Great Men Back Then

Cincinnatus was an upstanding Roman statesman. Although he was Roman, he inspired many Americans, perhaps even George Washington. Tune in to learn why Washington is known as the "Second Cincinnatus." 

T.S. Eliot wrote many serious poems, but he also loved cats. He even wrote about cats. Listen as we read one of Eliot's most beloved poems, "Macavity the Mystery Cat." 

Did you know the grandson of the 10th president of the United States is still alive? Listen to learn more about him. 

Hamilton Fish III commanded the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I. He carried on the legacy of his great-grandfather by fighting for civil rights. 

Hamilton Fish was Ulysses S. Grant's most trusted advisor. Listen to learn more of his significance in relation to Grant's presidency and American civil rights. 

Grover Cleveland is the only United States president to serve two terms non-consecutively. Listen to learn more of his policies and personal life.

Emily Dickinson, although one of America's most influential poets, only published about 10 poems while living. The other roughly 1,800 poems were discovered after she died. Listen to learn more of her life and influence. 

Sitting Bull was the leader of the Lakota tribe. Listen to learn why he was beloved by many Americans. 

George Strait is one of the most successful singers in American history. Listen to learn more about his success, his childhood, and his family. 

Frank Sinatra is one of the most well-known singers in American history. Listen to find out how he started his music career and enjoy a classic Sinatra Christmas song. 

Jared Maurice Arter was the first former slave to attend Hillsdale College. After graduating, he became a pastor and faithful servant to the Lord. Listen to hear more about Arter's unique story. 

Calvin Coolidge, better known as "Silent Cal," was the 30th president of the United States. Although he spoke few words, he was one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history. Listen to learn more about his wit and leadership. 

Edgar Allen Poe was a successful poet despite his unfortunate upbringing. Listen to learn about his mysterious death and his poetry that Americans can't stop reading. 

Walt Whitman was an American poet who supported the Union during the Civil War. His actions and poetry reflect patriotism and morality. 

The reporting done by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein helped uncover crimes that led to the resignation of former president Richard Nixon. You can't talk about the Watergate scandal without mentioning Woodward and Bernstein, so listen to learn more about these two men. 

Davy Crockett defended Texas at the Battle of the Alamo. Listen to learn of his bravery. 

Harriett Tubman was born a slave but died a free woman. During her lifetime, she not only escaped slavery herself, but helped other enslaved people gain their freedom. Listen to hear about her courage, selflessness, and integrity.

Everyone knows America's national anthem, but who wrote it? Listen to find out. 

The Americans who fought at Flanders Fields displayed tremendous courage toward the end of World War I. Listen to hear about these honorable men and a poem that was written about Flanders Fields. 

Ransom Dunn was vital in Hillsdale College's success in the 1850s. Listen to find out how he and a horse helped Hillsdale. 

U.S. Grant is most remembered for leading all Union forces during the American Civil War. But what most people don't know is that he was driven by duty and always remained humble. Listen to hear about Grant's devotion, humility, and success.

James Patrick Welsh was a secret service agent for several United States presidents. Listen to this episode to hear his great-granddaughter tell stories about his life.

Senior Tracy Wilson joins me today. Tracy tells us about her grandfather who lived through the Great Depression and how that influenced the way her mother was raised.

You all know John Wayne, but I bet you don't know his real name. I also bet you don't know someone once tried to assassinate him because he promoted anti-communism. Listen to find out more.

Ray Bradbury is the author of Fahrenheit 451 . The themes in his book embody many things happening in American society today, emphasizing the importance of books and education.