Ohio V. The World

Alex tells the story of the most famous lawyer in American history, Clarence Darrow. We welcome an all-star cast of guests to discuss the sterling career of "the Attorney for the Damned." We go through Darrow's life and legal career and how the issues he tackled 100 years ago are still problems in modern America. Alex looks at Darrow's three most famous cases in depth to reveal why many still consider Clarence Darrow to be America's greatest defense attorney.

We welcome Pulitzer Prize winner, Ed Larson, author of Summer for the Gods, to discuss Darrow's rise to fame from a small town, country lawyer in Northeast Ohio to the preeminent lawyer for the explosive labor movement. We discuss Ed's award-winning book about Darrow's most famous case, the Scopes Monkey Trial. Larson helps us understood why the case was so important in America's continuing struggle between science and religion. Ed also discusses the landmark murder case of Leopold and Loeb, as Darrow battles against his lifelong nemesis, the death penalty. Buy Ed's amazing book Summer for the Gods here https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Gods-Americas-Continuing-Religion/dp/046507510X

We sit down with Nadine Strossen, the former President of the American Civil Liberties Union (1991-2008) about the birth of the ACLU and Darrow's fight for Americans' civil liberties. Nadine talks to us about the evolving nature of our Constitutional right to free speech in Darrow's time and the ACLU's role in the Scopes trial. Go buy Nadine's wonderful book HATE: Why We Should Resist It With Free Speech, Not Censorship. https://www.amazon.com/HATE-Should-Resist-Censorship-Inalienable-ebook/dp/B07BH3LYZ1

Alex has a riveting discussion with Kevin Boyle about Darrow's representation of the African American Dr. Ossian Sweet, accused of murder in Detroit in 1925. Kevin talks us through the system of Northern segregation that leads to the killing and how Darrow takes on the issues of white supremacy and racial justice in America. Kevin won the National Book Award for Non-fiction in 2004 for his book Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights and Murder in the Jazz Age, an absolute must read. Please purchase Arc of Justice here...https://www.amazon.com/Arc-Justice-Civil-Rights-Murder/dp/0805079335

Lastly we are joined by friend of the show and excellent criminal defense attorney, Jon Saia from Columbus, Ohio. Jon joins the show to talk about Darrow's early years as an attorney in Ohio, his eccentric lifestyle and the LA Times Bombing Case in 1911 that leads to Darrow being tried for allegedly attempting to bribe a jury.

Don't forget Ohio v. the World is now part of the Evergreen Podcast Network. Check out all our past shows and the other great shows on their history channel by clicking https://evergreenpodcasts.com/history-podcasts

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Alex speaks with four experts on the black Civil War experience from emancipation to the post-war years. We're celebrating Juneteenth with a comprehensive look at the history of the battles, the struggles and the ultimate triumph of the United States Colored Troops (USCT), as they were known during the Civil War. From the battle of Fort Wagner to the disaster of the Battle of the Crater and the Union victory at Fort Fisher that accelerated the end of the Confederacy. Alex analyzes the too often overlooked contributions of black soldiers that helped win the Civl War..

We sit down with Doug Egerton, author of the definitive book about the black soldiers in the Civil War, Thunder at the Gates (2016). Doug speaks to us about the pioneering 54th and 55th Massachusetts regiments, the first two all-black regiments in the Union Army. We look at the life and service of Ohioan, James Monroe Trotter in the 55th and his rise to being one of the first African American army officers in US History. Doug takes us through the importance of the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863 and how it shatters the racist image of the black soldier. Buy Thunder at the Gates here... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKC3PJT

We look at the experiences and bravery of the 5th and 27th USCT, the all-black Ohio USCT regiments. We're joined by authors and historians, Kelly Mezurek of Walsh University and Verb Washington from the University of Dayton. Both scholars take us inside the life of an all-black Civil War infantry regiment. The inequalities they faced when compared to the their white counterparts and their thrilling achievements on the battlefield from 1863-65. Both share the stories of two black Medal of Honor winners from Ohio, Robert Pinn and Milton Holland. As well as the black soldiers struggles and their impact on the broader civil rights battles of the 19th century.

Buy Verb's book, Eagles On the Buttons here...https://www.amazon.com/Eagles-Their-Buttons-Infantry-Regiment/dp/0826212344/

Buy Kelly's book For the Own Cause here https://www.amazon.com/Their-Own-Cause-United-Colored-ebook/dp/B01LX3PLKY/

We also welcome Emmanuel Dabney, museum curator of the Petersburg National Battlefield Park in Virginia, to tell us about the catastrophic Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864. This infamous battle is one of the most fascinating and disastrous days in the Union Army's history. Emmanuel looks at how the change of the battle plan involving black troops may have affected the outcome of the battle.

Ohio v. the World: An American History podcast is now part of the Evergreen Podcast Network. Go to www.evergreenpodcasts.com to check out all our past episodes and dozens of other great podcasts. Don't forget to rate and review our show and we'll read your reviews on the air in a future episode. Also you can email Alex at [email protected].

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Treason has been a popular topic in 2021 and Alex looks at two of the most infamous treason trials in American History w/Ohio connections: the Aaron Burr Conspiracy and the trial of Axis Sally. We sit down with one of our favorite historians, David O. Stewart, to discuss the long forgotten Burr Conspiracy of 1806-07. David sharers insight into Burr's life after he shoots and kills Alexander Hamilton while serving as the Vice President. We follow Burr into the West and his travels to Marietta, Ohio and nearby Blennerhassett Island. Did Burr really try to start a new country in the Western US with him as its leader?

David Stewart, the author of the excellent book American Emperor: Aaron Burr's Challenge to Jefferson's America (Simon & Schuster, 2012) walks us through the ill-fated Burr Conspiracy and the country's first "Trial of the Century" as the former VP and founding father is tried for treason. Buy David's book about Aaron Burr here: https://www.amazon.com/American-Emperor-Challenge-Jeffersons-America/dp/1439157200

We also visit with Bill Reynolds, historian from Marietta, Ohio's River Museum and Campus Martius Museum about Burr's activities in the Ohio settlement. Visit Marietta's great two museums online here www.mariettamuseums.org. Also Craig Pyles, the Superintendent of Blennerhassett Island State Park takes us to the shady happenings on this historic island in the Ohio River. We analyze the conspiracy between Burr and his financier on the island, Harman Blennerhassett. The Burr Conspiracy comes unraveled in spectacular fashion and both Burr and Blennershassett are arrested. Take a boat and tour the island this summer, a great day trip. https://wvstateparks.com/park/blennerhassett-island-historical-state-park/

In the second part of the episode we travel to Nazi Germany to hear the story of Mildred Gillars, aka Axis Sally, the American voice of Nazi Germany. Author Richard Lucas describes the transformation of a struggling Ohio actress to the top Nazi propagandist on Nazi radio. Lucas' biography of Axis Sally broke new ground on one of the most hated women in American History. His book, Axis Sally: the American Voice of Nazi Germany is available here:https://www.amazon.com/Axis-Sally-American-Voice-Germany/dp/1935149431

We follow Mildred's rise from theatre student at Ohio Wesleyan University to one of the Third Reich's most prized radio propagandists. Richard leads us through her infamous treason trial in 1949, which is the subject of the new Al Pacino movie "American Traitor." Lucas and Alex also uncover just how much she knew about the atrocities of the Nazi regime and her quiet life in Columbus, Ohio decades after her treasonous activity.

Ohio v. the World: An American History podcast is now part of the Evergreen Podcast Network. Go to https://evergreenpodcasts.com to check out all our past episodes and dozens of other great podcasts. Don't forget to rate and review our show and we'll read your reviews on the air in a future episode. Also you can email Alex at [email protected].

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Lions, tigers and bears...oh my! Alex travels to Eastern Ohio and the city of Zanesville to tell the story of one of the craziest and most dangerous events in Ohio history: the Zanesville Zoo Escape. When Terry Thompson released 50 of the world's most exotic and deadly animals on his hometown and then took his own life in October 2011. Alex relives the events of that surreal night with writers and even an animal activist that was on the ground in Zanesville.

We tell the crazy true story of exotic animal ownership in the United States, it's bizarre history from Jack Hanna to Joe Exotic: the Tiger King. Alex is joined by Tim Harrison, Executive Director of Outreach for Animals to discuss his first hand experience of the Zanesville Zoo Escape and the continuing problem of exotic animal ownership and exploitation in America. Please donate to Tim's great organization Outreach for Animals by clicking here. https://outreachforanimals.org/175-2/

We sit down with award-winning journalist and author, Rachel Nuwer, to discuss the story of Terry Thompson and her excellent book, Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking (2018). Rachel discusses the rise of exotic pet numbers in the US, the role of reality TV and the lack of laws in place prior to the Zanesville Zoo Escape. Also, check out Rachel's podcast from 2020, "Cat People". Buy her book Poached here http://www.rachelnuwer.com/poached

Our third guest, Matt Tullis, professor at Fairfield University and former Columbus Dispatch zoo reporter joins us to talk about the life and shocking death of Terry Thompson and the details surrounding his release of his dozens of exotic animals in October 2011. Matt also talks with us about Jack Hanna, former Columbus Zoo director and television start. We chat about his career and his role in the tragic Zanesville Zoo Escape. Check out Matt's great podcast "Gangrey" about narrative journalism and his interviews with our nation's finest reporters.

Ohio v. the World: An American History podcast is now part of the Evergreen Podcast Network. Go to https://evergreenpodcasts.com to check out all our past episodes and dozens of other great podcasts. Don't forget to rate and review our show and we'll read your reviews on the air in a future episode. Also you can email Alex at [email protected].

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In Episode 2 of Season 6, Alex analyzes the rise and fall of Senator Joseph McCarthy and McCarthyism's effect on the country and Ohio during the 2nd Red Scare of the 1950s. We study how America's love affair with bullies and how a paranoid nation briefly lost its way during the early years of the Cold War.

We're joined by best selling author Larry Tye to discuss his book Demagogue, the definitive account of Senator Joe McCarthy from 2020. Buy Larry's book here https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/demagogue/9781328959720

Larry talks about McCarthy's meteoric rise in American politics and his equally rapid descent from the top of the political world. McCarthy's crusade against Communism at home shakes the very foundation of the country and divides the nation in half. Lives are ruined by McCarthy's baseless attacks on the Constitutional rights of Americans and we analyze how he was enabled by his political party, the media and even the President of the United States.

The Second Red Scare cast its long shadow on Ohio and Ohioans as well. We sit down with University of Akron professor, Greg Wilson, about McCarthyism's effect on the Buckeye State. From the halls of the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio UnAmerican Activities Committee wields its inquisition into suspected communists and subversives throughout the state. Greg walks us through 1950s Ohio and the Cold War stories of Ohioans persecuted by its own government. Don't forget to buy Greg's book Ohio: the History of the Buckeye State, the most comprehensive book on Ohio history on the market today. Buy his book co-authored by Kevin Kern here: https://www.amazon.com/Ohio-History-Kevin-F-Kern/dp/1118548434

Ohio v. the World: An American History podcast is now part of the Evergreen Podcast Network. Go to https://evergreenpodcasts.com to check out all our past episodes and dozens of other great podcasts. Don't forget to rate and review our show and we'll read your reviews on the air in a future episode.

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We're back! In the Season 6 premiere episode Alex looks at the extraordinary life of Akron, Ohio native NASA astronaut, Judy Resnik. We analyze the causes behind her tragic death in the Challenger Disaster on Jan. 28, 1986. On this 35th anniversary we take a fresh look at Judy's career and NASA's role in the loss of Challenger.

Our guests include Helene Norin, Judy's cousin to discuss the Resnik family, Judy's youth in Akron and her journey to becoming the 2nd American female astronaut in space. Steven Leckart joins the show to talk about his excellent Netflix documentary, Challenger: The Final Flight. The 2020 documentary brings the Challenger crew and the controversy surrounding its final flight to millions of viewers. Lastly, we sat down with author and Columbia University professor Dr. Diane Vaughan to debunk some of the myths surrounding Challenger and her 1996 book Challenger Launch Decision. Click here to buy her award-winning book. https://www.amazon.com/Challenger-Launch-Decision-Technology-Deviance/dp/0226851761

This episode is in honor of Judy Resnik and Allan McDonald who passed away before we could complete our interview earlier this year. Allan was the "whistleblower" when it comes to the Challenger Disaster. We play some of Allan's testimony to the Rogers Commission following the accident and discuss his role in exposing the cover-up by some NASA administrators. Special thanks as well to friend of the show, Eric Hall, guitarist for the great Ohio band Red Wanting Blue. The music from today's episode was from Eric's new side project, Tick Tick Tick. Check out their debut EP at https://tick-tick-tick.bandcamp.com

Ohio v. the World: An American History podcast is now part of the Evergreen Podcast Network. Go to https://evergreenpodcasts.com to check out all our past episodes and dozens of other great podcasts. Don't forget to rate and review our show and we'll read your reviews on the air in a future episode. We'll be releasing episodes every other Tuesday this season, great to be back and thanks for listening.

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Bonus Episode: Ohio v the Presidency. Alex sits down with Vince Tornero the host of “This is Wessler Media” on 610am WTVN in Columbus, Ohio. Alex discusses Ohio’s 8 presidents and how their terms in office show that history really does repeat itself. This interview aired back on October 31, 2020 and serves as a great recap for Season 5 on Ohio and the Presidency. Special thanks to Vince and the team at Wessler Media. If you’re looking to do a podcast of your own give Vince a shout. https://www.wesslermedia.com Thanks for listening this season. Go back and check out Season 5 about Ohio and the Presidency, our favorite season of the show thus far. We’ll be back with Season 6 in March 2021.

