Episodes

July 10, 2021

The Cabinet with Dr. Lindsay M Chervinksy

Join me this week as I interview presidential historian and award winning author, Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky. Dr. Chervinsky wrote The Cabinet: George Washington and The Creation of An American Institution where provides thoughtful analysis and tells the story of how and why Washington created the first presidential advisory council and why it was so revolutionary. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Chervinsky about her book, why she chose this topic to explore and what students can learn …

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July 3, 2021

The White House

Tune in this week as I dive into the history of the most iconic house in the United States: the presidential mansion, also known as The White House. The residence and workplace of the nation's chief executive, the White House has been known by many names and has some illustrious history. And though it is iconic, it mirrors our history in that its past is a bit complicated. So grab your coffee and hang out as I dive into the history of the White House.

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June 26, 2021

A Man Alone: John Adams

This week tune in as I dive into one of the most complicated presidencies in American history - John Adams. A man who fought hard for the independence of his country and who always had his eye on history, Adams proved to be a mild and flawed chief executive. Those who know Adams know him for either the XYZ Affair or the Alien and Sedition Acts - but there is a bit more to be discovered. Support the show (http://www.buymeacoffee.com/civicscoffeepod)

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June 19, 2021

Two Parties Emerge

Political parties - we either love them or hate them. But where exactly did they come from? All of the founding fathers tended agree on one thing: factions were not a good thing for the country. But as I explore in this episode, the very men who were adamantly opposed to the formation of parties - Alexander Hamilton & James Madison - were two of the most active and influential individuals in the development of the first political parties. This episode explores why these parties emerged …

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June 12, 2021

The Forgotten Hannah Adams

Tune in as I go into the history of the first woman in America to earn a living as a writer - one Hannah Adams. Curious and dedicated to learning from a young age, Hannah Adams broke many molds for her time - including remaining single and child-free. She worked tirelessly in producing quality surveys on both history and religion, being the first to provide unbiased accounts of various religious sects.

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June 5, 2021

HH Holmes Part 2 - Listener Request

This is the closing segment in the HH Holmes drama. Join me in this episode as I track Holmes as he goes on the run from his creditors in Chicago, marries yet another woman and commits the murder that would prove his downfall - that of Benjamin Pitezel.

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May 29, 2021

HH Holmes Part 1 - Listener Request

This episode comes to you per the request of a longtime fan of the show. I briefly mentioned HH Holmes while covering the history of the World's Fair and one of you asked for a deeper dive on the notorious serial killer. This week starts us off on Holmes' background and his first suspected murders. Come back next week as I wrap up his story and share a little about how he became so infamous.

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May 22, 2021

People v Levi Weeks - The First True Crime

Tune in this week as I discuss the first murder trial in United States history with a full written record - People v. Levi Weeks. Charged with the murder of young Quaker Elma Sands, Levi was defended by the best legal minds in New York: Henry Livingston and political enemies Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. The Manhattan Well Murder, as it is sometimes known, is the first in history to have a publish transcription of the court proceedings, giving life to a well loved genre in America - tru…

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May 15, 2021

Early American Medicine

In this episode I discuss some of the early treatment methods and individuals responsible for aiding those living in early America. From Barber Surgeons to Medicine Men, bloodletting to snake oil, getting sick in the nineteenth century was no laughing matter. Prepare yourself for this one - it's a bit gross.

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May 8, 2021

The Whiskey Rebellion

Join me this week as I dive into the first domestic rebellion faced by the new government. It all started in January 1791 when Congress passed an excise tax on grain alcohol meant to raise revenue to pay off national debts. It culminated in the deployment of 13,000 troops led by the Commander in Chief himself - George Washington.

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May 1, 2021

History of Death: Capital Punishment in the United States (Listener Request)

This week's episode comes at you via request from listener Peter. He asked that I do a show all about the history of the death penalty in the U.S. And boy is it a dark - and gruesome - affair. Tune in as I talk about the various methods, how it has evolved and what the Supreme Court has had to say about the matter.

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April 24, 2021

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.

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April 17, 2021

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.

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April 10, 2021

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.

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April 3, 2021

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…

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March 31, 2021

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.

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March 27, 2021

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…

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March 24, 2021

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.

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March 20, 2021

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.

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March 17, 2021

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.

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March 13, 2021

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.

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March 10, 2021

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.

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March 6, 2021

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.

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March 3, 2021

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!

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