In “The Shining City,” Owen Fielding explores Ronald Reagan’s iconic metaphor, tracing its Puritan roots, Cold War symbolism, and its role in America’s rise as a global superpower—revealing how presidential rhetoric shapes national identity and global vision.

We explore how presidents have used the pardon power to heal, reward, or protect. When does mercy serve justice—and when does it shield power? A look at clemency, controversy, and the cost of unchecked forgiveness.

From FDR’s New Deal sprint to Trump’s second-term blitz, we explore how presidents shape their legacy in the first 100 days. Who delivered on promises? Who stumbled? And what do those early days reveal about power, vision, and the future of the republic?

Presidents don’t set interest rates—but many have tried to sway the Fed. From Nixon to Trump, we explore how presidents have pressured the Federal Reserve, and why the battle for monetary control matters for democracy.

From Lincoln to Bush to Trump, we explore how presidents have used crisis to expand power—suspending rights, declaring emergencies, and redefining liberty in the name of security. What is lost when fear rules the Constitution?

We examine the long battle over the independence of America’s courts—from FDR’s court-packing plan to modern efforts to politicize the judiciary. How far can a president go in reshaping the courts? And what are the consequences for our democracy?

Host Owen Fielding explores the roots of presidential authority, from George Washington’s restrained leadership to the early interpretations of Article II. Learn how the Founders shaped the presidency to balance power and accountability—setting the stage for centuries of debate.