The Professor Liberty Podcast
by professorliberty1776
Professor Liberty is a social studies based educational channel covering subjects such as American History, Constitutional Law and Economics. Professor Liberty seeks to EDUCATE both young and old alike. INSPIRE people through stories and thoughts on the great people of the past and RESTORE the American republic to her former glory.
Episodes
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Ep#150: Why They Hate Columbus Day
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo examines the controversy surrounding Columbus Day and the growing movement to replace it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. He argues that Columbus Day was originally established to combat discrimination against Italian immigrants and...
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Ep# 149: JFK's Strategy of Peace: Rethinking the Cold War
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, we explore John F. Kennedy’s remarkable evolution in the Cold War. The Bay of Pigs, the Berlin Crisis, and especially the Cuban Missile Crisis forced Kennedy to confront the terrifying reality of nuclear escalation and began changing his question...
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Ep: 148 JFK’s March Toward Peace: How Cuba Changed the President
This episode explores John F. Kennedy’s transformation from Cold War hawk to advocate for peace. The 1961 Vienna Summit, Berlin Crisis, and especially the Cuban Missile Crisis forced Kennedy to confront how quickly nuclear confrontation could spiral beyond anyone’s control. Cuba became a turning...
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Ep# 147 Going the Distance: How Rocky Redefined What It Means to Win
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo explores one of the most memorable moments in Rocky the iconic "Going the Distance" scene and explains why the film's greatest triumph has little to do with boxing. Inspired by the recently released I Play Rocky trailer, your favorite...
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Ep #146: American Politics is like Professional Wrestling
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo explores the provocative idea that American politics often resembles professional wrestling. Using wrestling terminology and history as a framework, he explains how sports entertainment evolved from legitimate competition into a...
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Ep #145: Fatherhood: The Most Underappreciated Force in Civilization
In this Father’s Day episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, host Mr. Palumbo reflects on the role and importance of fathers in family life and society, emphasizing everyday acts of responsibility, sacrifice, and consistency that often go unrecognized. He argues that involved fathers positively...
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EP# 144: What To Do When You Feel Stuck
This episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast opens with Mr. Palumbo returning to a “Motivational Monday” format after a long stretch of pirate-themed episodes, shifting the focus from historical storytelling back to direct personal advice for listeners feeling overwhelmed or mentally stuck. At…
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Ep# 143 Profits, Plunder, and Power: The System That Pirates Built
In this second episode of our pirate series we explore the brutal realities of life during the Golden Age of Piracy and why so many sailors abandoned imperial service for outlaw life on the open sea. Far from romantic adventure, the Atlantic world of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries was...
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Ep# 142: Markets, Empire, and the Rise of Piracy
This episode explores how the rise of global trade in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries unintentionally created the conditions for piracy to flourish. As European empires like Spain, England, France, and the Dutch Republic expanded across the Atlantic, they built vast systems of trade...
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Ep #141: The Limits of Total War: From Gentlemen's War to War in the 21st Century
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, we step back from the headlines and trace the evolution of war itself, asking a deeper question: what happens when overwhelming force no longer produces clear victory? From the restrained “gentlemen’s wars” of early modern Europe, where conflicts...
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Ep#140: The President and the War Machine
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, unwanted pets and relatives! It’s your favorite obscure social studies teacher, Mr. Palumbo, back with the Professor Liberty Podcast. In this episode, a continuation of the discussion started in Episode 93, “The Citizen and the War Machine,” we...
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Ep#139: From Iberia to the Great Plains: How Spain Built the Cowboy
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, we saddle up and ride through history to explore the true origins of the American cowboy. From Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s shout-out at the Munich Security Conference to Spain’s role in bringing horses, ranching, and the vaquero tradition to...
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Ep #138 Boats of Death: Inside WWII's most deadliest Submarines
From hand-cranked wooden death traps to steel predators stalking the depths, this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast dives deep into the deadliest submarines of World War II and the men who dared to serve aboard them. Mr. Palumbo traces the origins of submarine warfare from the American...
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Ep #137: The End of the American Nation-State: Lessons from the Holy Roman Empire
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo kicks off 2026 by exploring whether the United States may be drifting toward a political structure similar to the Holy Roman Empire, using history as a lens to analyze modern American diversity, federalism, and national identity.…
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Ep #136: The Surprising Origins of Christmas Day
In this special Christmas episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, we explore the history behind December 25th and challenge the claim that Christmas is merely a pagan holiday in disguise. Drawing from biblical accounts, Roman history, early Christian writings, and astronomical evidence, your...
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Ep#135: The Roman Road to Masculinity
With today’s growing conversation about the lost young men of this generation and their gravitation toward controversial online influencers, Mr. Palumbo offers a powerful and timeless alternative. In this episode, “The Roman Road to Masculinity,” Mr. Palumbo takes listeners on a journey back to...
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Ep#134: WWI: The War that Shattered Christendom
At the dawn of the twentieth century, Europe believed it was marching toward heaven guided by reason, faith, and progress. Within a decade, that confidence drowned in the trenches of the Somme. In this episode, we trace how the First World War didn’t just end empires; it ended belief itself. We...
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Ep# 133 From Factories to Algorithms: The Future of Human Work
From the steam engines of the Industrial Revolution to the rise of artificial intelligence, every technological leap has forced humanity to redefine work, purpose, and fairness. But this time, the machines aren’t just replacing muscle, they’re replacing minds. As AI begins to write, create, and...
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Ep# 132 The Indispensable Man: George Washington
In this powerful episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo explores why George Washington was, as historian James Thomas Flexner called him, “The Indispensable Man” in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. With a mix of humor, reverence, and historical…
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Ep#131 Free Speech on Trial: The Charlie Legacy You Need to Know
In this episode, A Tribute to Charlie and Free Speech, we explore the powerful origins, philosophical foundations, and modern-day challenges surrounding one of humanity’s most essential liberties. From Voltaire’s Enlightenment ideals and the bold defiance of American colonists to the work of the...
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Ep #130 The Federal Reserve: Secrets, Power, and the Fate of Your Dollar
In this provocative episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo, your favorite "undocumented conservative social studies teacher" pulls back the curtain on one of the most mysterious and powerful institutions in America: the Federal Reserve. With his signature mix of humor, skepticism,...
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Ep #129 Andrew Jackson: His Troubled Legacy and the Reasons Behind Indian Removal
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo dives into the complex and controversial legacy of President Andrew Jackson, focusing on one of the most debated policies of his presidency: the Indian Removal Act. Through historical context and Jackson’s own reasoning, the episode...
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Ep# 128: Locked, Loaded and misunderstood: Explaining the Defense Dilemma
In this episode, Mr. Palumbo breaks down a powerful but often overlooked concept in global politics: the defense dilemma (also known as the security dilemma). It’s a paradox where actions meant to increase a country’s security—like building up military forces—can actually make other nations feel...
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Ep# 127 The Ancients: Assyrians History’s "First War Machine"
In this episode of the Professor Liberty podcast, we continue our series on the ancients with a deep dive into the fearsome Assyrian Empire—so brutal, they earned condemnation in the Bible. From their ruthless kings like Sennacherib to their cutting-edge siege warfare and forced population...
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Ep#126 Forged on the Frontier: The Making of Abraham Lincoln
In this episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo takes listeners on a journey through the early life of Abraham Lincoln, tracing his transformation from a poor frontier boy in Kentucky to a rising political force. Born into hardship, Lincoln’s character was shaped by loss, manual...
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Ep# 125 Vlad the Impaler: Savior of Western Europe?
Join us on the Professor Liberty Podcast as we delve into the chilling history of Vlad the Impaler, the man behind the Dracula legend. Unravel the complex narrative of Vlad III, the ruler of Wallachia, whose brutal methods and defiance against the mighty Ottoman Empire positioned him as a...
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Ep# 124: Adam Smith: The Father of Modern Economics
Welcome to the Professor Liberty Podcast, where your favorite slightly libertarian social studies teacher, Mr. Palumbo, dives into the life and legacy of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics. Discover how Smith's groundbreaking ideas during the Enlightenment era continue to influence…
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Ep# 123 Mailbag Q and A
Join Mr. Palumbo, your favorite social studies teacher, in this engaging mailbag episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast. Dive into the intriguing question of whether a return to the gold standard could restore economic stability and control inflation. Explore the evolving role of the Vice...
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Ep#122 The Panama Canal
Join Mr. Palumbo, your favorite obscure social studies teacher, in this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast as he explores the fascinating story behind the Panama Canal and its significance for global trade and diplomacy. From the historical attempts to connect the Atlantic and Pacific…
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Ep# 121: Birthright Citizenship
Mr. Palumbo takes you on a deep dive into the complexities of birthright citizenship and its implications on American identity. In this episode, we unravel the historical and legal intricacies of the 14th Amendment, focusing on the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" and its significance...
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Ep#120 The Ancients: The Romans
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo kicks off a new series called "The Ancients" with a look at the Romans. Our host explores how its geographic advantages, such as its strategic location along the Tiber River and the Seven Hills, contributed to its rise. Through the…
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Ep#119 Important Battles: Trenton
In this episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo takes us back to December of 1776, a time when the American Revolution seemed on the brink of collapse. With General George Washington's army suffering devastating losses, low morale, and dwindling supplies, the Continental Army…
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Ep# 118 Important Battles: Tours
In this episode of The Professor Liberty Podcast, our favorite obscure social studies teacher delves into one of the most significant military confrontations in European history—the Battle of Tours. As part of the ongoing "Important Battles" series, the episode explores how this clash between the...
