The people, events and topics of United States history, shared in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. Come hang with me as I nerd out a little on America's history.
The Civics & Coffee podcast is a well-researched and well-presented podcast that offers listeners an enjoyable and informative dive into various subjects of history. Hosted by Alycia, the podcast covers a wide range of topics, providing listeners with fascinating insights and lesser-known facts about American history. With its bite-sized episodes and engaging storytelling, this podcast is perfect for anyone looking to expand their knowledge while enjoying a cup of coffee.
One of the best aspects of The Civics & Coffee podcast is its ability to make history accessible and enjoyable. Alycia's passion for history shines through in her storytelling, making even dry subjects come alive with her lively narration. Her natural talent as a raconteur captivates listeners and keeps them engaged throughout each episode. The information presented is well-researched and presented in a way that is easy to absorb, making it suitable for both history buffs and those with only mild interest in the subject.
Another commendable aspect of this podcast is its dedication to delving into lesser-known topics and shedding light on overlooked aspects of history. The host's research is evident as she uncovers tidbits of information that were likely glossed over in school. The podcast offers a fresh perspective on familiar historical events and characters, providing listeners with new insights that challenge preconceived notions.
While there are many positive aspects to The Civics & Coffee podcast, one potential downside could be its focus primarily on United States history. While this may limit its appeal to those outside the United States, it does offer an opportunity for international listeners to gain a deeper understanding of American history.
In conclusion, The Civics & Coffee podcast is a highly recommended listen for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of American history while enjoying an entertaining narrative style. With its well-researched content, engaging storytelling, and refreshing exploration of lesser-known topics, this podcast offers an excellent way to learn something new while sipping your morning coffee. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for an educational and enjoyable podcast, The Civics & Coffee is sure to satisfy your craving for knowledge.
Join me this week as I take a look at the life and legacy of Jay Gould, one of the most talked-about figures of the Gilded Age. From his early years in the tannery business to his rise as a major player in America's railroad expansion, Gould left a complicated mark on U.S. history.Learn how he navigated the cutthroat world of 19th-century finance, earned both admiration and criticism, and came to symbolize the era's fierce capitalism. All in the time it takes to enjoy your morning coffee.Have a figure or moment from history you'd like to hear about? Send in a listener request — it might just inspire a future episode.Support the show
Charles Sumner was one of the fiercest voices for abolition and racial equality in 19th-century America, but how much do we really know about the man behind the Senate desk? Join me as I sit down with Zaakir Tameez, author of Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation, to explore the radical ideas, bold political stands, and enduring legacy of a leader who challenged a nation to live up to its ideals.From Sumner's anti-slavery crusade to his brutal caning on the Senate floor, we discuss key moments in his life, and reflect on what his moral clarity can teach us about today's political and social struggles. Whether you're a Civil War buff or just curious about one of America's lesser-known visionaries, this conversation brings 19th-century history into sharp focus for the 21st century.Support the show
In 1875, the United States passed the Page Act: the first federal law to restrict immigration. The Page Act marked a turning point in American immigration policy, introducing the use of moral and racial criteria to determine who could enter the country.Join me as I examine the origins, language, and enforcement of the Page Act, how the law impacted immigration from China, and how it shaped future U.S. policies, including the Chinese Exclusion Act.The Page Act is often overlooked in discussions of American immigration history, but it offers important insight into how race, gender, and morality became central to border control in the late 19th century.Support the show
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was one of the most powerful reform organizations of the 19th century, but its story goes far beyond banning booze. Sit down with me as I dive into the WTCU's origins, its wide-ranging activism, and the influential women who helped shape its legacy.From the moral crusades of Frances Willard and her ambitious "Do Everything" policy to the saloon-smashing spectacle of Carrie Nation, learn how temperance became a launchpad for broader social change, including suffrage and education reform.Support the show
