This American President

Parthenon Podcast Network

This American President delves into the lives and legacies of U.S. presidents through long form stories and interviews. It will challenge the way you look at American history. Hosted by Richard Lim and produced by Michael Neal. Art by NipRogers.com. read less

Our Editor's Take

On This American President, listeners learn the truth about America's famous leaders. The podcast's host is Richard Lim. He reveals details that history books may conceal-their private histories. With help from other experts, Lim discusses presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush.

Lim cofounded the podcast. He is a former staff member for the White House as well as at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. Lim also served in the Association of the US Army. His work has appeared in The Washington Examiner and the History New Network. Lim has also appeared on C-SPAN and in a Franklin D. Roosevelt documentary.

The presidents Lim focuses on in the podcast were some of the most powerful men in history. Yet, as he insists, they were ordinary, flawed humans. These men held immense power through war, peace, and society-altering political decisions. How does this kind of responsibility and control affect an individual? Lim is here to provide some answers to this question.

Many people know the names of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt. What about the less famous commanders-in-chief? Who were Zachary Taylor and Grover Cleveland, and how did they impact US politics and culture? In one podcast episode, Lim discusses Cleveland. He was both the 22nd and 24th president. His life was tumultuous, and his ascent to the White House was swift but contradictory. His personal life was replete with secrets. Cleveland struggled with depression and fought against Congress, his political party, and imperialism.

In another episode, historian Richard Norton Smith talks about Gerald Ford. How did this man become president without winning a single vote? What was it like serving as president after the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal? Professor Patrick Weil comes on one episode to discuss Woodrow Wilson, president during World War I. Weil discusses Sigmund Freud's surprising psychobiography of the man. The podcast offers insight into the workings of this president's mind.

American history enthusiasts can learn about the brilliant James A. Garfield and more on This American President. Lim provides provocative stories in new podcast episodes each week.

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What Did Abraham Lincoln Believe? with Allen Guelzo
3d ago
What Did Abraham Lincoln Believe? with Allen Guelzo
Abraham Lincoln once described democracy as "government of the people, by the people, for the people," but what exactly did that mean? In this episode, renowned Lincoln scholar Allen Guelzo explains our 16th president's vision for America.OUR ANCIENT FAITH: LINCOLN, DEMOCRACY, AND THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT https://www.amazon.com/Our-Ancient-Faith-Democracy-Experiment/dp/0593534441/JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com

Episodes

What Did Abraham Lincoln Believe? with Allen Guelzo
3d ago
What Did Abraham Lincoln Believe? with Allen Guelzo
Abraham Lincoln once described democracy as "government of the people, by the people, for the people," but what exactly did that mean? In this episode, renowned Lincoln scholar Allen Guelzo explains our 16th president's vision for America.OUR ANCIENT FAITH: LINCOLN, DEMOCRACY, AND THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT https://www.amazon.com/Our-Ancient-Faith-Democracy-Experiment/dp/0593534441/JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
The Presidents of the Roaring Twenties Part 2 | The Triumph and Tragedy of Warren G. Harding
Apr 8 2024
The Presidents of the Roaring Twenties Part 2 | The Triumph and Tragedy of Warren G. Harding
Few presidents have been as mocked and vilified as Warren G. Harding, but few have examined the difficult circumstances he faced upon entering office -- an economic depression, social unrest, and violent extremism. During the 1920 election, Harding had pledged to address these problems and lead America into an era of "normalcy." In this episode, we examine how successful was in fulfilling that promise. JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentFacebook: facebook.com/ThisAmerPresInstagram: instagram.com/thisamericanpresidentTwitter: twitter.com/ThisAmerPresCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Most Controversial President of All Time? with David T. Beito
Mar 19 2024
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Most Controversial President of All Time? with David T. Beito
Franklin Roosevelt, the only president to serve more than two terms, is one of the most popular and beloved leaders in American history. At the same time, he is also one of the most hated. Critics often point to what they consider to be his many violations of Americans' civil liberties. In this episode, we interview David Beito about some of FDR's most controversial decisions.THE NEW DEAL’S WAR ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF FDR’S CONCENTRATION CAMPS, CENSORSHIP, AND MASS SURVEILLANCEhttps://www.amazon.com/New-Deals-Bill-Rights-Concentration/dp/159813356XJOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
The Presidential Express: The History of Trains in American Politics, with Edward Segal
Mar 5 2024
The Presidential Express: The History of Trains in American Politics, with Edward Segal
There are few things more nostalgic than a train. Politicians know this all too well, so it's no surprise that trains have played a prominent role in American political campaigns. In this episode, Edward Segal explains how presidents have used trains to connect with the American people. WHISTLE-STOP POLITICS: CAMPAIGN TRAINS AND THE REPORTERS WHO COVERED THEMhttps://www.amazon.com/Whistle-Stop-Politics-Campaign-Reporters-Covered-ebook/dp/B0CDJV4XTVJOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
Why America Could Have a Presidential Succession Crisis, with Roy E. Brownell II
Feb 20 2024
Why America Could Have a Presidential Succession Crisis, with Roy E. Brownell II
America has an unmatched record when it comes to the peaceful transfer of power. According to legal scholar Roy E. Brownell II, however, our country is not that far off from a presidential succession crisis. In this episode, Mr. Brownell covers the history of presidential succession and the flaws in the current system.HOW TO AVOID A PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION NIGHTMAREhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-avoid-a-presidential-succession-nightmare-9cb9610dJOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
Who Was the Real Ulysses S. Grant? with John Reeves
Feb 6 2024
Who Was the Real Ulysses S. Grant? with John Reeves
To his critics, he was a drunkard and a butcher who failed his way upward in life. To his admirers, he was nothing less than the savior of the nation. Few presidents have had their reputation fluctuate so dramatically as Ulysses S. Grant. In this episode, we interview author John Reeves to find out who the real Ulysses Grant was. SOLDIER OF DESTINY: SLAVERY, SECESSION, AND THE REDEMPTION OF ULYSSES S. GRANThttps://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Destiny-Slavery-Secession-Redemption/dp/1639365273JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
The Presidents of the Roaring Twenties Part 1 | The Rise of Warren G. Harding
Jan 22 2024
The Presidents of the Roaring Twenties Part 1 | The Rise of Warren G. Harding
In 1920, Warren G. Harding was elected president in one of the greatest landslides in American history. His margin of victory* over his opponent James Cox exceeded those of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama. In this episode, we explore how this former newspaperman rose to become a popular figure and the 29th president of the United States. JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentFacebook: facebook.com/ThisAmerPresInstagram: instagram.com/thisamericanpresidentTwitter: twitter.com/ThisAmerPresCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com*In terms of popular vote percentage.
Theodore Roosevelt: America's First Modern President, with Michael Patrick Cullinane
Jan 16 2024
Theodore Roosevelt: America's First Modern President, with Michael Patrick Cullinane
Theodore Roosevelt is often described as America's first modern president, setting a standard by which future presidents would be judged. In this episode, we interview historian Michael Patrick Cullinane about how Roosevelt transformed both the nation and its highest office. REMEMBERING THEODORE ROOSEVELT: REMINISCENCES OF HIS CONTEMPORARIEShttps://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Theodore-Roosevelt-Reminiscences-Contemporaries/dp/3030692957JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
History of the Papacy Preview: The Septuagint with Steve Guerra and Garry Stevens
Jan 12 2024
History of the Papacy Preview: The Septuagint with Steve Guerra and Garry Stevens
Original Title: The Septuagint – It Really is Greek to MeOriginal Release Date: 6/30/2023Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/S74PWXbhjWZ Description: The Septuagint is the most important translations you’ve never heard of. In this episode of the 10th Anniversary of the History of the Papacy series, Steve Guerra and his special guest Garry Stevens lay out the basics of the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament. They talk about the issues of translation and the process of translation.Learn more about the History of Papacy and subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3td44ES Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7DelfggbL0Au4e3aUyWDaS?si=6ffaacda2ddc4d9b Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/history-of-the-papacy-podcast_1Email Us: steve@atozhistorypage.comWebsite: https://atozhistorypage.start.pageSupport Us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyofthepapacyParthenon Podcast Network: https://www.parthenonpodcast.com The History of the Papacy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryListen to more episodes in this series:The Septuagint – It Really is Greek to MeThe Septuagint – Legends, Myths and Even Some HistoryThe Septuagint: A Corruption or the Original TextThe Septuagint: The Quest for AuthenticityThe Septuagint: A Jewish Text Waiting for ChristianityThe Septuagint: A Text for All Ages
Rediscovering Jimmy Carter, with Jonathan Alter
Jan 8 2024
Rediscovering Jimmy Carter, with Jonathan Alter
Jimmy Carter has lived a remarkable life. He was on his way to becoming a Navy admiral, but instead became a peanut farmer. He had one of the unlikeliest rises to the presidency, but saw his popularity plummet and was voted out of office in a landslide. He then had one of the most active retirements in American presidential history. In this episode, we interview Jonathan Alter about the surprising life story of America's longest-lived chief executive.HIS VERY BEST: JIMMY CARTER, A LIFEhttps://www.amazon.com/His-Very-Best-Jimmy-Carter/dp/1501125540/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UISQT2YFTAB8JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
How Ulysses S. Grant Destroyed the Ku Klux Klan, with Fergus M. Bordewich
Dec 18 2023
How Ulysses S. Grant Destroyed the Ku Klux Klan, with Fergus M. Bordewich
Ulysses S. Grant is famous as the victorious general of the Civil War, but as president, he successfully waged another war -- one to defeat the infamous Ku Klux Klan. In this episode, we interview Fergus M. Bordewich about this forgotten chapter in American history.KLAN WAR: ULYSSES S. GRANT AND THE BATTLE TO SAVE RECONSTRUCTIONhttps://www.amazon.com/Klan-War-Ulysses-Battle-Reconstruction/dp/0593317815JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
The Progressive Presidents Part 5 | Roosevelt, Wilson, and the Legacy of the Progressive Movement
Dec 4 2023
The Progressive Presidents Part 5 | Roosevelt, Wilson, and the Legacy of the Progressive Movement
When Woodrow Wilson left office in 1921, the first era of American progressivism came to an end. By then, however, he and former President Theodore Roosevelt had forever altered the course of American history. They had transformed the federal government and America's role in the world. In this episode, we examine their legacies and how they impact our nation today. JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentFacebook: facebook.com/ThisAmerPresInstagram: instagram.com/thisamericanpresidentTwitter: twitter.com/ThisAmerPresCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
