Best Reconstruction Era Podcasts (2025)

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#493- "I FEEL THAT OUR SUCCESS OVER LEE'S ARMY IS ALREADY ASSURED" 30:27

17h ago30:27

30:27

In which the two armies leave the North Anna behind, and there is a clash at Haw's Shop on May 28, 1864. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

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How the Hell Did Jefferson's Trade War Cause a Depression? 40:00

6d ago40:00

40:00

In this episode, John discusses the important events and decisions of Thomas Jefferson’s second term as the third U.S. President. John begins by talking about the Sally Hemings affair, which was actually brought to public attention in a very direct way for the first time about halfway through Jefferson’s first term. John explains how and why it was…

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The fans have spoken! Here’s what matters most to Scottish football supporters 18:07

7d ago18:07

18:07

- “Scrap the two-legged play-offs" - “It's time to re-think the alcohol ban" - “Hardly anyone wants a 12-team league" 🌳 Link to all our socials: https://linktr.ee/ImprovingScottishFootball 🙋🏻‍♂️ For partnership enquiries: [email protected] Kieran is joined by marketing expert Michael Bochel for this special mini-episode. Scotland,…

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What the Hell Have I Learned 47:15

12d ago47:15

47:15

In this episode, John reviews through what he has learned so far doing the show. John covers a variety of topics that he has gone into detail on in previous episodes, stretching all the way back to the very first How the Hell Did We Get Here. John starts out by talking about the Pre-Columbian period and the years between Columbus and the settlement…

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Innovation is essential! We need to think like the Dutch and be a destination for young talent (Special mini-episode with Rory Hamilton) 15:46

21d ago15:46

15:46

- We need to study what the Dutch are doing so well - Innovation is key - otherwise Scottish football will move backwards. - We should be the place where every young British player wants to go. 🌳 Link to all our socials: https://linktr.ee/ImprovingScottishFootball 🙋🏻‍♂️ For partnership enquiries: [email protected] Kieran is joined…

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#492- TO THE NORTH ANNA (Part the Second) 27:11

22d ago27:11

27:11

In which the two armies reach the North Anna and Robert E Lee presents Ulysses S Grant with a problem to solve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

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#491- TO THE NORTH ANNA (Part the First) 34:35

28d ago34:35

34:35

In which both armies leave Spotsylvania behind, and head for the North Anna River. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

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My greatest regret! Talent is being missed, and the ambition is too small! (Special mini-episode with Henry McLeish) 14:17

1M ago14:17

14:17

- “Our footballing ambition is too small!” - “We need regional academies everywhere from Stranraer to Orkney!" - “My greatest regret from the McLeish report” 🌳 Link to all our socials: https://linktr.ee/ImprovingScottishFootball 🙋🏻‍♂️ For partnership enquiries: [email protected] Henry McLeish joins Kieran for this special mini-epi…

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#490- THE COLLAPSE OF GRANT'S PERIPHERAL STRATEGY (Part the Third) 40:39

1M ago40:39

40:39

In which we finish up our look at the collapse of Grant's peripheral strategy in the spring of 1864 in Virginia, with a discussion of Butler's Bermuda Hundred Campaign, including the battle at Drewry's Bluff on May 16, 1864. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

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What's going on with Scotland's Under-21s? 40:39

2M ago40:39

40:39

- Why is nobody talking about the Under-21s? - What are the pros and cons of young Scots moving to English academies? - How do we entice dual nationals to declare for Scotland? 🌳 Link to all our socials: https://linktr.ee/ImprovingScottishFootball 🙋🏻‍♂️ For partnership enquiries: [email protected] Kieran is joined by Owen Brown fr…

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#489- BATTLE OF YELLOW TAVERN 31:40

2M ago31:40

31:40

In which we discuss the Battle of Yellow Tavern- which took place in Virginia on May 11, 1864- and the mortal wounding of Jeb Stuart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

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Beyond Privilege to Life Itself: Ralph Canty's 60-Year Fight for Justice in the American South 56:50

2M ago56:50

56:50

Send us a text From the shadows of segregation to the frontlines of protest, Ralph Canty Sr. takes us on an extraordinary journey through the civil rights movement in Sumter, South Carolina. Born in 1945 just blocks from Lincoln High School, Canty emerged as a fearless young activist whose determination to dismantle racial barriers would forever ch…

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From Augusta's Front Porch to Columbia's Civil Rights Center: The Journey of Dr. Bobby J Donaldson Jr 26:49

