Podcasts about George Washington

Dictatorship Dream: Trump Third Term FantasyOn the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty welcomes bestselling author Paul Greenberg to discuss his political satire, which imagines George Washington returning to run against a tyrant reminiscent of Donald Trump, who is seeking a third term in office. Greenberg shares his motivations for writing the novella, the importance of democracy to environmentalism, and his experiences in countries with dictatorships. The conversation explores slavery, leadership, and the potential threats to U.S. democracy. Greenberg also talks about his unique distribution strategy through independent bookstores, his plans for audio and dramatic adaptations, and the critical importance of elections integrity in combatting authoritarianism. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:21 Meet Paul Greenberg 01:37 The Inspiration Behind the Book 03:05 The Tyrant's Third Term 05:24 Washington vs. The Tyrant 08:38 Challenges and Controversies 15:35 Engaging the Younger Generation 18:29 Distribution Strategy and Future Plans 24:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

We all know that THE story about George Washington isn't true, but what if what we've been wrong about all this time is that the story is KINDA true-ish? 

Host Shirley Rooker talks to John Berlau. The author of "George Washington, Entrepreneur" explores the greatness and intellect of our first president and his ventures into whiskey making and mule breeding as well as his vision about flight. He also discusses Washington's partnership with his wife Martha and her importance to his success.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bodyoid Horror: MIT's Trial Balloon to Grow Humans for Parts Unleashes Ethical Hell MIT floats a nightmare—grow “bodyoids” in labs for drugs, organs, maybe meat! No pain, no brains, they claim, but the transhumanist abyss yawns wide. Is this science or a soulless descent into Brave New World? Apple Readies “AI Agent Doctor” & Robotics is About to Have An “iPhone Moment”, Going Viral Apple's is nearing release of an AI agent to act as “doctor”, spy on your life, and dox you to whoever pays them.  But that's just the start: AI agents and humanoid robots are exploding onto the scene, with NVIDIA's CEO predicting streets swarming with bots by 2030 and the CEO of Figure says the 3 necessary tech hurdles to enable the trillion-dollar bot boom are here. It's totalitarianism meets voyeuristic tech terror Autism Apocalypse: Vaccine Giants Fuel a Silent Epidemic Autism rates are skyrocketing, with a 17% surge in just two years—now hitting 1 in 31 kids! While Big Pharma pumps 76 shots into vulnerable children, they dodge blame, claiming “better diagnosis” and use measles fearmongering to distract us. It's a profit-driven plague, destroying a generation while silencing voices screaming for truth! AI's Soulless Secret Unveils Meaning of “Image of God” and the Dignity of Humans Bryan Trilli's explosive book, Soulless Intelligence: How AI Proves We Need God, reveals AI's fatal flaw.   Ironically, AI may teach us what being in the image of God means and why ALL humans have value regardless of differing degrees of intellectual and physical abilities AI Twins: Digital Clones as Personal Assistants or Something Family Can Interact with When Your Gone      A new wave of AI startups is crafting digital twins—eerie replicas that mimic your voice, thoughts, and actions, taking your meetings, answering emails, and even “comforting” loved ones after your death!      Are they trying to replicate Michael Keaton's Multiplicity or Marlon Brando's computer tutor for his son in Superman? Supreme Court Showdown: Parents Battle School Board's ‘Pagan Pedophilia' Curriculum Pushing LGBTQ Sex Stories on 3-Year-Olds       A Maryland school board's sinister plan to force pre-K kids as young as three into explicit LGBTQ-themed storybooks—like same-sex playground sex—has ignited a court challenge      The case exposes a chilling state takeover of children's minds, funded by your skyrocketing property taxes. First 100 Days: Trump says “I Run the Country and the World”      With 130 executive orders in under 100 days, he's bypassing Congress and the judiciary, claiming sweeping powers over trade, immigration, and speech.  He says he “runs the country” and he's talking about a third term.  What would George Washington say?       Is this the end of constitutional governance and the rise of an imperial presidency?        What will Democrats do with this kind of power? Trump's Medicine Madness: 5 Years Later History Rhymes      He shrugs, 'Take your medicine,' blaming 'stupid leaders' for jobs fleeing to Mexico and China. But wait—wasn't he the mastermind behind USMCA? It's flaming hypocrisy as his flip-flopping tariffs spark an 'earthquake' of hidden damage—broken markets, shattered foundations, and a $37 trillion debt he won't touch!       Meanwhile, The chaos & uncertainty are more damaging than his “medicinal” tariffs as he locks down the economy       Trump's ‘medicine', focused on countries not industries, are sanctions by another name—while the real enemy, government debt and control, lurks in the shadows Punishing Those Found “NOT GUILTY” is OK with US Courts In a shocking abuse of power, Illinois cops seized a plumbing company's truck after a drunk driver crashed into it—and they've held it for over 15 months without a warrant or explanation!      And, as stealing property without even charging people with a crime has become standard practice so has “acquitted-conduct sentencing” where judges ignore NOT GUILTY jury verdicts and punish people for conduct the jury has acquitted — and the Supreme Court allows it to continue! Trump Goes Full Knucklehead with MS-13 Tattoo Tantrum Over a Photoshopped Lie       Trump's unhinged meltdown over a crudely photoshopped MS-13 tattoo exposes not only his shocking ignorance but an administration cowed into sycophancy, afraid to tell him when he forgets to wear his pants.      His administration is ignoring REAL evidence of cartel activity by the individual in question and doubling down on fake evidence out of pride and a determination to never admit a mistake.  How typical.  How telling.  How amusing and dangerous at the same time. China's Rare Earth Stranglehold: A Wake-Up Call for America      China's iron grip on over 90% of the world's rare earth mineral processing threatens to cripple U.S. technology, healthcare, and defense industries overnight as China's ready to turn off the tap in a high-stakes trade war in response to Trump's tariffs.       Join Josh Ballard, CEO of USA Rare Earth (USARE.com, NASDAQ:USRE), as he exposes the strategic maneuvering that gave China its monopoly, and unveils a bold plan to rebuild America's supply chain from the ground up.       How long will it take, and what happens in the interim? Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHT Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

If you're like me and grew up in the Government School system, you may have heard that the American Revolution was made possible by Enlightenment philosophy and deists who didn't believe in a Providential God. But, like many other things in our society, it seems like that idea is itself a lie. The fact is that George Washington, John Adams, and even Benjamin Franklin believed in a God that acted in the affairs of men. In this podcast, I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Robert P. George from Princeton University, Dr. Stephen Meyer from the Discovery Institute, and Timothy Mahoney, the Founder of Thinking Man Films and Heroic Pictures. What do these three men have in common? They believe that the narrative we've been told about the American Revolution is a false one.We discussed their new movie, directed by Timothy Mahoney, The American Miracle. In this movie thinkers and scholars like Robert George and Stephen Meyer make the case that the American Revolution was made possible by the Providential hand of God working in the affairs of men - not merely enlightenment philosophy. They also make the claim that founders like George Washington and John Adams were prayerful Christians who believed that God was working in their own lives. We discussed all of this and so much more. I hope you enjoy!Buy tickets to see The American Miracle:https://americanmiraclemovie.com/ Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!Music: "nesting" by Birocratic (http://birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)

On the fifty-eighth episode, Shane, Matthew, and Ben are joined by William B. Allen, Professor Emeritus of Political Philosophy at Michigan State University, to discuss Montesquieu's political philosophy and its influence on the American Founding and eighteenth-century British politics. We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast cohosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew K. Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.

In this episode of America's Founding Series, Professor Nicholas Giordano tells the extraordinary but often overlooked story of Robert Morris & Haym Salomon: The Men Who Financed American Freedom. While the Revolution was fought with muskets and courage, it was won with money, and these two patriots provided it. From Salomon's imprisonment by the British to the desperate scramble for $20,000 that saved the Yorktown campaign, this episode reveals how their financial sacrifices helped secure American independence. Without Morris and Salomon, the Revolution may have collapsed before victory was ever possible. Professor Giordano reveals how these forgotten patriots risked everything for liberty and why their names deserve a place alongside America's most celebrated founders. Episode Highlights: The dramatic moment when George Washington demanded, “Send for Haym Salomon,” to save the Yorktown campaign. How Robert Morris created a financial system from scratch to sustain the Revolution and died in debt for it. The little-known story of Salomon's arrest, espionage, and tireless fundraising efforts under British surveillance.  

This week we head back to Carl Richard's masterpiece from 2009, and the guys are taking a careful look at Chapter IV: Nationalism. We start out with a nice definition and perspective from one of Dave's long list of overrated authors (does he like anybody?): C.S. Lewis. Clive explains to us from The Four Loves that every country has a dreary past of some shameful and shabby doings, but it's natural and good to love her nonetheless, within reason. Then we dive into the antebellum adulation of one George Washington. Is he Demosthenes, Cicero, Hannibal, Severus, Cincinnatus, Camillus? Or is he actually all of them rolled into one? Tune in for insights from Edward Everett, Calhoun, Walt Whitman, Danile Webster, Frederick Porcher, and more, on everything from neoclassical revival to the vast American superiority over those doddering ancients. Along the way, you'll enjoy reminiscences of the celery fields of Jenison and rural Ionia County, Michigan, as well as one of Jeff's all-time best puns. And in the end, Marathon is Always Great Again.

tonight, we're unpacking it all—from shocking historical truths to workplace dramas and relationship red flags. Ever wonder why school skipped the fact that George Washington wasn't the first President of the United States, just the first under the Constitution? Or maybe you're crushing on a coworker and wondering how to keep it chill. We'll tackle tough work situations, like bosses sidelining safety concerns, new hires out-earning you, and that one coworker who runs to HR over everything. Plus, we're diving into trust issues—why's your husband sneaking around in incognito mode, and what do you do when your therapist crosses a line? Grab a drink, get cozy, and let's sort through the real stuff. This is Late Night Love.

George Washington guidò gli USA all'indipendenza e divenne il primo presidente, lasciando un'impronta indelebile nella politica e nella nascita della nazione.

Storia e cronologia della colonizzazione del Nord America. Cronologia dello sviluppo e della successiva crisi del sistema coloniale.

La Rivoluzione Americana segnò la fine del dominio britannico sulle 13 colonie, con battaglie decisive che portarono alla nascita degli Stati Uniti d'America.

In this episode, we delve into the rich history of Washington County, Kentucky, the first county in the United States named after President George Washington. Join us as we explore its early formation in 1792, key historical figures, and pivotal moments that shaped the county's identity. From the early settlements of pioneers to the development of Springfield as the county seat, Washington County holds a unique place in Kentucky's story.https://linktr.ee/Kyhistorypod

Richard V. Battle, a fifth generation Texan, is a longtime Lone Star state business and community leader and award-winning author. His latest book is AmeriCANS Who Made America: 18th Century-Birth of the Republic”. Is there a link between George Washington's Vision and Trump's Mission?

