Friends & Fellow Citizens

The winter holiday season is packed with many surprises, including some fun facts that truly make it the most wonderful time of the year. In this fun holiday-themed episode, our guest and video content creator Hallee Smith joins Sherman for the first ever Friends & Fellow Citizens Winter Holiday Trivia Game Special! Check out Hallee's videos via the links below! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail li...

During the most trying times, what made Christmas and the winter holidays so special in America? Listen to stories and letters about how Union and Confederate soldiers celebrated Christmas TOGETHER and made the holiday season a prominent time of tradition, family, and love. SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! Music Credits: "Deck th...

What makes the U.S. a unique "Maritime Nation" and beacon of freedom and opportunity? In Part 2, Mr. Jon Kaskin and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. (ret.) Sinclair Harris share more about the role of the Jones Act and why the dedicated men and women of the Navy League work every day to build up America's sea services for generations to come. Listen to Part 1 of this conversation! Click HERE to...

While John Adams is best known for representing British Capt. Thomas Preston and his soldiers at the Boston Massacre trial, a close friend of his was just on the other side representing the colonists. Learn how this largely obscure Signer became an early maverick of individual freedom and a champion of abolitionism who was certainly well ahead of his time. SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the late...

Since its founding, the U.S. has been a country built on a long maritime history. But in recent decades, to what extent have competitors and adversaries undercut America's maritime strengths and strategy? Mr. Jon Kaskin and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. (ret.) Sinclair Harris discuss more on the state of U.S. maritime and the national security and economic challenges that arise from China and the Indo-...

In the wake of Veterans' Day, we honor those who served the nation with a unique episode about a little-known South Carolina-based battle that featured the best of American military leadership and service. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institut...

What was life like for the people of China in the wake of the Cultural Revolution and the death of Mao Zedong? In this riveting episode, Lily Tang Williams shares her story about the journey from totalitarian China to her new adopted country: the United States of America. Follow Lily on social media to learn more about her platform and work! Facebook: Lily4Liberty Youtube: Lily Tang Williams      ...

How did a prominent lawyer in the aftermath of the Boston Massacre become one of the leading minds of the American Revolution? Find out more about John Adams and his early thoughts and contributions to the fabric of American civics, politics, and history. SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for episode notifications, special announcements, promotions, and more! Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninst...

Civics education is truly a critical piece of participation in democracy. But many argue that civics has taken a back seat, and traditional ways of teaching civics have not done enough to get students and the electorate excited about civics. Dr. Emma Humphries joins us to share more about why the nationwide organization iCivics is dedicated to not only bringing back civics in classrooms, but also...

During the American Revolution, there were some unlikely friends in Great Britain who sided with the colonies. Find out how one largely unknown Member of Parliament found courage to oppose the policies of George III and his Westminster allies. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citize...

In this ever-changing environment for American schools, what are the root causes for the education struggles facing inner city students? Via Kentner talks to us about her experiences in mentorship and how good policies and initiatives can help students can find the right path for their education. Dream Beyond Website: https://www.dreambeyondinitiative.com/ Graduating and Growth Podcast: https://po...

While now commonly known for the beer company namesake, Samuel Adams is one of the most vocal American revolutionaries in U.S. history. But his methods of influencing the Patriot cause may surprise many. Regardless of his varying depictions in historical accounts, Adams was an influential man whose career shaped the foundations of the American political system. Support the show Visit georgewashing...

From the steps of the U.S. Capitol to the plains of Nebraska, one can find hundreds of thousands of FFA students across the nation engaging in academic and practical agricultural education. How does this unique American institution embody the American agricultural sector and live out its values of service and education? 2020-2021 National FFA Secretary Anna Mathis joins us this week to share how t...

With approximately 12,000 proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution, there are bound to be some constitutional long shots that never made it to the final document but have made it to this week's episode. In the wake of Constitution Day, learn what the 5 of the most unique proposed amendments in American history may tell us about the bizarre fabric of American political history. Support the...

America has been a nation that strives to push the frontiers of innovation and discovery. What is the 21st century vision for American leadership by the U.S. Space Force? An historian, author, and Associate Professor, Dr. Brent Ziarnick discusses the significance of space power theory and the "blue water school" of space power as well as the vision of America's strategy beyond the f...

William Whipple was a New Hampshire native who imagined himself as a longtime, successful merchant. But things certainly took a different turn. What did this successful merchant do to help defeat a top British general's invasion plans and ensure French support for the Continental Army? Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-sto...

It has been a wonderful first year of the Friends & Fellow Citizens podcast! The unwavering support from family, friends, Patreon supporters, listeners, and guests is truly remarkable. This week, we are reflecting on the past year and celebrating this incredible milestone with highlights and special guests as we look forward to Year 2 of Friends & Fellow Citizens. Stay tuned for more conte...

In 1845, President John Tyler ratified the first U.S. treaty with China: the Treaty of Wanghia. Almost 180 years later, this little-known treaty is a tough lesson on how China views the U.S. and why the CCP willingly takes advantage of U.S. trade and technology for its dystopian ideology. Learn how the first U.S. Minister to China and a Secretary of State made incomplete assumptions about Chinese...

Within the American federalism system, public service cannot be solely concentrated in Washington, DC. It is the public service bond among locals that can bring people together at times of political division. This week, McKenzie Graham joins the show and shares about her extensive experiences as a young leader serving her community in Volusia County and her fellow Americans across the Sunshine Sta...

When people hear "Josiah Bartlett," they may think of the U.S. President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet from the popular TV show The West Wing . But what about the ancestor of this fictitious but impressive U.S. President? In the second episode of the Sacred Honor Series, earn more about the New Hampshire Founding Father who left a lasting legacy on American medicine and the founding of...

Social media has undoubtedly changed the way people interact. Amid debates about its usage and effects on the cultural fabric of our nation, proper education about social media is a top priority.  Social media influencer Britain Bennett joins us to share her story and how her initiatives help young victims of bullying and encourage parents to be a guiding force in children's social media use....

This week, we learn how the little-known case, Jacobson v. Massachusetts, can provide lessons and insight on the importance of upholding representative democracy and balancing public safety and civil liberties. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institut...

In 2001, the comedy film Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon made its debut in American theaters and became a major hit in the U.S. and across the world. 20 years later, the movie's cultural legacy still lives on as more and more women have joined the legal profession over the years. The reigning Miss Broward County USA, Heather Lee O'Keefe is a 24-year-old lawyer, entrepreneur, te...

Welcome to the first episode of the Sacred Honor Series!  To begin this new series, we learn about how this signer went from wealthy businessman to the presiding officer during the adoption and signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Sacred Honor Series will cover each of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and how their life experiences relate to the six pillars of Washingto...

This past weekend, Americans around the world celebrated the 245th birthday of the United States of America. This week, U.S. Army veteran and 2020 congressional candidate Wesley Hunt shares the value of patriotism and putting country first to make the great USA a better country for our future prosperity. Check out Wesley's website at wesleyfortexas.com ! Follow Wesley on social media! Instagr...