Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast

One of the most iconic individuals of the American West, Billy the Kid has dominated pop culture for over a century. Stories about his life are filled with fanciful details and he is described as one of the most dangerous, yet affable outlaws of the frontier. How did a gunslinging youngster from the wrong side of the tracks rise to such fame? And how much of his story is based in reality? Tune in this week to find out. Support the show

Healthcare in the United States has a long, complex history. Join me as I sit down with John McDonough, a Harvard professor and healthcare policy expert, to explore the history of the U.S. healthcare system, its intersection with neoliberalism, and potential paths forward. To learn more about this history, be sure to check out McDonough's latest book, America's Wrong Turn. Learn more about John McDonough's scholarship and research here. Save 30% with code HTWN at Johns Hopkins University Press here. Support the show

What did it mean to assert dignity in the former confederate south? For Black washerwomen in Atlanta, it was the act of going on strike. Join me this week as I explore the 1881 Washerwomen Strike and share the motivations behind the strike, how the women organized, and what the end results were. Learn why women who were already in economic precarious positions chose to risk their livelihoods - and their freedom - to demand recognition of their worth. Support the show

How do you capture the complex nuances of the American story? And what can a multi-part online series told through America's birthplace tell us about our democratic experiment?In this episode, Andrew Ferrett and Nathaniel Popkin discuss their documentary series 'In Pursuit,' which explores 400 years of American history through the lens of Philadelphia. They delve into the series' approach to storytelling, periodization, and its relevance to understanding America's past and present. Stream available episodes now by visiting their website: https://www.inpursuit.tv/ Support the show

Entering the White House under less than ideal circumstances, Chester A. Arthur had a lot on his plate - including who would run the mansion's social calendar. Arthur was a man who enjoyed the DC social scene but as Commander in Chief, he knew he would have little time to dedicate to planning the fine details. Still grieving the loss of his wife, Arthur was at a crossroads: who, exactly, should fill the role? Tune in this week to learn about Arthur's wife, Ellen Arthur and the woman he eventually asked to take over as White House Hostess, his sister Mary "Molly" McElroy. Support the show

Joining me this week is author Amy Nathan where we explore the inspiring story of Sarah Keys Evans, a civil rights hero who fought against segregation in transportation. Learn how her legacy sheds light on the long struggle for racial equality in America and why her story isn't better known. To learn more about Amy, check out her website www.amaynathanbooks.comBe sure to grab a copy of Riding into History wherever fine books are sold, or via my bookshop affiliate storefront here. Support the show

No one voted for Chester A. Arthur to become president of the United States. When James Garfield was shot in July 1881 many doubted whether Arthur could perform the duties of the job well - including Arthur. A man who made his career by playing politics, it was unknown whether Vice President Arthur could stand alone or be an extension of longtime ally Roscoe Conkling. Yet when the time came, Arthur surprised them all. Tune in to learn about the life and administration of Chester A. Arthur. Support the show

How did the United States Supreme Court go from the Roe v. Wade in 1973 to Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in 2022? Join me as I sit down with Amy Littlefield to discuss her book Killers of Roe which seeks to answer that question and more. In this conversation we explore the history of abortion rights in the U.S., the impact of policies like the Hyde Amendment, and the political strategies behind anti-abortion movements as well as using the past to inform future activism and policy change.To learn more about Amy's work, check out her website: amylittlefield.comAnd to buy your copy of the book, visit any fine bookstore, or check out my affiliate shop on bookshop.org here. Support the show

In 1877 the nation came to a virtual standstill as labor united against the exploitive railroad companies. As workers protested unfair business practices in the east, racial animosity in California mixed with economic precarity led workers down a very different path. Join me as I explore the rise and fall of the Workingmen's Party of California and its impact on anti-Chinese sentiment and federal policy in the late 19th century. Support the show

In the final episode the special summer series, I sit down with Dr. James O'Neil Spady to discuss his book Take Freedom, a nuanced history of the 1822 uprising in Charleston, South Carolina. Using new evidence and focused on Black agency, community networks, and resistance, Dr. Spady places the story of the uprising in a new light challenging prior interpretations and powerfully argues just how close Denmark Vesey and others came to overthrowing their enslavers. When you are finished with the conversation, be sure grab a copy of the book here. To learn more about the mapping project mentioned in the episode, visit mappingblackcharleston.org Learn more about Dr. Spady here.   Support the show

