Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast

He came to office after a hotly contested election and served only a single term. How did Rutherford B. Hayes change the presidency and the United States? 

Tune into this episode where I lay the groundwork for understanding the twentieth president of the United States. Learn about Hayes' early days, his military service, and his pre-presidential political appointments. 

When you are done listening to this introductory episode, be sure to check out the episode dedicated to the election of 1876 so you are all prepared for the final chapter next week! 

Support the show

The Gilded Age began as the United States marked the 100th anniversary of independence, entering an era of rapid industrial growth and profound social change. This introductory episode sets the stage for what you can expect in my coverage of the Gilded Age, exploring how new technologies, expanding railroads, and rising industrial power transformed everyday life.

Learn how as wealth accumulated at the top and economic inequality widened workers organized and demanded better and safer working conditions. I also touch on how political corruption flourished alongside unprecedented prosperity, sparking growing demands for reform. We have so much...

Was the American Revolution really just a colonial rebellion against Britain? According to historian Dr. Richard Bell, the answer is no.

In this episode, we discuss Bell’s book The American Revolution and the Fate of the World, which reframes the Revolution as a global, transnational conflict with consequences stretching far beyond North America—from Spain and the Caribbean to Indigenous nations and British India.

Bell challenges familiar myths about the Revolution, including the simplistic portrayal of King George III as a tyrant, the mythologizing of the Battle of Trenton, and the idea that the conf...

Join me as I sit down with Dr. Nicole Nehrig to discuss her book With Her Own Hands: Women Weaving Their Stories which explores the historical and psychological significance of textiles and knitting. She emphasizes the critical role of textiles in human survival, community building among women, and the economic participation of women throughout history. Our conversation also touches on the connections between textile work and witchcraft accusations, the impact of influential figures like Elizabeth Zimmerman, and the storytelling potential of textiles. Dr. Nehrig also shares her personal journey with knitting and the insights gained from her research, encouraging l...

Join me as I sit down with historian Ronald Angelo Johnson to explore his groundbreaking book Entangled Alliances: Black Internationalism in the Early American Republic. Johnson reveals how free Black communities, Caribbean revolutionaries, and geopolitical alliances shaped the rise of U.S. diplomacy during the nation’s formative decades.

From the Haitian Revolution to the complex relationship between African American activists and U.S. officials, Johnson explains why early American history cannot be understood without the influence of the Black Atlantic world and why history can never be seen as simply black and white. 

Support the...

Join me as I welcome historian and bestselling author Dr. Elizabeth Cobbs about her book Fearless Women and her powerful concept of patriotic feminism. Dr. Cobbs explains how generations of American women have pushed the nation to live up to its founding ideals, often pairing a deep love of country with a bold willingness to demand change.

Our conversation explores the women who shaped U.S. history—famous and forgotten—and the surprising ways their activism, labor, and leadership moved the country forward. This episode is a compelling look at how patriotic feminism has influenced American identity from...

The presidential election of 1876 stands as one of the most contested and consequential turning points in American history. In this episode, I explore the dramatic showdown between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel Tilden, unfolding at a moment when the country was still grappling with the legacy of Reconstruction.

Join me as I highlight how a political crisis emerged when disputed returns from the South threw the nation into chaos without a constitutional remedy. What followed was an unprecedented political standoff: the creation of a federal election commission, intense negotiations between Hayes supporters and southern Democrats...

Your favorite history podcasters are back again! Join myself, Kenny from Abridged Presidential Histories, Howard from Plodding Through the Presidencies, and Jerry from The Presidencies of the United States as we chat about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, our dream historical projects, and our affinity for dueling. 

Happy Holidays! 

Support the show

What really happened at the Battle of Little Bighorn and how did a single momentous victory seal the fate of the Plains tribes?

Join me this week as I dive into the events that led to Custer’s defeat, the broken treaties and gold rush that fueled the conflict, and how the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho achieved one of the most decisive Native victories in U.S. history. I also explore how the aftermath reshaped federal policy, public opinion, and the future of the Great Plains.

Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Mahler, author of The Gods of New York, to explore the four years that transformed America’s greatest city—and foretold the divisions that would come to define the nation.