Veteran screenwriter and producer Rob Edwards (The Princess and the Frog, Treasure Planet) joins the show to discuss his newest project: a graphic novel chronicling the extraordinary life of Robert Smalls, a man born into slavery who became a Civil War hero, ship captain, and U.S. Congressman.Topics include:The life and legacy of Robert SmallsThe creative process behind adapting history into a graphic novelHow storytelling can preserve and elevate overlooked historical figuresWhy Smalls' bravery and political achievements still matter todayA must-listen for fans of U.S. history, Black history, and historical storytelling through art.Support the show
Sit down with me as I reflect on five years of Civics and Coffee! In this episode I look back on where I started and explain where I would like to go. I also give you an inside look into the rebranding of the show and how I landed on the new name, Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast. Help me celebrate five years by subscribing to the podcast's YouTube Channel and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a free book! Support the show
What do cocktails, hospitals, and the American railroad system have in common? Ice.This week, I'm joined by Dr. Amy Brady, author of Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks – A Cool History of a Hot Commodity, to explore how something as simple as frozen water reshaped the nation. From 19th-century ice harvesting to the rise of refrigeration and its impact on food, medicine, and leisure, we dive into the chilly history behind one of America's most overlooked innovations.We also discuss what the story of ice reveals about climate, class, and cultural memory. This conversation is as refreshing as it is fascinating and you won't want to miss it!Support the show
For over a century, the Colfax Massacre was inaccurately labeled a “race riot.” But in reality, it stands as one of the deadliest instances of racial and political violence during the Reconstruction Era. Join me this episode as I uncover what happened in Colfax, Louisiana in 1873 including why Black citizens were targeted for defending their newly won rights and how the legal aftermath shaped the limits of federal civil rights enforcement for decades to come.Grab your coffee and get ready to revisit the facts, challenge the myths, and explore what this event reveals about the way history is remembered—and forgotten.
Join me this week as I sit down with Dr. Hilary Green to discuss her latest book, Unforgettable Sacrifice: How Black Communities Remembered the Civil War. In our conversation we dive into the importance of preserving historical memory, the work of Black women to guard the past, and what we these communities teach us about the Civil War.
In this episode I explore the life and legacy of the man who first established "bossism," William Tweed. Learn about Tweed's early life and his increasing influence while serving in local offices and how it all came crashing down.
Join me this week as I dive into the story of Little Women and its author Louisa May Alcott. Learn all about Alcott's youth and exactly how the story of Little Women got started.
Joining me this week is scholar and fellow podcaster Dr. Matthew Brogdon. He is a Political Scientist with an expertise in American Constitutionalism. In this episode, we discuss the history of the 13th and 14th Amendments and how they reshaped American society. We also spent time talking about how the amendments of this period influence our society today. Be sure to check out Matthew's podcast, This Constitution, and check out the great work is doing with The Quill Project by visiting https://www.uvu.edu/ccs/
Join me this week as I dive into another listener request and tackle the history of Bourbon. In this episode I cover when Bourbon got its start in the United States, how it differs from Scottish Whiskey, and why it is considered America's drink. The episode also mentions the Whiskey Rebellion, which you can learn more about by listening to the episode I dedicated to it back in 2021 here. Happy listening!
Join me this week as I chat with Dr. Anita Chan to discuss her latest book, Predatory Data: Eugenics in Big Tech and Our Fight for an Independent Future. To learn more about Dr. Chan, be sure to visit her website at: https://www.anitachan.org/
Join me this week as I sit down and dive into the Panic of 1873. Learn how one man, Jay Cooke, brought the United States economy to the brink and how the panic has connections with the recession of 2008.
Victoria Woodhull is perhaps best known to contemporary audiences for her decision to launch a questionable, and ultimately unsuccessful, bid for the presidency in 1872. But there is much more to Woodhull than her failed political career. Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of Victoria Woodhull.
Join me this week as I dive into the cause and legacy of the Great Chicago Fire. What sparked the massive blaze? How did the city recover? And how did the fire inspire new structural technologies?
Soon after assuming office, President Grant was overwhelmed with letters from residents telling of the constant reign of terror they faced for exercising their right to vote. Unable to act as forcefully as he wanted, Grant asked Congress for a new law that would provide the necessary tools to combat the racial political violence. Their answer? The Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. Tune in this week as I dive into the law and how it was used to break the backs of the Ku Klux Klan in the south.
Join me this episode as I sit down with author Robert O'Connor to discuss his historical novel about the Morale Corps during World War II, Jeep Show. To learn more about Robert, visit his website at www.jeepshowbook.com
Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of First Lady Julia Grant. Learn about Grant's early life living in the border state of Missouri, how she met her future husband, and how she impacted the role of First Lady.
This week I wrap up the presidency and legacy of President Ulysses S. Grant. Learn about Grant's time in office, his work to preserve the civil rights of African Americans, and the struggles he faced due to his lack of political experience.
Join me this week as I begin my coverage of the life and legacy of 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. In this episode, I cover Grant's early life including his decision to enroll at the Military Academy at West Point and his experiences during the Civil War.
Join me this week for my conversation with Dr. Anthony Grasso where we discuss his latest book, Dual Justice: America's Divergent Approaches to Street and Corporate Crime. Learn all about how different ideologies influenced the criminal justice system and how they are still impacting carceral policy today.
Join me this week as I wrap up my coverage of the Colorado Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder. In this episode I dive into Schroeder's legislative accomplishments and her decision to launch a campaign for president.
This week's episode comes to you thanks to a listener request! Join me as I dive into part one of feminist politician Patricia Schroeder's life and legacy. In this episode I cover Schroeder's early life, including her experience attending Harvard Law School, and her unlikely 1972 campaign to represent Colorado in the House of Representatives.
Join me this week as I dive into the history of the transcontinental railroad. Learn all about how it got started, how the two companies bested nature, and the complicated legacy the rail left in its wake.
Tune into this listener's request where I dive into the story of Reuel Colt Gridley who stumbled into a creative way to raise money for the United States Sanitary Commission during the Civil War. Learn about Gridley, the fundraiser, and how Mark Twain is involved.
Join me in this episode I sit down with Dr. Paul Gagliardi to discuss his book All Play and No Work which analyzes complex portrayals of labor and work relief through plays selected by the Federal Theatre Project. Tune in to learn about the Federal Theatre Project and the organization's role in the New Deal.
Join for another bonus episode where I sit down with Dr. Brittany Friedman to discuss her book, Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons. To learn more about Dr. Friedman, be sure to visit her website at www.brittanyfriedman.comFor Bay Area listeners: be sure to catch Dr. Friedman at her book talk on March 16th at Book Passage in San Francisco. Learn more here.
Join me this week as I explore the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. Learn why the United States and Plains tribes engaged in yet another negotiation aimed at securing peace, how the agreement was eventually violated by the U.S. government, and how it all ties to a still-active Supreme Court case.
Join me this week as I explore the history of the first iteration of the Ku Klux Klan. Learn about the earliest days of the organization, how it evolved into a dangerous domestic terrorist group, and how their acts of violence sough to depress the influence of Black Americans and the Republican Party throughout the former Confederacy. Please note, there is mature content shared in this episode.
Join me for this BONUS episode where I welcome Dr. Andrew Sillen to discuss his latest book, Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White. You can learn more about Dr. Sillen by checking out his website: https://kidnappedatsea.com/
Frances Harper was an abolitionist, author, and activist who spent her life in the pursuit of a better nation. Risking her safety to tour on the anti-slavery lecture circuit before the war, Harper became one of the loudest critics of Andrew Johnson during Reconstruction. Tune in this week as I dive into her life, motivations, and legacy.
Join me this week as I dive into the life of Eliza McCardle Johnson. In this episode I dive into McCardle's early years, her relationship with Andrew Johnson, and how she chose to run the house as First Lady.
Joining me this week is historian and author Dr. Alexis Peri. In this episode we discuss her latest book Dear Unknown Friend, which tells the story of the Soviet and American women who traded correspondence toward the end of World War II and during the Cold War.
Join me this week as I wrap up my coverage of the life and presidency of 17th President Andrew Johnson. In this episode, I dive into Johnson's meeting with Black abolitionists and his impeachment - the first in United States history.
Join me this week as I dive into the early life of 17th President Andrew Johnson. Learn how a man born to poor, illiterate parents beat the odds to become Vice President then President of the United States.
In this episode, historian and author Salina Baker discusses her latest book, The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nathaneal Greene and the American Revolution. Tune in to learn who Greene was, what role he played in the American Revolution, and how historical fiction can make the past come alive. You can find out more about Salina by going to her website at www.salinabbaker.com
Considered by some historians to be the most important amendment to the Constitution, the 14th Amendment sought to codify the protections provided by the 1866 Civil Rights Act. Tune in to learn why Senators felt an amendment was necessary, how it impacted women's push for the vote, and how it has been used to secure freedom for generations of Americans.
For a period of three days in May of 1866, the city of Memphis was plagues with violence as racial tensions exploded. The first race riot to happen after the Civil War, the massacre demonstrated how ineffective local governments were in responding to lawless, prompting Congress to push for a "radical" reconstruction. Tune in to find out just what happened and how it was used to forge the 14th Amendment.
After President Andrew Johnson's initial attempts at "reconstruction" demonstrated his hostility toward Black Americans, Republican members of Congress focused their energies on forging a new path for reconstruction. Join me this week where I talk about their efforts, including their work to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Reconstruction Act of 1867, and so much more.
Join me on the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor where I dive into why Japan attacked, how the United States responded, and what the legacy the attack left behind.
Joining me this week is Dr. Katie Singer who recently wrote Alien Soil: Oral Histories of Great Migration Newark. Our conversation covers everything from the importance of oral history to the lived experiences of Black Americans in Newark. When you are finished with the episode, be sure to pick up a copy for you and your friends.
At the end of the Civil War, Andrew Johnson faced quite the task in assessing how to reunite the country after years of bloody conflict. A man not known for his political acumen, Johnson moved quickly in establishing his vision for reconstruction. Tune in this week to learn about what Johnson did and why it led to a showdown with Congress.
The boys and I are back again with another Friendsgiving Spectacular! Tune in as Jerry, Kenny, Howard, and I ask each other questions and dive into the weird and unusual story of the American past.
Join me this week as I dive into how Black Americans entered the political arena in the years immediately after the Civil War. In this episode, I discuss the history of Union Leagues, Black Codes, and what role the Ku Klux Klan played in diminishing African American political participation.
Robert Smalls was one of millions of Black American born into slavery in 1839. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Smalls embarked on one of the most daring escapes imaginable by commandeering a confederate transport ship. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Robert Smalls.
Joining me this week is Dr. Donna Nichol to discuss her latest book Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, the California State University, and the Fight to Save Affirmative Action. Her work traces this life and legacy of the first Black woman to serve on the California State University Board of Trustees, Dr. Claudia Hampton. Tune in to learn about Dr. Hampton and how her work left tangible impacts for California students. To learn more about Dr. Nicol, be sure to visit her website at www.donnajnicol.com
Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds is one of the most iconic horror movies in the history of cinema. Filmed in Bodega Bay, California in the 1960s, the terrifying story was plagued with production issues and questionable behavior from its director. Tune in this week as I dive into the history of making The Birds.
Join me this week as I dive into the mysterious story of America's first female serial killer, Belle Gunness. Learn how her meager beginnings in Norway motivated her to seek prosperity in the United States, why she took in children, and how she managed to escape punishment for her crimes.
Join me this week as I sit down with authors Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy to discuss their new book, With Hunt: The Cold War, Joe McCarthy, and the Red Scare.
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