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Episode 13: “William Howard Taft v. the World”. The Season 5 finale is here and we end our season on Ohio and the Presidency in a big way. Alex travels to Cincinnati, Ohio to bring you the story of William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States. The only person to be the Chief Executive and the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. We examine why Taft is an overlooked and underrated Commander in Chief in the early 20th Century. Alex speaks with Taft biographer, Jeffrey Rosen about the fascinating life and career of Will Taft. Rosen, the CEO of the National Constitution Center in Philiadelphia, is the author of the 2018 biography, William Howard Taft. An awesome book in the American Presidents Series, buy Jeffrey’s book here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780805069549 Or get the audiobook on Audible https://www.audible.com/pd/William-Howard-Taft-Audiobook/B07CTT1974. Jeffrey discusses the mixed results of Taft’s presidency, his decade as Chief Justice and what President Taft would think of our chaotic politics today. Alex visits the William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Cincinnati and meets with Reggie Murray and Paula Marett to discuss Taft’s years as a student and judge in the Queen City. We chat about Taft’s years in the White House as a trustbuster and conservationist as well as his complicated relationship with Theodore Roosevelt. Visit the Taft Historic Site in Cincinnati at https://www.nps.gov/wiho/index.htm. Lastly we’re joined by historians Jim Robenalt and Bruce Carlson to discuss Taft’s presidency and the unprecedented 1912 presidential election. They walk us through Taft’s infamous rift with former President Roosevelt and TR’s 3rd party bid for the White House against Taft in 1912. Bruce, host of the excellent podcast, My History Can Beat Up Your Politics, discusses the ultimate “October Surprise” when Roosevelt is nearly assassinated just before the election. An election that Taft would lose in historic fashion, only garnering 8 electoral votes. This might be our last episode of 2020 but we’ll still be very active and have new content during our break. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram (ohiovtheworldpodcast) and Twitter @ohiovtheworld. You can email the show at [email protected] with your show ideas or to order an Ohio v. the World t-shirt ($15 free shipping) to support the show. We’ll see everybody in 2021 for Season 6!

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Episode 12: Ohio v. First Ladies. Alex travels to Canton to the National First Ladies and Historic Site to speak with President and CEO Jennifer Highfield about Ohio’s 1st Ladies. We look at all 8 spouses of Ohio’s presidents and the evolution of the role of the First Lady. Visit the museum and library at www.firstladies.org in downtown Canton. Jennie shares the stories of Canton’s own Ida Saxton McKinley and Ohio’s last first lady, Florence Harding Alex is joined by author and historian Cormac O’Brien to discuss his fun and informative book, The Secret Lives of the First Ladies. Cormac leads our discussion on the fascinating Nellie Herron Taft and her life that seemed destined to live in the White House. Cormac also highlights the trailblazing Caroline Harrison and her tragic death in the White House in 1892. Buy Cormac’s awesome book here: http://www.cormachobrien.com/secret_lives_of_the_first_ladies__strange_stories_and_shocking_trivia_from_inside_.htm We also discuss Ohio’s other First Ladies: Lucretia Garfield, Anna Harrison, Lucy Hayes and the wife of an Ohio President, Julia Grant and her awkward dinner with Queen Victoria in London. Many guests from earlier in the season join us to share stories about Ohio’s First Ladies in our penultimate episode of Season 5: Ohio and the Presidency. Don’t forget to email the show at [email protected] and rate and review us on iTunes.

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Episode 11: Ohio v Debates. It’s presidential debate season! As Trump and Biden prepare to square off this week in Cleveland at the 1st presidential debate of 2020, Alex looks back at the top 5 debates in presidential (and VP) debate history. We also look at the two previous debates that have taken place in the Buckeye State prior to Trump-Biden, Part 1. We are joined by author, professor and debate expert Alan Schroeder to discuss the history of presidential debates. Schroeder, author of Presidential Debates: 50 Years of High Risk TV, discusses the huge ratings of debates in the US and around the world. He helps us break down all the debates that have occurred in Ohio, including an interesting night in 2015 during the Republican primary. Alan shares his expertise on our top 5 debates of all time. Buy his fantastic book here. http://cup.columbia.edu/book/presidential-debates/9780231141055 Former guests and historians, Jim Robenalt and Bruce Carlson, rejoin the show to talk about two debates from Ohio: the 1980 presidential debate between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter and the 2004 VP debate between Sen. John Edwards and VP Dick Cheney. Both taking place in Cleveland. Our other debates from the top 5 include the 1st televised presidential debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon from 1960, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter’s battle from 1976, George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis from 1988 and the infamous VP debate from that same year between Lloyd Bentsen and Dan Quayle. Only two shows left in Season 5: Ohio and the Presidency, thanks so much for listening to Ohio v. the Wold this year. Have fun watching the Trump-Biden debate in Cleveland this week and make sure you vote this fall. Email the show at [email protected] and don’t forget to rate/review us on iTunes.

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