Episodes

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 …

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 Part...

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 …

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 ...

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, for...

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 Buren...

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, and...

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 learne...

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 jus...

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 …

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 …

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. Kat...

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 ho...

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 decad...

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 Patreo...

Click HERE for Part 1! With the contemporary rise of China as an intelligence threat, the global espionage landscape has become more sophisticated, more dangerous, and more uncertain for U.S. national security and democracy a...

Throughout the Cold War, a war of espionage raged between the U.S. and Soviet Union. While espionage may not always be like James Bond or The X-Files, there is still much below the surface that defines global competition of p...

While many of the Signers were experienced orators, some chose to be more reserved while still completing the work of the Continental Congress. Hear how William Floyd of New York served in his capacity at the legislative body...

In recent years, we have been hearing much about schools closed during the pandemic. But school closures are far from the only political battles as pandemic-era restrictions subside. From San Francisco to suburban Virginia, t...

Former New York Governor DeWitt Clinton once considered the Erie Canal a "fountain of public good and national abundance." Amid contemporary gridlock and polarization, what ideas can help spur a new generation of engineers an...

Almost two years since the first episode of Friends & Fellow Citizens, we have finally made it to our 100th episode! This is truly a major milestone for the listeners, guests, and everyone who has made this program possible. ...

How can a delegate of the Second Continental Congress sign the document without being present at the August 2nd signing? Despite signing the document in late 1776, Dr. Matthew Thornton was elected after the Declaration of Ind...

History is often taught in the classroom, but perhaps the real history is outside for students to learn and put into action. Paul LaRue, a retired history teacher, currently serves on Ohio's State Board of Education and is de...

"Robert J. Walker" may not ring a bell for most Americans today, but a highly undemocratic "constitution" for the Kansas Territory struck a chord with a once-promising politician in the Democratic Party. Although a pro-slave...