The Sons Of History

In this first episode of the new season, we will be discussing the fallout from AHA president James Sweet's apology for being honest about The 1619 Project and the issues of presentism. The issues of presentism are glaring and it undermines the study of history and the integrity of those who practice it. The president of the American Historical Association, James H. Sweet, wrote a column for the AHA addressing the problem. This created an uproar and the Twitter mob came after him. The Left created such a stir that Sweet bowed to their pressure and issued an apology, which is now above the column he wrote. Phil Magness wrote an article for the American Institute for Economic Research entitled “The Suicide of the American Historical Association" about how Sweet's Soviet-style apology is a picture perfect representation of the ills we see in the industry of history. Phillip W. Magness is the Director of Research and Education at the American Institute for Economic Research and a Research Fellow at the Independent Institute. He holds a PhD and MPP from George Mason University's School of Public Policy, and a BA from the University of St. Thomas (Houston). His books include “Colonization After Emancipation: Lincoln and the Movement for Black Resettlement”; “Cracks in the Ivory Tower: The Moral Mess of Higher Education”; and “The 1619 Project: A Critique.” He has taught public policy, economics, and international trade at American University, George Mason University, and Berry College. His articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Newsweek, Politico, Reason, National Review, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and subscribe to our podcast and leave a rating and a review. It would be greatly appreciated.

America's educational institutions, from secondary to post-secondary, continue to perform abysmally in teaching history and civics. In many ways, the lack of knowledge about how the republic works explains why America sits on a stack of massive problems. America's government is powered by its citizens, but ignorance - from voters to legislators - seems to be running rampant. David Randall, Director of Research at the National Association of Scholars, joins the podcast to discuss his latest study: "Learning for Self-Government: A K-12 Civics Report Card." Randall has analyzed many of today's famous and infamous history and civics lesson plans provided by schools and/or organizations. As the school year closes and a new one approaches, this is a perfect time to have this conversation.

Lucius Sirgius Catiline was a Roman senator and patrician with a family lineage dating back to the Second Punic War. So why would he take the steps to conspire to have certain senators assassinated and Rome - the eternal city - burned? Historian, author, and professor at Georgetown University, Josiah Osgood, joins the podcast to discuss the famous Catiline Conspiracy and his new book "How to Stop a Conspiracy: An Ancient Guide to Saving a Republic." His book is actually translation of Sallust's famous work "The War with Catiline."

Dr. Olivier Zunz, the James Madison Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Virginia, joins the podcast to discuss his work on the life of Alexis de Tocqueville. Tocqueville, the French diplomat, came to America in 1830 to study the country's prison system, but truly studied the American political system as a whole. From that experience, he wrote one of the most influential works: "Democracy in America." Zunz is one of the preeminent scholars on Tocqueville and we discuss how Tocqueville influenced France's political systems and how his works continue to impact the perception and understanding of our own country.

Historian Neil Lanctot joined the podcast to discuss his latest book on what led to America's eventual entrance into World War I and how various national leaders - Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Jane Addams - viewed the war and America's role. To understand how America was dealing with the issues of German submarine warfare, foreign affairs, and American isolationism, listen to Lanctot's discoveries and then go get his new book. Very much worth the read.

The Viking Age comes to an end with the death of King Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge. But who was this Viking turned mercenary turned king? Find out the life of a fascinating and brutal character of a millennia ago with historian and author Don Hollway. Hollway joins the podcast to discuss his new book "The Last Viking: The True Story of King Harald Hardrada."

William Maz, the author of the new book "The Bucharest Dossier," joins the podcast to discuss his debut spy novel centered around Romania's Christmas Revolution in 1989. There is a ton of information to learn about what life was like under the iron fist of Communism with Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu running the show. We discuss the fall and demise of the Ceausescus and what happened to Romania after the fall of Communism. Also, Maz discusses his book and how he was able to tie in the CIA, KGB, and Romania into one incredible novel.

John O'Neill, the co-author of The Devil and the Dancer, joins the podcast to discuss his latest book about Joseph Stalin and Anna Pavlova, Russia's greatest ballerina - and arguably history's greatest ballerina. The book and our discussion also ties in Vladimir Putin and the Russian's use of poisons, which dates back to the days of Stalin. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast. Also, leave us a rating and a review if you enjoy the episode!

It's a rare occasion that we don't discuss history, but this is about the future of the country, which will eventually become its history. The Babylon Bee has been keeping track satirically of the insanity constantly plaguing America and the West. Managing editor and co-author of "The Babylon Bee: Guide to Wokeness," Joel Berry, joins the podcast to discuss the book, how wokeism is destroying American institutions and Americans in general, and what the next woke agenda is. Rest assured, it is worse than terrible. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast. Leave a rating and a review if you enjoyed the show!

Thousands of years before Mao ever came on the scene, the rulers of China believed in an emperor to rule the lives of everyone and everything. Emperors of China were looked on as gods and the State was looked on as the "hegemon." The "hegemon" that was the center of the earth and rightful owner of all "under of heaven." Steven Mosher, author of Bully of Asia and one of the preeminent scholars on China, joins the podcast to discuss why China is the great threat to its own people, the West, and the world. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! Leave a rating and review too!

Warren G. Harding continues to find his name at the bottom of the presidential rankings. Ryan Walters, the author of "The Jazz Age President: Defending Warren G. Harding," believes his name should move up the list...way up. The Sons of History discuss why Harding is a much-maligned president, but really shouldn't be. In fact, there is a case to be made that he was one of the more successful presidents of the 20th century. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and a review if you enjoy the show!

What was it like being in a B-17 or B-24 bomber during World War II? Better yet, what was it like being shot down and then stranded behind enemy lines? Charles E. Stanley Jr., the author of "Lost Airmen: The Epic Rescue WWII US Bomber Crews Stranded Behind Enemy Lines," joins the podcast to discuss those very questions. Learn about the many hazards of being in a bomber plane and how Americans survived in then-Yugoslavia's Sanski Most. Be sure to subscribe and leave a rating and a review if you enjoyed the show!

Benedict Arnold. He is known as America's great traitor. Though there have been numerous traitors in the history of the US, none stands out like Arnold. But is there more than meets the eye to this disgraced general of the American Revolutionary War? Dr. Stephen Brumwell, author of "Turncoat: Benedict Arnold and the Crisis of American Liberty" and the preeminent scholar on Arnold, joins the show to shed light on a dark figure of America's past. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it!

Journalism just might be dead. Why? Politics and wokeism has poisoned it. Batya Ungar-Sargon, deputy opinion editor for Newsweek, joins the podcast to discuss her latest book "Bad News: How Woke Media Is Undermining Democracy." We discuss the history of journalism, its current state, and why people don't trust the media. WEBSITE: https://www.thesonsofhistory.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheSonsOfHistory/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesonsofhistory/ #journalism #wokeism

Alan Wakim goes on a deep dive into one of the most important battles of the American Revolution, and one of the most important moments in American history: the Saratoga Campaign (commonly referred to as the Battle of Saratoga). Learn about the major players, the mishaps, mistakes, and triumphs on both the American and British sides. It's all here!

It's our first episode of the new season and Alan Winter, co-author of "Sins of the Fathers," joins the podcast to discuss the new book, how Adolf Hitler should be viewed by readers and historians, and how difficult it would be to stop the rise of Hitler (even with a second chance). "Sins of the Fathers" is the sequel to "Wolf" that follows the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party in 1930s Germany. This historical fiction series is thoroughly researched and historically accurate, all while placing the reader right in the middle of the oncoming devastating storm. Be sure to subscribe, like, and leave a comment! WEBSITE: https://www.thesonsofhistory.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheSonsOfHistory/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thesonsofhistory/ #AdolfHitler #Hitler #WorldWar2

James L. Haley, author of the naval adventure Putnam Series, joined the podcast to discuss his fourth installment in the series: "Captain Putnam for the Republic of Texas." Haley discusses the art of writing good historical fiction and why it's harder to write than nonfiction - which he has written immensely, including works on Jack London, Sam Houston, Hawaii, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Apaches. Don't miss this episode and be sure to check out Haley's Putnam Series - a great Christmas gift idea. If you enjoy the podcast, leave us a rating and a review!

