Episodes

Collecting intelligence against ones enemy has been a longstanding military practice. Commanders have long sought to ensure they have the most accurate information before heading to battle to maximize their effectiveness and the Civil War was no different. 

Join me this week as I dive into the history of spying during the Civil War.

The election of Abraham Lincoln as the sixteenth president of the United States prompted states throughout the south to announce their desire to leave. Trying to maintain federal authority where it could, Lincoln entered office hoping to restock Fort Sumter, set in the bay of the Charleston Harbor. 

The first battle of the Civil War, Fort Sumter ignited what had been building for months. Join me this week as I dive into the battle of Fort Sumter. What happened? And why was Fort Sumter so important?

Joining me this week is Professor of Law and History, Dr. Dylan Penningroth. He recently wrote a book, Before the Movement, which traces how Black Americans used the legal system throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to practice their civil rights.

Happy Holidays!

I could think of no better time to dive into the history of one of the most beloved entertainers in America. Longtime listener and friend Shaydra requested I cover Dolly early in my podcast journey. That request was renewed after Parton's recent performance during the halftime show between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders. 

A signer, actress, songwriter, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has been breaking the mold for over five decades. Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of the one and only: Dolly Parton!

One of the most consequential elections in United States history, the election of 1860 was filled with drama. Third party candidates; a political party caving in on itself; concerns over what the nascent Republican Party would do if they won the White House.

Join me this week as I dive into the election of 1860. How did Lincoln win the vote? And what does it have to do with the Civil War?

The sixteenth president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln is consistently ranked as one of the best presidents by historians. 

A man who oversaw the fracturing of the nation, Abraham Lincoln lived quite a life before ever stepping foot inside the White House. So much so that his life must be told over a number of episodes. 

Join me this week as I dive into Lincoln's early history. How did he get into law? Who was his first fiancé? Turn in to learn this and more.

Often classified as a dress rehearsal for the Civil War, the raid on Harpers Ferry was a watershed moment in American History. 

Fully believing his purpose in life was to end slavery, John Brown put together an ambitious, and some would argue unattainable, plan to initiate a war pitting slaveholders against the men and women they held in bondage. 

While Brown's plan failed, the implications ricocheted throughout the country, further dividing the nation. Tune in this week to find out what happened and why it was such a pivotal moment in history.

As a group of settlers eagerly headed west in the throes of Manifest Destiny, they were being watched by a group who were convinced they posed a grave threat. 

Known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the murder of over one hundred settlers led to the excommunication of members of the Mormon Church and remained shrouded in mystery for generations. 

So what exactly happened? Tune in to find out.

Happy Thanksgiving week everyone! 

I am here with a BONUS episode to help you make it through your travel week. Last year, a group of us podcasters got together to chat history, podcasting, and everything in between. We had such a good time that we decided to do it again this year! 

Come learn all about Kenny from Abridged Presidential Histories, Howard from Plodding Through the Presidents, Jerry from the Presidencies of the United States, and me! Your local favorite podcast host. 

And be sure to check out the website to learn more about these fabulous men and their amazing shows!

One of the most contentious Supreme Court decisions in United States history, Scott v. Sanford effectively robbed Black Americans of recognition as citizens.

So just who was Dred Scott? And how did his court case impact the millions of Black Americans living in the country at the time?

Tune in and find out.

A president who consistently ranks toward the bottom of the list, James Buchanan made several missteps during his tenure that furthered the country toward war. How is that a man who spent his entire adult life striving for the highest political office could fail so tremendously?

Tune in this week to find out.

Most history fans know at least the basics about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, two of the most prominent and influential political leaders of the twentieth century. Significantly less is known about the women who had the largest impact on their development: their mothers.

In her recently published double biography, historian Charlotte Gray shines a light on Jennie Jerome Churchill and Sara Delano Roosevelt and provides readers with a new understanding of what role each mother played in her son's life. Join me this week as we chat about these women, the challenges of writing a double biography, and what these relationships can tell us about women and motherhood in this era.

A man who stalked his victims along the serene trails of several California state parks, David Joseph Carpenter was a career criminal who arguably should have never been free to murder seven people in an eight month span between 1980 and 1981.

