American Esoterica

Episode 8 - The Commonwealth vs. Abraham Lincoln

A young scofflaw named Abraham Lincoln has his first brush with the long arm of the law - and he likes it. 

Episode 7 - What the Law is

John Adams's Secretary of State had ONE JOB to do at the end of his term. And if he had done it, the entire system of checks and balances in American government may have turned out completely different. Come for the first real display of genuine partisan shenanigans, stay for the Supreme Court completing a journey of self-discovery just like in "Eat, Pray, Love." 

Episode 6 - Home is Where the War is

Sometimes history has a sense of poetic irony. Other times it just wants to mess with people. One such person found himself in the middle of not just one, but two major historical events, and it's a story that has to be heard to be believed. 

Episode 5 - Movie Day at the Supreme Court

It's the mid-twentieth century, and technology is producing new kinds of content that tests the bounds of the First Amendment. That's where our brave heroes join the fray, giving their all in the fight against obscenity. Grab some popcorn - it's movie time. 

Episode 4 - What Does It Mean? Idaho.

This is the story of a territory, a con man, and the indelible tie that exists between them to this day. Get ready for a twist, and then some. And if you live in Idaho? Sorry. 

Episode 3 - The Presidential Harbinger of Death

If you were running the country between 1865 and 1901, there was one man you probably should've avoided. 

Episode 2 - The First President?

There are a few names you don't know in the American origin story - this is one of them, and his title sounds very familiar...

Episode 1 - Independence Date

Are we celebrating Independence Day on the wrong day? John Adams seems to think so...