Season 1
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...
Jan. 30, 2021
A Man of Science: The Life of Benjamin Banneker
Very little is known about the first black inventor, scientist and part time surveyor, Benjamin Banneker. However, what is known is infinitely fascinating. This week, I discuss the life of Benjamin Banneker. From growing up o...
Jan. 23, 2021
Apollo 11 - Part Two
This week I wrap up my two part series on the mission to put the first man on the moon, Apollo 11. In this episode, I give you the history of the three man team that made up Apollo 11: Neil Armstrong, Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin and ...
Jan. 16, 2021
Apollo 11 - Part One (Listener Request)
The first part of a two part series running down the history the first man to ever walk on the moon. Learn all about how NASA was created and how one became an astronaut.
Jan. 9, 2021
Articles of Confederation - Doomed From the Start
An episode all about our first draft of government - the Articles of Confederation! Including what led to it's eventual failure.
Jan. 2, 2021
The Revolution & Slavery - All Men Created Equal?
This episode focuses on the institution and attitude surrounding slavery in the immediate aftermath of the American Revolution. The new republic just battled to earn their independence - but what about those who were denied such freedom?
Dec. 31, 2020
2020: What a Decade this Year Has Been - BONUS Episode
Let's celebrate the end of this decade.. I mean year with a review of all the historical stuff that went down in 2020, shall we? From Kobe Bryant to impeachment; fires to COVID, 2020 grabbed our attention from the beginning a...
Dec. 26, 2020
The American Revolution - Impacts
An overview on the impact of the American Revolution for those most forgotten in history - including a story of the first female soldier to earn a military pension.
Dec. 19, 2020
Propaganda With a Legacy - The Declaration of Independence
This episode breaks down one of the most iconic documents in American History - the Declaration of Independence. A document that has served as our guiding light throughout history, I share the history of this document and how it started out as a piece of propaganda meant to drum up support for the ongoing war.
Dec. 12, 2020
The Culper Spy Ring, Part 2
Listen in this week as I wrap up part two on the history of the Culper Spy Ring. This week focuses on the story that made the ring most famous - the discovery of the treasonous behavior by Benedict Arnold.
Dec. 5, 2020
The Culper Spy Ring, Part 1
Did you know the founding father commonly known as the man who could not tell a lie was responsible for the development of a network of spies during the American Revolution? General George Washington, desperate to outsmart an...
Nov. 28, 2020
World's Fair Part 3 - The Conclusion
We've made it! Listen with me as I talk about the final leg of the history of the World's Fair. This week's episode covers the New York and San Francisco fairs of 1939, the Disney influenced fair of 1964 and how the U.S was d...
Nov. 26, 2020
Happy Thanksgiving (Bonus Episode)
You all have shown me so much love I wanted to return the favor with a special bonus episode all about Thanksgiving. Thank you to all of who you have listened thus far. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday! Source...
Nov. 21, 2020
World's Fair Part 2 - Chicago, St. Louis & San Francisco
In this week's episode, I wrap up the 1893 Chicago World's Fair including the brief story of a serial killer, H.H Holmes and dive into both St. Louis and San Francisco's first shot at hosting their own event. St. Louis vied h...
Nov. 14, 2020
The World's Fair - Part 1 (Listener Request)
Shout out to listener Stacey who reached out and ask that I cover the history of the World's Fairs in the United States. There have been A LOT of them - and a lot of cool and amazing advancements have come about thanks to the...
Nov. 7, 2020
The Rebel Rousers
John Adams, John Hancock and... Josiah Quincy? This week I talk about three of the many individuals who participated in the run up to the American Revolution. All three men knew each other throughout their lives and their pro...
Nov. 3, 2020
BONUS EPISODE - Election Day - A Voting History
Happy Voting day! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to give you all a bonus episode on one of the most historic civic duties in American history - voting. This is an episode all about the history of voting in the United Stat...