Episodes

Year(s) Discussed: 1781-1815The early republic was a tumultuous time for the United States both domestically and in the realm of diplomacy, and one man who rather consistently found himself at the center of its all in the nation's first few decades was James Madison. In my discussion with Tyson Reeder about his new book, Serpent in Eden: Foreign Meddling and Partisan Politics in James Madison's America, we discuss Madison's role in the public sphere and government policy in the late 18th and early 19th century as well as how various foreign powers worked to manipulate Madison and his American contemporaries for their own ends. More information can be found on the website at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1805 - April 20, 1812After coming out of retirement for one more term as governor of New York, George Clinton went on to become Jefferson's vice president. Find out how he became the first of only two VPs to date to serve under two different presidents and why he didn't necessarily see that as a good thing by listening to this episode. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1805 - April 20, 1812No, he's not *that* George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic fame, but there are still so many interesting points to discuss about the life and career of Revolutionary War general and first governor of New York George Clinton. In this episode, Alex and I explore his rise to political prominence and his first six (yes, six) terms as Governor. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Year(s) Discussed: 1813-1814The Allied forces of Europe were drawing ever closer to the French capital in the early months of 1814, and the Emperor Napoleon had to consider what options remained for him and for his empire. Meanwhile, American diplomats in Europe worked to determine what impact events on the continent would have on negotiations with the British while President Madison appointed new commissioners to join the diplomats already in Europe. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Year(s) Discussed: 1860-1861Though the United States had experienced an election with four primary candidates before, the presidential election of 1860 was unique in that the candidates were based more on geographic region, and the result of that election would change the course of American history. Join me and my special guest, Alycia from Civics & Coffee as we discuss the particulars of the election, the individuals involved, and how the state of the nation in 1860 impacted who became the 16th US President.

Year(s) Discussed: 1813-1814Within a few months' time, Andrew Jackson went from having a depleted force under his command to achieving one of the most decisive victories in his military career. In this episode, we explore how that transpired and the ramifications that this would have for the Native peoples of the Gulf South. Meanwhile, back in Washington, President Madison was in a showdown with the US Senate and had to make some decisions on how to stabilize his tumultuous administration. Sources used in this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Tenure of Office: February 10, 1814 - November 12, 1817 (as Attorney General); March 07, 1825 - March 05, 1829 (as Secretary of the Treasury)In Part Two of this episode, Rush returned to the Cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury in the administration of John Quincy Adams, but he quickly found out that the Era of Good Feelings was long past over at this point. Join me and my special guest, Alycia from Civics & Coffee, as we examine the remainder of Rush's life and lengthy career which saw him shift parties due to changing political circumstances and took him to Queen Victoria's England as well as Paris during the Revolutions of 1848. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Tenure of Office: February 10, 1814 - November 12, 1817 (as Attorney General); March 07, 1825 - March 05, 1829 (as Secretary of the Treasury)As discussed in this two-part episode, while Richard Rush may not be the most well-known Cabinet member we've examined to date, his career spanning four decades meant that he was involved with some major events in US presidential and world history from the War of 1812 on. Join me and my special guest, Alycia from Civics & Coffee, as we explore in Part One of this episode Rush's career through his tenure as Attorney General and his service as US Minister to Britain.Please Note: There is a mention of suicide around the 1 hour 30 minute mark.

Year(s) Discussed: 1732-1989Leadership is naturally one of the main topics that comes up when talking about US presidents, but it’s not always talked about with practical implications in mind. In this conversation with Talmage Boston about his latest book, we discuss the insights that he found during the course of his research about the leadership traits exemplified by eight presidents who often show up at the top of the presidential ranking polls and how they contributed to their success as well as how we can develop those qualities within ourselves. Links to more information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Year(s) Discussed: 1813As the War of 1812 moved into its second year, two American commanders on the northwestern frontier - William Henry Harrison and Oliver Hazard Perry - struggled against logistical challenges and political infighting to assemble their respective forces in order to finally accomplish what had been a goal of the US since war was declared on Britain in 1812: take the fight to the British in Canada. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Year(s) Discussed: 1742-1814Nathanael Greene served as one of Washington's top generals during the Revolutionary War, but what lasting legacy did this man whose life was cut tragically short leave for the Early Republic? In this episode, I am joined by historical fiction author Salina B Baker to discuss her new novel about Greene and her research into his life and contributions to the new nation crafted from the Revolution. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Year(s) Discussed: 1800-1801The election rematch between President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson in 1800 did not go quite according to plan thanks to the original method of electors casting ballots. In this episode, I am joined by friend and fellow podcaster, Howard Dorre from Plodding Through the Presidents, to discuss the ins and outs of that complicated election that devolved into a constitutional crisis and what we felt were the key takeaways from it. More sources for learning about this election can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1805Burr may only have served one term as Vice President, but as we discuss in this episode, it was a turbulent four years filled with political intrigue, power struggles, and a rather infamous duel. The drama would not end when Burr left office, however, as his post-vice presidency years had conspiracies and exile in store for him. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.Content Note: There is discussion of sexuality throughout this episode.

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1805For the first Vice President whose life we are covering from start to end, Aaron Burr brings quite the tale to tell. From personal tragedy early in life to a meteoric rise in politics, from distinguished instances of military service to a romantic relationship with a married woman, there is much to discuss leading up to the constitutional crisis that was the Election of 1800. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Year(s) Discussed: 1865-1877The history of the Reconstruction era has in the past been deliberately misconstrued to downplay the achievements of Black Americans and the inhumanity of self-described white supremacists. In his latest work, Fergus Bordewich dispels the myths and explores the history of how the Grant administration worked to combat the terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan in order to save Reconstruction. Listen in to our conversation about the various individuals involved, the events of this time, and what we can learn from the history of Reconstruction. More information can be found on https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.Content Note: There is a brief mention of extreme violence and rape around the 29 minute mark in this episode. Please feel free to skip ahead about a minute if you would prefer not to listen.

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1813After the failed campaign in Russia, French Emperor Napoleon had to regroup. And by regroup, I mean launch another war, of course. It soon became clear, though, that the tide was shifting, and instead of a war of conquest, Napoleon was now fighting for the survival of his regime. Meanwhile, the Republic of Texas was proclaimed, but neither Spanish nor American authorities were too pleased about this development. Simultaneously, the government in Louisiana was dealing with the threat of pirates based in their vicinity while a pro-Spanish opposition was determined to put an end to the Republic of Venezuela only one year after its birth. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Year(s) Discussed: 1824 and 1876In the first of a special series of conversations about past US presidential elections, I am joined in this episode by Zachary DeBacco of Drinks with Great Minds in History to discuss the two "corrupt bargain" elections of 1824 and 1876. In addition to the ins and outs of these elections, we also compare and contrast the two in terms of why they were labeled corrupt, the implications of each election, and what lessons they hold.

Year(s) Discussed: 1813Tensions had been building between the Native inhabitants and the incoming American settlers in the Gulf South, and the year 1813 saw open hostilities which resulted in a joint operation planned by the US federal government and state and territorial governments in the area. However, the generals assigned to military operations against the Mvskoke would find that that victory wasn't as easy of a prospect as they had anticipated. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Tenure of Office: February 9, 1814 - October 5, 1814The successor of Albert Gallatin as Secretary of the Treasury was always going to have big shoes to fill, but coming in while the nation was at war and with a nearly empty treasury, George Campbell of Tennessee had quite a challenge ahead of him from day one. Join me and my special guest, Kenny Ryan of [Abridged] Presidential Histories, as we explore Campbell's life and career and determine if he was able to turn things around in order to earn a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars.Note: There is a brief mention of adult situations around the 1 hour 13 minute mark.

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1815Thanks to all of the listeners and social media followers who sent in their suggestions for a new name for the War of 1812! Listen to hear all of the suggestions and learn more about how we'll choose what should be the new name for this conflict that has been a major focus of the Madison presidency series.

Year(s) Discussed: 1850-1924US presidential history is filled with notable friendships and partnerships, and arguably one of the most impactful was that between President Theodore Roosevelt and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. In this episode, I am joined by Laurence Jurdem, author of The Rough Rider and the Professor: Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, and the Friendship that Changed American History, to discuss these two fascinating figures and their respective roles in shaping the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1797 - March 4, 1801Though Thomas Jefferson's four years in the nation's second highest office doesn't always get as much attention as other points in his career, as my co-host Alex and I explored in this episode, the man from Monticello was doing more than twiddling his thumbs while presiding over the Senate. However, we'll have to see if his actions during this tenure earn him a place among the VP All-Stars.

Year(s) Discussed: 1933-1945The presidency of Franklin D Roosevelt was faced with major challenges in terms of the Great Depression and World War II, and over the years, many decisions had to be made in order to navigate the political waters of the time with some involving questionable methods and solutions. In this episode, I am joined by David T Beito to discuss his research on FDR's tenure of office and how administration officials (including Roosevelt himself) and supporters at times during his presidency worked to the detriment of civil liberties in order to advance agendas. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Year(s) Discussed: 1813The 1812 ground campaign in the north may have been a bust, but with a new year and a new Secretary of War in place, surely the invasion of Canada would go better in 1813, right? Meanwhile, President Madison had to deal with trying to work with a contentious Congress as well as a bout of ill health that started to lead folks to pulling out the order of presidential succession, especially when Vice President Gerry took to his sickbed around the same time. On the seas, the USS Chesapeake faced off against a British ship in an encounter that inspired the unofficial Navy motto that is the title of this episode. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.