Episodes

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 Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation, to explore the radical ideas, bold political stands, and enduring legacy of a leader who challenged a nation to live up to its ideals.

From Sumner’s anti-slavery crusade to his brutal caning on the Senate floor, we discuss key moments in his life, and reflect on what his moral clarity can teach us about today’s political and social struggles. Whether you're a Civil War buff or just curious about one of America's lesser-known visionaries, this conversation brings 19th-century history into sharp focus for the 21st century.

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 who could enter the country.

Join me as I examine the origins, language, and enforcement of the Page Act, how the law impacted immigration from China, and how it shaped future U.S. policies, including the Chinese Exclusion Act.

The Page Act is often overlooked in discussions of American immigration history, but it offers important insight into how race, gender, and morality became central to border control in the late 19th century.

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 activism, and the influential women who helped shape its legacy.

From the moral crusades of Frances Willard and her ambitious "Do Everything" policy to the saloon-smashing spectacle of Carrie Nation, learn how temperance became a launchpad for broader social change, including suffrage and education reform.

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 slavery who became a Civil War hero, ship captain, and U.S. Congressman.

Topics include:

The life and legacy of Robert Smalls

The creative process behind adapting history into a graphic novel

How storytelling can preserve and elevate overlooked historical figures

Why Small...

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 landed on the new name, Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast.

Help me celebrate five years by subscribing to the podcast's YouTube Channel and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a free book!

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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.

We also discuss what the story of ice reveals about climate, class, and cultural memory. This conversation is as refreshing as it is fascinating and you won't want to miss it!

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 ready to revisit the facts, challenge the myths, and explore what this event reveals about the way history is remembered—and forgotten.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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/

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This week's episode comes to you thanks to a listener request! Join me as I dive into part one of feminist politician Patricia Schroeder's life and legacy. In this episode I cover Schroeder's early life, including her experience attending Harvard Law School, and her unlikely 1972 campaign to represent Colorado in the House of Representatives.