
Lindsay Chervinsky
Presidential historian and author of Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents that Forged the Republic, and director at the George Washington Presidential Library.
Top 10 podcasts with Lindsay Chervinsky
Ranked by the Snipd community

50 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 55min
Trump vs Democracy: Two Historians’ Perspectives
Lindsay Chervinsky, a presidential historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, and Timothy Naftali, a senior research scholar at Columbia University, dive into the potential implications of Trump's reelection on American democracy. They discuss historical parallels between past leaders and Trump's authoritarian tendencies, the fragility of democratic institutions, and the dangers of unchecked power. The conversation also highlights the need for accountability and the importance of media literacy in navigating today's political landscape.

46 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 10min
John Adams Was Not an Originalist | Interview: Lindsay Chervinsky
Join Jonah Goldberg and Lindsay Chervinsky, a presidential historian and author, as they dive into the complexities of John Adams' presidency. They discuss the Alien and Sedition Acts and how Adams navigated executive authority while maintaining peace during political transitions. Lindsay highlights the unwritten norms established by Washington and challenges the notion of strict originalism, showing how early American leaders viewed the Constitution as a flexible guide. The conversation also touches on the role of the Continental Army in shaping national identity.

46 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 57min
Trump vs Democracy: Two Historians’ Perspectives
Lindsay Chervinsky, a presidential historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, teams up with Timothy Naftali, a senior research scholar at Columbia University, to explore the fragility of American democracy. They discuss Trump's authoritarian tendencies and draw historical parallels, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility. The conversation highlights how past presidencies shape current political dynamics and warns against complacency in safeguarding democratic norms. Their insights reveal the delicate balance between power, accountability, and the potential rise of authoritarianism.

24 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Promise and Perils of Presidential Power
Lindsay Chervinsky, a historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, and Corey Brettschneider, a political science professor at Brown University, delve into the evolution of presidential power. They explore the historical context of January 6th and its implications for democracy. Chervinsky highlights John Adams' struggles in shaping the presidency, while Brettschneider discusses the founding fathers' intent to limit authority to prevent tyranny. Together, they analyze how dissent and accountability remain vital in preserving democratic values today.

6 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 32min
Posthumous Presidential Reappraisals
In this engaging discussion, Lindsay Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, shares her insights on presidential legacies and the evolving perceptions surrounding them. As the nation mourns Jimmy Carter, she reflects on how collective grief shapes historical narratives. Chervinsky also critiques the trend of historians stepping into pundit roles, emphasizing the delicate balance between historical analysis and contemporary commentary. Delve into the complexities of legacy evaluation and the factors that influence how we remember our presidents.

Jan 20, 2025 • 35min
Special Coverage: Donald Trump's Inauguration
Lindsay Chervinsky, a Presidential historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, shares her insights on Donald Trump's inauguration and its historical significance. She discusses Trump's vision of a 'golden age' for America, emphasizing sovereignty and safety. The conversation dives into the symbolic importance of the peaceful transition of power and the potential impacts of Trump's policies on energy, immigration, and U.S.-China relations. Chervinsky highlights the need for smart investment strategies in this evolving political landscape.

Sep 23, 2025 • 34min
Episode 3: Humility with John and Abigail Adams
Presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky, an expert on John Adams, teams up with filmmaker Ken Burns to explore the profound partnership of John and Abigail Adams. They delve into Abigail's bold advocacy for women's rights and the couple's intellectual camaraderie. Chervinsky reveals how classical thinkers shaped Adams' virtues, while Burns discusses the necessity of humility in personal growth. The duo shares insights on overcoming crises, highlighting the connections between humility, love, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Jan 6, 2026 • 55min
#1685 The Presidents and Political Theater
Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, a historian at the George Washington Presidential Library, joins to unveil the art of political theater in early American history. Explore how Thomas Jefferson’s slippers sent calculated messages, George Washington quelled a potential coup with a simple gesture, and John Adams showcased restraint during his inauguration. Discover how these moments shaped presidential character and governance, with a poignant look at Lyndon Johnson’s oath amid tragedy, illustrating the delicate dance of leadership and spectacle.

Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 9min
Lawfare Archive: Lindsay Chervinsky on ‘Making the Presidency’
Lindsay Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Library at Mount Vernon and author of a book on presidential precedents, discusses John Adams's impact on executive power. She reveals how Adams navigated tension with his cabinet and rival factions, emphasizing his strategy to assert presidential authority amidst challenges. Chervinsky delves into the Quasi-War with France, Adams's unique use of the pardon power, and the norms surrounding foreign policy. Her insights illustrate the foundational role Adams played in shaping modern presidential conduct.

Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 8min
Lawfare Daily: Lindsay Chervinsky on ‘Making the Presidency’
Lindsay Chervinsky is the Executive Director of the George Washington Library at Mount Vernon and the author of a celebrated book on John Adams's presidency. She discusses how Adams navigated conflicts while establishing presidential norms and defended his authority amid opposition. The conversation explores the intricate dynamics of presidential power, the challenges of military and diplomatic strategies, and the historical implications of the presidential pardon. Chervinsky sheds light on how these foundational elements shaped today's governance.