Join me this week as I sit down with Dr. Tim Galsworthy as we explore the influence of Civil War memory on Republican Party identity during the pivotal 1960s and how a political strategy remade the party for generations. Learn how and why the Civil War featured so prominently in campaign rhetoric throughout the 1960s and 1970s - the same era of the Civil Rights Movement and the nations bicentennial - and how it impacts today's political climate. Dr. Galsworthy is a historian and the author of The Republican House Divided which traces the GOP's evolution from the party of Lincoln to the racially Conservative Party of the twenty-first century. Be sure to buy your copy here. Learn more about Dr. Galsworthy here. Support the show

Ordinary women can do extraordinary things - that is one of the messages historian and author Dr. Elizabeth De Wolfe hopes readers take away from her book, Alias Agnes: The Notorious Tale of a Gilded Age Spy. Join us as we discuss the societal limitations facing women during the Gilded Age and how one court case over breach of promise exposed those double standards. Learn more about Dr. De Wolfe at her website: www.elizabethdewolfe.comBe sure to pick up a copy of Alias Agnes wherever fine books are sold - or through my bookshop affiliate link here. Support the show

Join me for the conclusion of my conversation with educator and Early America expert Ethan Healey as we discuss the power of public history, the importance of critically evaluating consumed media, why there can be value in even the flimsiest of historical media, and of course - more books! If want to check out any of the books we discussed during our conversation, head over to my bookshop storefront where I have curated a special list just for this conversation. To learn more about Ethan, head over to ethanhealey.comSupport the show

Happy July 4th, peeps! 2026 marks 250 years since the founders signed the Declaration of Independence and announced their decision to separate from the crown to establish a new nation - and historians haven't stopped talking about it since! Why does the American Revolution still carry such importance in the historical conversation? And what does it mean to commemorate the revolution during the nation's semiquincentennial? Early American historian and educator Ethan Healey joins me for a wide-ranging discussion that dives into this and more! Tune in to hear us discuss how perspectives on this pivotal event have evolved and what it means for contemporary understanding, the complexities of American history, the importance of diverse perspectives, and how public history shapes our understanding of the past. Patreon members can access the full conversation by signing up for any paid tier, join today by visiting: https://www.patreon.com/c/civicsandcoffee/membershipSupport the show

Sit down with me this week as I wrap up my coverage of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Learn about her and Susan B Anthony's efforts to expand political rights amid the drum beats of war and how they collaborated to establish the American Equal Rights Association. Tune in as I discuss Stanton's exploration of religion and the motivation behind creating the Woman's Bible, and how her complex activism laid the groundwork for the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment. Support the show

Elizabeth Cady Stanton is one of the most well known suffragists of the 19th century and spent her life advocating for women's rights - yet most only know the highlights. Join me this week as I begin my exploration of the life and legacy of Elizabeth Cady Stanton including her early childhood, how she got involved in activism, and the early days of her friendship with Susan B. Anthony. And when you are done with this episode, be sure to check out my previous episode about the Seneca Falls convention here. Support the show

American politics feels like it is increasingly polarized with no end in sight - how exactly did we get here, and is there a way out? Joining me this week is Dr. Maya Kornberg, author of Stuck: How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress. In this episode we explore the history, challenges, and reforms of Congress of the past 50 years and what lessons we can learn from prior freshman classes in pushing future changes. Our conversation also covers the rise in political violence, the influence of campaign finance, and the of civic engagement. Learn more about Dr. Kornberg's work by visiting her website: mayakornberg.comCheck out the Brennan Center for Justice website here. And be sure to grab your copy of Stuck via my bookshop storefront. Support the show

This week's episode comes to you thanks to Jeremy, a longtime listener who wanted me to dive into the history of computers. Join me as I explore how the personal computer evolved from the oversized mega machines of the 1940s and 1950s to the handheld devices to know and love today. And don't forget - you too can submit your episode requests via the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com. When you are done with this episode, be sure to check out my prior episode: Hidden Computers: Women in Tech. Support the show

The largest and most influential union of the nineteenth century, the Knights of Labor began as a secret fraternal organization in Philadelphia in 1869. Responding to the ongoing labor unrest with events like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, the Knights enjoyed a brief but significant moment of influence and power, but were ultimately unable to live up to its altruistic claims. Tune in this week as I dive into the rise - and fall - of the Knights of Labor. Support the show

Join me as I welcome Dr. Gautham Rao to discuss the evolution of policing and its slave and white supremacy origins as expertly outlined in his book White Power: Policing American Slavery. Our conversation explores the legalization and deputization of whiteness, how pivotal the Prigg v. Pennsylvania court case was, how class tensions impacted the enforcement of the Posse Comitatus doctrine, and more!To learn more about Dr. Rao's amazing scholarship, check out his website: https://gauthamrao.comYou can find a copy of Dr. Rao's book at my bookshop affiliate shop here: https://bookshop.org/lists/civics-coffee-guestsSupport the show

Have you ever heard about the Ladies Land League? Tune in this week to learn how Irish American women joined a land reform movement for their countrymen across the Atlantic and used their platform to challenge gender norms and enter the public sphere - all while maintaining respectability and femininity. Learn about League Leaders Fanny and Anna Parnell and their efforts at mobilizing women throughout the United States and Ireland - and why we do not know more about these trailblazers. Support the show

Join me this week as I conclude my coverage of the Commodore and Railroad King, Cornelius Vanderbilt. Learn how Vanderbilt aided the Union during the Civil War by offering his steamships and how he got into the industry that sear his name into the minds of Americans for generations: the railroad. Support the show

Sitting down with me this week is Dr. Nancy Bernhard. She is a historian who recently published her first historical novel The Double Standard Sporting House which explores the women of a high class brothel in Gilded Age New York - and one woman in particular who decides to take on the Tammany Hall criminal syndicate. Join us as we discuss what motivated the story, how women have consistently fought against the limitations of society, and why a work of fiction about the Gilded Age resonates in our current moment. When you are done listening, you can learn more about Nancy and her work by visiting her website at: www.nancybernhard.comSupport the show

Known as the Commodore and the King of the Rail, Cornelius Vanderbilt is one of the most famous men in American history. Born of meager means, Vanderbilt built several empires, mastering the sea and the rail. Join me as I start exploring the life and impacts of one of the titans of the Gilded Age. Support the show

Join me as I sit down with Dr. Robert May to discuss his latest book Debunking the Yule Log Myth: The Disturbing History of a Plantation Legend. In this episode we discuss Dr. May's approach to history, his decision to tackle the Yule Log myth , including how it originated and the reasons it persists in American culture. Learn more about how myths are created, spread, and believed - and how you can become a better consumer of history. Support the show

An obscure, little known gun fight over land speculation in central California in May 1880 helped shaped local residents opinions about the railroad industry for a generation. Tune in this week as I dive into the story of the Mussel Slough Tragedy and explore how the fight between local settlers and the Southern Pacific Railroad highlights the conflicts over land, resources, and corporate power during the Gilded Age.Support the show

Activists fighting for female suffrage faced a series of hurdles during their decades-long battle before they achieved victory. Suffrage was a campaign that had many starts and stops and was filled with tensions over race and class. Join me this week as I dive into a bit of this history: where did female suffrage stand after Reconstruction? Why did the movement splinter? And where did it end up in the Gilded Age? Find out all of this and more! Support the show

Join me as I sit down with Dr. Austin McCoy to explore the cultural and musical evolution of De La Soul, highlighting their innovative contributions to hip hop from the 1980s to today. Discover how their work challenged norms, expanded definitions of black masculinity, and influenced future artists, all woven with personal insights and historical context.To learn more about Dr. McCoy visit his website here. You get your copy of the book, consider visiting my affiliate shop through bookshop here. Support the show

Industrialists of the Gilded Age were addicted to consumption. While some spent vast sums of money on public projects, several dedicated their time and energy into building palatial estates to demonstrate just how rich and powerful they had become. Competing for the attention and respect of the classic elites, the newly elite built mansions that emulated their European neighbors. Tune in as I explore the opulence and cultural significance of Gilded Age mansions, their architectural styles, and the social ambitions behind their construction. Support the show

Lucretia "Crete" Garfield outlived her president husband by almost forty years, yet most only know her as the widowed First Lady from the Gilded Age. Join me this week as I explore the life and legacy of Lucretia Garfield - including her early life, her marriage to James Garfield, and her work to ensure her husband's legacy. Support the show

