Presidencies of the United States

Evergreen Podcasts

This podcast is devoted to exploring presidential history from the founding of the office in 1789 on through the present day. I plan to take a systematic approach to both the people and the events that have shaped and reshaped each administration and the office in general. read less

Our Editor's Take

Presidencies of the United States is an enthralling study of each presidency from George Washington onward. The podcast's host, Jerry Landry, reveals how the role originated and how it's changed.

Landry is director of the Technology Training Institute at Central Piedmont Community College. He hosts the Harrison Podcast and has an English degree. These skills are noticeable in the research, writing, and production of this podcast. Landry decided to start the podcast after the controversial 2016 election. He wanted to provide historical insights to help listeners understand present-day politics. It's a comprehensive gift. Landry spent over a year discussing the first presidency alone.

The host didn't want this podcast to be about random trivia or battle dates. Instead, it focuses on four questions about each term. How did the president approach the office? What major events affected their leadership? Were there any pivotal developments in the administration? What were the items of historical significance? Landry examines presidents as humans. He studies Thomas Jefferson's leadership. He also talks about his childhood and prosecuting Aaron Burr for treason.

Landry gives significant attention to the people surrounding the presidents. Each first lady is the subject of a longer podcast episode. Dolley Madison was so compelling that he gave her a three-part miniseries. Listeners learn how she went from a log cabin to the White House to impoverishment before her death. Madison's personal slave bought his freedom from her. He was so affected by her that he brought her baskets of free food in her elder years. As a young girl, people criticized her "gaiety." That friendliness made Madison one of history's most revered first ladies. She was the first to invite both political parties to events she hosted. Madison was an originator of bipartisanship, and her life has modern-day implications.

Landry quotes Jefferson, who said, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." Observing the past helps inform the future of the government. New Presidencies of the United States podcast episodes premiere every other Sunday. Landry also releases interviews and "seat at the table" episodes about cabinet members throughout the month.

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Evergreen Podcasts Listener Survey

Greetings, everyone! Our partners at Evergreen Podcasts and I want to get to know our listeners a bit better, so please take a moment to complete the Listener Survey by going to the following link: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/listener-survey Did I mention that there will be random drawings for folks who complete the survey? In the last question, select "Other" and type in "The Presidencies of the United States" to let our partners know that you're part of Team Presidencies. Thanks so much! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episodes

SATT 027.2 - Richard Rush Part Two

SATT 027.2 - Richard Rush Part Two

Tenure of Office: February 10, 1814 - November 12, 1817 (as Attorney General); March 07, 1825 - March 05, 1829 (as Secretary of the Treasury) In Part Two of this episode, Rush returned to the Cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury in the administration of John Quincy Adams, but he quickly found out that the Era of Good Feelings was long past over at this point. Join me and my special guest, Alycia from Civics & Coffee, as we examine the remainder of Rush's life and lengthy career which saw him shift parties due to changing political circumstances and took him to Queen Victoria's England as well as Paris during the Revolutions of 1848. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SATT 027.1 - Richard Rush Part One

SATT 027.1 - Richard Rush Part One

Tenure of Office: February 10, 1814 - November 12, 1817 (as Attorney General); March 07, 1825 - March 05, 1829 (as Secretary of the Treasury) As discussed in this two-part episode, while Richard Rush may not be the most well-known Cabinet member we've examined to date, his career spanning four decades meant that he was involved with some major events in US presidential and world history from the War of 1812 on. Join me and my special guest, Alycia from Civics & Coffee, as we explore in Part One of this episode Rush's career through his tenure as Attorney General and his service as US Minister to Britain. Please Note: There is a mention of suicide around the 1 hour 30 minute mark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview with Talmage Boston, How the Best Did It

Interview with Talmage Boston, How the Best Did It

Year(s) Discussed: 1732-1989 Leadership is naturally one of the main topics that comes up when talking about US presidents, but it’s not always talked about with practical implications in mind. In this conversation with Talmage Boston about his latest book, we discuss the insights that he found during the course of his research about the leadership traits exemplified by eight presidents who often show up at the top of the presidential ranking polls and how they contributed to their success as well as how we can develop those qualities within ourselves. Links to more information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4.30 - We Have Met the Enemy

