Listening to America

"The last years of his life were increasingly characterized by debt and disillusionment." — Clay We return to Jefferson 101 with part one of the final three shows of the Jefferson biography series to discuss Jefferson's years in retirement at Monticello. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Learn about Clay's upcoming cultural tours and humanities retreats by visiting Odyssey Tours. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

Anything that is non-violent is an acceptable form of protest in a Republic." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson President Jefferson shares his view on what he calls an essential need for citizens to speak out about issues they disagree with and he explains why dissent is necessary for the health of American democracy. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Learn about Clay's upcoming cultural tours and humanities retreats by visiting Odyssey Tours. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"Jefferson was a gentleman. Mountains weren't climbed in his time." — Clay This week, we speak with Clay about his recent mountain climbing experience and answer listener questions. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Learn about Clay's upcoming cultural tours and humanities retreats by visiting Odyssey Tours. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." — Samuel Johnson We speak with President Thomas Jefferson about patriotism and Jefferson's concept of what it is to be truly free. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

Prompted by a listener letter, Clay answers the question, "If Thomas Jefferson appeared before you today, what would you want to show him from our time?" Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"Nobody ever used the English language to greater effect than William Shakespeare." — Clay Clay discusses his new show, "Clay Jenkinson's Shakespeare the Magic of the Word" — which held its world premiere in Norfolk, VA in September — and shares Jefferson's thoughts and regard for the work of William Shakespeare. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science by rendering them my supreme delight." — Thomas Jefferson We return to the Jefferson 101 biographical series and explore Jefferson's second term as President. We discuss the many difficulties he had, including the Burr conspiracy and the Embargo Act of 1807 to 1809. This is Jefferson 121. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"I am more candid in your era than I ever would have been in mine." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we speak with President Jefferson about his hospitality and good manners. In her book, The First Forty Years of Washington Society Margaret Bayard Smith quotes federalist Supreme Court Justice William Paterson's opinion of Thomas Jefferson. Of Jefferson he said, "No man can be personally acquainted with Mr. Jefferson and remain his personal enemy." Clay Jenkinson's "Shakespeare and the Magic of the Word" will premiere in Norfolk, VA, Friday, September 22 at 8 PM. You can purchase tickets at the TCC Roper Performing Arts Center one hour before the show, in advance by calling: 757-822-1450 or order online. Don't forget to RSVP on Facebook! Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"If the three federal branches can't stop themselves from doing appalling things, a fourth entity exists, and that's the states." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson We discuss the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798, states' rights, and the need for checks and balances within the federal government. Clay Jenkinson's "Shakespeare the Magic of the Word" will premiere in Norfolk, VA, Friday, September 22 at 8 PM. You can purchase tickets at the TCC Roper Performing Arts Center one hour before the show, in advance by calling: 757-822-1450 or order online. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"How can you call yourself a Jeffersonian if you don't go see [the eclipse]?" — Clay Clay takes us on a road trip to Wyoming to witness the eclipse. Later in the episode, David Nicandri phones in to report on his experience. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.