What does it mean for America to be "a city on a hill"? In this soul-stirring exploration of our nation's spiritual bedrock, we uncover the remarkable prayer journals of George Washington that reveal a founding father deeply devoted to Christ. Far from the cold, distant figure often portrayed in history books, Washington's own words show him prostrate before God, seeking divine mercy and guidance daily. "I will call on thee as long as I live, from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same," wrote the father of our country in his private devotions. These handwritten prayers directly challenge modern narratives attempting to remove Christianity from America's founding story. As we read Washington's humble supplications alongside Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, we're confronted with a profound question: How can we claim to be "the light of the world" without Christ at our national center?The episode delves into our personal priorities as well—what we give our time to reveals what we truly value. Do we touch our phone screens more than our Bibles? Do we spend more hours on entertainment than in prayer or with family? These uncomfortable truths mirror our national drift from spiritual foundations. As Filipino General Carlos Romulo observed, "America began as a God-loving, God-fearing, God-worshiping people." This spiritual heritage isn't just historical trivia—it's the key to our future as a nation that produces liberty. Whether examining Harvard's origins as a Christian seminary or considering the purpose of education in a Christian republic, this episode calls us to reclaim the spiritual foundations that made America great.Where do you stand? Join us on this journey to rediscover America's soul and consider how we might return to being that "shining city on a hill" our founders envisioned. Subscribe, share, and let's rebuild America's spiritual foundation together.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

In the final days of the Biden administration, the FDA finally acted on the overwhelming body of data demonstrating a variety of toxicities associated with Red Dye #2 and belatedly banned this food additive. However, rather than this action being about the health of Americans, it appears that this action was in anticipation of the MAHA movement bringing new scrutiny, policies, and oversight concerning toxic food additives. The Trump administration's Department of Health and Human Services, led by Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, announced the banning of a list of other artificial food colors, and RFK Jr. called sugar poison. I was joined by Dr. Robert Malone, author of Lies My Gov't Told Me and PsyWar: Enforcing the New World Order, to discuss the effort to combat ADHD and other health risks that Kennedy is tackling.Democrats continue to call for due process for an illegal immigrant and suspected MS-13 member, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, after years of ignoring due process for their political rivals. I spoke with John Deaton, trial attorney, U.S. Marine veteran, and author of Food Stamp Warrior: A Memoir, about the hypocrisy of the left on this topic and a good definition of “due process.”Richard V. Battle, an award-winning and best-selling author, media commentator, motivational speaker, and trainer on leadership, sales, and faith, joined me to discuss the April 30th, 1789, anniversary of George Washington's inauguration, drawing comparisons between Washington and Donald Trump. We also discussed his long-awaited next book set for release in June (along with his other books) and the effects of arresting judges for obstruction on the country.Become a supporter of Tapp into the Truth: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tapp-into-the-truth--556114/supportDr. Robert W. MaloneMalone NewsLies My Gov't Told MePsyWar: Enforcing the New World OrderFood Stamp Warrior: A MemoirRichard V. BattleRichard V. Battle's author's pageTake This Quiz To Find Out The Best & Worst Foods To Avoid For Joint Pain!If you love high-quality jerky, you need to check out Jerky Snob. They deliver small-batch, artisan jerky straight to your door every month—no MSG, no nitrates, just premium cuts and bold flavors. You can choose from 2, 4, or 8-bag subscriptions, and every delivery brings something new and delicious. One of my favorite things is the variety—spicy, smoky, sweet, all from different craft makers. It's like a jerky-tasting adventure every month. Plus, it makes an awesome gift! Grab your subscription at tappintofood.com and treat yourself to better jerky. If recent events have proven anything, you need to be as prepared as possible for when things go sideways. You certainly can't count on the government for help. True liberty requires self-reliance. My Patriot SupplyDiversify and protect your hard-earned wealth. Use America's Premiere Conservative Gold Company, Harvard Gold Group. Use promo code TAPP.Support American jobs! Support the show! Get great products at great prices! Go to My Pillow and use promo code TAPP to save! Visit patriotmobile.com or Call (817) 380-9081 to take advantage of a FREE Month of service when you switch using promo code TAPP! Morning Kick is a revolutionary new daily drink from Roundhouse Provisions that combines ultra-potent greens like spirulina and kale with probiotics, prebiotics, collagen, and even ashwagandha. Just mix with water, stir, and enjoy!If you are a content creator in need of a professional drone or you just enjoy flying a drone on the weekend, EXO Drones has you covered!  EXO Drones Plus, get 15% off your order by using this link.Follow Tapp into the Truth on Locals Follow Tapp into the Truth on SubstackHero SoapPatriot DepotBlue CoolersKoa CoffeeBrainMDDiamond CBDSauce Bae2nd SkullEinstokBeanstoxBelle IsleMomento AIHoneyFund"Homegrown" Boone's BourbonIsland BrandsBlackout Coffee Co.Full Circle Brewing Co.Pasmosa Sangria  

SPONSOR: - BlazeTV - In a world full of noise, we need a stronghold for bold voices, free thinkers, and fearless commentary that helps make sense of the chaos. At BlazeTV, we’ve built a home for some of the strongest, smartest voices in conservative media—people who tell it like it is, ask the tough questions the mainstream won’t touch, and aren’t afraid to challenge the narrative. When you subscribe to BlazeTV, you’re not just watching content—you’re supporting a movement. You’re backing creators who think for themselves, speak boldly, and refuse to be silenced by Big Tech or corporate media. You’re supporting investigative journalism that exposes corruption and original documentaries that shine a light on the deep state. So, if you’re ready to keep winning, shop your values and make sure we don’t lose the ground we’ve gained — go to https://www.BlazeTV.com/RICK and subscribe today, and you’ll save 20 bucks right now off our annual plan. BIG NEWS from BlazeTV: We’re excited to officially welcome Nicole Shanahan and her show, “Back to the People,” to the Blaze family. Nicole’s a Silicon Valley attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate who’s spent years fighting for transparency, freedom, and real change. She’s been a major voice in the MAHA movement and worked alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to push for a government that actually works for the people — not the elites. You can get a sneak peak of Nicole before she hits BlazeTV on her YouTube channel by searching "Nicole Shanahan" TODAY: Turtle!! Rick Finds, Then Loses, 'Franklin' the Turtle | Daily Best of May 1 | The Rick Burgess Show Rick finds a real turtle in the lobby of our building. Rick brings the real, alive, turtle into the studio. The turtle immediately gets lost after falling into the studio console. Don't miss the saga of "Franklin" the turtle. In politics, we break down the misleading numbers surrounding the latest GDP reports. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt helps set the record straight. Trump's Cabinet celebrates 100 days of greatness. We celebrate the National Day of Prayer by reading an old speech from George Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The P.A.S. Report's America's Founding Series, Professor Giordano spotlights Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry and one of the most overlooked voices of the American Revolution. Enslaved and educated in Boston, Wheatley used her pen to champion the spirit of liberty and call out the contradictions with slavery. Her powerful poem to General George Washington not only earned his respect but may have helped shift his views on Black participation in the war. Learn how Wheatley's words influenced the founding fathers, inspired Thomas Paine to publish her work, and became a rallying cry for freedom during America's fight for independence. Episode Highlights: How Phillis Wheatley's poetry reached and influenced George Washington during the height of the Revolutionary War The remarkable meeting between Wheatley and Benjamin Franklin in London Why Wheatley's legacy challenges current narratives about race, liberty, and the American founding

The Dean's List with Host Dean Bowen – When moral virtues are the center piece of education, every aspect of the student has the potential to flourish. Today we take a closer look at what a moral education looks like. Stories from the life of George Washington are full of such moral virtues. Today, we celebrate his First Inaugural Address and the moral virtue he displayed...

What would America's founding father pray about? In this revealing episode, we examine George Washington's personal prayer journal, discovering a man who deeply acknowledged his sinfulness while fervently seeking God's mercy through Jesus Christ. His humble words—"I confess them, O Lord, with shame and sorrow, detestation and loathing"—paint a portrait of genuine Christian faith that shaped his worldview and leadership.Washington's explicit references to Jesus as his "only Savior" and his prayers for God to "bless our rulers in church and state" create a powerful challenge to modern narratives about America's founding. As Judge Nathaniel Freeman declared in 1802, our nation "may be considered not as a pagan but a Christian republic." The podcast explores how these primary source documents undermine revisionist histories that attempt to divorce America's governmental foundations from its Christian roots.We also journey through Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, reflecting on the seemingly impossible standards of the Beatitudes. Could their purpose be to demonstrate our absolute need for a Savior? The discussion of meekness reveals it isn't weakness, but rather "strength under control"—the capacity for action restrained by choice. This understanding transforms how we approach Jesus's challenging teachings.The episode concludes with a heartfelt call to action: use whatever time remains to strengthen our communities through faith. Starting with our own spiritual lives and marriages, then expanding outward to family, church, school, and nation, we're challenged to influence our spheres with godly principles. As John Quincy Adams wisely noted, "Duty is ours, results are God's." What duty might God be calling you to fulfill today?Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Who invented Wigs? Why did early wig wearers powder their Wigs? Did George Washington wear a Wig? Have you started your FREE TRIAL of Who Smarted?+ for AD FREE listening, an EXTRA episode every week & bonus content? Sign up right in the Apple app, or directly at WhoSmarted.com and find out why more than 1,000 families are LOVING their subscription! Get official Who Smarted? Merch: tee-shirts, mugs, hoodies and more, at Who Smarted?

It's three more episodes of 86 this week on the podcast. What happened? Did we like it? Is the anime too dark? Will we continue the show or 86 86? Find out here. We also talk about Scarface, Chik-Fil-A, country music, Andor, Crunchyroll's AI subtitle project, and George Washington's will. | Follow us on Apple Podcasts | Support us on Patreon | Follow us on BlueSky | Subscribe to us on YouTube | Join the fan Discord

Where do our presidents get their powers? Are those powers enumerated in the Constitution? Or are those powers bestowed by Congress? For our Founders, was the presidency essentially an instrument of legislative agenda? Or did they believe that the president possesses some sovereign right distinct and separate from Congress? In this interview, I discuss the following with my guest: ►Is it possible to compare a modern president, e.g., Pres. Trump, with one of our Founding presidents, e.g., Pres. Washington? Would this be like comparing apples to oranges? ►What was George Washingtons' presidency like? ►Is studying America's founding period important for history's sake, or does it provide some legal structure for our current constitutional framework? ►If the past truly is a foreign country, i.e., so different than our present, then what values can we derive from studying it? ►What is originalism? ►What is pluralism? ►What are a president's process powers? ►What are president's enumerated powers? ►What are the clear exceptions to the president's Article II powers? ►Do statutes increase presidential power? Can they take away presidential power? ►What is a unitary executive? ►What agency and institutional hurdles do presidents face? ►Why is terminating federal employees such an important and controversial issue? ►Do statutes empower presidents or constrain them?

Today the Late Crew discusses NASA's Dragonfly nuclear-powered rotorcraft (11:07),  the New Army fitness test goes ‘sex-neutral' for combat jobs (23:09), how Air Force pilots have a new way to pee at 30,000 feet (38:54),  an Army captain sets a Guinness World Record for a bomb suit run (48:40), and George Washington is sworn in as the 1st US President on 30 April 1789 (54:02).

Published to coincide with the 250th anniversary, this sweeping narrative is an astute exploration of thefive critical military events that changed the outcome of the Revolutionary War.About theAuthor:John R. Maass is a staff member of the NationalMuseum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir. He received a BA in history from Washington and Lee University and a PhD in early American history at The Ohio State University. He is the author of several books on U.S. military history, including North Carolina & the French and Indian War (2013); Defending a New Nation, 1783-1811 (2013); The Road to Yorktown (2015); George Washington's Virginia (2017); and The Battle of Guilford Courthouse (2020).For more info on the book click HERE

The spiritual foundations of America stand at a crossroads. In this deeply reflective episode, Jesse Cope tackles the challenging question of what truly lies at the heart of American liberty—and whether we can preserve it without returning to our Christian roots.Jesse begins with a soul-searching examination of personal priorities. "Have you made time for God today?" he asks, before extending this question to our relationships: "If you're married, do you act like it? Does your spouse know it?" These probing questions set the tone for an episode that consistently challenges listeners to align their professed beliefs with their daily actions.Drawing from William Manchester's biography of Winston Churchill, Jesse explores how propaganda tactics have been employed throughout history to manipulate public perception. He draws unsettling parallels between Nazi Germany's misinformation campaigns and modern cultural battles over education, gender ideology, and parental rights. These historical lessons serve as a warning about what happens when societies drift from their moral anchors.The heart of the episode centers on George Washington's prayer journal—a powerful historical document that reveals America's first president as a man deeply committed to Christian faith and principles. Washington's humble prayers, seeking divine guidance in both personal conduct and national leadership, directly challenge contemporary narratives that suggest America's founders intended to create a secular nation. "There's no way they looked for this kind of guidance from God and Jesus Christ and then wanted to create a country where God had no role," Jesse observes.Through an examination of Matthew 4, Jesse confronts the many forms of modern idolatry that compete for our allegiance—from careers and entertainment to social media and materialism. His candid self-reflection creates space for listeners to honestly assess their own spiritual priorities.Ready to reconnect with America's spiritual heritage? Listen now and discover how the prayers of Washington might still guide our nation through today's challenges. Then share this episode with someone struggling to see the connection between faith and liberty in our increasingly divided culture.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

