Beyond Mount Rushmore

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the life of Dolly Madison, the wife of our fourth president, James Madison. While many might assume that Martha Washington holds the title of America's first First Lady, it was Dolly who defined the role and set the standard for future presidential wives. We explore Dolly's early life, her marriage to James Madison, and her significant contri...

Beyond Mount Rushmore  dives into the stories your history teacher definitely skipped. Each week, we explore forgotten presidents and their sketchy scandals, bizarre executive orders, and historic near-misses. Plus, facts so weird you'll think we made them up. From FDR's final words, "I have a terrific headache," to Eleanor Roosevelt's lifelong "companion" in the White House, we're here to pr...

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we explore the fascinating life of the first U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms. Known for his reformist spirit and his reputation as a "veto machine," this president also guarded a significant secret that he kept literally under wraps. While he appeared stern and unshakeable publicly, we reveal the layers of power and secrecy that shaped h...

In this upcoming episode of  Beyond Mount Rushmore , we'll be exploring the fascinating life of the first U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms. Known for his reformist spirit and his reputation as a "veto machine," this president also guarded a significant secret that he kept literally under wraps. While he appeared stern and unshakeable publicly, we reveal the layers of power an...

In this special bonus episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we celebrate the 4th of July by exploring the intriguing connection between our founding fathers and this significant date in American history. We kick off the episode by discussing how the Declaration of Independence was actually presented on July 2nd, but July 4th became the date we celebrate due to its catchy ring. We talk about the remar...

In this upcoming special bonus episode of  Beyond Mount Rushmore , we celebrate the 4th of July by exploring the intriguing connection between our founding fathers and this significant date in American history.

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the lesser-known aspects of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. We explore the intriguing story of Colonel Henry Rathbone, who was present in the presidential box during the tragic event. We discuss how the assassination was initially intended to be a kidnapping, and how it evolved into a conspiracy involving multiple targets, including Vic...

In this upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we delve into a lesser-known aspect of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. While most people are aware that Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theater, few know about Colonel Henry Rathbone, who was present in the presidential box that fateful night. Rathbone not only witnessed the assassination but also bravely attempted to stop John Wilkes Booth, resu...

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , the complex legacy of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, is examined. We discuss how Wilson, often rated highly in presidential surveys, was a deeply flawed individual with a troubling history, including his role in the segregation of the federal government and his blatant racism. Stan expresses his disdain for Wilson, highlighting h...

Coming up on the next episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we dish up some Tea on Thomas Woodrow Wilson. "Thomas" was an American politician and academic who served as the 28th president of the United States from 1913 to 1921. A member of the Democratic Party, Wilson served as the president of Princeton University and as the governor of New Jersey before winning the 1912 presidential election. Beyond...

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the intriguing life of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, and his wife, Rachel. We explore the controversies surrounding their marriage, including allegations of bigamy and the mudslinging tactics used against them during Jackson's presidential campaigns. We discuss Jackson's rise to prominence as a champion of the co...

In the upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the tumultuous life of Andrew Jackson, a figure known for his complex legacy as a war hero, duelist, and notorious grudge holder. We'll explore his controversial signing of the Indian Removal Act, his remarkable survival of an assassination attempt where both pistols misfired, and the deep-seated blame he placed on John Quincy Adams f...

In this episode of  Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the life and legacy of our 25th president, William McKinley. We start by discussing McKinley's unique place in history, including being the first president to have his inauguration filmed and one of the first to have his voice recorded. We explore his obsession with cleanliness and his social nature, which made him a beloved figure duri...

Beyond Mount Rushmore dives into the stories your history teacher skipped. We explore forgotten presidents and their sketchy scandals, bizarre executive orders, and historic near-misses. Don't miss episode 3, Dressed to the Nines, Shot at the Expo. An episode all about the stylish rise and sudden fall of President William McKinley. Subscribe to the Beyond Mount Rushmore podcast everywhere. 

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the intriguing life and presidency of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States. Stan Nawalaniec, our self-proclaimed presidential historian, and I explore Arthur's unexpected rise from customs collector at the Port of New York to vice president, and ultimately to the presidency after the assassination of James Garfield. Ther...

In the debut episode of  Beyond Mount Rushmore , we delve into the life and legacy of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. From his humble beginnings as a canal worker to his meteoric rise in politics, Garfield's story is one of resilience and reform. But his presidency was tragically cut short by an assassin's bullet. We explore the motivations of Charles J. Guiteau, t...

Beyond Mount Rushmore dives into the stories your history teacher definitely skipped. Each week, we explore forgotten presidents and their sketchy scandals, bizarre executive orders, and historic near-misses. Plus, the facts are so weird that you'll think we made them up. From FDR's final words, "I have a terrific headache," to Eleanor Roosevelt's lifelong "companion" in the White House, we're her...