The American Idea

Co-host John Moser is joined by Ben Slomski of Ashland University discuss the origins and original understandings of presidential war powers, and how they’ve evolved over time. What did the Founders think? Did they agree on a single description of what war powers, and when a president could act unilaterally? They explore actions by Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, and other presidents, and make connections to contemporary issues, as well.

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Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

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Jeff is joined by Joe Postell of Hillsdale College discuss the evolution of Congressional rules processes in light of the recent assumption of the majority by Republicans and the contentious votes over a new Speaker of the House. Learn about the fascinating changes in the Speaker’s powers, and how much more limited Speakers are than we often believe. They also discuss the differences between current norms of Democratic and Republican Party leadership and Congressional activity, and how this has played out in leadership behavior and power struggles. Finally, if Congress, in some ways, is “broken” - so far strayed from its original function and powers - can, and how can, it be fixed?

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk

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Jeff and Lucas Morel, on this special MLK Day episode, discuss the ideas, actions, and legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. and Malcolm X. What were their core philosophies and beliefs? How did their actions reflect these? How did their ideas impact their followers, opponents, and each other? And how did these two men play off and shape each other?

You can find Lucas's latest book, Lincoln and the American Founding, on Amazon. The other books mentioned are here:

• I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches that Changed the World

• Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?

• A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches

• Malcolm X Speaks: Selected Speeches and Statements

• Black Power: The Politics of Liberation

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

RSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bve

Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Join Jeff as he Bill McClay discuss the state of American civics education, with an eye toward free expression, what's being taught, and how individuals and families can think through the thorny issue of schooling in 2023.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff is joined by Dr. Jason Stevens of Ashland University and the Ashbrook Scholar program to discuss the 160th anniversary of one of the most important documents in American history. Lacking the eloquence and rhetorical flourish we have come to expect from Lincoln, the Final Emancipation Proclamation’s power isn’t in its wording, but in what it accomplishes: utilizing constitutional authority to free millions of slaves and lay the foundation for the abolishment of the institution itself.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk

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Jeff sits down with Chris Burkett and Greg McBrayer to discuss Ronald Reagan's famed speech at the Brandenburg Gate on 12 June 1987, in which the president called on Mikhail Gorbachev to "...tear down this wall!" Beyond this, the speech contains numerous examples of Reagan's political philosophy and his respect for individual liberty and human dignity before the state.

Read two of the speeches mentioned to supplement the program: "A Time for Choosing", and his Brandenburg Gate Speech.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

How can liberal society respond to current demands on economics and society? Smith addresses far more than economics and, in fact, wrote extensively on morality and moral judgments in interpersonal and social relations. What did he believe and what can we learn from him, and from his two books The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) and The Wealth of Nations (1776)? Smith posits that moral sentiments are a two-way street, and that we can’t help but, as we interact with others, “feel” with others - to put ourselves in others’ shoes. Smith also discusses what he believes makes nations wealthy, and the tension between efficiency and human dignity.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

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Jeff discusses the life, ideas, and legacy of Winston Churchill with Jim Muller of the University of Alaska Anchorage, and renowned Churchill authority,

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff is joined by Dr. John Moser of Ashland University to discuss the concept of turning points in history, particularly war, and some specific examples from the Second World War. Access the maps John used here.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m

Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz

RSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bve

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Dr. Robert George of Princeton University joins Jeff to discuss the sad shape of the American university as a function of a lack of clarity by many in higher education as to the core purpose of a university education. George asserts that the core mission is, and should be, the pursuit of truth, even though imparting professional skills is an expectation of students, parents, and taxpayers. It is the pursuit of knowledge of the truth, however, that is the core mission and must serve as the primary measuring stick of institutional goals, use of resources, and treatment of those connected to the university. They also discuss the central role of courage and speaking the truth, especially when it stands against some new orthodoxies that have taken root in society and, especially, at the university.

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton