Thomas Jefferson—writer of the Declaration of Independence, founding father, and absolute king of contradictions. He preached small government but flexed executive power whenever it suited him. He wantedeconomic independence but wrecked trade with the Embargo Act of 1807 (which backfired hard). And let’s not forget the Barbary Wars, where Mr. “No Standing Armies” suddenly had zero problem sending in themilitary.

In this episode, Eric and Kyle break down Jefferson’s messypresidency—from his legendary feud with Alexander Hamilton to the treaties that shaped early U.S. diplomacy. The Jay Treaty and Treaty of San Lorenzo? Crucial for trade.

The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair? A major oops that helped push the U.S. toward the War of 1812.

Jefferson’s time in office was anything but smooth, but onething’s for sure—whether he was a genius, a hypocrite, or just really good at winging it, his legacy is still wildly debated.

Was he a mastermind or just making it up as he went? Hitplay and let’s get into it.

"Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Eric Mason and Kyle are here to spill the tea on America’s most complicated founding father—Thomas freaking Jefferson. He wrote the Declaration of Independence (cool), fought for liberty (also cool), but owned slaves while doing it (not cool, TJ). If you’ve ever wondered how someone could fight for freedom while running a plantation, buckle up—this one’s a ride.

They’ll break down how Jefferson went from rich Virginia kid to the brains behind America’s independence, only to turn around and make moves like the Embargo Act (yikes). Oh, and let’s not forget his very messy relationship with Sally Hemmings—because history is nothing if not complicated.

This is Jefferson like you’ve never seen him: flawed, fascinating, and proof that even the people we put on pedestals had major cracks.

Here’s What’s on the Table:

Jefferson: liberty preacher by day, slave owner by night. The Louisiana Purchase? Iconic. The Embargo Act? Embarrassing. His Scottish Enlightenment obsession built America—but also made him so pretentious. Sally Hemmings: DNA doesn’t lie, folks. Six kids and a legacy that’s still debated. "Separation of church and state"? Not in the Constitution—Jefferson just wrote it in a letter. Even Monticello is like, “Yeah, we’re still working on this guy.”

If you’re ready to dive into the glorious mess of one of history’s most problematic geniuses, this episode’s for you. Tune in—it’s about to get complicated and juicy.

Fife and Drum music:

"Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Think modern elections are intense? The 1800 presidential race between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson was the original political drama, complete with personal attacks, cutthroat tactics, and shocking betrayals.

In this episode, Kyle and Eric spill the tea on:

• John Adams, America’s most underrated (and stubborn) founding father, and his fight to launch the U.S. Navy.
• Abigail Adams, the real financial genius of the Adams family, who could out-invest anyone.
• The epic frenemy relationship of Adams and Jefferson—from allies to bitter rivals to pen pals.

Get ready for scandal, shade, and some serious Founding Father drama. Hit play for a reminder that history was never boring!

Fife and Drum music:

"Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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What happens when a fiercely independent lawyer, an accidental diplomat, and a president with a talent for making enemies steps into the highest office in the land? You get John Adams—America’s most underrated Founding Father and the man who somehow managed to lead a nation while setting it on fire at the same time.

In this episode ofThe Buck Starts Here, Kyle and Eric take a deep dive into Adams’ presidency—one filled with international intrigue, domestic chaos, and a brand-new navy that wasn’t quite sure what it was doing yet. From the diplomatic disaster of the XYZ Affair to the highly controversial Alien and Sedition Acts (because jailing your critics is always a great look), Adams' term was anything but smooth sailing.

But Adams wasn’t just a political lightning rod—he was also a man with deep moral convictions, a complicated relationship with power, and a front-row seat to the rise of political parties that would shape the country for centuries. The hosts break down the economic struggles of the era, the role of privateers in early American naval strategy, and why Adams’ biggest problem might have been the shadow of George Washington himself.

Kyle and Eric bring their signature mix of history, humor, and economic insight to untangle the mess, the myths, and the legacy of America’s most reluctant one-term president.

• How Adams found himself in an international scandal with France (oops).
• The Alien and Sedition Acts—what they were, why they happened, and why they’re still controversial.
• Why building a navy was more complicated than just buying some boats.
• The rise of political parties and how they shaped the Adams presidency.
• The surprising ways Adams’ moral compass clashed with his political reality.
• Why the USS Constitution was one of the biggest flexes of early American naval power.

Tune in to hear the unexpected stories, the economic realities, and the fiery debates that made Adams’ presidency one for the history books.

Fife and Drum music:

"Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode ofThe Buck Starts Here, Kyle and Eric dive into the remarkable life and legacy of John Adams, the often-overlooked second president of the United States. From his early days as a principled lawyer to his pivotal role in the Revolution and his presidency, they unpack the complexities of a man whose moral convictions shaped the nation’s future.

The conversation takes a deep dive into Adams’ defense of British soldiers after the Boston Massacre—an act of integrity that set the stage for his role in the Revolution. They also explore his partnership with Abigail Adams, whose wisdom and influence were instrumental in his career, as well as the philosophical foundations Adams championed that continue to resonate in American governance.

Episode Highlights:

• John Adams’ defense of the Boston Massacre participants and its impact on his revolutionary journey.

• The moral courage it took to stand for justice, even in the face of public outrage.

• Abigail Adams’ invaluable contributions and her role as John’s closest confidante.

• The peaceful transition of power from Adams to Jefferson—a landmark moment in American democracy.

• How Adams’ ideals laid the groundwork for America’s independence and governance.

• The complexities of Adams’ character and relationships, which shaped his decisions as a leader.

Get ready for a fresh perspective on one of America’s most principled Founding Fathers, as Kyle and Eric bring history to life with insight, wit, and plenty of unexpected revelations. Don’t miss this deep dive into the legacy of John Adams and the enduring lessons of his leadership!

Fife and Drum music:

"Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Kyle and Eric are joined by art aficionado Rae to dive into the surprisingly dramatic world of Gilbert Stuart’s portraiture—yes, the guy behindthat George Washington portrait you see everywhere. They uncover the juicy details behind Stuart’s creative genius (and financial chaos), the careful crafting of Washington’s image to fit America’s budding identity, and even some macabre tidbits about grave robbing in the name of art.

But that's not all—this episode introduces thevery first POTUS Rating Scale, where the hosts boldly rank the presidents, starting with Washington. Spoiler alert: the father of our country sets the bar pretty high, but does get a perfect score?

With plenty of  banter and unexpected twists, the conversation wraps up by celebrating the enduring legacy of art, leadership, and why Washington’s face deserves all the glory (and maybe even some shade).

Key Takeaways:

• Gilbert Stuart’s portraits made Washington iconic and set artistic benchmarks.

• Washington’s image was a PR masterpiece, crafting America’s cultural identity.

• Stuart’s life was a roller coaster of creative brilliance and financial disasters.

• The Enlightenment brought realism (and a little science) to art.

• Grave robbing, surprisingly, has a history in the art world.

• Portraits were the 18th-century equivalent of Instagram: status, style, and legacy.

• Washington’s leadership set the gold standard—but how does he rank on the POTUS scale?

• Art and architecture preserve cultural identity and reflect human ingenuity.

Stick around for the final POTUS rating—and enjoy an episode packed with art, history, and fun—because even the Founding Fathers deserve a little constructive criticism.

Credits:

Rae’s Substack

Fife and Drum music:

"Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/

Gilbert Stuart:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gilbert_Stuart_by_Sarah_Goodridge,_c._1825,_watercolor_on_ivory,_from_the_National_Portrait_Gallery_-_NPG-NPG_92_120detStuart-000002.jpg

Declaration of Independence Painting:https://nypl.getarchive.net/media/the-declaration-of-independence-277574

Landsdowne Portrait:https://flickr.com/photos/hragvartanian/2442423789

Arnolfini Wedding Portrait: Jan van Eyck, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 Portrait of a lady:Lawrence Kilburn (1720-1775), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Salon de Madame Geoffrin:Anicet Charles Gabriel Lemonnier, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Pigments:https://www.rawpixel.com/image/5927129/photo-image-public-domain-celebration-free

Cincinnatus:Louvre Museum, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

The Skater:National Gallery of Art, CC0, via WikimediaCommons

Spencer Family: Frederick R. Spencer, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Lady Ashburton: Gilbert Stuart, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Gilbert Stuart self portrait: Gilbert Stuart, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Cathering Brass Yates: Gilbert Stuart, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Gilbert Stuart grave: Biruitorul, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Athenaeum portraits George and Martha: Gilbert Stuart, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Painting of the Treaty of Paris:Benjamin West, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John Quincy Adams: Creator:Phillip Haas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Smithsonian Gallery:https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/

Mummy brown: Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kyle and Eric dive into some of the most intriguing—and often overlooked—moments of early American history. They explore the State of Franklin, a rogue attempt at statehood that lasted four tumultuous years, the Yazoo land scandal that redefined political corruption, and the Jay Treaty, a deeply unpopular but pivotal step in repairing U.S.-British relations after the Revolutionary War.

Along the way, they unravel the complexities of economic recovery, the cultural dynamics of post-Revolution diplomacy, and the messy politics of a fledgling nation finding its footing. From shady land deals to tense trade negotiations, this episode is packed with scandal, strategy, and the seeds of modern governance.

• Learn why the State of Franklin almost—but didn’t—make it onto your map.

• Dive into the Yazoo land scandal and its spicy corruption drama.

• Get the scoop on the Jay Treaty: hated, but critical for America’s trade and diplomacy.

• Discover how early politics shaped the tangled web of economics and governance.

• Realize that cronyism isn’t just a 21st-century problem—it’s been around since day one.

Grab your powdered wig and get ready to geek out. It’s history, but with more sass and way fewer boring textbooks.

Credits:"Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License⁠http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠

State of Franklin picture

Bennett1203, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jay’s Treaty:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PreliminaryTreatyOfParisPainting.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Jay%27s-treaty.jpgSee page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-jcc-ushistory1os/chapter/competing-visions-federalists-and-democratic-republicans/

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0 , viaWikimedia Commons

https://boudewijnhuijgens.getarchive.net/amp/media/united-states-senate-to-john-jay-june-1795-instructions-to-john-jay-from-the

What do counterfeiting scandals, the Coinage Act, and George Washington’s tricky dance with the French Revolution have in common? They’re all shaping up to be the juiciest parts of this episode! Kyle and Eric dig into the early chaos of America’s currency crisis—when counterfeiters were thriving and the Coinage Act swooped in to save the day. But that’s just the beginning.

As the French Revolution exploded across the Atlantic, Washington was stuck between a guillotine and a hard place. Should America back its French allies or stay out of the fray? His decision not to support the French revolutionists redefined America’s foreign policy forever and solidified the U.S.-British relationship—though not without drama.

• How a counterfeiting epidemic led to the creation of the Coinage Act.

• Why Washington, once an aspiring British general, became the ultimate revolutionary.

• The surprising connection between the French and American Revolutions.

• Washington’s choice to dodge international conflicts and its long-term impact.

• The evolving U.S.-British dynamic post-presidency.

• How Washington’s decisions laid the groundwork for a rule-based world order.

With plenty of insights and eye-opening history, Kyle and Eric prove there’s more to Washington than just wooden teeth and cherry trees. Hit play and let’s make history fun again!

Fife and Drum music:

"Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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What do you get when you mix a land-surveying farm kid, a reluctant revolutionary, and a no-nonsense general with a knack for leading a country itching to implode? George Washington, of course! In this episode ofThe Buck Starts Here, Kyle and Eric unravel the myth and the man behind the powdered wig. From his scrappy beginnings on a small farm to becoming the glue that held a fledgling nation together, Washington’s story is packed with grit, genius, and just the right amount of drama to keep you hooked.

But Washington’s story isn’t all battles and glory. The hosts examine his economic struggles as a farmer, his decision to leave the military for civilian life, and the mounting discontent with Britain that sowed the seeds of revolution. They also reveal the real challenges he faced as a leader with no party backing, tasked with holding together a young nation on the brink of collapse.

Kyle and Eric mix history with sharp insights and a dash of irreverence to unpack how Washington’s leadership style—marked by humility and a focus on service—shaped the presidency and set traditions still in place today. And they won’t stop there; this episode sets the stage for an even deeper dive into Washington’s presidency next week.

Music: "Fife and Drum" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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Most history podcasts tell you what the presidents did—The Buck Starts Here digs into why they did it (and what they totally screwed up along the way).

History is weird. We’re here to talk about it.

Music: