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Who was William Blackstone? What did he contribute to English law, and how did his contributions directly impact the ideas in the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution? How is it that a British noble who opposed the American Revolution ended up serving as a major source of inspiration to the American Founders? Learn the […]
Who was William Blackstone? What did he contribute to English law, and how did his contributions directly impact the ideas in the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution? How is it that a British noble who opposed the American Revolution ended up serving as a major source of inspiration to the American Founders? Learn the details from this episode of The American Idea.#blackstone #williamblackstone #commonlaw #americanfounding Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea
Americans have faced, unfortunately, a number of movements and moments in our history where free speech – especially of a political nature – has been challenged and even quashed. Power-wielding opponents of free expression and debate have often sought to prevent debates and discussions from happening, in order to protect their interests. In this week's […]
Paul Nitze served under eight different U.S. presidents, from during World War 2 through the end of the Cold War, and it was his thinking, laid down in NSC-68, that provided some of the most foundational ideas for how America dealt with the Soviet Union, eventually bringing about its collapse. This week Jeff welcomes State […]
Technology, especially social media and the near ubiquity of mobile devices, has changed our world, our personal lives, and interpersonal relations. A great many people are waking up to the mountain of evidence suggesting that this change has not been all, or even mostly, for the better. American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow and author Christine […]
What is America's place in the world, and how have Americans understood where we as a country ought to be when it comes to world affairs and in relations with other countries? Should we be an “empire of liberty,” as Jefferson called the country? Should we avoid “entangling alliances” as Washington warned? Should we eagerly […]
Tariffs, seemingly a relic of the 18th and 19th centuries, are back on the front page as tools of policy, with wide-reaching impacts on America's economy and Americans as individuals. What's the history behind tariffs as tools of policy, and how have American leaders understood and used them differently over time? Political Economist Rob Wyllie […]
8 May 1945: Victory in Europe Day, the day after the armistice between the Allied powers and Nazi Germany goes into effect. Almost 5 years long, World War 2 in Europe destroyed millions of lives, burned ancient cities to cinders, displaced populations, and permanently changed the world order. How, then, did it come to an […]
8 May 1945: Victory in Europe Day, the day after the armistice between the Allied powers and Nazi Germany goes into effect. Almost 5 years long, World War 2 in Europe destroyed millions of lives, burned ancient cities to cinders, displaced populations, and permanently changed the world order. How, then, did it come to an […]
8 May 1945: Victory in Europe Day, the day after the armistice between the Allied powers and Nazi Germany goes into effect. Almost 5 years long, World War 2 in Europe destroyed millions of lives, burned ancient cities to cinders, displaced populations, and permanently changed the world order. How, then, did it come to an […]
What is ‘grand strategy’ and how does it differ from strategy? What does grand strategy mean to a nation, its leaders and people? How is such a thing developed and revised over time? And why is it so difficult for America to create and settle on such a thing? Business and military strategy authority Dr. […]
What is ‘grand strategy’ and how does it differ from strategy? What does grand strategy mean to a nation, its leaders and people? How is such a thing developed and revised over time? And why is it so difficult for America to create and settle on such a thing? Business and military strategy authority Dr. […]
Why have NBA ratings dropped by half over the last decade? How has the game changed in recent years and what does the proliferation of legalized sports betting have to do with it? Jeff takes a break this week from questions of history and politics and looks at a slice of our public life with […]
On 19 April 1775, the American War for Independence began at the battles of Lexington and Concord. Take a step back in time this week to learn some of the forgotten stories of important and interesting individuals who were part of America's revolution, of which the war, according to John Adams, was only a part. […]
The 2024 elections left the Democrats in crisis, soul-searching over why they not only lost the White House, but also multiple down-ballot races, as well. Are we entering an era of party realignment? How is the leadership of the DNC grappling with these losses, and what do they see as the reasons behind them? What […]
What can we learn from those who came before us? What life lessons can be gleaned from the ideas and actions of noteworthy Americans? Dr. Cara Roger Stevens discusses the lives of 10 extraordinary Americans, whose lives offer us wisdom and guidance, with teacher and author Jeremy Adams. You can find Adams’ book on Amazon: […]
What is statesmanship? What does it take to be a statesman? Is it possible to be such a leader during easy times, or only during the toughest moments in history? Jeff sits down with Dr. Greg McBrayer to discuss Ronald Reagan’s political philosophy and how he applied in understanding and dealing with the Soviet Union […]
Gregory Rehmke is Program Director for Economic Thinking—a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching economic principles and the key role of economic freedom, property rights, and the rule of law to progress and prosperity in America and around the world. He has directed educational programs at the Center for the American Idea, The Reason Foundation, and the Foundation for Economic Education. Gregory Rehmke has a degree in Economics from the University of Washington and did graduate work at the University of St. Thomas and San Jose State University. In this episode, Dr. Tro, Dr. Brian, and Gregory talk about… (00:00) Intro (06:31) Finding and working toward bipartisan agreement on very important issues related to health (09:28) Health savings accounts and why Singapore's health care system is the best in the world (13:41) The economic incentive model and health care (24:50) Why minorities and those in lower economic groups are at a much higher risk for health issues (34:36) Employee and student wellness (40:48) Reaching people with the message of metabolic health (46:20) Perverse incentive structures in healthcare and how they can be effectively reformed (57:10) The power of anecdotes for promoting good health information (01:03:18) Some potential issues with deregulating HSAs (01:06:08) The advancement of good metabolic health information over the past decade or so (01:08:50) Outro and Plugs For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening! Links: Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/ Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Medicine and Culture (book by Lynn Payer): https://www.amazon.com/Medicine-Culture-Revised-Lynn-Payer For Richer, for Poorer: Low-Carb Diets Work for All Incomes: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/richer-poorer-low-carb-diets-work-all-incomes-2024a1000cw5?form=fpf Gregory Rehmke: Economic Thinking: https://economicthinking.org/ State Policy Network: https://spn.org/ STOA Debate League: https://www.stoausa.org Normal Nutrition (substack): https://normalnutrition.substack.com Dr. Brian Lenzkes: Website: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianLenzkes?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author Dr. Tro Kalayjian: Website: https://www.doctortro.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoctorTro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctortro/ Toward Health App Join a growing community of individuals who are improving their metabolic health; together. Get started at your own pace with a self-guided curriculum developed by Dr. Tro and his care team, community chat, weekly meetings, courses, challenges, message boards and more. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/doctor-tro/id1588693888 Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.disciplemedia.doctortro&hl=en_US&gl=US Learn more: https://doctortro.com/community/
Lindsay Chervinsky, Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, joins Cara Rogers Stevens this week to discuss Abigail Adams and her impact on John’s public life. Learn more about Lindsay: https://www.lindsaychervinsky.com/ Get her book: https://a.co/d/6OOF1ny Learn about the George Washington Library: https://www.mountvernon.org/library Listen to Lindsay’s podcast: https://www.georgewashingtonpodcast.com/show/conversations/ Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: […]
Daylight Savings Time: nobody seems to enjoy switching their clocks twice a year, and recently there has been another push to eliminate it altogether. But as a policy issue it's far more complicated than it might seem at first glance. Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens is joined by columnist Rachel Lu, Associate Editor at Law & […]
Days before the inauguration of our next president, we ask you to take a moment to look back at an inaugural address that was also given in a time of high political division and partisanship, in fact eclipsing our own. What can we learn from Abraham Lincoln, and from the words of his Second Inaugural […]
How and why did the short-lived Republic of Texas seek admission into the United States and become the 28th state? Historical Jordan Cash joins Jeff for this episode, wherein they discuss how the state of Texas came about, why it factored so prominently in 19th Century American history, and why it still matters today. #texas […]
Rev. John Rankin is, arguably, America’s founding abolitionist, and yet he is virtually forgotten today. A conductor on the Underground Railroad, a writer and preacher, he laid the intellectual, moral, and organizational foundations of what would become the mainstream abolition movement in the mid-19th Century. Jeff is joined today by author Caleb Franz to cast […]
What foreign policy challenges does the Trump Administration face as of February 2025? Where are the potential flashpoints of global conflict and strife? What ‘bad actors’ are out there, and are they working together? Defense Policy expert Rebeccah Heinrichs discusses these serious issues with Jeff, and offers some ideas for how America can defend itself […]
The presidential pardon is the most sweeping and unchallengeable of a president’s powers, and it seems that each time someone leaves the White House, pardons generate at least some level of controversy. Why did the Founders include this power? How was its use originally envisioned, and how has it evolved over time? Historian Jonathan White […]
Dan and Corey kick off a special Saturday morning edition of Libservative Intellectual Idiots, tackling a range of political and cultural topics. The duo dives into the declassification of the JFK, RFK, and MLK files and teases a future episode with a guest who has extensively studied the JFK assassination. They discuss the shake-up at CNN and the absurdity of mainstream media. The conversation then shifts to Donald Trump's new cabinet picks, focusing on the contentious confirmation hearings for RFK Jr., Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, and Kash Patel. The hosts debate the importance of questioning the establishment, scientific consensus, and the media's portrayal of these figures. They also touch on Edward Snowden's legacy and the implications of his actions. The episode is filled with humor, irony, and critical analysis, capturing the chaotic yet enlightening nature of today's political landscape.00:00 Welcome to Libservative: Saturday Morning Edition01:20 JFK Assassination Files and Conspiracy Theories03:31 CNN Shake-Up and Media Personalities05:49 Trump's Return and Political Reactions12:50 NFL Rigging and Sports Controversies19:59 Selena Gomez's Emotional Video33:26 RFK Jr. and Vaccine Controversies40:32 Debating Newborn Vaccinations41:43 Hospital Birth Experiences44:00 RFK Jr. and Authority in Healthcare47:27 Bernie Sanders on American Health51:16 Medicare for All vs. Healthier America56:36 Senator Mullen's Vaccine Concerns01:06:16 Tulsi Gabbard on Intelligence Failures01:26:43 Agreeing with Mr. Snows01:27:13 Edward Snowden's Sarcasm01:28:20 The American Idea and National Security01:28:59 Donald Trump's Election Impact01:30:16 Voter Desperation and the Establishment01:31:42 The Government as the Enemy01:33:54 Clearing Up Misconceptions01:36:23 Mark Kelly Questions Tulsi Gabbard01:40:38 The Truth vs. Russian Talking Points01:42:23 Operation Timber Sycamore01:43:37 Historical Context of U.S. Foreign Policy01:46:43 Kash Patel's Confirmation Hearing01:48:59 Grandstanding and Hypocrisy01:54:35 The Reality of FBI Leadership02:00:45 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information
Jimmy Carter, a one-term Democrat president from Georgia, recently passed away after a long and impactful and sometimes controversial post-presidential life. From governor of Georgia to president to self-appointed ambassador and highly successful proponent of global relief efforts, Carter broke with many presidential traditions, for better and worse, to his advantage and not. Jeff is […]
As we mark another peaceful transfer of presidential power in America – and after an ugly, rancorous political campaign season – it’s worth looking back at perhaps the greatest story of political and personal reconciliation in our history. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson: allies, then friends, then rivals, then political enemies, and then friends again […]
America’s national debt stands at over $36 trillion dollars as of early 2025. What does that mean? How did we get here? What should and can be done about it? What are the consequences of inaction? AIER.org policy analyst Dave Hebert joins Jeff this week to discuss this problem, hiding in plain sight, its background, […]
Jeff is joined by historian H.W. Brands to discuss the public and political battle between #FDR and Charles Lindbergh during the lead-in to #WW2. Were FDR’s policies pushing America slowly toward war, as Lindbergh asserted, or would they keep us out, as was FDR’s position? Of additional interest is how their disagreement fits into the […]
John Adams was instrumental in America’s efforts for independence, the formation of our early government, and the cementing of norms and systems during the republic’s early years. And yet he seems most often remembered for the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts, and his complicated relationship with Thomas Jefferson? Historian and Executive Director of the George […]
Peter Schramm, former Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center and Professor of Political Science, was a student of American thought, culture, institutions, and people. His interest in America began when he was a child, living in Hungary after World War 2, hearing his father talk about a faraway place where they all belonged, and would […]
Peter Schramm, former Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center and Professor of Political Science, was a student of American thought, culture, institutions, and people. His interest in America began when he was a child, living in Hungary after World War 2, hearing his father talk about a faraway place where they all belonged, and would hopefully one day live.This is Peter's story, told by him, and through it we can learn not only of his story, but something about this country and its ideals, and why it has served as a beacon of liberty to the world for over 200 years.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe:https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea
Done every 10 years in response to the census, as required in the Constitution, congressional redistricting is always a politically-charged process, with each state dealing with it differently. Ohio recently completed the process, putting in place districts through 2030. Jeff is joined by Ohio Governor’s press secretary Dan Tierney to discuss how Ohio does this […]
Jeff is joined by Dr. John Moser, Professor of History, to discuss the pivotal Battle of the Bulge – or Ardennes Offensive – that turned out to be Nazi Germany’s last major offensive of World War 2 in northwest Europe. Catching the Allied armies by surprise, Hitler’s army pushed deep behind friendly lines, only to […]
Jeff is joined by historian Tevi Troy to discuss an issue of both historical and current relevance: what happens when the interests of commercial and industrial giants clash with those of the president? Is there anything we can learn from past rifts between the likes of Rockefeller and Roosevelt, of Ford and Wilson, to help […]
Can we find an honest president, or an honest presidential administration? By what standards do we identify “corruption” when it comes to the White House? Dr. John Robert Greene, author of “Little Helpers: Harry Vaughan, His Cronies, and Corruption in the Truman Administration,” joins Jeff to discuss the long and sordid history of presidential scandals […]
How bad is our military recruiting crisis? Why are our armed services having sustained problems bringing in and retaining members? And what does this say about our strategic readiness, and what that means for our national security? Jeff is joined by Will Thibeau, former Army Ranger and defense policy authority to discuss this troubling, important […]
In celebration of John Adams's 289th birthday, Jeffrey Rosen joins a discussion on Adams's legacy with Danielle Allen, the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University, and Jane Kamensky, president and CEO of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Kurt Graham, president of the Adams Presidential Center, moderates. They explore the constitutional legacy of the Adams family—including John and Abigail Adams and John Quincy and Louisa Catherine Adams—and discuss the importance of resurrecting the Adams family's tradition of self-mastery and self-improvement to defend the American Idea. This conversation was originally aired at the Adams Presidential Center as part of the 2024 Adams Speaker Series. Resources: Jeffrey Rosen, The Pursuit of Happiness (2024) Jane Kamensky, The Colonial Mosaic: American Women 1600-1760 (1998) Danielle Allen, Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality (2014) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcasts@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr. Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube. Support our important work. Donate
Jeff is joined by presidential historian Dr. Vincent Cannato, of the University of Massachusetts-Boston to discuss the elections of 2024, with particular focus on the presidential election. What happened? Why? How? What might it all mean? #trump2024 #harris2024 #elections2024results #elections2024 Read Vincent’s most recent book: https://a.co/d/dr12bXU Visit Vin’s website: https://www.vincentcannato.com/ Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: […]
We often look at our divisive, shrill, and angry politics as somehow outside of some vague norm, or worse than at any time in our past. Go back to go forward as we look at the Election of 1800 and how two parties reduced themselves to name-calling and lies, and still agreed to the first […]
Jeff and legal scholar Jonathan Turley discuss the importance of a free press in America, as well as the decline of legacy media and the simultaneous rise of the “citizen journalist.” What does all this portend for our republic and our efforts to be informed, rational citizens? Read Jonathan's recent book, “The Indispensable Right: Free […]
It’s been 80 years since Allied forces under General Douglas MacArthur invaded and, eventually, liberated the Philippines. To discuss the pivotal event in WW2 and world history, Jeff is joined by historian Walter Borneman, author of several books on World War II, including the excellent MacArthur at War. Learn about how this invasion came about […]
Temu – it offers lots of cheap goods, right? Did you bother reading the Terms of Service, and do you realize just how intrusive this app is when it comes to the rest of the data and personal information on your phone? Did you know that the Chinese government requires – by their law – […]
In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Pastor Nate Wright and Dr. Jeffrey Ventrella explore the intricate relationship between American constitutionalism and Christianity. They ask the question: "Is the Constitution Dead?" They discuss the historical foundations of America, the role of religion in the founding, the impact of rationalism, and the current state of constitutionalism in a nation that has largely rejected its Christian roots. Dr. Ventrella emphasizes the importance of Christians engaging in cultural and institutional power to effect change, advocating for a long-term, incremental approach to renewal and transformation. Episode Resources: TruthXchange: https://truthxchange.com/; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot's latest book "Ruler of Kings": https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; CHAPTERS:00:00 Opening: Introduction to American Constitutionalism00:30 Intro00:51 Welcome03:05 The Foundations of America: A Historical Perspective11:31 American Idea of the Separation of Church & State16:30 The Impact of Modernism/Rationalism on American Ideals20:37 Evolution and the Mutation of Law & Society24:33 Christianity's Influence on American Governance29:48 The Importance of a Biblical Anthropology in the U.S. Founding33:00 Current State of American Constitutionalism38:19 Why Do Insitutions Tend to Bloat and Shift Left?42:09 Christian Culture & Institutional Power44:27 Why Fight for American Constitutionalism?51:22 TruthXchange Information53:25 Conclusion & Mission of God Conference Information54:14 Outro UPCOMING CONFERENCES:Join us this October 31- November 2 @ The Presence of Christ Conference at Trinity Bible Chapel in Kitchener/Waterloo: https://mytrinitybiblechapel.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2343549; The Mission of God Conferences: UK | Sat, 2 Nov 2024 10:00 - 17:30 GMT @ Birmingham City Centre: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mission-of-god-conference-2024-tickets-932486039847; Canada - Ontario | Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 9:00 EST @ Harvest Bible Church Windsor: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstitute/missionofgod2024-ontario/587020/details; Alberta | Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 9:00 MST@ Fairview Baptist Church: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstitute/missionofgod2024-alberta/587306. The WAIT is OVER!!! Pre-order your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot's Mission of God with a brand-new study guide! Get it here: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra's many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.
This week, the National Constitution Center held its annual Liberty Medal ceremony honoring America's storyteller, Ken Burns, for illuminating the nation's greatest triumphs and tragedies and inspiring all of us to learn about the principles at the heart of the American idea. In this episode, Jeffrey Rosen and Burns's co-director Sarah Botstein talk about Burns's life and work, followed by Ken Burns's inspiring acceptance speech. Burns then sits down with Rosen for a conversation about the American Idea. Resources: The National Constitution Center's 2024 Liberty Medal Ceremony Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr. Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube. Support our important work. Donate