Here's Where It Gets Interesting

It’s time to meet the woman who set the gold standard for the role of First Lady. With her natural charm and lively spirit, Dolley Madison hosted countless gatherings for Washington’s elite, turning social events into powerful political tools. Through the art of entertaining, she not only shaped the culture of the capital, but also advanced the influence and career of the nation’s fourth president, James Madison. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thomas Jefferson’s wife Martha died nearly twenty years before he took office, yet history still lists her as an official First Lady. Jefferson never remarried, but two very important women supported him through his years as a widower in ways few people know. Their stories were already intertwined long before Jefferson entered the picture, and their influence would leave a mark on the presidency itself. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the incredible journey of Abigail Adams as she sails to Paris to join her husband, John Adams. Discover her progressive views during a transformative time for America. Experience the challenges of their marriage, parenthood, and her vibrant life in Europe. The podcast also uncovers Abigail’s insights into education while navigating relationships with key figures like Thomas Jefferson. Plus, learn about the struggles of her daughter, Naby, contrasting her tumultuous marriage with Abigail’s influential role as First Lady.

Dive into the riveting lives of two remarkable women named Theodosia, who profoundly influenced Aaron Burr. Discover Theodosia Bartow's fierce patriotism and her defiance against British loyalty during the Revolution. Explore her complex relationship with Burr, marked by love, intellect, and societal challenges. Unravel the mystery of Theodosia Burr Alston's tragic disappearance at sea and the family secrets that linger. This exploration reveals the intertwining of ambition, loss, and legacy in a dramatic historical context.

Discover the compelling life of Martha Washington, America's first First Lady. From her spirited youth in colonial Virginia to the challenges of raising a blended family during the Revolutionary War, her story is rich with personal trials. Learn about her significant role in shaping the presidency and the nation, and how her journey from Mount Vernon to Philadelphia marked her transition into the political sphere. The podcast also delves into the controversial legacy of slavery, featuring the story of Ona Judge, who escaped from Martha's household.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian, takes us on a personal journey through the 1960s. She shares her exciting adventure of uncovering over 300 boxes of memorabilia from her husband Richard's time, unearthing history's hidden gems. The discussion delves into the contrasting leadership styles of JFK and LBJ, emphasizing character's significance. Doris also reflects on the impact of the Kennedy assassinations and the vital role of collective action in driving social change, encouraging listeners to actively engage in democracy.

In this engaging discussion, Akhil Reed Amar, a Yale constitutional law professor and first-generation American, emphasizes the U.S. Constitution's role in uniting diverse citizens. He reflects on his journey to understanding citizenship and the importance of constitutional knowledge as foundational for democracy. Amar dives into the complexities of amendments, advocates for consensus in today's polarized climate, and discusses the contemporary debate on term limits, highlighting the necessity of personal relationships in fostering bipartisan cooperation.

What would it take to update the Constitution and should we try? Sharon is joined by former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold to explore this question from his book, The Constitution in Jeopardy. Together, they unpack the tools the framers gave to evolve the founding document, including the never before used, and deeply controversial, Constitutional Convention. Could such a convention be a path to necessary reform, or a backdoor to dismantling democracy itself? Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With approval ratings of The Supreme Court at a historic low, what can Congress and the average American citizen do to hold the court accountable, and foster transparency? Sharon welcomes law professor Stephen Vladeck to nerd out about all things Supreme Court. Stephen dives into the elusive behind-the-scenes “shadow docket,” and how 99% of what the court does is in the shadows – without public hearings, and without explanation. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hadley Vlahos, a registered nurse and bestselling author of *The In-Between*, shares her profound insights from years as a hospice nurse. She discusses the deeply emotional connections forged during patients' final moments and the surprising encounters some have with deceased loved ones. Vlahos emphasizes the importance of open conversations about death, comforting those involved, and embracing the dignity of dying. Her stories challenge conventional beliefs, urging listeners to rethink the significance of life's last moments.