Podcast appearances and mentions of Jon Meacham

Historian Jon Meacham sits down with Margaret Hoover to talk about America's pursuit of democracy, the dangers posed by the Trump administration, and his new book, “American Struggle.”The book collects speeches and documents by prominent figures beginning with the First Assembly of Virginia in 1619 to the present, tracking the development of America's founding ideals and the nation's imperfect quest to live up to them. Meacham reflects on the first year of President Trump's second term and his expansive use of executive power. He also addresses the administration's “might makes right” approach to foreign policy and what it means for America's place in the world.Meacham reflects on Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy, explains why presidential character matters, and discusses how America's history can be a source for hope in the present.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Katharine J. Rayner, Charles R. Schwab, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Meadowlark Foundation, Jared Stone, and Al and Kathy Hubbard.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comSally is a journalist, columnist, TV commentator, author, wife to Ben Bradlee, and legendary DC hostess. Who better to talk to about the implosion of The Washington Post? She also founded the Post's religion website, “On Faith.” She's the author of six books, including the spiritual memoir Finding Magic, and We're Going to Make You a Star — about her time at “CBS Morning News.” Her latest novel is Silent Retreat, and she's now working on a memoir called Never Invite Sally Quinn. Her energy at 84 is, well, humbling. We had a blast.For two clips of our convo — on Sally's initial impression of Bezos, and the time Bill Clinton called her the b-word — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: born in Savannah, GA, and learning voodoo as a kid; moving as an Army brat; her general dad who captured Göring and helped create the CIA; at Smith College wanting to be an actress; rebelling against Vietnam and the wishes of her dad by marrying Bradlee; the Georgetown party circuit and how it's grown more partisan; throwing a pajama party for Goldwater; dating Hunter S. Thompson; Watergate and Woodstein; the Grahams; Tom Stoppard; Hitchens; Howell Raines; Newt's revolution; Bill's womanizing; Hillary defending her cheater; the Monica frenzy; Obama rising on merit; Barack the introvert; Jerry Brown; the catastrophe of Biden running in 2024; Dr. Jill's complicity and cruelty; Jon Meacham; Maureen Dowd; David Ignatius; Bradlee's dementia; declining trust in journalism; Bezos nixing the Harris endorsement; his life with Lauren Sanchez; sucking up to Trump; the Will Lewis debacle; Sally's spiritual life; silent retreats; Zen meditation; the humor in Buddhism; the denial of death; debating the the Golden Rule; children in Gaza; and the need more than ever for in-person gatherings.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. Coming up: Jeffrey Toobin on the pardon power, Michael Pollan on consciousness, Derek Thompson on abundance, Matt Goodwin on the UK political earthquake, Jonah Goldberg on the state of conservatism, Tom Holland on the Christian roots of liberalism, Tiffany Jenkins on privacy, Adrian Wooldridge on “the lost genius of liberalism,” and Kathryn Paige Harden on the genetics of vice. As always, please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com. A listener writes:Thanks for all these good episodes. Is Vivek still planning to be a guest soon? I have been looking forward to that episode.He got cold feet. Too bad. On the other hand, I tend to avoid active politicians. Because they're rarely as candid as I'd like a guest to be. Oh well.A fan of last week's pod who lives near Atlanta writes, “The longtime Dishheads on the Mableton cul-de-sac definitely approve of your interview with homegrown talent Zaid Jilani”:I agree with his description of Mableton as a bit like the United Nations; I see that diversity in our grocery stores and local restaurants. He mentioned how he was often the only Pakistani and thus perceived as a nonthreatening minority. It makes me wonder how much the diversity mix affects how people perceive immigration? If a large group from one country arrives, does that seem more like an invasion? If a similar number arrives but from a wide range of locations, does that seem more like the normal American melting pot?After 30 years of living in Mableton, this may partly explain why I am not bothered by immigration in the way that you are, Andrew. I expect to see and hear all sorts of people wherever I go in my neighborhood. Today the teller at the bank spoke accented English. There are regular clerks at my grocery store who are immigrants. Our new HVAC was installed by immigrants. As an Atlanta suburb, there are many people descended from African slaves. European ancestry is merely one possibility off the long colorful menu around here.I think pace and numbers matter. A slower pace and fewer — with no massive homogenous populations arriving at once. And a new emphasis on Americanization over “multiculturalism”.From a listener who wants to “Make Democrats Great Again”:Great conversation with Zaid Jilani last week. I am very concerned that hardly any Democrats are being at all introspective, trying to figure out where they went wrong and how to become a party that can actually win elections — maybe even hearts and minds. They are only defined as anti-Trump, and their only hope is for Trump to go down in flames — which he very well might, but all they aspire to is winning as the least-worst party.The policy directions for reclaiming sanity and moderate voters are obvious (to me, at least). Here are my top three issues:1. AffordabilityThe longest lever to affect affordability is housing. Democrats have been complete failures in this regard, with strongholds like California and NYC being the least affordable places. When they talk about “affordable housing,” they only mean housing that is forced below market rate for the few poor people lucky enough to get it. They offer no solutions for the middle class or young people.The solution is obvious: build more. Plough through the various restrictions that are preventing housing from being built. There is no reason housing can't be cheap, except for NIMBY politics. Scott Weiner in California has been doing great work on this.Health care is the second-longest affordability lever. Obamacare made some progress, but not nearly enough, especially in terms of keeping costs down. But I'm not sure we're ready for another push on this; I say focus on housing.2. ImmigrationObviously there should be some immigration, and obviously we have structured our economy such that many jobs are only done by immigrants. But the Democrats' policy of simply not enforcing immigration law is untenable, especially for a group asking to be put in charge of law enforcement. We need those migrant workers, so find a way for them be here legally. Not through amnesty, but through some sort of bureaucratic process: have the employers fill out a form; have the prospective worker fill out a form in some office in Mexico; have someone process the form; and give them a green card.This is simple stuff! And yes, it would be helpful to admit that open borders, sanctuary cities, and subverting the law were not good ideas.3. CultureEnd wokeness. America is not a country consumed by white supremacy, and the people who voted for Trump are not racists. There are hardly any racists! And drop the other insanities, like the trans stuff.The message needs to be, “We are the Democrats and we want to help anybody from any state who needs help.” Hard to convince struggling white people in the South that you're going to help them when you seem to despise them. Love your brother, for crying out loud. And naturally, today's woke Democrats would be much more accepting of this message if it came from a racial minority candidate.Another wanted to hear more:I wish you had asked Zaid about Josh Shapiro. Also, when Zaid talked about affordability, he never mentioned housing — which is why there are so many ex-Californians in his home state of Georgia and elsewhere. “Build Baby Build” should be the slogan of the Democratic Party, rather than gaslighting Americans into believing housing prices will come down because we are getting rid of immigrants (Vance).Here's a dissent:About 20:30 into your interview with Zaid Jilani, he said that the root of all the Abrahamic faiths is that the meek have rights. You replied that this applied more to Christianity and Islam than to Judaism. I say this neither rhetorically nor to admonish you, but how much do you know about Judaism? Your comment is completely mistaken. Just what do you think Judaism says about the meek?Another has examples:In Genesis, you find that all humans were created b'tzelem Elohim (in the image of God). Moreover, Jewish texts consistently frame care for the poor as a legal obligation and moral imperative, not mere charity. Every Jewish child learns that promoting economic justice is mandated. It is called tzedakah.This religious mandate has manifested itself in the real world. Jews have been disproportionately represented in social justice movements aimed at promoting human equality. It wasn't an accident that two of three civil rights movement activists murdered in Neshoba County, Mississippi by the Ku Klux Klan were Jewish.Points taken. Big generalizations in a chat can be dumb. My quarrel may be semantic: the meek is not merely the weak. It's about the quiet people, those easily trampled upon. Like many of Jesus' innovations, it takes a Jewish idea further.Another listener on the Zaid pod:I wonder if you ever play the game of “which time would you like to go back to”? I do! And only half-jokingly, I often say 1994 in DC. Something about, for example, Christopher Hitchens on CSPAN in a dreary suit jacket discussing such *trivial* aspects of politics in a serious way. How perfect! When I listened to your episode with Zaid Jilani about how the left can win, it seemed dated to about this period in the early ‘90s.Ah yes, the Nineties. They were heady times and I think we all kinda realized it at the time. The economy was booming, crime was plummeting, Annie Leibovitz took my picture, and we had the luxury of an impeachment over a b*****b. Good times.On another episode, a listener says I have a “rose-colored view of President Obama”:In your conversation with Jason Willick, you said that Obama was a stickler for proper procedure and doing things the right way. I might instance, on the other side:* Evading the constitutional requirements on treaties in pursuit of the Iran deal (an evasion that the Republicans were stupid enough to go along with)* Encouraging the regulatory gambit of “sue and settle”* The “Dear Colleague” letter* “I've got a pen and a phone”Points taken. Especially the DACA move. But compared to Biden and Trump? Much better. One more listener email:I've been following you for years, but more recently I became a subscriber, and it's a decision I don't regret! I usually listen to the Dishcast over the weekend, and I always find it extremely stimulating, but there is also something relaxing about the length and scope of your conversations.I want to respond to something you said in your Claire Berlinski episode on the subject of Ukraine. Although I appreciate your position in defence of international law, you implied that Russia's claim to Ukrainian land is somehow “historically legitimate.” This is not only problematic from a logical standpoint (does Sweden have a historically legitimate claim to Finland and Norway, or does the UK have a claim to the Republic of Ireland, the US, and all its former colonies?), but also not based on historical reality.Unfortunately, this is not the first time your comments on Ukraine seem come through the prism of a Russian lens. I am sure it's not intentional; perhaps that's not a subject you have invested much time in, which is legitimate. However, I find it a bit surprising that, as we approach the fifth year of Russia's full-scale invasion, you still don't seem to have had the curiosity to explore this and invite any specialist on Ukraine. If Timothy Snyder is too political these days, I would recommend Serhii Plokhy — possibly the most eminent historian of Ukraine — or Yaroslav Hrytsak. They would each be a very interesting conversation.The Dishcast has featured many guests with expertise on the Ukraine war, including Anne Applebaum (twice), John Mearsheimer, Samuel Ramani (twice), Edward Luttwak, Fiona Hill (twice), Robert Wright, Robert Kaplan, Fareed Zakaria, Douglas Murray, Edward Luce, and Niall Ferguson.A reader responds to last week's column, “The President Of The 0.00001 Percent”:Like you, I'm not against people getting rich. A lot of good is done by a few people who have enough money to seed research and the arts, and pursue things that ordinary worker bees would never have the margin of time or resources to pursue. Good so far.But all strong forces need regulation and/or protective barriers, whether it's the weather, sex, patriotism, or capitalism. What's going on now is obscene. Progressive taxation is a social good: it doesn't stop anyone from getting richer and richer; it doesn't remove the positive motivators for success; it just means that the farther they get, the higher their proportionate contribution to the system that lets them get there. There are various ways to tweak the dials, but there is nothing philosophically wrong with tweaking them in a way the sets some outer limit. Let it be very high, but let it not be infinite.Here's a familiar dissent:You were right to torch the nihilism of the .00001 class. You were right to call out moral evasions. But when you referred to “the IDF's massacre of children in Gaza,” you collapsed a morally and legally distinct reality into a slogan. Words matter. “Massacre” implies intent. It suggests that the deliberate killing of children is policy rather than tragic consequence. That is a serious charge, and it deserves serious evidence.The governing reality in Gaza is not that Israel woke up one morning and decided to target children.

-The dork Star Wars cantina of famous biographers-Jefferson's hypocrisy and the impossibility of paragon standards-Lincoln was not an abolitionist-The Howard Zinnification of American history-Ambiguity as the ideological propagandist's mortal enemy-The true (New Testament) saint of America-George H.W. Bush's blunt admission-This president would cut your throat for a vote, then be the first to call 911-Exhaustion as a strategy, and the establishment's failure to meet the moment-Autocratic narcissism and the turn toward political sadism-Despair is a sin-Political loss as seasonal, not existential-What will the next side do with inherited expanded executive power?-14th Amendment redemption clauses as high-level nerd porn-Amusing ourselves to death in a visual-media politics-Katie Britt's private doubt, and the ecosystem that manufactured it-Lincoln couldn't write a bad sentence; Reagan could land the linePrefer to watch & chat live with other members of the Fifdom? This episode premieres over on our YouTube channel at 12PM EST.Buy Jon Meacham's anthology, American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union (Bookshop | Amazon)Thanks for reading/watching The Fifth Column (A Podcast)! This post is public so feel free to share it.Follow The Fifth ColumnYouTube: @wethefifthInstagram: @we.the.fifthX: @wethefifthTikTok: @wethefifthFacebook: @thefifthcolumn This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribe

Stephen Colbert called out CBS for bowing to FCC pressure and pulling an interview with a Democratic lawmaker. Meanwhile, Congress is set to depose the former CEO of Victoria's Secret over his ties to Epstein. Then, major price hikes are on the way, as companies big and small blame high tariffs. Plus, Meta's Zuckerberg is set to take the stand in a landmark trial looking to hold big tech accountable for harming kids. Jeff Mason, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Sam Stein, Brendan Greeley, Jeff Horwitz, Natasha Sarin, and Jon Meacham join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To The Contrary’s Charlie Sykes stops by to talk about CBS cowering to the FCC by refusing to air an interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer Jon Meacham about his latest book, American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: An Anthology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon and two-time presidential candidate, has died at the age of 84, his family said. Jackson worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Ed O'Keefe looks at his legacy. Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the legacy and impact of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died at the age of 84. Morial highlighted Jackson's political impact on future Democratic candidates, his work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and more. Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall died on Sunday at the age of 95. Duvall starred in classics like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now." Vladimir Duthiers looks back at his career. Matt Shumer joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his now viral article, "Something Big Is Happening." He writes that AI's "capability for massive disruption could be here by the end of this year." Shumer explains why he wrote the article, and his message to concerned readers. American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor won her first gold Olympic medal on Monday in the women's solo event. Prior to the Games she had won five medals in four Olympics. She is now tied as the most decorated American woman in Winter Olympics history. Jon Meacham, a historian and bestselling author, discusses the state of American politics, what we can learn from U.S. history, and his latest book, "American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union." Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis discusses his decision to step down as the managing and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, which he founded nearly 40 years ago. Social media and tech mogul Gary Vayberchuk tells "CBS Mornings" about the ways he predicts AI will change the way we live our lives. 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

Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Jon Meacham talks with Dave Davies about Trump's impact on democracy. Meacham's latest book, ‘American Struggle,' is a collection of speeches, letters and other original texts from 1619 to the present.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For Presidents' Day, Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian and the author of American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union (Random House, 2026), puts today's political conflicts in the historical context of tensions going back to the country's founding.=> EVENT: Jon Meacham will be in conversation with John Dickerson at 92Y on Tuesday, February 17th, 7 pm (tickets here).cover image courtesy of the publisher

Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Jon Meacham talks with Dave Davies about Trump's impact on democracy. Meacham's latest book, ‘American Struggle,' is a collection of speeches, letters and other original texts from 1619 to the present.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The late historian David Mccullough is very much missed, but the new book “History Matters,” posthumously published this fall, helps us remember why history is so important for all of us and is under threat. Especially now, given the current scrutiny how the Smithsonian Museum and our National Parks are telling American history. “History Matters” is a collection of Mccullough's essays that address the importance of history especially our shared history as Americans. Many of the essays have never been published, the collection includes a foreword by Jon Meacham, the book is edited by McCullough's daughter Dorie Mccullough Lawson, and his longtime researcher Michael Hill.

In the winter of 1860-61, one man, William Henry Seward, Republican Senator from New York (the presumptive favorite for the 1860 Republican nomination for president; defeated by Lincoln on the third ballot), labored mightily to effectuate his plan to save the Union. Because of history's (and historians') heavy bias to portray Lincoln as almost a saint (see, for example, Jon Meacham's “And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle” (Random House 2022)), Seward's prodigious efforts have either been ignored, given short shrift, or looked upon as something less than honorable. This short book – based upon original archival research and a comprehensive review of secondary sources – tells the story of Seward's efforts. Counter-factual history is always an iffy business. But Seward's “plan” did help to keep the Upper South States in the Union during the months before the president-elect became the president. And had his counsel been followed after March 4th, perhaps the course of American History would have played out very differently.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Meacham joined David M. Rubenstein to discuss his biographies of Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and George H.W. Bush, and his upcoming book on Dwight Eisenhower. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part One- We speak with Mike DeRubis, who is with the non-partisan group Voters First Wisconsin, which is working to eliminate gerrymandering, reduce the influence of Big Money in politics, and to reform the way that certain elections are done in our state. Part Two- from 2018- historian Jon Meacham talks about his book "The Soul of America: The Battle for our Better Angels." The book examines those periods in our country's history when we have been as bitterly divided as we are today- and how our nation was able to come together again.

Ali Velshi invites presidential historian Jon Meacham onto the show to discuss the many moments in American history where our ancestors struggled to establish our natural rights. "Every measure of progress has been met with pushback by those in power."

Trump marks one year of his second term with new threats to take Greenland. Then, markets tumble with the fear of a trade war with Europe. Plus, tensions rise in Minnesota as the DOJ subpoenas the state's top Democratic officials. Peter Baker, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Tim O'Brien, Ron Insana, Jon Meacham, Bharat Ramamurti, and Berit Berger join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Jon Meacham argues that the authors of the Constitution anticipated that authoritarian leaders would one day seek to corrupt the principles on which this country was founded. 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

The latest with Venezuela as President Trump's plan for Venezuelan oil takes shape. Plus, The White House tries to rewrite the events of Jan. 6. And, RFK slashes the  number of vaccines recommended for children. Jeff Mason, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Michael McFaul, Dan Nathan, Stacey Vanek Smith, Jon Meacham, and Dr. Vin Gupta join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when a historian who loves the American presidency is faced with a president like Donald Trump? We discuss the HBO documentary THE SOUL OF AMERICA (2020), about Joe Biden's favourite historian, Jon Meacham, as he struggles to make sense of the Trump era. Join us on Patreon for an extra episode every week - https://www.patreon.com/michaelandus "The Man Who Loved Presidents" by Thomas Frank - https://harpers.org/archive/2021/07/jon-meacham-thomas-frank-soul-of-america/ "The End of Resistance History" by Charlotte E. Rosen - https://proteanmag.com/2025/01/20/the-end-of-resistance-history/ "The Fight for the Four Freedoms" by Harvey J. Kaye - https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/The-Fight-for-the-Four-Freedoms/Harvey-J-Kaye/9781451691443 "Take Hold of Our History" by Harvey J. Kaye - https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/zer0-books/our-books/take-hold-of-our-history Our two previous episodes on Michael Moore Hates America (2004) https://soundcloud.com/michael-and-us/episode-8-michael-moore-hates-america https://www.patreon.com/posts/300-300th-61042533