From Wall Street’s boom to the crack epidemic, from Howard Beach to the Central Park jogger case, from ACT UP to Spike Lee, the New York of 1986–1989 was a city teeming with conflict, creativity, and change. Mahler paints a vivid portrait of a metropolis at war with itself: between greed and grit, privilege and poverty, rebirth and decay.

Tog...

Passed in 1798 as part of the notorious Alien and Sedition Acts, the Alien Enemies Act has outlived its controversial siblings — and it’s still on the books today. In this episode, I trace its origins in the fear and politics of the early republic, how presidents from Madison to FDR have invoked it in times of war, and what it means that this 18th-century law remains active in the 21st century.

From the tension between liberty and security to the ways old laws shape modern policy, this is the story of how a relic of the Fede...

In this episode, I look back on the Reconstruction era — a period that represented both a second founding of the United States and one of its greatest unfinished revolutions. Over the past year, I explored the political battles, social transformations, and cultural reckonings that defined Reconstruction. Now, I reflect on what that history means and how it set the stage for the Gilded Age that followed.

Support the show

Join me as I sit down with author Matthew Davis to discuss his new book, A Biography of a Mountain, an in-depth look at the creation, meaning, and legacy of Mount Rushmore. Davis explores how the monument came to symbolize both American pride and historical injustice, tracing its evolution from a tourist attraction to a contested landmark at the heart of U.S. public history.

Learn more about Matthew at his website: www.matthewdaviswriter.com

Support the show

The Insurrection Act has stood at the crossroads of law, power, and public order for over two centuries. This episode traces its roots from the Militia Acts of 1792 and 1795 to its modern interpretations in moments of national crisis. Discover how this rarely invoked law has shaped presidential authority, balanced federal and state power, and influenced some of the most turbulent chapters in American history. A civics deep dive into how one statute continues to test the boundaries of democracy and governance.

Support the show

She was a child clairvoyant, the first woman to own a Wall Street brokerage firm—and in 1872, she became the first woman to run for president of the United States. Join me as I sit down with author Eden Collinsworth to unpack the astonishing, unconventional, and often-overlooked life of Victoria Woodhull. Drawing from her new book The Improbable Victoria Woodhull, Collinsworth shares insights into Woodhull’s rise from spiritualist and outsider to a figure who challenged nearly every social and political norm of her time. 

Support the show

What kind of epidemic could turn a thriving American city into a ghost town almost overnight?

Join me as I explore the chilling story of the 1878 yellow fever epidemic—a public health disaster that decimated Memphis and echoed far beyond the Mississippi River Valley. While yellow fever had haunted the U.S. since the slave trade, it was the post–Civil War era—with its railroads, riverboats, and lack of national infrastructure—that turned an outbreak into a catastrophe. The fever emptied cities, bankrupted local governments, and revealed just how unprepared the nation was. But in the aftermat...

What if America’s first serial killer wasn’t H.H. Holmes—but someone far more brutal and completely forgotten?

In this episode, I unravel the chilling mystery of the Servant Girl Annihilator, a violent and elusive murderer who stalked Austin, Texas from 1884 to 1885—years before Holmes ever claimed a victim. Eight people were slaughtered in their homes, yet this case remains buried beneath history’s more famous headlines. Who was this killer? Why were the crimes so quickly forgotten? And could this American predator have crossed the Atlantic to become the infamous Jack the Ripper?

Step int...

What can one church in Washington, D.C. reveal about American religious life, social justice, and the power of oral history? In this episode, I talk with public historian Shae Corey, the creator and producer of the podcast Holy Local, which grew out of an in-depth oral history project focused on the Church of the Saviour.

Shae shares what it takes to build a public history project from the ground up, the unexpected challenges of capturing living memory, and why stories of faith—especially local, community-based ones—matter deeply in understanding our present moment.

Support the...

In 1877, the body of a woman was found near a twisted oak tree in Jefferson, Texas—dressed in fine clothes, shot in the head, and missing a diamond ring. Her name was Bessie Moore, better known as Diamond Bessie. What followed was one of the most sensational murder trials in Texas history.

Join me as I dive into the tangled story behind her death and the man accused of killing her—Abraham Rothschild, a wealthy Cincinnati heir with powerful family connections. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I dig into the real story behind Louisiana Voodoo — a spiritual tradition shaped by West African roots, Haitian resistance, and the streets of New Orleans. Discover how the Haitian Revolution sent shockwaves across the Atlantic, bringing people, beliefs, and tensions into the heart of Louisiana. Hear the story of Betsey Toledano, a name often left out of the textbooks, and unravel the legend of Marie Laveau.

Voodoo in America has long been distorted by fear and folklore. It's time to set the record straight.

Support the show

One of the costliest conflicts launched in opposition of Indigenous Americans, the Modoc War pitted the United States Army against a dwindling band of Modoc. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Modoc fighters successfully defended their post for six months. Yet the Modoc War remains one of the least known conflicts in history. 

Tune in to learn about the Modoc and what drove them to war. 

Support the show

From spinsters to old maids, women who broke conventions to remain single have long been derided as somehow outside of the norm. But history shows this has been happening for generations. What gives?

Join me this week as I sit down with author and illustrator Emma Duval to chat about her debut book, Unwed & Unbothered: The Defiant Lives of Single Women Throughout History. Learn about what motivated Emma to write such a book, what she uncovered in her research, and what learning about these women can tell us about our present moment. 

You can learn m...

Join me this week as I explore the vital but often overlooked role of Black women in the Reconstruction-era South. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Black women were central to rebuilding Black communities and creating the social foundation for future generations. Through everyday acts of care, resistance, and resilience, they redefined citizenship and freedom on their own terms. This episode is a closer look at how liberation was lived and fought for beyond policy and politics.

Support the show

Join me as I sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer William Taubman to explore his latest work, McNamara at War: A New History. Authors Philip and William Taubman take readers behind the scenes of Robert S. McNamara’s career, from his role in shaping U.S. defense policy to the internal conflicts that defined his legacy. In this episode, we discuss how McNamara navigated war, power, and moral complexity while telling the story through a new lens. Whether you're a student of leadership, biography, or Cold War history, this conversation opens a compelling window into a consequential life.

...

After the Civil War, education became one of the most powerful tools for newly freed Black Americans and one of the most fiercely contested. Join me as I explore the rise of Black education during Reconstruction, from grassroots schools built by the Black community to the founding of the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Learn how freed people organized, taught, and funded early schools, often under threat of violence. I also touch on the role of the Freedmen’s Bureau and Northern missionaries, alongside the foundational influence of institutions like Howard.

Key voices li...

How do you replace enslaved labor and rebuild an economy?

In the aftermath of the Civil War, the Southern economy didn’t just have to recover; it had to reinvent itself. Join me as I explore how systems like sharecropping and the cotton lien system emerged to replace slavery, and why these systems often kept both Black and white farmers trapped in poverty.

This episode unpacks the economic realities of Reconstruction, revealing how freedom didn’t always come with opportunity—and how the structures put in place during this era shaped the South for generations.

S...

What can a miniature portrait painter teach us about fame, fortune, and forgotten women of the Gilded Age?

In this episode I welcome historian and author Kathleen Langone to explore the fascinating life and career of Amalia Kussner — one of the Gilded Age’s most sought-after portrait artists. Drawing from her new book, The Miniature Painter Revealed: Amalia Kussner's Gilded Age Pursuit of Fame and Fortune, Langone discusses Kussner’s remarkable rise, her elite clientele (including American and European royalty), and her lasting impact on art and society.

The conversation also dives into how The Gilded...

Reconstruction is often taught as a Southern story, focused on the political, social, and legal changes that followed the Civil War. But for Mexican Americans living in the American Southwest, this era brought a different set of challenges, betrayals, and broken promises.

Join me as I explore the Mexican American experience during Reconstruction. Learn how laws and treaties meant to protect land rights and citizenship were frequently ignored by both local and federal authorities. From legal battles over property to systemic efforts that erased Mexican American identity, learn how Reconstruction had implications far beyond the South. 

Join me this week as I take a look at the life and legacy of Jay Gould, one of the most talked-about figures of the Gilded Age. From his early years in the tannery business to his rise as a major player in America’s railroad expansion, Gould left a complicated mark on U.S. history.

Learn how he navigated the cutthroat world of 19th-century finance, earned both admiration and criticism, and came to symbolize the era’s fierce capitalism. All in the time it takes to enjoy your morning coffee.

Have a figure or mome...

Charles Sumner was one of the fiercest voices for abolition and racial equality in 19th-century America, but how much do we really know about the man behind the Senate desk? Join me as I sit down with Zaakir Tameez, author of Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation, to explore the radical ideas, bold political stands, and enduring legacy of a leader who challenged a nation to live up to its ideals.

From Sumner’s anti-slavery crusade to his brutal caning on the Senate floor, we discuss key moments in his life, and reflect on what his moral cl...

In 1875, the United States passed the Page Act: the first federal law to restrict immigration. The Page Act marked a turning point in American immigration policy, introducing the use of moral and racial criteria to determine who could enter the country.

Join me as I examine the origins, language, and enforcement of the Page Act, how the law impacted immigration from China, and how it shaped future U.S. policies, including the Chinese Exclusion Act.

The Page Act is often overlooked in discussions of American immigration history, but it offers important insight into how race...

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was one of the most powerful reform organizations of the 19th century, but its story goes far beyond banning booze. Sit down with me as I dive into the WTCU's origins, its wide-ranging activism, and the influential women who helped shape its legacy.

From the moral crusades of Frances Willard and her ambitious "Do Everything" policy to the saloon-smashing spectacle of Carrie Nation, learn how temperance became a launchpad for broader social change, including suffrage and education reform.

Support the show

Veteran screenwriter and producer Rob Edwards (The Princess and the Frog, Treasure Planet) joins the show to discuss his newest project: a graphic novel chronicling the extraordinary life of Robert Smalls, a man born into slavery who became a Civil War hero, ship captain, and U.S. Congressman.

Topics include:

A must-listen for fans of U.S. history, Black history, and historical storytelling th...

Sit down with me as I reflect on five years of Civics and Coffee! In this episode I look back on where I started and explain where I would like to go. I also give you an inside look into the rebranding of the show and how I landed on the new name, Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast. 

Help me celebrate five years by subscribing to the podcast's YouTube Channel and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a free book! 

Support the show

What do cocktails, hospitals, and the American railroad system have in common? Ice.

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Brady, author of Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks – A Cool History of a Hot Commodity, to explore how something as simple as frozen water reshaped the nation. From 19th-century ice harvesting to the rise of refrigeration and its impact on food, medicine, and leisure, we dive into the chilly history behind one of America’s most overlooked innovations.

We also discuss what the story of ice reveals about climate, class, and cultural memory...

For over a century, the Colfax Massacre was inaccurately labeled a “race riot.” But in reality, it stands as one of the deadliest instances of racial and political violence during the Reconstruction Era. Join me this episode as I uncover what happened in Colfax, Louisiana in 1873 including why Black citizens were targeted for defending their newly won rights and how the legal aftermath shaped the limits of federal civil rights enforcement for decades to come.

Grab your coffee and get ready to revisit the facts, challenge the myths, and explore what this event reveals about the way hist...

Join me this week as I sit down with Dr. Hilary Green to discuss her latest book, Unforgettable Sacrifice: How Black Communities Remembered the Civil War. In our conversation we dive into the importance of preserving historical memory, the work of Black women to guard the past, and what we these communities teach us about the Civil War. 

Support the show

In this episode I explore the life and legacy of the man who first established "bossism," William Tweed. Learn about Tweed's early life and his increasing influence while serving in local offices and how it all came crashing down. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the story of Little Women and its author Louisa May Alcott. Learn all about Alcott's youth and exactly how the story of Little Women got started. 

Support the show

Joining me this week is scholar and fellow podcaster Dr. Matthew Brogdon. He is a Political Scientist with an expertise in American Constitutionalism. In this episode, we discuss the history of the 13th and 14th Amendments and how they reshaped American society. We also spent time talking about how the amendments of this period influence our society today. 

Be sure to check out Matthew's podcast, This Constitution, and check out the great work is doing with The Quill Project by visiting https://www.uvu.edu/ccs/

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into another listener request and tackle the history of Bourbon. In this episode I cover when Bourbon got its start in the United States, how it differs from Scottish Whiskey, and why it is considered America's drink. 

The episode also mentions the Whiskey Rebellion, which you can learn more about by listening to the episode I dedicated to it back in 2021 here. Happy listening! 

Support the show

Join me this week as I chat with Dr. Anita Chan to discuss her latest book, Predatory Data: Eugenics in Big Tech and Our Fight for an Independent Future. 

To learn more about Dr. Chan, be sure to visit her website at: https://www.anitachan.org/

Support the show

Join me this week as I sit down and dive into the Panic of 1873. Learn how one man, Jay Cooke, brought the United States economy to the brink and how the panic has connections with the recession of 2008. 

Support the show

Victoria Woodhull is perhaps best known to contemporary audiences for her decision to launch a questionable, and ultimately unsuccessful, bid for the presidency in 1872. But there is much more to Woodhull than her failed political career. Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of Victoria Woodhull. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the cause and legacy of the Great Chicago Fire. What sparked the massive blaze? How did the city recover? And how did the fire inspire new structural technologies? 

Support the show

Soon after assuming office, President Grant was overwhelmed with letters from residents telling of the constant reign of terror they faced for exercising their right to vote. Unable to act as forcefully as he wanted, Grant asked Congress for a new law that would provide the necessary tools to combat the racial political violence. Their answer? The Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. Tune in this week as I dive into the law and how it was used to break the backs of the Ku Klux Klan in the south. 

Support the show

Join me this episode as I sit down with author Robert O'Connor to discuss his historical novel about the Morale Corps during World War II, Jeep Show. 

To learn more about Robert, visit his website at www.jeepshowbook.com

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of First Lady Julia Grant. Learn about Grant's early life living in the border state of Missouri, how she met her future husband, and how she impacted the role of First Lady. 

Support the show

This week I wrap up the presidency and legacy of President Ulysses S. Grant. Learn about Grant's time in office, his work to preserve the civil rights of African Americans, and the struggles he faced due to his lack of political experience. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I begin my coverage of the life and legacy of 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. In this episode, I cover Grant's early life including his decision to enroll at the Military Academy at West Point and his experiences during the Civil War. 

Support the show

Join me this week for my conversation with Dr. Anthony Grasso where we discuss his latest book, Dual Justice: America's Divergent Approaches to Street and Corporate Crime. Learn all about how different ideologies influenced the criminal justice system and how they are still impacting carceral policy today. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I wrap up my coverage of the Colorado Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder. In this episode I dive into Schroeder's legislative accomplishments and her decision to launch a campaign for president. 

Support the show

This week's episode comes to you thanks to a listener request! Join me as I dive into part one of feminist politician Patricia Schroeder's life and legacy. In this episode I cover Schroeder's early life, including her experience attending Harvard Law School, and her unlikely 1972 campaign to represent Colorado in the House of Representatives. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the history of the transcontinental railroad. Learn all about how it got started, how the two companies bested nature, and the complicated legacy the rail left in its wake. 

Support the show

Tune into this listener's request where I dive into the story of Reuel Colt Gridley who stumbled into a creative way to raise money for the United States Sanitary Commission during the Civil War. Learn about Gridley, the fundraiser, and how Mark Twain is involved. 

Support the show

Join me in this episode I sit down with Dr. Paul Gagliardi to discuss his book All Play and No Work which analyzes complex portrayals of labor and work relief through plays selected by the Federal Theatre Project. Tune in to learn about the Federal Theatre Project and the organization's role in the New Deal.  

Support the show

Join for another bonus episode where I sit down with Dr. Brittany Friedman to discuss her book, Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons. 