4.30 - We Have Met the Enemy

Year(s) Discussed: 1813 As the War of 1812 moved into its second year, two American commanders on the northwestern frontier - William Henry Harrison and Oliver Hazard Perry - struggled against logistical challenges and political infighting to assemble their respective forces in order to finally accomplish what had been a goal of the US since war was declared on Britain in 1812: take the fight to the British in Canada. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview with Salina B Baker, The Line of Splendor

Interview with Salina B Baker, The Line of Splendor

Year(s) Discussed: 1742-1814 Nathanael Greene served as one of Washington's top generals during the Revolutionary War, but what lasting legacy did this man whose life was cut tragically short leave for the Early Republic? In this episode, I am joined by historical fiction author Salina B Baker to discuss her new novel about Greene and her research into his life and contributions to the new nation crafted from the Revolution. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S010 - The Jeffersonian Revolution: 1800

S010 - The Jeffersonian Revolution: 1800

Year(s) Discussed: 1800-1801 The election rematch between President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson in 1800 did not go quite according to plan thanks to the original method of electors casting ballots. In this episode, I am joined by friend and fellow podcaster, Howard Dorre from Plodding Through the Presidents, to discuss the ins and outs of that complicated election that devolved into a constitutional crisis and what we felt were the key takeaways from it. More sources for learning about this election can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

VPOTUS 003.2 - Aaron Burr Part Two

VPOTUS 003.2 - Aaron Burr Part Two

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1805 Burr may only have served one term as Vice President, but as we discuss in this episode, it was a turbulent four years filled with political intrigue, power struggles, and a rather infamous duel. The drama would not end when Burr left office, however, as his post-vice presidency years had conspiracies and exile in store for him. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Content Note: There is discussion of sexuality throughout this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

VPOTUS 003.1 - Aaron Burr Part One

VPOTUS 003.1 - Aaron Burr Part One

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1805 For the first Vice President whose life we are covering from start to end, Aaron Burr brings quite the tale to tell. From personal tragedy early in life to a meteoric rise in politics, from distinguished instances of military service to a romantic relationship with a married woman, there is much to discuss leading up to the constitutional crisis that was the Election of 1800. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview with Fergus Bordewich, Klan War

Interview with Fergus Bordewich, Klan War

Year(s) Discussed: 1865-1877 The history of the Reconstruction era has in the past been deliberately misconstrued to downplay the achievements of Black Americans and the inhumanity of self-described white supremacists. In his latest work, Fergus Bordewich dispels the myths and explores the history of how the Grant administration worked to combat the terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan in order to save Reconstruction. Listen in to our conversation about the various individuals involved, the events of this time, and what we can learn from the history of Reconstruction. More information can be found on https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Content Note: There is a brief mention of extreme violence and rape around the 29 minute mark in this episode. Please feel free to skip ahead about a minute if you would prefer not to listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4.29 - The Twilight

4.29 - The Twilight

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1813 After the failed campaign in Russia, French Emperor Napoleon had to regroup. And by regroup, I mean launch another war, of course. It soon became clear, though, that the tide was shifting, and instead of a war of conquest, Napoleon was now fighting for the survival of his regime. Meanwhile, the Republic of Texas was proclaimed, but neither Spanish nor American authorities were too pleased about this development. Simultaneously, the government in Louisiana was dealing with the threat of pirates based in their vicinity while a pro-Spanish opposition was determined to put an end to the Republic of Venezuela only one year after its birth. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S009 - The Corrupt Bargain Elections: 1824 and 1876

S009 - The Corrupt Bargain Elections: 1824 and 1876

Year(s) Discussed: 1824 and 1876 In the first of a special series of conversations about past US presidential elections, I am joined in this episode by Zachary DeBacco of Drinks with Great Minds in History to discuss the two "corrupt bargain" elections of 1824 and 1876. In addition to the ins and outs of these elections, we also compare and contrast the two in terms of why they were labeled corrupt, the implications of each election, and what lessons they hold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4.28 - Burnt Corn and the Fort

