Season 1
Dec. 18, 2021
The Alamo (Listener Request)
Let me just say - I love when you peeps give me topics to dive into! The Battle of the Alamo; likely one of the most iconic events in United States History. Filled with stories of patriotic duty, heroism and fighting against tyranny. Most people know about the thirteen day siege, however there is much more than meets the eye. Grab your cup of coffee and sit back as I chat about The Alamo. Thanks again to longtime listener Mike for the suggestion!
Dec. 11, 2021
Immigration & The Steerage Act of 1819
Immigration policy in the United States is a hotly debated and discussed topic. However, as the country who proudly professes to be a nation of immigrants, just how did U.S. Immigration policy develop? This week, I start discussing the evolution go immigration policy in the United States with the passage and impact of the Steerage Act of 1819.
Dec. 4, 2021
The Seminole War
As the United States continued to be dedicated to expanding its borders and territory, many indigenous and escaped enslaved individuals sought refuge in the Spanish held territory of Florida. Uncomfortable with the alliances made and desperate to attain the landmass to the south, the United States began a dedicated campaign to destroy indigenous settlements and led the Spanish to relinquish their control of the territory. Tune in as I dive into the Seminole War of 1818 and what impacts …
Nov. 27, 2021
Watergate (with Hashtag History)
It is one of the most infamous political scandals in United States history; a massive conspiracy to spy on political rivals, influence voters and secure the presidential victory of one man, leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Watergate is such a large and widespread political cover up, I couldn't possibly do it on my own. So this week, I asked the fabulous ladies Rachel and Leah from Hashtag History to help break down this infamous piece of political history. And follo…
Nov. 13, 2021
James Madison: The Presidency
Tune in this week as I chat about the presidency of one of the most gifted political minds of the founding era, James Madison. Given all the work he put into the creation of the republic, it was never a question of if but when Madison would take the reins. So why is his presidency seen as kind of a dud? Tune in as I dive into this and more.
Oct. 30, 2021
The Donner Party
It's almost Halloween, which means - it's time for a haunted edition of Civics & Coffee. This week I am diving into the trials, tribulations and downright horror that was the cross country journey of the Donner Party. There is cannibalism, sure. But there is also so much more.
Oct. 23, 2021
The Great Quakes
Did you know the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 was not the largest to hit the United States? Tune in as I discover a series of devastating earthquakes, known as the New Madrid Earthquake Sequence. For a few months in 1811 and 1812, residents of the small community were left helpless as the ground beneath their feet shook violently, destroying property and altering the geological landscape.
Oct. 16, 2021
Black Cemeteries (Listener Request)
This week's episode comes as the result of a listener request! Someone asked me to review the history of black cemeteries in the United States. As Africans were imported to this country, their dead bodies were often discarded in undesirable locations of the property of those who claimed ownership of them. While their place of rest may have changed, the overall treatment of their remains remained questionable at best. These historic burial plots have gone mostly unprotected and poorly m…
Oct. 9, 2021
The Uprising: The Slave Revolt of 1811
Can you name the largest slave revolt in United States history? If you're thinking Nat Turner, try again. This week I am diving into the little known revolt of 1811, the largest slave revolt in American history. Estimated forces of up to 500 strong marched towards New Orleans, determined to free themselves and their brethren from the chains of slavery. Episode marked explicit due to the violence covered in the episode. Exercise caution with younger listeners.
Oct. 2, 2021
Banning the Trade, Not the Practice
This week I am discussing Congress' decision to eliminate the international slave trade in 1808. While a key first step in the abolition of chattel slavery, the federal law did little to blunt the spread of slavery throughout the country. Protected by federal law, the domestic slave trade flourished, leading to the forced migration of millions of human beings.
Sept. 25, 2021
The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson
Join me this week as I dive into the presidential administration of one of our most complicated and controversial figures, Thomas Jefferson. A man filled with contradictions, Jefferson could be both a brilliant visionary and a walking hypocrite. He supported limited government, until the Louisiana Purchase; opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts until he was attacked. Complex and challenging, Jefferson remains one of the most interesting and controversial figures in American history.
Sept. 18, 2021
The Library of Congress
Join me as I chat about the nation's largest public library - the Library of Congress. From its establishment to its current collection, I share all about this fabulous institution.
Sept. 11, 2021
Twenty Years Later: Memories of September 11th
It's been twenty years since the September 11th terrorist attacks. As one of the defining moments of a generation, this episode is walkthrough of the events of that day and memories by a few people who were kind enough to sit down with me and discuss their memories.
Sept. 4, 2021
Sally Hemings
Tune in as I tackle the mystery surrounding Sally Hemings, the enslaved woman who had a decades long affair with Thomas Jefferson. While so much of her story remains unknown, the story of Sally Hemings remains a critical piece of the American story. Who was Sally Hemings? How did their relationship begin? And what evidence exists regarding their relationship? I attempt to tackle all of this and more with this episode.
Aug. 28, 2021
Marbury v Madison
The Supreme Court is considered the ultimate arbiter of whether laws are in line with the United States Constitution. But how did they achieve this power? It isn't outlined in the original document. Judicial review, or the authority to determine whether a law is constitutional, came as the result of one of the most infamous court cases in United States history: Marbury v. Madison. So tune in as I discuss how we got judicial review and how John Marshall set the court on a historic journe…
Aug. 21, 2021
Sacagawea & New Discovery
This week I dive into the Lewis and Clark expedition and the only woman to join the Corps of Discovery, Sacagawea. Much of Sacagawea's life remains a mystery, but one thing that is certain is her impact and influence over the 5,000 mile journey undertaken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery. In this episode I cover the history of the Louisiana Purchase, the origins of Sacagawea and provide an overview of the journey to survey the new land.
Aug. 14, 2021
Happy Podcast Anniversary
Civics & Coffee is officially one! Thanks everyone for the adventure. In this episode, I answer questions from YOU!
Aug. 7, 2021
The Little Rock Nine - Part Two
Note: I was contacted regarding potential inaccuracies to my episodes about the Little Rock Nine. Thanks to their feedback, this episode now contains an edit. This week I dive into the lives of the Little Rock Nine after their first year at Central High School. Learn what happened to Ernest Green, Jefferson Thomas, Terrence Roberts, Elizabeth Eckford, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Minnijean Brown, Melba Pattillo Beals, Thelma Mothershed and Carlotta Walls LaNier after that tumultuous school year and…
July 31, 2021
The Little Rock Nine - Part One
Join me this week as I start a series on the nine children who were the first to desegregate schools in the south. Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Terrence Roberts, Minniejean Brown, Jefferson Allison Thomas, Gloria Ray, Thelma Mothershed and Melba Pattillo were all just teenagers seeking the best education possible. History has dubbed them the Little Rock Nine; this week I provide the background to their story, including touching a little of the Supreme Court decision in Brown v Board of …
July 24, 2021
Dirty Tricks: The Election of 1800
Infighting, attacking the opposition, secret compromises. While this may sound like a headline from today, it was actually all part of one of the most scandalous elections in history: the presidential election of 1800. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson went head to head in a contest that led to a mini constitutional crisis and influenced the development of the twelfth amendment to the constitution. Tune in this week as I dive into the election and its long term impacts to current politica…
July 23, 2021
Two Songs One Couple / Civics & Coffee Crossover - Part TWO
Hey Peeps! Welcome to a special BONUS episode of the pod! I had the opportunity to chat with Peter and Sam from the epic podcast, Two Songs One Couple, and we decided to do a crossover event for the masses. Our crossover is a blend of both of our shows - a little bit of rock and roll, a little bit of history. Peter and Sam have part one - so go listen to it now so you have the context and know just exactly how this came to be. This episode is part two! Picking up where our conversat…
July 17, 2021
Miss Independent: Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams is one of the most infamous first ladies in American history. She is known for her sharp tongue and her partnership with "dear friend" John Adams. Supporter of education for women, opposed to slavery and unafraid to share her thoughts, Abigail was definitely a feminist of the moment. But did you know she also was a business owner? Tune in this week as I cover some of the more interesting tidbits of our second first lady, Abigail Smith Adams.
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 …
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.
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)
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 …
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Feb. 27, 2021
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…
Feb. 20, 2021
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.
Feb. 13, 2021
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...
Feb. 6, 2021
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...