The Brandy Show...

With the upstart colonies of the new world flexing their muscles against their English oppressors, the United States of America was born. There were so many seminal moments during the formation of this new union, it's is hard to pick one or two events that stand at the top as the "one thing" that changed the course of history. There was so much written, battles were fought, rhetoric was hurled from either side, but it all culminated in a new nation formed out of a sense of fairness and equality for all. One of the many documents that embodies the principles that our founding fathers were determined to instill in this new nation was the Declaration of Independence. Take a trip back in history, and listen to the high ideals this upstart nation wanted to imprint on it's people so their future could sustain and deliver on its promise for a better life for all. The men who signed this Declaration put their lives on the line for this notion, and 250 years later it still stands as a beacon of freedom and liberty for all.

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.

In May of 1962, General Douglas MacArthur, one of the most decorated soldiers of his generation was named the Sylvanus Thayer Award winner by the United States Military Academy. The award honors those whose accomplishments and service to the national  interests have exemplified the the academy's motto of "duty, honor, country." MacArthur was extremely honored by his beloved academy's honor and gave one of the most memorable acceptance speeches West Point has ever heard. In this episode, I do my best to give MacArthurs speech to the Corp it's proper respect.

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.

When Chad Henne, a former Michigan quarterback and multi year NFL star retired from the NFL. he took some heat in social media after his last seasons as a back up in Kansas City to Patrick Mahomes. Chad retired on top of the football world with a Super Bowl ring ending a wonderful career. I read some remarks after Chad announced the retirement that he was an average quaerterback who made a lot of money and never won much til he was a back up. Those remarks in my opinion are stupid and don't reflect the important contribution these guys provide to a championship team. Back up quarterbacks have an incredible work ethic and they are the personification of a team oriented guy. While this commentary covers my opinion on most all the back up quarterbacks in the League, it was prompted by Chad Henne's retirement and my affection for his career and commitment over his years as a solid professional.

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.

It was over 100 years ago when an athletic director genius and visionary named Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan had an idea. It was about intercollegiate athletics for all. One part of that plan was a massive football stadium that was far beyond the scope of anything that had been already constructed or was planned to be constructed. “Ambitious” would have been an understatement for Yosts’ plan. Yet, he believed so firmly, he saw it through. It is now an iconic venue that is recognized world wide. It is as serviceable in 2025, as it was in 1927, and will be for years to come. This is the offspring of the incredible foresight of Fielding H Yost. Dr Robert Soderstrom takes us through the process with an historic tour-de-force book, “The Big House - Fielding H. Yost, and the Building of Michigan Stadium."” Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Robert Soderstrom about Michigan Stadium.

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.

Bits and pieces of history that are surprising come from all aspects of historic events. For instance, Robert E Lee, the South's greatest General in the Civil War tendered a resignation letter to his president, Jefferson Davis when the war was still raging. Davis wrote Lee back and refused to accept his resignation. The rest, as they say, is history. But, to experience the anguish of  Lee's letter, and the encouraging reply of Davis gives a sense of the desperate time, but also the respect both men had for each other. It's all in this episode of "The Brandy Show." 

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.

On September 2nd of 1945, the Emperor of Japan surrendered to the Supreme Allied commander, General Douglas MacArthur of the United States. The event took place in Tokyo Bay on the deck of the United States battleship Missouri. It marked the end of one of the bloodiest and deadliest conflicts in world history. For this occasion, MacArthur was compelled by the events that brought the war to an end to speak about the occasion, and the significance it held for the entire globe. This episode of "The Brandy Show" features both speeches as transcribed by historians who were present that day on the Missouri. MacArthur's remarks are read by the producer of this podcast, Jim Brandstatter.

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.

Gambling has been looking for a foothold to invade the world of professional and college sports for a very long time. You can go back to the Black Sox scandal in major league baseball way back in 1919 as an example. But now, gambling enjoys seats in the front row. It used to be available only in Vegas or shady store fronts. Now they advertise for your bets on our TV's and radio's. Gambling is a major sponsor for the games they hope people will bet on so they can make their profits from the losing bettors. The whole scenario prompted me to write this commentary back in 2023, and now you can hear it in this episode of the Brandy Show.

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain is one of America's literary treasures. Not only a great writer of classics like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Twain was an essayist, humorist and wonderful speaker. He would, and could converse on just about any topic. From politics, to the arts, to literature, to journalism, to history, Twain was never boring. With an acerbic yet playful style, he played his audiences and readers like a maestro, and had them loving every word by the time he was finished. This speech to the New York Engineers Club in 1907 honoring Andrew Carnegie is an example of his talents as he takes on the English language and its sometimes confusing foundational spelling practices.

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.

A commentary on the fragile balance the NFL manages between its standing as the colossal giant in professional team sports, and the underbelly of its mega successful standing as a business beast. When the players that create the beast become expendable, despite their exemplary service, the business portion of the beast casts them away. Don't feel sorry for the players, they usually find their way to continued pay days, but make no mistake,  business is king, the game just keeps it fed. 

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.

Abraham Lincoln was one of two people asked to speak at the dedication of the cemetery in Gettysburg. The other speaker took more than 2 hours for his address, Lincoln's lasted a little more than two minutes. Despite the brevity of the remarks, they have lasted much longer than the other speakers by a mile. Hear the address, and the context surrounding this historical event in this episode.

Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.