Episodes

  • Interview with Dan Scudder, Presidents for Kids

    Interview with Dan Scudder, Presidents for Kids
    May 18 2025
    Year(s) Discussed: 1789-2025 In this episode, I talk with Dan Scudder about his magazine, Presidents for Kids, and his work in educating the next generation about US presidential history. More information can be found on the website at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • 4.42 - Madison Post-Presidency

    4.42 - Madison Post-Presidency
    May 11 2025
    Year(s) Discussed: 1817-1836 If James Madison hoped for a retirement from public life in the final years of his life, he would find it to be anything but. From helping found and lead the University of Virginia to serving in a state constitutional convention to writing articles and coordinating with presidents to defeat the menace of nullification, Madison remained a national figure after returning to Montpelier after his second term. When not serving others, the former President worked to get his personal finances in order and dealt with numerous family tragedies. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 4.41 - The Next to the Last of the Founders

    4.41 - The Next to the Last of the Founders
    Apr 20 2025
    Year(s) Discussed: 1815-1817 As Madison prepared to hand off the presidency to James Monroe, numerous matters - both foreign and domestic - came to his desk. From revolutions in South America to internal improvement bills, the President continued to chart a course for his administration, even issuing a veto on his last full day in office, while other political leaders positioned themselves for a post-Madison political environment. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • 4.40 - The Year Without a Summer

    4.40 - The Year Without a Summer
    Apr 6 2025
    Year(s) Discussed: 1815-1816 While Madison's administration in its latter days worked to secure peace with Native peoples in the Gulf South, General Andrew Jackson decided to act unilaterally in Florida against a fortified settlement of people seeking their freedom from enslavement. Meanwhile, a volcanic eruption in southeast Asia had climatic impacts on the eastern seaboard of the US while the nation prepared for its 8th presidential election. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • VPOTUS 005.5 - John Gaillard (President Pro Tempore)

    VPOTUS 005.5 - John Gaillard (President Pro Tempore)
    Mar 23 2025
    Tenure of Office: November 25, 1814 - March 3, 1817 With the death of VP Elbridge Gerry, the Senate had to choose someone from their ranks who could preside over them so that they could carry out business for the next two and a half years. Luckily, they knew a guy who was already familiar with the view from the rostrum. Join us to learn more about John Gaillard of South Carolina's rise in politics and what he got up to in his lengthy tenure as President Pro Tem. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Interview with Michael Vorenberg, Lincoln's Peace

    Interview with Michael Vorenberg, Lincoln's Peace
    Mar 16 2025
    Year(s) Discussed: 1861-1871 Most of us were taught that the Civil War ended with Lee's surrender at Appomattox. However, as my special guest, Michael Vorenberg, points out, pinpointing the end of the War is not quite as simple as standard history accounts would have us believe, and there is much more insight and knowledge to be gained by exploring an expanded timeline and scope of the Civil War. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • 4.39 - New Year, New Bank

    4.39 - New Year, New Bank
    Mar 9 2025
    Year(s) Discussed: 1813-1816 In the aftermath of the War of 1812, the Madison administration is faced with multiple lingering issues. Looming large is how to support the recovery of the national economy, and Treasury Secretary Alexander J Dallas's proposed solution of a new national bank meets with determined opposition in Congress. Meanwhile, as the administration works to restore relations with Spain, the plans of American filibusters and the Mexican independence movement threaten those diplomatic efforts. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Interview with Allen C Guelzo, Our Ancient Faith

    Interview with Allen C Guelzo, Our Ancient Faith
    Mar 2 2025
    Year(s) Discussed: 1809-1865 What seems at first glance to be a simple question - What is democracy? - is one that many have pondered over the ages. In my discussion with Allen C Guelzo on his new book, we explore how Abraham Lincoln approached that question, what influences led to the crafting of the concept of the "Lincolnian democracy," and what we can learn from this to carry forward into the present day. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins