Civics & Coffee

One of the most prolific authors of the nineteenth century, William Wells Brown remains a bit of a mystery. A man born into slavery who clawed his way to freedom, Brown has quite the fascinating biography. An author, abolitionist, and member of the underground railroad, Brown can tell us a lot about nineteenth century America. So just who was William Wells Brown? Tune in to find out. Four course material, transcripts, and information on how you can support the podcast, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com. Support the show

In recent years, much has been written about the political theater involved in Supreme Court Justice confirmation hearings. Many Americans report feeling frustrated at both the question asked by Senators and the answers provided by future associate justices. One long time listener asked that I review the history of supreme justice nominations and the confirmation process. Has it always been so polarizing and political? Have justices always avoided answering questions? Tune in to find out. For show notes, source material, and transcripts, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Earlier this year I attended to annual Society for Military History academic conference in San Diego. I was invited to participate in a panel on podcasting, aptly named Making Airwaves. Fellow podcaster Philip Shackelford not only organized the panel, but recorded the discussion live - which I am releasing today. My sincerest gratitude goes to Philip who has his own show, The Modern Scholar Podcast, as well as Bill Allison from Military Historians are People Too, Kelly DeVries with Bow and Blade, and Ron Granieri with the War Room for welcoming me and being some of the best co-panelists a girl could ask for. If you want to learn more about their shows, head over to the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com or look them up wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show

After the murder of two white men in the Clear Lake region of California, the United States government responded by launching a campaign to exact revenge. This campaign came to be known as the Bloody Island Massacre. But what exactly happened? Tune in this week to find out. Transcripts and source material can be found on the website www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Join me this week as I chat with speechwriter, consultant, and former journalist Dana Rubin to discuss her book, Speaking While Female. Our conversation covers her book, the value of learning about women's voices from our past, and an inside look into what it is like to self publish. To get yourself a copy of Speaking While Female, be sure to visit Dana's website at www.speakingwhilefemale.coSupport the show

Experiencing a new wave of interest thanks to the HBO series Warrior, Ah Toy is a fascinating woman from history. She immigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area during the California Gold Rush and quickly made a name for herself as a courtesan and, eventually, madam. Who was Ah Toy? How did she become so successful? And what does her experience tell us about women in California during this time period? Tune in to find out. For sources and transcripts, be sure to visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Earlier this year, many watched as California Representative Kevin McCarthy waited out multiple ballots to secure his position as Speaker of the House. The week-long series of votes led many to wonder what was happening and whether there was any historical precedent for this. In fact, so many of you reached out to ask about this and request I do an episode covering it that I felt duty bound to push this to the front of the line. So join me as I talk about what the House of Representatives are, why there was so much attention given to the votes, and what happened in prior battles for Speaker. For source material, transcripts, and to request your own topic, head to the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Joining me this week is military historian, podcaster, and newly published author Philip C Shackelford to discuss his brand new book The Rise of the Mavericks: The U.S. Air Force Security Service and the Cold War. In this episode we focus on his scholarship including how he became interested in this facet of military history, how his grandfather influenced his studies, and what it is like working with an academic press. To learn more about Philip, please visit his website at www.philipcshackelford.com. For a full list of how to find Philip and his book, please check out the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

The discovery of gold in California's waterways is one of the most consequential moments in United States history. Not only did it put the newly acquired territory on the fast track towards statehood, it also prompted a massive influx of immigrants, and provided new economic opportunities for women. But the Gold Rush also proved devastating. Tune in this week as I dive into the Gold Rush. What happened? And what is its legacy? For show notes, source material, and transcripts, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

In the summer of 1848, women from across the country gathered in Seneca Falls, New York to discuss their rights. Included in their demands was a right that would launch a massive coalition - the right to vote. Tune in as I dive into the details of Seneca Falls. How did it come together? And what is its legacy?For source material and transcripts, visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Wife to eleventh president James Polk, Sarah Childress Polk enjoyed much more freedom than her contemporaries. Without children and more educated that many other women, Mrs. Polk used her charms in furtherance of her husband's political agenda. However, she was aware of - and believed in - the social norms of the time. This made Polk work diligently behind the scenes in support of her spouse. Tune in to learn all about Sarah Childress Polk. For show notes, transcripts, or how you can support the show, visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Join me this week as I sit down with educator and author Jessica Lander to review her new book Making Americans: Stories of Historic Struggles, New Ideas, and Inspiration in Immigrant Education. Lander takes readers on a historical journey through the ways in which education for immigrants has evolved in the United States and contrasts it with some of the amazing work still being done by educators and students alike. To learn more about Jessica, please head to her website at www.jessicalander.com and for show notes and other source material, please visit www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Touted as the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland is one of the most iconic and well known amusement parks in history. Originally opening in 1955, the Disney brand has gone through a massive expansion to include parks throughout the world. But how did it all start? Tune in as I dive into the history of Disneyland. How did the idea originate? How did Walt get the funding? And how has it evolved over the years? For source material, transcripts and information on how you can support the show, head over to the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Joining me this week is presidential historian and author, Dr. Lindsay M Chervinsky to discuss her latest work, Mourning the Presidents: Loss and Legacy in American Culture. In this episode we talk about how national mourning practices have evolved, what we can learn about our reactions to various presidential deaths and what the role of the media has meant to our understanding of their legacy. Use promo code "10MOURNING" to save 30% off the book's price at the University of Virginia Press website here. To learn more about Dr. Chervinsky and her work, please visit her website at www.lindsaychervinsky.com Support the show

In the 1840s, the United States was in a mad dash to expand its borders under the guise of manifest destiny, or the belief that it was God's will for the United States to extend its territory and spread democracy far and wide. In 1846 this desire for increased territorial control led to military conflict with Mexico over the area including what would become California, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and New Mexico which ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and Mexico ceding nearly half of its pre-war territory. Tune in to hear about how manifest destiny, a rogue diplomat, and a future president contributed to the Mexican-American War. For source material, transcripts, and ways you can support the show, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Join me this week as I interview historian, surfer, and author Steve Estes about his latest book, Surfing the South. In this episode we talk about oral history, what you can learn about United States history by studying the evolution of surfing, and how a historian puts together his material. Steve Estes is a Professor of History at Sonoma State University and is a trained oral historian. Surfing the South is available at all fine bookstores. For show notes, please head over to the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Eleventh President James K Polk is often touted as America's first "dark horse" candidate. Considered a man who was plucked from relative obscurity to command the republic, Polk's administration not only oversaw one of the last pushes for territorial expansion for the United States, but also fulfilled his campaign promises by accomplishing his stated priorities all in a single term.Tune in as I dive into the presidential administration of James Polk. Was he really a dark horse? And what does his presidency say about the nation at the time? For source material, transcripts, and ways you can help the show, visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com Support the show

A prolific writer, essayist, and poet, Alice Walker's career spans over five decades. Her most famous work to date, The Color Purple, won her both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award and made her one of the most famous authors of her time. Despite her fame and influence, Walker has come under fire for her controversial statements. This week, I am diving into a listener request and covering the work and life of Alice Walker. How did she get into writing? And what comments put her in a new critical light? Tune in to find out. Support the show

The largest museum complex in the world, The Smithsonian boasts over twenty museums, a zoo, and several archives open to scholars and researchers. But how did the Smithsonian begin? How has it evolved? And what is next for the educational institution? Tune in to find out. For source material, show notes, and transcripts, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show

Widowed while in office, John Tyler remarried just a few short years after his wife passed at the age of 51.Though he'd been courting Julia Gardiner for several months, it was a catastrophic accident aboard the warship the USS Princeton that prompted Julia to reconsider. So just what happened on board the USS Princeton? And how did it lead to marital bliss? Tune in to find out. For transcripts, source material, and how you can support the show, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.comSupport the show