America's First Ladies

This week, the Jefferson family returns to America, and Patsy almost immediately decides to marry and start having children.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-5/

Music by Matthew Dull

This week we travel from Philadelphia to Boston, and then on to Paris. Thomas and Patsy spent about five years in Paris, leaving just as the French Revolution was getting underway in 1789.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-4/

Music by Matthew Dull

We'll make it to the end of the Revolutionary War this week, but Patty Jefferson doesn't live to see the end. Thomas Jefferson serves two terms as Virginia governor during the war, and the Jefferson family has to evade the British army after they invade Virginia.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-3/

Music by Matthew Dull

This week we cover the majority of Patty and Thomas Jefferson's marriage, which happens to overlap with some signficant moments in the American Revolution, including the Declaration of Independence, which Thomas Jefferson wrote.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-2/

Music by Matthew Dull

We kick off season 3 with background information on Martha "Patty" Wayles and her future second husband, Thomas Jefferson.

Transcript and background materials available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-1/

Links to the books I used this season and some photos of the two Marthas at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/season-3/

Music by Matthew Dull

Before we kick off season 3, I want to read you the Declaration of Independence, which Thomas Jefferson wrote, and John Adams played such a large role in getting approved by Congress. I'm willing to bet you've never read it in full, so it's worth a listen!

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/season-2-supplemental/

Music by Matthew Dull

We wrap up Abigail Adams's season with the final year of her husband's presidency and the years they spent post-presidency, finally getting to enjoy a private retirement.

Programming note: we'll take a couple of weeks off to let listeners catch up. New episodes will resume on January 16, 2026.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-2-13/

Links to books for Season 2 americasfirstladiespodcast.com/season-2/

Music by Matthew Dull

This week covers John Adams's sole term as President, and Abigail's four years as First Lady.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-2-12/

Music by Matthew Dull

This week we cover the rest of Abigail's tenure as the Vice President's wife, and the election of 1796, which results in John Adams being elected President.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-2-11/

Music by Matthew Dull

Abigail and John wrap up their time in London, return home to the United States, and settle into a normal life back in Massachusetts. And then John is elected as the first Vice President of the United States, forcing Abigail into public life in a new way.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-2-10/

Music by Matthew Dull