Historian Heath Hardage Lee, author of "The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon," talks about the life and times of the former First Lady (1969-74). She says that Pat Nixon, who was voted "Most Admired Woman in the World" in 1972, was largely mis-portrayed by the press, who characterized her as being elusive and "plastic." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Georgetown University history professor Darragh Gannon discusses the Irish diaspora and the role of the United States during "The Troubles" and in the Northen Ireland peace process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

University of Southern California sociology professor Brittany Friedman discusses the formation and evolution of American prison gangs in the 20th and 21st centuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Yale University professor Marlene Daut dives into the life of Henri Christophe, a former enslaved person who rose to become the king of Haiti. She explores the brutal realities leading up to the 1791 revolution and the complex power dynamics involving figures like Toussaint Louverture and Napoleon Bonaparte. Daut highlights Christophe's efforts to legitimize black sovereignty and his architectural triumphs, alongside the cultural tensions surrounding religion and independence that continue to shape Haiti's identity.

Juan Mora, a history professor at Indiana University, dives deep into the U.S. Border Patrol's evolution shaped by 20th-century immigration laws. He discusses the critical impact of key legislations like the 1917 Immigration Act and the 1924 National Origins Act on agency formation. Mora highlights early challenges faced by the Border Patrol, including funding and ethnic tensions, and the complexities of its 100-mile jurisdiction. The conversation also touches on the increasing representation of Latino agents and their motivations to join the force.

Louisiana State University journalism professor John Maxwell Hamilton discusses U.S. government propaganda efforts during World War I. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College of William & Mary lecturer Amy Stallings discusses the history of the 1607 Jamestown settlement in Virginia and efforts over four centuries to preserve and remember the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duke University professor Cecilia Marquez discusses Latino migration trends in the 20th and early 21st centuries and how Latinos shaped the culture, development and economics of the American South. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, journalism professor John Maxwell Hamilton from Louisiana State University delves into U.S. government propaganda efforts during World War I. He highlights the formation of the Committee on Public Information and its pivotal role in shaping public perception. Topics include the manipulation of information, ethical dilemmas, and the enduring influence of propaganda tactics, echoing modern concerns about media distortion and narratives. Hamilton also explores how wartime propaganda shaped societal views, particularly regarding perceptions of Germans.

Professor Richard Gamble from Hillsdale College discusses the intriguing blend of American nationalism and religious symbolism during the Cold War. He explores how civil religion shaped American identity, particularly during the Vietnam War, while examining pivotal crises and key historical figures. Gamble highlights the complexity of presidential rhetoric, especially Lyndon Johnson's contradictory use of biblical references against the backdrop of his policies. The conversation also touches on the role of faith in community cohesion and the tensions within religious groups regarding political engagement.