What JFK Would Have Done in Vietnam Had He Survived, with Marc J. Selverstone
Nov 28 2023
What JFK Would Have Done in Vietnam Had He Survived, with Marc J. Selverstone
It's one of the great what-ifs in American history: had President John F. Kennedy not been assassinated, would he have escalated involvement in Vietnam in the same way his successor Lyndon Johnson did? Some say yes, while others say that JFK would have pulled out, sparing the nation the trauma of the war. In this episode, we interview Marc J. Selverstone about this fascinating question.THE KENNEDY WITHDRAWAL: CAMELOT AND THE AMERICAN COMMITMENT TO VIETNAMhttps://www.amazon.com/Kennedy-Withdrawal-Camelot-American-Commitment/dp/0674048814/ref=monarch_sidesheetJOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
The Kennedy Assassination: 60 Years Later
Nov 22 2023
The Kennedy Assassination: 60 Years Later
Today is the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. To commemorate this pivotal event in American history, we are releasing this excerpt from our episode "The Price of Ambition Part 3 | John F. Kennedy".FollowWebsite: thisamericanpresident.comTwitter: twitter.com/ThisAmerPresFacebook: facebook.com/ThisAmerPresSupportPatreon: patreon.com/thisamericanpresidentPaypal: paypal.me/thisamerpresCreditsProduced by Richard Lim and Michael NealArt by Nip Rogers: NipRogers.comLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
America's Forgotten Civil Rights President: Benjamin Justesen on William McKinley
Nov 7 2023
America's Forgotten Civil Rights President: Benjamin Justesen on William McKinley
Few Americans know much about William McKinley, but one could argue he did more for civil rights than almost all of his predecessors. In this episode, we interview Benjamin R. Justesen about the 25th president's forgotten crusade for racial equality.FORGOTTEN LEGACY: WILLIAM MCKINLEY, GEORGE HENRY WHITE, AND THE STRUGGLE FOR BLACK EQUALITYhttps://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Legacy-McKinley-Struggle-Equality/dp/0807173851JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
Key Battles of American History: After the War - World War II Leaders Preview
Oct 24 2023
Key Battles of American History: After the War - World War II Leaders Preview
SHOW NOTES:In this episode of Key Battles of American History, host James Early and Sean follow a long-established Key Battles tradition by giving brief overviews of the postwar lives and careers of the major leaders, Axis and Allies, discussed in the series. Subscribe to Key Battles of American History!Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3nCfZZySpotify: https://spoti.fi/3nIwO5cListen to more episodes of Key Battles of American History!The Longest Day: D-Day and the Normandy Campaign: https://apple.co/46jPeuw / https://sptfy.com/P2g7Saving Private Ryan: https://apple.co/3Q9z0i4 / https://sptfy.com/P2g6 Hitler’s Last Gambit: The Battle of the Bulge: https://apple.co/3tprLJN / https://sptfy.com/P2g4
How George Washington Saved America with Bret Baier
Oct 17 2023
How George Washington Saved America with Bret Baier
We tend to see events like the founding of America as inevitable, but as Bret Baier observes, it was anything but. It took a great deal of blood and treasure and even a little bit of luck to establish the United States. No less important was the wisdom, character, and leadership of George Washington. In this episode, we interview Mr. Baier about his new book, To Rescue the Constitution, and learn how Washington literally saved America from collapse. TO RESCUE THE CONSTITUTION: GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE FRAGILE AMERICAN EXPERIMENThttps://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Constitution-Washington-American-Experiment/dp/0063039583JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
What We Get Wrong About Richard Nixon With Paul Carter
Oct 10 2023
What We Get Wrong About Richard Nixon With Paul Carter
American schoolchildren learn one thing about Richard Nixon: that he's the only U.S. president in history to resign. He's been portrayed in countless books, movies, and documentaries as the most disturbed, paranoid, and corrupt president of all time. Paul Carter, however, says that we've gotten Nixon all wrong. In this episode, we interview Mr. Carter about his new book, Richard Nixon: California's Native Son, where he reveals a side of our 37th president that we've never seen before. RICHARD NIXON: CALIFORNIA'S NATIVE SONhttps://www.amazon.com/Richard-Nixon-Californias-Native-Son/dp/1640125604/JOIN PREMIUMListen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremiumFOLLOW USwww.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresidentCREDITSHost: Richard LimProducer: Michael NealArtist: Nip Rogers, www.NipRogers.com
The Best of the Eyewitness History Podcast with Josh Cohen
Oct 3 2023
The Best of the Eyewitness History Podcast with Josh Cohen
In this special compilation episode, Josh Cohen of Eyewitness History shares his favorite interview moments and stories from people who witnessed some of history’s most extraordinary events.First up, revisit his conversation with Frank DeAngelis, former principal of Columbine High School, recounting the harrowing events of the 1999 massacre.Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ow8UF0 / Spotify: https://sptfy.com/OWMr Next, dive into the world of podcasting with the podfather himself, Adam Curry. Discover the fascinating tale of his MTV days and presenting an award to Michael Jackson.Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Df7jgn / Spotify: https://sptfy.com/OWMt CIA Agent Valerie Plame takes the spotlight in the next segment, shedding light on the notorious 'Plame Affair' of 2003.Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/48gSyYx / Spotify: https://sptfy.com/OWMw Sports enthusiasts, get ready! HBO Boxing legend Jim Lampley shares his experiences covering the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, including the unforgettable 'Miracle on Ice.'Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YeyxNZ / Spotify: https://sptfy.com/OWMx Jonestown cult survivor and writer Eugene Smith takes a solemn turn as he revisits his journey through tragedy and survival.Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/451VIgu / Spotify: https://sptfy.com/OWMz Rock music lovers, stay tuned for insights from Ken Caillat, the record producer behind Fleetwood Mac's iconic albums, including the Emmy-winning 'Rumors.'Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3rhuyEb / Spotify: https://sptfy.com/OWMB Hear from DEA Agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña, the real-life heroes who took down Pablo Escobar, inspiring the hit Netflix series 'Narcos.'Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3r5Cf0h / Spotify: https://sptfy.com/OWMD Podcasting sensation Jordan Harbinger shares his adventures and observations in North Korea.Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3JXYmfe / Spotify: https://sptfy.com/OWMF And finally, wrap up with a legendary performance – an interview with Queen's keyboardist, Spike Edney, discussing their iconic set at Live Aid in 1985.Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Roxxp6 / Spotify: https://sptfy.com/OWMH
History Unplugged Podcast Preview: Theodore Roosevelt and World War I
Sep 25 2023
History Unplugged Podcast Preview: Theodore Roosevelt and World War I
Original Episode Title: Teddy Roosevelt Nearly Died in a Cavalry Charge Against German Machine Guns in WW1Suggested Show Notes/Description: Teddy Roosevelt faced many challenges at the end of his life. Racked by rheumatism, a ticking embolism, pathogens in his blood, a bad leg from an accident, and a bullet in his chest from an assassination attempt. But none of that stopped Roosevelt from attempting to reassemble the Rough Riders for a final charge against the Germans in World War One, pushing them into a likely suicide mission of a cavalry attack against 50 caliber machine guns.Suffering from grief and guilt, marginalized by world events, the great glow that had been his life was now but a dimming lantern. But TR’s final years were productive ones as well: he churned out several “instant” books that promoted U.S. entry into the Great War, and he was making plans for another run at the Presidency in 1920 at the time of his death. Indeed, his political influence was so great that his opposition to the policies of Woodrow Wilson helped the Republican Party take back the Congress in 1918. To look at Roosevelt’s final years, Scott Rank, host of History Unplugged, speaks with Bill Hazelgrove, author of “The Last Charge of the Rough Rider.” It was Roosevelt’s quest for the “vigorous life” that, ironically, may have led to his early demise at the age of sixty. "The Old Lion is dead,” TR’s son Archie cabled his brother on January 6, 1919, and so, too, ended a historic era in American life and politics. Subscribe to History Unplugged with Scott Rank:Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ysc7ZgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3j0QRJyParthenon: https://www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-unplugged-podcastDiscover more episodes of History Unplugged: The Time in 1943 That Eleanor Roosevelt Disappeared for 10 Days in the South Pacific: https://apple.co/3YAIXHN / https://sptfy.com/OI6u What It Was Like to be a WW2 Paratrooper: https://apple.co/456KibT / https://sptfy.com/OI6wDid the South Lose the Entire Civil War Because One General Got Lost at the Battle of Gettysburg?: https://apple.co/3OUrCpT / https://sptfy.com/OI6y