Friends & Fellow Citizens

It is no surprise why Nevada was often considered a major part of the Old Wild West. But what about the risk-takers who bet on the success of the Silver State from the Civil War to the modern era, from mob-ruled casinos of Las Vegas to professional sports on the Strip? In Part 1, Dr. Michael Green, professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), shares about some of the fascina...

While few have read about Lewis Morris, he was the first Signer from the prominent, political Morris family that ultimately continued to serve for the nation. Learn about how this signer responded to his Loyalist brother and how he became one of the first architects of what later became New York State. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is...

Presidents' Day is a federal holiday, but what is its significance in American history and culture? What qualities does a good leader have in the Pentagon, White House, or any American institution? Gen. (ret.) Mark Welsh, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force under President Obama and current Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M, shares some key lead...

Although President Martin Van Buren was one of the creators of the Democratic Party, some might say his son indirectly created the Republican party (perhaps by accident). Learn how the former President, his son John Van Buren, the Free Soil Party, and the Barnburners contributed to the prevention of slavery expansion in the U.S. and the prominence of single-issue politicking. Support the show Visi...

Far too often, Americans hear about how polarized the U.S. Congress has become in recent decades. The bitter divisiveness among Members has major ramifications on the federal legislative process and the political climate, and it appears that many simply have not had opportunities to get to know one another. Among the 435 Members of Congress are thousands of Capitol Hill staffers who also need to g...

A successful merchant once had everything, but after the Stamp Act of 1763, he risked his business, estate, and even family wellbeing years later. Learn how Francis Lewis became a target for the British and the lessons learned from a largely unknown but influential Signer. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year! Plenty more Friends & Fellow Citizens content in 2023! NEW! Click HER...

A call to service may be imminent, but we never know when it will come. Maura Spence-Carroll, a former intelligence analyst and a former Miss Colorado, found her calling as an active duty soldier of the United States Army just a few years ago. She shares more about some of the work and inspiration addressing mental health issues within the military and veteran community. Don't forget to catch...

In Part 2, follow along as Sherman and Maura play a short game of holiday trivia and converse about all kinds of topics! A great way to cap off the interviews of 2022 with some holiday cheer! You can find Part 1 of this episode here . Follow Maura on Instagram here ! "A Former Miss Colorado On Redefining Her Mind-Body Connection In The U.S. Army" (Elite Daily) Support the show Visit geor...

What if a Board of Education had nothing to do with education policy? At a time when party divisions saw no end, Speaker Nicholas Longworth not only became a party leader, but became the leader of the House. Learn how Speaker Longworth's friendship with House Minority Leader John Nance Garner worked together across party lines and started a decades-long tradition of mingling in Congress. NEW!...

As much as people dislike paying taxes, they have been a significant policy issue since the founding of the United States. While the Stamp Act is old history, debates on taxation continue, particularly at the state level. Katherine Loughead, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Tax Foundation, joins the podcast to discuss the interesting patchwork of state tax codes, their consequences, and innovative w...

When Philip Livingston helped found the New York Society Library in 1754, he wanted to create an institution that was "useful as well as ornamental." To what extent do we see that type of ambition in today's society? Learn how this Livingston family member played a role in the signing of the Declaration of Independence and his contributions to other leaders in the American Revolutio...

Once an economically-deprived police state as recently as 1987, Taiwan has become one of the most significant economic wonders in East Asia. But the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has threatened Taiwan's independence for decades and has already embarked on an international campaign to coerce countries into giving into the CCP ideology. What could be the Chinese global strategy and vision in 20...

More than 2 years ago, Friends & Fellow Citizens made its debut on the podcast airwaves. Hear some of the interview episode highlights as we mark the two-year anniversary of the show! A very special appreciation to our Patreon supporters for helping to make this happen, and thank you to our listeners for being a part of the program thus far. More to come! Within the last few days of the releas...

Click HERE for Part I! With the contemporary rise of China as an intelligence threat, the global espionage landscape has become more sophisticated, more dangerous, and more uncertain for U.S. national security and democracy around the world. Jim Olson discusses some of the ways our foreign adversaries have taken advantage of technology and how Americans can find their role in U.S. intelligence str...

Throughout the Cold War, a war of espionage raged between the U.S. and Soviet Union. While espionage may not always be like James Bond or The X-Files, there is still much below the surface that defines global competition of power and ideas. James Olson is a veteran of the CIA's clandestine service and former Chief of Counterintelligence at the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA. This week, he sh...

While many of the Signers were experienced orators, some chose to be more reserved while still completing the work of the Continental Congress. Hear how William Floyd of New York served in his capacity at the legislative body and how people of all different capacities can contribute to public service. NEW! Click HERE to order your F&FC mugs at our merchandise store and receive FREE U.S. shippi...

In recent years, we have been hearing much about schools closed during the pandemic. But school closures are far from the only political battles as pandemic-era restrictions subside. From San Francisco to suburban Virginia, the decline in civil debate, decency, and ethics are sparking a new movement for parents across America to play a bigger role in their children's education. Erin Phillips,...

Former New York Governor DeWitt Clinton once considered the Erie Canal a "fountain of public good and national abundance." Amid contemporary gridlock and polarization, what ideas can help spur a new generation of engineers and creators for the future of American infrastructure? Learn about how the Erie Canal contributed to the beginnings of American democracy and how an "Infrastruct...

Almost two years since the first episode of Friends & Fellow Citizens, we have finally made it to our 100th episode! This is truly a major milestone for the listeners, guests, and everyone who has made this program possible. Hear from some of the "Founding Fathers" of the podcast in this special interview episode. Also in this week's program are some BIG announcements about the...

How can a delegate of the Second Continental Congress sign the document without being present at the August 2nd signing? Despite signing the document in late 1776, Dr. Matthew Thornton was elected after the Declaration of Independence was signed and demonstrated the value of placing one's self on the record for supporting a noble cause. This episode also reflects on the Sacred Honor Series on...

History is often taught in the classroom, but perhaps the real history is outside for students to learn and put into action. Paul LaRue, a retired history teacher, currently serves on Ohio's State Board of Education and is dedicated to helping students make those critical connections with history and civics out in the field. He provides some fascinating insight and experiences from his teachi...

"Robert J. Walker" may not ring a bell for most Americans today, but a highly undemocratic "constitution" for the Kansas Territory struck a chord with a once-promising politician in the Democratic Party.  Although a pro-slavery advocate, Walker was arguably a precursor to the Democratic party's Civil War schisms and an early supporter of the Union before Lincoln was even e...

In this day and age of convoluted politics, news, and technology, perhaps we can relate to Sergeant Joe Friday from the TV show Dragnet . If he had to sift through the overwhelming information on the Internet, he too might say:"Give us the facts, ma'am." So how can a functional democracy improve the accessibility of useful information for the American people? Poppy MacDonald is Pres...

While many Signers had extensive oratory experience, some were modest in character and adept in militias. Oliver Wolcott, the final Signer from Connecticut, demonstrates the value of maximizing one's strengths for civic good and the significance of taking specific, meaningful action for the American independence cause. SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends...

The U.S. Supreme Court started with just a few cases and lackluster careers, but a political and judicial genius John Marshall was determined to change that forever. Amid countless episodes of political turmoil in American history, to what extent has the U.S. Supreme Court retained its original roots and adapted to the ever-changing times? Dr. Elizabeth Lane, Asst. Professor of Political Science a...