To learn more about Dr. Friedman, be sure to visit her website at www.brittanyfriedman.com

For Bay Area listeners: be sure to catch Dr. Friedman at her book talk on March 16th at Book Passage in San Francisco. Learn more here. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I explore the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. Learn why the United States and Plains tribes engaged in yet another negotiation aimed at securing peace, how the agreement was eventually violated by the U.S. government, and how it all ties to a still-active Supreme Court case. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I explore the history of the first iteration of the Ku Klux Klan. Learn about the earliest days of the organization, how it evolved into a dangerous domestic terrorist group, and how their acts of violence sough to depress the influence of Black Americans and the Republican Party throughout the former Confederacy. 

Please note, there is mature content shared in this episode. 

Support the show

Join me for this BONUS episode where I welcome Dr. Andrew Sillen to discuss his latest book, Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White.

You can learn more about Dr. Sillen by checking out his website: https://kidnappedatsea.com/

Support the show

Frances Harper was an abolitionist, author, and activist who spent her life in the pursuit of a better nation. Risking her safety to tour on the anti-slavery lecture circuit before the war, Harper became one of the loudest critics of Andrew Johnson during Reconstruction. Tune in this week as I dive into her life, motivations, and legacy. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the life of Eliza McCardle Johnson. In this episode I dive into McCardle's early years, her relationship with Andrew Johnson, and how she chose to run the house as First Lady. 

Support the show

Joining me this week is historian and author Dr. Alexis Peri. In this episode we discuss her latest book Dear Unknown Friend, which tells the story of the Soviet and American women who traded correspondence toward the end of World War II and during the Cold War. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I wrap up my coverage of the life and presidency of 17th President Andrew Johnson. In this episode, I dive into Johnson's meeting with Black abolitionists and his impeachment - the first in United States history. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the early life of 17th President Andrew Johnson. Learn how a man born to poor, illiterate parents beat the odds to become Vice President then President of the United States. 

Support the show

In this episode, historian and author Salina Baker discusses her latest book, The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nathaneal Greene and the American Revolution. Tune in to learn who Greene was, what role he played in the American Revolution, and how historical fiction can make the past come alive.

You can find out more about Salina by going to her website at www.salinabbaker.com

Support the show

Considered by some historians to be the most important amendment to the Constitution, the 14th Amendment sought to codify the protections provided by the 1866 Civil Rights Act. Tune in to learn why Senators felt an amendment was necessary, how it impacted women's push for the vote, and how it has been used to secure freedom for generations of Americans. 

Support the show

For a period of three days in May of 1866, the city of Memphis was plagues with violence as racial tensions exploded. The first race riot to happen after the Civil War, the massacre demonstrated how ineffective local governments were in responding to lawless, prompting Congress to push for a "radical" reconstruction. Tune in to find out just what happened and how it was used to forge the 14th Amendment. 

Support the show

After President Andrew Johnson's initial attempts at "reconstruction" demonstrated his hostility toward Black Americans, Republican members of Congress focused their energies on forging a new path for reconstruction. Join me this week where I talk about their efforts, including their work to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Reconstruction Act of 1867, and so much more.  

Support the show

Join me on the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor where I dive into why Japan attacked, how the United States responded, and what the legacy the attack left behind. 

Support the show

Joining me this week is Dr. Katie Singer who recently wrote Alien Soil: Oral Histories of Great Migration Newark. Our conversation covers everything from the importance of oral history to the lived experiences of Black Americans in Newark. When you are finished with the episode, be sure to pick up a copy for you and your friends. 

Support the show

At the end of the Civil War, Andrew Johnson faced quite the task in assessing how to reunite the country after years of bloody conflict. A man not known for his political acumen, Johnson moved quickly in establishing his vision for reconstruction. Tune in this week to learn about what Johnson did and why it led to a showdown with Congress. 

Support the show

The boys and I are back again with another Friendsgiving Spectacular! Tune in as Jerry, Kenny, Howard, and I ask each other questions and dive into the weird and unusual story of the American past. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into how Black Americans entered the political arena in the years immediately after the Civil War. In this episode, I discuss the history of Union Leagues, Black Codes, and what role the Ku Klux Klan played in diminishing African American political participation. 

Support the show

Robert Smalls was one of millions of Black American born into slavery in 1839. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Smalls embarked on one of the most daring escapes imaginable by commandeering a confederate transport ship. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Robert Smalls. 

Support the show

Joining me this week is Dr. Donna Nichol to discuss her latest book Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, the California State University, and the Fight to Save Affirmative Action. Her work traces this life and legacy of the first Black woman to serve on the California State University Board of Trustees, Dr. Claudia Hampton.

Tune in to learn about Dr. Hampton and how her work left tangible impacts for California students.

To learn more about Dr. Nicol, be sure to visit her website at www.donnajnicol.com

Support the show

Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds is one of the most iconic horror movies in the history of cinema. Filmed in Bodega Bay, California in the 1960s, the terrifying story was plagued with production issues and questionable behavior from its director. Tune in this week as I dive into the history of making The Birds. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the mysterious story of America's first female serial killer, Belle Gunness. Learn how her meager beginnings in Norway motivated her to seek prosperity in the United States, why she took in children, and how she managed to escape punishment for her crimes. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I sit down with authors Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy to discuss their new book, With Hunt: The Cold War, Joe McCarthy, and the Red Scare. 

Support the show

In the earliest months of Reconstruction, several Black Americans were elected to political offices throughout the south. The first man to serve in the Senate, Hiram Revels, hailed from the state of Mississippi. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Hiram Revels. 

Support the show

What was the Freedmen's Bureau, and how did it shape the post-Civil War South? Join me this week as I dive into the triumphs and trials of this historic agency. Learn how the Freedmen's Bureau worked to provide support and equality for newly freed African Americans and learn about its pivotal role in education, attempted land distribution, and legal assistance. 

Support the show

As the dust settled in the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States had several challenges to address. How should formerly seceded states be reintroduced to the Union? What punishment, if any, should former Confederate officials face? And what did freedom for Black Americans mean?

Reconstruction is a complicated, nuanced period in American history. Join me this week as I introduce Reconstruction and what you all can expect over the next several weeks. 

Support the show

Joining me this week is Dan Slater. He is an author whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and GQ. Slater recently wrote the book The Incorruptibles: A True Story of Kingpins, Crime Busters, and the Birth of the American Underworld which tells the story of the origins of the Jewish criminal underworld in the early twentieth century. 

To learn more about Dan, head over to his instagram at: bydanslater

Support the show

As news of end of the Civil War spread, officials made arrangements to get former POWs home. For union men, this meant traveling via steamship. A frequent method of travel, steamships had a reputation for bad accidents. A reputation that would prove true with the Sultana. 

Join me this week as I dive into one of the most devastating maritime disasters in U.S. history: the sinking of the Sultana. Overloaded and plagued by a critical flaw, this steamboat’s final voyage ended in catastrophic explosions on the Mississippi River. Learn more about this disaster - and why...

As the Union continued to rack up military victories deep in Confederate territory, there was a sense the end of the war was near. Despite hopeful sentiments, Abraham Lincoln remained stoic and cautious in his second inaugural address in early March. 

Little did anyone know that surrender would be in hand just over a month later when General Robert E. Lee requested to speak with General Ulysses S. Grant. What happened during their conversation? Tune in to find out. 

Support the show

For the final bonus episode in celebration of FOUR YEARS of Civics & Coffee, I am so excited to share a preview of a NEW bonus show I am hosting on Patreon: Civics & Cocktails!

By joining the Civics & Coffee Patreon on community, you will get historical goodies like stickers, and access to the Civics & Cocktails RSS feed. Each month, I will welcome a guest (or two!) to chat about history over a delicious cocktail. You'll get the same great history, but with an adult twist! 

You can sign up searching for Civics & Coffee on Patreon, or c...

Joining me this week is historian and author Dr. Anthony Gregory. Dr. Gregory specializes in the intersection of liberal political theory and carceral studies. In this episode, we discuss his latest book, New Deal Law and Order: How the War on Crime Built the Modern Liberal State.

You can learn more about Dr. Gregory by visiting his website at www.anthonygregory.com

Support the show

The first Black woman to represent the state of Texas since Reconstruction, Barbara Jordan was a thoughtful, pragmatic politician. She rose to national prominence during the 1974 impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon when her remarks outlined in stark detail the reasons for pursuing impeachment.

Join me on this bonus episode as I dive into the life and career of Barbara Jordan. And if you need a refresher about the Watergate Scandal, be sure to check out the episode I did with the ladies from Hashtag History here. 

Support the show

In the late summer of 1968, thousands of protestors joined politicians, party leaders, and the media in Chicago to attend the Democratic National Convention. 

The convention is known as one of the most chaotic and violent conventions in history and led to significant changes in the party nominating process. Tune in as I dive into what happened and why so many are comparing 1968 to 2024. 

Support the show

Joining me this week is educator and historian Kristin Kessinger. In this episode, we discuss her scholarship analyzing the southern paternalistic justifications for slavery in Missouri and how important it is to understand our past. 

You can follow Kristin on instagram through her handle: rockthekessbah. 

Support the show

In the final months of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln focused his attention on securing the passage of a constitutional amendment banning slavery. But why, if he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, was an amendment necessary?

Tune in this week to find out. 

Support the show

James Baldwin was a writer, activist, and world traveler who dedicated his life to understanding his identity and how it fit within American society. His writing deftly explore these topics and sheds a light on the Black experience in the twentieth century.

Joining me for this bonus episode is past guest Ethan Healey. Healey shares his research about Baldwin's search for identity, how it influenced his activism, and why Baldwin's work still resonates today. 

Support the show

Joining me as I wrap up my coverage of sixteenth president Abraham Lincoln is Jerry Landry. 

Jerry is a presidential history expert and is the host and lead researcher behind the incredible Presidencies of the United States podcast. Jerry lends his insight, expertise, and analysis on Lincoln's administration, how his cabinet helped him be successful during the Civil War, and what current politicians could learn about Lincoln's leadership. 

Support the show

Join me this week for the second chapter of Lincoln's life and legacy. Tune in as I discuss Lincoln's early political career, his debates with Stephen Douglas, and how he surprised everyone to become the 16th President of the United States. 

And be sure to come back next week for a special guest as I wrap up my coverage of Abraham Lincoln. 

Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the latest listener request: the history of coffee in the United States.

Coffee has long been associated with American culture. But how did we get here? Learn how a little revolution altered the drinking habits of colonists and how brewers sought to make the perfect coffee blend. Why was the coffee house considered the home of revolution? And who launched the first commercial coffee company? Tune in to find out. 

Support the show

Sitting down with me today is historian and author Kate Nicholson who recently published Behind Everest: Ruth Mallory's Story which details the life of Ruth Mallory, wife to famed British mountaineer George Mallory. 

We chat about how she discovered Ruth and what motivated her to tell Mallory's story. You can learn more about Kate by visiting the website www.civicsandcoffee.com. 

Support the show

Mary Eliza Mahoney broke the gender and racial barrier when she became the first Black woman to earn her nursing license in 1879. Although Black women had long been performing the work of nurses, Mahoney's successful completion of a rigorous licensing programming demonstrated that African American women were capable of succeeding in medicine. 

But just who was Mary Eliza Mahoney? Tune in to find out. 

Support the show

Not much is known about the first recorded drag queen in the United States, William Dorsey Swann. A man who was born into slavery in Maryland just ahead of the Civil War, Swann eventually moved to Washington, D.C. where he held parties celebrating a different form of expression. 

Tune in this week as I chat about William Dorsey Swann and how his actions are considered by some to be the origins of the LGBTQ rights movement. 

Support the show

Joining me this week is Dr. Robin Bernstein. She is a historian, professor, and author whose latest book Freeman's Challenge: The Murder That Shook America's Original Prison for Profit investigates the origins of penal capitalism.

To buy yourself a copy of the Freeman's Challenge, be sure to head over to the University of Chicago Press' website here. And to learn more about Dr. Bernstein, be sure to check out her website here. 

Support the show

In the nineteenth century, social norms dictated that proper ladies stayed in the domestic space, leaving the home for waged work only under desperate circumstances. As the federal government expanded during the Civil War, the need for labor intensified and administrators quickly realized they had an untapped source: women. 

Join me this week as I dive into the history of women working for the federal service. 

Support the show