Directors Erik Ewers & Christopher Loren Ewers join us to discuss their new film, Ken Burns Presents: Henry David Thoreau. Erik & Christopher talk about their rediscovery of Thoreau’s place in American history, their process for capturing his story, and why Thoreau’s views of his own time might resonate with those seeking to make sense of the modern world. The two-part series premieres on PBS March 30-31, so make sure to check your local listings and tune in!
This episode was edited by Gary Fletcher.
Martin Van Buren served just one term as President from 1837 to 1841, but as the architect behind the founding of the Democratic Party, his legacy lives on in the US today. In this episode, we speak with James M. Bradley, author of the new book Martin Van Buren: America’s First Politician, to learn how Van Buren helped reshape politics in the 19th century and laid the groundwork for America’s two-party system.
You can learn more about the work being done to preserve the papers of Martin Van Buren at VanBurenPapers.org.
Love history and want to go on a cruise? Join Ben and History That Doesn’t Suck’s Greg Jackson for a 5-day/4-night cruise of the Caribbean that runs from May 18-22! Visit htdscruise.com for details and enter promo code RTN at checkout for $100 off a cabin!
And don’t forget that Bob’s new book America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams from President to Political Maverickis now available! Click here to get your copy!
This episode was edited by Gary Fletcher and originally aired as episode 324 in January 2025.
Ben & Bob speak with Hans Zeiger, President of the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles & History. We discuss the work that the JMC is doing to promote teaching the founding principles and civics to Americas young people from kindergarten through college. The JMC will be hosting a National Summit on Civil Education in Philadelphia, May 18-19. Click here for details.
Love history and want to go on a cruise? Join Ben and History That Doesn’t Suck’s Greg Jackson for a 5-day/4-night cruise of the Caribbean that runs from May 18-22! Visit htdscruise.com for details and enter promo code RTN at checkout for $100 off a cabin!
And don’t forget that Bob’s new book America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams from President to Political Maverickis now available! Click here to get your copy!
This episode was edited by Gary Fletcher.
Bob Crawford’s first book has arrived! America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams from President to Political Maverick launches March 10 via Zando Press and we’re celebrating with an episode dedicated to the book.
Bob will be speaking about his new at bookstores across the country. Click here for dates & locations!
This episode was edited by Gary Fletcher
The Oscars hold a special place in popular culture, but the first Academy Awards ceremony, held in 1929, bore little resemblance to the spectacle most of us know today. In this episode, media expert Monica Sandler takes us from that first award ceremony – when both Los Angeles and the films made there struggled for respectability – to the modern extravaganza that draws tens of millions of viewers worldwide. Monica also breaks down the way voting has changed over time, the evolution of categories, and what she thinks was the greatest snub of all time.
Dr. Monica Sandler is a film and media historian at Ball State University, specializing in the history of entertainment prizes and their influence on Hollywood. You can find out more about her at her website: MonicaSandlerPhD.com.
Come find Ben & Bob on the road this summer!
-Bob will be speaking about his new book, America’s Founding Son (out March 10) at bookstores across the country. Click here for dates & locations!
-Ben will be joining his friend Greg Jackson of History That Doesn’t Suck for a history cruise on the Caribbean from May 18-22, featuring a live recording of The Road to Now! Click here to find out more about a History Cruise That Doesn’t Suck and use promo code RTN for $100 off a cabin!
This episode was edited by Ben Sawyer.