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The American Idea

Ashbrook Center
First Amendment
Harlem Renaissance
Social Media Censorship
Free Speech
Racial Violence
African American Culture
World War II
Covid-19
New Civil Liberties Alliance
Supreme Court Cases
1920s
Great Migration
Local Government
Antitrust Law
Hunter Biden Laptop
Misinformation
Leadership
W.E.B. Du Bois
Cultural Nationalism
Jazz

The American Idea explores America's Founding principles and their effect on American history and government. Through thoughtful conversations with renowned academics and public figures from across the country, we examine the history and political thought behind our country’s greatest documents and debates, as well as contemporary issues, American popular culture, and political statesmanship. The ... more

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Artwork for The American Idea

Latest Episodes

The Anti-Federalists are often overlooked in the story of America's founding, but their arguments helped shape the Constitution we live under today. In this episode of The American Idea, host Jeff Sikkenga sits down with Professor Adam Carrington of ... more

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James Madison was one of the two primary authors of The Federalist. What ideas did he promote through his essays? Where did he disagree with the points he argued? As we consider the American Founding and try to understand how the Founders turned goal... more

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The Federalist, or more broadly known as the Federalist Papers, is looked on as the definitive defense of the Constitution as written in 1787, and by that, a clear explanation of its contents and rationale. Whether it’s those things or not, how shoul... more

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George Washington has been referred to as the “indispensable man,” and was looked to during and after the Revolution as the one person who could be trusted to lead the country. Why? What made him such a trusted figure then and for generations after h... more

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Recent Guests

Professor Jeremy Bailey
A leading scholar of American political thought and author.
Episode: James Madison and The Federalist
Christopher Burkett
Professor of Political Science at Ashland University
Ashland University
Episode: How to Read The Federalist
Todd Estes
Professor of History at Oakland University, expert on the early American Republic and its political culture
Oakland University
Episode: Thomas Jefferson: Essential American Founder
Thomas Patterson
Independent historian with a focus on Huey Long
Patterson Law Firm
Episode: Huey Long - American Populist
Natalie Taylor
Author of a book on A Political Philosophy of Mary Wollstonecraft and expert on women's rights history
Episode: Women’s Suffrage, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the Declaration of Independence
Adam Seagrave
Director of Teacher Programs for the Ashbrook Center, widely published author on American political thought.
Ashbrook Center
Episode: What Makes Americans a "Declarational" People?
Richard Bell
Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of The American Revolution and the Fate of the World
University of Maryland
Episode: The American Revolution and the Fate of the World
Peter Schramm
A Hungarian immigrant who became a prominent American educator and advocate for American principles.
Ashbrook Center
Episode: Special Episode: Born American, But in the Wrong Place
Kara Rogers-Stevens
Scholar of the American Revolutionary Period and Thomas Jefferson
Ashton University
Episode: When in the Course of Human Events: Creating the Declaration of Independence

Host

Jeff Sikkenga
Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center and host of discussions exploring America's founding principles, their historical context, and contemporary implications.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 82 ratings
  • Thank you from Indonesia

    The show is very helpful for social studies teachers who want to dive beneath the surface. It also helps me be able to articulate some important political and cultural concepts to my international students in Indonesia.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Beavers School Laptop
    United States3 months ago
  • First listen failed to earn my respect because…

    Peter Grossman may be an economics expert but he isn’t one on energy or climate change. His views fail to understand the reality unfolding, and instead express his own form of utopian views not grounded in science. He is harmful if influential in that arena.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    bGuiles
    United States2 years ago
  • Worth the investment of your time

    An intentional interview style. The host allows the guest to really paint the pictures of history by not letting and agents nor political sway hinder the guest’s story.

    Thanks, so much for the production.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Beau ma Beau
    United States3 years ago
  • So good

    I attended Ashland University to get my MA in US history and government through the Ashbrook Center. It was the finest educational experience I have ever received. I even had Dr. Sikkenga for a class on the 4th Amendment-it was phenomenal. This podcast is a continuation of that experience. HIGHLY recommended if you are a history teacher or just want to understand more about what it means to be an American.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cornerstone1976
    United States3 years ago
  • Great!

    This should be required for HS students! Hoping they will get Gordon Lloyd on!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Efrazee54
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some reviews indicate a preference for a balanced, thoughtful approach to political discourse, avoiding extreme views.
The engagement with renowned academics enhances the quality of discussion and depth of insight.
Listeners find the content enlightening, especially for those interested in American history and governance.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

George Washington - The Indispensable Founding Father
Q: What was Washington's thinking about serving two terms as president?
Washington believed in the importance of turnover for a healthy Republican government and was aware that he was setting a precedent, although he did want to return to Mount Vernon.
George Washington - The Indispensable Founding Father
Q: Can you say a little bit more about Washington's reputation as a leader during the American Revolution, including maybe some of those who were detractors?
Washington faced criticism from some generals and politicians, including General Gates and General Lee, who doubted his military abilities and leadership.
Thomas Jefferson: Essential American Founder
Q: What did Jefferson hope would be the product of the American higher education system, particularly the University of Virginia?
Jefferson aimed to create a university system that would produce broadly educated individuals capable of leading and governed based on American principles, distinct from European influences.
Thomas Jefferson: Essential American Founder
Q: What is the importance for the summary view of the summary view for Thomas Jefferson?
The summary view acts as a precursor to Jefferson's later writings, particularly in the Declaration of Independence, aligning themes of governance, representation, and rights.
How Does the Declaration of Independence Influence the Constitution?
Q: Do we see any of the influence of the Declaration's principles on the state constitutions?
Yes, many state constitutions adopted similar language to the Declaration, asserting inalienable rights and emphasizing the purpose of government to uphold such rights.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The American Idea

What is The American Idea about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Discussions focus on America's founding principles and their influence on the nation's history, politics, and governance. Topics frequently include critical documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, alongside explorations of significant historical events and figures, such as Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The conversations are enriched by insights from academics and experts, creating a platform for understanding contemporary American issues through the lens of historical context. The accessible yet scholarly approach makes it suitable for educators, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper understanding of American identity and values.

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Which podcasts are similar to The American Idea?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The American Idea:

1. History Daily
2. History That Doesn't Suck
3. EconTalk
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. Morning Wire

How many episodes of The American Idea are there?

The American Idea launched 5 years ago and published 221 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The American Idea?

Recent guests on The American Idea include:

1. Professor Jeremy Bailey
2. Christopher Burkett
3. Todd Estes
4. Thomas Patterson
5. Natalie Taylor
6. Adam Seagrave
7. Richard Bell
8. Peter Schramm

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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