Arthur Herman has written another tremendous book entitled The Viking Heart. Herman joined the podcast to discuss his work and how the Scandinavians conquered the world through Viking conquest and later through trade, exploration, and sheer heart and brilliance. Herman's new book takes the reader on a journey of approximately 1,200 years, discussing the many historical figures from the lands of the north that impacted the world then and as we know it today. Learn about the myths and facts of the Vikings and how they helped create the Scandinavians as they are known today. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and a review! WEBSITE: https://www.thesonsofhistory.com/

This week's episode is very different from any other episode we've done before. Dustin Bass reads letters and speeches from some of our American ancestors, including Ben Franklin, Daniel Webster, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Listen to the perspectives of what those from long ago thought about the meaning of Thanksgiving, including a speech from a Wampanoag Indian. We hope that you enjoy this Thanksgiving Special and that you and yours enjoy a very Happy Thanksgiving.

The legendary Wilfred McClay joined the podcast this week to discuss his book "Land of Hope" and how his US history textbook is different than most. The Sons of History are big fans of the book because it gives perspective to the American story in a very balanced way. Along with the book, we discuss what has happened to history and civics education in America's schools, why a different demographic is drawn to his recent book, and how a lack of historical perspective has become a detriment to the country. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, and if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and a review!

NEW UPLOAD after slight snafu. Discover the most influential American woman you may have never heard of: Sarah Josepha Hale. Melanie Kirkpatrick joins the podcast to discuss her latest book, "Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman." In this episode we discuss Hale's hardships and tragedies that pushed her into the direction of becoming editor of the most influential magazine of the 19th century. Through her editorship, she discovered some of the country's most talented writers, helped establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday, helped open the door for women in the workplace, and more. ​ Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, and if you enjoy it - leave a rating and a review!

Donald Frazier, of the Texas Center at Schreiner University and a newly appointed member of Texas's 1836 Commission, joins the podcast to discuss what the Commission is all about and why Texas history is so important to the American story. Supporters and detractors of the Commission are in abundance, but Frazier is working to ensure the proper historical balance is struck. The Sons of History discuss whether the Commission will work and if a governmental creation is the right step. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast. And if you enjoy the show, leave a rating and a review!

More and more, advocacy is usurping an accurate telling of history. The question is can they actually work together? And how often was advocacy done with contemporary works in order to preserve certain views? The Sons of History discuss this and more with Justice Ken Wise, of the 14th Court of Appeals in Texas and the creator of the Wise About Texas podcast, and Dr. Stephen Hardin, prominent Texas historian and professor of history at McMurry University in Abilene. As always, Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim give their book and movie recommendations, as well as their choices for This Week in History. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and a review if you enjoy the show.

Lenin. Mao. Castro. Mugabe. Khomeini. Donald Critchlow joins the podcast to discuss his new book "Revolutionary Monsters: Five Men Who Turned Liberation Into Tyranny." The Sons of History talk about how these five dictators came to power across five different regions, but in very similar ways. Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss with Critchlow how the West (whether journalists, politicians, or academics) continued to be enamored we these ruthless tyrants, how academia was a hotbed for revolution each time, what was the ultimate result, and how America and the West is falling into a trap to put themselves in the same situation. The Sons of History highly recommend this book.

Art Leach was a fighter pilot in the United States Navy during World War II was given credit for shooting down 3.5 enemy aircraft. Leach discusses the difficulties of launching and landing on the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, shooting gunboats and Japanese Zeros in the Philippine Islands, and his experience of flying the F6F Hellcat. Art Leach was awarded two air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service during WW2. Watch all of our military interviews of American soldiers on this playlist. To find out what all we are doing at The Sons of History, visit our website: https://www.thesonsofhistory.com/. If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to subscribe, rate and review! Thanks!

Denton Florian is one of the foremost experts on Sam Houston, the great Texas general, president, and governor (in that order); and Texas history in general. He was the executive producer of the five-time EMMY winning documentary "Sam Houston: American Statesman, Soldier, and Pioneer." Denton joined the podcast to discuss how the new book "Forget The Alamo" attempts to do as "The 1619 Project" did (a conversation we had with Dr. Mary Grabar two episodes prior) and reframe (or often rewrite) history through the lens of slavery and race. While agenda-driven journalists work to rewrite history in hopes that you will forget obvious historical facts about America and now Texas, we think this is a conversation you'll definitely remember. Be sure to subscribe! If you enjoy the show, leave a rating and a review!

Mike Duncan, the creator of the highly successful podcasts "The History of Rome" and "Revolutions," joins the show to discuss his new book Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution. Learn how Lafayette was a revolutionary's revolutionary. His nickname Hero of Two Worlds comes from his high level involvement in the American Revolution and the French Revolution, and there is so much to learn about this incredible French nobleman and military officer. Hero of Two Worlds is now available for purchase. Be sure to subscribe! If you enjoy the show, leave a rating and a review!

Dr. Mary Grabar joins the podcast to discuss her new book "Debunking The 1619 Project: Exposing the Plan to Divide America." Learn what some of the egregious claims are from The New York Times Magazine initiative. Grabar discusses how she dismantled The 1619 Project's claims through historical fact, contemporary sources, and historians from across the political spectrum. WEBSITE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM #The1619Project #DebunkingThe1619Project #AmericanHistory

In the first episode of the new podcast season, Dr. Danel Olson joins to talk about his new book 9/11 Gothic: Decrypting Ghosts and Trauma in New York City's Terrorism Novels. Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss how 9/11 affected civilians psychologically and spiritually and how the aftermath of the war on terror affected the military. This is a deep dive into the trauma that has followed the worst attack on America's soil. Also, The Sons of History has a new segment: This Week in History. Dustin and Alan choose something that happened this week in history. And as always, we have our book and movie recommendations. Olson's book will be available Sept. 15. You can purchase your copy at this link. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast. Also, please leave a rating and a review to more people can find the podcast.

Happy Independence Day! Listen in to this episode (and blare it on the loudspeakers) and learn how the Declaration of Independence was written, and then stay tuned in for a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.

This is an episode chock full of information on what led to the American Revolution told in an entertaining way. Since July 4th is right around the corner, we figured we would go old school with the next two episodes. Get your pen and paper ready for notes, or watch it all here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWLZn3f88ps&t=

Father's Day is coming up and The Sons of History are celebrating early. Though Dustin and Alan aren't fathers, they are sons to some really great dads. Along with that, fathers and masculinity have been coming under attack for longer than you might think. The Sons of History discuss why masculinity is an absolute necessity for a society to survive...don't worry, femininity is discussed too (and both are absolute necessities).

You may know about the famous battle on June 6, 1944 - but do you know about the other famous battles that happened on June 6, as well as other famous battles and wars that happened in the month of June? The Sons of History find it very interesting that some of history's most famous conflicts started during this month. There is something about the hot month that brings out the hot war. Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss wars from the American Revolution, World War II, the Middle East, and even the Napoleonic Era.

Margalit Fox joins the show to discuss her new book about a World War I prison escape that is practically too strange to believe. It is a tale of war, the Ottoman Empire, prison breaks, and...Ouija Boards? In her fourth book, The Confidence Men, Fox brings to life a story that was all but forgotten, during a period that few know: World War I on the Ottoman Front. This is a conversation not to be missed.

Most people know very little about Spain's assistance during the American Revolution, much less the important contributions during the Gulf Coast Campaign. Find out how Spain sought revenge from losses in the Seven Years War and how they got it, and how that benefited the Americans in countless ways.

Michael Walsh, the New York Times bestselling author, joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, Last Stands: Why Men Fight When All Is Lost. We discuss the virtues of honor and courage, and the necessity of masculinity. We cover the numerous battles discussed in the book and how masculinity is a must in a society. In a world that is being turned upside down by claims of toxic masculinity, demands for diversity solely for diversity's sake, and the constant threats from cancel culture, we discuss the end result of a society that engages in such behavior. HINT: It isn't good. Walsh is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, an American Book Award winner for And All the Saints, and the writer for one of the biggest successes for the Disney Channel - Cadet Kelly. WEBSITE https://www.thesonsofhistory.com/ SOCIAL ⚬ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUcbFfmMoIAVfjt4ZSPkCgg ⚬ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSonsOfHistory/ ⚬ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesonsofhistory/

Everyone knows about the French involvement during the American Revolution, but few know about the Spanish involvement. Spain proved to be a major help during America's fight for independence, and few individuals did more than the great Spaniard Bernardo de Galvez. It is time to give Spain and de Galvez the credit they deserve for helping the colonists defeat the British Empire. We talk with Michael Cristian on the topic of de Galvez to give you an introduction into the great man himself. We also provide some book recommendations for further research on de Galvez and the Spanish involvement. With Spain officially declaring war on Great Britain in 1779, it truly became an imperial war.

Dr. Jody Edward Ginn joins the podcast to discuss his latest book East Texas Troubles. We also discuss the corruption that engulfed the Texas Rangers for a while under the Ferguson era during the early 1900s and the resurgence that took place under James Allred. Learn about the elite group of law enforcement officers called the Texas Rangers and why Chuck Norris probably wouldn't pan out as a real Ranger.

The story goes that the Mexican Army was defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto. This is true for the army led by Santa Anna, but what about the other 4,000 soldiers? Were they defeated by the Texian Army, or something else? Gregg Dimmick, author of the Sea of Mud, joins the podcast to tell a part of the Texas Revolution you probably have never heard before. You can purchase his groundbreaking book here: Sea of Mud

Tim K., founder of The Veterans Project, joins the show to discuss the ironic story of launching The Veterans Project and how it is affecting veterans and how it is affecting him - a veteran himself of the Iraq War. This is a conversation you need to hear, and if you know a veteran, perhaps share this episode with them.

Alan Wakim and Dustin Bass go all the way back to 1944 with a not-so-talked-about law that was passed during World War 2 that gave incredible power to non-elected officials. The Sons of History discuss how this has worsened with newer laws, mostly passed at the state level, which will explain why health officials and other elected and non-elected government officials has so much power - near absolute power. And the demands from the power need not be logical. Here are some sources you may want to view for further research: Section 264 of the Public Health Service Act Model State Emergency Health Powers Act ACLU on the MSEHPA

In recent history, there has been an influx of practically mindless cancellations of all sorts - including most recently Dr. Seuss and Mr. Potato Head. Some try to excuse the societal behavior away, but it really is too dangerous to do so. Yes, there has been "cancel cultures" of sorts in our past, even reaching all the way back to the Revolution, but honestly, those and other times were really bad. Are we certain we want to relive them? Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss the effects of cancel culture - both past and present.

That is the question. Secession has been on the lips of a lot of people, even here in Texas. Is that a good idea? Didn't states do that back in 1861? Is there a different way to secede from the Union that won't lead to military conflict? Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss the pros, cons and history of secession, and how the Founding Fathers felt about the Union not being unified.

For many of the world's elite experts, the sky is always falling. The doomsday prophets of science, economics, and politics continue to be wrong and this past year is not anomalous. Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss the history of experts and their tragically wrong predictions about the end of resources, energy, and the population as a whole.

Too often, Americans place the president on a pedestal for the wrong reasons. And too often, Americans place the wrong presidents on a pedestal. Alan Wakim and Dustin Bass discuss how Americans should judge presidents and what matters most when it comes to the person who holds the power of the Executive. This President's Day week, a discussion on the presidential office seems most appropriate.

With the recent passing of Walter Williams this past December, Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss the lives of the two powerhouse economists, Thomas Sowell and Williams, and the impact they have made on them personally and on numerous generations. It can hardly be overstated the influence these two American legends have had on the modern view of economics, and even in the realm of social studies and philosophy. If you have never experienced Sowell or Williams, then we encourage you to purchase their works, watch their videos, and listen to their presentations...after watching this episode, of course.

What has taken place over the previous two weeks in the stock market has been nothing short of revolutionary. In fact, it has all the makings of what appears to be a digital French Revolution in the finance industry. Mark Houle joins The Sons of History to discuss the subReddit group WallStreetBets' move on Wall Street through GameStop stock. Is this the beginning of what could be one of the most significant and historic financial moments in world history? We discuss the purpose behind the moves, the financial markets' response, and what the plan could be moving forward for future short squeezes.

A new sheriff is in town. President Joe Biden has taken the reins of the American military. What does that mean for America's foreign policy in terms of defense? And how different will those policies be from President Trump? Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss what we experienced the previous four years, and what to expect in the following four.

It's been 30 years since the start of Operation Desert Storm. Alan Wakim and Dustin Bass discuss what might would have happened if that operation never took place. It's our first "what if" episode. We trust you'll enjoy it.

January 6, 2021 was a historic day for too many wrong reasons. Alan and Dustin discuss what happened (Dustin was there), the reactions from the media and the Left, and how big tech and Congress are taking dangerous steps after Trump supporters and Antifa members stormed the nation's Capitol.

Congress is meeting Jan. 6 to count the electoral college votes and announce the president. But a lot of controversy surrounds this upcoming momentous event. Republican members of Congress are declaring their intent to object to certain votes from certain states. What will happen? What can happen? Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss the possibilities of a potentially wild week.