2M ago26:49

26:49

Send us a text The front porches of Augusta, Georgia shaped Dr. Bobby Donaldson long before formal education ever could. Through his grandmother's stories, the seeds of historical inquiry were planted, setting him on a path to become one of the nation's foremost chroniclers of South Carolina's civil rights movement. When Dr. Donaldson arrived at th…

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#488- THE COLLAPSE OF GRANT'S PERIPHERAL STRATEGY (Part the Second) 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

In which we discuss the Battle of New Market (May 15, 1864), as we continue our look at the collapse of Ulysses S Grant's peripheral strategy in Virginia in the spring of 1864. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

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How can one of Scotland’s oldest clubs rebuild its credibility and reputation? 57:19

2M ago57:19

57:19

Kieran is joined by Gerry Strain, Director of Football at Hamilton Academical. This is a fascinating chat about Hamilton’s journey over the last 3 years, and its vision for the future. - What’s the strategy for returning to the Premiership? - Are enough young players getting minutes? - How will the club repair its relationship with the fans? 🌳 Link…

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When One Rocks, We All Rock: Celebrating Our Shared Legacy 31:23

2M ago31:23

31:23

Send us a text "We be sisters. We be the same, coming from the same place, going through." The powerful poetry of Lucille Clifton opens this profound exploration of sisterhood, collective power, and remembrance during Women's History Month. What happens when women recognize their shared journey and lock arms together? The answer transforms families…

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What the Hell Does the Judicial Branch Do? 55:55

2M ago55:55

55:55

In this episode, John does a deep dive into the early years of the Judicial Branch of the federal government. John begins by explaining how courts, judges and lawyers were perceived by the colonists in the decades before the American Revolution and what role it was in society and in the colonial governments that these elements played. John then dis…

1
#487- THE COLLAPSE OF GRANT'S PERIPHERAL STRATEGY (Part the First) 28:54

2M ago28:54

28:54

In which we look at the collapse of Grant's peripheral strategy in Virginia. We talk about the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain on May 9, 1864. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

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From Chains to Change: The Emancipation Proclamation and Reconstruction Era 38:25

2M ago38:25

38:25

Send us a text The journey from slavery to freedom marks the most transformative period in African American history. Dr. Harry Singleton masterfully guides us through this pivotal moment, revealing how the Emancipation Proclamation launched an unprecedented era of Black advancement during Reconstruction. Lincoln's path to signing the proclamation w…

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#486- SPOTSYLVANIA (Part the Third) 43:16

3M ago43:16

43:16

In which we look at the fierce fighting at the Mule Shoe on May 12, 1864. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

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"The Road to Emancipation" 40:44

3M ago40:44

40:44

Send us a text The contradictions of American freedom stand starkly revealed in this fascinating exploration of how slavery's opponents fought relentlessly against the institution through rebellion, escape, and the written word. When the founding fathers chose to maintain Black enslavement after winning independence from Britain, they created a mor…

1
The Right to Dream philosophy – A blueprint for Scottish football? 49:04

3M ago49:04

49:04

- What makes 'Right to Dream' so successful? - How does Belgian football constantly punch above its weight? - Why is Belgium moving to an 18-team league? 🌳 Link to all our socials: https://linktr.ee/ImprovingScottishFootball 🙋🏻‍♂️ For partnership enquiries: [email protected] Kieran is joined by Frazer Robertson, 1st Team Coach at …

1
How the Hell Did Jefferson Buy Louisiana and Fight Pirates? 38:30

3M ago38:30

38:30

In this episode, John discusses the circumstances that allowed the Jefferson administration to complete the Louisiana Purchase from France. John explains how it was that France came to acquire Louisiana again and what it was that drove Napoleon to sell the territory to the U.S. less than five years after acquiring it. John also talks about the Lewi…

1
The Emergence of A Militant Black Clergy 33:19

3M ago33:19

33:19

Send us a text A revolutionary theological upheaval took place in early 19th century America that fundamentally challenged how Christianity interpreted freedom. When Anglican Bishop George Berkeley crafted his 1727 letter to plantation owners, he created a theological framework that would dominate American Christianity for generations: the dangerou…

1
UPDATE 2:15

3M ago2:15

2:15

A quick update on where we've been... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

1
What the Hell Was Jeffersonian Democracy? 33:40

3M ago33:40

33:40

In this episode, John dives into the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, focusing specifically on his most important ideas and priorities as he took over from the Federalists as America’s third president. John discusses why Jefferson was such a monumental figure in American history, how he and his ideas came to dominate the first quarter century of the…

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Scottish vs. Foreign Managers: A Crisis or a New Era? 49:35

3M ago49:35

49:35

Kieran is joined by former Professional Player Jamie Mitchell and coach and analyst John Walker to discuss what’s happened to Scottish managers. There are fewer Scottish managers than ever before in the Scottish Premiership, and there’s only David Moyes in the English Premier League (in 2011 there were 7!) - What are the benefits of bringing in for…

1
“The Coming of The Gods, The Religious construction of Black Dehumanization” 49:05

3M ago49:05

49:05

Send us a text This episode examines the complex relationship between Christianity and the institution of slavery, exploring how theological concepts shaped perceptions and experiences of Black individuals throughout history. We discuss the intersections of faith, identity, and the often-inverted narrative presented by pro-slavery ideologies. - His…

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How the Hell Did the Election of 1800 Create a Constitutional Crisis? 41:07

3M ago41:07

41:07

In this episode, John discusses the conditions leading up to the presidential election of 1800. He breaks down who the main candidates were, how both the Federalist and Democratic Republican parties campaigned in this very early era of party politics and what the strengths and weaknesses of both sides were as the election approached. John also expl…

1
" A Strange and Hostile Land" 49:27

3M ago49:27

49:27

Send us a text Discover the brutal truths of the transatlantic slave trade and the enduring scars it left on generations with our esteemed guest, Dr. Harry Singleton. Through gripping narratives, we examine how slaveholders strategically dismantled family bonds and social cohesion to suppress unity among enslaved people. From the bustling auction b…

1
What the Hell Was the Quasi-War? 58:12

3M ago58:12

58:12

In this episode, John discusses the John Adams administration and the most significant events and developments of the period in which he presided as the second President of the United States. John begins by going over the factors that led to further political polarization, as the Federalists and the Democratic Republicans grew further and further a…

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Academy to First Team: Why the Gap Still Exists & How to Fix It 41:57

4M ago41:57

41:57

Kieran is joined by Keith Lasley, Chief Operating Officer at St Mirren. They discuss: - What are the key signs of a modern, progressive club? - How important is a club strategy - and should the SPFL have one too? - How is St Mirren bringing the academy closer to the first team? Get in touch: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠https://twitter.co…

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#485- SPOTSYLVANIA (Part the Second) 40:22

4M ago40:22

40:22

In which the two armies clash near Spotsylvania on May 10, 1864, and Grant vows "I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

1
The Chosen People Five Times Removed 40:27

4M ago40:27

40:27

Send us a text Could Africa's rich history have been overshadowed by misconceptions? Join us as Dr. Harry Singleton from the University of South Carolina challenges the outdated myth of Africa as a "Dark Continent" and sheds light on its remarkable civilizations in regions like Libya, Mali, and present-day Ghana. Discover the truth behind the trans…

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Who the Hell Could Possibly Replace George Washington? 31:54

4M ago31:54

31:54

In this episode, John discusses the circumstances surrounding the presidential election of 1796. John explains how the Democratic Republican Party and the Federalist Party had become more or less fully formed partisan organizations by the time the election was to take place and what the issues were that divided the two of them. John goes into detai…

1
#484- SPOTSYLVANIA (Part the First) 34:36

4M ago34:36

34:36

In which the two armies break off the fight in the Wilderness and set off for Spotsylvania Court House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Richard Youngdahl

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Uncovering the Hidden Layers of African American History with Dr. Henry H. Singleton III 48:03

4M ago48:03

48:03

Send us a text What if the stories you’ve been told have only scratched the surface of history? Join us on a journey with Dr. Henry H. Singleton III, a distinguished scholar in African-American history, as he uncovers the layers of struggle and triumph that have shaped the African American experience. Raised in a household that championed education…

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Dr. Jeffrey Engel, "Fifty Years Since Watergate: Presidential Power in the Age of Rampant Immunity and Feckless Impeachments" 59:33

4M ago59:33

59:33

On October 30th, 2024, CPH Director Dr. Jeffrey Engel presented a lecture as part of the SMU Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute Godbey Lecture Series, described below. A few weeks later, we sat down with Dr. Engel for a Q&A about his talk -- that conversation follows a recording of the lecture itself. Fifty Years Since Watergate: Presidenti…

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The 3 things that elite young players have in common 35:11

4M ago35:11

35:11

Kieran is joined by Uefa A License holder Blair Munn, who's worked with some of Scotland's top talent, including Lennon Miller and Gabe Forsyth. They discuss: - Are we entering a golden generation for young Scottish footballers? - What does it take to make it to the top? - Why is there still a lack of young Scots playing in the Premiership? Get in …

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