Daniel Crofts taught at the College of New Jersey for almost forty years. He is the author of Reluctant Confederates and more recently Lincoln and the Politics of Slavery. Here, he talks with Colin about growing up in Chicago, studying under C. Vann Woodward at Yale, and his adventures teaching in China, following in the footsteps of his missionary grandfather.  

American Rambler's first female guest is an important one: his wife! It's also the first podcast the Rambler has done from his front porch. Listen to the soothing sounds of crickets as Sydney and Colin (aka Bun and Hawk) discuss marriage and kids, Pablo Escobar, and the high turnover rate of Foghat. Pull up a rocking chair, pour a glass of wine, and join these two crazy kids for a good ol' downhome southern PG-13 chat.

Phil Mark has worked at Stratford Hall for nine years as the Director of Preservation. He talks with Colin about growing up outside of Flint, Michigan, raising three kids, and an unpleasant encounter with a Georgia hillbilly. Also, Colin talks about his Labor Day Sunday watching Kashmir, a Led Zeppelin tribute band.

James Kelly has worked in museums for his whole career, and he and Colin used to work together at the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond. On this episode, Jim talks about growing up near Philadelphia, his years in Nashville as a grad student, and his childhood obsession with Captain Hook.