The Liberty & Slavery Podcast

Documentary creators A. Troy Thomas and Christopher Marshall sit down to recount their reflections on the making of the “Liberty & Slavery” documentary.  Along the way, they discuss their most fascinating interviews, favorite locations and most surprising discoveries.

Thomas Kidd discusses America's Founding Era including its Biblical views, the US Constitution's ratification and chattel slavery.  Kidd is a Research Professor of Church History at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Thomas Kidd discusses America's Founding Era including its Biblical views, the US Constitution's ratification and chattel slavery.  Kidd is a Research Professor of Church History at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Pastor Leonce Crump discusses the intersection of race and religion with director A. Troy Thomas in this episode. Leonce is the Lead Pastor and co-founder of Renovation Church in Atlanta, GA. He is also the author of “Renovate: Changing Who You Are By Loving Where You Are."

Pastor Tolivar Wills discusses race, religion and slavery with director A. Troy Thomas. Tolivar is the Senior Pastor at Ponce Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA, and a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Archaeologist Matt Reeves sits down with A. Troy Thomas to discuss archaeology and restoration at James Madison’s Montpelier. Matt is the Director of Archaeology and Landscape Restoration at the Montpelier Foundation.

Travis Ricketts sits down with A. Troy Thomas to discuss early American history, including the Puritans and the Pilgrims. Travis is a Professor of Politics, Government & History at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee.

Pastor Harry Reeder sits down with A. Troy Thomas to discuss the influence of Christianity on the Founding Fathers and Early America. Dr. Harry Reeder was the Senior Pastor at Briarwood Presbyterian Church from 1999-2023.

Historian Alisha M. Cromwell sits down with Director A. Troy Thomas to discuss the role of women in Atlantic slavery. Alisha is an assistant professor of history at Coastal Carolina University with interests in research of the 19th century Atlantic World.

Nicholas Wood joins Director A. Troy Thomas to discuss James Monroe and other Founding Fathers.  Nic Wood is an assistant professor of Early American History at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

Book Editor and Bible Teacher Jim Reimann discusses the various types of slavery as seen in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament.

Alan Kulikoff discusses Early American crop economics, the slave trade and America's Founding Fathers. Alan Kulikoff is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia. His books include: "Tobacco and Slaves: The Development of Southern Cultures in the Chesapeake 1680-1800." 

Kat Imhoff shares her insights on James Madison including his critical leadership in the founding of the United States. Kat Imhoff is the Senior Conservation Fellow at the Piedmont Environmental Council, and formerly the President and CEO of The Montpelier Foundation.

Historian George McDaniel describes the beauty and struggles that took place at Drayton Hall. George W. McDaniel served as the Executive Director of Drayton Hall, a National Trust Historic Site, located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Julian Dangerfield explains his view of the Founding Fathers, and how American slavery still impacts contemporary Black Americans. Dangerfield is the founder of Shalom Outreach and Senior Pastor of Heritage Fellowship Church.

A. Troy Thomas interviews Ken Turner about slavery in the Old Testament and its connection to Early America. Turner is a Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages at Taccoa Falls College in Taccoa, Georgia. He was formerly the Program Director of Biblical Studies at Bryan College.

Rich Cooper discusses the economics of American slavery on a growing nation, and how America's Founding Fathers can rightly be praised and condemned for their actions. Rich is currently the President & CEO of the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, NC.

Director A. Troy Thomas interviews Zac Cunningham about the Walnut Grove Plantation and Charles Moore. Zac was the Director of the Walnut Grove Plantation and Historic Price House, and The Manager of Public Programs at the George Washington Foundation.

Director A. Troy Thomas interviews Carolyn Davis about her upbringing in Chicago schools, her heritage, and her views on the Founding Fathers and Slavery. Carolyn Davis is a Professor of Business Administration and Economics at Morehouse College.

Director A. Troy Thomas interviews David Rutledge, a Professor of History at Furman University. David explores the connection with the Founding Leaders and their Biblical interpretation of slavery in the Bible.

Director A. Troy Thomas interviews Catherine Braxton about her ancestors at Drayton Hall, and the thoughts and memories she has of the place now. Catherine Braxton serves on the Governing Board of the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust.

Director A. Troy Thomas interviews author K Carl Smith about Frederick Douglass and his views on the Founding Fathers.

Director A. Troy Thomas interviews Park Ranger Rick Starr in Independence Hall. Rick discusses the events that took place there, and the Founders who participated.

Director A. Troy Thomas sits down with author, professor and historian H. Robert Baker to discuss the Founding Fathers and their complicated relationship with slavery. Baker explains the influences that shaped the thinking of the men that built America.

Director A. Troy Thomas interviews Rod Gragg, author of Forged in Faith . Rod discusses the Puritans and Pilgrims seeking religious freedom in the New World, and the impact that the Judeo Christian viewpoint had on the founding documents.