Calling History: Listen In on Conversations with History’s Most Influential People.

In September of 1849, two weeks before he would mysteriously disappear for three days, Edgar Allan Poe received a call from the future… In this episode, Poe will talk about his fascinating approach to writing the Raven and what it meant. He’ll show us what a brilliant writer does when he is called a drunken poet. And he’ll talk about why it was ok to marry his 13-year-old cousin. Start the episode...

In Part 2 of the 1795 conversation with Rochambeau, he’ll explain what happened at Yorktown when the British were wanting to surrender to him instead of George Washington. He’ll also tell us what caused the Reign of Terror in France a few years after returning home a hero. And how close he was to execution. Start episode 2 to join the conversation.

In 1795, after barely missing an engagement with the guillotine, General Rochambeau received a call from the future… In this episode, Rochambeau will explain how the French were supporting the Americans long before they sent troops, why the first expeditions to help the Americans was a catastrophe, and why General Washington was jumping on the docks waving his hat. Start the episode now to join th...

In Part 2 of the 1915 conversation with Theodore Roosevelt, he’ll talk about his adventures in the Dakota territories after a family tragedy. He’ll tell us the story of what happens when you challenge him to a bar fight. And he’ll talk about the bear he didn’t shoot that created the teddy bear industry. Start episode 2 to join the conversation.

In 1915, Theodore Roosevelt was in Oyster Bay enjoying the summer when he received a call from the future… In this episode, Roosevelt will talk about how he handled not being able to see or breathe as a kid. How his legendary assault on San Juan Hill was initially a mistake. And, how he finished a speech after being shot in the chest. Start the episode now to join the conversation.

In Part 2 of the 1805 conversation with Daniel Boon, he’ll talk about his 167-mile escape to freedom. He’ll tell us about the surprising response to his return after acclimating to living with Indians and adapting to their look and dress. And he’ll tell the story that cemented his legend into American history after tracking and recovering his daughter who was kidnapped by Indians. Start episode 2...

In 1805, while living in Missouri with the hopes of making a fresh start, Daniel Boone was cleaning his rifle when he received a call from the future… In this episode, Daniel Boone will answer the question if he really fought a bear and wore a coonskin hat. He’ll talk about his choice to travel the warrior’s path despite no white man surviving it prior to his expedition. And he’ll discuss the pain...

In Part 2 of the 1780 conversation with John Andree, he’ll talk about how close he was to escaping until Benjamin Tallmadge sensed something was wrong. He’ll talk about the three orders he ignored that ultimately led to his execution. And he will explain why he didn’t follow in the footsteps of his merchant father, instead choosing to join the military young. Start episode 2 to join the conversati...

On October 1, 1780, John Andre was sitting in a jail cell when he received a call from the future… In this episode you’ll hear about John Andre’s feelings about the colonist’s never-ending complaints about taxes. He’ll talk about his relationship with Benedict Arnold and the events that inevitably led to his capture. And he’ll explain why he didn’t escape on the Vulture, as Benedict Arnold did, on...

In Part 2 of the 1871 conversation with Octavius Catto, he’ll tell us why they lost the first blacks vs. whites baseball game by 21 runs. He’ll also talk about why he only played two games even though he might have been the best player. And, he’ll explain why blacks could ride on the streetcars, but not in them. And, how they changed that law. Start episode 2 to join the conversation.

October 10, 1871, was election day in Philadelphia and Octavius Catto was preparing for a day of violence when he received a call from the future… In this episode, he’ll talk about his peaceful mission to bring equality to all. He’ll talk about why the Irish hate the blacks in his time. And why the local government decided not to call in support to prevent the violence that would take his life hou...

In Part 2 of the 1805 conversation with Deborah Sampson, she will talk about the moment she was discovered to be dressed as a male soldier. She’ll also discuss how her husband, her children, and her community responded once her ruse was discovered. And she’ll share with us what the life of a war hero is really like. Start episode 2 to join the conversation. To learn more about Deborah Sampson and...

On March 11, 1805, Deborah Sampson was sitting in her home in Massachusetts when she received a call from the future … In this episode, she’ll tell us about the dire circumstances that forced her to dress as a male soldier. She’ll also talk about the moment she had to dig musket balls from her leg to avoid the doctor from exposing her as a woman. And finally, she talks about the brutal hand to han...

In Part 2 of the 1815 conversation with Jane Austen, she will talk about the event that stalled her writing and could have prevented finishing her novels all together. She will also discuss the concept of a women being labeled a relic. It’s awful. And lastly, she’ll tell the story of the moment when she nearly lost her manuscripts forever. Start episode 2 to join the conversation.

On December 23, 1815, Jane Austen was at her country home in Chawton celebrating the release of her novel Emma when she received a call from the future … Jane Austen didn’t sell many books while she was alive. But after her death more than 30 million copies have been sold. During this conversation Jane will tell us about Cousin Eliza and the character that she may have inspired, and the story of h...

In Part 2 of the 1846 conversation with Albert Gallatin, he is going to answer some tough questions like, “If you are for freedom and against slavery, how can you work for men that have owned hundreds of slaves?” Also, you’ll hear about his conversation with George Washington and the consequences of interrupting his excellency. And lastly, he’ll explain his superpower that allowed him to keep the...

In 1846, at the age of 85, Albert Gallatin was in his home in New York city when he received a call from the future … Albert’s life was about service to his adopted country. In this episode you’ll learn why he came to the United States in the middle of the revolutionary war. You’ll also hear why he was so offended when someone referred to him as a statesman. And finally, he’ll tell you why he told...

In Part 2 of the 1598 conversation with Tycho Brahe, you can expect to further fall in love with his passionate view of the cosmos. During a time when people were still imagining celestial angels cranking a machine to move the planets, Tycho used his giant brain to transform mythology into science. In this episode he’ll talk about the moment he saw a new star in the sky and why that was so importa...

On October 7, 1598, Tycho Brahe was waiting for the clouds to dissipate in the night sky when he received a call from the future … You may have never heard the name Tycho Brahe, but in the 1500’s, he was a rockstar. In this episode you’ll hear about his solid gold nose and why he wore it in place of his actual nose. You’ll also hear about his pet moose that drank beer during the wild parties on hi...

In Part 2 of the 1823 conversation with Thomas Jefferson, he is going to answer some difficult questions about Sally Hemings and the Indian problem created by the Louisiana Purchase,    He’ll also talk about his contentious relationship with his former Vice president, Aaron Burr. And lastly, he’ll talk about the logic of owning slaves even though he was firmly against the institution. Jefferson is...

On Jun 6, 1823, while drinking a glass of wine in Monticello, Thomas Jefferson received a call from the future … Thomas Jefferson’s life is confusing. He enslaved 600 people throughout his life yet was adamant that slavery was an abomination and had to end. In this episode, you’re going to hear about the wins and losses of his political life, but also why Thomas the boy wrapped a metal spring in b...

In Part 2 of the 1863 conversation with Stonewall Jackson, he’ll explain how the invasion of his home state of Virginia left him with no other option other than fighting.   He’ll also share his thoughts about Jefferson Davis as a leader of the southern forces. And lastly, he’ll speak of the bloodiest battle in American History, Antietam. Thomas Stonewall Jackson was an extraordinary man that alter...

On April 24, 1863, while preparing for the last battle he would ever fight, Stonewall Jackson received a call from the future … Stonewall Jackson has been called the most successful United States Military General ever. He would march 30 miles and win a battle, then he’d march another 70 miles and win another. His soldiers were called the “foot cavalry”. Except for a single battle where he was outn...

In Part 2 of the 1868 phone conversation with Santa anna he will explain why he dressed as a woman and a monk to gain battle advantages. Why did he wait to attack Sam Houston even though he had the advantage and more troops? And lastly, why the American president was so kind to him when he visited Washington DC. After listening to Santa Anna, I find it hard to call him a traitor. I think it’s more...

In 1868, while living in exile in Cuba, Santa Anna received a call from the future … Santa Anna joined the military young. When he started to think that his side might lose, he switched sides. Throughout his life he did this frequently by taking advantage of opportunities to excel as they would appear. In this episode he’ll tell you the story of how he almost invented chewing gum. Who taught him t...