The American Idea

Jeff discusses the historical and intellectual roots of Critical Race Theory with Robert George of Princeton University. What is CRT? Where does it come from? What are its roots as an academic movement? What does it preach, in practice, and how do these things shape the mind of the individual and relations between people? George suggested a few readings, linked below. Plato's Dialogue with Gorgias...

What is going on in the House of Representatives, and why did the Republicans fire their own Kevin McCarthy as Speaker? Where did this come from, what does it say about Congress, the House, political parties in general and in this point in our history, and in particular the Republican party? Jeff Sikkenga is joined by Joe Postell of Hillsdale College to discuss these issues and more, starting with...

Jeff Sikkenga and John Moser discuss the 'court packing' scandal of FDR's second term, how Democrats and Republicans in Congress revolted against what they saw as an attempt to consolidate power, even akin to how a dictator would behave. They also draw parallels with more recent calls to add Supreme Court justices, or force them to retire at a certain age, analyzing the potential legal and politic...

Andy Lang and Jeff discuss the idea of American Exceptionalism - is America a special, distinct place because of its political culture and ideas? - and the Civil War. In particular, they discuss the question the Civil War presented: would America be exceptional because it sought to live up to its founding principles, or would exceptionalism result from the creation of a new country, based on the “...

Jeff is joined by David Alvis, of Wofford Colege, to discuss the reasons behind and important of the separation of powers in American government. Sure, we were all taught about the three branches, but why those? And how does the American system of government try to balance among them, even while admitting overlap between them? Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy...

Jeff is joined by Bill Rivers, author and former speechwriter for James Mattis, for a discussion of Bill's coming of age novel, " Last Summer Boys ." Set in the summer of 1968, the story follows the experiences and choices of three boys living through the tumult of the political and cultural issues of the late 1960s. Jeff and Bill discuss the writer's craft, and Bill's work as a speechwriter for J...

Jeff is joined by Ohio Attorney General to discuss the role of an attorney general, the rule of law, and the importance of a properly-balanced constitutional order. This podcast was recorded during the AG's visit to the Ashbrook Center on 12 SEP 23 for Ashbrook's "Major Issues Lecture Series" luncheon in recognition of Constitution Day 2023.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProdu...

John Moser and Johann Neem, of Western Washington University, discuss the movement by many toward a version of American history that seeks to get beyond what have been understood as America's fundamental meaning, identity, and role in the world. From the traditional view of America as a source of hope and good to a reformed vision of America as a force for evil and oppression, many in academia, jo...

Jeff discusses two of the most fundamental ideas at the foundation of the American experiment: natural rights and their outgrowth, limited government. Get a firm, documents-based understanding of these fundamental principles, and ideas of what to read to consider them in even greater depth. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast app...

In this special episode, a former teacher - and Ashbrook MAHG graduate - and former Ashbrook Scholar - and recent law school graduate - discuss their years-long connection and the importance of mentorship, collegial relationships in education, and the place of a classical liberal education. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast...

Jeff is joined by Ed Achorn, author of "The Summer of Beer and Whiskey," a fascinating story of the 1883 baseball season. Far more than a history of the early years of baseball as a sport and commercial enterprise, it's also a story of America, Americans at leisure, and the individuals who made their mark at the time and, in many ways, on the years since. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Gr...

John Moser discusses "Oppenheimer," the movie, with David Krugler, analyzing what's accurate, what's not, and - spoiler alert - why this is a good movie about history. Host: John Moser Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Dr. John Moser discusses the use of the atomic bombs in World War 2 with noted author and historian, Richard Frank. Of special interest is the deep body of declassified documents from within the Japanese military and government, only recently brought to light and use in English-language histories of the war. Host: John Moser Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton https://linktr....

Jeff and David Krugler discuss LBJ's policies, actions, and attitudes and how they led to an increased American involvement in Vietnam. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz RSS Feed: https...

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy visited the Ashbrook Center and spoke with students, staff, and faculty about the meaning and importance of the Rule of Law - a fundamental principle in American politics, law, and public life.

Jeff discusses the fascinating and encouraging relationship between African-Americans - some well-known today and many forgotten - and Lincoln, through letters written to the president, providing compelling insight into the views people had of and for Lincoln during the Civil War. Find Jon's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Address-You-My-Friend-Americans-ebook/dp/B0915C56Z7?ref_=ast_author_dp Re...

Jeff discusses the lengthy and consequential public life of James Garfield, ending with his tragic death after being shot shortly after taking office. There's a lot more to this man than a short presidency, however, and we're thankful to have been joined by Todd Arrington of the National Park Service. Todd serves as the director of the Garfield historical site outside of Cleveland, OH - you can fi...

Jeff and Rita Koganzon of the University of Houston discuss the background to the current school "censorship" debate, and where supposed "book bans" came from, and why we're seeing such friction over school readings and library books now. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff discusses the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg with Chris Burkett, marking its 160th anniversary. This video version of the podcast includes maps and images of some of the key individuals from the battle, and puts the battle in the context of Lincoln's war aims. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/thea...

Jeff is joined by Josh Dunn for a discussion and analysis of the major decisions handed down by the Supreme Court in the last week of June, 2023, including those related to affirmative action, religious liberty, free expression, and executive power. Don't miss this thoughtful analysis of these major cases. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via pop...

Jeff is joined by Bob Elder, Professor of History at Baylor University, to discuss John C. Calhoun, an "American Heretic" as Elder explains, given his views on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the relationship between the Constitution, national government, and the states. A polarizing figure then as now, Calhoun's legacy is still influential today. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Pro...

Join John Moser as he and Sean McMeekin discuss the complex and little-understood relationship between FDR and Stalin, and how United States assistance to the USSR during World War 2 inadvertently helped contribute to making Russia a world power. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl....

John Moser discusses the history of 20th Century bank failures in America with Dr. George Selgin. They look deeply at Federal Reserve regulatory policy and deposit insurance and the unintended consequences - good and bad - of federal government entanglement with the banking sector. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp7...

Jeff discusses religious liberty, the First Amendment, and the role of the courts in working through this essential element of American political culture, in our history, today, and with forecasts for the future. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a Spotify: https://tinyu...

Jeff talks with Ad Achorn, author and journalist, about the nearly miraculous nomination of Abraham Lincoln by the then-new Republican Party. Far from a foregone conclusion, the choice of Lincoln almost didn’t happen. Learn about how Lincoln quickly rose to national prominence in the few years before 1860, and how Republican leaders decided on him over more well-known and seemingly ‘sure thing’ ca...