Episodes

As the Indo-Pacific security threat landscape evolves, so does U.S. military strategy. But how should a military branch like the USMC confront and mitigate complex threats to U.S. national security in the vast Indo-Pacific re...

Earlier this week, many Americans reflected on the state of the country one year after the tragic 1/6 Capitol riots that left multiple people dead and a wound in our national politics. As some listeners may know, I was a …

When our nation called, countless men and women of our armed forces dutifully responded with their sacrifices and livelihoods. To this day, there are still numerous challenges of getting our troops reintegrated into civil soc...

Few Founders have been more influential in promoting strong government and protection of civil liberties than Elbridge Gerry. Learn how this Signer from Massachusetts not only became a namesake for partisan-driven redistricti...

The winter holiday season is packed with many surprises, including some fun facts that truly make it the most wonderful time of the year. In this fun holiday-themed episode, our guest and video content creator Hallee Smith jo...

During the most trying times, what made Christmas and the winter holidays so special in America? Listen to stories and letters about how Union and Confederate soldiers celebrated Christmas TOGETHER and made the holiday season...

What makes the U.S. a unique "Maritime Nation" and beacon of freedom and opportunity? In Part 2, Mr. Jon Kaskin and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. (ret.) Sinclair Harris share more about the role of the Jones Act and why the …

While John Adams is best known for representing British Capt. Thomas Preston and his soldiers at the Boston Massacre trial, a close friend of his was just on the other side representing the colonists. Learn how this largely o...

Since its founding, the U.S. has been a country built on a long maritime history. But in recent decades, to what extent have competitors and adversaries undercut America's maritime strengths and strategy? Mr. Jon Kaskin and U...

In the wake of Veterans' Day, we honor those who served the nation with a unique episode about a little-known South Carolina-based battle that featured the best of American military leadership and service. Support the show (h...

What was life like for the people of China in the wake of the Cultural Revolution and the death of Mao Zedong? In this riveting episode, Lily Tang Williams shares her story about the journey from totalitarian China to her …

How did a prominent lawyer in the aftermath of the Boston Massacre become one of the leading minds of the American Revolution? Find out more about John Adams and his early thoughts and contributions to the fabric of American ...

Civics education is truly a critical piece of participation in democracy. But many argue that civics has taken a back seat, and traditional ways of teaching civics have not done enough to get students and the electorate excit...

During the American Revolution, there were some unlikely friends in Great Britain who sided with the colonies. Find out how one largely unknown Member of Parliament found courage to oppose the policies of George III and his W...

In this ever-changing environment for American schools, what are the root causes for the education struggles facing inner city students? Via Kentner talks to us about her experiences in mentorship and how good policies and in...

While now commonly known for the beer company namesake, Samuel Adams is one of the most vocal American revolutionaries in U.S. history. But his methods of influencing the Patriot cause may surprise many. Regardless of his var...

From the steps of the U.S. Capitol to the plains of Nebraska, one can find hundreds of thousands of FFA students across the nation engaging in academic and practical agricultural education. How does this unique American insti...

With approximately 12,000 proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution, there are bound to be some constitutional long shots that never made it to the final document but have made it to this week's episode. In the wake of Con...

America has been a nation that strives to push the frontiers of innovation and discovery. What is the 21st century vision for American leadership by the U.S. Space Force? An historian, author, and Associate Professor, Dr. Bre...

William Whipple was a New Hampshire native who imagined himself as a longtime, successful merchant. But things certainly took a different turn. What did this successful merchant do to help defeat a top British general's invas...

It has been a wonderful first year of the Friends & Fellow Citizens podcast! The unwavering support from family, friends, Patreon supporters, listeners, and guests is truly remarkable. This week, we are reflecting on the past...

In 1845, President John Tyler ratified the first U.S. treaty with China: the Treaty of Wanghia. Almost 180 years later, this little-known treaty is a tough lesson on how China views the U.S. and why the CCP willingly takes ad...

Within the American federalism system, public service cannot be solely concentrated in Washington, DC. It is the public service bond among locals that can bring people together at times of political division. This week, McKen...

When people hear "Josiah Bartlett," they may think of the U.S. President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet from the popular TV show The West Wing . But what about the ancestor of this fictitious but impressive U.S. President? In the secon...