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Ep#117 War is a Racket
In this Veterans Day episode, Mr. Palumbo explores General Smedley Butler's 1935 pamphlet "War Is a Racket", where Butler exposes how wars benefit arms dealers and corporations, not the soldiers who fight them. The episode also reflects on Eisenhower’s warning about the military-industrial…
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Ep# 116 Emotional Democracy
In this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast called "Emotional Democracy," the hosts tackle the idea of the cult of personality in politics. Our favorite social studies teacher explores how people often vote based on feelings—either loving or hating a candidate—rather than focusing on what...
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Ep#115 Hail, Columbia!
In this episode, we dive into the rich history of Columbia, a personification of the United States that predates iconic figures like Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty. We explore Columbia’s origins, tracing her roots back to the age of exploration and the ideals of American nationalism. Named after...
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Ep# 114 What is Propaganda?
In this episode, Mr. Palumbo dives into the fascinating world of propaganda, starting with its roots in ancient civilizations and bringing us all the way to today’s digital landscape. We break down what propaganda really is—a method of shaping how people think and act—while pointing out some key...
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Ep#113 Rome, Athens and the Constitution
On this special Saturday edition of the Professor Liberty Podcast we dive into the historical roots of political power and the dangers of unchecked authority. By examining the rise of tyrants in ancient Greece and Rome, we uncover timeless lessons about the fragility of democracy and the…
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Ep # 112 Important Battles: Stalingrad
Buckle up history buffs as we continue our series on important battles with the scorched earth hellscape that was the Battle of Stalingrad. After Hitler's failed attempt to conquer Russia with Operation Barbarossa, the Nazis launched Operation Blau to capture Soviet oil fields. But there was a...
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Ep #111 Independence From What?
On today's episode Mr. Palumbo gives a brief summary of the elements surrounding the American Revolution. In one of the longest episodes of the Professor Liberty Podcast, our favorite obscure social studies teacher dives into multiple topics ranging from the Magna Carta to the Enlightenment....
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Ep #110 Important Battles: Trafalgar
On this episode we continue our important battles series as we set sail on the high seas during the Napoleonic Wars. Sometimes in history one bold plan can change the world. Today we analyze Admiral Lord Nelson's actions at the Battle at Trafalgar.
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Ep #109 Important Battles: Thermopylae
Continuing with our "Important Battles" series our favorite obscure social studies teacher, Mr. Palumbo dives into ancient history with the Battle at Thermopylae. Looking into the key players, the geography and the lasting impact of this famous battle, you'll be screaming THIS IS SPARTA in no time.
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Ep# 108 Important Battles: Midway
What does code breaking, surprise attacks, and aircraft carriers have in common? They were all a curical component in the Battle of Midway (1942). We continue our series on important battles in history on today's episode.
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Ep#107 Important Battles: Shiloh
On today's episode our favorite obscure social studies teacher begins a new series discussion important battles in world history. Today's topic is the battle at Shiloh during the American Civil War.
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Ep #106 President Harry Truman
Some men search for destiny others have destiny hoisted upon them...isn't that a quote from a movie. On this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast, Mr. Palumbo discusses the life and legacy of President Harry S. Truman. From ending WWII to authorizing the use of nuclear weapons and from...
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Ep#105 History of Germany's Blitzkrieg
During the opening months of World War II the Nazi war machine using tanks, aircraft and paratroopers unleashed a deadly new offensive strategy known as Blitzkrieg or "Lightning War". Gone were the days of static trench warfare. On today's episode our favorite obscure social studies teacher walks...
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Ep#104 The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
On this last episode of 2023 Mr. Palumbo dives into American popular culture and attempts to analyze the classic western film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". Our favorite social studies teacher looks into themes like truth versus legend, standing up to bullies and the responsibility that…
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Ep#103 Happy Thanksgiving
On this episode our favorite obscure social studies teacher dives into the history of Thanksgiving. How did it become a national holiday and should we still learn about and honor the pilgrims? Also what are the benefits of being grateful? All that and much more on today's episode, however please...
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Ep#102 Why our Wages Suck!
On this episode of the Professor Liberty Podcast our favorite obscure social studies teacher tries to explain something all of us who work for a living instinctively understand, that being why our salaries are terrible. The American worker is surrounded on all sides by dark economic forces that...
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Ep#101 American Politics is like Baseball
After a long hiatus, our favorite social studies teacher dives right into touchy waters by deciding to discuss politics. To soften the blow however, Mr. Palumbo throws in a baseball analogy. Just like a baseball game only makes sense if people understand the rules, so too our governmental system....
About this show
Professor Liberty is a social studies based educational channel covering subjects such as American History, Constitutional Law and Economics. Professor Liberty seeks to EDUCATE both young and old alike. INSPIRE people through stories and thoughts on the great people of the past and RESTORE the American republic to her former glory.
Hosted by
professorliberty1776