Civics & Coffee

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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.

Alycia


    • May 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 21m AVG DURATION
    • 270 EPISODES

    4.9 from 51 ratings Listeners of Civics & Coffee that love the show mention: alycia, civics, sized, bite, coffee, cup, history, learn something, school, learning, perfect, wonderful, recommend, informative, love, great, new, listen.


    Ivy Insights

    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.



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    Latest episodes from Civics & Coffee

    The Panic of 1873

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 17:06


    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. 

    A Public Woman: Victoria Woodhull

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 21:04


    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. 

    The Great Chicago Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 17:51


    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? 

    Grant's Fight: The Ku Klux Klan Act

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 18:36


    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. 

    Jeep Show with Robert B. O'Connor

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 36:43


    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

    Julia Dent Grant

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 18:33


    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. 

    Ulysses S. Grant: Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 19:01


    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. 

    Ulysses S. Grant: Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 18:39


    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. 

    Dual Justice with Dr. Anthony Grasso

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 47:16


    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. 

    The Maverick: Patricia Schroeder (Part Two)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 18:40


    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. 

    The Maverick: Patricia Schroeder (Part One)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 15:31


    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. 

    The Transcontinental Railroad

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 19:22


    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. 

    Reuel Colt Gridley & The Flour Fundraiser

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 13:25


    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. 

    civil war fundraisers mark twain flour reuel united states sanitary commission
    All Play and No Work with Dr. Paul Gagliardi

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 47:30


    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.  

    Carceral Apartheid with Dr. Brittany Friedman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 34:58


    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. 

    The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 17:32


    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. 

    The Ku Klux Klan & Reconstruction

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 19:36


    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. 

    Kidnapped At Sea with Dr. Andrew Sillen

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 35:51


    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/

    The People's Poet: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 17:09


    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. 

    Eliza McCardle Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 15:49


    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. 

    Dear Unknown Friend with Dr. Alexis Peri

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 42:12


    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. 

    Andrew Johnson: Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 18:28


    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. 

    Andrew Johnson: Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 20:28


    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. 

    The Line of Splendor with Salina Baker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 21:23


    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

    The 14th Amendment

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2024 17:24


    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. 

    The Memphis Massacre

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 16:21


    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. 

    Radical Reconstruction

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 19:31


    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.  

    Pearl Harbor

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 18:34


    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. 

    Alien Soil with Dr. Katie Singer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 31:19


    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. 

    Andrew Johnson's Presidential Reconstruction

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 15:37


    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. 

    Third Annual Friendsgiving

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 61:30


    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. 

    Union Leagues, Reconstruction, and the KKK: The Rise and Fall of Black Political Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 14:53


    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 (Listener Request)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 15:30


    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. 

    Black Woman on Board with Dr. Donna Nicol

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 47:21


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 16:41


    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. 

    Murderess: Belle Gunness

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2024 17:08


    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. 

    Witch Hunt with Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2024 44:48


    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. 

    Hiram Revels: The First Black Senator

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 19:35


    In the earliest months of Reconstruction, several Black Americans were elected to political offices throughout the south. The first man to serve in the Senate, Hiram Revels, hailed from the state of Mississippi. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Hiram Revels. 

    The Freedmen's Bureau

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2024 16:57


    What was the Freedmen's Bureau, and how did it shape the post-Civil War South? Join me this week as I dive into the triumphs and trials of this historic agency. Learn how the Freedmen's Bureau worked to provide support and equality for newly freed African Americans and learn about its pivotal role in education, attempted land distribution, and legal assistance. 

    Reconstruction: An Introduction

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 14:51


    As the dust settled in the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States had several challenges to address. How should formerly seceded states be reintroduced to the Union? What punishment, if any, should former Confederate officials face? And what did freedom for Black Americans mean?Reconstruction is a complicated, nuanced period in American history. Join me this week as I introduce Reconstruction and what you all can expect over the next several weeks. 

    The Incorruptibles with Dan Slater

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2024 35:19


    Joining me this week is Dan Slater. He is an author whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and GQ. Slater recently wrote the book The Incorruptibles: A True Story of Kingpins, Crime Busters, and the Birth of the American Underworld which tells the story of the origins of the Jewish criminal underworld in the early twentieth century. To learn more about Dan, head over to his instagram at: bydanslater

    The Sultana Disaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2024 17:57


    As news of end of the Civil War spread, officials made arrangements to get former POWs home. For union men, this meant traveling via steamship. A frequent method of travel, steamships had a reputation for bad accidents. A reputation that would prove true with the Sultana. Join me this week as I dive into one of the most devastating maritime disasters in U.S. history: the sinking of the Sultana. Overloaded and plagued by a critical flaw, this steamboat's final voyage ended in catastrophic explosions on the Mississippi River. Learn more about this disaster - and why it isn't more widely known. 

    Surrender: Appomattox

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 16:47


    As the Union continued to rack up military victories deep in Confederate territory, there was a sense the end of the war was near. Despite hopeful sentiments, Abraham Lincoln remained stoic and cautious in his second inaugural address in early March. Little did anyone know that surrender would be in hand just over a month later when General Robert E. Lee requested to speak with General Ulysses S. Grant. What happened during their conversation? Tune in to find out. 

    Introducing: Civics & Cocktails

    Play Episode Play 25 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 11:07


    For the final bonus episode in celebration of FOUR YEARS of Civics & Coffee, I am so excited to share a preview of a NEW bonus show I am hosting on Patreon: Civics & Cocktails! By joining the Civics & Coffee Patreon on community, you will get historical goodies like stickers, and access to the Civics & Cocktails RSS feed. Each month, I will welcome a guest (or two!) to chat about history over a delicious cocktail. You'll get the same great history, but with an adult twist!  You can sign up searching for Civics & Coffee on Patreon, or clicking here. 

    New Deal Law & Order with Dr. Anthony Gregory

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 39:05


    Joining me this week is historian and author Dr. Anthony Gregory. Dr. Gregory specializes in the intersection of liberal political theory and carceral studies. In this episode, we discuss his latest book, New Deal Law and Order: How the War on Crime Built the Modern Liberal State. You can learn more about Dr. Gregory by visiting his website at www.anthonygregory.com

    war new deal order how
    Voice of Change: Barbara Jordan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 13:01


    The first Black woman to represent the state of Texas since Reconstruction, Barbara Jordan was a thoughtful, pragmatic politician. She rose to national prominence during the 1974 impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon when her remarks outlined in stark detail the reasons for pursuing impeachment. Join me on this bonus episode as I dive into the life and career of Barbara Jordan. And if you need a refresher about the Watergate Scandal, be sure to check out the episode I did with the ladies from Hashtag History here. 

    The 1968 Democratic National Convention

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 19:51


    In the late summer of 1968, thousands of protestors joined politicians, party leaders, and the media in Chicago to attend the Democratic National Convention. The convention is known as one of the most chaotic and violent conventions in history and led to significant changes in the party nominating process. Tune in as I dive into what happened and why so many are comparing 1968 to 2024. 

    "Justifying" Slavery with Kristin Kessinger

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 38:47


    Joining me this week is educator and historian Kristin Kessinger. In this episode, we discuss her scholarship analyzing the southern paternalistic justifications for slavery in Missouri and how important it is to understand our past. You can follow Kristin on instagram through her handle: rockthekessbah. 

    Slavery No More: The 13th Amendment

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2024 15:55


    In the final months of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln focused his attention on securing the passage of a constitutional amendment banning slavery. But why, if he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, was an amendment necessary?Tune in this week to find out. 

    Transatlantic Commuter: A Conversation about James Baldwin with Ethan Healey

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 42:28


    James Baldwin was a writer, activist, and world traveler who dedicated his life to understanding his identity and how it fit within American society. His writing deftly explore these topics and sheds a light on the Black experience in the twentieth century.Joining me for this bonus episode is past guest Ethan Healey. Healey shares his research about Baldwin's search for identity, how it influenced his activism, and why Baldwin's work still resonates today. 

    Abraham Lincoln with Jerry Landry

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2024 60:26


    Joining me as I wrap up my coverage of sixteenth president Abraham Lincoln is Jerry Landry. Jerry is a presidential history expert and is the host and lead researcher behind the incredible Presidencies of the United States podcast. Jerry lends his insight, expertise, and analysis on Lincoln's administration, how his cabinet helped him be successful during the Civil War, and what current politicians could learn about Lincoln's leadership. 

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