“Gratitude is contagious. It's something that becomes more powerful as you express it. It reminds me of how fortunate I've been — and through that privilege I feel I owe to do what I can for others.”John Pepper, P&G's former Chairman and CEO, needs no introduction. John has played many roles in business, community, service, and the lives of countless people. He returns to our podcast to discuss his new book, "100 Books That Shaped My Life: Reflections on a Lifetime of Reading, " which might just be the perfect gift this holiday season, for yourself or for anyone in your life who loves a good read."100 Books That Shaped My Life" is no mere book list — it is a life story told through the books that walked alongside John: as a husband, father, leader, citizen, and as someone thinking deeply about what matters most in the time we're given. These are the books that shaped John's understanding of history, democracy, gratitude, and hope — especially in the most recent chapters of his life.Moving from Values, to Biographies, Philosophy, U.S. and Global History, Memoirs, Novels, and Personal Essays, 100 Books That Shaped My Life mirrors something true about John himself: a leader shaped not by one discipline, but by a lifelong curiosity across every discipline. In our conversation, John reflects on how a lifetime of reading helped him better live a lifetime — deepening his understanding of friendship, love, loss, courage, service, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.John's literary influences range from novelists like John Steinbeck, Oliver Sacks, Wallace Stegner, Marilynne Robinson, George Orwell, and Tolstoy, to memoirists such as Frederick Douglass, Katharine Graham, James Reston, and Michelle Obama, to historians and biographers including David Blight, Jon Meacham, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jill Lepore, and so many others. Woven through all of it is a deeply human narrative — his love for his late wife, Francie; his reflections on aging, family, and purpose; the leaders who shaped him; the lessons hard-won; and the quiet moments that stayed with him.As Bob Iger put it, “Whether you're an executive or simply someone who loves reading and learning, you will find great value and wisdom in this book.” And we couldn't agree more. For anyone who enjoys learning from lived experience, this conversation — and this book — make a wonderful companion. It might even inspire you to reflect on everything you've read and learned along the way. Be sure to check out John Pepper's "100 Books That Shaped My Life" wherever you get your favorite books.bookshop.org/p/books/100-books-that-shaped-my-life-reflections-on-a-lifetime-of-reading/23a8c953e3dfd1e5amazon.com/gp/product/B0FXQPHQPK

Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham joined Rabbi Cosgrove for a closer look at key moments in America's history at this milestone anniversary at the Stephen R. Volk Inaugural Lecture: The Soul of America: Our Nation at 250. Reflecting on our nation's triumphs, the darker hours, and the moments in between, this nuanced discussion brought our history to life and looked to the past for lessons on the way forward.   Jon Meacham, a Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, is one of America's most prominent public intellectuals. Meacham is the author of multiple bestselling books, including And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, and His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope. Named a “Global Leader for Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum, he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a fellow of the Society of American Historians. Meacham regularly appears on MSNBC, CNN, and other news outlets.

Dick Cheney was arguably the most powerful vice president in U.S. history and he served four presidents over his career. Cheney died at age 84, and former President George H.W. Bush biographer Jon Meacham shares a remembrance of Cheney's work and legacy.And, Hawai'i is home to a high number of federal workers, and the ongoing government shutdown is weighing heavily on the state. Gov. Josh Green details what's happening in his state, 35 days into the shutdown.Then, Hurricane Melissa killed at least 33 people in Jamaica and resulted in billions of dollars in damage. Ivonne Rodríguez-Wiewall, executive advisor to Direct Relief, joins us from Kingston, Jamaica, with a look at recovery efforts there.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Two new history books make a strong case for why learning about the past is critical to understanding the world today. First, History Matters is a posthumous collection of writings by American historian David McCullough. In today's episode, co-editor Dorie McCullough Lawson and historian Jon Meacham tell NPR's Scott Simon about McCullough's endless curiosity. Then, in Midnight on the Potomac, Scott Ellsworth explores little-known corners of Civil War history. In today's episode, he speaks with Here & Now's Sarah McCammon about long-held myths about the period.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The late historian David Mccullough is very much missed, but the new book “History Matters,” posthumously published this fall, helps us remember why history is so important for all of us and is under threat. Especially now, given the current scrutiny how the Smithsonian Museum and our National Parks are telling American history. “History Matters” is a collection of Mccullough's essays that address the importance of history especially our shared history as Americans. Many of the essays have never been published, the collection includes a foreword by Jon Meacham, the book is edited by McCullough's daughter Dorie Mccullough Lawson, and his longtime researcher Michael Hill.

Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comHear directly from Zach Abraham as he shares insights in this FREE “Back To Basics” Webinar, THURSDAY, October 2nd at 3:30 Pacific.  Register now at Know Your Risk Podcast dot com. Bizable https://GoBizable.comUntie your business exposure from your personal exposure with BiZABLE.  Schedule your FREE consultation at GoBizAble.com today. Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/toddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeCharlie Kirk's Death and God's Light of Justice // How Would Satan Defend the Murder of Charlie Kirk? // Just In Case You Think There Are No DemonsEpisode Links:This so-called “transgender” isn't just celebrating Charlie Kirk's murder. He's gloating that Kirk's wife and two kids are in pain, and he wants you to know he takes joy in their suffering.George Zinn, elderly rabble-rouser who falsely claimed he shot Charlie Kirk, is hit with child porn charges'CBS News Sunday Morning' runs to liberal historian and Joe Biden speechwriter Jon Meacham says America's "in a dangerous place" with political violence such as Charlie Kirk's assassination having erupted b/c some Americans don't believe we are all being treated equallyBiden Says MAGA Republicans Are Danger to CountryThis liberal might be the worst one yet. The Left doesn't just want you dead, they want your children, your family, and everything you care about dead. This creature is completely possessed. I don't say this lightly: demonic.

Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: State fairs; a history of the U.S. Constitution; Marlon Wayans on the psychological horror film “Him”; historian Jon Meacham on the Charlie Kirk shooting; and a funeral for dead houseplants. 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

Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: State fairs; a history of the U.S. Constitution; actor-director Jason Bateman on the Netflix series “Black Rabbit”; Marlon Wayans on the psychological horror film “Him”; historian Jon Meacham on the Charlie Kirk shooting; and a funeral for dead houseplants. 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

Law enforcement in Utah release new images and video of the suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Then, new data on inflation and the labor market signal trouble ahead for the economy. Plus, historian Jon Meacham reflects on where we are as a country as we mark 24 years since the September 11th terror attacks.

Arizona was central to conservative influencer and strategist Charlie Kirk's political vision. Soon after Kirk was killed on Wednesday, Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd stopped by a church that had been an important base for Kirk's activism. He spoke with supporter Scott Lovett. And, we look at how Kirk gained a massive following. Brigham Tomco, a staff writer at Desert News who covers Utah politics and the conservative movement, joins us. Then, NPR's Ron Elving and historian Jon Meacham talk about the moment we find ourselves in, 24 years after the 9/11 terror attacks, and as we try to make sense of the assassination of Charlie Kirk.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Send us a textDr. Jonathan W. White is a professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University. He is the author or editor of 17 books covering various topics, including civil liberties during the Civil War, the USS Monitor and the Battle of Hampton Roads, the presidential election of 1864, and what Abraham Lincoln and soldiers dreamt about. Among his awards are the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia's Outstanding Faculty Award (2019), CNU's Alumni Society Award for Teaching and Mentoring (2016), the Abraham Lincoln Institute Book Prize (2015), and the University of Maryland Alumni Excellence Award in Research (2024). His recent books include A House Built By Slaves: African American Visitors to the Lincoln White House (2022), which was co-winner of the Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize (with Jon Meacham); Shipwrecked: A True Civil War Story of Mutinies, Jailbreaks, Blockade-Running, and the Slave Trade (2023); Final Resting Places: Reflections on the Meaning of Civil War Graves (2023); and an exciting new children's book, My Day with Abe Lincoln (2024).A Quote From This Episode"Viewed from the abolition ground, Lincoln seemed tardy, cold, dull; but measured by his country, he was swift, zealous, radical, and determined.”Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBook: Measuring the Man: The Writings of Frederick Douglass on Abraham LincolnArticle: Flag burning has a long history in the U.S. — and legal protections from the Supreme CourtAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for Prague - October 15-18, 2025!About  Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersBlogMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.

Russian pro-democracy leader Garry Kasparov reacts to Trump and Putin's summit in Alaska and news that Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy is now set to visit the White House on Monday; President Trump's DC takeover has reignited the debate over Washington, DC statehood. Ali digs into the history of that debate and what it would mean if it came true; and renowned presidential historian Jon Meacham weighs in on the Trump Administration's new war on the Smithsonian and its threat to remove any content that doesn't align with the president's vision of America.

House passes Trump's massive tax bill and both parties are pushing to shape public opinion. Then, the jobs report shows that U.S. job growth exceeded expectations this month. Plus, presidential historian Jon Meacham weighs in on where the country is heading on its 249th birthday. Peter Baker, Sam Stein, Basil Smikle, Ron Insana, Max Chafkin, Jon Meacham, and Emma Goldberg join The 11th Hour this Thursday. 

MSNBC's Antonia Hylton hosts “The Beat” on Friday, June 27, and reports on the Supreme Court's consequential ruling in the birthright citizenship case. Hylton also covers the growing backlash to Donald Trump's sputtering mega-bill and examines the future of the Democratic Party. Jason Johnson, Jamaal Bowman, Evan Osnos, Jon Meacham, Leah Litman, and Ankush Khardori join.

The Trump administration mobilizes hundreds of marines in response to protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids. Then, detention facilities are stretched to maximum capacity as ICE raids continue. Plus, trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are underway. Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, David Drucker, Ankush Khardori, David Gura, Brooke Masters, Shannon Heffernan and Jon Meacham join The 11th Hour this Monday.

The President's tax and spending megabill narrowly passes the House, but it faces changes in the Senate. Plus, a look at the winners of Trump's memecoin contest. And a suspect is charged in the murder of two Israeli Embassy aides outside the Capital Jewish Museum. Susan Glasser, Angelo Carusone, Joyce Vance, Teddy Schleifer, Bill Cohan, Juanita Tolliver, Reed Galen, and Jon Meacham join The 11th Hour this Thursday. 

Today on the show, prominent historians Niall Ferguson and Jon Meacham join the show to break down the first 100 days of President Trump's second term. They discuss the administration's foreign policy and whether there are any historical parallels to Trump 2.0.  Then, former Canadian Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff speaks with Fareed about how he believes Trump's nationalism provoked a wave of nationalism in Canada, carrying the Liberal Party to an unexpected victory there. Finally, tensions between India and Pakistan are high following the militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Tanvi Madan of the Brookings Institution speaks with Fareed about this latest escalation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part Two of a thorough review of Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams picks up with Chapters 12-18. As the author begins to experience life working for Facebook as a new mother, the reality of how that milestone is viewed by her colleagues becomes apparent. More equally chilling and amusing insights about Sheryl and Mark are shared, including her experiences being included in Mark's luxurious travel, his private jet preferences, and the work, or lack thereof, that went into courting various governments. Awkward executive level dynamics and personalities continue to be revealed via Sarah's outsider's perspective as we witness her slowly becoming more jaded with each passing chapter. BONUS: a rant on Andrew Jackson Books/biographies about Andrew Jackson: Life of Andrew Jackson by James PartonThe Passions of Andrew Jackson by Andrew Burstein American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon MeachamFathers & Children: Andrew Jackson and the Subjugation of the American Indian by Michael Paul Rogin All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via published articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements, and all may be paraphrased for brevity and presented in layman's terms.Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': The first 100 days. As President Trump nears that milestone, his poll numbers plummet in ways we've never seen before, with his approval rating lower than any other president at this point in their tenure. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove join in studio fresh from a protest on Capitol Hill over the Trump Agenda. What they expect from Trump in the next 100 days and from Congress when they return to work next week. Lessons Learned. Jon Meacham is here with a look at how history will record this moment and how Trump compares to his predecessors. And on our last show, a fan favorite returns. America's Aunt, my Aunt Gloria, is back to give us her unique take on everything that's going on. All that and more on the final episode of “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.” 

Stocks drop again as President Trump continues to target Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. And Pete Hegseth reportedly shared war plans in a second Signal chat. Plus, a look at the legacy of the late Pope Francis and the future of the Catholic Church. Tyler Pager, Susan Glasser, David Drucker, Ron Insana, Charlotte Howard, Jonathan V. Last, and Jon Meacham join The 11th Hour this Monday. 

Nicolle Wallace on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, known as “the people's pope,” for his championing of humanity and advocacy for the marginalized. Joined by: Steve Liesman, Courtney Kube, Frank Kendall, Anthea Butler, Christopher White, Lee Gelernt, Dahlia Lithwick, Vaughn Hillyard, Jon Meacham, and Mike Barnicle.

President Trump rattles the nation's legal industry as he targets law firms he views as enemies. Plus, Hillary Clinton weighs in on the administration's “dumb” behavior following the attack plans group chat. And, the White House turns its attention to Greenland, again, and Vladimir Putin supports it. Jon Allen, Dave Weigel, Kristy Greenberg, Basil Smikle, Susan Del Percio, Jon Meacham, and Brad Meltzer join as Charles Coleman Jr. hosts The 11th Hour this Friday night.

President Trump and his allies' increasingly contentious rhetoric towards America's judiciary is ramping up fears of an historic clash that could have dire consequences for democracy, while Trump's assault against the freedom and independence of America's colleges and universities is taking us down a dangerous path that will cost us all

How America's foreign policy realignment under Donald Trump threatens to unravel decades of global alliances and what history tells us about what might come next

This Presidents' Day, thousands protested Trump & Musk's government overhaul. Plus, the DOGE team is demanding access to taxpayer data and mass layoffs continue as the White House prepares to fire DHS officials. And, the latest updates on the Delta plane that crashed and overturned on landing at the Toronto Airport. Jacqueline Alemany, Melanie Zanona, Tom Nichols, David Cay Johnston, Zoë Schiffer, Tim Miller, Teddy Schleifer, and Jon Meacham join The 11th Hour this Monday.

In this episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen sits down with Talmage Boston, a distinguished attorney, author, speaker, and presidential historian. With over four decades of experience in commercial litigation and a deep passion for history, Talmage shares invaluable insights from his latest book, How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents. This episode, recorded on November 27, 2024, via Zoom, explores the leadership principles of America's most impactful presidents and how their lessons can be applied to modern leadership and executive coaching. Talmage Boston is a partner at Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley, and Norton, LLP, and has been honored as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2003. Beyond his legal career, he is an esteemed historian and author endorsed by Pulitzer Prize-winning historians like David McCullough and Jon Meacham. His previous books, including Cross-Examining History and Raising the Bar, provide thought-provoking analyses of leadership and historical narratives. In How the Best Did It, Talmage identifies 24 leadership traits exhibited by eight U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. Each chapter includes interactive questions to help readers apply these insights to their leadership journey. Boston identifies three overarching traits that all eight presidents shared: Persuasion – Ability to inspire and unify diverse groups.Self-Awareness – Recognizing strengths and delegating weaknesses.Big-Picture Focus – Aligning leadership efforts with the needs of the broad middle rather than extremes. Boston stresses that history should be remembered accurately and used to inspire positive change. He encourages leaders to apply historical lessons to modern challenges and maintain a commitment to integrity and unity. This episode offers a powerful blend of history and leadership, making it an essential listen for executive coaches, business leaders, and history enthusiasts alike. The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on November 27, 2024. Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

John is joined by presidential historians Michael Beschloss and Jon Meacham for a much-needed group therapy session at the end of the first week of Trump 2.0. The historians weigh in on Donald Trump's decision to issue pardons and commutations to each and every one of the nearly 1600 individuals criminally implicated in the January 6 insurrection; Joe Biden's eleventh-hour preemptive pardons of several of his family members; Trump's crypto coin grift; and more. In the wake of Trump saying he will make good on his vow to declassify and release all government files on the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK, Jon and Michael also reveal which of those they're jonesing hardest to see. 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

As America braces for a second Trump administration, we're joined by historian Jon Meacham to place our current moment within the broader sweep of U.S. history. Together, we examine whether Trump's explicit rhetoric about territorial expansion and open billionaire support truly represents something unprecedented, reflect on how the Biden administration might be remembered, and consider what patterns from our past tell us about America's future. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more:  > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weeklyshowpodcast > TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@weeklyshowpodcast  > X: https://x.com/weeklyshowpod   > BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theweeklyshowpodcast.com Host/Executive Producer – Jon Stewart Executive Producer – James Dixon Executive Producer – Chris McShane Executive Producer – Caity Gray Lead Producer – Lauren Walker Producer – Brittany Mehmedovic  Video Editor & Engineer – Rob Vitolo Audio Editor & Engineer – Nicole Boyce Researcher & Associate Producer – Gillian Spear Music by Hansdle Hsu — This podcast is brought to you by: ZipRecruiter Try it for free at this exclusive web address: ziprecruiter.com/ZipWeekly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Thanksgiving, we're revisiting a conversation with historian and writer Jon Meacham on his book, “And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle.” The book dives deep into Lincoln and the why behind the actions of America's 16th president, from personal to political. Jon joined David to talk about Lincoln's anti-slavery roots, what Lincoln can teach us about the current political moment, the moral decisions we face as a country, and what qualities make a great American president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John is joined by America's best-known presidential historians, Michael Beschloss and Jon Meacham, to discuss the first two weeks of the transition to Donald Trump's second term. Beschloss and Meacham assess the most head-spinning of Trump's initial appointments and their prospects for confirmation; why the sense of shock these picks have elicited, even among Republicans, is ludicrous on its face; the role of Steve Bannon as the intellectual architect of Trump's radical governing agenda and its central goal of what Bannon calls the “deconstruction of the administrative state;” and why it's safe to assume that what we're seeing now is what the next four years will look like. 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

Tonight on The Last Word: The balance of power is still uncertain in the U.S. House. And President Biden delivers his first post-election speech. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Jon Meacham, and Melanie L. Campbell join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Tonight, we step back and look at who we are as a country and what we want moving forward. Plus, Republicans solidify their status as the working class party, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders attributes the Democratic Party's loss to defending the status quo. David Jolly, Michael Steele, Sami Sage, Tim O'Brien, Fmr Rep. Tim Ryan, and Jon Meacham join the 11th Hour this Wednesday.