Sitting down with me this week is author Shannon McKenna Schmidt to discuss her book You Can't Catch Us: Lady Bird Johnson's Trailblazing 1964 Campaign Train and the Women Who Rode with Her. Our conversation covers the preparation and significance of Johnson's tour, Lady Bird's unique style compared to her husband LBJ, her role as a trailblazer for women, and the security challenges faced during the tour. Tune in to learn about this and so much more - and then snag a copy of the book for yourself wherever fine books are sold. To learn more about Shannon, visit her website here. If you want to purchase the book through my affiliate page on bookshop.org, click here. Support the show

Settle in as I wrap up my coverage of Charles Guiteau - the infamous presidential assassin of James Garfield. In this episode, I dive into how Guiteau came to the decision that the only way to fix the country's political problems was through murdering the President of the United States, his meticulous planning, and review the trial, The United States v. Charles Guiteau. Support the show

Charles Guiteau is infamous for his role in the assassination of President James Garfield. A man who believed he was destined for greatness and who thought he was on a mission from God, Guiteau was a complicated figure that deserves more analysis. Join me this week as I start to explore the life of the troubled Charles Guiteau - learn about his childhood and time in the Oneida community, as well as how he became a lawyer. Be sure to tune in next week to learn more about the plot to kill President James Garfield! To learn more about joining the Patreon, visit here. Support the show

In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Block discusses her book Gilded Age Fashion: More Than 50 Iconic Looks and the Stories Behind Them exploring the intricate relationship between women's fashion and social dynamics during the late 19th century. She highlights how the social calendar dictated fashion choices and the significance of material culture in understanding the era. Dr. Block also delves into the communication aspect of fashion, the fashion faux pas of the time, and the accuracy of costumes in the HBO series 'The Gilded Age.' Learn more about Dr. Block at her website here. Considering buying your copy of Gilded Age Fashion at my Bookshop affiliate shop here. Support the show

Join me for the concluding chapter of President James Garfield. After spending nearly two decades in Congress, James Garfield became the dark horse candidate for the 1880 presidential election. Yet, he would serve only a few months before being struck down by an assassin's bullet - and medical malpractice. Tune into learn about the few achievements of Garfield's brief presidency and the notorious shooting that claimed the life of a president in his prime. Support the show

How did a New York City subway shooting in 1984 normalize white rage and create a media ecosystem that celebrates greed? Join me as I sit down with historian Heather Ann Thompson to discuss her latest book,  Fear and Fury: The Reagan Eighties, the Bernie Goetz Shootings, and the Rebirth of White Rage. Tune in to learn about what happened that December day in 1984, how the media helped create an alternative narrative, how one mother refused to let her son be turned into a villain, and how the shooting influenced our current political moment. To learn more about Dr. Thompson's incredible scholarship, visit her website here. To purchase a copy of the book, check out my affiliate shop on bookshop.org here. Support the show

The Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historic Park is a small but mighty public history site dedicated to honoring the sacrifices and telling the stories of the women on the World War II Homefront. Situated along the Richmond waterfront, this unassuming national park provides a host of educational opportunities for visitors including interviews with real-life Rosies past and present. Join me as I sit down with Rosie Jeanine Gibson to discuss her memories of working as a welder on a Seattle shipyard and Rosie the Riveter National Trust representative Pam to discuss the amazing work the park is doing. And be sure to check out the extended version of this episode over at the Rosie the Riveter Trust YouTube Channel here. Support the show

Tune in as I sit down with historian John Garrison Marks to discuss his upcoming book Thy Will Be Done: George Washington's Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory. We explore the complex legacy of George Washington's relationship with slavery and how Washington has been used as a symbol in contemporary debates about race and justice, as well as the myth-making surrounding his legacy. This conversation also touches on the evolution of the interpretations of Washington's legacy in education and public history and is of particular importance as the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary. To learn more about Dr. Marks, visit his website at johngmarks.comAnd be sure to pre-order his book so you can dive in as soon as it is available on April 7th! You can do so through my affiliate link on bookshop.org here. Support the show

Elected in 1880 in one of the closest contests in American history, twentieth president James Garfield sadly died before he could leave a lasting executive legacy. Largely remembered for how he died, Garfield had an extensive political career, serving in the House of Representatives for nearly two decades. Join me this week as I explore Garfield's early life and career and get to know the president that many Americans have largely forgotten. Support the show

Joining me this week is author Alyson Richman to discuss her latest novel The Missing Pages. Tune in to learn all about what went into developing the world of Titanic victim Harry Elkins Widener, the power of historical fiction in connecting readers to the past, and what it takes to research a historical novel. Learn more about Alyson and her work on her website here. Grab your copy of The Missing Pages anywhere fine books are sold - or through my affiliate link on bookshop.org here. Support the show

In 1879, Richard Henry Pratt founded the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, the first federally supported off-reservation boarding school for Native American children. Designed to promote assimilation into American society, Carlisle became the model for the broader system of Native American boarding schools that spread across the United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In this episode, I explore how Carlisle operated, the federal policies that shaped it, and the lasting impact of the Indian boarding school system on Indigenous communities.Support the show

Join me as I sit down with author and historian Charles Ferguson to discuss his book Presidential Seclusion: The Power of Camp David, which explores the history of the presidential retreat and the men who've shaped it. Learn about the original name for Camp David, how various presidents have utilized the retreat for relaxation and major policy negotiations, and the retreats lasting legacy in American history. Support the show

The Gilded Age was marked by the rise of powerful industrialists - but four men in particular are known for the power they wielded and the complex legacies they left behind. John D. Rockefeller transformed oil. Andrew Carnegie's steel empire was built on efficiency and reinvestment. Cornelius Vanderbilt revolutionized transportation and railroads in American and J.P. Morgan's financial prowess consolidated entire industries. Together, these men permanently reshaped the American economy for generations. Yet, their methods led to significant consequences. Tune in this week to explore how these men built their empires - and why their complicated legacies remain a central debate today. Support the show

Before the Great Migration, there was a smaller, yet just as important emigration of Black Americans out of the South. For several months in 1879, thousands of freedmen and their families headed for Kansas, hoping to create a better life for themselves and establish a better future for the children. Learn about the motivation behind this exodus and why it sparked a Senate investigation.Support the show

Join me as I welcome historian and media literacy expert Dr. Vaughn Joy to discuss her book Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy. The book explores the evolution of Christmas films during the post-war era, paying close attention to the years 1945-1961. Join us as we explore the significance of Christmas as a cultural lens, the impact of the HUAC investigations on Hollywood storytelling, and the contrast in career trajectories of two iconic directors Frank Capra and Walt Disney. When you are finished with this episode, be sure to pick up a copy of the book for free through open access or via my bookshop.org affiliate shop. And be sure to subscribe to Black and White and Read All Over for Dr. Joy's Review Roulette and so much more!  Support the show

Why the U.S. military isn’t supposed to enforce civilian law — and when that rule breaks down.Passed in 1878, the Posse Comitatus Act was designed to limit the federal government’s use of the U.S. military in domestic law enforcement. The law emerged amid the tensions of Reconstruction, when federal troops were regularly deployed to maintain order in the former Confederate states.In this episode, learn why lawmakers drew a sharp line between soldiers and police, what the Posse Comitatus Act actually prohibits, and the major exceptions that complicate its enforcement. I also explore how the law has been interpreted over time - and why things get confusing when the National Guard gets involved. Support the show

Over the span of four months, several small bands of Nez Perce tried in vain to escape the clutches of the United States government. Traveling over a one thousand miles, hundreds of Nez Perce outmaneuvered the military, only to be forced into surrender less than one hundred miles from the Canadian border. What brought on the conflict between the two sides? And why does the Nez Perce fly under the radar? Tune in to find out. Support the show

Join me this week as I sit down with Dr. Marion Orr to discuss his book House of Diggs: The Rise and Fall of America's Most Consequential Black Congressman, Charles C. Diggs Jr. Learn about how Congressman Diggs brought national attention to the murder trial of Emmett Till, fought against apartheid in South Africa, and pioneered Black political influence in establishing the Congressional Black Caucus. You can pick up a copy of this book by visiting my affiliate shop on bookshop.org here. Support the show

Entering the White House as women's roles in the United States were rapidly evolving, Lucy Webb Hayes represented a potential bridge for many. Would she be a champion for suffrage and temperance? Would she use her position as First Lady to usher in a new era for the United States? Tune in to find out. Support the show

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 stands as a pivotal moment in American labor history, illustrating the clash between workers' rights and corporate power. Sparked by wage cuts amid an economic depression, this strike transcended its origins, morphing into a widespread social revolution that echoed the frustrations of ordinary Americans across the nation. Tune in to learn all about the causes, lessons, and legacies of the Great Strike of 1877 and how it influenced future labor movements. Support the show