American Reader

By Jacob McDonald

Weekly episodes taking a deep dive into the pamphlets, speeches, and letters of early American history. We discuss and read the writings, pulling the lessons we have to learn from them today.... more

· History

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FAQs about American Reader:

How many episodes does American Reader have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

American Reader episodes:

December 06, 2023 Christmas Vacation!
Merry Christmas everyone! It’s been a wild year. Time to reflect, grow, and plan for the ‘24 grind. Coming back better and stronger. Just a quick drop-in to express some gratitude and direct the glory to God. Thank you for listening, see you all next year!
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10min
November 29, 2023 Letters From A Farmer: Fomenting Rebellion and Shaping Washington
The letters of John Dickinson, awakening and inspiring the colonies in the face of tyranny. A testament to rights and liberty. Timeless perspective and timely conviction. Another angle into the mind of George Washington, and the average colonial alike.
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Project Gutenburg link; if you'd like to dig in even more for yourself!
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/47111/47111-h/47111-h.htm
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1h 35min
November 22, 2023 Shaping the Mind of Washington: Rules of Civility in Company and Conversation
What created the stoic mind of America's first father? Today we explore a crucial part of a classical education in early America, the Rules of Civility. Copied by hand by Washington in his early teens, incorporated into his life thereafter.
From 1500's Jesuits to Revolutionary America, to 21st Century America, do manners and civility still hold a place in society?
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1h 21min
November 15, 2023 The Journal of Major George Washington: Half King, Wampum, and French Command
George Washington is a 21 year old man trusted with an assignment far beyond his years and expertise. Setting on a journey of 1,000 miles to take his shot and make a name for himself. Today we review a journal of his journey to confront the French on behalf of the British Empire. Danger, diplomacy, and grit, Washington begins his legacy.
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1h 38min
November 08, 2023 Hamilton's Defense: Freedom of the Press
1802 - Hamilton performed perhaps his most impactful work as a lawyer in defense of Croswell at the Supreme Court. Under the Sedition Acts, the leaders and patriots of truth were silenced. In this defense, Hamilton and his partner Kent lay the framework for freedom of the press as we know it today, a cornerstone of democracy.

So many lessons still singing true today.
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1h 15min
November 01, 2023 Hamilton and Laurens: Friendship, War, and Benedict Arnold
Hamilton’s best friend, Col. John Laurens, and their correspondence. Discussion and reading of their letters.
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1h 34min
October 25, 2023 Elbridge Gerry: Attack on the Constitution
Learning a bit about Elbridge Gerry, his role in Hamilton’s story, and the strange legacy he leaves behind. Massachusetts state governor, Vice President to Madison, and father of Gerrymandering. Reading and discussion of the document he penned to the Massachusetts State Legislature to resist ratification of the Constitution he helped create. Follow on Facebook for regular updates and exclusive content! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552558569050&mibextid=LQQJ4d
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1h 56min
October 18, 2023 George Washington: Farewell Address to the Nation
Discussion, analysis and reading of George Washington’s Farewell Address to the nation. The genius work of three brilliant minds that shaped the nation. We have so much to learn, jump in the discussion!
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1h 29min
October 11, 2023 The Federalist Papers 10,51,78
Discussion, analysis, and reading on 3 of the 5 most influential essays from the Federalist Papers. Why were they important? What do we have to learn from them today?
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1h 33min
October 04, 2023 The Federalist Papers 68 & 39
Discussion, analysis, and reading of two of the 5 most influential essays of the Federalist Papers. In defense of the Electoral College and a Republic. Hamilton and Madison - Publias
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52min

FAQs about American Reader:

How many episodes does American Reader have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.