The American Idea

Jeff discusses the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg with Chris Burkett, marking its 160th anniversary. This video version of the podcast includes maps and images of some of the key individuals from the battle, and puts the battle in the context of Lincoln's war aims.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Josh Dunn for a discussion and analysis of the major decisions handed down by the Supreme Court in the last week of June, 2023, including those related to affirmative action, religious liberty, free expression, and executive power. Don't miss this thoughtful analysis of these major cases.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Bob Elder, Professor of History at Baylor University, to discuss John C. Calhoun, an "American Heretic" as Elder explains, given his views on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the relationship between the Constitution, national government, and the states. A polarizing figure then as now, Calhoun's legacy is still influential today. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Join John Moser as he and Sean McMeekin discuss the complex and little-understood relationship between FDR and Stalin, and how United States assistance to the USSR during World War 2 inadvertently helped contribute to making Russia a world power.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz RSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bve Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

John Moser discusses the history of 20th Century bank failures in America with Dr. George Selgin. They look deeply at Federal Reserve regulatory policy and deposit insurance and the unintended consequences - good and bad - of federal government entanglement with the banking sector.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff discusses religious liberty, the First Amendment, and the role of the courts in working through this essential element of American political culture, in our history, today, and with forecasts for the future. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff talks with Ad Achorn, author and journalist, about the nearly miraculous nomination of Abraham Lincoln by the then-new Republican Party. Far from a foregone conclusion, the choice of Lincoln almost didn’t happen. Learn about how Lincoln quickly rose to national prominence in the few years before 1860, and how Republican leaders decided on him over more well-known and seemingly ‘sure thing’ candidates. Read Ed’s latest book. “The Lincoln Miracle: Inside the Republican Convention That Changed History.”Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

John Moser discusses the life, letters, person, and legacy of Ernest Hemingway. A man of his era, and an icon as both an author and personality, Hemingway casts a long shadow in American letters, and both reflected and influenced the culture and events of his time.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff discusses the important and often overlooked Battle of Vicksburg, which came an end on 4 July 1863. Overshadowed by Gettysburg, this battle was arguably of far greater strategic importance than its more famous cousin, which took place at the same time. Learn about the military and political history and details of this event as we mark the 160th anniversary of the commencement of Grant's campaign for the Confederate city. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Jeff discusses the life, ideas, and legacy of Alexander Hamilton with Stephen Knott, formerly of the United States Naval War College and a recognized Hamilton scholar. Although Americans have been reminded of Hamilton as a result of the popular musical, what's the truth behind the songs? How did he rise to prominence, living a classically American story of humble beginnings and lofty achievements? What role did he really play in the War for Independence, and the Constitutional Convention? And finally, how are his ideas about foreign policy, economics, and presidential power still relevant today?Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Jeff and Gordon Lloyd discuss the importance of the Articles of Confederation - not as a failure, or a preface to the Constitution, but as an important set of ideas and, up through 1787, actual, substantive accomplishments. Don't overlook the Articles.Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73m Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67a Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtk Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnz RSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bve Podvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff is joined by Rebeccah Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and director of the Keystone Defense Initiative to discuss the war in Ukraine, its strategic importance, how American and NATO policy has played out since the invasion in early 2022, and how it fits into questions of global security. This live episode of The American Idea had questions from attendees, and provides both background and analysis of the war. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Peter Schramm, whose family escaped Communist Hungary during the 1950s, moved to America, were his family worked out their version of the American Dream like so many immigrants before and after them, Peter, without realizing it in his early years, learned not only what it was to be an American, but became fully American in the process. He went on to great academic and professional accolades, settling eventually in rural Ohio, where he spent his last years teaching young Americans what he'd learned, and what their inheritance means.

Jeff and Rob McDonald discuss several interesting - and little-known - stories of individuals from the American Revolution, men and women, patriots and loyalists, in this episode marking the anniversary of the battles at Lexington and Concord.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff and Dan Monroe discuss Texas history, independence and annexation, and the Mexican-American War while meeting for Ashbrook's Director's Club Weekend in San Antonio, Texas, in March 2023. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff Sikkenga and Jason Jividen discuss the animating ideas and issus of the original Progressives, and their views on - and in many ways rejection of - the principles of the American Founding. Tracing the history of the Progressives, they also discuss contemporary examples of this movement, and what they mean to America today.Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff discusses Ronald Reagan’s efforts to peacefully end the Cold War with Will Inboden, Director of the Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas-Austin. Containment and detente were frameworks that Reagan inherited; however, they both aimed to preserve the status quo with the USSR instead of rolling back Communist gains. Reagan’s view was that the Soviets were taking advantage of this approach, and instead saw the USSR not as a partner to accept and manage, but a cancer to be excised from the world stage. No previous Cold War president considered this possible without war; Reagan did, and his foreign policy was shaped by this belief.Read Will's book on the topicHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff and Flagg Taylor, of Skidmore College, discuss the thorny topic of censorship and its two main forms, that from the government, and that coming from individuals. Starting with a deep discussion of Soviet Russia’s totalitarian approach to what is acceptable literature and speech, they move through a history of limitations on speech, and what the last century of this can mean for us today, and the “cancel culture” moment we are enduring.Give a listen to Flagg’s podcast, Enduring Interest, where he and guests discuss forgotten books and literature.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gyptonhttps://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff and Chris Burkett discuss the unique place of the Western, as presented in literature and film, in American political culture. There's a lot more to the genre than gunfighters, wagon trains, and Monument Valley, as all enduring storytelling genres reflect, in some way, the cultures from which they originate. In addition to thoughtful and lively discussion, Chris offers suggestions for classic Western films and television shows.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzPodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff and Miles Smith IV discuss the 1619 Project and why it’s poorly-done as a piece of history and that in fact, it’s not history and should not be treated as such. Jeff and Miles discuss the importance of using primary sources - especially documents - in determining what happened in history, instead of starting with a conclusion and then, essentially, cherry-picking only what supports that conclusion; this is where 1619 goes so very wrong.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzPodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff sits down with Rebeccah Heinrichs, an authority on national security issues, to discuss the challenge - and even threat - that the Chinese Communist Party presents to the United States and the world. Unpacking decades of policy mistakes and wishful thinking of Western countries, along with the longterm view of the CCP and its commitment to Marxist-Leninist ideology, Rebecca helps make sense of why the CCP is such a threat - no longer a competitor, but truly an adversary. She also offers some policy suggestions and implores Americans to delete the TikTok app, which the CCP uses as a global surveillance tool.Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff and Brian Kilmeade discuss his book, The President and the Freedom Fighter, and the central role Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass played in “saving America’s soul.” Both were self-made men, who never stopped striving to become men of worth, doing things that needed to be done to help America live up to its greatest ideals, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.Check out Brian's book here - it's a great read.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonListener Survey Link: https://forms.gle/U62wovf93VXhMK6M8Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff talks with Dr. Andy Lang about U.S. Grant - as a soldier, general, and president. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzPodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff sits down with Amity Shlaes, Chair of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, to discuss the ideas and importance of Calvin Coolidge, an overlooked and wildly underrated president.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3aPodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Co-host John Moser is joined by Ben Slomski of Ashland University discuss the origins and original understandings of presidential war powers, and how they’ve evolved over time. What did the Founders think? Did they agree on a single description of what war powers, and when a president could act unilaterally? They explore actions by Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, and other presidents, and make connections to contemporary issues, as well.FEB-MAR 2023 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/KKhN33X3n62aJ8hj9Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff is joined by Joe Postell of Hillsdale College discuss the evolution of Congressional rules processes in light of the recent assumption of the majority by Republicans and the contentious votes over a new Speaker of the House. Learn about the fascinating changes in the Speaker’s powers, and how much more limited Speakers are than we often believe. They also discuss the differences between current norms of Democratic and Republican Party leadership and Congressional activity, and how this has played out in leadership behavior and power struggles. Finally, if Congress, in some ways, is “broken” - so far strayed from its original function and powers - can, and how can, it be fixed?Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff and Lucas Morel, on this special MLK Day episode, discuss the ideas, actions, and legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. and Malcolm X. What were their core philosophies and beliefs? How did their actions reflect these? How did their ideas impact their followers, opponents, and each other? And how did these two men play off and shape each other?You can find Lucas's latest book, Lincoln and the American Founding, on Amazon. The other books mentioned are here:I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches that Changed the WorldWhere Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and SpeechesMalcolm X Speaks: Selected Speeches and StatementsBlack Power: The Politics of LiberationHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Join Jeff as he Bill McClay discuss the state of American civics education, with an eye toward free expression, what's being taught, and how individuals and families can think through the thorny issue of schooling in 2023.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff is joined by Dr. Jason Stevens of Ashland University and the Ashbrook Scholar program to discuss the 160th anniversary of one of the most important documents in American history. Lacking the eloquence and rhetorical flourish we have come to expect from Lincoln, the Final Emancipation Proclamation’s power isn’t in its wording, but in what it accomplishes: utilizing constitutional authority to free millions of slaves and lay the foundation for the abolishment of the institution itself.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bveYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff sits down with Chris Burkett and Greg McBrayer to discuss Ronald Reagan's famed speech at the Brandenburg Gate on 12 June 1987, in which the president called on Mikhail Gorbachev to "...tear down this wall!" Beyond this, the speech contains numerous examples of Reagan's political philosophy and his respect for individual liberty and human dignity before the state.Read two of the speeches mentioned to supplement the program: "A Time for Choosing", and his Brandenburg Gate Speech.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

How can liberal society respond to current demands on economics and society? Smith addresses far more than economics and, in fact, wrote extensively on morality and moral judgments in interpersonal and social relations. What did he believe and what can we learn from him, and from his two books The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) and The Wealth of Nations (1776)? Smith posits that moral sentiments are a two-way street, and that we can’t help but, as we interact with others, “feel” with others - to put ourselves in others’ shoes. Smith also discusses what he believes makes nations wealthy, and the tension between efficiency and human dignity.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bveYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff discusses the life, ideas, and legacy of Winston Churchill with Jim Muller of the University of Alaska Anchorage, and renowned Churchill authority,Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff is joined by Dr. John Moser of Ashland University to discuss the concept of turning points in history, particularly war, and some specific examples from the Second World War. Access the maps John used here.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bveYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Dr. Robert George of Princeton University joins Jeff to discuss the sad shape of the American university as a function of a lack of clarity by many in higher education as to the core purpose of a university education. George asserts that the core mission is, and should be, the pursuit of truth, even though imparting professional skills is an expectation of students, parents, and taxpayers. It is the pursuit of knowledge of the truth, however, that is the core mission and must serve as the primary measuring stick of institutional goals, use of resources, and treatment of those connected to the university. They also discuss the central role of courage and speaking the truth, especially when it stands against some new orthodoxies that have taken root in society and, especially, at the university.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff sat down with Amity Shlaes to discuss her book, "The Great Society - A New History," and the implications of the welfare state as envisioned by Lyndon Johnson. In addition to some of LBJ's various remarks and addresses while in office, his Great Society speech was highlighted, along with the policies that stemmed from it and their impact on American political economy and public life. Jeff and Amity also explored LBJ and Vietnam, and how this era of American foreign policy paralleled and, to an extent, shared philosophical similarities with the idealism of the Great Society.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff discusses our current political tensions with Dr. Lucas Morel, who proposes that an understanding of Lincoln - his ideas, his words, his actions - can help us navigate difficult political waters now, and in our future as Americans.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff discusses the results, surprises, and immediate fallout of the 2022 Midterm Congressional and several state gubernatorial elections. Of special focus is how badly most pollsters were wrong; how the Democrats avoided the historical trend of a president losing seats during his first term; and the standing - or lack - of Donald Trump in the Republican party moving forward.Host; Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

In this episode, Jeff sits down to talk with Mike Pompeo, former member of the House of Representatives, CIA Director, and the 70th Secretary of State. The two touch on notions of service to country, the foundation of Sec. Pompeo’s political views, and his reflections on threats to America from abroad and at home, as well as his deep respect for the men and women who serve this country.

Dr. Jeff Sikkenga talks with Congressman Troy Balderson, of Ohio's 12th Congressional District, about public and elected service, as well as the changing demographic trends and political issues that could impact upcoming elections.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff discusses the upcoming 2022 midterm elections with Henry Olsen of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, offering thoughtful analysis and things to look out for as we get closer to these pivotal elections.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

The 22-23 United States Supreme Court term has begun, and there are several cases to be heard that will make headlines - maybe even greater than those that closed out the 21-22 term. Join Jeff and Dr. Adam Carrington as they discuss some of these cases, the background to them, and how the current court might go about considering them. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff and Rob Wyllie, Director of Ashbrook’s Political Economy program at Ashland University, discuss inflation in American and world history, how it comes to be, and why it can be so dangerous to economic, social, and political stability. In particular, they discuss inflation at the American Founding, during the Great Depression, and in the 1970s and 80s. They also discuss current inflationary causes, responses, and trends, and Jeff even gets Rob to offer a forecast about what he thinks could happen over the next year or two in the global and, especially, American economies.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

In this episode of The American Idea, Jeff is joined by Dr. Gordon Lloyd, Dockson Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Pepperdine University and Senior Fellow at Ashbrook, and Dr. Chris Burkett, Associate Professor of Political Science at Ashland University and Director of the Ashbrook Scholar Program, for a lively conversation on the dramatic story and the legacy of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.The leading expert on the Constitutional Convention, Gordon has spent the past forty years studying and writing on this essential part of the American story. He is the editor of several of Ashbrook’s Core Document volumes for teachers, including the American Founding and the Bill of Rights volumes, and our printing of Madison’s Notes on the Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787. He is also the author of four highly regarded and widely-used online exhibits on the Founding, which are hosted exclusively on Ashbrook’s new website TheAmericanFounding.org.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton, Tyler MacQueen

In this episode of The American Idea, Jeff is joined by Peter Myers, Professor of Political Science at University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire and the 2016-17 B. Kenneth Simon Fellow in American Political Thought at the Heritage Foundation, for a conversation on Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy "character not color" comes into direct conflict with the ideas of Critical Race Theory.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff welcomes Dr. Natalie Taylor of Skidmore College to discuss the place of feminism within the American sociopolitical reform tradition, and its connection to the contemporary #MeToo movement. Jeff and Natalie focus, in particular, on Susan B. Anthony, discussing her ideas and place in the arc of women's reform movements in American history and society.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

In this episode The American Idea Jeff is joined by Stephen Knott, Professor of National Security Affairs at the United States Naval War College and the Thomas and Mabel Guy Professor in American History and Government at Ashland University, for a conversation on John F. Kennedy and his leadership during the Cold War. Their conversation explores Kennedy's anti-Communist policies, his relationship with Nikita Khrushchev, tensions surrounding West Berlin and Cuba, and the great American Space Race. Stephen is a renowned presidential scholar, having recently participated in the C-SPAN Presidential Leadership survey and published a book on the lost soul of the presidency. He is the author of the upcoming book, Coming to Terms with John F. Kennedy from the University of Kansas Press.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton, Tyler MacQueen

In this episode of The American Idea, Jeff is joined once again by Cara Rogers, Professor of History at Ashland University and Co-Director of the Ashbrook Scholar Program, for a conversation on the friendship of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Jeff and Cara explore the development of their friendship during the American Revolution and the Second Continental Congress, the fracturing of the relationship during the Adams Administration and the Election of 1800, and their beautiful reconciliation in the last few years of their lives before their passing on July 4th, 1826 -- the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton, Tyler MacQueen

Jeff and Dr. Chris Burkett of Ashland University discuss the ideas and ideals expressed in America's most fundamental document, the Declaration of Independence.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

In this special episode, Jeff sits down with Dr. Joshua Dunn to discuss the overturning of Roe v. Wade and blockbuster decisions about religious liberty, free speech, and the 2nd Amendment.You can download a free PDF copy of Josh's Core Documents Collection on the Judiciary.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff talks with Dr. Lucas Morel about Ralph Ellison, his novel Juneteenth, the role of literature in sociopolitical discourse and thought, and their connection to American history and politics.Mentioned in this episode are Lucas' book, Ralph Ellison and the Raft of Hope: A Political Companion to Invisible Man, Ellison's Juneteenth, and Ellison's essay, What America Would Be Like Without Blacks (1970).Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton