A new episode featuring my interview with Tony Williams is now available!

Rob, Totalus Rankium

May 17, 2026

A Figure of Weight: Samuel Southard and the Politics of the Early Republic Part Two

Dive into the second act of Samuel L. Southard’s career as he navigated the fractious politics of the Adams administration and a high-stakes personal vendetta with Andrew Jackson. This episode highlights his leadership in pushing for ambitious naval innovations and his pivotal role in American political history, eventually serving as President pro tempore and standing next in line for the presidency. With my special guests, Jamie and Rob from Totalus Rankium, we evaluate Southard's career and legacy and determine whether he has what it takes to join the ranks of the Cabinet All-Stars. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.
May 11, 2026

Diligent and Durable: Samuel Southard and the Politics of the Early Republic Part One

Tenure of Office: September 16, 1823 - March 4, 1829 Rising from his beginnings as a young New Jersey jurist to become Secretary of the Navy under James Monroe, Samuel L. Southard emerged as a "diligent and durable" figure in American political history. With my special guests, Rob and Jamie of Totalus Rankium, we explore how Southard utilized family connections to end up involved in high-stakes political maneuvering that turned this "restless spirit" into a cornerstone of the executive branch on the eve of John Quincy Adams’s inauguration. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.