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Presidencies of the United States

This podcast is devoted to exploring presidential history from the founding of the office in 1789 on through the present day. I plan to take a systematic approach to both the people and the events that have shaped and reshaped each administration and the office in general.

Recent Episodes

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Leadership in the Shadows: Thomas Willing's Influence on the American Revolution and US Economic Policy with Richard Vague
March 1, 2026

Leadership in the Shadows: Thomas Willing's Influence on the American Revolution and US Economic Policy with Richard Vague

Year(s) Discussed: 1731-1821Join me and my special guest, Richard Vague, as we delve into the life of Thomas Willing, a pivotal yet often overlooked leader in America's financial revolution. Discover how his strategic foresight and adaptability in leadership helped shape the nation's early econ…
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Smith Thompson: The Political Jurist and the Balance of Power
Feb. 15, 2026

Smith Thompson: The Political Jurist and the Balance of Power

Tenure of Office: January 1, 1819 - August 31, 1823Explore the life of Smith Thompson, a transitional figure in American political history who served as Secretary of the Navy under U.S. President James Monroe before ascending to the Supreme Court. This episode analyzes his leadership style, con…
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Presidential Crisis Management: Leadership Lessons from US History with Edward Segal
Feb. 4, 2026

Presidential Crisis Management: Leadership Lessons from US History with Edward Segal

Year(s) Discussed: 1866-2026Delve into the art of crisis management with insights from an expert PR consultant and journalist, Edward Segal. This episode uncovers the leadership strategies of US presidents, including insights on the importance of communication and information gathering for succ…
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From Revolutionary Soldier to American Statesman: Monroe Pre-Presidency Part One
Jan. 20, 2026

From Revolutionary Soldier to American Statesman: Monroe Pre-Presidency Part One

Year(s) Discussed: 1758-1787What does it take to rise from being a 16-year-old orphan to a central figure in the American founding? This episode explores the early leadership journey of James Monroe, a man driven by a profound aversion to "insignificance".We trace Monroe’s evolution from a …
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Interview with David T Beito, FDR: A New Political Life
Jan. 11, 2026

Interview with David T Beito, FDR: A New Political Life

Year(s) Discussed: 1913-1945One of the most pivotal figures in 20th century history, as my guest David T Beito shares with us, Franklin D Roosevelt was also a complex figure who leaves a complicated legacy. Learn more about his rise to political prominence, the policies he pursued while in offi…
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SATT 033.3/VPOTUS 007.3 - John C Calhoun Part Three
Dec. 28, 2025

SATT 033.3/VPOTUS 007.3 - John C Calhoun Part Three

Tenure of Office: December 8, 1817 - March 4, 1825 (as Secretary of War); March 4, 1825 - December 28, 1832 (as Vice President); April 1, 1844 - March 10, 1845 (as Secretary of State) Though we come to the end of Calhoun's life and career in this episode, as I and my special guests, Alycia of Civic…
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