Episodes
Jay Gould: Titan or Tyrant?
Join me this week as I take a look at the life and legacy of Jay Gould, one of the most talked-about figures of the Gilded Age. From his early years in the tannery business to his rise as a major player in America’s railroad ...
Exploring Conscience of a Nation: Zaakir Tameez on Charles Sumner’s Fight for Justice
Charles Sumner was one of the fiercest voices for abolition and racial equality in 19th-century America, but how much do we really know about the man behind the Senate desk? Join me as I sit down with Zaakir Tameez, author of...
The Page Act: How America Banned Chinese Women
In 1875, the United States passed the Page Act: the first federal law to restrict immigration. The Page Act marked a turning point in American immigration policy, introducing the use of moral and racial criteria to determine ...
Axes, Activism, and Abstinence: The WCTU and the Fight for Temperance
The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was one of the most powerful reform organizations of the 19th century, but its story goes far beyond banning booze. Sit down with me as I dive into the WTCU's origins, its wide-ranging a...
Bringing History to Life: Rob Edwards on Robert Smalls in Defiant
Veteran screenwriter and producer Rob Edwards ( The Princess and the Frog , Treasure Planet ) joins the show to discuss his newest project: a graphic novel chronicling the extraordinary life of Robert Smalls, a man born into ...
Five Years of Civics & Coffee: Welcome to the New Era!
Sit down with me as I reflect on five years of Civics and Coffee! In this episode I look back on where I started and explain where I would like to go. I also give you an inside look into the rebranding of the show and how I l...
Ice: The Hidden History of a Hot Commodity with Dr. Amy Brady
What do cocktails, hospitals, and the American railroad system have in common? Ice.
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Brady, author of Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks – A Cool History of a Hot Commodity, to explore how something as simple as frozen water reshaped the nation. From 19th-century ice harvesting to the rise of refrigeration and its impact on food, medicine, and leisure, we dive into the chilly history behind one of America’s most overlooked innovations.
W…
Riot or Massacre? Reclaiming the History of Colfax, 1873
For over a century, the Colfax Massacre was inaccurately labeled a “race riot.” But in reality, it stands as one of the deadliest instances of racial and political violence during the Reconstruction Era. Join me this episode as I uncover what happened in Colfax, Louisiana in 1873 including why Black citizens were targeted for defending their newly won rights and how the legal aftermath shaped the limits of federal civil rights enforcement for decades to come.
Grab your coffee and get…
Unforgettable Sacrifice with Dr. Hilary Green
Join me this week as I sit down with Dr. Hilary Green to discuss her latest book, Unforgettable Sacrifice: How Black Communities Remembered the Civil War. In our conversation we dive into the importance of preserving historical memory, the work of Black women to guard the past, and what we these communities teach us about the Civil War.
William "Boss" Tweed
In this episode I explore the life and legacy of the man who first established "bossism," William Tweed. Learn about Tweed's early life and his increasing influence while serving in local offices and how it all came crashing down.
Louisa May Alcott's Little Women
Join me this week as I dive into the story of Little Women and its author Louisa May Alcott. Learn all about Alcott's youth and exactly how the story of Little Women got started.
Reconstruction's Legal Legacy with Dr. Matthew Brogdon
Joining me this week is scholar and fellow podcaster Dr. Matthew Brogdon. He is a Political Scientist with an expertise in American Constitutionalism. In this episode, we discuss the history of the 13th and 14th Amendments and how they reshaped American society. We also spent time talking about how the amendments of this period influence our society today.
America's Drink: Bourbon
Join me this week as I dive into another listener request and tackle the history of Bourbon. In this episode I cover when Bourbon got its start in the United States, how it differs from Scottish Whiskey, and why it is considered America's drink.
The episode also mentions the Whiskey Rebellion, which you can learn more about by listening to the episode I dedicated to it back in 2021 here. Happy listening!
Predatory Data with Dr. Anita Chan
Join me this week as I chat with Dr. Anita Chan to discuss her latest book, Predatory Data: Eugenics in Big Tech and Our Fight for an Independent Future.
To learn more about Dr. Chan, be sure to visit her website at: https://www.anitachan.org/
The Panic of 1873
Join me this week as I sit down and dive into the Panic of 1873. Learn how one man, Jay Cooke, brought the United States economy to the brink and how the panic has connections with the recession of 2008.
A Public Woman: Victoria Woodhull
Victoria Woodhull is perhaps best known to contemporary audiences for her decision to launch a questionable, and ultimately unsuccessful, bid for the presidency in 1872. But there is much more to Woodhull than her failed political career. Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of Victoria Woodhull.
The Great Chicago Fire
Join me this week as I dive into the cause and legacy of the Great Chicago Fire. What sparked the massive blaze? How did the city recover? And how did the fire inspire new structural technologies?
Grant’s Fight: The Ku Klux Klan Act
Soon after assuming office, President Grant was overwhelmed with letters from residents telling of the constant reign of terror they faced for exercising their right to vote. Unable to act as forcefully as he wanted, Grant asked Congress for a new law that would provide the necessary tools to combat the racial political violence. Their answer? The Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. Tune in this week as I dive into the law and how it was used to break the backs of the Ku Klux Klan in the south.
Jeep Show with Robert B. O'Connor
Join me this episode as I sit down with author Robert O'Connor to discuss his historical novel about the Morale Corps during World War II, Jeep Show.
Julia Dent Grant
Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of First Lady Julia Grant. Learn about Grant's early life living in the border state of Missouri, how she met her future husband, and how she impacted the role of First Lady.
Ulysses S. Grant: Part Two
This week I wrap up the presidency and legacy of President Ulysses S. Grant. Learn about Grant's time in office, his work to preserve the civil rights of African Americans, and the struggles he faced due to his lack of political experience.
Ulysses S. Grant: Part One
Join me this week as I begin my coverage of the life and legacy of 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. In this episode, I cover Grant's early life including his decision to enroll at the Military Academy at West Point and his experiences during the Civil War.
Dual Justice with Dr. Anthony Grasso
Join me this week for my conversation with Dr. Anthony Grasso where we discuss his latest book, Dual Justice: America's Divergent Approaches to Street and Corporate Crime. Learn all about how different ideologies influenced the criminal justice system and how they are still impacting carceral policy today.
The Maverick: Patricia Schroeder (Part Two)
Join me this week as I wrap up my coverage of the Colorado Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder. In this episode I dive into Schroeder's legislative accomplishments and her decision to launch a campaign for president.