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Matthew Spalding is a professor of constitutional government at Hillsdale College and author of “The Making of the American Mind: The Story of The Declaration of Independence.”A century ago, progressive historian Carl Becker argued that whether or not we have natural, inalienable rights as described in the Declaration had become a meaningless question. He believed that the idea of natural rights was not a veritable truth but merely a creed or faith of the men of his time and a product of historical circumstances.Spalding disagrees. He argues that the existence of natural rights and natural law lies at the very heart of the Declaration of Independence. “It's a claim of truth,” Spalding says.Spalding regards the Declaration as America's “epic poetry”: “It's the heart of America ... really the heart of Western civilization.”The founders saw themselves as part of, and as a continuation of, a deep and long tradition, in particular the Greek, Roman, and Judeo-Christian beliefs in natural law and free will.However, after the American Civil War, early American progressives no longer viewed it that way, he says.Their goal was to transform the United States into what they considered a modern state, and they turned away from natural law and God-given rights, and they viewed the U.S. Constitution as a “living document.”Now more than ever, it is vital to rediscover the true meaning and importance of the Declaration, Spalding argues.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Liberal Women Protect Their Babies! And Dr. Matthew Spalding Answers The Question: Is Trump A Fascist? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In the 8 AM hour, Larry O'Connor and Bethany Mandel discussed: FOUNDING PRINCIPLES: Dr. Matthew Spalding reflects on General Washington’s emotional 1776 correspondence and the launch of the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum fleet. MARYLAND MAPS: Delegate MATT MORGAN breaks down Governor Moore’s pressure campaign for mid-decade redistricting and the fight for an 8D-0R map. CRITTER NEWS: Giant Pandas roll through the snow at the National Zoo during the DMV's deep freeze. HISTORICAL REMOVAL: The National Park Service dismantles a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia following a presidential executive order. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part Two of our ongoing America 250 conversation, Dr. Matthew Spalding — Vice President for Washington Operations and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C., Campus — returns to explore the events and ideas that led directly to 1776. Spalding also discusses Hillsdale’s involvement with Freedom 250 and the launch of its nationwide Mobile Museum Trucks, a fleet of traveling, interactive museums bringing America’s founding story to communities across the country as part of the Semiquincentennial celebration. Plus, we examine current debates over how American history is presented, including the National Park Service’s removal of a slavery-focused exhibit in Philadelphia and the broader push to restore what the administration calls “truth and sanity” to historical interpretation. This episode is part of America 250: A Conversation with Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C., Campus & Graduate School of Government, in partnership with WMAL. Learn more at DC.Hillsdale.edu. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Paula sits down with Dr. Matthew Spalding, Ph.D. Together, they discuss the founding of America, its core principles, and more.Watch Dr. Matthew Spalding, Ph.D., at our 17th Annual Freedom Conference on our YouTube channel! See you next week for another great episode!
In the 8 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Cassie Smedile discussed: DR. MATTHEW SPALDING INTERVIEW: Hillsdale College discusses America 250 initiatives for the year. SEN. MARSHA BLACKBURN INTERVIEW: Senator pushes bill to deport and denaturalize fraudsters amid Minnesota scandal, targeting illegal immigrants and naturalized citizens. RUBIO UPDATE: Secretary Marco Rubio responds to EU critics on Venezuela, emphasizing U.S. security interests and hypocrisy in international complaints. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As America approaches its 250th birthday, O’Connor & Company welcomes Dr. Matthew Spalding, Vice President for Washington Operations and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C., Campus on Capitol Hill. Dr. Spalding discusses the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the events that led to 1776, drawing from his new book, The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence. From the Founders’ debates to the philosophical roots of America’s founding, this conversation explores why the Declaration still matters today. Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C., Campus is home to the Van Andel Graduate School of Government, which offers a part-time M.A. in Government for young professionals. Learn more at DC.Hillsdale.edu. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of The Federalist Radio Hour, Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College, joins Federalist Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle on the brink of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to discuss the pivotal creed and explain why 'the making of the American mind' is key to understanding the nation and its founding. You can find Spalding's book The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence here.The Federalist Foundation is a nonprofit, and we depend entirely on our listeners and readers — not corporations. If you value fearless, independent journalism, please consider a tax-deductible gift today at TheFederalist.com/donate. Your support keeps us going.
On this episode of The Federalist Radio Hour, Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College, joins Federalist Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle on the brink of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to discuss the pivotal creed and explain why ‘the […]
WMAL GUEST: MATTHEW SPALDING (Dean of Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College) on “The Making of the American Mind” BOOK: The Making of the American Mind on Amazon WEBSITE: Hillsdale.edu/Staff/Matthew-Spalding Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Omny Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the 7 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock discussed: WMAL GUEST: MATTHEW SPALDING (Hillsdale College Dean) on New Book for America 250 RAID DOCUMENTS: FBI Lacked Probable Cause But DOJ Proceeded Anyway GRASSLEY RELEASE: Senate Receives Bombshell Files on 2022 Search Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Omny Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Matthew Spalding, Vice President of Washington Operations and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College, joins the show by phone for discussion on his newly-released book, The Making of the American Mind, available for purchase today. On the number of people who no longer appreciate or know the contents of the Declaration of Independence, the education system, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Talking to Professor Matthew Spalding, the Kirby Professor in Constitutional Government at Hillsdale College and the Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at HillsdaleCollege's Washington, D.C. campus. And the author of the new book on the Declaration of Independence, The Making of the American Mind.
America has a big anniversary coming up. And you know it's set to be grand when people give it a name like "semiquincentenial." To help us prepare for the big 250th, Matthew Spalding, Dean of Hillsdale College's School of Government in DC, joins to discuss his just-published book: The Making of the American Mind. He and the gang get into the story of how a group of iron men came to declare war with and independence from the greatest empire on earth. They delve into the many attacks against the Declaration and the founding that are coming in from all angles these days. Remember, these self-evident truths are not obvious, so order your copy today!Plus, Señor Lileks wonders what we're supposed to call this escalating series of adventures near Venezuela; the Honorable Hayward weighs in on the stunningly titled Trump v. Slaughter SCOTUS case and Justice KBJ's startling comments; and, lastly, Captain Cooke has a bone to pick with Europe! - Sound from the open this week: The EU fines X and Trump talks Europe with Politico
America has a big anniversary coming up. And you know it's set to be grand when people give it a name like “semiquincentenial.” To help us prepare for the big 250th, Matthew Spalding, Dean of Hillsdale College's School of Government in DC, joins to discuss his just-published book: The Making of the American Mind. He […]
In this special episode of the Hillsdale Dialogues, Dr. Matthew Spalding, Vice President of Washington Operations and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues to discuss his new book The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence. Release date: 10 December 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this special episode of the Hillsdale Dialogues, Dr. Matthew Spalding, Vice President of Washington Operations and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues to discuss his new book The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence. Release […]
In this special episode of the Hillsdale Dialogues, Dr. Matthew Spalding, Vice President of Washington Operations and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues to discuss his new book The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence. Release date: 10 December 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Matthew Spalding, Vice President of Hillsdale College, joins Steve to explore The Making of the American Mind and the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence. He breaks down the ideas, principles, and historical context that shaped the founding document, revealing how its lessons continue to influence American thought, civic life, and the responsibilities of citizenship today. Check out GruberForHillsdale.com to learn about America's history for FREE
Charlie's final book "STOP, in the Name of God" is finally out nationwide, and nobody is more fitting to talk about the book's message than Erika Kirk. She joins the show to discuss why the Sabbath meant so much to Charlie and how God's gift of rest only made him more effective as a campaigner, communicator, and leader. Plus, Hillsdale's Matthew Spalding talks about his new book on the Declaration of Independence and its central role in defining the "American mind." Order "STOP, in the Name of God" at 45books.com.Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Charlie's final book "STOP, in the Name of God" is finally out nationwide, and nobody is more fitting to talk about the book's message than Erika Kirk. She joins the show to discuss why the Sabbath meant so much to Charlie and how God's gift of rest only made him more effective as a campaigner, communicator, and leader. Plus, Hillsdale's Matthew Spalding talks about his new book on the Declaration of Independence and its central role in defining the "American mind." Order "STOP, in the Name of God" at 45books.com.Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Mathew Spalding Host Scot Bertram talks with Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C, about his new book, The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence, and the intellectual tradition that inspired the writing of […]
Guests: Mathew Spalding Host Scot Bertram talks with Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C, about his new book, The Making of the American Mind: The Story of our Declaration of Independence, and the intellectual tradition that inspired the writing of the Declaration of Independence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: The philosophical grounding of the Constitution, George Washington's military experience, and the concept of “Fabian Tactics.” Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.'s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 3 October 2025
This week: Interesting parallels between the philosophical grounding of the Constitution, George Washington's military experience, and the concept of "Fabian Tactics." Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 3 October 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: Interesting parallels between the philosophical grounding of the Constitution, George Washington's military experience, and the concept of "Fabian Tactics." Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 3 October 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should I even send my kids back to school at all? Parents at every level are asking this question, whether they're concerned about the exploding cost of higher education or the liberal takeover of the preschool classroom, because there is a disease running rampant through our education system. Though Dr. Matthew Spalding, a Ph.D., is not a medical doctor, he has diagnosed this disease that has led to more parents questioning America's educational institutions. As the dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College's Washington, D.C., campus and a Gov. Ron DeSantis appointee to the New College of Florida Board of Trustees, Spalding continues to work on a cure. He joins “The Signal Sitdown” this week to discuss. Keep Up With The Daily Signal Sign up for our email newsletters: https://www.dailysignal.com/email Subscribe to our other shows: The Tony Kinnett Cast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AFk8xjiOOBEynVg3JiN6g The Signal Sitdown: https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL2026390376 Problematic Women: https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL7765680741 Victor Davis Hanson: https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL9809784327 Follow The Daily Signal: X: https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=DailySignal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedailysignal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDailySignalNews/ Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@DailySignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dailysignal?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week: Interesting parallels between the lives of Presidents George Washington and Donald Trump, the early campaigns of the Continental Army, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 1 August 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: Interesting parallels between the lives of Presidents George Washington and Donald Trump, the early campaigns of the Continental Army, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.'s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: […]
This week: Interesting parallels between the lives of Presidents George Washington and Donald Trump, the early campaigns of the Continental Army, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 1 August 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests: Matthew Spalding & Robert R. Riley We revisit two previously aired interviews for this special Independence Day episode. Host Scot Bertram talks with Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale in D.C., about Thomas Jefferson's influence on the Declaration of Independence. And […]
Guests: Matthew Spalding & Robert R. Riley We revisit two previously aired interviews for this special Independence Day episode. Host Scot Bertram talks with Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale in D.C., about Thomas Jefferson's influence on the Declaration of Independence. And Robert R. Riley, director of the Westminster Institute, gives a defense of the intellectual foundations of the American Founding as laid out in his book America on Trial: A Defense of the Founding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the Declaration of Independence still relevant today? Does it contain language that lays the groundwork for a Christian society? Does slavery disqualify the founders? Dr. Matthew Spalding joins host Casey Harper to unpack the Declaration, exploring how its true meaning has been lost in modern misinterpretations. They also tackle the age-old question: Was this country, and its founding documents, truly built on a Christian worldview that was meant to persist?
Is the Declaration of Independence still relevant today? Does it contain language that lays the groundwork for a Christian society? Does slavery disqualify the founders?Dr. Matthew Spalding joins host Casey Harper to unpack the Declaration, exploring how its true meaning has been lost in modern misinterpretations. They also tackle the age-old question: Was this country, and its founding documents, truly built on a Christian worldview that was meant to persist?
Is the Declaration of Independence still relevant today? Does it contain language that lays the groundwork for a Christian society? Does slavery disqualify the founders? Dr. Matthew Spalding joins host Casey Harper to unpack the Declaration, exploring how its true meaning has been lost in modern misinterpretations. They also tackle the age-old question: Was this country, and its founding documents, truly built on a Christian worldview that was meant to persist?
This week: The military parade in Washington, D.C., the history of the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, and the strange circumstances surrounding The Olive Branch Petition. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 20 June 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: The military parade in Washington, D.C., the history of the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, and the strange circumstances surrounding The Olive Branch Petition. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.'s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the […]
This week: The military parade in Washington, D.C., the history of the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, and the strange circumstances surrounding The Olive Branch Petition. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 20 June 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: Last week’s antisemitic murder of two Israeli embassy staffers, the Second Continental Congress, and the election of George Washington to lead the Continental Army. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 23 May 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week's antisemitic murder of two Israeli embassy staffers, the Second Continental Congress, and the election of George Washington to lead the Continental Army. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.'s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 23 May 2025
This week: Last week’s antisemitic murder of two Israeli embassy staffers, the Second Continental Congress, and the election of George Washington to lead the Continental Army. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 23 May 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: The history of the Minutemen, the Boston Tea Party, and the Enlightenment. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 12 May 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: The history of the Minutemen, the Boston Tea Party, and the Enlightenment. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.'s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 12 May 2025
This week: The history of the Minutemen, the Boston Tea Party, and the Enlightenment. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 12 May 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: The events that led to the American Revolution and the battles of Lexington and Concord, including discussion of the Founders' educational background, the French and Indian War, and King George III. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 02 May 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: The events that led to the American Revolution and the battles of Lexington and Concord, including discussion of the Founders’ educational background, the French and Indian War, and King George III. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.'s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt […]
This week: The events that led to the American Revolution and the battles of Lexington and Concord, including discussion of the Founders' educational background, the French and Indian War, and King George III. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.'s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt […]
This week: The events that led to the American Revolution and the battles of Lexington and Concord, including discussion of the Founders’ educational background, the French and Indian War, and King George III. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.'s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt […]
This week: The events that led to the American Revolution and the battles of Lexington and Concord, including discussion of the Founders' educational background, the French and Indian War, and King George III. Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington operations and dean of Hillsdale in D.C.’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government, joins Hugh Hewitt on the Hillsdale Dialogues. Release date: 02 May 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.