Friends & Fellow Citizens

Friends & Fellow Citizens

Experience President George Washington’s six pillars of Patriotism, Faith, National Unity, Education, Fiscal Responsibility, and Civility in this engaging civics podcast!

With over 80 hours of content and a mix of solo shows and interviews, this podcast is packed with fascinating talks about civics, culture, history and politics! New episodes are released on the first two Mondays of each month!

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Recent Episodes

Episode 117: The Unsung Protectors of Yosemite National Park

March 13, 2023

With millions of visitors every year, Yosemite National Park in California is one of the natural wonders in the U.S. But what many might not know is the work that President Abraham Lincoln and one U.S. Senator did to protect…

Episode 116 Part 2: A Lesson from Lincoln on Moral Leadership

March 6, 2023

Since Nevada officially became a "battle born" state in 1864 during the Lincoln presidency, Lincoln has been a ubiquitous historical figure in the Silver State. What other lessons can we learn from the 16th President? In Par…

Episode 116 Part 1: A History of Beating the Odds in the Silver State

March 6, 2023

It is no surprise why Nevada was often considered a major part of the Old Wild West. But what about the risk-takers who bet on the success of the Silver State from the Civil War to the modern era, from mob-ruled casinos of L…

Episode 115: Lewis Morris - The First "Morris Family" Signer

Feb. 13, 2023

While few have read about Lewis Morris, he was the first Signer from the prominent, political Morris family that ultimately continued to serve for the nation. Learn about how this signer responded to his Loyalist brother and…

Interview

Episode 114: Leadership in Washington with Respect and Trust in Public Service

Feb. 6, 2023

Presidents' Day is a federal holiday, but what is its significance in American history and culture? What qualities does a good leader have in the Pentagon, White House, or any American institution? Gen. (ret.) Mark Welsh, fo…

Solo

Episode 113: How a Son of a Former President Prevented Expansion of Slavery

Jan. 9, 2023

Although President Martin Van Buren was one of the creators of the Democratic Party, some might say his son indirectly created the Republican party (perhaps by accident). Learn how the former President, his son John Van Bure…

Interview

Episode 112: Reconnecting Congress - Breaking Down Partisan Divisions on the Hill

Jan. 2, 2023

Far too often, Americans hear about how polarized the U.S. Congress has become in recent decades. The bitter divisiveness among Members has major ramifications on the federal legislative process and the political climate, an…

Solo Sacred Honor Series

Episode 111: Francis Lewis - A Mercantile Signer Who Sacrificed Wealth and Wellbeing

Dec. 12, 2022

A successful merchant once had everything, but after the Stamp Act of 1763, he risked his business, estate, and even family wellbeing years later. Learn how Francis Lewis became a target for the British and the lessons learn…

Interview

Episode 110 Part 1: A Guiding Light of Healing for America's Veterans

Dec. 5, 2022

A call to service may be imminent, but we never know when it will come. Maura Spence-Carroll, a former intelligence analyst and a former Miss Colorado, found her calling as an active duty soldier of the United States Army ju…

Interview

Episode 110 Part 2: 2022 Winter Holiday Trivia Special

Dec. 5, 2022

In Part 2, follow along as Sherman and Maura play a short game of holiday trivia and converse about all kinds of topics! A great way to cap off the interviews of 2022 with some holiday cheer! You can find Part 1 of this epis…

Solo

Episode 109: A Board of Education's Long and Worthy Legacy

Nov. 14, 2022

What if a Board of Education had nothing to do with education policy? At a time when party divisions saw no end, Speaker Nicholas Longworth not only became a party leader, but became the leader of the House. Learn how Speake…

Interview

Episode 108: Modernizing the Patchwork of State Tax Codes

Nov. 7, 2022

As much as people dislike paying taxes, they have been a significant policy issue since the founding of the United States. While the Stamp Act is old history, debates on taxation continue, particularly at the state level. Ka…

Solo Sacred Honor Series

Episode 107: Philip Livingston - A Businessman Who Founded the Useful and Ornamental

Oct. 10, 2022

When Philip Livingston helped found the New York Society Library in 1754, he wanted to create an institution that was "useful as well as ornamental." To what extent do we see that type of ambition in today's society? Learn h…

Interview

Episode 106: The Final Struggle Across the Taiwan Strait

Oct. 3, 2022

Once an economically-deprived police state as recently as 1987, Taiwan has become one of the most significant economic wonders in East Asia. But the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has threatened Taiwan's independence for deca…

Special Solo

Episode 105: The 2-Year Anniversary and Our Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Sept. 12, 2022

More than 2 years ago, Friends & Fellow Citizens made its debut on the podcast airwaves. Hear some of the interview episode highlights as we mark the two-year anniversary of the show! A very special appreciation to our Patre…

About the Host

Sherman TylawskyProfile Photo

Sherman Tylawsky

Sherman is the CEO of The George Washington Institute, host of the Friends & Fellow Citizens Podcast, an aspiring statesman, and George Washington enthusiast. He has received a master’s degree in international affairs from Texas A&M University and graduated from King’s College London with a bachelor’s degree in politics. He began his first podcast "Friends & Fellow Citizens" to bring the wisdom and significance of the Founding Fathers back to contemporary American life.

Fun Facts about Sherman:
1. Named after the Founding Father Roger Sherman and Union General William Tecumseh Sherman
2. Student of Classical Latin and fluent in Mandarin
3. Washington DC Trivia aficionado
4. Seinfeld, 30 Rock, Pizza, Baseball, Aggie football, Ice Cream and America are signs that heaven exists…