     Trump's “51st state” trolling obliterates Canadian conservatives, handing victory to globalist banker Mark Carney, while Spain, Portugal, and parts of France and Belgium plunge into darkness, exposing the disastrous “Net Zero” deindustrialization of the West!     As Peter Hitchens reveals Ukraine's war as a NATO-provoked, CIA-orchestrated sham, Trump's 750 unauthorized Yemen airstrikes lose jets and billions, mirroring the chaos of his tariff tsunami crushing small businesses.     With 130 executive orders bypassing Congress and MAGA abandoning principles, is this a calculated plot to destabilize Canada, cripple Europe's grids, and betray America's core values?2:30 Trump's “51st State” Trolling Sabotages Canadian ConservativesPoilievre supports abortion & climate change but Trump sabotaged ALL conservatives in Canada with his trolling, getting the globalist bankers' globalist banker, Mark Carney, elected.   What's next — getting Klaus Schwab elected to run Germany? 7:36 Is Anyone Still in the Dark About “Net Zero” After Yesterday's Blackout?     It wasn't a hack or EMP and it wasn't predicted by “The Simpsons”. It was a result of the DELIBERATE DEINDUSTRIALIZATION of the West.     Spain, Portugal, and parts of France and Belgium lost power yesterday exposes YET ANOTHER FLAW in “renewable energy” sources — a loss of “inertia” in the grid. 35:50 First 100 Days: Trump says “I Run the Country and the World”     With 130 executive orders in under 100 days, he's bypassing Congress and the judiciary, claiming sweeping powers over trade, immigration, and speech.  He says he “runs the country” and he's talking about a third term.  What would George Washington say?     Is this the end of constitutional governance and the rise of an imperial presidency?     What will Democrats do with this kind of power? 56:57 Trump Demands Investigations Into Media for Unfavorable PollIncluding FOX News.  His press secretary doesn't shy away from suggestions that Supreme Court members could be arrested 1:03:31 LIVE audience comments and questions 1:14:25 Tariff Tsunami Hits West Coast Soon: A Slow-Motion Wrecking Ball Devastating Small Businesses, Truckers FirstCritics warn Trump's reckless trade war, coupled with a deliberately weakened U.S. dollar, is a calculated move to favor Wall Street giants while obliterating “non-essential” mom-and-pop truckers and retailers. Is this economic sabotage or just another chapter in Trump's playbook to lock down America's economy? 1:38:29 “Don't Take Trump Seriously, But Literally”: A Global Laughingstock Unleashing Economic ChaosScaramucci's axiom about Trump had it exactly backward.  Trump's erratic tariff tirades have turned America into an international punchline,  It shows he has no plan and makes him weak in the eyes of friends and foes.  There are no discernible goals for negotiation and the Trump team is arrogant and high handed in its dealings say the Japanese and others. 1:49:58 100 Days of Betrayal: Yet MAGA Eats Its Own Principles for the Hope of PowerFree Thought Project reveals how Trump's administration has obliterated MAGA's core values just three months in! From deportations without due process to suppressing free speech and fast-tracking mRNA vaccines, Trump's regime is a cesspool of big government, insider trading, and civil liberties violations 2:01:35 LIVE audience comments and questions 2:20:07 750 Airstrikes & Counting: Plane Lost, Carrier Attacked?     The U.S. has unleashed 750 airstrikes on Yemen since March 15, 2025, in a secret, Congress-unauthorized war that's bleeding billions and failing to stop the Houthis!      With two aircraft carriers and B-2 bombers pounding Yemen, a $60 million F/A-18 jet plummets off the USS Harry S. Truman during evasive maneuvers, and whispers of direct hits on U.S. warships swirl, backed by Hezbollah footage.     The Pentagon hides the truth as Houthi drones—worth pennies compared to $30 million U.S. Reapers—down American assets     Peter Hitchens exposes how Ukraine's conflict, provoked by NATO's eastward push and CIA-backed coups, mirrors Yemen's chaos and shows that all the claims of “fighting for democracy” are a mockery and a lie 2:41:01 The Fun Police and AI PacificationThe fun police are shutting down your holidays, and AI is dumbing down creativity! From Daytona Beach's barren shores to Dubrovnik's noise meters and Paris's closed terraces, totalitarian rules—boosted by COVID lockdowns—crush tourism and freedomIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show  Or you can send a donation through Mail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764 Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7 Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT For 10% off supplements and books, go to RNCstore.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

     Trump's “51st state” trolling obliterates Canadian conservatives, handing victory to globalist banker Mark Carney, while Spain, Portugal, and parts of France and Belgium plunge into darkness, exposing the disastrous “Net Zero” deindustrialization of the West!     As Peter Hitchens reveals Ukraine's war as a NATO-provoked, CIA-orchestrated sham, Trump's 750 unauthorized Yemen airstrikes lose jets and billions, mirroring the chaos of his tariff tsunami crushing small businesses.     With 130 executive orders bypassing Congress and MAGA abandoning principles, is this a calculated plot to destabilize Canada, cripple Europe's grids, and betray America's core values?2:30 Trump's “51st State” Trolling Sabotages Canadian ConservativesPoilievre supports abortion & climate change but Trump sabotaged ALL conservatives in Canada with his trolling, getting the globalist bankers' globalist banker, Mark Carney, elected.   What's next — getting Klaus Schwab elected to run Germany? 7:36 Is Anyone Still in the Dark About “Net Zero” After Yesterday's Blackout?     It wasn't a hack or EMP and it wasn't predicted by “The Simpsons”. It was a result of the DELIBERATE DEINDUSTRIALIZATION of the West.     Spain, Portugal, and parts of France and Belgium lost power yesterday exposes YET ANOTHER FLAW in “renewable energy” sources — a loss of “inertia” in the grid. 35:50 First 100 Days: Trump says “I Run the Country and the World”     With 130 executive orders in under 100 days, he's bypassing Congress and the judiciary, claiming sweeping powers over trade, immigration, and speech.  He says he “runs the country” and he's talking about a third term.  What would George Washington say?     Is this the end of constitutional governance and the rise of an imperial presidency?     What will Democrats do with this kind of power? 56:57 Trump Demands Investigations Into Media for Unfavorable PollIncluding FOX News.  His press secretary doesn't shy away from suggestions that Supreme Court members could be arrested 1:03:31 LIVE audience comments and questions 1:14:25 Tariff Tsunami Hits West Coast Soon: A Slow-Motion Wrecking Ball Devastating Small Businesses, Truckers FirstCritics warn Trump's reckless trade war, coupled with a deliberately weakened U.S. dollar, is a calculated move to favor Wall Street giants while obliterating “non-essential” mom-and-pop truckers and retailers. Is this economic sabotage or just another chapter in Trump's playbook to lock down America's economy? 1:38:29 “Don't Take Trump Seriously, But Literally”: A Global Laughingstock Unleashing Economic ChaosScaramucci's axiom about Trump had it exactly backward.  Trump's erratic tariff tirades have turned America into an international punchline,  It shows he has no plan and makes him weak in the eyes of friends and foes.  There are no discernible goals for negotiation and the Trump team is arrogant and high handed in its dealings say the Japanese and others. 1:49:58 100 Days of Betrayal: Yet MAGA Eats Its Own Principles for the Hope of PowerFree Thought Project reveals how Trump's administration has obliterated MAGA's core values just three months in! From deportations without due process to suppressing free speech and fast-tracking mRNA vaccines, Trump's regime is a cesspool of big government, insider trading, and civil liberties violations 2:01:35 LIVE audience comments and questions 2:20:07 750 Airstrikes & Counting: Plane Lost, Carrier Attacked?     The U.S. has unleashed 750 airstrikes on Yemen since March 15, 2025, in a secret, Congress-unauthorized war that's bleeding billions and failing to stop the Houthis!      With two aircraft carriers and B-2 bombers pounding Yemen, a $60 million F/A-18 jet plummets off the USS Harry S. Truman during evasive maneuvers, and whispers of direct hits on U.S. warships swirl, backed by Hezbollah footage.     The Pentagon hides the truth as Houthi drones—worth pennies compared to $30 million U.S. Reapers—down American assets     Peter Hitchens exposes how Ukraine's conflict, provoked by NATO's eastward push and CIA-backed coups, mirrors Yemen's chaos and shows that all the claims of “fighting for democracy” are a mockery and a lie 2:41:01 The Fun Police and AI PacificationThe fun police are shutting down your holidays, and AI is dumbing down creativity! From Daytona Beach's barren shores to Dubrovnik's noise meters and Paris's closed terraces, totalitarian rules—boosted by COVID lockdowns—crush tourism and freedomIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show  Or you can send a donation through Mail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764 Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7 Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT For 10% off supplements and books, go to RNCstore.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

Difficile de croire que cela ne fait que cent jours que Donald Trump est de retour au pouvoir. Depuis son investiture le 20 janvier 2025, le président républicain impose un rythme soutenu en multipliant les décrets pour réformer l'État fédéral et « rendre à l'Amérique sa grandeur » (« Make America Great Again »). Chaque jour, ses opposants dénoncent une dérive autocratique et un danger pour la démocratie. Ses partisans, quant à eux, saluent ses actions visant à bouleverser le système : guerre commerciale, expulsions de sans-papiers, et coupes drastiques dans les dépenses fédérales orchestrées par Elon Musk.Quels enseignements pouvons-nous tirer de ces cent premiers jours sur la manière dont Donald Trump exercera son second mandat ? C'est l'une des questions qu'Alexis Buisson, correspondant de La Croix à New York, a posées à François Furstenberg, historien franco-américain à l'université Johns Hopkins à Baltimore (Maryland). Furstenberg est l'auteur de deux ouvrages : In the Name of the Father (Éd. Penguin Books, 2006) sur le père fondateur George Washington, et When the United States Spoke French (Éd. Penguin Press, 2014), qui traite de la naissance des États-Unis à travers les yeux de cinq Français.Dans ce premier épisode de la saison 4 du podcast "C'est ça l'Amérique", Alexis Buisson analyse la société américaine sous l'ère de Donald Trump avec l'aide d'experts francophones résidant aux États-Unis. Les invités discutent de l'impact de Trump sur la Maison Blanche et sur la politique américaine en général. Ils examinent comment ses décisions, en tant que président, ont influencé les débats sur l'immigration et l'économie. Les experts partagent leurs points de vue sur les changements significatifs apportés par l'administration Trump et comment ces changements continuent de façonner le paysage politique actuel.CRÉDITS :Écriture et réalisation : Alexis Buisson. Rédaction en chef : Paul De Coustin. Production : Célestine Albert-Steward. Mixage : Théo Boulenger. Musique : Emmanuel Viau. Illustration : Olivier Balez.► Vous avez une question ou une remarque ? Écrivez-nous à cette adresse : podcast.lacroix@groupebayard.com"C'est ça l'Amérique" est un podcast original de LA CROIX - avril 2025.En partenariat avec le programme Alliance – Columbia et ses partenaires (Sciences-Po, Polytechnique, La Sorbonne), et French Morning, le premier web magazine des Français d'Amérique.Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

What if America's founders never intended to separate God from government? Exploring George Washington's personal prayer journal reveals a startling truth that challenges everything modern education teaches about our nation's founding.Jesse Cope takes us on a profound journey through Washington's Monday morning prayers, where the father of our country wrote: "Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb and purge my heart by the Holy Spirit." These words aren't from a private citizen merely practicing his personal faith—they're from the man who would shape a nation. How could Washington create a secular government while personally begging God to "direct my thoughts, words and work"?The episode weaves together three crucial threads of American identity: personal faith practices, the sanctity of marriage, and the Christian foundations of our republic. Through an examination of Matthew 3, we see how John the Baptist's simple lifestyle challenges our modern discontent. We're prompted to consider whether we're truly grateful for God's provision or constantly demanding more than He's already blessed us with.Perhaps most provocative is the exploration of liberty's true source. Our founders understood a paradox many have forgotten: while individuals must have freedom to choose their faith, liberty itself cannot survive without Christian principles guiding the nation. As former Speaker of the House Robert Winthrop declared: "Men must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or a power without them, either by the Word of God or by the strong arm of man, either by the Bible or by the bayonet."This isn't just history—it's a roadmap for reclaiming America's soul. When we understand that our greatest threats aren't merely political but spiritual forces opposing Christ, we gain clarity about what's truly at stake. Join this journey of rediscovery and consider what role your faith might play in America's future.What daily practices help you connect with God? Have you considered how your personal faith impacts not just your life but your nation's destiny?Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

SJ Show Notes:Please support Shannon's independent network with your donation HERE:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MHSMPXEBSLVT6Support Our Sponsors:Go to https://kalshi.com/joy and get a free $10 credit when you trade $100.You can get 20% off your first order of Blackout Coffee! Just head to http://blackoutcoffee.com/joy and use code joy at checkout.The Satellite Phone Store has everything you need when the POWER goes OUT. Use the promo code JOY for 10% off your entire order TODAY! www.SAT123.com/JoyThe 100% toxin free P600 sizzle set is 55% OFF for the SJ audience!! Go to https://www.chefsfoundry.com/joy today to claim the limited time discount!Get 45% OFF Native Path HYDRATE today! Special exclusive deal for the Joy audience only! Check it out HERE: www.nativepathhydrate.com/joyBe ready before you need it! Stock up now and protect your family. Go to https://www.allfamilypharmacy.com/JOY and use code JOY10 for 10% off your order.Colonial Metals Group is the company Shannon trusts for all her metals purchases! Set up a SAFE & Secure IRA or 401k with a company who shares your values! Learn more HERE: https://colonialmetalsgroup.com/joyPlease consider Dom Pullano of PCM & Associates! He has been Shannon's advisor for over a decade and would love to help you grow!Call his toll free number today: 1-800-536-1368Or visit his website at https://www.pcmpullano.comTune in LIVE Today ——> https://rumble.com/v6sop8n-radical-american-independence-are-you-ready-to-emancipate.htmlWatch LIVE TODAY and follow the SJ Show on Rumble HERE: https://rumble.com/c/TheShannonJoyShowShannon's Top Headlines April 28, 2025:Collapse Of Reality AI Makes Americans Suspicious Of Everything On The Internet: https://www.technocracy.news/is-realty-vanishing-ai-makes-americans-suspicious-of-everything-on-the-internet/One Label Under Blackmail: The Early Intersections of Diddy and the Epstein Network: https://unlimitedhangout.com/2025/04/investigative-series/one-label-under-blackmail-the-early-intersections-of-diddy-and-the-epstein-network/The Quicksand Presidency: https://solari.com/money-markets-report-april-24-2025/REAL ID: The Republican/Democrat duopoly's latest assault on liberty: https://www.stridentconservative.comThe Imprisonment Of Chlorine Dioxide Researcher, Professor Enno Freye: https://pierrekorymedicalmusings.com/p/the-persecution-of-chlorine-dioxideWhen you realize the game is rigged … toss the board.The political pageantry of presidential and congressional ‘elections' has become increasingly humiliating and demoralizing for the American public. When considering the absurdity of the ‘Weekend At Bernie's' Biden presidency and the ‘WWE Reality Wrestling' Trump presidency you are left wondering ‘how possibly can real people actually fall for this garbage?'When will enough citizens wake up and realize that modern day elections deliver no real change in the machinery of governance and only result in more consolidated power and wealth for the political and oligarchs elites?Meanwhile, average citizens remain poorer, sicker, divided and demoralized.Every so often I get out into the real world and realize just how radical it is to be solidly independent and equally critical of the two political parties in America.When I talk to regular people from all walks of life I realize how entrenched we are in the factional system while simultaneously hating it and peripherally aware that it's a corrupted one, delivering a false paradigm of ‘good' versus ‘evil' depending on what news media outlets you listen to or watch. Their instincts are RIGHT and supported by our founding fathers, including George Washington who stated this in his farewell address:"However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." ~ George Washington, September 17, 1776When will America shed the factions?Is it even possible?We discuss this and more today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it mean to truly prioritize your faith? Jesse Cope dives deep into this question, challenging listeners to honestly evaluate whether their actions align with their professed beliefs. Drawing from an Easter sermon, he shares a powerful quote from Oswald Chambers: "Faith that is sure of itself is not faith. Only faith in God is faith." This thought-provoking perspective invites us to embrace the authentic nature of faith—not as certainty without doubt, but as trust despite uncertainty.The episode explores the principle that genuine passion inevitably leads to performance. When we're truly passionate about our faith, marriage, or any pursuit, we actively demonstrate it through consistent action. Jesse poses a compelling question: "If we were put on trial for being passionate about God, would there be enough evidence to convict us?" This imagery serves as a mirror for self-examination, prompting listeners to consider whether their daily choices reflect their stated priorities.A fascinating examination of George Washington's prayer journal reveals the first president's profound humility and complete reliance on Christ for redemption. This historical insight directly challenges modern narratives suggesting America's founders intended to create a secular nation. How could men who integrated faith into every aspect of their personal lives deliberately exclude those principles from the foundations of government? The contradiction is striking and thought-provoking.The podcast concludes with a powerful metaphor comparing Christians to soldiers behind enemy lines, tasked with rescuing as many souls as possible. Even saving one person makes the mission worthwhile, and God always makes room for more. This encouraging perspective reminds us that our purpose extends beyond ourselves to the spiritual wellbeing of others.Join the American Soul Podcast community by subscribing, sharing with friends who might benefit from these discussions, and keeping Jesse and the podcast in your prayers as they continue to explore the intersection of faith, history, and contemporary American life.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

People's past experiences often prepare them for meaningful roles—like George Washington's background as a surveyor preparing him to lead in battle. Similarly, biblical figures like Abraham were uniquely shaped by their lives to fulfill God's purposes.   Abraham's story is a prime example of obedient faith. At 75 years old, seemingly out of nowhere, God called him to leave his home and everything familiar to go to a new land. Abraham responded with trust and immediate obedience, even though the call was disruptive and demanding. His willingness to follow God's lead—despite age, uncertainty, and sacrifice—made him the father of a nation.   God Calls Us to Obedient Faith: Abraham's immediate response to God's command (Genesis 12:4) shows that faithful obedience is not about age or circumstances, but about trust. Obeying God may mean making difficult decisions and stepping away from comfort and familiarity.   When We Trust God, He Can Use and Bless Us: God promised Abraham a great nation, and though challenges arose, God remained faithful. The blessings often come in unexpected ways and at unexpected times, but God's promises are sure. Abraham's legacy continues through Israel and ultimately through Christ.   Disobedience Has Consequences: Abraham's choices—like going to Egypt during famine or fathering Ishmael through Hagar—had lasting implications. This reminds us that even well-meaning deviations from God's plan can have ripple effects.   Faithful obedience Leads to Impact: Abraham's faith journey not only shaped his life but also the course of history. His obedience led to a spiritual lineage that includes Jesus Christ and extends to all believers.   Until his calling, Abraham lived a quiet, perhaps even unremarkable life. But God used him in powerful ways because of his faith and obedience. His story encourages us to listen for God's call, trust in His promises, and step out in faith—no matter where we are in life. "Christ redeemed us… so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles…" – Galatians 3:13–14   Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry's message. By sharing our podcasts, you help build a strong community of believers. We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your involvement keeps our community connected and thriving.   Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, funding outreach, facility upkeep, and resources. Your generosity fuels our mission, making a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/   Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected.   Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week!

What do our priorities reveal about our faith? Jesse Cope tackles this challenging question by examining how we spend our evening downtime and what we choose to pursue each day. Drawing from a powerful quote by Jordan Peterson — "If you say yes to something, you pursue it" — Jesse challenges listeners to consider what they're saying "yes" and "no" to in their daily lives.The podcast takes a fascinating historical turn by exploring what Jesse calls the "Maginot mind" of pre-WWII France. Through excerpts from Manchester's biography of Churchill, he draws striking parallels between France's reluctance to confront Nazi Germany and America's current approach to defending Christian principles against ideological attacks. While the French had the excuse of extreme war fatigue, Americans today are simply "playing not to lose" rather than "playing to win" when it comes to preserving our foundational values.At the heart of the episode is a moving exploration of George Washington's personal prayer journal. These intimate prayers reveal a founding father deeply committed to Christian faith, who sought God's guidance not just for himself but for his family, friends, and country. Jesse powerfully challenges the modern narrative that America's founders intended to create a secular government: "Why would he want God to be the God of his country and then not want God involved in the country at all?"Through readings from Matthew Chapter 1 and practical advice for breaking screen addiction, Jesse weaves together spiritual wisdom, historical perspective, and practical application. He reminds listeners that our priorities should follow a clear order — God, spouse, family, country — and that what we leave behind matters. Washington's prayer journal serves as a powerful reminder that our legacy isn't just what we achieve, but how faithfully we pursue what truly matters.Whether you're struggling with digital distraction, wondering about America's spiritual heritage, or simply seeking to realign your priorities, this episode offers both challenging questions and encouraging guidance for the journey back to faith.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Such a cool episode chatting with Nick. Getting the low down on everything Park Family Farms is doing. Hope you enjoy.Badmotivatorbarrels.com/sjop/?aff=3https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Patreon.com/the_whiskeyshamanParkfamilyfarmsdistillery.comYears ago, our local brethren told the government to shove the liquor tax up their asses. What erupted was a Western Pennsylvania revolt against Federal tax collectors, causing George Washington himself to lead the military in a march to suppress the rebellion. So, other than an interesting piece of history that is pivotal to shaping our region, what does this mean to us? Well, it means that, arguably, American Whiskey was born here. It also means that you should taste the history for yourself.In 1907, Elmer N. Miller conceived the idea for a yearly gathering of old friends and acquaintances. As an added attraction, the age-old process of scutching flax to make linen cloth was made the center of the celebration. This festival became a yearly event, except for the years 1942 to 1947, when World War 2 and economic conditions made it inconvenient.In Stahlstown, everyone has a story or two about homemade whiskey. We're proud to bring back that rich tradition.Our family story started with the American Revolution, when Zebulon Parke came to Western Pennsylvania after the bitter winter at Valley Forge. He owned a tavern, serving libations to brighten the trail for weary travelers.Years later, Great Grandpap Blackburn, the namesake of our production still, "Pappy Joe," purchased the farm where our distillery sits today. Grandpap was a self-sufficient, hard-working, blue-blooded American. Poppy told us that Grandpap said, "if you feel good when you've made it through the day, take a shot of Whisky. If you feel like shit, take two." Grandpap's drink of choice was Old Grand-dad, naturally.Grandmas are the best. That is our Grandma Shirley sitting next to Pappy Joe. "A man should never neglect his family for business"  -Walt DisneyThe farm is where we grew up. The farmhouse (still there, by the way) was built over 100 years ago next to a natural spring, giving us the fresh filtered mountain water required for good whisky.​We financed using our own savings. Using a hand-built still in our uncle's old sawmill building, in 2021 we distilled our first batch with locally sourced grain and water from the spring.While the barn got a face-lift and our production equipment has been upgraded, everything is still handmade and locally sourced. You can almost taste the Western Pennsylvania tradition... and it tastes pretty damn good.  ​​We are a veteran-owned, family-operated distillery and truly believe in everything local. If we can't build it or grow it, we buy it locally. Fresh Spring water, local grain, and longstanding family tradition are distilled into every handmade sip.                                           Welcome to the Farm.

WATCH BONUS EPISODES ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey (***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ John "Red" Shea is an American former mobster from Boston involved in narcotics and an associate of crime kingpin Whitey Bulger and the Winter Hill Gang during the 1980s and 1990s. He was indicted on c0caine trafficking charges in 1990 and served 12 years in prison. RED's LINKS - BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061232890?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_mwn_dp_5P2SY44SCFH14TVAZ41N&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_mwn_dp_5P2SY44SCFH14TVAZ41N&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_mwn_dp_5P2SY44SCFH14TVAZ41N&peakEvent=1&dealEvent=0&language=en-US&bestFormat=true&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf0Ej0JQTXIqCcImubEXok1bTyf9eQLNr1B1GMcuMybTL7eC9kT0S-GQ0hMPQ_aem_XyxfLirrBxvbbgi-WdJ5Hg - WEBSITE: https://johnredshea.com/ FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/ INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 0:00 - Intro 1:09 - “Whose car we taking,” advising Mark Wahlberg, Boston Rats 7:48 - Whitey Bulger's meetings w/ FBI Agents, Red's stance on rats 15:01 - DEA & FBI talk on Whitey story; Whitey corners Red in basement 22:45 - Growing up in Southie Boston 24:59 - Red's father dies, how Red viewed his mom & dad 28:44 - 5-year-old Red grabs knife (story), Red starts boxing 37:01 - Red's fights w/ boxing legend Micky Ward, Red goes pro, Lou Esa story 44:47 - Red's trainer (and drug facilitator), Red's relationship w/ mom before death 49:56 - Red's sister's tragic death, Red's pulls knife on older sister (story) 1:02:39 - Red's mom dies & he honors her last wish, Red's view now on his criminal life 1:07:06 - When Red learned never to rat on anybody ever 1:09:42 - Living in California, bisexual Dolphin attacks 1:15:43 - Red gets back into the coke business in Boston, Red get his own coke connect (story) 1:26:38 - Whitey's guys pull up on Red 1:30:55 - Red meet Whitey for the first time (story), Red stands up to Whitey (story) 1:39:04 - How to cut c*ke 1:41:33 - Red becomes Whitey's lead dealer 1:47:57 - The Winter Hill Gang, Irish Gang Brotherhood, Power, Doing Blow 1:57:15 - George Washington's Boston Ploy 1:59:10 - Red's family's opinion on his criminal career 2:01:09 - Red's meetings w/ Whitey running the business, “The Insult” story, Red emulates Whitey 2:16:17 - Steve Flemmi & Kevin Weekes become rats 2:19:34 - Red goes down (story) 2:30:20 - Red bailed out, Catching wiretaps 2:34:50 - Indictment comes down, FBI asks Red to rat 2:38:47 - Case gets put on back burner, Red's attorney goes to Mass AG for help 3:43:54 - Red finds out Whitey is rat (story), Red still refuses to rat 2:50:24 - Red on the world's biggest, filthy, cheese-eating, rat-b*stard Matt Cox 2:55:16 - Red's dream about Whitey 2:57:18 - Whitey caught in Santa Monica, Red almost catches Whitey (story) 3:01:05 - Red accidentally almost k1lls Johnny Depp 3:07:09 - The Whitey Bulger Trial & Red's involvement 3:10:53 - Whitey whacked, Red's reaction 3:14:53 - Red walked the talk CREDITS: - Host & Producer: Julian Dorey - Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 296 - Red Shea Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SwimSwam sat down with the coaches behind the upcoming Dual Meet Tournament that will take place at Georgia Tech on October 17-18, 2025. Chico Rego of George Washington, Iago Moussalem of Georgia Tech, Cauli Bedran of Wisconsin (who is not participating in the tournament), and Steve Barnes of Florida State all contributed to this discussion and laid out how this event came together, what it will look like, and how they hope it will impact college swimming moving forward.

On the fifty-seventh episode of the Constitutionalist, Shane and Matthew discuss Volume 1, Chapter 2 of Alexis De Tocqueville's "Democracy in America." We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast co-hosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.

Retired attorney, former President of the Lafayette chapter of the Sons of the Revolution, and all around General Lafayette expert Dale Henley sits down with David to talk about the Marquis de Lafayette and his visit to Lexington in 1825. They talk about Lafayette's background, from joining the Musketeers at the age of thirteen to defying the French King and sailing to the American colonies to advance the cause of liberty at just nineteen years old. Dale shares book recommendations for learning more about Lafayette's role in the Revolutionary War, his abolitionist views, and his 1825 visit on the invitation of President Monroe. He also tells us about the events in Lexington in May 2025 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's visit.The opening music for this episode is the “Brandywine Quickstep” named for Brandywine, Pennsylvania where Lafayette took part in his first battle of the revolution and was subsequently wounded. The recording is by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and is in the public domain.

Last May of 2024 Spidey and Bob talked briefly about the history of each POTUS. From George Washington to George W. Bush. In Part II they talk about when and how each POTUS died. From George Washington to Jimmy Carter. This is the sort of subject matter that Bob loves more than anything: humans dying.This is a brief history about every POTUS that has kicked the bucket so far. In order. Good times.Thank you for listening and continuing to support us.(c) 2025 Scatterbrain Productions. Always.

George Washington and Samuel Fraunces developed skills of risk-taking, judgement, and leadership through their entrepreneurial ventures that would later advantage them and the new nation when they chose to join the cause of American patriots. In this lecture, John Berlau spotlights the successes and struggles of both men in their respective business careers that intertwined at important points in American history.* This lecture was recorded as part of Fraunces Tavern Museum's Evening Lecture series on Monday, March 3, 2025. *The views of the speakers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sons of the Revolution℠ in the State of New York, Inc. or its Fraunces Tavern® Museum.

In this episode, we'll explore unique NYC museums including George Washington's favorite tavern, massive Unicorn tapestries dating back to the 1400s, and even what it was like to live in the cramped tenement buildings as an immigrant in New York in the 1860s.Museum of the DogFraunces Tavern MuseumMuseum at Eldridge Street Museum of Jewish Heritage New York Transit Museum The Met CloistersTenement Museum1- Museum of the DogFounded in 1982, originally part of the AKC headquarters (American Kennel Club)The museum offers rotating exhibits featuring objects from its 1,700-piece collection and 4,000-volume libraryLimited-time exhibits have included:Price: Around $15. Get tickets here. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.2- Fraunces TavernOldest bar and restaurant in NYC - 1762On December 4, 1783, nine days after the last British soldiers left American soil, George Washington invited the officers of the Continental Army to join him in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern to bid them farewell.In early 1785, Fraunces agreed to lease the Tavern to the Confederation Congress for use as office space for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of WarCurrently has multiple restaurants and bars within itPrice: Around $10, with some free admission options on weekends. Tickets are only available at the museum, but information is available here.3- Museum at Eldridge StreetThe Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue. Built in 1887, it is an architectural marvel, and a symbol of immigrant aspirations realized. The Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first synagogue in America purpose-built by immigrants from Eastern Europe and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996Unbelievably beautiful architecture, including ornate stained glassExtremely knowledgeable guides, usually small-ish groupsPrice: Around $15 and we recommend the docent-led discovery tour vs self-guided (same price). Get tickets here.4- Museum of Jewish HeritageAs a place of memory, the Museum enables Holocaust survivors to speak through recorded testimony and draws on rich collections to illuminate Jewish history and experience. As a public history institution, it offers intellectually rigorous and engaging exhibitions, programs, and educational resources.If you go on a weekday, expect students on field tripsThe Rescue in Denmark exhibit is one of our favoritesPrice: Around $18. Get tickets here. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays.5- New York Transit MuseumHoused underground in an authentic 1936 subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, is home to a rotating selection of twenty vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907.Visitors can board the vintage cars, sit at the wheel of a city bus, step through a time tunnel of turnstiles, and explore changing exhibits that highlight the cultural, social and technological history – and future – of mass transit.Price: Around $10. Get tickets here. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.NYT Episode about the subway. 6- The Met CloistersThe Cloisters, a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is America's only museum dedicated exclusively to the art of the Middle Ages.Features multiple ornate gardens with a wide variety of plants, herbs, and treesSee The Unicorn Tapestries, made in the late 1400'sPrice: Around $30. Get tickets here. Closed on Wednesdays.7- Tenement MuseumExplore stories of tenement dwellers through guided tours of two historic buildings, 97 and 103 Orchard Street, and their Lower East Side neighborhood.Also, offer walking tours of the surrounding areaPrice: Around $30. Get tickets here.You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Blue Haven SouthLively sports bar with great drinks, tasty food, and friendly staff. Check it out.

Howdy folks of the interwebs! Your host Double J is back with a special edition of Operation GCD!Today, Double J is joined by OpGCD subscriber Brad Minyard who took a genealogy journey & looked in his family tree and found the Society of the Cincinnati...and then Brad found Operation GCD!The tale that Brad has uncovered is an alternate look at American history - specifically the Society of the Cincinnati.From French/American spies working for George Washington's spy apparatus, to the Aaron Burr coup, to the Battle of New Orleans...this is a wild tale of spooks, mysteries, and American history!Anyhow, folks of the interwebs, thank you again for joining me today to get a lil GCD! Enjoy today's podcast discussion of Volume 3 in Chasing Miniere: A Society of the Cincinnati Genealogy Tale - w/Brad Minyard!Enjoy the show! Links for Brad Minyard - https://chasingminiere.com/Links for JJ -https://linktr.ee/operationgcd

This is a conversation to kick off the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Retired U.S. Army Major General and history buff, Bill Rapp, drops some knowledge on how the colonies weren't exactly gung-ho for a full-blown revolution before April 1775. Turns out, they were mostly ticked off and feeling rebellious in response to intolerable British policies. But a tense situation and an itchy trigger finger set it off. The episode covers the action-packed Battles of Lexington and Concord, George Washington taking charge of the Continental Army, the intense Battle of Bunker Hill (which was actually fought on Breed's Hill), and the clever move at Dorchester Heights that sent the British packing from Boston. William “Bill” Rapp is a retired Major General of the United States Army with 33 years of distinguished service which included combat deployments in three wars, two Defense Service Medals, two Bronze Star Medals, Master Parachutist and Ranger tabs. He was not only a respected Army officer, but also a leadership developer who served as Commandant of the Army War College and Commandant of Cadets at the US Military Academy at West Point.  In over 42 months in combat, Bill led an airborne engineer company in the first Gulf War, commanded a 3,000-soldier brigade in the Iraq War, served as General Petraeus' personal assistant during the Iraq Surge, and commanded over 17,000 troops supplying all resource needs of the 160,000 U.S. and international force in Afghanistan in 2011-12. He also served as the Army's senior liaison to the U.S. Congress. Bill holds a PhD in Political Science from Stanford University and is the author of the book about the Boston Campaign of the American Revolutionary War titled Accomplishing the Impossible: Leadership That Launched Revolutionary Change. He now consults and teaches on leadership and is working on his second book on Sioux and Cheyenne leadership at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette  come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of Audacy media network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Contact Audacyinc.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So what, exactly, was “The Enlightenment”? According to the Princeton historian David A. Bell, it was an intellectual movement roughly spanning the early 18th century through to the French Revolution. In his Spring 2025 Liberties Quarterly piece “The Enlightenment, Then and Now”, Bell charts the Enlightenment as a complex intellectual movement centered in Paris but with hubs across Europe and America. He highlights key figures like Montesquieu, Voltaire, Kant, and Franklin, discussing their contributions to concepts of religious tolerance, free speech, and rationality. In our conversation, Bell addresses criticisms of the Enlightenment, including its complicated relationship with colonialism and slavery, while arguing that its principles of freedom and reason remain relevant today. 5 Key Takeaways* The Enlightenment emerged in the early 18th century (around 1720s) and was characterized by intellectual inquiry, skepticism toward religion, and a growing sense among thinkers that they were living in an "enlightened century."* While Paris was the central hub, the Enlightenment had multiple centers including Scotland, Germany, and America, with thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, Kant, Hume, and Franklin contributing to its development.* The Enlightenment introduced the concept of "society" as a sphere of human existence separate from religion and politics, forming the basis of modern social sciences.* The movement had a complex relationship with colonialism and slavery - many Enlightenment thinkers criticized slavery, but some of their ideas about human progress were later used to justify imperialism.* According to Bell, rather than trying to "return to the Enlightenment," modern society should selectively adopt and adapt its valuable principles of free speech, religious tolerance, and education to create our "own Enlightenment."David Avrom Bell is a historian of early modern and modern Europe at Princeton University. His most recent book, published in 2020 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, is Men on Horseback: The Power of Charisma in the Age of Revolution. Described in the Journal of Modern History as an "instant classic," it is available in paperback from Picador, in French translation from Fayard, and in Italian translation from Viella. A study of how new forms of political charisma arose in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the book shows that charismatic authoritarianism is as modern a political form as liberal democracy, and shares many of the same origins. Based on exhaustive research in original sources, the book includes case studies of the careers of George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, Toussaint Louverture and Simon Bolivar. The book's Introduction can be read here. An online conversation about the book with Annette Gordon-Reed, hosted by the Cullman Center of the New York Public Library, can be viewed here. Links to material about the book, including reviews in The New York Review of Books, The Guardian, Harper's, The New Republic, The Nation, Le Monde, The Los Angeles Review of Books and other venues can be found here. Bell is also the author of six previous books. He has published academic articles in both English and French and contributes regularly to general interest publications on a variety of subjects, ranging from modern warfare, to contemporary French politics, to the impact of digital technology on learning and scholarship, and of course French history. A list of his publications from 2023 and 2024 can be found here. His Substack newsletter can be found here. His writings have been translated into French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Hebrew, Swedish, Polish, Russian, German, Croatian, Italian, Turkish and Japanese. At the History Department at Princeton University, he holds the Sidney and Ruth Lapidus Chair in the Era of North Atlantic Revolutions, and offers courses on early modern Europe, on military history, and on the early modern French empire. Previously, he spent fourteen years at Johns Hopkins University, including three as Dean of Faculty in its School of Arts and Sciences. From 2020 to 2024 he served as Director of the Shelby Cullom Davis Center for Historical Studies at Princeton. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a corresponding fellow of the British Academy. Bell's new project is a history of the Enlightenment. A preliminary article from the project was published in early 2022 by Modern Intellectual History. Another is now out in French History.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting the daily KEEN ON show, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy interview series. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children. FULL TRANSCRIPTAndrew Keen: Hello everybody, in these supposedly dark times, the E word comes up a lot, the Enlightenment. Are we at the end of the Enlightenment or the beginning? Was there even an Enlightenment? My guest today, David Bell, a professor of history, very distinguished professor of history at Princeton University, has an interesting piece in the spring issue of It is One of our, our favorite quarterlies here on Keen on America, Bell's piece is The Enlightenment Then and Now, and David is joining us from the home of the Enlightenment, perhaps Paris in France, where he's on sabbatical hard life. David being an academic these days, isn't it?David Bell: Very difficult. I'm having to suffer the Parisian bread and croissant. It's terrible.Andrew Keen: Yeah. Well, I won't keep you too long. Is Paris then, or France? Is it the home of the Enlightenment? I know there are many Enlightenments, the French, the Scottish, maybe even the English, perhaps even the American.David Bell: It's certainly one of the homes of the Enlightenment, and it's probably the closest that the Enlightened had to a center, absolutely. But as you say, there were Edinburgh, Glasgow, plenty of places in Germany, Philadelphia, all those places have good claims to being centers of the enlightenment as well.Andrew Keen: All the same David, is it like one of those sports games in California where everyone gets a medal?David Bell: Well, they're different metals, right, but I think certainly Paris is where everybody went. I mean, if you look at the figures from the German Enlightenment, from the Scottish Enlightenment from the American Enlightenment they all tended to congregate in Paris and the Parisians didn't tend to go anywhere else unless they were forced to. So that gives you a pretty good sense of where the most important center was.Andrew Keen: So David, before we get to specifics, map out for us, because everyone is perhaps as familiar or comfortable with the history of the Enlightenment, and certainly as you are. When did it happen? What years? And who are the leaders of this thing called the Enlightenment?David Bell: Well, that's a big question. And I'm afraid, of course, that if you ask 10 historians, you'll get 10 different answers.Andrew Keen: Well, I'm only asking you, so I only want one answer.David Bell: So I would say that the Enlightenment really gets going around the first couple of decades of the 18th century. And that's when people really start to think that they are actually living in what they start to call an Enlightenment century. There are a lot of reasons for this. They are seeing what we now call the scientific revolution. They're looking at the progress that has been made with that. They are experiencing the changes in the religious sphere, including the end of religious wars, coming with a great deal of skepticism about religion. They are living in a relative period of peace where they're able to speculate much more broadly and daringly than before. But it's really in those first couple of decades that they start thinking of themselves as living in an enlightened century. They start defining themselves as something that would later be called the enlightenment. So I would say that it's, really, really there between maybe the end of the 17th century and 1720s that it really gets started.Andrew Keen: So let's have some names, David, of philosophers, I guess. I mean, if those are the right words. I know that there was a term in French. There is a term called philosoph. Were they the founders, the leaders of the Enlightenment?David Bell: Well, there is a... Again, I don't want to descend into academic quibbling here, but there were lots of leaders. Let me give an example, though. So the year 1721 is a remarkable year. So in the year, 1721, two amazing events happened within a couple of months of each other. So in May, Montesquieu, one of the great philosophers by any definition, publishes his novel called Persian Letters. And this is an incredible novel. Still, I think one of greatest novels ever written, and it's very daring. It is the account, it is supposedly a an account written by two Persian travelers to Europe who are writing back to people in Isfahan about what they're seeing. And it is very critical of French society. It is very of religion. It is, as I said, very daring philosophically. It is a product in part of the increasing contact between Europe and the rest of the world that is also very central to the Enlightenment. So that novel comes out. So it's immediately, you know, the police try to suppress it. But they don't have much success because it's incredibly popular and Montesquieu doesn't suffer any particular problems because...Andrew Keen: And the French police have never been the most efficient police force in the world, have they?David Bell: Oh, they could be, but not in this case. And then two months later, after Montesquieu published this novel, there's a German philosopher much less well-known than Montesqiu, than Christian Bolz, who is a professor at the Universität Haller in Prussia, and he gives an oration in Latin, a very typical university oration for the time, about Chinese philosophy, in which he says that the Chinese have sort of proved to the world, particularly through the writings of Confucius and others, that you can have a virtuous society without religion. Obviously very controversial. Statement for the time it actually gets him fired from his job, he has to leave the Kingdom of Prussia within 48 hours on penalty of death, starts an enormous controversy. But here are two events, both of which involving non-European people, involving the way in which Europeans are starting to look out at the rest of the world and starting to imagine Europe as just one part of a larger humanity, and at the same time they are starting to speculate very daringly about whether you can have. You know, what it means to have a society, do you need to have religion in order to have morality in society? Do you need the proper, what kind of government do you need to to have virtuous conduct and a proper society? So all of these things get, you know, really crystallize, I think, around these two incidents as much as anything. So if I had to pick a single date for when the enlightenment starts, I'd probably pick that 1721.Andrew Keen: And when was, David, I thought you were going to tell me about the earthquake in Lisbon, when was that earthquake?David Bell: That earthquake comes quite a bit later. That comes, and now historians should be better with dates than I am. It's in the 1750s, I think it's the late 1750's. Again, this historian is proving he's getting a very bad grade for forgetting the exact date, but it's in 1750. So that's a different kind of event, which sparks off a great deal of commentary, because it's a terrible earthquake. It destroys most of the city of Lisbon, it destroys other cities throughout Portugal, and it leads a lot of the philosophy to philosophers at the time to be speculating very daringly again on whether there is any kind of real purpose to the universe and whether there's any kind divine purpose. Why would such a terrible thing happen? Why would God do such a thing to his followers? And certainly VoltaireAndrew Keen: Yeah, Votav, of course, comes to mind of questioning.David Bell: And Condit, Voltaire's novel Condit gives a very good description of the earthquake in Lisbon and uses that as a centerpiece. Voltair also read other things about the earthquake, a poem about Lisbon earthquake. But in Condit he gives a lasting, very scathing portrait of the Catholic Church in general and then of what happens in Portugal. And so the Lisbon Earthquake is certainly another one of the events, but it happens considerably later. Really in the middle of the end of life.Andrew Keen: So, David, you believe in this idea of the Enlightenment. I take your point that there are more than one Enlightenment in more than one center, but in broad historical terms, the 18th century could be defined at least in Western and Northern Europe as the period of the Enlightenment, would that be a fair generalization?David Bell: I think it's perfectly fair generalization. Of course, there are historians who say that it never happened. There's a conservative British historian, J.C.D. Clark, who published a book last summer, saying that the Enlightenment is a kind of myth, that there was a lot of intellectual activity in Europe, obviously, but that the idea that it formed a coherent Enlightenment was really invented in the 20th century by a bunch of progressive reformers who wanted to claim a kind of venerable and august pedigree for their own reform, liberal reform plans. I think that's an exaggeration. People in the 18th century defined very clearly what was going on, both people who were in favor of it and people who are against it. And while you can, if you look very closely at it, of course it gets a bit fuzzy. Of course it's gets, there's no single, you can't define a single enlightenment project or a single enlightened ideology. But then, I think people would be hard pressed to define any intellectual movement. You know, in perfect, incoherent terms. So the enlightenment is, you know by compared with almost any other intellectual movement certainly existed.Andrew Keen: In terms of a philosophy of the Enlightenment, the German thinker, Immanuel Kant, seems to be often, and when you describe him as the conscience or the brain or a mixture of the conscience and brain of the enlightenment, why is Kant and Kantian thinking so important in the development of the Enlightenment.David Bell: Well, that's a really interesting question. And one reason is because most of the Enlightenment was not very rigorously philosophical. A lot of the major figures of the enlightenment before Kant tended to be writing for a general public. And they often were writing with a very specific agenda. We look at Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau. Now you look at Adam Smith in Scotland. We look David Hume or Adam Ferguson. You look at Benjamin Franklin in the United States. These people wrote in all sorts of different genres. They wrote in, they wrote all sorts of different kinds of books. They have many different purposes and very few of them did a lot of what we would call rigorous academic philosophy. And Kant was different. Kant was very much an academic philosopher. Kant was nothing if not rigorous. He came at the end of the enlightenment by most people's measure. He wrote these very, very difficult, very rigorous, very brilliant works, such as The Creek of Pure Reason. And so, it's certainly been the case that people who wanted to describe the Enlightenment as a philosophy have tended to look to Kant. So for example, there's a great German philosopher and intellectual historian of the early 20th century named Ernst Kassirer, who had to leave Germany because of the Nazis. And he wrote a great book called The Philosophy of the Enlightened. And that leads directly to Immanuel Kant. And of course, Casir himself was a Kantian, identified with Kant. And so he wanted to make Kant, in a sense, the telos, the end point, the culmination, the fulfillment of the Enlightenment. But so I think that's why Kant has such a particularly important position. You're defining it both ways.Andrew Keen: I've always struggled to understand what Kant was trying to say. I'm certainly not alone there. Might it be fair to say that he was trying to transform the universe and certainly traditional Christian notions into the Enlightenment, so the entire universe, the world, God, whatever that means, that they were all somehow according to Kant enlightened.David Bell: Well, I think that I'm certainly no expert on Immanuel Kant. And I would say that he is trying to, I mean, his major philosophical works are trying to put together a system of philosophical thinking which will justify why people have to act morally, why people act rationally, without the need for Christian revelation to bolster them. That's a very, very crude and reductionist way of putting it, but that's essentially at the heart of it. At the same time, Kant was very much aware of his own place in history. So Kant didn't simply write these very difficult, thick, dense philosophical works. He also wrote things that were more like journalism or like tablets. He wrote a famous essay called What is Enlightenment? And in that, he said that the 18th century was the period in which humankind was simply beginning to. Reach a period of enlightenment. And he said, he starts the essay by saying, this is the period when humankind is being released from its self-imposed tutelage. And we are still, and he said we do not yet live in the midst of a completely enlightened century, but we are getting there. We are living in a century that is enlightening.Andrew Keen: So the seeds, the seeds of Hegel and maybe even Marx are incant in that German thinking, that historical thinking.David Bell: In some ways, in some ways of course Hegel very much reacts against Kant and so and then Marx reacts against Hegel. So it's not exactly.Andrew Keen: Well, that's the dialectic, isn't it, David?David Bell: A simple easy path from one to the other, no, but Hegel is unimaginable without Kant of course and Marx is unimagineable without Hegel.Andrew Keen: You note that Kant represents a shift in some ways into the university and the walls of the universities were going up, and that some of the other figures associated with the the Enlightenment and Scottish Enlightenment, human and Smith and the French Enlightenment Voltaire and the others, they were more generalist writers. Should we be nostalgic for the pre-university period in the Enlightenment, or? Did things start getting serious once the heavyweights, the academic heavyweighs like Emmanuel Kant got into this thing?David Bell: I think it depends on where we're talking about. I mean, Adam Smith was a professor at Glasgow in Edinburgh, so Smith, the Scottish Enlightenment was definitely at least partly in the universities. The German Enlightenment took place very heavily in universities. Christian Vodafoy I just mentioned was the most important German philosopher of the 18th century before Kant, and he had positions in university. Even the French university system, for a while, what's interesting about the French University system, particularly the Sorbonne, which was the theology faculty, It was that. Throughout the first half of the 18th century, there were very vigorous, very interesting philosophical debates going on there, in which the people there, particularly even Jesuits there, were very open to a lot of the ideas we now call enlightenment. They were reading John Locke, they were reading Mel Pench, they were read Dekalb. What happened though in the French universities was that as more daring stuff was getting published elsewhere. Church, the Catholic Church, started to say, all right, these philosophers, these philosophies, these are our enemies, these are people we have to get at. And so at that point, anybody who was in the university, who was still in dialog with these people was basically purged. And the universities became much less interesting after that. But to come back to your question, I do think that I am very nostalgic for that period. I think that the Enlightenment was an extraordinary period, because if you look between. In the 17th century, not all, but a great deal of the most interesting intellectual work is happening in the so-called Republic of Letters. It's happening in Latin language. It is happening on a very small circle of RUD, of scholars. By the 19th century following Kant and Hegel and then the birth of the research university in Germany, which is copied everywhere, philosophy and the most advanced thinking goes back into the university. And the 18th century, particularly in France, I will say, is a time when the most advanced thought is being written for a general public. It is being in the form of novels, of dialogs, of stories, of reference works, and it is very, very accessible. The most profound thought of the West has never been as accessible overall as in the 18 century.Andrew Keen: Again, excuse this question, it might seem a bit naive, but there's a lot of pre-Enlightenment work, books, thinking that we read now that's very accessible from Erasmus and Thomas More to Machiavelli. Why weren't characters like, or are characters like Erasmuus, More's Utopia, Machiavell's prints and discourses, why aren't they considered part of the Enlightenment? What's the difference between? Enlightened thinkers or the supposedly enlightened thinkers of the 18th century and thinkers and writers of the 16th and 17th centuries.David Bell: That's a good question, you know, I think you have to, you, you know, again, one has to draw a line somewhere. That's not a very good answer, of course. All these people that you just mentioned are, in one way or another, predecessors to the Enlightenment. And of course, there were lots of people. I don't mean to say that nobody wrote in an accessible way before 1700. Obviously, lots of the people you mentioned did. Although a lot of them originally wrote in Latin, Erasmus, also Thomas More. But I think what makes the Enlightened different is that you have, again, you have a sense. These people have have a sense that they are themselves engaged in a collective project, that it is a collective project of enlightenment, of enlightening the world. They believe that they live in a century of progress. And there are certain principles. They don't agree on everything by any means. The philosophy of enlightenment is like nothing more than ripping each other to shreds, like any decent group of intellectuals. But that said, they generally did believe That people needed to have freedom of speech. They believed that you needed to have toleration of different religions. They believed in education and the need for a broadly educated public that could be as broad as possible. They generally believed in keeping religion out of the public sphere as much as possible, so all those principles came together into a program that we can consider at least a kind of... You know, not that everybody read it at every moment by any means, but there is an identifiable enlightenment program there, and in this case an identifiable enlightenment mindset. One other thing, I think, which is crucial to the Enlightenment, is that it was the attention they started to pay to something that we now take almost entirely for granted, which is the idea of society. The word society is so entirely ubiquitous, we assume it's always been there, and in one sense it has, because the word societas is a Latin word. But until... The 18th century, the word society generally had a much narrower meaning. It referred to, you know, particular institution most often, like when we talk about the society of, you know, the American philosophical society or something like that. And the idea that there exists something called society, which is the general sphere of human existence that is separate from religion and is separate from the political sphere, that's actually something which only really emerged at the end of the 1600s. And it became really the focus of you know, much, if not most, of enlightenment thinking. When you look at someone like Montesquieu and you look something, somebody like Rousseau or Voltaire or Adam Smith, probably above all, they were concerned with understanding how society works, not how government works only, but how society, what social interactions are like beginning of what we would now call social science. So that's yet another thing that distinguishes the enlightened from people like Machiavelli, often people like Thomas More, and people like bonuses.Andrew Keen: You noted earlier that the idea of progress is somehow baked in, in part, and certainly when it comes to Kant, certainly the French Enlightenment, although, of course, Rousseau challenged that. I'm not sure whether Rousseaut, as always, is both in and out of the Enlightenment and he seems to be in and out of everything. How did the Enlightement, though, make sense of itself in the context of antiquity, as it was, of Terms, it was the Renaissance that supposedly discovered or rediscovered antiquity. How did many of the leading Enlightenment thinkers, writers, how did they think of their own society in the context of not just antiquity, but even the idea of a European or Western society?David Bell: Well, there was a great book, one of the great histories of the Enlightenment was written about more than 50 years ago by the Yale professor named Peter Gay, and the first part of that book was called The Modern Paganism. So it was about the, you know, it was very much about the relationship between the Enlightenment and the ancient Greek synonyms. And certainly the writers of the enlightenment felt a great deal of kinship with the ancient Greek synonymous. They felt a common bond, particularly in the posing. Christianity and opposing what they believed the Christian Church had wrought on Europe in suppressing freedom and suppressing free thought and suppassing free inquiry. And so they felt that they were both recovering but also going beyond antiquity at the same time. And of course they were all, I mean everybody at the time, every single major figure of the Enlightenment, their education consisted in large part of what we would now call classics, right? I mean, there was an educational reformer in France in the 1760s who said, you know, our educational system is great if the purpose is to train Roman centurions, if it's to train modern people who are not doing both so well. And it's true. I mean they would spend, certainly, you know in Germany, in much of Europe, in the Netherlands, even in France, I mean people were trained not simply to read Latin, but to write in Latin. In Germany, university courses took part in the Latin language. So there's an enormous, you know, so they're certainly very, very conversant with the Greek and Roman classics, and they identify with them to a very great extent. Someone like Rousseau, I mean, and many others, and what's his first reading? How did he learn to read by reading Plutarch? In translation, but he learns to read reading Plutach. He sees from the beginning by this enormous admiration for the ancients that we get from Bhutan.Andrew Keen: Was Socrates relevant here? Was the Enlightenment somehow replacing Aristotle with Socrates and making him and his spirit of Enlightenment, of asking questions rather than answering questions, the symbol of a new way of thinking?David Bell: I would say to a certain extent, so I mean, much of the Enlightenment criticizes scholasticism, medieval scholastic, very, very sharply, and medieval scholasticism is founded philosophically very heavily upon Aristotle, so to that extent. And the spirit of skepticism that Socrates embodied, the idea of taking nothing for granted and asking questions about everything, including questions of oneself, yes, absolutely. That said, while the great figures of the Red Plato, you know, Socrates was generally I mean, it was not all that present as they come. But certainly have people with people with red play-doh in the entire virus.Andrew Keen: You mentioned Benjamin Franklin earlier, David. Most of the Enlightenment, of course, seems to be centered in France and Scotland, Germany, England. But America, many Europeans went to America then as a, what some people would call a settler colonial society, or certainly an offshoot of the European world. Was the settling of America and the American Revolution Was it the quintessential Enlightenment project?David Bell: Another very good question, and again, it depends a bit on who you talk to. I just mentioned this book by Peter Gay, and the last part of his book is called The Science of Freedom, and it's all about the American Revolution. So certainly a lot of interpreters of the Enlightenment have said that, yes, the American revolution represents in a sense the best possible outcome of the American Revolution, it was the best, possible outcome of the enlightened. Certainly there you look at the founding fathers of the United States and there's a great deal that they took from me like Certainly, they took a great great number of political ideas from Obviously Madison was very much inspired and drafting the edifice of the Constitution by Montesquieu to see himself Was happy to admit in addition most of the founding Fathers of the united states were you know had kind of you know We still had we were still definitely Christians, but we're also but we were also very much influenced by deism were very much against the idea of making the United States a kind of confessional country where Christianity was dominant. They wanted to believe in the enlightenment principles of free speech, religious toleration and so on and so forth. So in all those senses and very much the gun was probably more inspired than Franklin was somebody who was very conversant with the European Enlightenment. He spent a large part of his life in London. Where he was in contact with figures of the Enlightenment. He also, during the American Revolution, of course, he was mostly in France, where he is vetted by some of the surviving fellows and were very much in contact for them as well. So yes, I would say the American revolution is certainly... And then the American revolutionary scene, of course by the Europeans, very much as a kind of offshoot of the enlightenment. So one of the great books of the late Enlightenment is by Condor Say, which he wrote while he was hiding actually in the future evolution of the chariot. It's called a historical sketch of the progress of the human spirit, or the human mind, and you know he writes about the American Revolution as being, basically owing its existence to being like...Andrew Keen: Franklin is of course an example of your pre-academic enlightenment, a generalist, inventor, scientist, entrepreneur, political thinker. What about the role of science and indeed economics in the Enlightenment? David, we're going to talk of course about the Marxist interpretation, perhaps the Marxist interpretation which sees The Enlightenment is just a euphemism, perhaps, for exploitative capitalism. How central was the growth and development of the market, of economics, and innovation, and capitalism in your reading of The Enlightened?David Bell: Well, in my reading, it was very important, but not in the way that the Marxists used to say. So Friedrich Engels once said that the Enlightenment was basically the idealized kingdom of the bourgeoisie, and there was whole strain of Marxist thinking that followed the assumption that, and then Karl Marx himself argued that the documents like the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which obviously were inspired by the Enlightment, were simply kind of the near, or kind of. Way that the bourgeoisie was able to advance itself ideologically, and I don't think that holds much water, which is very little indication that any particular economic class motivated the Enlightenment or was using the Enlightment in any way. That said, I think it's very difficult to imagine the Enlightement without the social and economic changes that come in with the 18th century. To begin with globalization. If you read the great works of the Enlightenment, it's remarkable just how open they are to talking about humanity in general. So one of Voltaire's largest works, one of his most important works, is something called Essay on Customs and the Spirit of Nations, which is actually History of the World, where he talks learnedly not simply about Europe, but about the Americas, about China, about Africa, about India. Montesquieu writes Persian letters. Christian Volpe writes about Chinese philosophy. You know, Rousseau writes about... You know, the earliest days of humankind talks about Africa. All the great figures of the Enlightenment are writing about the rest of the world, and this is a period in which contacts between Europe and the rest the world are exploding along with international trade. So by the end of the 18th century, there are 4,000 to 5,000 ships a year crossing the Atlantic. It's an enormous number. And that's one context in which the enlightenment takes place. Another is what we call the consumer revolution. So in the 18th century, certainly in the major cities of Western Europe, people of a wide range of social classes, including even artisans, sort of somewhat wealthy artisians, shopkeepers, are suddenly able to buy a much larger range of products than they were before. They're able to choose how to basically furnish their own lives, if you will, how they're gonna dress, what they're going to eat, what they gonna put on the walls of their apartments and so on and so forth. And so they become accustomed to exercising a great deal more personal choice than their ancestors have done. And the Enlightenment really develops in tandem with this. Most of the great works of the Enlightment, they're not really written to, they're treatises, they're like Kant, they're written to persuade you to think in a single way. Really written to make you ask questions yourself, to force you to ponder things. They're written in the form of puzzles and riddles. Voltaire had a great line there, he wrote that the best kind of books are the books that readers write half of themselves as they read, and that's sort of the quintessence of the Enlightenment as far as I'm concerned.Andrew Keen: Yeah, Voltaire might have been comfortable on YouTube or Facebook. David, you mentioned all those ships going from Europe across the Atlantic. Of course, many of those ships were filled with African slaves. You mentioned this in your piece. I mean, this is no secret, of course. You also mentioned a couple of times Montesquieu's Persian letters. To what extent is... The enlightenment then perhaps the birth of Western power, of Western colonialism, of going to Africa, seizing people, selling them in North America, the French, the English, Dutch colonization of the rest of the world. Of course, later more sophisticated Marxist thinkers from the Frankfurt School, you mentioned these in your essay, Odorno and Horkheimer in particular, See the Enlightenment as... A project, if you like, of Western domination. I remember reading many years ago when I was in graduate school, Edward Said, his analysis of books like The Persian Letters, which is a form of cultural Western power. How much of this is simply bound up in the profound, perhaps, injustice of the Western achievement? And of course, some of the justice as well. We haven't talked about Jefferson, but perhaps in Jefferson's life and his thinking and his enlightened principles and his... Life as a slave owner, these contradictions are most self-evident.David Bell: Well, there are certainly contradictions, and there's certainly... I think what's remarkable, if you think about it, is that if you read through works of the Enlightenment, you would be hard-pressed to find a justification for slavery. You do find a lot of critiques of slavery, and I think that's something very important to keep in mind. Obviously, the chattel slavery of Africans in the Americas began well before the Enlightment, it began in 1500. The Enlightenment doesn't have the credit for being the first movement to oppose slavery. That really goes back to various religious groups, especially the Fakers. But that said, you have in France, you had in Britain, in America even, you'd have a lot of figures associated with the Enlightenment who were pretty sure of becoming very forceful opponents of slavery very early. Now, when it comes to imperialism, that's a tricky issue. What I think you'd find in these light bulbs, you'd different sorts of tendencies and different sorts of writings. So there are certainly a lot of writers of the Enlightenment who are deeply opposed to European authorities. One of the most popular works of the late Enlightenment was a collective work edited by the man named the Abbe Rinal, which is called The History of the Two Indies. And that is a book which is deeply, deeply critical of European imperialism. At the same time, at the same of the enlightenment, a lot the works of history written during the Enlightment. Tended, such as Voltaire's essay on customs, which I just mentioned, tend to give a kind of very linear version of history. They suggest that all societies follow the same path, from sort of primitive savagery, hunter-gatherers, through early agriculture, feudal stages, and on into sort of modern commercial society and civilization. And so they're basically saying, okay, we, the Europeans, are the most advanced. People like the Africans and the Native Americans are the least advanced, and so perhaps we're justified in going and quote, bringing our civilization to them, what later generations would call the civilizing missions, or possibly just, you know, going over and exploiting them because we are stronger and we are more, and again, we are the best. And then there's another thing that the Enlightenment did. The Enlightenment tended to destroy an older Christian view of humankind, which in some ways militated against modern racism. Christians believed, of course, that everyone was the same from Adam and Eve, which meant that there was an essential similarity in the world. And the Enlightenment challenged this by challenging the biblical kind of creation. The Enlightenment challenges this. Voltaire, for instance, believed that there had actually been several different human species that had different origins, and that can very easily become a justification for racism. Buffon, one of the most Figures of the French Enlightenment, one of the early naturalists, was crucial for trying to show that in fact nature is not static, that nature is always changing, that species are changing, including human beings. And so again, that allowed people to think in terms of human beings at different stages of evolution, and perhaps this would be a justification for privileging the more advanced humans over the less advanced. In the 18th century itself, most of these things remain potential, rather than really being acted upon. But in the 19th century, figures of writers who would draw upon these things certainly went much further, and these became justifications for slavery, imperialism, and other things. So again, the Enlightenment is the source of a great deal of stuff here, and you can't simply put it into one box or more.Andrew Keen: You mentioned earlier, David, that Concorda wrote one of the later classics of the... Condorcet? Sorry, Condorcets, excuse my French. Condorcès wrote one the later Classics of the Enlightenment when he was hiding from the French Revolution. In your mind, was the revolution itself the natural conclusion, climax? Perhaps anti-climax of the Enlightenment. Certainly, it seems as if a lot of the critiques of the French Revolution, particularly the more conservative ones, Burke comes to mind, suggested that perhaps the principles of in the Enlightment inevitably led to the guillotine, or is that an unfair way of thinking of it?David Bell: Well, there are a lot of people who have thought like that. Edmund Burke already, writing in 1790, in his reflections on the revolution in France, he said that everything which was great in the old regime is being dissolved and, quoting, dissolved by this new conquering empire of light and reason. And then he said about the French that in the groves of their academy at the end of every vista, you see nothing but the gallows. Nothing but the Gallows. So there, in 1780, he already seemed to be predicting the reign of terror and blaming it. A certain extent from the Enlightenment. That said, I think, you know, again, the French Revolution is incredibly complicated event. I mean, you certainly have, you know, an explosion of what we could call Enlightenment thinking all over the place. In France, it happened in France. What happened there was that you had a, you know, the collapse of an extraordinarily inefficient government and a very, you know, in a very antiquated, paralyzed system of government kind of collapsed, created a kind of political vacuum. Into that vacuum stepped a lot of figures who were definitely readers of the Enlightenment. Oh so um but again the Enlightment had I said I don't think you can call the Enlightement a single thing so to say that the Enlightiment inspired the French Revolution rather than the There you go.Andrew Keen: Although your essay on liberties is the Enlightenment then and now you probably didn't write is always these lazy editors who come up with inaccurate and inaccurate titles. So for you, there is no such thing as the Enlighten.David Bell: No, there is. There is. But still, it's a complex thing. It contains multitudes.Andrew Keen: So it's the Enlightenment rather than the United States.David Bell: Conflicting tendencies, it has contradictions within it. There's enough unity to refer to it as a singular noun, but it doesn't mean that it all went in one single direction.Andrew Keen: But in historical terms, did the failure of the French Revolution, its descent into Robespierre and then Bonaparte, did it mark the end in historical terms a kind of bookend of history? You began in 1720 by 1820. Was the age of the Enlightenment pretty much over?David Bell: I would say yes. I think that, again, one of the things about the French Revolution is that people who are reading these books and they're reading these ideas and they are discussing things really start to act on them in a very different way from what it did before the French revolution. You have a lot of absolute monarchs who are trying to bring certain enlightenment principles to bear in their form of government, but they're not. But it's difficult to talk about a full-fledged attempt to enact a kind of enlightenment program. Certainly a lot of the people in the French Revolution saw themselves as doing that. But as they did it, they ran into reality, I would say. I mean, now Tocqueville, when he writes his old regime in the revolution, talks about how the French philosophes were full of these abstract ideas that were divorced from reality. And while that's an exaggeration, there was a certain truth to them. And as soon as you start having the age of revolutions, as soon you start people having to devise systems of government that will actually last, and as you have people, democratic representative systems that will last, and as they start revising these systems under the pressure of actual events, then you're not simply talking about an intellectual movement anymore, you're talking about something very different. And so I would say that, well, obviously the ideas of the Enlightenment continue to inspire people, the books continue to be read, debated. They lead on to figures like Kant, and as we talked about earlier, Kant leads to Hegel, Hegel leads to Marx in a certain sense. Nonetheless, by the time you're getting into the 19th century, what you have, you know, has connections to the Enlightenment, but can we really still call it the Enlightment? I would sayAndrew Keen: And Tocqueville, of course, found democracy in America. Is democracy itself? I know it's a big question. But is it? Bound up in the Enlightenment. You've written extensively, David, both for liberties and elsewhere on liberalism. Is the promise of democracy, democratic systems, the one born in the American Revolution, promised in the French Revolution, not realized? Are they products of the Enlightment, or is the 19th century and the democratic systems that in the 19th century, is that just a separate historical track?David Bell: Again, I would say there are certain things in the Enlightenment that do lead in that direction. Certainly, I think most figures in the enlightenment in one general sense or another accepted the idea of a kind of general notion of popular sovereignty. It didn't mean that they always felt that this was going to be something that could necessarily be acted upon or implemented in their own day. And they didn't necessarily associate generalized popular sovereignty with what we would now call democracy with people being able to actually govern themselves. Would be certain figures, certainly Diderot and some of his essays, what we saw very much in the social contract, you know, were sketching out, you knows, models for possible democratic system. Condorcet, who actually lived into the French Revolution, wrote one of the most draft constitutions for France, that's one of most democratic documents ever proposed. But of course there were lots of figures in the Enlightenment, Voltaire, and others who actually believed much more in absolute monarchy, who believed that you just, you know, you should have. Freedom of speech and freedom of discussion, out of which the best ideas would emerge, but then you had to give those ideas to the prince who imposed them by poor sicknesses.Andrew Keen: And of course, Rousseau himself, his social contract, some historians have seen that as the foundations of totalitarian, modern totalitarianism. Finally, David, your wonderful essay in Liberties in the spring quarterly 2025 is The Enlightenment, Then and Now. What about now? You work at Princeton, your president has very bravely stood up to the new presidential regime in the United States, in defense of academic intellectual freedom. Does the word and the movement, does it have any relevance in the 2020s, particularly in an age of neo-authoritarianism around the world?David Bell: I think it does. I think we have to be careful about it. I always get a little nervous when people say, well, we should simply go back to the Enlightenment, because the Enlightenments is history. We don't go back the 18th century. I think what we need to do is to recover certain principles, certain ideals from the 18 century, the ones that matter to us, the ones we think are right, and make our own Enlightenment better. I don't think we need be governed by the 18 century. Thomas Paine once said that no generation should necessarily rule over every generation to come, and I think that's probably right. Unfortunately in the United States, we have a constitution which is now essentially unamendable, so we're doomed to live by a constitution largely from the 18th century. But are there many things in the Enlightenment that we should look back to, absolutely?Andrew Keen: Well, David, I am going to free you for your own French Enlightenment. You can go and have some croissant now in your local cafe in Paris. Thank you so much for a very, I excuse the pun, enlightening conversation on the Enlightenment then and now, Essential Essay in Liberties. I'd love to get you back on the show. Talk more history. Thank you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

April 19th, 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the REAL American Declaration of Independence, when thousands of average, non-elite Americans declared their independence by deed over a year before the "leaders" in Philadelphia decided to declare it with ink & parchment. Because of this, and because I've recently published the collection of the entire Dangerous History American Revolution series in my Patreon shop, I decided to temporarily reissue DHP episode 59 (originally published in April 2015 & no longer available on the public DHP feed), which centers on the crucial year of 1775. Join CJ as he discusses: Some thoughts on Great Man historical narratives An overview of what was happening in terms of rising tensions in late-1774 and early-1775, much of which related to British attempts to limit colonists' access to weapons and gunpowder A fairly detailed account of the Battle of Lexington & Concord on April 19, 1775 The actions of the Continental Congress, including the appointment of George Washington as Commander of the new Continental Army, and its consequences for the war and the future of America Ethan Allen & his Green Mountain Boys Some other early battles The situation as of the close of 1775 Links Support the Dangerous History Podcast via Patreon Other ways to support the show Get CJ's Dangerous American History Bibliography FREE Subscribe to the Dangerous History Podcast Youtube Channel Like this episode? You can throw CJ a $ tip via Paypal here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=D6VUYSYQ4EU6L Throw CJ a $ tip via Venmo here: https://www.venmo.com/u/dangerousmedia Or throw CJ a BTC tip here: bc1qfrz9erz7dqazh9rhz3j7nv696nl52ux8unw79z External Links Map of Lexington & Concord Charleston Law Review article "How the British Gun Control Program Precipitated the American Revolution" by David B. Kopel

Learn the real story of Lexington & Concord on April 19, 1775 and the Shot Heard 'Round the World — which changed America and the world forever.Well before the Declaration of Independence, the British had determined that they would end Americans' resistance to British tyranny by crushing them militarily.The British believed that they would easily cower the Americans into submission with a decisive military strike and the arrest of some of the leaders of the resistance, especially John Hancock and Samuel Adams.Follow the Patriots and the British during the lead up to the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and experience the battles first hand. Explore what really happened on Paul Revere's ride, and discover the unsung heroes Dr. Joseph Warren, William Dawes, and others.The British confrontation at Lexington sparked the Shot Heard ‘Round the World and ended in a small massacre of Americans.The British confrontation in Concord was eventually driven off, and the British were lucky to escape with their lives over a long and harrowing retreat. They suffered many casualties and inflicted barbaric attacks on Americans.The colonies were not cowed into submission but rallied to military action and to militarily surround British occupied Boston.Although it would take more than a year for Americans to make the final break with the English Empire with the Declaration of Independence, the stage was set, and over a decade of political and economic resistance to English oppression transfigured into open warfare.Highlights include the Boston Tea Party, Intolerable Acts a/k/a Coercive Acts, King George III, Lord Dartmouth a/k/a William Ledge, House of Commons, Earl of Sandwich a/k/a/ John Montagu, John Pitcairn, General Thomas Gage, Boston Port Act (1774), Green Dragon Tavern, colonial intelligence committees, John Hancock, Dr. Joseph Warren, Benjamin Church, Samuel Adams, Lexington Massachusetts, Concord Massachusetts, Paul Revere, “one if by land and two if by sea” lantern warning signal by Paul Revere, North Church, John Crozie, Cambridge Massachusetts, Sons of Liberty, William Dawes, Reverend Jonas Clark, Charlestown Neck, Captain John Parker, Sylanus Wood, Robert Douglass, Major Mitchel, Paul Revere & William Dawes Midnight Ride, April 19 1775, Buckman Tavern, Shot Heard ‘Round the World, Lieutenant John Barker, King's Own Royal Regiment of Lancaster, Dr. Samuel Prescott, General John Palmer, Phillip's Farm, Israel Bissel, colonial militia, Colonel James Barrett, Concord River, redcoats, minutemen, John Barker, Lieutenant Frederick MacKenzie, “King Hancock forever!”, Brigadier General Earl Percy, Reverend Jonas Clark, John E. Ferling, Catherine Louisa Smith, Abigail Adams, John Adams, Massachusetts Provincial Assembly (a/k/a Massachusetts Provincial Congress), Call to Arms adopted by Massachusetts Provincial Assembly (written by Dr. Joseph Warren), George Washington, American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, and more.To learn more about American History, the Constitution, our holidays, & Patriot Week, visit www.PatriotWeek.org. Our resources include videos, a TV series, blogs, lesson plans, and more.Read the entire Declaration of Independence here: https://patriotweek.org/2021/07/24/the-declaration-of-independence-september-11/Check out Judge Michael Warren's book America's Survival Guide, How to Stop America's Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History at amazon, or other major on-line retailers.Join us!THIS EPISODE WAS ORIGINALLY RELEASED ON APRIL 11, 2021

Easter is the perfect time for Christians to reflect on the providence of God in constituting our nation in such a way that a great gospel doctrine was placed in the Constitution's Free Exercise Clause. In the minds of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson it resolved a gospel debate that can be raced back to 16th century English theologian, William PerkinsSupport the show: https://www.factennessee.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sitting high above the small community of Ripley, Ohio, a lantern shone in the front window of a small, red brick home at night. It was a signal to slaves just across the Ohio River. Anyone fleeing bondage could look to Reverend John Rankin’s home for hope. To the slaveholders they fled from, Rankin’s activities as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad invoked rage. Mobs often pelted Rankin with eggs and rocks, bounties were placed on his head, and midnight assassins lurked in the darkness, waiting for the right opportunity to take out the “Father of Abolitionism.” Despite frequent threats, he remained committed to the freedom of his fellow man.Today’s guest is Caleb Franz, author of The Conductor: The Story of Rev. John Rankin, Abolitionism's Essential Founding Father, we look at the story of the man who served as a George Washington–type figure to the antislavery movement. Rankin’s leadership brought unity and clarity to the often factious abolitionists of the nineteenth century. William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and countless others found inspiration in his teachings. He also presented abolitionism as a moderate movement, helping to make it palpable to Southern centrists who considered most abolitionists Yankee radicals who wanted to watch America descend into a Haitian-style race war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a tendency to regard many of our U.S. Presidents as heroes, illuminating the ways in which they shaped our nation for the good, that we often gloss over their missteps. Historians piece together facts and details to fill in the gaps of the bigger picture, but how often are our interpretations colored by our own lived experiences and perceptions? Sharon speaks with presidential historian Alexis Coe, who talks about her goal as a historian to tell the whole story. Listen in to learn some fun–and maybe not so fun–facts about our first president, George Washington. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson Go to https://ground.news/interesting for an objective, data-driven way to read the news. Save 50% on the Ground News unlimited access Vantage plan with my link. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices