Howard and Jessica Dorre host the Plodding Through The Presidents podcast. The show implies much about its tone through its episode titles, such as "The Sauciest Presidential Love Letters." The husband-and-wife team offers intriguing revelations about the Founding Fathers. Listeners may find they learn surprising and entertaining facts regarding early American history.

Howard had set out to read one book about each US president in order of time in office. He found the first few books so fascinating that he decided to focus on the earliest eras. This podcast was born out of his specific focus and learning. Howard has a particular interest in John Quincy Adams. Jessica, Howard's wife, does not share his voracious fascination. Like listeners, she learns about the material from Howard. Her reactions and encouragement make the show warmer and more engaging.

The couple's banter is playful in episodes about more colorful historical characters. When discussing Gouverneur Morris, they enjoy the euphemism "the needful." This obscure Founding Father was a playboy and a bit of an exhibitionist. He did "the needful" in several public spaces in Paris. Howard and Jessica joke about the potential for a Parisian walking tour of his exploits.

When the stories on the podcast are unpleasant, there is an appropriate change in tone. The hosts share Elizabeth Jefferson's heartbreaking story about slavery and ableism. Thomas Jefferson was a notorious enslaver. Fewer people know about his disabled sister, Elizabeth. Fewer still may know the name Little Sall, the enslaved person who looked after her.

Howard is always happy to welcome fellow history buffs as guests. Historian Karen L. Cox talks about monuments in the southern US. Karen's discussion has an impact on Jessica. Karen explains that the monuments have direct links to white supremacy. Jessica hadn't realized there had been resistance to the statues, even in 1870.

Plodding Through The Presidents explores America's early, at times troubling, history in a sensitive way.