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A live recording from The Big Romance about a 2008 Sub Pop-released classic album of the 2000s. Listen on Apple | Android | Patreon | Pocketcasts | CastBox | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS Feed | Podlink Step into a world of misty melodies and cavernous echoes with Seattle band Fleet Foxes' landmark debut – a defining record of the late-2000s indie folk revival. Led by Robin Pecknold, the album blends the lush, pastoral harmonies of the 1960s with a haunting baroque-pop sensibility and lyrical themes rooted in nature, tradition, and introspection. Like the Bruegel painting on its cover, every track reveals a dense, beautiful world that evokes a timeless – almost mythic Americana sound. This podcast episode is a live recording from our listening party in The Big Romance in April, with guest journalist and Fleet Foxes fan Aoife Barry. Our next Listening Party is Smashing Pumpkins later this month and it's sold out. Listen Closely: Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (2008) A Nialler9 listening party, hosted by Niall Byrne with guest Aoife Barry. Before the album Niall: Hello everyone, how are you? Welcome to the Listen Closely album listening party. I'm Niall, and this is Aoife Barry. Aoife: Hello. Niall: We're here tonight because Aoife picked this album, as she has before. You picked Jeff Buckley last year. Aoife: Yeah, and we ended up doing three of them. Niall: We did, we went to Cork. We did two here and then we went to Cork to talk about Jeff Buckley. And you were at the My Bloody Valentine listening party last year as well, back in October. Aoife: It must have been October, yeah. Niall: Well, obviously we're here for a very different album tonight: Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes, from 2008. As you heard there, we played a bit of the Sun Giant EP by the band, which came out a few months before this album, because we want to give the album its full due. They're a little different, and we'll talk about that. But yeah, you picked the record. Aoife: I did. I obviously must like it. And it's such an incredible record. Is there anybody here who hasn't heard it? That's really exciting, if so. I'm excited for you to hear it. You got a sneak peek there of what the vibe is going to be. I picked it because I love this record, but I also had a funny story about how I first heard them. Back in 2008, when this record came out, I'd read about this band called Fleet Foxes in a music magazine. I don't even think I'd heard a song yet, this is back in the day. And I was on holidays in Berlin, and in the tiny little hostel we were staying in, they had a sign up on the wall: "Who's playing tonight? Fleet Foxes, Café Zapata." I said to my boyfriend, "I think that's a band I read about in the magazine, will we go see them?" And he was like, "Grand." So we went, and they were unbelievable. It was so good. Beach House were supporting them. So it was 2008 smacking you in the face. Niall: Come on. Aoife: And I took photos, which I found. I have photos. Artifacts. One is terrible, the other one's not so terrible, taken on one of those little Canon digital cameras. And I still have the ticket, I kept the ticket, I'm one of those hoarders who keeps all their gig tickets. But it was so good: the venue they played in had a dragon that breathed fire out every fifteen minutes. Niall: So they'd be playing and this dragon… Aoife: I'm not even exaggerating. Fire would just shoot out of this mechanical dragon. It was so Berlin. And Fleet Foxes were so stunning, and Beach House were so stunning. I love Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, I love all those harmony vibes, I wish I was born in the seventies, sadly I was not. So I fell in love with them immediately, and I've been a big fan ever since. Although I'll say I probably dipped a little bit around the Crack-Up era, their third album, but then I saw them when Shore came out, their most recent album, and fell right back in love with them. Niall: We're going to talk about all the albums that come afterwards, but we'll start with this one, because this is presumably your favourite, or one of them. Aoife: Shore is up there as well for me, but yeah. Niall: So what was it about Fleet Foxes at the time? For context: in 2008 there was quite a lot of this kind of music around. We previously did Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago as a listening party, and the funny thing, which I only found out when we did this, is that they have the same origin story in a way. Both songwriters went to a cabin in the woods to pour their heart out and write the songs. Aoife: I think Justin Vernon just got there first in terms of the marketing. Niall: So they must have pulled back on talking about it too much, because it's basically the same thing. They never really talked about Robin Pecknold's writing process in those terms. Aoife: For Emma was such a massive moment, everybody was obsessed with this guy who broke up with a girl and went to a cabin and wrote a record about it. It was the ur indie-folk album. Niall: What was really appealing about Fleet Foxes is that they were so young, between about twenty-two and twenty-seven, and Robin Pecknold was twenty-one when he wrote the record. Which is frankly offensive, you shouldn't be allowed to be so talented at twenty-one. Aoife: I know. And they were clearly these people from Seattle, which we associate with grunge, and then it becomes this place where they're bringing out all the pastoral, outdoorsy, mountain-and-sea vibes of the Washington area. They're obviously really influenced by the seventies too, by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, by Laurel Canyon, but also by Appalachian folk. There's a real purity to what they're doing. The harmonies are unbelievable, there's even a bit of a gospel feeling. So these young guys made this album that was being called an iconic American record on release. The Guardian called it a landmark American album, something like that. And that's special, because you don't get that many records immediately being called landmark. Niall: It was a very exciting time for music around then. I actually brought some records. We mentioned Beach House and Teen Dream earlier, that's a bit later, 2010. I wanted to do a listening party for that at some point, that'd be good craic. Around that time you had Animal Collective and Panda Bear, Person Pitch was right there, that was the apex for that very experimental scene. A few years later we had Sufjan, our very first listening party. And Bon Iver, of course. There's also stuff like Neutral Milk Hotel very much of that vibe. Aoife: I've noticed people covering Neutral Milk Hotel more now. Niall: I think when we got to it, it was on its second go-round, and now it's getting a third, which is great. It's a great record. So, the band were from Seattle, they had a bit of the scruffy flannel-shirt look, but obviously didn't sound like that. The album was written in the woods, in the cabin, brought to the band, and recorded with Phil Ek. Aoife: Who did a lot of stuff with Built to Spill. Niall: Yeah, and he worked with The Shins, and Modest Mouse, a really long history. Aoife: Are The Shins from Seattle as well? Niall: I think they might be. Band of Horses is another one. So they recorded it themselves with Phil Ek, paid for it all themselves, and then the local major independent label Sub Pop came calling. Obviously known for a lot of grunge traditionally, but they'd clearly been releasing this kind of music around then too, The Shins had been on the label for a few years, Band of Horses. When it came to it, they signed to Sub Pop. Apparently there was a bidding war. Aoife: They'd become quite popular on MySpace. Anybody remember MySpace? Every time I do one of these I feel older and older, mentioning the top eight, the randomers you'd put in your top eight. Word could spread quite quickly once you got popular on MySpace. Niall: What I thought was really interesting, that I discovered when I was researching, is that recording the album was actually a total pain for them. They didn't have much money, so they ended up recording a lot of it in their houses, or in Robin Pecknold's family home. And he re-did all the vocals right before they mastered the record, because he'd been sick during the initial sessions and his voice wasn't in great shape. They recorded it all in one go, scrapped that, did another version, and kept moving the running order around. I'm always fascinated by albums where the creation was a total pain and they had no idea it would even work out. Robin Pecknold actually said, "I hope nobody cares about this album, because I just want to move on to the next one." And then it becomes this iconic record. Aoife: Isn't every artist sick of their album by the time it's done? You're like, "my paintings." Yeah. Niall: 2008 was an interesting time for it to land. The album draws on the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Nick Drake, Simon & Garfunkel, Fairport Convention, Judee Sill, very much old-timey or sixties folk and pastoral stuff. And in 2008 there's a financial crash. The album was worked on before that, but it was released into that environment, and a lot of this music seemed to catch. When things go bad, we retreat, we dream, we listen to music that's maybe the opposite of what we're feeling. There was a gentleness, an unhurriedness to it that resonated. Aoife: Grizzly Bear is another band from that time. When Jay-Z and Beyoncé went to see Grizzly Bear in Brooklyn, that was kind of where all the indie music peaked. Niall: And the other part of it, which I was involved in, was the MP3 blogs, that's where you'd hear this music. Especially the American and Canadian stuff, no one was promoting it over here yet, so you'd be months ahead. You'd hear Fleet Foxes in these MP3 formats. That was a mad period, it showed how the internet could collapse geography, a song could spread really quickly on the blogs. And in an American context, this came out post-Bush, with the Obama era coming in, a more hopeful tone. You had the Lehman Brothers crash, these global pressures, and then these hopeful times too. It's interesting to wonder whether these albums are a reaction to it, or whether they appeal to us because we want nice, happy things. I feel like Fleet Foxes have so much emotional depth: there's yearning, sadness, hope, nostalgia. Aoife: I loved Yellow House by Grizzly Bear, their first record, a complex, complicated, almost jazzy thing that sounded beautiful but had a lot going on. We weren't going for simplistic music, but we wanted music that gave us depth and beauty. Is art a solution to the world collapsing? Niall: We could be answering that in 2026. We live in a cursed timeline, as I keep saying. That's all I'm going to say. But what else happened in 2008 in the wider circle of music? Portishead returned with Third. TV on the Radio released Dear Science. MGMT released Oracular Spectacular, 'Kids' and all that. Cut Copy released In Ghost Colours, Indie Sleaze night on Saturday, folks, come on. Kanye put out 808s & Heartbreak, that was November that year. Rihanna was at the peak of her powers. Aoife: Katy Perry appeared that year. And 'American Boy'. Niall: 'American Boy', still one of the best pop songs, fire. Iron & Wine was the other one I forgot to mention. So it was a really vibrant, varied year. As you heard, there's the Sun Giant EP too. Aoife: The thing about that is it came out before the album, but was recorded after. The album was done, in the bag. Niall: They decided to go into the studio and record Sun Giant, a collection of songs intended to sell on tour. It ended up being quite popular, and for a lot of people it was their first time discovering Fleet Foxes. Aoife: It wasn't like The Coronas' 'San Diego Song', their summer-holiday anthem, or anything like that. But it came out before the album, and then the album arrives. Niall: So what was the reaction at the time? Was it immediate? Aoife: Things happened really quickly. In January that year they got all the MySpace attention, and by June the album was coming out. Really, really quick. There was so much chatter about them, which is partly why I'd seen the name, and a music blog like yours would have seen it too, and known they were one of the big bands. In a way that's harder now. Niall: These days you see bands like Geese getting a lot of attention because they use companies that help them go viral. You didn't really have that then. Now you'd dress yourself up in some gimmick, polka dots, whatever, and go viral all over the internet for it. I couldn't imagine these lads doing that. Aoife: No. But maybe in a way they were cosplaying living in the forest, on the Puget Sound. Niall: Anyway, when the album came out, people loved them, and it really hit it off. Because they sound so seventies, your parents would love the records and you'd love the records. There's almost a lullaby quality to the folk stuff too. The music is applicable to anybody of any generation, and there's something lovely about nostalgic music that reminds you of a better time. To finish on that point: I think there's something very mysterious about Fleet Foxes, they feel out of time. They're these young, scruffy lads with the beards, but there's a mystery to them. They didn't come across as the hipster end of things, they weren't leaning into anything. They were presented as the kind of band that wouldn't have had phones, would have lived off-grid, which is funny because they were a MySpace band. They're the most un-MySpace band you can imagine. Surprise people, do something a bit different, don't be exactly what people want you to be, and they'll love you for it. And then your songs are unbelievable too, soaring and stunning. Can we talk for a second about the cover? It's an original painting from 1559 by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Netherlandish Proverbs. It depicts a densely populated Flemish village scene illustrating 126 folk proverbs. There's a lot there. Some on this side are cut off, but for example, this woman here, she's putting the blue cloak on her husband, meaning she deceives him. This guy is casting roses before swine, wasting effort on the unworthy. And right at the top there's a man running through a field with his arse on fire, chasing pigs, "he who eats fire craps sparks," do not be surprised at the outcome if you attempt a dangerous venture. There are 126 of those. Aoife: The interesting thing is that the band managed to get permission to use it. Really unusual to be allowed use it as commercial artwork. Niall: And apparently the museum that holds the artwork were delighted. A lot of stars aligned for them. It's an iconic cover because it's so different from what anybody else was doing, clearly of a particular period, and it has that Where's Wally quality. I have a quote about it. Robin said: "We were trying to figure out what we wanted to do, and my brother had been working some stuff out, when I saw this Bruegel painting in a book my girlfriend had. I liked that it had a really intriguing meaning, there's a story to each little scene, which felt fitting for the record. It was dense but unified, not a collage. It has a Where's Waldo quality, something you could look at for a long time on a vinyl sleeve and keep finding new little things. It was very easy to get the museum in Berlin that has it to say yes, they were super excited the band wanted to use it, and put it in their newsletter. When you open it up, on the inside there's a Paisley pattern traced from the back of a book that Skyler's mum got me. We wanted two very different feelings." So, what to look out for when we press play very shortly? Aoife: When I was going back to this, I had it in my head that every song was one of these big songs, because there are so many big moments. But actually there are two tracks that are pretty much acoustic, so it's interesting to notice how they go from the big sound to the small. And for me they're a real emotion-and-feeling band, so notice how you feel listening to it. I always feel this swell of emotion with Fleet Foxes, I was walking down the road listening to Shore and I was like, my God. So lean back and feel into the emotions they're bringing you. And listen to the lyrics if you can make them out, because they're so out of time, all about pack horses and this amazing imagery. Robin Pecknold said he didn't write about a lot of personal stuff because he didn't have enough life experience yet, so instead he wrote these beautifully poetic narratives about pastoral and rural life. So I'd say the lyrics and the feelings are the two things. Niall: Track two, 'White Winter Hymnal', is probably the biggest one, watch out for that. And a few other people thanked and cited as influences, for some extra context: Brian Wilson, Joanna Newsom, Bob Dylan, Noah Lennox and all the lads from Animal Collective, Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson of The Band, Blitzen Trapper, who they toured with at the time and who were bigger than them then. For some reason Joni Mitchell and Neil Young are listed together, which is fair enough. Marvin Gaye, Damien Jurado, Paul Simon and John Lennon listed together. Townes Van Zandt, a legend. Vashti Bunyan, and Van Morrison. There's a nice quote from Robin Pecknold I'll read afterwards. Let's just open it up and listen. I'll play it at full volume, it's about thirty-nine minutes, two sides. Close your eyes, whatever you want to do, vibe away in your own way. [The album plays: Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes, 39 minutes.] After the album Niall: It's quite an economical album, isn't it? It doesn't stick around long, thirty-nine minutes. Aoife: I like an economical album. It's also one of the first fairly short records we've done here. Niall: That's part of why I was thinking about Sun Giant in that context too. I'm going to read a bit from the liner notes, because for an album that's very much about feelings, with only a few direct songs, some of what's written here is interesting: "My first memory has always been of me and my mom on a cold grey day down at some beach in Washington, along the Puget Sound somewhere near Seattle. I would be around two or three years old, and we were with a friend of mine from the neighbourhood and his mom, walking among the driftwood looking for crabs. Even now I can remember the smell and temperature of the air, the feeling of the sand and the swaying tall grass. I can even remember looking over at my friend and how his face looked when he smiled back at me. Another memory I'll sometimes recall as my first is dressing up in the dead of summer as Jack London, with tennis rackets on my feet and wearing my dad's hiking pack, after seeing Disney's terrible version of White Fang. Or the memory of stealing my neighbour's Big Wheel and riding it halfway down the block before getting caught and having to turn around defeated. Or wearing a fireman's outfit while washing my parents' car, or eating an orange popsicle from the ice cream truck. These have always been some of my most distinct and persistent memories of childhood. So it came as a disappointment when, one day as a teenager, I opened up a photo album and found pictures of each and every one of these memories. I didn't have a single memory that didn't belong to, or somehow grow from, those pictures my parents had. I guess I've seen all these photographs at some point, forgotten they were just photographs, and over time made them into my most tangible memories. That's scary to me in a way. This leads me to something weird about the power music has: its transportability. Any time I hear a song or record that meant a lot to me at a certain moment, I'm instantly taken back to that place in full detail. Whenever I hear 'Feel Flows' by the Beach Boys, I'm taken straight to the back of my parents' car on the way to my grandparents' place, with Surf's Up in my Walkman and the Cascade Mountains going by in the window. Any song off Radiohead's Kid A brings back the airport near Seattle, from when we were on the way to Colorado for a wedding and Kid A was the only record I brought or wanted to bring. 'Crayon Angels' by Judee Sill is the whole winter of last year. And Brian Wilson's solo version of 'Surf's Up' takes me back to driving my parents' car around town alone at sixteen, windows down at night. I can't ascribe exact memories to songs by The Microphones, Joni Mitchell, Built to Spill, Dungen, Harry Nilsson and so many others, and it's a form of recall I can actually trust, there's no visual element to complicate things, no chance of a planted memory that wasn't actually supposed to be there. Maybe I should be concerned that I'm alone in almost all of these memories, but I guess I was just a private kid, and music was a private experience for me. Music activates a certain mental freedom in a way nothing else can, and that is so empowering. You can call it escapism if you like, but I see it as connecting to a deeper human feeling than the one found in the day-to-day world." Aoife: That's lovely. It's a nice addendum. And he was only twenty-one. Niall: For some reason it's signed "Warren Gamaliel Bancroft Winnipeg Harding," Warren G. Harding being the 29th president of the United States. I don't know why, he thought it was funny. Dated April 6th, 2008, Chicago, Illinois. So, any particular highlights, anything that stood out? Aoife: I was reminded how much I love 'Blue Ridge Mountains', the second-to-last song. I just love those four- and five-part harmonies so much. There's something that really gets me about beautiful harmonies stacked on each other that sound so natural. My dad was really into Neil Young and all of that era, my mum's really into Simon & Garfunkel, so I feel like I came out of the womb going, this is the music I love. Niall: There was another one I meant to mention. Aoife: I'm really bad at remembering song names, which isn't great for an arts journalist. They go in one ear and out the other. Niall: 'He Doesn't Know Why'. Aoife: That was it. I always forget the name of that one, and it's an absolute banger. It's quite a direct song, the last one on the first side. Niall: He mentions his brother Sean in 'Blue Ridge Mountains', which is interesting. And Oliver James is his younger brother, that's the last song. Aoife: His sister is Aja, after the Steely Dan album. The parents were really into them. Niall: It holds up so well. The harmonies and vocals sound incredible, there are those beautiful little flourishes, a flute on one of the tracks, the guitar is stunning, lovely little bass lines. I love the way Robin Pecknold and the band hear music. There's a really good Song Exploder episode with him talking about a song from Crack-Up, and the way he thinks about translating his thoughts and emotions into music is so illuminating. He has a beautiful melodic flow that's really similar to the flow of water and nature. There are so many nature references, it's almost parody there are so many. Aoife: You could do a Portlandia sketch about it. "Power of nature, man." "Come down from the mountain, you've been gone too long." Niall: In terms of the line-up: alongside Robin Pecknold on vocals there was Skyler Skjelset on lead guitar, his best friend from Nathan Hale High School, later joined by Casey Wescott, Christian Wargo on bass, and Nicholas Peterson on drums, who left after this album. Aoife: And who came in as the drummer? Niall: A man who's been a main character in one of these listening parties himself: Josh Tillman, Father John Misty, played drums with them. Aoife: For how long? Niall: Only a year or two, pretty short. As I said, main character, he was making his own record. Any Father John Misty fans? He writes really good songs and he's handsome, so we all love him, but he's also a bit of a pain, and he didn't get on very well with Robin Pecknold, which isn't surprising. When I was looking back at the Pitchfork interview they did in 2008, a few months after the album came out, it was a big joint interview with Robin and Josh Tillman, and Tillman is answering the questions at the start. That's confidence. Do you want to hear a quote from what Robin Pecknold said? I've written it in my little notebook, so old-school, that's the only way I remember these things. In a 2020 Reddit AMA, Pecknold said that on that tour, the Helplessness Blues tour, Tillman was supposed to bring out his own record, but his label said he could only release it after the tour. So he was on tour thinking, "I want to bring out my own record, I'm tired of Fleet Foxes." Pecknold said he "had to endure being around a lot of substance abuse, sabotaged shows, general ill treatment and shit-talking, all while paying him for songs he didn't have anything to do with. It sucked." And then Tillman left the band. Whereas in that Pitchfork interview he'd said, "I love playing in this band, these are all my friends, I'm having the best time, I'm sorry if that's a corny quote, but that's the best thing about this experience right now." Aoife: So he was lying through his teeth. I think he's the kind of person who really has to be a solo artist, too iconic a personality. You wouldn't want to wrangle him out of bed to get to the next show. Niall: Too big a price. You mentioned Pitchfork, the album was number one on their end-of-year list in 2008, and they listed Sun Giant alongside it, breaking the traditional conventions of end-of-year lists. What they said was: listing Fleet Foxes' debut album and EP together may be awkward, but it just feels right, they're two sides of a coin that equally express the band's mastery, "a catch-all Americana that takes a wide slice of our popular music spectrum and pulls it through a reverse prism to create a gorgeous and focused sound of the band's own. The threads of Brian Wilson's coastal pop, Appalachian folk, modern indie rock, Grateful Dead jams and other influences are masterfully synthesised in the band's harmonies." Robin Pecknold's sense of dynamics, they said, flows like a river, wild and free but logical, filling what needs to be filled and moving on. I swear I didn't rip that off Pitchfork, I came up with something similar on my own. Aoife: Very good. Niall: It was Uncut's album of the year too. But more than anything, and this is a strange accolade, the album was ranked number 36 on Rolling Stone's list of the greatest stoner albums. Aoife: I don't think Robin Pecknold was a stoner. It doesn't really fit. He's a reader. Niall: So what came after? Helplessness Blues, which is really difficult to say, in 2011, then Crack-Up in 2017, then Shore in 2020. Big long gaps, some personnel changes. And Robin Pecknold, as we've established, is a very literary guy, he went to Columbia to do an undergrad in English literature, because he'd left high school early and gone to a community college, and he really wanted that college experience. So that was part of the break. He's also had difficult times, he's spoken about mental health issues and suicidal ideation, many tough experiences that contributed to the gaps too. They haven't released anything since 2020, and he does a lot of cover events. There are two live records. He's actually playing a gig tonight, I think, where he covers Judee Sill. Any Judee Sill fans? Aoife: Oh my gosh, she's amazing. Nobody ever knows Judee Sill. If you listen to anything, listen to Heart Food, it's iconic. He loves her, mentions her on this record. She's the one who does 'The Kiss', people might have seen her perform it on the Old Grey Whistle Test, it's on YouTube. She had a really tragic life. Niall: One of those I've been meaning to listen to properly for years. She only has two records, so it's easy to get into. There's a documentary about her as well, which I haven't seen. Aoife: She's one of those ill-fated seventies musicians, really religious imagery, did a lot of drugs, really interesting. Niall: Did you get to see them again after your first foray in Berlin? Aoife: I saw them when they toured, though it's really bad when you can't remember what you were doing in the 2010s. Niall: Did anybody see them at that Dublin gig, the outdoor one in 2022? Wasn't it amazing. They've played here a fair bit: Vicar Street in 2008, Electric Picnic 2009, The Marquee in Cork 2011, the Iveagh Gardens in 2017. I don't know if I've missed any, maybe you can tell me. So if you were to pick, is there any further listening or reading you'd suggest to somebody, not necessarily Fleet Foxes? Aoife: Some of it is obvious. As I said, I'd definitely check out Judee Sill, because if you really like Fleet Foxes you'd really vibe with her. And he mentions Harry Nilsson, also unbelievable, more well known than Judee Sill, did the cover of 'Everybody's Talkin''. I'd also mention a guy people would have known at one point but isn't very well known now: Richard Swift. He sadly passed away a couple of years ago. He was friends with Robin Pecknold, a hugely talented musician who struggled with addiction. He has an amazing double album from around 2005 or 2006 that's brilliant, and a record called The Hex, which is referenced on 'Sunblind' on Shore, that's the song where Robin name-checks a lot of musicians he loves, like Elliott Smith, David Berman and Richard Swift. It's such a beautiful record for finding new people to listen to, and it's lovely to hear a musician pay tribute to musicians he loves. The imagery is him talking about this beautiful day where he'll go for a swim and listen to all these beautiful bands, an ecstatic kind of song. So check out all of those records, but Richard Swift deserves more fans, and The Hex is really, really good. Niall: Good shout. What we'll do now is play a tune, and then maybe give Sun Giant another go if you want to stick around. Our next listening party is on the 27th of May, and it's an indie-rock album very close to my heart: Broken Social Scene's You Forgot It in People. I've been wanting to do this one on record for a long time. They're playing here later in the year, but I want to give this record its flowers, it's incredible. My niece has just turned seventeen and I bought her a copy, because it's an anthemic record for a seventeen-year-old. I can't believe that band are still going, which is kind of mad, but it's hard to underline what Broken Social Scene meant to a certain segment of indie. Aoife: And there's four hundred of them on stage. They're from Canada, and we were all like, my God, these people are the best. Niall: For me it's the MP3 times again, we'll talk about this next month. I heard about them through the music blogs, and then I got to see them in the Button Factory, which was the Temple Bar Music Centre at the time. It was one of the first things I ever wrote about, back in 2005. A transcendental experience. Aoife: They're so good live. Niall: I once DJ'd in Galway after one of their gigs, and one of the members of the band, I'll leave him nameless, came over and turned off the decks while I was DJing. Aoife: On purpose? Niall: He was that drunk. I can't remember what I was playing, but I was like, great, DJing after Broken Social Scene and then a band member ruins it. I don't think he liked it. No, I think he was just really drunk and thought it was funny. Thumbs down to him. In a way it's surprising a man like that has managed to persist in a band with so many members. Anyway, I digress. We'll talk about it next month, May 27th. Aoife: I cannot wait. I've been listening to it a lot lately again, it's fantastic. Niall: Thank you for being here. Let's play a bit of this and see what happens. Thanks for being here, appreciate it.
This week: a spotlight on humanity! Jon looks at changing US-Canadian relations and its effect on our economy and the new federal office of seafood, while Chris takes on the Hatch Act, Disney history, and the death of Warren G. Harding. All this and so much more!
The Rise of the "Available Man": Warren G. Harding Guest: David Pietrusza With Roosevelt dead and Wilsonincapacitated, the Republican Party sought a candidate who could unify their ranks during what was perceived as "their year." Warren G. Harding emerged not as a frontrunner, but as the "available man" — a likable, non-alienating figure from the critical battleground state of Ohio. His campaign manager, Harry Daugherty, strategically positioned him as a middle-ground accommodator while other candidates, like Leonard Wood and Frank Lowden, were damaged by campaign spending scandals. Pietrusza highlights that both parties focused on Ohio as the ultimate prize, leading to the eventual nomination of two Ohio newspaper publishers. Though Harding's personal life involved numerous extramarital affairs and secret children, these did not become public issues in 1920. His wife, Florence Harding, acted as a political "rock," maintaining their partnership to pursue higher office despite her awareness of his conduct. (2)1920
The 1920 Republican Convention in Chicago Guest: David Pietrusza The Republican Convention in Chicago was a sweltering "circus" where Warren G. Harding started with very low odds compared to favorites like Leonard Wood and Hiram Johnson. Harding initially ran for the presidency primarily to gain the "glamour" needed to protect his Senate seat in Ohio, doubting he could actually win the top spot. However, the leading candidates eventually reached a deadlock, hitting their "upper limits" and forcing the party to look for a compromise. Unlike the Democrats' more complex rules, the Republicans required only a simple majority for nomination. The final party platform was a masterclass in ambiguity, designed to satisfy both pro-League members like Taft and anti-League "irreconcilables." By saying very little of substance, the party managed to maintain a fragile unity, eventually selecting Harding as the candidate who could bridge the various factions of the GOP. (4)1919
A Landslide Victory and the Birth of a New Era Guest: David Pietrusza Warren G. Harding secured one of the most lopsided victories in history, winning 60% of the popular vote and 404 electoral votes. His victory was fueled by modern advertising techniques, including celebrity endorsements from stars like Al Jolson. On election night, Americans received results through early radio broadcasts and by having numbers projected onto the walls of newspaper offices. While history often views Harding as a weak administrator, Pietrusza contends he was a strong politician who successfully focused on restructuring government and reducing national debt. His presidency ended abruptly with a fatal heart attack in 1923, leading to the famous midnight swearing-in of Calvin Coolidge by his father in Vermont. Coolidge's subsequent presidency was defined by his commitment to public service, modest living, and a philosophy of independent leadership that restored public trust in the executive branch. (7)1920
During this segment of The Tara Show, guest host Ryan Wrecker and political historian Rich Rubino discussed the uniqueness of sitting members of Congress transitioning directly to the presidency, identifying Warren G. Harding, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama as the only sitting senators, and James A. Garfield as the only sitting House member to do so. The conversation then moved to the 1976 election, with Rubino detailing the primary race between Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, as well as Jimmy Carter's close general election victory after facing tight competition in the Southern states. Reflecting on that era, both agreed that while the nation came together during its Bicentennial year, the current political climate in 2026 represents the deep divisions not seen since the late 1960s. Wrecker concluded the discussion with a lighthearted remark about needing an extraordinary event to unify the country before sharing Rubino's website, RichRubino.com, with listeners.
While Louis and Edwina Mountbatten would have a 38-year-long marriage, it isn't quite right to say it was a happy union. That first six months or so though - when they traveled through Europe and the United States, meeting Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. DeMille, and dining with President Warren G. Harding - was a magical time for the couple. Once they returned to England and settled into married life, things quickly went sideways. With Louis frequently at sea for long periods as a Naval officer, and Edwina living large on her huge pile of inherited money, perhaps they were destined to have an unusually promiscuous marriage. Want early, ad-free episodes, regular Dumpster Dives, bonus divorces, limited series, Zoom hangouts, and more? Join us at patreon.com/trashydivorces! Want a personalized message for someone in your life? Check us out on Cameo! To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While Louis and Edwina Mountbatten would have a 38-year-long marriage, it isn't quite right to say it was a happy union. That first six months or so though - when they traveled through Europe and the United States, meeting Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. DeMille, and dining with President Warren G. Harding - was a magical time for the couple. Once they returned to England and settled into married life, things quickly went sideways. With Louis frequently at sea for long periods as a Naval officer, and Edwina living large on her huge pile of inherited money, perhaps they were destined to have an unusually promiscuous marriage. Continue your investigation with ad-free and bonus episodes on Patreon! To advertise on Done & Dunne, please reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While Louis and Edwina Mountbatten would have a 38-year-long marriage, it isn't quite right to say it was a happy union. That first six months or so though - when they traveled through Europe and the United States, meeting Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. DeMille, and dining with President Warren G. Harding - was a magical time for the couple. Once they returned to England and settled into married life, things quickly went sideways. With Louis frequently at sea for long periods as a Naval officer, and Edwina living large on her huge pile of inherited money, perhaps they were destined to have an unusually promiscuous marriage. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tune in here to this Tuesdays edition of the Brett Winterble Show! Beth Troutman from Good Morning BT is also here for this engaging episode of Crossing the Streams today segment show. Brett and Beth talk about presidential history and contrasting leadership styles and a humorous debate over which U.S. presidents would make the most interesting interview topics discussed today, including which Founding Fathers—Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison—would be the most insightful to speak with and why their leadership and relationships shaped the early United States. The conversation then shifts into a more critical and comedic breakdown of presidents like James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Franklin Pierce, and Warren G. Harding, with sharp commentary on their historical reputations and decisions. Beth also shares what’s coming up on Good Morning BT, including Teresa Payton discussing the Pope’s stance on AI, Scott Huffman from Winthrop University, and a Humane Society segment focused on an upcoming pet rescue event this weekend. Listen here for all of this and more on The Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Was the President murdered by his own wife?Read The President's Daughter here: https://archive.org/details/presidentsdaught00brit/mode/2upRead The Strange Death of President Harding here: https://books.googleusercontent.com/books/content?req=AKW5QafxwBDOF8Vxbl9iaUY31Clmky7ZUttL9bPjQtt1Cb3Ju--E6d1bl5vNavKnjDYdTK1GagF3z7tJi8_UlIngtx3Rgri70l7MnkOxHnNYg-mgBVw70QxjbaWiduvwmRlGiOn-kKcMVp4pnTcmkQzIlWCU0A2gYJe3qhW5cE9pauO0H3Z33yYghUmWV6-kB3POetZqaEiqbylv4e1qZWsFIcfSypqIjDlIy2K6-0xdLkoV_ly8fK2pS8v8T9em_yXpVEbs1GQIQe_Z3b_R6-BGCUH3kHbI5HSqEx60cz5L22lkSmdAauIVisit Marion, Ohio and check out the Harding Historical Sites: https://hardingpresidentialsites.org/Also check out the Marion Public Library: https://www.marionlibrary.org/Check out our upcoming book events and get links to buy tickets here: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/eventsPre-order our book on Delphi here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/shadow-of-the-bridge-the-delphi-murders-and-the-dark-side-of-the-american-heartland-aine-cain/21866881?ean=9781639369232Or here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shadow-of-the-Bridge/Aine-Cain/9781639369232Or here: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Bridge-Murders-American-Heartland/dp/1639369236Join our Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/c/murdersheetSupport The Murder Sheet by buying a t-shirt here: https://www.murdersheetshop.com/Check out more inclusive sizing and t-shirt and merchandising options here: https://themurdersheet.dashery.com/Send tips to murdersheet@gmail.com.The Murder Sheet is a production of Mystery Sheet LLC.We stay busy with the podcast, so I like my wardrobe to stay comfortable, easy, and intentional. Something that I can put on that feels great while also looking super put together when we're going out to court or to an interview. So thank goodness for our sponsor Quince! We both love Quince. They've got high-quality products that we can actually afford. They help us elevate our look without breaking the bank. These are the kind of premium every day essentials that you can wear all the time and incorporate into your wardrobe seamlessly. All their pieces are fifty to eighty percent less expensive than what you'd find at competitors. They keep costs low by cutting out middlemen and partnering directly with ethical factories and artisans. 100% European linen shorts and shirts to keep you cool this spring and summer, from $34. Clean 100% Pima cotton tees that are super soft to the touch. I love wearing Quince's 100% European Linen Button Front Dress in blue Chambray Stripe. It's so light and airy. We're going out to hang out with friends soon and I'm probably going to put that on. It's the perfect going out outfit and it's so comfortable! I wear it all the time. Refresh your everyday with luxury you'll actually use. Head to Quince dot com slash MSHEET for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E dot com slash MSHEET for free shipping and 365-day returns. Quince dot com slash MSHEET.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Alpha and Omega of 1920: Wilson's Health and the League of Nations Guest: David Pietrusza This segment explores Woodrow Wilson's debilitating stroke in October 1919 and how it paralyzed his presidency. Historian David Pietrusza discusses the central role of the League of Nations, detailing how Wilson's crusade split the Republican party and ultimately shaped American internationalism for decades to come.1. The Available Man from Ohio: Warren G. Harding's Rise Guest: David Pietrusza The discussion shifts to the Republican frontrunner Warren G. Harding, a small-town publisher and "available man" from the battleground state of Ohio. Despite personal scandals and being a low-tier choice initially, Harding's strategy of accommodation and avoiding alienation helped him navigate the crowded primary field. 11913 WILSON
3. A Roast in Chicago: The Republican Convention Guest: David Pietrusza At the sweltering Republican Convention in Chicago, Warren G. Harding emerged from a field of better-funded candidates like Leonard Wood and Frank Lowden. The party platform remained vague on the League of Nations to maintain unity between isolationists and those favoring international cooperation. 31923 COOLIDGE
Radio was an invention involving many contributors and inventors. The pivotal moment, however, was on December 24, 1906 with the first long-distance public broadcast of a human voice on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1906 from Brant Rock, Mass. The first commercial radio station was KDKA in Pittsburgh, PA transmitting the US Presidential election results between Warren G Harding and James Cox on November 2, 1920. Radio become the center piece for news and entertainment soon after that. Radio shows became the theater of the mind. As television entered the market in the late 50s, radio evolved. Today radio has decentralized from stations to podcasts and content on demand. It is a medium that allows us to dream and create the stories in our imagination without being told what to see or dream. It is the power of the spoken word. #BardsFM #TheaterOfTheMind #TheSpokenWord Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%:www.enviroklenz.com EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939. White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS BardsFM CAP, Celebrating 50 Million Downloads: https://ambitiousfaith.net Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here EMF Solutions to keep your home safe: https://www.emfsol.com/?aff=bards Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS: TreadliteBroadforks.com No Knot Today Natural Skin Products: NoKnotToday.com Health, Nutrition and Detox Consulting: HealthIsLocal.com Destination Real Food Book on Amazon: click here Images In Bloom Soaps and Things: ImagesInBloom.com Angeline Design: AngelineDesign.com DONATE: Click here Mailing Address: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR 97479
Warren G. Harding: The Available Man from Ohio — David Pietrusza — With Theodore Roosevelt deceased and Wilson incapacitated, Republicans sought a viable candidate for what they perceived as a favorable electoral year. Warren G. Harding, a small-town newspaper publisher from the critical swing state of Ohio, emerged as the "available man," despite ranking only fifth or sixth among preferred contenders. Harding adopted a strategy of accommodation, carefully avoiding alienation of competing party factions. His deeply fraught personal life remained strategically shielded from public scrutiny and campaign discourse. 1922 TAFT HARDING HAY
Gobble gobble! It's our first ever Thanksgiving episode, and I'm thrilled to welcome Aaron Killian to the show. Aaron is a historian and the owner of Historic America, a business that does guided tours of historical places in DC and across the mid Atlantic. He's also a self described conservative, in the classic, traditional sense. We discuss all sorts of things, including how conservatism is based on gratitude, how politicians will always let you down, and, of course, Warren G. Harding's penis.Things Aaron mentions:The DispatchAmerican Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation - And Could Again by Yuval LevinA Place in TimeFollow Frank & Sense on Instagram and Bluesky! Check out our YouTube channel! Sign up for the newsletter here!
This is Part 2! For Part 1, check the feed!This week we're discussing US Presidents who, through various interventions of fate, weren't actually President for any great length of time. We've got poor old Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), unlucky James Garfield (1831-1881) and let's not forget Warren G. Harding (1865-1923).Plus, what on earth did we do before the advent of eBay? Did you basically have to just be very fortunate if you wanted something obscure and niche? If you remember these grand old days, you know what to do: hello@ohwhatatime.comAnd send us any entrepreneurial ideas you had when you were ten!And in huge news, Oh What A Time is now on Patreon! From content you've never heard before to the incredible Oh What A Time chat group, there's so much more OWAT to be enjoyed!On our Patreon you'll now find:•The full archive of bonus episodes•Brand new bonus episodes each month•OWAT subscriber group chats•Loads of extra perks for supporters of the show•PLUS ad-free episodes earlier than everyone elseJoin us at
This week we're discussing US Presidents who, through various interventions of fate, weren't actually President for any great length of time. We've got poor old Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), unlucky James Garfield (1831-1881) and let's not forget Warren G. Harding (1865-1923).Plus, what on earth did we do before the advent of eBay? Did you basically have to just be very fortunate if you wanted something obscure and niche? If you remember these grand old days, you know what to do: hello@ohwhatatime.comAnd send us any entrepreneurial ideas you had when you were ten!And in huge news, Oh What A Time is now on Patreon! From content you've never heard before to the incredible Oh What A Time chat group, there's so much more OWAT to be enjoyed!On our Patreon you'll now find:•The full archive of bonus episodes•Brand new bonus episodes each month•OWAT subscriber group chats•Loads of extra perks for supporters of the show•PLUS ad-free episodes earlier than everyone elseJoin us at
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 21, 2025 is: bloviate BLOH-vee-ayt verb To bloviate is to speak or write in an arrogant tone and with more words than are necessary. // The podcaster tends to bloviate endlessly on topics about which he is not particularly knowledgeable. See the entry > Examples: "While other characters bloviate about their lives, Barbara is a much more internal character, her quietness making her seem all the more an outsider in her hometown." — Kristy Puchko, Mashable.com, 13 June 2025 Did you know? Warren G. Harding is often linked to the word bloviate, but to him the word wasn't insulting; it simply meant "to spend time idly." Harding used the word often in that "hanging around" sense, but during his tenure as the 29th U.S. President (1921-23), he became associated with the "verbose" sense of bloviate, as his speeches tended to be on the long-winded side. Although he is sometimes credited with having coined the word, it's more likely that Harding picked it up from local slang while hanging around with his boyhood buddies in Ohio in the late 1800s. The term likely comes from a combination of the word blow plus the suffix -ate.
National deviled eggs day. Entertainment from 2022. North & South Dakota became states, 1st cheerleader, 1st US soldiers killed in WW1. Todays birthdays - James K. Polk, Warren G. Harding, Burt Lancaster, Jay Black, Ray Walston, Stephanie Powers, Keith Emerson, K.D. Lang, David Schwimmer, Nelly. George Bernard Shaw died.Intro - God did good - Dianna Corcoran https://www.diannacorcoran.com/Deviled egg song - YouTube videoAnti-Hero - Taylor SwiftYou proof - Morgan WallenBirthdays - In da club - 50 Cent http://50cent.com/Come a little bit closer - Jay & the AmericansLucky man - Emerson Lake & PalmerConstant craving - K.D. LangHot in Herre - NellyExit - Therapy - Dianna Corcoran https://www.diannacorcoran.com/countryundergroundradio.comHistory & Factoids about today webpageJeff & Steph's Jesus is cool store
https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/sources-say-bay-area-house-party [previously in series: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] Something is off about this Bay Area House Party. There are . . . women. “I've never seen a gender balance like this in the Bay Area,” you tell your host Chris. “Is this one of those fabled ratio parties?” “No - have you heard of curtfishing? It's the new male dating trend. You say in your Bumble profile that you're a member of the Dissident Right who often attends parties with Curtis Yarvin. Then female journos ask you out in the hopes that you'll bring them along and they can turn it into an article.” “What happens when they realize Curtis Yarvin isn't at the party?” “Oh, everyone pools their money and hires someone to pretend to be Curtis. You can just do things. Today it's Ramchandra.” You follow his gaze, and there is Ramchandra, hair greased back, wearing a leather jacket, surrounded by a crowd of young women. “When I say I'm against furries,” he's explaining, staccato, at 120 wpm, “I mean the sort of captured furries you get under the post-Warren-G-Harding liberal order, the ones getting the fat checks from the Armenians at Harvard and the Department of Energy. I love real furries, the kind you would have found in 1920s New Mexico eating crocodile steaks with Baron von Ungern-Sternberg! Some of my best friends are furries, as de Broglie-Bohm and my sainted mother used to say! Just watch out for the Kikuyu, that's my advice! Hahahahahaha!” Some of the women are taking notes. “But enough about me. When I was seventeen, I spent seven weeks in Bensonhurst - that's in the Rotten Apple, in case you can't tell your Nepalis from your Neapolitans. A dear uncle of mine, after whom I was named…” “Ramchandra is pretty good,” you admit. “Still, if it were me I would have gone with a white guy.” “It's fine,” says Chris. “Curtis describes himself as a mischling, and none of the journos know what that means.” Ramchandra is still talking. “Of course, strawberries have only been strawberries since after the Kronstadt Rebellion. Before that, strawberries were just pears. You had to get them hand-painted red by Gypsies, if you can believe that. Gypsies! So if you hear someone from west of Pennsylvania Avenue mention ‘strawberries', that's what we in the business call il significanto.” “I admit he has talent,“ you say. “But this curtfishing thing - surely at some point your date realizes that you're not actually a high-status yet problematic bad boy who can further her career just by existing, and then she ghosts you, right?” “That's every date in San Francisco. But when you curtfish, sometimes she comps your meal from her expense account. It's a strict Pareto improvement!” After some thought, you agree this is a great strategy with no downsides, maybe the biggest innovation in dating since the invention of alcohol. Having failed to bring your own journo to the party, you look for one who seems unattached. You catch the eye of a blonde woman who introduces herself as Gabrielle, and you try to give her the least autistic “Hello” of which you are capable.
History isn't always what it seems—and this week, our hosts dive into the foggy world of early 20th-century events to separate truth from tall tale. They're handed 5 "facts" about the 1900s, but not all of them are real. Can they sniff out the fakes?Topics include:- The mysterious fake armistice that had newspapers celebrating peace... days too early.- Did FDR really lose the vice presidency to Warren G. Harding?- Plus, three more historical curveballs that will test their knowledge and instincts.Expect wild theories, sharp debates, and a few surprises as we unravel the myths and moments that shaped the modern world. Play along and see if you can spot the imposters before they do!Subscribe for weekly episodes where history gets a twist—and facts aren't always what they seem.
This week we dive into the backstory of one of the lesser talked about US presidents Warren G Harding. We talk about his humble beginnings in journalism, his rise to the presidency, and the scandals that left his legacy tarnished including what was widely considered the worst US political corruption scandal... that is until Richard Nixon set the bar even higher.
A bombshell report by The Atheltic's Pablo Torre alleged that Steve Ballmer could have funneled money to Kawhi Leonard as part of an under the table deal. The Clippers have flatly denied these claims, but the NBA has announced they will be investigating the matter.On this week's Fastbreak Breakfast, Keith and Dave discuss this breaking scandal and give their opinions on Adam Silver's resolve to take on a matter like this and what a punishment should be if any wrongdoing is proven.Also on this episode, they go over the Cam Thomas signing, talk about Eurobasket, and list the NBA owners LEAST likely to attempt to circumvent the salary cap with under the table payments.Episode 809 (S11 Ep. 34)Get 20% off a Stathead annual subscription with code FBBFTry Underdog Fantasy and use code FBBF to get a free pick, plus a deposit match up to $1000: play.underdogfantasy.com/p-fastbreak-breakfast.Use promo code FASTBREABREAK at SeatGeek for $20 off your first ticket purchaseCheck out the merchandise at teepublic.com/stores/fastbreak-breakfast
Tom Cock interviews Megan Gorman, author of All the President's Money, exploring how U.S. presidents have handled their personal finances and the lessons investors can take from their successes and failures. Gorman shares stories of leaders from George Washington to Ronald Reagan, Eisenhower, Nixon, and Clinton, illustrating how factors like marriage, frugality, grit, emotional control, and adaptability shaped their financial outcomes. She notes that while the basic principles of money management haven't changed since Washington's time, achieving the American dream has become harder. The conversation touches on how some presidents leveraged post-office opportunities, the ethics of political financial activity, and the importance of aligned values in relationships for financial success. 0:05 Tom introduces Megan Gorman and her book All the President's Money 1:16 Is there a link between being a good president and good with money? 2:16 Warren G. Harding as a bad president but skilled entrepreneur 3:22 Biggest lessons from presidents' finances—marrying up and aligning values 5:56 Trump marriages and shared transactional values 6:15 How presidents historically made their money—land speculation, inheritance, entrepreneurship 8:40 Nixon's failed frozen juice business and debt repayment 10:43 Eisenhower's emotional control, poker skills, and marrying up 12:43 Gerald Ford as the master of the post-presidency pivot into celebrity and corporate roles 15:12 Debate over financial conflicts for presidents and members of Congress 17:13 Clinton financial evolution from poor money management to high net worth 19:38 The role of grit—Herbert Hoover's rise from orphan to wealthy mining engineer 21:39 Woodrow Wilson's lack of hustle contrasted with other hard-working presidents 22:30 Biggest takeaway—financial principles haven't changed, but the American dream is harder to achieve today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Questions? Comments?Tom Cock interviews Megan Gorman, author of All the President's Money, exploring how U.S. presidents have handled their personal finances and the lessons investors can take from their successes and failures. Gorman shares stories of leaders from George Washington to Ronald Reagan, Eisenhower, Nixon, and Clinton, illustrating how factors like marriage, frugality, grit, emotional control, and adaptability shaped their financial outcomes. She notes that while the basic principles of money management haven't changed since Washington's time, achieving the American dream has become harder. The conversation touches on how some presidents leveraged post-office opportunities, the ethics of political financial activity, and the importance of aligned values in relationships for financial success.0:05 Tom introduces Megan Gorman and her book All the President's Money1:16 Is there a link between being a good president and good with money?2:16 Warren G. Harding as a bad president but skilled entrepreneur3:22 Biggest lessons from presidents' finances—marrying up and aligning values5:56 Trump marriages and shared transactional values6:15 How presidents historically made their money—land speculation, inheritance, entrepreneurship8:40 Nixon's failed frozen juice business and debt repayment10:43 Eisenhower's emotional control, poker skills, and marrying up12:43 Gerald Ford as the master of the post-presidency pivot into celebrity and corporate roles15:12 Debate over financial conflicts for presidents and members of Congress17:13 Clinton financial evolution from poor money management to high net worth19:38 The role of grit—Herbert Hoover's rise from orphan to wealthy mining engineer21:39 Woodrow Wilson's lack of hustle contrasted with other hard-working presidents22:30 Biggest takeaway—financial principles haven't changed, but the American dream is harder to achieve todayLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
LESSONS FOR THE EMPTYING WHITE HOUSE 2028: 1/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) 1920 INA CLAIRE https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads.
LESSONS FOR THE EMPTYING WHITE HOUSE 2028: 2/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads.
LESSONS FOR THE EMPTYING WHITE HOUSE 2028: 3/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads.
LESSONS FOR THE EMPTYING WHITE HOUSE 2028: 4/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) 1920 WALTER WZ https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads.
LESSONS FOR THE EMPTYING WHITE HOUSE 2028: 5/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads.
LESSONS FOR THE EMPTYING WHITE HOUSE 2028: 6/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) 1920 POLISH ARMY ENTERS KYIV https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads.
LESSONS FOR THE EMPTYING WHITE HOUSE 2028: 7/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads.
LESSONS FOR THE EMPTYING WHITE HOUSE 2028: 8/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) 1920 FRANK ROOSEVELT AND JAMES COX https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads.
Jeopardy! recaps from the week of July 14, 2025. We call out Warren G. Harding, discover some interesting drinks, and Emily does a deep dive into quinine. Continue to support social justice movements in your community and our world. https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ www.rescue.org www.therebelsproject.org www.abortionfunds.org https://wck.org/
Dr. Alisha LynA proud graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 2004, Alisha began her educational journey at Kent State University before earning her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University. She later obtained a Master's in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and completed her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in K–12 education in 2022.Alisha's path to success was far from linear. She worked as a lunch aide, in banking, and as a substitute teacher while continuing her education. Her life and career have been defined by resilience and transformation.She is the author of Overcome, Transform, Soar: The Process of Breaking Barriers and Soaring to New Heights, a powerful testament to her personal journey. Alisha is a three-time traumatic brain injury survivor, a two-time cardiac arrest survivor, and a survivor and advocate of domestic violence. Her first major brain injury occurred while playing basketball at Warren G. Harding—an incident that nearly claimed her life and left doctors fearing she would not recover.Today, Alisha serves as a member of the Warren City Schools Board of Education and works as a Senior Admissions Counselor at Kent State University. She remains a vocal supporter of Warren G. Harding and the Warren City School District, highlighting the district's strong academic opportunities for high-achieving students and the new Wellness Center—which goes beyond athletics to support overall student well-being.In 2009, she launched Alisha Lyn LLC (www.alishalynllc.com), a company built to inspire and empower others. She has also started a business venture for her daughters, continuing her legacy of leadership, education, and empowerment.Link for her book: https://www.amazon.com/Overcome-Transform-Soar-Breaking-Barriers-ebook/dp/B0CBL3X7BGwww.thelynneetwins.comwww.alishalynnllc.comwww.dralishaalls.com
President Ioanna and VP Aaron would like to formally invite you to hear the tale of Chicago's “Hotel of Presidents”!Known for its many iconic former guests, including Teddy Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter, the historic hotel on Chicago's Michigan Ave blends its historic mystique with modern day luxury. As part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, the hotel boasts incredible lake views and enough tales of history to fill a book!We chat with Violet Tossler, Marketing Manager for the property, who gives us the full historic rundown, from when the Blackstone was the tallest building in Chicago to the time Kennedy learned about the Cuban Missile Crisis from the Presidential Suite. There was even a barbershop inside where Al Capone and many presidents regularly got haircuts!The hotel is also known for coining the term “a smoke filled room” as it was in one of the hotel suites where Warren G Harding was nominated for president outside the view of the press.Beyond the history, Violet describes the hotel's amazing amenities, including a ton of original artwork, an on-site restaurant, and the most gorgeous event space perfecting for weddings! Plus, honey from their rooftop beehives!!This is the perfect hotel for summer travelers or if you're a local looking to have a unique staycation! BOOK: https://www.theblackstonehotel.com/SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/theblackstonehotel/READ ABOUT THE BEES: https://www.theblackstonehotel.com/specials/the-blackstone-buzzMERCAT A LA PLANXA: https://www.theblackstonehotel.com/dine/mercat-a-la-planxa
NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf Titleist > https://www.titleist.com Summary In this episode of the Bag Drop podcast, hosts Matt and Kevin explore the intriguing relationship between U.S. presidents and the game of golf. They discuss the history of golfing presidents, draft their ideal presidential foursomes, and share anecdotes about notable figures, including Donald Trump. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of golf in the lives of presidents and the unique stories that emerge from their experiences on the course. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss the golfing habits and characteristics of U.S. Presidents, focusing on George H.W. Bush, John F. Kennedy, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. They explore Bush's legendary pace of play and sense of duty, JFK's charisma and competitive nature, and FDR's resilience and ability to inspire during tough times. The discussion highlights how these leaders' personalities and experiences shaped their approach to golf and leadership. This conversation explores the leadership qualities and golfing legacies of several U.S. presidents, focusing on Franklin D. Roosevelt, Warren G. Harding, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Barack Obama. The discussion highlights how these leaders utilized golf as a means of diplomacy, personal enjoyment, and social policy, particularly in making the sport more accessible to the public. The conversation also delves into the political strategies employed by these presidents and their adaptability in times of crisis, showcasing their unique approaches to leadership and governance. This conversation explores the unique relationship between golf and politics, particularly focusing on Barack Obama's journey as a golfer and how it parallels his political career. The discussion highlights Obama's growth as a golfer, his commitment to the game despite political scrutiny, and how golf serves as a platform for dialogue among political leaders. The hosts also engage in a light-hearted debate about hypothetical presidential golf foursomes, showcasing the competitive spirit and camaraderie among past presidents. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and E-Bike Adventures 03:05 Presidential Golfing History 05:46 Drafting Presidential Foursomes 09:04 Honorable Mentions and Fun Facts 11:54 Donald Trump: The Golfing President 15:02 The Impact of Golf on Presidents 17:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 30:53 The Golfing Presidents: A Unique Foursome 42:40 JFK: The Charismatic Golfer 57:12 FDR: The Resilient Leader 01:01:33 Leadership and Adaptability in Crisis 01:02:03 The New Deal and Social Policies 01:03:02 Bipartisanship and Teamwork in Leadership 01:05:03 FDR's Golfing Journey and Legacy 01:08:17 Making Golf Accessible to All 01:10:25 Warren G. Harding: The Unlikely Golfer 01:12:30 Harding's Love for Golf and Prohibition 01:14:20 The Teapot Dome Scandal and Golf 01:17:32 Eisenhower: The Steady Diplomat 01:19:43 Golf as a Political Strategy 01:25:16 Eisenhower's Legacy and Love for Golf 01:31:02 Barack Obama: The Modern Golfer 01:32:39 The Intersection of Politics and Golf 01:36:00 Obama's Golfing Journey and Personal Growth 01:40:41 The Love for the Game: Obama's Commitment to Golf 01:44:36 Golf as a Platform for Political Dialogue 01:48:31 The Competitive Spirit of Presidents 01:52:08 Imagining Presidential Golf Foursomes
PREVIEW: ISOLATIONISTS: Conversation with Cliff May, Founder and President of FDD, regarding the recent polling that a large majority of Republicans, even MAGA Republicans, are not isolationists. More tonight. 1922: William Howard Taft, Warren G. Harding, Robert Lincoln
1/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads. 1918 TR waiting to speak at Trinity College commencement
2/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads. 1920 Governor John Cox of Ohio and VPOTUS nominee Frank Roosevelt
3/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads. 1922 Warren G Harding Opening Day
4/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads. 1925 Calvin Coolidge Opening Day
5/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads. 1932 Herbert Hoover
6/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads. 1923 Woodrow Wilson visiting the White House
7/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads. 1936 Lowell Thomas and FDR
8/8: 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents by David Pietrusza (Author) https://www.amazon.com/1920-Year-Presidents-David-Pietrusza/dp/0786721022 The presidential election of 1920 was one of the most dramatic ever. For the only time in the nation's history, six once-and-future presidents hoped to end up in the White House: Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, and Theodore Roosevelt. It was an election that saw unprecedented levels of publicity -- the Republicans outspent the Democrats by 4 to 1 -- and it was the first to garner extensive newspaper and newsreel coverage. It was also the first election in which women could vote. Meanwhile, the 1920 census showed that America had become an urban nation -- automobiles, mass production, chain stores, and easy credit were transforming the economy and America was limbering up for the most spectacular decade of its history, the roaring '20s. Award-winning historian David Pietrusza's riveting new work presents a dazzling panorama of presidential personalities, ambitions, plots, and counterplots -- a picture of modern America at the crossroads. 1929 Herbert Hoover Opening Day
Despite dying as one of the most popular presidents in history, the 28th Commander-in-Chief has been consistently ranked one of the worst of the American Presidents.What caused this fall from grace? From the Teapot Dome Scandal to the Veterans Bureau Scandal, to the several extramarital affairs that Harding had, much has muddied Harding's name. But what of women's, civil and worker's rights?Don is joined by Jason Roberts, Professor of History at Quincy College in Massachusetts. Jason is an expert in politics of the 1920s and is currently working on the foreign policies of Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge, in particular their handling of Lenin's Russia.Produced by Freddy Chick. Edited by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3 Media.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.
The Teapot Dome scandal was only one instance of corruption during the presidency of Warren G. Harding. Against the backdrop of gangsters and Prohibition, shady dealings permeated the top levels of government – all the way up to the Attorney General of the United States. Nathan Masters, host of the PBS series, Lost LA, couldn't believe what he found in the archives. Today, Nathan joins Lindsay to talk about his book Crooked: the Roaring ‘20s Tale of a Corrupt Attorney General, A Crusading Senator, and the Birth of the American Political Scandal. Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-scandal/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Warren G. Harding is elected president in 1920, thanks in part to a backroom deal between Republican Party power brokers and influential oil men. To make good on that deal, Harding's Secretary of the Interior, Albert Fall, quietly leases the federally owned Teapot Dome oil field in Wyoming and two others in California to oil magnates Harry Sinclair and Edward Doheny. But to hand out the leases, Fall wants something in return. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.