as I explore with my special guests, Eric and Matt of the Ranking '76 Podcast, there's more to …

As a listener reminded me, if you do something twice, it becomes a tradition. This however is a tradition I think we can all enjoy. To mark the upcoming holiday season, for the second year in a row, I gathered for a lively conversation and some laughs in our Friendsgiving spectacular with Alycia from Civics & Coffee, Kenny Ryan from [Abridged] Pres…

Our partners at Evergreen Podcasts have a great new series that I have no doubt Presidencies listeners will appreciate - Countdown to Dallas. On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that afterno…

Year(s) Discussed: 1810-1814 Though it took a while, in 1813, news of the war between Britain and the US arrived on the West Coast and would have ramifications for the Americans at the Pacific trading post of Astoria. Meanwhile, President Madison with his second inauguration launched a reset of the administration's war efforts, though he would find…

Year(s) Discussed: 1961-2023 For this episode, I'm joined by author and journalist Kate Andersen Brower to discuss her research on modern First Ladies from Jackie Kennedy on and how the role of First Lady changed in the modern era and continues to evolve in the 21st Century. In addition to exploring the challenges faced by historic figures such as …

Tenure of Office: April 21, 1789 - March 4, 1797 John Adams had a lengthy, busy career in public service, but it's likely that he would not rank his eight years as the first Vice President of the United States as one of his crowning achievements. Join my co-host Alex and myself as we explore his tempestuous tenure in this office and determine wheth…

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1813 Though the French Army captured Moscow in the fall of 1812, Emperor Napoleon quickly learned that holding it and forcing the Russians to capitulate would prove to be a tougher prospect. Meanwhile, Russian Tsar Aleksandr, concerned about the impact of the War of 1812 on British resolve against France, puts forward an off…

Year(s) Discussed: Prehistory-1954 Being in the midst of a war with Great Britain did not stop some Americans in the early 19th century from thinking about territorial expansion into Spanish-held colonies in the Americas including those in the Caribbean. For this episode, I am joined by Joseph Pascone, host of the Turning Tides Podcast, to examine …

Tenure of Office: January 19, 1813 - December 1, 1814 Starting a new position is never easy, but being put in charge of the Navy in the middle of the war with a shoestring budget meant for a particularly challenging into Madison's Cabinet for the 4th Secretary of the Navy, William Jones. In this episode, I and my special guest, Stacey Roberts of Hi…

Year(s) Discussed: 1801-1825 In this episode, I am joined by Kevin R C Gutzman, author of The Jeffersonians: The Visionary Presidencies of Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, to discuss this near quarter century where the three titular friends in succession served as chief executive. During the course of our conversation, in addition to comparing and c…

Year(s) Discussed: 1773-1815 For this episode, I am joined by Peter Stark, author of Gallop Toward the Sun: Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison's Struggle for the Destiny of a Nation. In the course of our conversation, in addition to talking about the two titular historical figures, we also discuss various other individuals who impacted the course …

Year(s) Discussed: 1811-1813 As if the United States didn't have enough military conflicts to be involved in, agents of the Madison administration worked to support the efforts of would-be revolutionaries leading the Republican Army of the North to end Spanish control of New Spain. Meanwhile, Gen. William Henry Harrison had to deal with a rival gen…

Year(s) Discussed: 1789-2023 While the US vice presidency is a constitutionally-created office, arguably the role that the vice president plays in American politics and the federal government has experienced the greatest shifts of any other position on the national stage. This episode begins our exploration of the lives and legacies of the individu…

Tenure of Office: December 11, 1811 - February 9, 1814 A lawyer, diplomat, and politician, William Pinkney of Maryland may not be the most famous member of James Madison's Cabinet. However, joined by my special guests, Meredith and Dustin of the Alexander Standard Podcast, we explore his life in this episode to learn more about his impact on the Ea…

Greetings, everyone! Our partners at Evergreen Podcasts and I want to get to know our listeners a bit better, so please take a moment to complete the Listener Survey by going to the following link: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/listener-survey Did I mention that there will be random drawings for folks who complete the survey? In the last question, …

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1813 As the USS Constitution brought home the nation's first major victory in the War of 1812, the Madison administration had to carefully consider how to readjust its strategy in ground operations. New leaders started emerging in the field, but the President, after securing reelection, had to consider a Cabinet shakeup that…

Year(s) Discussed: 1831-1881 On this episode, I am joined by C W Goodyear, author of the new biography President Garfield, to talk about the man who he described as "a pathologically reasonable person" and his navigation through the turbulent waters of Reconstruction and Gilded Age American politics to become the 20th US President. In our discussio…

Tenure of Office: April 6, 1811 - March 4, 1817 (as Secretary of State); September 27, 1814 - March 2, 1815 (as Secretary of War) James Monroe is one of the rare Cabinet members who served in two Cabinet positions simultaneously, and what is really remarkable about Monroe's doing so is that it was in the midst of the War of 1812 when he led both th…

Content Note: There is a mention of death by suicide in this episode around the 32 minute mark. Year(s) Discussed: 1811-1812 Even after the declaration of war in 1812, US and British officials on both sides of the Atlantic continued to work towards a cessation of hostilities. At around the same time, French Emperor Napoleon was escalating the state…

Year(s) Discussed: 1939-1994 As we've seen in the podcast, certain circumstances coming together at just the right time can change the course of history for good or ill. In this episode, I am joined by author, historian, and White House correspondent Paul Brandus to discuss his new book, Countdown to Dallas: The Incredible Coincidences, Routines, a…

Year(s) Discussed: 1812 In the aftermath of the surrender of Detroit, the Madison administration had to consider whether its strategy against Britain had already gone awry in the early days of the War of 1812. Meanwhile, in East Florida, the arrival of a new colonial governor boded ill for the Patriot cause. Sources used for this episode can be fou…

Tenure of Office: May 15, 1809 - January 1, 1813 Rising through the political ranks in South Carolina, Paul Hamilton was called to national service for the first time by President Madison to serve as his Secretary of the Navy. In this episode, I am joined by my husband Alex to explore the life and career of this lesser-known Cabinet member to deter…