A woman who lived enough for several lifetimes, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was one of the loudest voices in support of Canadian emigration for Black Americans.

Growing up in a household committed to racial justice, Shadd Cary spent her life turning words into action, becoming the first Black woman to launch a periodical in North America. But she also bucked societal norms, often alienating supporters and potential benefactors.

Join me this week as I dive into the life of Mary Ann Shadd Cary.

For source material, transcripts, and information on how you can support the show, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com 

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The wife of fourteenth president Franklin Pierce, Jane Appleton Pierce often gets a bad rap. Seen as a woman who was unwilling to support her husband's political efforts, Jane Pierce definitely lacked excitement in serving in the position of First Lady.

But she was also a woman who lived with chronic pain and suffered tremendous loss. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Jane Pierce. And when you are done, be sure to let me know where you fall: was Pierce a bad wife? Or simply a damaged one?

For source material and transcripts, please head to the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com

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Fourteenth President Franklin Pierce is frequently listed as one of the country's worst presidents by historians. A man who so desperately wished to keep his preferred political party intact, Pierce made questionable decisions that arguably pushed the country further towards war. So why does he get such a bad grade?

Join me this week as I look at the life and presidency of Franklin Pierce.

For source material, transcripts, and more information on how you can support the show, please head over to the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com

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Joining me this week is Laurence Jurdem to discuss his newest book, The Rough Rider & the Professor: Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, and the Friendship that Changed American History.

Dr. Jurdem is an Adjunct Professor of history at Fairfield University and Fordham College’s Lincoln Center campus. In this episode, we chat about the relationship between Lodge and Roosevelt and what their relationship tells us about politics during the Gilded Age & Progressive Era.

To find out more about Dr. Jurdem and his scholarship, visit his website at www.laurencejurdem.com 

For more information, head to www.civicsandcoffee.com

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Some presidential wives are more well known than others. Throughout the nineteenth century, there are a string of women who did not leave as lasting an impact to the role of First Lady or a voluminous set of journals and letters for historians to mine to craft a narrative of their lives. Abigail Powers Fillmore is one such presidential spouse. Even less is known about Fillmore's second wife, the wealthy widow Caroline McIntosh.

Though the record may be scant, what we do know about Abigail Powers Fillmore is fascinating and worth exploring. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Abigail Fillmore, Mary Fillmore, and Caroline McIntosh.

For source material, transcripts, and ways to support the show, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com

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Join me this week as I dive into the life and career of Millard Fillmore.

The second "accidental president," Fillmore ascended to the office after the passing of Zachary Taylor. The two men, who had no relationship before Taylor's death, proved to have very different opinions on the issue of the day.

Fillmore is considered by many to be one of the worst presidents in history. Tune in to find out why.

For source material and transcripts, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com

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Welcome back to James Baldwin - Part Two!

Join me this week as I complete the story of Baldwin's life, including his ascension to the top of the literary world, his work during the Civil Rights Movement, and the legacy he left behind.

Thanks again to Ethan for making such a wonderful request.

For source material, transcripts, or to request your own topic, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com

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I am back with another listener request!
 
 James Baldwin is one of the most well known authors of the twentieth century. Growing up in Harlem during the roaring twenties and depression riddled thirties, Baldwin knew from a young age he wanted to be a writer. But living with an overbearing stepfather made that dream something he had to fight for.
 
 Tune in this week as I dive into the first half of Baldwin's life including growing up in New York, his early introduction to the arts, and what prompted him to leave the United States.

For source material, transcripts, or to request your own topic, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com

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Joining me this week is Professor of History at Brandeis University, Dr. Chad Williams. In this episode, we discuss his new book, The Wounded World: W.E.B. DuBois and the First World War.

The book traces DuBois' efforts to write a comprehensive biography of African American military service during the World War I and explores the reasons why DuBois' ultimately decided against publication. Dr. Williams provides a thorough analysis of not only DuBois' evolution, but what service during World War I meant for Black Americans.

To learn more about Professor Williams, head over to his website at www.chadlwilliams.com

For more information about the book, head over to the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com

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Tensions were high in the run-up to the Civil War. Disagreements proliferated about the institution of slavery and just what should be done about it. And nowhere were disagreements and tempers high than inside the halls of Congress.

While many know about the caning of Charles Sumner, some may be surprised to learn that this was just one in a long line of violent acts conducted by members of Congress.

Tune in this week as I dive into the history of congressional violence. And when you're done, be sure to tell me what you want to learn about as we get closer to covering one of the most impactful moments in United States history: the Civil War. 

For source material and transcripts, please head over to the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com

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