This week, I am diving into the story of The Trailside Killer. What happened? And what does the Zodiac have to do with the case?

A woman who lived enough for several lifetimes, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was one of the loudest voices in support of Canadian emigration for Black Americans.

Growing up in a household committed to racial justice, Shadd Cary spent her life turning words into action, becoming the first Black woman to launch a periodical in North America. But she also bucked societal norms, often alienating supporters and potential benefactors.

Join me this week as I dive into the life of Mary Ann Shadd Cary.

The wife of fourteenth president Franklin Pierce, Jane Appleton Pierce often gets a bad rap. Seen as a woman who was unwilling to support her husband's political efforts, Jane Pierce definitely lacked excitement in serving in the position of First Lady.

But she was also a woman who lived with chronic pain and suffered tremendous loss. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Jane Pierce. And when you are done, be sure to let me know where you fall: was Pierce a bad wife? Or simply a damaged one?

Fourteenth President Franklin Pierce is frequently listed as one of the country's worst presidents by historians. A man who so desperately wished to keep his preferred political party intact, Pierce made questionable decisions that arguably pushed the country further towards war. So why does he get such a bad grade?

Join me this week as I look at the life and presidency of Franklin Pierce.

Joining me this week is Laurence Jurdem to discuss his newest book, The Rough Rider & the Professor: Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, and the Friendship that Changed American History.

Dr. Jurdem is an Adjunct Professor of history at Fairfield University and Fordham College’s Lincoln Center campus. In this episode, we chat about the relationship between Lodge and Roosevelt and what their relationship tells us about politics during the Gilded Age & Progressive Era.

Some presidential wives are more well known than others. Throughout the nineteenth century, there are a string of women who did not leave as lasting an impact to the role of First Lady or a voluminous set of journals and letters for historians to mine to craft a narrative of their lives. Abigail Powers Fillmore is one such presidential spouse. Even less is known about Fillmore's second wife, the wealthy widow Caroline McIntosh.

Though the record may be scant, what we do know about Abigail Powers Fillmore is fascinating and worth exploring. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Abigail Fillmore, Mary Fillmore, and Caroline McIntosh.

Join me this week as I dive into the life and career of Millard Fillmore.

The second "accidental president," Fillmore ascended to the office after the passing of Zachary Taylor. The two men, who had no relationship before Taylor's death, proved to have very different opinions on the issue of the day.

Fillmore is considered by many to be one of the worst presidents in history. Tune in to find out why.

Welcome back to James Baldwin - Part Two!

Join me this week as I complete the story of Baldwin's life, including his ascension to the top of the literary world, his work during the Civil Rights Movement, and the legacy he left behind.

Thanks again to Ethan for making such a wonderful request.

I am back with another listener request!
 
 James Baldwin is one of the most well known authors of the twentieth century. Growing up in Harlem during the roaring twenties and depression riddled thirties, Baldwin knew from a young age he wanted to be a writer. But living with an overbearing stepfather made that dream something he had to fight for.
 
 Tune in this week as I dive into the first half of Baldwin's life including growing up in New York, his early introduction to the arts, and what prompted him to leave the United States.

Joining me this week is Professor of History at Brandeis University, Dr. Chad Williams. In this episode, we discuss his new book, The Wounded World: W.E.B. DuBois and the First World War.

The book traces DuBois' efforts to write a comprehensive biography of African American military service during the World War I and explores the reasons why DuBois' ultimately decided against publication. Dr. Williams provides a thorough analysis of not only DuBois' evolution, but what service during World War I meant for Black Americans.

Tensions were high in the run-up to the Civil War. Disagreements proliferated about the institution of slavery and just what should be done about it. And nowhere were disagreements and tempers high than inside the halls of Congress.

While many know about the caning of Charles Sumner, some may be surprised to learn that this was just one in a long line of violent acts conducted by members of Congress.

Tune in this week as I dive into the history of congressional violence. And when you're done, be sure to tell me what you want to learn about as we get closer to covering one of the most impactful moments in United States history: the Civil War.

In 1854, a sleepy community on the north fork of Long Island was devastated by reports of a double murder.

James and Frances Wickham appeared to have everything a young couple could want: a beautiful home, comfortable wealth, and good health. So what happened?

Tune in this week to learn more about the Wickham Murders.