4.28 - Burnt Corn and the Fort

Year(s) Discussed: 1813 Tensions had been building between the Native inhabitants and the incoming American settlers in the Gulf South, and the year 1813 saw open hostilities which resulted in a joint operation planned by the US federal government and state and territorial governments in the area. However, the generals assigned to military operations against the Mvskoke would find that that victory wasn't as easy of a prospect as they had anticipated. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SATT 026 - George W Campbell

SATT 026 - George W Campbell

Tenure of Office: February 9, 1814 - October 5, 1814 The successor of Albert Gallatin as Secretary of the Treasury was always going to have big shoes to fill, but coming in while the nation was at war and with a nearly empty treasury, George Campbell of Tennessee had quite a challenge ahead of him from day one. Join me and my special guest, Kenny Ryan of [Abridged] Presidential Histories, as we explore Campbell's life and career and determine if he was able to turn things around in order to earn a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars. Note: There is a brief mention of adult situations around the 1 hour 13 minute mark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rename the War of 1812 Submissions and Voting

Rename the War of 1812 Submissions and Voting

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1815 Thanks to all of the listeners and social media followers who sent in their suggestions for a new name for the War of 1812! Listen to hear all of the suggestions and learn more about how we'll choose what should be the new name for this conflict that has been a major focus of the Madison presidency series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview with Laurence Jurdem, The Rough Rider and the Professor

Interview with Laurence Jurdem, The Rough Rider and the Professor

Year(s) Discussed: 1850-1924 US presidential history is filled with notable friendships and partnerships, and arguably one of the most impactful was that between President Theodore Roosevelt and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. In this episode, I am joined by Laurence Jurdem, author of The Rough Rider and the Professor: Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, and the Friendship that Changed American History, to discuss these two fascinating figures and their respective roles in shaping the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

VPOTUS 002 - Thomas Jefferson

VPOTUS 002 - Thomas Jefferson

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1797 - March 4, 1801 Though Thomas Jefferson's four years in the nation's second highest office doesn't always get as much attention as other points in his career, as my co-host Alex and I explored in this episode, the man from Monticello was doing more than twiddling his thumbs while presiding over the Senate. However, we'll have to see if his actions during this tenure earn him a place among the VP All-Stars. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview with David T Beito, The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights

Interview with David T Beito, The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights

Year(s) Discussed: 1933-1945 The presidency of Franklin D Roosevelt was faced with major challenges in terms of the Great Depression and World War II, and over the years, many decisions had to be made in order to navigate the political waters of the time with some involving questionable methods and solutions. In this episode, I am joined by David T Beito to discuss his research on FDR's tenure of office and how administration officials (including Roosevelt himself) and supporters at times during his presidency worked to the detriment of civil liberties in order to advance agendas. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4.27 - Don't Give Up the Ship

4.27 - Don't Give Up the Ship

Year(s) Discussed: 1813 The 1812 ground campaign in the north may have been a bust, but with a new year and a new Secretary of War in place, surely the invasion of Canada would go better in 1813, right? Meanwhile, President Madison had to deal with trying to work with a contentious Congress as well as a bout of ill health that started to lead folks to pulling out the order of presidential succession, especially when Vice President Gerry took to his sickbed around the same time. On the seas, the USS Chesapeake faced off against a British ship in an encounter that inspired the unofficial Navy motto that is the title of this episode. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SATT 025.2 - John Armstrong Jr Part Two

SATT 025.2 - John Armstrong Jr Part Two

Tenure of Office: February 5, 1813 - September 27, 1814 When Armstrong assumed office in 1813, he found a War Department facing serious challenges. Would Madison's fifth choice for the post be the person who could turn the American war effort around? Join me and my special guests, Eric and Matt from the Ranking '76 Podcast, as we explore Armstrong's Cabinet tenure as well as his later life and determine whether the legacy that he left behind earns him a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SATT 025.1 - John Armstrong Jr Part One

SATT 025.1 - John Armstrong Jr Part One

Tenure of Office: February 5, 1813 - September 27, 1814 Revolutionary War veteran, member of the Confederation Congress, US Senator, US Minister to France - certainly sounds like an illustrious career leading up to service in the President's Cabinet, but as I explore with my special guests, Eric and Matt of the Ranking '76 Podcast, there's more to this career than meets the eye. If you're into political intrigue, diplomatic drama, and a possibly proposed coup d'état, then this is the episode for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices