The American Idea

Andy Lang and Jeff discuss the idea of American Exceptionalism - is America a special, distinct place because of its political culture and ideas? - and the Civil War. In particular, they discuss the question the Civil War presented: would America be exceptional because it sought to live up to its founding principles, or would exceptionalism result from the creation of a new country, based on the “science” of a racial hierarchy?

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

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Jeff is joined by David Alvis, of Wofford Colege, to discuss the reasons behind and important of the separation of powers in American government. Sure, we were all taught about the three branches, but why those? And how does the American system of government try to balance among them, even while admitting overlap between them?

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Download David’s book for free: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/separation-of-powers/

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Jeff is joined by Bill Rivers, author and former speechwriter for James Mattis, for a discussion of Bill's coming of age novel, "Last Summer Boys." Set in the summer of 1968, the story follows the experiences and choices of three boys living through the tumult of the political and cultural issues of the late 1960s. Jeff and Bill discuss the writer's craft, and Bill's work as a speechwriter for James Mattis during his service as Secretary of Defense.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

John Moser and Johann Neem, of Western Washington University, discuss the movement by many toward a version of American history that seeks to get beyond what have been understood as America's fundamental meaning, identity, and role in the world. From the traditional view of America as a source of hope and good to a reformed vision of America as a force for evil and oppression, many in academia, journalism, and K-12 schools have moved to a "post-America" vision for understanding our country. In this episode we examine this movement, its impact on Americans, and how an honest analysis of both Left and Right extremes can provide a unified and unifying understanding of what America is, and what it can be.

Read Johann's Article: https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/theological-variations/articles/missed-america

Host: John Moser

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Podcast homepage: https://ashbrook.org/viewpoints/

Jeff discusses two of the most fundamental ideas at the foundation of the American experiment: natural rights and their outgrowth, limited government. Get a firm, documents-based understanding of these fundamental principles, and ideas of what to read to consider them in even greater depth.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanideaGet a free copy of the 50 Core American Documents volume: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/50-core-american-documents-cdc/

In this special episode, a former teacher - and Ashbrook MAHG graduate - and former Ashbrook Scholar - and recent law school graduate - discuss their years-long connection and the importance of mentorship, collegial relationships in education, and the place of a classical liberal education.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Ed Achorn, author of "The Summer of Beer and Whiskey," a fascinating story of the 1883 baseball season. Far more than a history of the early years of baseball as a sport and commercial enterprise, it's also a story of America, Americans at leisure, and the individuals who made their mark at the time and, in many ways, on the years since.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea