Presidencies of the United States

Smith Thompson: The Political Jurist and the Balance of Power

Tenure of Office: January 1, 1819 - August 31, 1823 Explore the life of Smith Thompson, a transitional figure in American political history who served as Secretary of the Navy under U.S. President James Monroe before ascending to the Supreme Court. This episode analyzes his leadership style, contrasting his role as a trusted lieutenant focused on political patronage with his independence as a jurist who often challenged Chief Justice John Marshall. Discover how Thompson’s principled dissents and persistent political ambitions shaped the evolving legal landscape of the Early Republic. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Presidential Crisis Management: Leadership Lessons from US History with Edward Segal

Year(s) Discussed: 1866-2026 Delve into the art of crisis management with insights from an expert PR consultant and journalist, Edward Segal. This episode uncovers the leadership strategies of US presidents, including insights on the importance of communication and information gathering for successful crisis managers like Franklin D Roosevelt and John F Kennedy. Our conversation also reveals how historical figures like Andrew Johnson and Richard Nixon faced self-inflicted disasters and what modern leaders can learn from presidential triumphs and failures. Listeners will leave this episode understanding how adaptable crisis plans have shaped political history and gain practical tools to build resilience and emerge stronger from life's inevitable challenges. Additional information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Revolutionary Soldier to American Statesman: Monroe Pre-Presidency Part One

Year(s) Discussed: 1758-1787 What does it take to rise from being a 16-year-old orphan to a central figure in the American founding? This episode explores the early leadership journey of James Monroe, a man driven by a profound aversion to "insignificance". We trace Monroe’s evolution from a courageous young lieutenant who nearly bled to death at the Battle of Trenton to a strategic thinker under the mentorship of Thomas Jefferson. You will learn how Monroe’s "substantial qualities of judgment" allowed him to build vital connections with figures like Washington and Lafayette, while his time as an aide-de-camp provided him with the "big-picture" perspective necessary for high-level statesmanship. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview with David T Beito, FDR: A New Political Life

Year(s) Discussed: 1913-1945 One of the most pivotal figures in 20th century history, as my guest David T Beito shares with us, Franklin D Roosevelt was also a complex figure who leaves a complicated legacy. Learn more about his rise to political prominence, the policies he pursued while in office, and the central role that politics played in his life. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SATT 033.3/VPOTUS 007.3 - John C Calhoun Part Three

Tenure of Office: December 8, 1817 - March 4, 1825 (as Secretary of War); March 4, 1825 - December 28, 1832 (as Vice President); April 1, 1844 - March 10, 1845 (as Secretary of State) Though we come to the end of Calhoun's life and career in this episode, as I and my special guests, Alycia of Civics and Coffee and Alex of the Vice Presidencies series, learn, Calhoun was on the go to the very end with a stint as Secretary of State followed by a return to the US Senate. In our final evaluation of his legacy, will we deem him to be a Cabinet and/or Vice Presidential All-Star? Listen in to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices