What came first—the chicken or the egg?

In Revolutionary America, the nation was the egg—waiting to hatch into a glorious bald eagle. After the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers entered an experimental era of governing and building a lasting union. One document that emerged during this time was the Articles of Confederation—America’s first constitution—the egg before the eagle took flight.

In this episode of In the Archives, we continue our Made in America series with the documents that shaped our identity. Join us as we explore the rise, fall, and legacy of the Articles of Confederation.

Contains music from 1776: "The Egg"

On May 7, 1915, at 2:10 PM off the coast of Ireland, tragedy struck as the passenger liner Lusitania became caught in the crossfire of Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare. Over 1,100 people died—including 128 Americans. Newspapers quickly sprang into action, and soon headlines about the tragedy echoed across the globe.

But for many Americans, an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety set in, as the possibility of war loomed large.

Join me as I uncover one of the most monumental moments in early 20th-century American history—through the headlines that told the story.

This is Made in America: The Sinking of the Lusitania.

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Can news stories really shape American identity? Have they left a lasting impact on our culture? Tune in for Part 1 of 2 in The News Stories That Made Us, as I explore the War of 1812—not just through history books, but through the newspapers as the event was happening. Join me, as I dive into the stories that made the War of 1812. #news #Warof1812 #madeinamerica

In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail into the unknown—and changed the world forever. But who was the man behind the myth? In this episode of In the Archives, we examine Columbus’s life through the lens of primary sources and modern scholarship. From his obscure origins and controversial legacy to the enduring myths that surround his voyages, we uncover a story of ambition, exploration, and unintended consequences.

Long before Columbus set sail, a young Venetian named Marco Polo claimed to have traveled to the heart of the Mongol Empire. But how much of his famous journey was real, and how much was rewritten for European audiences? In this episode of In the Archives, we explore the legacy of The Travels of Marco Polo, the blurred lines between fact and fable, and how one prison cell conversation helped shape the West’s view of the East for centuries.

James Armistead Lafayette was the double agent who helped win the Battle of Yorktown—but history almost forgot him. In this episode, we uncover how a man born into slavery became one of the Revolution’s most effective spies, and how a 73-word letter from Marquis de Lafayette became the key to his freedom—and legacy.

Retro Rewind Article coming soon! Link to the website:

https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives/blog/categories/retro-rewind

In this Easter bonus episode of Out of the Archives, we take a closer look at the story of Judas Iscariot—the disciple who betrayed Jesus. From the second anointing at Bethany to the kiss in the garden, we walk through the key moments that led to his downfall. Along the way, we explore how prophecy, greed, and spiritual blindness all played a role in his tragic decision. It’s a powerful reminder of how even those closest to Jesus can lose their way—and how the story of betrayal is still part of the bigger picture of redemption.

In every war, there are spies lurking in the shadows and traitors who gamble everything—some for glory, others for greed. What drives a person to betray their country? This month on In the Archives, we’re uncovering the Revolutionary War’s spies and traitors, starting with America’s most notorious turncoat—Benedict Arnold. Why did he betray the very cause he once fought for? Find out in this episode of In the Archives.

In the exciting conclusion to Friends Behind Enemy Lines. We uncover the writings of one German citizen who became the Enemy Within. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a pastor, theologian, and one of Nazi Germany’s fiercest internal critics. While many in the church bowed to Hitler, Bonhoeffer stood in defiance—risking everything to resist the regime from within and secretly sharing critical information with friends on the outside. In this episode of In the Archives, we uncover the life of the man who became The Enemy Within—and paid the ultimate price for standing against tyranny.

At the height of World War II, Americans saw anyone serving in Hitler’s army as the enemy—and the feeling was mutual in Germany. Yet, in the middle of fear, hatred, and war, one German pilot rose above it all. Ignoring his orders and risking everything, Franz Stigler made a choice that would save lives and forge an unlikely, lasting friendship.

This is the remarkable story of Franz Stigler’s decision to guide a damaged American B-17 bomber to safety—an act of humanity that reminds us there are always Friends Behind Enemy Lines.