The American Idea

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

Thomas Willing: The Revolution’s Forgotten Financier

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:31:00 GMT

When we think of the American Revolution, we usually consider the ideas and animated the patriots and those leaders who organized and directed the war. Largely forgotten in all of this is a simple question: how was it all financed? And who did it?

Thomas Willing, one of the most prominent merchants of the Middle Colonies, was at the forefront of solving the logistical and financial problems that plagued the American cause from the outset. Why, then, is he overlooked in all mainstream histories?

Jeff meets with author Richard Vague to discuss Willing’s place in American Founding. You can get his book about Willing here: https://a.co/d/05py4B72

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

What Can We Learn from the Antifederalists?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:10:00 GMT

The Anti-Federalists are often overlooked in the story of America's founding, but their arguments helped shape the Constitution we live under today. In this episode of The American Idea, host Jeff Sikkenga sits down with Professor Adam Carrington of Ashland University to explore what the Anti-Federalists actually stood for, why they opposed ratification of the Constitution, and why their warnings still resonate in American political life. From fears of consolidation and judicial overreach to the "fetus of monarchy" critique of the presidency, the Anti-Federalists raised serious constitutional questions that the Federalists could not simply dismiss.

Together, Jeff and Adam trace the Anti-Federalists' most lasting contribution — the Bill of Rights — and examine how their concerns about government size, the Necessary and Proper Clause, standing armies, and the gap between constitutional text and political reality continue to echo today. Whether you're a student, teacher, or engaged citizen, this conversation offers an essential and often missing perspective on the American founding.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

James Madison and The Federalist

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:37:00 GMT

James Madison was one of the two primary authors of The Federalist. What ideas did he promote through his essays? Where did he disagree with the points he argued? As we consider the American Founding and try to understand how the Founders turned goals into ideas in systems, we examine Madison’s contributions to The Federalist and what they meant over 200 years ago, and what we can learn from them now.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

How to Read The Federalist

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:23:00 GMT

The Federalist, or more broadly known as the Federalist Papers, is looked on as the definitive defense of the Constitution as written in 1787, and by that, a clear explanation of its contents and rationale. Whether it’s those things or not, how should you study them? Should you at all? If so, what do you need to know before turning to Hamilton’s Federalist 1?

Chris Burkett, Professor of Political Science, joins Jeff to explain the historical and political context around this collection of essays when they were written, and how best we can read and understand them today.

Read Chris's outline of The Federalist - this is a great way to conceptualize how the essays are grouped and what topics they address: https://tinyurl.com/ax3p4h5x

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

George Washington - The Indispensable Founding Father

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:10:00 GMT

George Washington has been referred to as the “indispensable man,” and was looked to during and after the Revolution as the one person who could be trusted to lead the country. Why? What made him such a trusted figure then and for generations after his death? What can we learn from him today?

Read his Farewell Address: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/farewell-address-5/

Read “Washington’s Crossing”: https://a.co/d/16aXe2p

Read: “Washington & Hamilton”: https://a.co/d/cnPC6xb

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

Thomas Jefferson: Essential American Founder

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:27:00 GMT

Thomas Jefferson: “Author of the Declaration of American Independence [and] of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom & Father of the University of Virginia.”

So says his tombstone, as he requested. Who was Jefferson, beyond the Declaration’s author? What were his beliefs and hopes? What else did he write and how can we better understand this essential American Founder today?

Join Jeff as he discusses Jefferson with Todd Estes, Professor of History.

Read “A Summary View of the Rights of British America”: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/a-summary-view-of-the-rights-of-british-america-2/

Read the Rockfish Gap Report: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-13-02-0197-0006

Read this excerpt from the Notes on the State of Virginia: https://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/2260

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

Huey Long - American Populist

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:59:00 GMT

Huey Long of Louisiana casts a long shadow over American populist politics. Often cast as a villain or troublemaker, author Thomas Patterson offers a nuanced look at the politics and impact of this important figure in 20th Century history.

Find his book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0sS3baz

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

Women’s Suffrage, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the Declaration of Independence

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:12:00 GMT

Who was Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and why is she largely forgotten in popular history? How did she show that the Declaration of Independence promised women’s rights, too? Dr. Natalie Taylor, Professor Political Science at Skidmore College, discusses this fascinating American, who formed much of the intellectual foundation of the Suffrage Movement in the 19th Century.

Read her Declaration of Sentiments and see how it parallels the form and substance of the Declaration of Independence: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/declaration-of-sentiments/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

What Makes Americans a "Declarational" People?

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:54:00 GMT

The Declaration of Independence is not, properly understood, a historical document. It is a statement of beliefs and principles describing the proper relationship between the individual and the state, and how the individual should view others in political matters. As such, it is not tied to a moment in time - 1776 - but should serve as the foundation of the American Idea for all time.

What does that mean, and what can it mean for you? Join Jeff and Dr. Adam Seagrave as they discuss our Declaration, and how “faith, hope, and love” informed the American founding, and can guide us today.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

The American Revolution and the Fate of the World

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:05:00 GMT

Was the American Revolution just a regional rebellion on the eastern seaboard, or something far larger? Professor Richard Bell, author of The American Revolution and the Fate of the World, argues it was a geopolitical earthquake that reshaped the global order. In this episode, Bell explores how France, Spain, and the Netherlands entered the conflict for their own strategic reasons, why Jamaica mattered more to Britain than Virginia, and how foreign intervention proved decisive at battles like Yorktown. Along the way, he shares remarkable stories: Benjamin Franklin organizing his own privateering fleet from Paris, 50,000 ordinary Americans taking to the seas as state-sponsored pirates, and Harry Washington, a man enslaved at Mount Vernon who escaped to British lines and eventually led his own anti-colonial revolution in Sierra Leone. A fresh perspective on America's founding as a truly global event.

Timestamps

00:54 The American Revolution as a Global Conflict
04:55 The British Empire and the Value of Jamaica
07:27 Expanding the Patriot Coalition Beyond 13 Colonies
09:44 Why France Joined the War
13:21 Spain's Strategic Goals: Gibraltar and the Caribbean
17:16 Dutch Financial Support and the St. Eustatius Arms Trade
19:34 How Foreign Intervention Boosted British Morale
24:06 From Philadelphia to Yorktown: Foreign Aid on the Battlefield
27:11 Patriot Privateers and the War on British Commerce
38:28 Harry Washington: From Mount Vernon to Sierra Leone

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

2025 End of Year Message: Looking Back and Forward

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:48:00 GMT

Jeff Sikkenga, Professor of Political Science and Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center, shares a brief message about the reasons behind and goals of The American Idea, as well as Ashbrook’s plans to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence.

Learn more at Ashbrook.org, or about our celebratory plans for 2026 at AshbrookFreedom250.org

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

Special Episode: Born American, But in the Wrong Place

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:28:00 GMT

What does it mean to be American? How does one become an American? Join us for this special episode as Peter Schramm, past Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center and Professor of Political Science, discusses his family's flight from Communist Hungary, move to California, and growing up in his adopted home, learning the answers to those questions and, in his career, teaching native-born Americans about their homeland and the legacy they had been gifted by past generations.

In this season of reflection and the impending start of a new year, take some time to consider what being American means for you, and how you fit into our great story as we approach our 250th birthday.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Homepage: https://ashbrook.org/the-american-idea-podcast/

How Does the Declaration of Independence Influence the Constitution?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:52:00 GMT

The Declaration of Independence summarizes and defends the most fundamental ideas about America - about our government, the relationship between it and individuals, and how its proper place in public life. If the Constitution is a set of rules and processes, with a 'mission statement' in the Preamble, the Declaration of Independence presents the ideas that call for those rules and processes, and make sense of that mission statement.

As we prepare for America's 250th birthday, let's understand the connection between these two fundamental documents and how the relate to our ongoing experiment in self-government.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

When in the Course of Human Events: Creating the Declaration of Independence

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:15:10 GMT

Summer, 1776: the war for independence is over a year old and the leaders of the 13 colonies have finally decided that independence is their goal. How shall they explain America’s aims and reasons to her own people and to the world?

A committee of five was selected to draft the document; the Second Continental Congress debated, revised, and voted on the document; and the world was never the same again.

Read the document: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/declaration-of-independence/

Read the original draft: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/draft-of-the-declaration-of-independence/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

“If they mean to have a war...”: The Causes of the American Revolution

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:25:06 GMT

The American Revolution, born in the hearts and minds of Americans in response to British tyranny, is one of the most pivotal moments in human political and national history. But what caused it? It’s a lot deeper than taxes or tea, and as we prepare for America’s 250th birthday, it’s a good time to look back, and look deeply at the roots of the revolution, and what our Founders thought about the relationship between individuals and the state, and the appropriate limits of government - enduring ideas for all times.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

What Did Frederick Douglass Think of Abraham Lincoln?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:55:07 GMT

What Did Frederick Douglass Really Think of Abraham Lincoln?

Discover the complex relationship between two of America's most influential figures in this revealing conversation about a groundbreaking new book. Historians John White and Lucas Morel unveil previously unknown letters and documents that transform our understanding of how Frederick Douglass viewed Abraham Lincoln—from harsh critic to reluctant admirer.

Featured Guests:

Dr. John White, Professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University and co-winner of the 2023 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize
Dr. Lucas Morel, Professor of Politics at Washington and Lee University and trustee of the Supreme Court Historical Society

What You'll Learn:

Why Douglass initially called Lincoln "the South's greatest slave hound" and "abolitionism's worst enemy"
The surprising letters revealing Douglass believed Andrew Johnson would be a better Reconstruction president than Lincoln
How three private meetings between Douglass and Lincoln changed the abolitionist's perspective
Douglass's "rail-splitting" philosophy explaining Lincoln's strategic approach to black voting rights
Why Douglass spent the rest of his life honoring Lincoln's legacy despite early criticisms
The newly discovered correspondence with British abolitionists that historians hadn't seen in over 150 years

White and Morel's book "Measuring the Man: The Writings of Frederick Douglass on Abraham Lincoln" compiles every known statement Douglass made about Lincoln, including a dozen previously unknown documents uncovered through digital archives and London newspaper microfilm.

This episode explores themes of emancipation, political strategy, black suffrage, Civil War leadership, and the tension between radical abolitionism and practical statesmanship during America's most defining era.

Get the book: https://a.co/d/1axh4FL

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

The Constitution and the Rule of Law

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:45:11 GMT

Jeff is joined by Justice Sharon Kennedy, Chief Justice of the Ohio State Supreme Court to discuss the Rule of Law - what is it? Why is it so essential to limited, fair government? How is it promoted, protected, and how can we understand it better so as to pass on its value to future generations?

Join us as we look at some of the most foundational, essential ideas, moments, and events in our history as we look forward to America's 250th birthday.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Want to Understand America? Study the Gettysburg Address

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:18:01 GMT

America is, at its core, a nation founded on ideas, and those ideas have faced criticism, revision, and review over the centuries. Abraham Lincoln, who once said that he didn’t have a political idea that didn’t spring from the Declaration of Independence, not only reframed the meaning of the Civil War, but also pointed back to America’s Founding to assert what America should and could be in the future.

The Gettysburg Address is far more than commentary on the Civil War; it was a critique of how America had, by 1863, let down the promise of the Founding, and how she could rediscover herself for a more glorious future.

What can we learn from Lincoln today?

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Entitlement Reform: A Problem We Can No Longer Avoid

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:55:06 GMT

What are entitlements? How did they come to be so entrenched in American politics and economics? Why is it that people say that Social Security is going to run out of money? What does this have to do with you? Jeff welcomes analyst Jim Capretta to discuss the origins of America’s entitlement programs, how they have evolved, and why we are reaching a point where something must be done to shore up programs that are no longer fiscally solvent.

Read Jim's book on the subject: https://a.co/d/hn2gsDk

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Inside Camp David - The Private World of the Presidential Retreat

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:10:06 GMT

Jeff is joined this week by Rear Admiral Mike Giorgione (ret.), former commander of Camp David during the Clinton and Bush administrations, to discuss the creation, evolution, and role of the president’s Maryland retreat.

Get the book here: https://a.co/d/aHCzcuS

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Alexander Hamilton and the Federalist

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:40:08 GMT

Alexander Hamilton didn’t get his due until a Hip-Hip musical brought him to the public eye, over 200 years after his death. But what did he contribute to the American Founding? What did he contribute to the #1 cited source by the Supreme Court, The Federalist? Renowned historian and author Stephen Knott joins Jeff to kick off our series of “Freedom for the Next 250” episodes, leading up to America's 250th birthday.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

What Can We Learn from Herbert Hoover?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:30:13 GMT

Think Herbert Hoover was just a failed Great Depression president? Think again. Historian George Nash reveals the shocking truth about one of America's most misunderstood leaders in this eye-opening episode of The American Idea.

What You'll Discover: How Hoover saved more lives than perhaps any person in history through WWI humanitarian efforts Why both Democrats AND Republicans wanted him as president in 1920 (FDR even supported him!) The real story behind his Great Depression response - and the external shocks that derailed recovery How a Quaker orphan from Iowa became a global mining engineer and international hero Why his "American Individualism" philosophy still matters in today's political debates

The Full Story Behind the Myths: Most Americans only know Hoover's 4-year presidency, but George Nash - the world's leading Hoover expert - reveals his incredible 50-year career in public service. From organizing food relief that fed millions across war-torn Europe to pioneering the role of Commerce Secretary, Hoover's progressive Republican vision shaped American policy for decades. Learn how Hoover's post-presidency "crusade against collectivism" influenced the conservative movement, why he founded the Hoover Institution as his "most important contribution," and how his ideas about limited government and voluntary associations remain relevant today. Perfect for: American history enthusiasts, political science students, anyone curious about presidential leadership, and viewers interested in the roots of modern conservative thought.

Taking Manhattan - The Creation of New York

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:20:09 GMT

Taking Manhattan, available on Amazon - https://a.co/d/eQTNGWV https://www.newnetherlandinstitute.org/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

On Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/aTARALr9Gx

On Spotify: https://tr.ee/09Ca21CCp-

On iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-american-idea-119582945/

The Pathfinder and the President: John C. Fremont, Abraham Lincoln, and the Civil War

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:20:09 GMT

In August 1861, General John C. Fremont—once America's most famous explorer and the Republican Party's first presidential nominee—issued an unauthorized order freeing all slaves in Missouri. President Lincoln swiftly revoked it, fearing the decision would drive crucial border states into Confederate hands. The clash between these two men revealed a fundamental tension: Fremont operated on moral urgency and personal instinct, while Lincoln worked within constitutional constraints and political reality. Fremont's military career never recovered from the confrontation.

Yet sixteen months later, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation employed the exact legal framework Fremont had pioneered: military necessity as commander-in-chief during wartime. Historian and journalist John Bicknell joins us to explore how this forgotten general's bold gambit forced critical conversations about slavery's role in the war effort and ultimately shaped the constitutional pathway to emancipation. The story reveals why we remember one man as the Great Emancipator while the other faded into historical obscurity—and why both were essential to America's path toward freedom.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Congress: What It Was Meant to Be and What It's Become5

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:40:06 GMT

What was the original purpose of Congress? What powers did the Founders give it to fulfill that purpose? How does that compare to the institution we see today, in which Americans profess very little trust. Explore the historical and constitutional roots of the “First Branch” and how time and some well-intentioned changes have distorted its powers and role within our government.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

The Constitutional Convention was a Four-Act Drama

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:10:09 GMT

Discover how 55 delegates created the U.S. Constitution in just 88 days during the summer of 1787. Constitutional scholar Gordon Lloyd breaks down the Philadelphia Convention using his acclaimed "four-act drama" framework, revealing the behind-the-scenes negotiations, heated debates, and crucial compromises that shaped American government.

What You'll Learn:

✓ How Madison's Virginia Plan clashed with the New Jersey Plan

✓ The Connecticut Compromise that balanced state vs. popular representation

✓ Why slavery debates nearly derailed the entire convention

✓ How the Electoral College and presidency were actually created

✓ The dramatic final moments and Franklin's famous "rising sun" speech

Key Topics Covered:

Virginia Plan vs New Jersey Plan conflict
Connecticut Compromise and Great Compromise
Three-Fifths Compromise and 1808 slave trade agreement
Creation of the Electoral College system
Presidential powers and impeachment provisions
Committee of Detail and Committee of Style
Bill of Rights controversy and non-signers

Featured Experts:

Gordon Lloyd (Pepperdine University, Ashbrook Center Senior Fellow)

Chris Burkett (Ashland University, Ashbrook Scholar Program Director)

Hosted by Jeff Sikkenga (Ashbrook Center Executive Director)

Related Resources:

The American Founding website: theamericanfounding.org

Ashbrook's 50 Core American Documents: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/50-core-american-documents-cdc/

Madison's Constitutional Convention notes (Ashbrook edition): https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/debates-in-the-federal-convention-of-1787/

The American Way of War

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:10:10 GMT

This episode explores James Ellman's book "Seeds of Victory: Defeat, Triumph, and the American Way of War" with host Jeff Sikkenga from the Ashbrook Center. This military strategy documentary examines how US war tactics follow a consistent pattern: initial strategic defeats followed by rapid adaptation and ultimate victory. From Washington's military disasters in New York (1776) to early setbacks in Korea, American military history shows eight major strategic defeats between 1776-1951, yet US forces recovered each time through superior industrial mobilization, quick military leadership changes, and technological innovation.

The discussion challenges popular narratives about American military effectiveness, arguing that conflicts like Vietnam were battles within the broader Cold War victory. This military history analysis emphasizes that warfare has shaped America as much as democracy itself, with military service being the most reliable path to the presidency. The conversation covers America's unique ability to promote effective generals rapidly, mobilize industrial capacity for war, and maintain public support through prolonged military conflicts, while raising concerns about future warfare where traditional American military advantages may be threatened by emerging technologies like drone warfare and modern military tactics.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

What are Capital Markets and How Do They Impact Our Economy?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:00:23 GMT

You hear about them in the news, but how much do you know about capital markets - what they are, why they exist, how they've evolved over time, and what role the play in our economy and politics? Jeff discusses these in plain language with Bob Selvaggio, Head of Analytics at Rutter Associates.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Old Man Eloquent: The Life and Letters of John Quincy Adams

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:05:48 GMT

Jeff welcomes Michael Lucchese, Editor of Law & Liberty, to discuss the life, accomplishments, and ideas of John Quincy Adams - a man whose public life was almost his entire life.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Frederick Douglass's Constitutional Abolitionism

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:10:09 GMT

Jeff and BYU law professor Bradley Rebeiro discuss Frederick Douglass’s understanding of the Constitution, and how he came to view it as an anti-slavery document, using it to promote abolition.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

The End of World War 2 in the Pacific: VJ Day at 80 Years

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 11:40:07 GMT

14 August 1945: VJ Day, and with the end of fighting in the Pacific and Japan's surrender, World War 2 finally comes to an end. Dr. John Moser is joined today by author and historian Walter Borneman to discuss how and why the war ended when it did, and how that ending shaped the decades to come, and, indeed, our world today in political and strategic terms.

Read Walt's book, The Admirals, and learn more about WW2 in the Pacific - you can find his books on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/393nme37

#ww2 #pacificwar #halsey #nimitz #macarthur

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

"A Most Fearful Evil" - What is the National Debt and Why Should You Care About It?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:01:06 GMT

What is the national debt? To whom or what does the U.S. government owe all this money? What does it mean to you today, your children and grandchildren tomorrow, and for the continued health of American political and economics institutions and norms?

Jeff discusses all these issues and more with Dr. Rob Wyllie, Professor of Political Economy.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Mercy Otis Warren - America's Forgotten Founding Historian and Thinker

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:30:09 GMT

Mercy Otis Warren not only wrote one of the first comprehensive histories of the American Revolution, she was also a leading Antifederalist thinker - and yet she is overlooked in most conventional histories of the era today. What makes her important and memorable? What can we learn from her today?

Join Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens this week as she discusses this important American Founder with Brenda Hafera, Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Not the Arbiter of Truth - America's Complicated History of a Free Press

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:10:08 GMT

American press freedom has never followed a straight path. The Founding Fathers envisioned newspapers as partisan political weapons, not neutral truth-tellers. This "messy" approach let citizens decide truth for themselves rather than accepting government-approved narratives.

Today's concerns about partisan media miss the point—embracing partisanship may produce healthier discourse than enforcing artificial neutrality. The real danger lies in government attempts to regulate speech through "disinformation boards," which risk transforming oversight into censorship tools.

History reveals a pattern: wartime consistently triggers press restrictions, from the 1798 Sedition Acts that imprisoned journalists to Civil War censorship and World War I prosecutions. The choice remains between messy, chaotic free speech that challenges all perspectives, or organized, controlled information that serves those in power.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Inside the Reagan White House: A Conversation with Ambassador Frank Lavin

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:40:08 GMT

Jeff discusses the inner workings of the Reagan White House with former AMB Frank Lavin, who had a front-row seat to many of Reagan’s key decisions and actions while president. Get to know Reagan as both a person and a leader; and read Frank’s book on the topic, linked below.

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/fRQPTsh

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

2025 United States Supreme Court Decisions - Commentary and Analysis

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:40:08 GMT

Jeff is joined by constitutional law scholar Dr. Joshua Dunn to discuss the recently ended 2025 US Supreme Court term and some of the more interesting and potentially important decisions, as well as what seem like some friction between some of the justices.

Get a free copy of Josh’s primary documents reader about the Judiciary: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/the-judiciary/

Get a free copy of Jeff’s primary documents reader about the Supreme Court: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/the-supreme-court/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

America's First Core Document - The Declaration of Independence

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:10:08 GMT

In celebration of the 249th anniversary of America's independence, we look back not so much on the history of the Declaration of Independence, but on its meaning. And not just its meaning then, but its enduring meaning and what we can and should take from it now.

This special episode contains the content of the first of three classes within our free, self-paced online course, "The American Idea." If you enroll, you can listen to thoughtful discussions of the Declaration of Independence, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and Martin Luther King jr's "I Have a Dream" speech. You'll also be able to download a free PDF course reader so you can read these documents, and others, and discover their meaning yourself.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

All the Presidents' Money: How the Men Who Governed America Governed Their Money

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:50:09 GMT

Presidents are people, too, and fallible, short-sighted, disciplined, daring - and all the other traits we humans share. How have our presidents handled, or mishandled, their own money? What can we learn from them now?

Cara Rogers Stevens welcomes author and wealth management expert Megan Gorman to this show this week to discuss some of the highs and lows of presidential personal finance.

Read Megan's book on the topic: https://a.co/d/faRlCmT

Host: Cara Rogers Stevens

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Sir William Blackstone's Influence on the American Founding

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:20:15 GMT

Who was William Blackstone? What did he contribute to English law, and how did his contributions directly impact the ideas in the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution? How is it that a British noble who opposed the American Revolution ended up serving as a major source of inspiration to the American Founders? Learn the details from this episode of The American Idea.

#blackstone #williamblackstone #commonlaw #americanfounding

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Why and How Did Slaveholders Oppose Free Speech?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:12:08 GMT

Americans have faced, unfortunately, a number of movements and moments in our history where free speech - especially of a political nature - has been challenged and even quashed. Power-wielding opponents of free expression and debate have often sought to prevent debates and discussions from happening, in order to protect their interests. In this week's episode we explore a lesser-known example of this, in how slaveholders before the Civil War deliberately worked to deny free speech to both whites and African-Americans, enslaved and free.

Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens, our host this week, is joined by Dr. Jonathan W. White to discuss his recent article on the topic. You can reach Jonathan and find his books at the links below.

#slavery #freespeech #freepress #abolition

Article: https://tinyurl.com/5n6s22b7

Jon's website: http://www.jonathanwhite.org/

Jon's Amazon page: https://tinyurl.com/4zn7kpej

Host: Cara Rogers Stevens

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Paul Nitze - America's Cold Warrior

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:26:09 GMT

Paul Nitze served under eight different U.S. presidents, from during World War 2 through the end of the Cold War, and it was his thinking, laid down in NSC-68, that provided some of the most foundational ideas for how America dealt with the Soviet Union, eventually bringing about its collapse.

This week Jeff welcomes State Department historian and author James Graham Wilson to discuss Nitze, and his book about the man.

Read the book: https://a.co/d/eV0zC2O

Read NSC-68: https://tinyurl.com/bdz8zmsm

#cold war #ussr #containment

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

The Extinction of Experience - Reclaiming Our Humanity in the Face of Technology

Wed, 28 May 2025 11:50:08 GMT

Technology, especially social media and the near ubiquity of mobile devices, has changed our world, our personal lives, and interpersonal relations. A great many people are waking up to the mountain of evidence suggesting that this change has not been all, or even mostly, for the better.

American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow and author Christine Rosen joins Jeff this week to discuss the impact of technology and our supposedly "connected" world this week. If you're concerned about human relations between individuals and at the social level - and our political discourse - don't miss this thoughtful discussion.

You can get Christine's book here: https://a.co/d/6TtOsBj

Read her profile: https://www.aei.org/profile/christine-rosen/

#socialmedia #mobiledevices #internet #interpersonaldynamics

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

America's Place in the World - Empire, Neighbor, or Something Else?

Wed, 21 May 2025 11:50:08 GMT

What is America’s place in the world, and how have Americans understood where we as a country ought to be when it comes to world affairs and in relations with other countries? Should we be an “empire of liberty,” as Jefferson called the country? Should we avoid “entangling alliances” as Washington warned? Should we eagerly send our troops, promises, and money overseas, as has been the standard since World War 2? How do interest and morality, if there is such a thing in international affairs, play a role in the actions and norms of a republic?

Cara Rogers Stevens discusses the history of American expansion and empire in this episode with Dan Monroe, Professor of History at Millikin University. Together they chart the evolution of our view of our place in the world from the Founding to current times.

Host: Cara Rogers Stevens

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Trump, Trade, and Tariffs - Historical Background and Current Analysis

Wed, 14 May 2025 12:10:08 GMT

Tariffs, seemingly a relic of the 18th and 19th centuries, are back on the front page as tools of policy, with wide-reaching impacts on America's economy and Americans as individuals. What's the history behind tariffs as tools of policy, and how have American leaders understood and used them differently over time?

Political Economist Rob Wyllie joins Jeff for this timely explanation of the background and history of tariffs, as well as a healthy dose of analysis and even some forecasts related to what's going on now in the Trump administration and what it might mean for you and America now and in the near future.

#trade #trump #tariffs #economics

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

VE Day at 80 Years - The End of WW2 in Europe

Wed, 07 May 2025 13:20:08 GMT

8 May 1945: Victory in Europe Day, the day after the armistice between the Allied powers and Nazi Germany goes into effect. Almost 5 years long, World War 2 in Europe destroyed millions of lives, burned ancient cities to cinders, displaced populations, and permanently changed the world order.

How, then, did it come to end? How did the Allies defeat the Nazis, and why did the war end when it did? What issues led the world from war to Cold War in only a few years, turning supposed allies against one another?

Jeff discusses VE Day and its legacy with historian John Moser, answering these questions and helping to set the stage for the rest of the 20th Century in Europe and the rest of the world.

Read Ian Kershaw's book. mentioned in the episode: https://a.co/d/echNXaL

Read the text of the Yalta agreement: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/the-yalta-conference/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

The Challenges of Creating an American Grand Strategy

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:50:06 GMT

What is 'grand strategy' and how does it differ from strategy? What does grand strategy mean to a nation, its leaders and people? How is such a thing developed and revised over time? And why is it so difficult for America to create and settle on such a thing?

Business and military strategy authority Dr. John Hillen discusses these topics with Jeff today, digging into what challenges America faces in the world, and the challenges we face at home as we work to determine our own national grand strategy.

Read John's book on Strategic Management - https://a.co/d/cmBwY5L

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

No Fun Anymore: What's Happened to the NBA?

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:10:08 GMT

Why have NBA ratings dropped by half over the last decade? How has the game changed in recent years and what does the proliferation of legalized sports betting have to do with it? Jeff takes a break this week from questions of history and politics and looks at a slice of our public life with author and journalist Oliver Lee Bateman and addresses these weighty issues.

Or is there more to it? Is the creep of the HR department mindset to standardize, systematize, and optimize everything having an impact on one of our beloved sports?

Read Oliver's article on the topic, from RealClearBooks: https://tinyurl.com/4umhyujf

#nba #sportsbetting

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Lexington & Concord at 250 Years: Stories from the American Revolution

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:30:12 GMT

On 19 April 1775, the American War for Independence began at the battles of Lexington and Concord. Take a step back in time this week to learn some of the forgotten stories of important and interesting individuals who were part of America’s revolution, of which the war, according to John Adams, was only a part.

Download a free copy of the American Revolution documents reader: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/american-revolution/

View the documents reader’s contents online: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/collections/the-american-revolution/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Do the Democrats Have an Ideology Problem?

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:20:11 GMT

The 2024 elections left the Democrats in crisis, soul-searching over why they not only lost the White House, but also multiple down-ballot races, as well. Are we entering an era of party realignment? How is the leadership of the DNC grappling with these losses, and what do they see as the reasons behind them? What has their public response been, so far, to Trump’s return to the White House? And what might all this mean for upcoming elections?

Jeff is joined this week by author and columnist JT Young to discuss this important development in American politics.

You can get JT’s book here: https://a.co/d/97HVoQQ

Read JT’s article on this topic: https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5123096-democrats-ideological-shift/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:40:06 GMT

Daylight Savings Time: nobody seems to enjoy switching their clocks twice a year, and recently there has been another push to eliminate it altogether. But as a policy issue it’s far more complicated than it might seem at first glance. Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens is joined by columnist Rachel Lu, Associate Editor at Law & Liberty, to discuss the many layers of what seems like a simple question.

Read her article here: https://lawliberty.org/sleep-training-the-american-people/

#DST #daylightsavings #daylight #springforward

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe:https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

A Speech That Mattered - Lincoln's Second Inaugural

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:00:23 GMT

Today e ask you to take a moment to look back at an inaugural address that was also given in a time of high political division and partisanship, in fact eclipsing our own. What can we learn from Abraham Lincoln, and from the words of his Second Inaugural Address?

Jeff is joined by Dr. Jason Stevens to discuss this essential American document, exploring its meaning in 1865, as well as what we can learn from it now, almost 160 years later.

#lincoln #secondinaugural #malicetowardnone

Read the speech: https://tinyurl.com/mkp25fpp

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Adding the Lone Star - The Annexation and Statehood of Texas

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:00:38 GMT

How and why did the short-lived Republic of Texas seek admission into the United States and become the 28th state? Historical Jordan Cash joins Jeff for this episode, wherein they discuss how the state of Texas came about, why it factored so prominently in 19th Century American history, and why it still matters today.

#texas #texashistory #alamo #annexation #samhouston #johntyler #american history

Read Jordan’s recent book on this topic - https://a.co/d/hR87Yyq

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

The Conductor: America's Forgotten Father of the Abolition Movement

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:40:09 GMT

Rev. John Rankin is, arguably, America's founding abolitionist, and yet he is virtually forgotten today. A conductor on the Underground Railroad, a writer and preacher, he laid the intellectual, moral, and organizational foundations of what would become the mainstream abolition movement in the mid-19th Century.

Jeff is joined today by author Caleb Franz to cast some needed light on Rankin - his work, his ideas, and his accomplishments.

Read Caleb's book, The Conductor, here: https://a.co/d/hsA2tLb

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

America's Foreign Policy Challenges as of Early 2025

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:30:11 GMT

What foreign policy challenges does the Trump Administration face as of February 2025? Where are the potential flashpoints of global conflict and strife? What 'bad actors' are out there, and are they working together?

Defense Policy expert Rebeccah Heinrichs discusses these serious issues with Jeff, and offers some ideas for how America can defend itself and work to promote and protect our national interest and citizens.

Read Rebeccah's bio here: https://www.hudson.org/experts/1054-rebeccah-l-heinrichs

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

#foreignpolicy #ccp #ukrainewar #freetrade #irondome #nationaldefense

Lincoln and the Presidential Pardon Power

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 11:20:14 GMT

The presidential pardon is the most sweeping and unchallengeable of a president's powers, and it seems that each time someone leaves the White House, pardons generate at least some level of controversy. Why did the Founders include this power? How was its use originally envisioned, and how has it evolved over time? Historian Jonathan White joins Cara Rogers Stevens to discuss the issue, using Abraham Lincoln as a vehicle to better understand this significant, yet poorly-understood presidential power.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Jimmy Carter - His Presidency, Politics, and Legacy

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:20:06 GMT

Jimmy Carter, a one-term Democrat president from Georgia, recently passed away after a long and impactful and sometimes controversial post-presidential life. From governor of Georgia to president to self-appointed ambassador and highly successful proponent of global relief efforts, Carter broke with many presidential traditions, for better and worse, to his advantage and not.

Jeff is joined by noted presidential scholar Dr. Stephen Knott, formerly of the U.S. Naval War College, to discuss Carter's rise to prominence in Democratic circles, his unlikely victory in 1976, his tumultuous single term as president, and his long - sometimes contentious - post-presidential public life.

Get Steve's book, "The Lost Soul of the American Presidency": https://a.co/d/53ufwlD

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Reconciliation

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:40:06 GMT

As we mark another peaceful transfer of presidential power in America - and after an ugly, rancorous political campaign season - it's worth looking back at perhaps the greatest story of political and personal reconciliation in our history. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson: allies, then friends, then rivals, then political enemies, and then friends again in the closing days of their lives. Let's take a moment and look at how this lifelong connection grew, went sour, and was rekindled, demonstrating then and now that so long as the "American Mind" is alive, people of different opinions can come together for the common and personal good.

#johnadams #thomasjefferson

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

New Year, Same Problem: Our National Debt and Its Implications

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:40:14 GMT

America's national debt stands at over $36 trillion dollars as of early 2025. What does that mean? How did we get here? What should and can be done about it? What are the consequences of inaction? AIER.org policy analyst Dave Hebert joins Jeff this week to discuss this problem, hiding in plain sight, its background, and possibilities for the incoming Trump administration and the future.

#debt #nationaldebt #politics #congress #deficits #debtceiling

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

America First - FDR vs Charles Lindbergh in the Shadow of War

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:30:09 GMT

Jeff is joined by historian H.W. Brands to discuss the public and political battle between #FDR and Charles Lindbergh during the lead-in to #WW2. Were FDR's policies pushing America slowly toward war, as Lindbergh asserted, or would they keep us out, as was FDR's position? Of additional interest is how their disagreement fits into the long-running debate over America's role in the world - which was, in part, on the ballot in 2024.

#foreignpolicy #intervention #isolation #americafirst

Read Brands' book here: https://a.co/d/5MZ2KdG

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Making the Presidency - John Adams and the Precedents that Forged the Republic

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 11:30:10 GMT

John Adams was instrumental in America's efforts for independence, the formation of our early government, and the cementing of norms and systems during the republic's early years. And yet he seems most often remembered for the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts, and his complicated relationship with Thomas Jefferson?

Historian and Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky joins Jeff this week to discuss Adams as a thinker, leader, and man, shedding new light on how much of his work we still follow today, even if we don't realize it.

#johnadams #potus #history

Learn more about Lindsay: https://www.lindsaychervinsky.com/

Get her book: https://a.co/d/6OOF1ny

Learn about the George Washington Library: https://www.mountvernon.org/library

Listen to Lindsay's podcast: https://www.georgewashingtonpodcast.com/show/conversations/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:40:08 GMT

How bad is our military recruiting crisis? Why are our armed services having sustained problems bringing in and retaining members? And what does this say about our strategic readiness, and what that means for our national security? Jeff is joined by Will Thibeau, former Army Ranger and defense policy authority to discuss this troubling, important issue.

Read "The Soldier and the State" - https://a.co/d/afvwsrY

Read Will's article on the topic: https://tinyurl.com/yw6yk2cu

#nationalsecurity #recruitment #militaryservice

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Elections of 2024 - Analysis, Commentary, and Reflections

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:20:11 GMT

Jeff is joined by presidential historian Dr. Vincent Cannato, of the University of Massachusetts-Boston to discuss the elections of 2024, with particular focus on the presidential election. What happened? Why? How? What might it all mean?

#trump2024 #harris2024 #elections2024results #elections2024

Read Vincent's most recent book: https://a.co/d/dr12bXU

Visit Vin's website: https://www.vincentcannato.com/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Angry American Politics - What We Can Learn From The Election of 1800

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:00:23 GMT

We often look at our divisive, shrill, and angry politics as somehow outside of some vague norm, or worse than at any time in our past. Go back to go forward as we look at the Election of 1800 and how two parties reduced themselves to name-calling and lies, and still agreed to the first peaceful exchange of power between opposing parties in history.

Read Jefferson's First Inaugural: https://tinyurl.com/3ymdeh6d

Read Hamilton's thoughts on Aaron Burr: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-25-02-0140

#potus #elections #jefferson #adams

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Freedom of the Press and the Rise of the Citizen Journalist

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:00:31 GMT

Jeff and legal scholar Jonathan Turley discuss the importance of a free press in America, as well as the decline of legacy media and the simultaneous rise of the “citizen journalist.” What does all this portend for our republic and our efforts to be informed, rational citizens?

Read Jonathan’s recent book, “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage,”: https://a.co/d/2mnvYzd

Read a review of Turley’s recent book: https://tinyurl.com/4w53v3df

Visit Jonathan's website: https://jonathanturley.org/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

MacArthur's Return to the Philippines at 80 Years

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:20:05 GMT

It's been 80 years since Allied forces under General Douglas MacArthur invaded and, eventually, liberated the Philippines. To discuss the pivotal event in WW2 and world history, Jeff is joined by historian Walter Borneman, author of several books on World War 2, including the excellent "MacArthur at War." Learn about how this invasion came about and how, in many ways, it reflected the complex character of MacArthur himself.

Read MacArthur at War: https://a.co/d/gQiVPr4

Read The Admirals: https://a.co/d/inFEkdR

Check on Walt's recent and current projects: https://www.walterborneman.net/HOME.html

#ww2 #history #militaryhistory #philippines #macarthur

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Chinese Malware Apps - A Trojan Horse in Your Pocket

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:10:06 GMT

Temu - it offers lots of cheap goods, right? Did you bother reading the Terms of Service and do you realize just now intrusive this app is when it comes to the rest of the data and personal information on your phone? Did you know that the Chinese government requires - by their law - Chinese companies to turn over user data upon request...and to lie about it when questioned? It's not a stretch to say that Temu, Tiktok, and many other Chinese platforms are intelligence and information gathering tools that are being used to vacuum up vast amount of private information about people from around the world. We're joined this week by strategic and infrastructure intelligence expert Brian Cavanaugh, of American Global Strategies, to discuss this "trojan horse" many of you might have in your pocket right now.

#malware #ccp #communistchina #tiktok #temu

Read Brian's recent article: https://tinyurl.com/5578ht5b

Check out StateArmor: https://statearmor.org/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Civics Education - A Matter of the Heart and the Mind

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:40:22 GMT

What is civics education and why is it so important in America and for Americans? What are the elements of good - not partisan, no slanted - civic education? Jeff is joined by author and historian Dr. Wilfred McClay to discuss what makes civics among the most important topics we can teach our students, children, and fellow Americans - and why it's far more important than it's usually treated in schools today.

#wilfredmcclay #landofhope #civics #civiceducation #americansociety

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

The Anti Discrimination Regime - What is it and what does it mean for Liberty?

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:20:19 GMT

What is a 'regime,' and what does America's current "anti-discrimination regime" do and portend for individual liberty, limited government, and rule of law? Jeff discusses this thorny topic with scholar Thomas Powers, exploring the background of today's regime, how it functions, and what it might mean for our future.

#civilrights #woke #antiracism #antidiscrimination

Read Tom's book: https://a.co/d/44H6GDm

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Operation Market-Garden at 80 Years: WW2's Last Massive Airborne Assault

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:00:26 GMT

What do you know about the last massive airborne assault to take place in WW2? Market-Garden, beginning on 17 September 1944, involved more than three Allied airborne divisions in daytime drops in three separate areas, as well as thousands more troops and vehicles of the Allied XXX Corps. Depicted in the movie "A Bridge Too Far," the assault sputtered and failed to achieve its objectives, and yet still played an important role in the development of the war in Western Europe after D-Day and the liberation of France.

#ww2 #worldwar2 #market-garden #arnhem #bridgetoofar #screamingeagles #82ndairborne #101stairborne

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:30:26 GMT

What's the purpose of a party convention? Does anybody watch them, and are any decisions of substance made at them? Why did the Democrats avoid an 'open convention' this year, and what might have happened had they not? Jeff is joined by Professor Eric Sands to discuss the history, role, and evolution of party conventions in America, from attempts to democratize the electoral process to supposed impediments to it - all the way to today's low-ratings PR event.

#elections #conventions #politicalparties #democrats #republicans #gop #2024elections

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:50:20 GMT

Jeff is joined by legal scholar Josh Dunn to discuss the most recent decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court, including those overturning the Chevron Doctrine, addressing free speech online, separation of powers, and presidential immunity.

#ussc #supremecourt #chevrondoctrine #constitution

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Bullets Not Ballots? Political Violence in American History

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:10:22 GMT

Join us for our special episode in response to the attempted assassination of (former) President Donald Trump on Saturday, 13 July 2024. Jeff discusses with Dr. John Moser the existence and impact of violence in American politics from the 19th Century onward, looking into attempted assassinations of Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan; and the actual murders of Abraham Lincoln, William McKinley, James Garfield, and John F. Kennedy. Where do these attacks come from? What animates the choice of bullets over ballots?

#trumpassassination #politicalviolence #july13th #trump #election2024 #election2024news

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Like a Bull Moose - Theodore Roosevelt and the Impact of Third Parties

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 10:40:22 GMT

Jeff discusses the pivotal role Theodore Roosevelt played as a spoiler in the 1912 presidential election, and the legacy he left for Third Parties. Do they tend to be about ideas or personalities? Why don't they seem to last beyond an election cycle or two? How do they fit into our political culture and systems, and what can we learn from our past to help us grapple with today's divided political landscape?

Learn more about Mike, including his books and podcast, at his website: https://www.michaelpatrickcullinane.com/

Read the Progressive Party platform from 1912: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/the-progressive-party-platform-1912/

#thirdparty #tr #bullmoose #1912

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

“What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” - Frederick Douglass Teaches Us About Independence Day

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:20:15 GMT

Jeff is joined by Lucas Morel, Professor of Political Science at Washington & Lee University, to commemorate Independence Day this year with commentary from, arguably, America’s greatest Civil Rights and abolition leader. Douglass, born into slavery, became the most powerful voice for emancipation and the destruction of an institution that flew in the face of the more core American values. During his life, his views on America and our government evolved, and in this powerful 1852 speech, he explains to Americans what America can and ought to be.

Read the full speech here: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july-2/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

https://www.texaspolicy.com/about/staff/brent-bennett/

"Charging Forward?" The History and Current Debate Over Electric Vehicles

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:20:21 GMT

Electric vehicles have become more popular in the last decade, and are often promoted as being both good for the environment and the owner's wallet - but is there evidence to back up these claims? You might be surprised by how much an EV really costs to build, how much consumer prices are distorted by subsidies, and how little they do for the environment. Jeff is joined by Brent Bennet, PhD, a former battery engineer who now serves as an energy policy director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

#energy #ev #incentives #economics #teslarealcost

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Deadly Experiments - Contemporary Drug Policy Fads

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 10:20:14 GMT

Jeff discusses drug policy in American with researcher and author Karl Zinsmeister. In addition to background on the drug epidemic and policy responses over the years, they focus on recent moves to relax enforcement of anti-drug laws, even to the extent of legalizing a variety of narcotics, such as what Oregon did only a few years ago. Instead of solving the crime and human degradation these progressive policies sought to address, they instead led to massive increases in overdose deaths, more crime, and other problems.

Read Karl’s book: https://a.co/d/03zBw1Y

Read Karl's RCP article: https://tinyurl.com/bde2p5x9

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

#drugpolicy #legalization

How Much Power Does the Constitution Really Give a President? | Documents & Debates

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:30:22 GMT

Dr. Jordan Cash discusses this question with Jeff this week, looking into the decisions and actions of three "isolated" presidents - John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, and Gerald Ford. These three presidents were, essentially, lone actors for their time in office, abandoned by party and other political supports - what did they get done, good or bad? Building off Jordan's book (link below) they explore the question of just how much fiat power a president has, regardless of political and popular support.

Jordan's book: https://a.co/d/iwMJZvw

#americanhistory #americanpresidents #reconstruction #constitution #whitehouse #andrewjohnson #geraldford #johntyler

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

D-Day at 80 Years: What Operation Overlord Accomplished

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:50:20 GMT

Jeff Sikkenga and Dr. David Krugler discussion D-Day - what is was, what happened on that day, and what Operation Overlord accomplished within the context of World War 2.

#dday #overlord #ike #eisenhower #ww2

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Bringing Home Forgotten MIAs - Memorial Day 2024 with Project Recover

Wed, 29 May 2024 09:40:13 GMT

Dr. John Moser meet with Derek Abbey, President & CEO of Project Recover, a non-profit organization that searches for still-missing American service members around the world. Focused traditionally on the Palau islands and lost airmen from World War 2, Project Recover has expanded operations over the last 30 years to include efforts in Vietnam, elsewhere in the Pacific, and even at sites in the Atlantic.

Over 80,000 Americans are still missing and unaccounted for from our many wars, with about 3/4 of that number from World War 2 alone - and most of that number from among those who fought in the Pacific. Sadly, although America moved on after 1945, the families of so many of those missing did not, and some of them still have not. Project Recover, working closely with State Department and Defense Department efforts, carries the torch, in search of closure for those who never had a body to bury, or a grave at which to mourn a lost loved one.

#ww2 #palau #peleliu #projectrecover

Learn more about Project Recover and their good work: https://www.projectrecover.org/

Find out more about their recent documentary, "To What Remains" - https://www.projectrecover.org/film-to-what-remains/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

When Disaster Strikes: Presidents and Emergencies | Documents & Debates

Wed, 22 May 2024 10:30:32 GMT

Jeff is joined by Tevi Troy, author of "Shall We Wake the President?" to discuss the evolution of presidential and federal involvement in emergency situations, natural disasters, and similar crises. Using examples from the early years of the republic through today, they trace the change over time brought by communications technology, changing expectations of the American people, the role of NGOs and the media, and examples of when presidents have done well and come up short in handling crises.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Get Tevi's book: https://a.co/d/dbJdfkQ

Take a look at Tevi's leadership training materials for executives and how they can more effectively handle crises: https://1600lessons.com/

Energy and the Environment - Are Things as Bad as We're Told?

Wed, 15 May 2024 10:10:22 GMT

We receive a drumbeat of apocalyptic warnings about climate change, pollution, and dwindling energy supplies - but how much are these claims, and the policy demands that come with them, based on evidence? Jeff is joined by Steven Hayward, resident scholar at the University of California at Berkeley's School of Intergovernmental Studies to discuss the history of these arguments and the policies that have emerged from them.

#climatechange #energypolicy #pollution #nuclearpower #renewableenergy

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Did Federal Officials Pressure Social Media Companies to Censor Americans?

Wed, 08 May 2024 10:20:20 GMT

Jeff is joined by John Vecchione, Senior Litigator for the New Civil Liberties Alliance (nclalegal.org) to discuss their work before the Supreme Court, arguing on behalf of individuals and groups that claim that federal officials abused their power and pressured social media companies to censor their speech. Similar to the “memory hole” of 1984, social media giants like Facebook, it is alleged, were pressured to downgrade or outright ban certain posts and even individuals whose opinions they didn’t like.

nclalegal.org

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

A Conversation with Vivek Ramaswamy

Wed, 01 May 2024 10:30:25 GMT

Jeff sits down with entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to discuss what motivated him to run, what he learned from the experience, and how he views the opportunities America has given him and his family.

#vivek #ramaswamy #president #elect ions #campaign #america

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Bombing Hitler's Hometown - the Untold Story of the Last Mass Bombing Raid Over Europe in WW2 | Documents & Debates

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:10:24 GMT

On April 25th, 1945, the 15th Air Force launched the last mass bombing raid in the war in Europe, on Hitler's self-declared hometown of Linz, Austria. This strategically-important transportation hub was also the location where Hitler dreamed of creating a shrine to himself and Nazism, in the form of museums, monuments, (stolen) art collections, and eventually his grave.

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

China's Trojan Horse? Tik Tok and the Information Wars

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:10:22 GMT

With the Senate now having to consider a House bill that would force the sale of TikTok or ban the app in the United States, it's time to get the truth on why this social media platform is not like Facebook or Instagram or others. Jeff is joined by foreign policy expert Michael Sobolik of the American Foreign Policy Council to discuss what TikTok is, how the Chinese Communist Party is able to influence control over it, and by extension gather information about people and spread propaganda favorable to the CCP and its global strategy.

Find Michael's book here: https://a.co/d/c9MmPLx

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

The Harlem Renaissance - A Uniquely American Movement | Documents & Debates

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:23 GMT

John Moser discusses the origins, evolution, and impact of the Harlem Renaissance with historian David Krugler.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Clear and Present Danger: The Use and Abuse of Presidential War Powers

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 10:40:21 GMT

Jeff Sikkenga and Dr. Sarah Burns discuss the long, complicated history of how presidential war powers have been understood, implemented, and expanded, and how these changes have impacted American government and America's place in the world.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Civilian-Military Relations from the Founding to Today

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 07:00:15 GMT

Jeff discusses the unique history of American civilian-military relations with Miles Smith IV of Hillsdale College in today's episode.Suspicious of standing armies, but cognizant of the need for military power, the Founders were emphatic about civilian supremacy over the military - especially senior officers. From George Washington's handling of the Newburgh Conspiracy to Lincoln's relations with his generals, to the Cold War and Ike's concerns about the "military-industrial complex," we trace the evolution of ideas and norms in government and our culture from the Founding to today in this fascinating and thought-provoking episode.

Subscribe to The American Idea podcast: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Visit the show's homepage: https://ashbrook.org/viewpoints/

Read Miles' article on Law & Liberty: https://lawliberty.org/the-lesson-of-newburgh/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Not Getting What We're Paying For: U.S. Healthcare Policy

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:30:23 GMT

Jeff discusses the evolution of the U.S. healthcare system since the late 19th Century with Dr. Lauren Hall of the Rochester Institute of Technology. At issue are the surprising, and disheartening, unintended consequences of changes in technology and policy that have yielded the high-cost, low-efficiency and in some ways even lower-effectiveness "system" Americans face today.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

U.S. Energy Policy - The Pursuit of Failure

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 07:00:16 GMT

Jeff discusses the history and sad state of U.S. national energy policy with Peter Grossman, Emeritus Professor of Economics.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

The Chevron Doctrine: What is it and How Does it Challenge Our Constitutional System?

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:00:53 GMT

Jeff Sikkenga discusses the “Chevron Doctrine” with Mark Chenoweth, Director of the New Civil Liberties Alliance, and how this 1984 Supreme Court decision has led to a runaway federal regulatory regime. They discuss the history of the decision and current challenges to it - including NCLA’s appearance before the Supreme Court to challenge Chevron in January 2024 - as well as its implications for our constitutional system of government.

Host: Dr. Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Philip Hamburger’s “Chevron Bias” article: https://www.gwlr.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/84-Geo.-Wash.-L.-Rev.-1187.pdf

Podcast Subscription: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Political Parties - Not Part of the Plan But There From the Beginning | Documents & Debates

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 07:00:19 GMT

Jeff is joined by Dr. Eric Sands of Berry College to discuss the origins, role, evolution, and impact of political parties in America. This is one of those episodes wherein you learn some history, and your understanding of our current situation becomes more clear.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

The Hostage Crisis and America's Troubles with Iran | Documents & Debates

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:00:17 GMT

John Moser and Greg Schneider discuss the background to the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979-1981, and America's broader, longer-term problems with Iran.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Jefferson, Race, and Slavery: A New Perspective

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:00:34 GMT

Jeff discusses the complicated ideas and legacy of Thomas Jefferson as they pertain to race and slavery, with Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens, author of a new book on the subject.

Far more complex than presented in textbooks and conventional histories, Jefferson condemned slavery in some of the harshest language of his times, owned slaves, perhaps fathered children with them, and had a sensibility of race relations that evolved and changed significantly throughout his personal and public life.

Relying on primary source documents - public and private - Rogers Stevens uncovers a Jefferson overlooked by most histories, or lost in contemporary political debates.

Read Cara's book, "Thomas Jefferson and the Fight against Slavery" available on Amazon.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe through your platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Parental Rights in Education | Contemporary Conversations

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 07:00:20 GMT

Jeff is joined by Dr. Joseph Griffith, Professor of Political Science, to discuss the history, norms, laws, and current and possible future state of parental rights in education in America.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe via YouTube or another platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Core American Ideas: The Electoral College

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 07:00:21 GMT

Jeff discusses the Electoral College - its origins, the rationale behind it, and controversies surrounding it over the years, with Michael Maibach, a noted authority on the topic. They dig deeply into the origins of the system, as created at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, debunk contemporary claims of its connection to slavery, and analyze the current "National Popular Vote" movement, which seeks an end-run around the Constitution to subvert the republican system created at the Founding. If you want to understand the Electoral College and the major arguments for and against it in order to make up your own mind about the system, take the time to listen to this episode.You can learn more about Save Our States at https://saveourstates.com/ and about the National Popular Vote movement at https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/ Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

American Portraits - Jazz: America's Classical Music

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 07:00:18 GMT

Jeff is joined by David Parker - musician and music educator, philanthropist, and investor - to discuss the origins, meaning, and importance of a uniquely American genre of music: jazz.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

John Brown - American Extremist | American Portraits

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 07:00:26 GMT

Jeff is joined by Dan Monroe of Millikin University to discuss John Brown, the man some claim 'lit the fuze' that caused the Civil War. Monroe explains and analyzes Brown's background, his influences, and his firm embrace of violence as a means-of-choice for addressing the scourge of slavery.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Documents & Debates: Shipwrecked - A True Civil War Story

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 07:00:16 GMT

Jeff is joined by historian and author Dr. Jonathan White to discuss "Shipwrecked: A True Civil War Story of Mutinies, Jailbreaks. Blockade-Running, and the Slave Trade." This fascinating tale is of a little-known story of ship captain Appleton Oaksmith and his, to put it lightly, varied and adventurous life experiences, many of which intersected and overlapped one of the greatest events, the Civil War, and one of the greatest problems, slavery, in American history.

Find Jon's book here: https://a.co/d/2rCVhhy

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

All the Troubles in the World: An Update on Israel, Ukraine, and China

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 07:00:19 GMT

Jeff is joined by Rebeccah Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and defense policy expert at the Hudson Institute, to discuss current developments in Israel, Ukraine, and China. How do these conflicts impact American politics and policy? Get a thoughtful strategic analysis in this week's episode.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Documents & Debates: Nixon, China, and Ramifications for Today

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 07:00:18 GMT

John Moser and Eric Pullin discuss rapprochement and detente with China during the Nixon administration - how it came about, what resulted from it in the short-term, and what longterm challenges it created for America and the world.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Documents & Debates: JFK's Assassination at 60 Years

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 07:00:25 GMT

Jeff is joined by Steve Knott to discuss JFK"s assassination on the 60th anniversary of this key event in American history. The two cover the day itself, the investigation by the Warren Commissions, early and more recent conspiracy theories, and the evidence as best we know it, along with the enduring legacy of this event.Take a look at Steve's JFK book on AmazonHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Documents & Debates: The Gettysburg Address at 160 Years

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 07:00:28 GMT

Jeff is joined by Jason Stevens, professor of Political Science at Ashland University, to discuss the meaning and legacy of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered 160 years ago this month. Learn what made it so important then, and what we can draw from it now.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Documents & Debates: The Battle of Tarawa at 80 Years

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:00:15 GMT

In this week's episode of The American Idea, we look back 80 years to the pivotal Battle of Tarawa, the first in America's 'Island Hopping' campaign during World War 2 in the Pacific. Dr. John Moser is joined by military historian Bruscinocino to discuss why the battle took place, why America suffered such a high casualty rate, and how the battle and its outcome shaped U.S. war policy, strategy, and tactics in the Pacific from late 1943 onward.Suggested Readings:Aleutians, Gilberts, and Marshalls, June 1941-April 1944: History of US Naval Operations in WW2 v7: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591145538?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_18X1SY0J7SQ4GPBDN8P4Seizure of the Gilberts and Marshalls: https://history.army.mil/html/books/005/5-6-1/index.htmlHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Contemporary Conversations: CRT, Identitarianism, and the Struggle for America's Heart and Mind

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:17 GMT

Jeff discusses the historical and intellectual roots of Critical Race Theory with Robert George of Princeton University. What is CRT? Where does it come from? What are its roots as an academic movement? What does it preach, in practice, and how do these things shape the mind of the individual and relations between people?

George suggested a few readings, linked below.

Plato's Dialogue with Gorgias: https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/gorgias.html

Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice: https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/1342

Federalist 10: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/federalist-10/

CS Lewis' "The Abolition of Man" : https://www.amazon.com/Abolition-Man-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652942

Repressive Tolerance: https://www.marcuse.org/herbert/publications/1960s/1965-repressive-tolerance-fulltext.html

George’s article on the topic: https://www.deseret.com/2023/8/6/23800937/critical-race-theory-martin-luther-king-jr-dei

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

The Battle for the Speaker's Gavel | Contemporary Conversations

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:22:44 GMT

What is going on in the House of Representatives, and why did the Republicans fire their own Kevin McCarthy as Speaker? Where did this come from, what does it say about Congress, the House, political parties in general and in this point in our history, and in particular the Republican party? Jeff Sikkenga is joined by Joe Postell of Hillsdale College to discuss these issues and more, starting with the background to the GOP revolt against their own leader and what has been going on in the House for the last few weeks. Joe, who offered McCarthy's firing as a possibility when we talked with him in January about the new session of Congress, analyzes the current state of our political parties and what this might mean for the future of the House and Congress. Recorded on 24 OCT 23, this is a timely discussion of important, developing events.

Subscribe to The American Idea podcast from your favorite podcast platform at https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Documents & Debates: Court Packing Then, and Now?

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:16 GMT

Jeff Sikkenga and John Moser discuss the 'court packing' scandal of FDR's second term, how Democrats and Republicans in Congress revolted against what they saw as an attempt to consolidate power, even akin to how a dictator would behave. They also draw parallels with more recent calls to add Supreme Court justices, or force them to retire at a certain age, analyzing the potential legal and political fallout of such a move.You can download a free copy of John's "The Great Depression and New Deal - A Concise History" from our online bookstore. Other books mentioned include David Kennedy's "Freedom From Fear" and Jeff Shesol's "Supreme Power."Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe to The American Idea through your favorite platform here.

Documents & Debates: American Exceptionalism and the Civil War

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:01:03 GMT

Andy Lang and Jeff discuss the idea of American Exceptionalism - is America a special, distinct place because of its political culture and ideas? - and the Civil War. In particular, they discuss the question the Civil War presented: would America be exceptional because it sought to live up to its founding principles, or would exceptionalism result from the creation of a new country, based on the “science” of a racial hierarchy?

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Core American Ideas: Separation of Powers - Why it Matters; Why We Should Care

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:20 GMT

Jeff is joined by David Alvis, of Wofford Colege, to discuss the reasons behind and important of the separation of powers in American government. Sure, we were all taught about the three branches, but why those? And how does the American system of government try to balance among them, even while admitting overlap between them?

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Download David’s book for free: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/separation-of-powers/

Subscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

American Portraits: Last Summer Boys

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:00:14 GMT

Jeff is joined by Bill Rivers, author and former speechwriter for James Mattis, for a discussion of Bill's coming of age novel, "Last Summer Boys." Set in the summer of 1968, the story follows the experiences and choices of three boys living through the tumult of the political and cultural issues of the late 1960s. Jeff and Bill discuss the writer's craft, and Bill's work as a speechwriter for James Mattis during his service as Secretary of Defense.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Contemporary Conversations: Ohio Attorney General David Yost on Constitution Day 2023

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:36 GMT

Jeff is joined by Ohio Attorney General to discuss the role of an attorney general, the rule of law, and the importance of a properly-balanced constitutional order. This podcast was recorded during the AG's visit to the Ashbrook Center on 12 SEP 23 for Ashbrook's "Major Issues Lecture Series" luncheon in recognition of Constitution Day 2023.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Contemporary Conversations: A "Post-America" American History?

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:22 GMT

John Moser and Johann Neem, of Western Washington University, discuss the movement by many toward a version of American history that seeks to get beyond what have been understood as America's fundamental meaning, identity, and role in the world. From the traditional view of America as a source of hope and good to a reformed vision of America as a force for evil and oppression, many in academia, journalism, and K-12 schools have moved to a "post-America" vision for understanding our country. In this episode we examine this movement, its impact on Americans, and how an honest analysis of both Left and Right extremes can provide a unified and unifying understanding of what America is, and what it can be.

Read Johann's Article: https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/theological-variations/articles/missed-america

Host: John Moser

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 07:00:34 GMT

John Moser discusses "Oppenheimer," the movie, with David Krugler, analyzing what's accurate, what's not, and - spoiler alert - why this is a good movie about history. Host: John Moser Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Documents & Debates: Reconsidering the Atomic Bombs

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 07:00:11 GMT

Dr. John Moser discusses the use of the atomic bombs in World War 2 with noted author and historian, Richard Frank. Of special interest is the deep body of declassified documents from within the Japanese military and government, only recently brought to light and use in English-language histories of the war.

Host: John Moser

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gyptonhttps://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Documents & Debate: LBJ, Vietnam, and the Cold War

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:00:17 GMT

Jeff and David Krugler discuss LBJ's policies, actions, and attitudes and how they led to an increased American involvement in Vietnam.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Documents & Debates: "To Address You As My Friend": African-Americans' Letters to Lincoln

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 03:00:13 GMT

Jeff discusses the fascinating and encouraging relationship between African-Americans - some well-known today and many forgotten - and Lincoln, through letters written to the president, providing compelling insight into the views people had of and for Lincoln during the Civil War. Find Jon's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Address-You-My-Friend-Americans-ebook/dp/B0915C56Z7?ref_=ast_author_dp

Read Douglass's "Why Should a Colored Man Enlist?"

Op-Ed here.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

American Portraits: James Garfield

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 11:00:10 GMT

Jeff discusses the lengthy and consequential public life of James Garfield, ending with his tragic death after being shot shortly after taking office. There's a lot more to this man than a short presidency, however, and we're thankful to have been joined by Todd Arrington of the National Park Service. Todd serves as the director of the Garfield historical site outside of Cleveland, OH - you can find more information here: https://www.nps.gov/jaga/index.htm

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Contemporary Conversations: School Censorship? It's Complicated...

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 07:00:10 GMT

Jeff and Rita Koganzon of the University of Houston discuss the background to the current school "censorship" debate, and where supposed "book bans" came from, and why we're seeing such friction over school readings and library books now.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Documents & Debates: The Battle of Gettysburg at 160 Years

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:00:09 GMT

Jeff discusses the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg with Chris Burkett, marking its 160th anniversary. This video version of the podcast includes maps and images of some of the key individuals from the battle, and puts the battle in the context of Lincoln's war aims.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Rapid Reaction: June 2023 Supreme Court Decisions

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:15:55 GMT

Jeff is joined by Josh Dunn for a discussion and analysis of the major decisions handed down by the Supreme Court in the last week of June, 2023, including those related to affirmative action, religious liberty, free expression, and executive power. Don't miss this thoughtful analysis of these major cases.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

American Portraits: John C. Calhoun - American Heretic

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:12 GMT

Jeff is joined by Bob Elder, Professor of History at Baylor University, to discuss John C. Calhoun, an "American Heretic" as Elder explains, given his views on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the relationship between the Constitution, national government, and the states. A polarizing figure then as now, Calhoun's legacy is still influential today. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Documents & Debates: FDR, Stalin, and the Rise of Russia as a World Power

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 07:00:16 GMT

Join John Moser as he and Sean McMeekin discuss the complex and little-understood relationship between FDR and Stalin, and how United States assistance to the USSR during World War 2 inadvertently helped contribute to making Russia a world power.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz RSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bve Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Documents & Debates: Bank Failures and Federal Reserve Policy

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:09 GMT

John Moser discusses the history of 20th Century bank failures in America with Dr. George Selgin. They look deeply at Federal Reserve regulatory policy and deposit insurance and the unintended consequences - good and bad - of federal government entanglement with the banking sector.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Contemporary Conversations: Religious Liberty, the First Amendment, and the Courts

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:00:23 GMT

Jeff discusses religious liberty, the First Amendment, and the role of the courts in working through this essential element of American political culture, in our history, today, and with forecasts for the future. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Documents & Debates: The Miracle of Lincoln's Nomination in 1860

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:00:18 GMT

Jeff talks with Ad Achorn, author and journalist, about the nearly miraculous nomination of Abraham Lincoln by the then-new Republican Party. Far from a foregone conclusion, the choice of Lincoln almost didn’t happen. Learn about how Lincoln quickly rose to national prominence in the few years before 1860, and how Republican leaders decided on him over more well-known and seemingly ‘sure thing’ candidates. Read Ed’s latest book. “The Lincoln Miracle: Inside the Republican Convention That Changed History.”

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

American Portraits: Ernest Hemingway - American Icon

Wed, 24 May 2023 07:00:12 GMT

John Moser discusses the life, letters, person, and legacy of Ernest Hemingway. A man of his era, and an icon as both an author and personality, Hemingway casts a long shadow in American letters, and both reflected and influenced the culture and events of his time.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Documents and Debates: Don't Forget About Vicksburg

Wed, 17 May 2023 07:00:14 GMT

Jeff discusses the important and often overlooked Battle of Vicksburg, which came an end on 4 July 1863. Overshadowed by Gettysburg, this battle was arguably of far greater strategic importance than its more famous cousin, which took place at the same time. Learn about the military and political history and details of this event as we mark the 160th anniversary of the commencement of Grant's campaign for the Confederate city. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

American Portraits: Alexander Hamilton

Wed, 10 May 2023 07:00:49 GMT

Jeff discusses the life, ideas, and legacy of Alexander Hamilton with Stephen Knott, formerly of the United States Naval War College and a recognized Hamilton scholar. Although Americans have been reminded of Hamilton as a result of the popular musical, what's the truth behind the songs? How did he rise to prominence, living a classically American story of humble beginnings and lofty achievements? What role did he really play in the War for Independence, and the Constitutional Convention? And finally, how are his ideas about foreign policy, economics, and presidential power still relevant today?Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Documents & Debates: America's First Constitution - the Articles of Confederation

Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:24 GMT

Jeff and Gordon Lloyd discuss the importance of the Articles of Confederation - not as a failure, or a preface to the Constitution, but as an important set of ideas and, up through 1787, actual, substantive accomplishments. Don't overlook the Articles.Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz RSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bve Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Contemporary Conversations: War in Ukraine

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:00:23 GMT

Jeff is joined by Rebeccah Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and director of the Keystone Defense Initiative to discuss the war in Ukraine, its strategic importance, how American and NATO policy has played out since the invasion in early 2022, and how it fits into questions of global security. This live episode of The American Idea had questions from attendees, and provides both background and analysis of the war. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Documents and Debates: Stories from the American Revolution

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:00:33 GMT

Jeff and Rob McDonald discuss several interesting - and little-known - stories of individuals from the American Revolution, men and women, patriots and loyalists, in this episode marking the anniversary of the battles at Lexington and Concord.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

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Read Will's book on the topic

Documents & Debates: Remember the Alamo!

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 07:00:29 GMT

Jeff and Dan Monroe discuss Texas history, independence and annexation, and the Mexican-American War while meeting for Ashbrook's Director's Club Weekend in San Antonio, Texas, in March 2023. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Documents & Debates: The Legacy of the Progressives

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:01:20 GMT

Jeff Sikkenga and Jason Jividen discuss the animating ideas and issus of the original Progressives, and their views on - and in many ways rejection of - the principles of the American Founding. Tracing the history of the Progressives, they also discuss contemporary examples of this movement, and what they mean to America today.Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Documents & Debates: Ronald Reagan and the End of the Cold War

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 07:00:23 GMT

Jeff discusses Ronald Reagan’s efforts to peacefully end the Cold War with Will Inboden, Director of the Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas-Austin. Containment and detente were frameworks that Reagan inherited; however, they both aimed to preserve the status quo with the USSR instead of rolling back Communist gains. Reagan’s view was that the Soviets were taking advantage of this approach, and instead saw the USSR not as a partner to accept and manage, but a cancer to be excised from the world stage. No previous Cold War president considered this possible without war; Reagan did, and his foreign policy was shaped by this belief.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 09:01:06 GMT

Jeff sits down with Rebeccah Heinrichs, an authority on national security issues, to discuss the challenge - and even threat - that the Chinese Communist Party presents to the United States and the world. Unpacking decades of policy mistakes and wishful thinking of Western countries, along with the longterm view of the CCP and its commitment to Marxist-Leninist ideology, Rebecca helps make sense of why the CCP is such a threat - no longer a competitor, but truly an adversary. She also offers some policy suggestions and implores Americans to delete the TikTok app, which the CCP uses as a global surveillance tool.

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

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Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Documents and Debates: The President and the Freedom Fighter

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 08:00:17 GMT

Jeff and Brian Kilmeade discuss his book, The President and the Freedom Fighter, and the central role Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass played in “saving America’s soul.” Both were self-made men, who never stopped striving to become men of worth, doing things that needed to be done to help America live up to its greatest ideals, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

Check out Brian's book here - it's a great read.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Listener Survey Link: https://forms.gle/U62wovf93VXhMK6M8

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

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Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

American Portraits: Ulysses S. Grant

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:00:27 GMT

Jeff talks with Dr. Andy Lang about U.S. Grant - as a soldier, general, and president.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

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Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

American Portraits: Calvin Coolidge

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:00:17 GMT

Jeff sits down with Amity Shlaes, Chair of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, to discuss the ideas and importance of Calvin Coolidge, an overlooked and wildly underrated president.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

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Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Documents & Debates: War - What's It Good For? The Expansion of Presidential Emergency Powers from the Founding to the Present

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:00:12 GMT

Co-host John Moser is joined by Ben Slomski of Ashland University discuss the origins and original understandings of presidential war powers, and how they’ve evolved over time. What did the Founders think? Did they agree on a single description of what war powers, and when a president could act unilaterally? They explore actions by Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, and other presidents, and make connections to contemporary issues, as well.

FEB-MAR 2023 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/KKhN33X3n62aJ8hj9

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Contemporary Conversations: January 2023: The New Congress - Analysis and Historical Commentary

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:00:40 GMT

Jeff is joined by Joe Postell of Hillsdale College discuss the evolution of Congressional rules processes in light of the recent assumption of the majority by Republicans and the contentious votes over a new Speaker of the House. Learn about the fascinating changes in the Speaker’s powers, and how much more limited Speakers are than we often believe. They also discuss the differences between current norms of Democratic and Republican Party leadership and Congressional activity, and how this has played out in leadership behavior and power struggles. Finally, if Congress, in some ways, is “broken” - so far strayed from its original function and powers - can, and how can, it be fixed?

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

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Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Documents and Debates: American? Or Victim of America? MLK and Malcom X

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 09:00:22 GMT

Jeff and Lucas Morel, on this special MLK Day episode, discuss the ideas, actions, and legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. and Malcolm X. What were their core philosophies and beliefs? How did their actions reflect these? How did their ideas impact their followers, opponents, and each other? And how did these two men play off and shape each other?

You can find Lucas's latest book, Lincoln and the American Founding, on Amazon. The other books mentioned are here:

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Contemporary Conversations: Back to School and the State of American Education

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:00:37 GMT

Join Jeff as he Bill McClay discuss the state of American civics education, with an eye toward free expression, what's being taught, and how individuals and families can think through the thorny issue of schooling in 2023.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Documents & Debates: The Final Emancipation Proclamation

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 09:00:18 GMT

Jeff is joined by Dr. Jason Stevens of Ashland University and the Ashbrook Scholar program to discuss the 160th anniversary of one of the most important documents in American history. Lacking the eloquence and rhetorical flourish we have come to expect from Lincoln, the Final Emancipation Proclamation’s power isn’t in its wording, but in what it accomplishes: utilizing constitutional authority to free millions of slaves and lay the foundation for the abolishment of the institution itself.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz