American Esoterica

Episode 27 - Presidential Potpourri

It's pop quiz time, and the subjects are "The Address of the Address," "Counting Commanders-in-Chief," "The War of Whenever," and "A King for a President." Good luck.

Episode 26 - One Woman, One Vote

The vote for millions came down to the vote of just one, and a short, sublime campaign of influence by a powerful figure. 

Episode 25 - The Sex Cult of Quality Flatware

The weird story behind an iconic American brand, featuring old-time religion, free love, presidential assassination,  and lots of silverware. 

Episode 24 - The Revolution Will Be Subsidized

Spy, saboteur, and financier of the Continental Army... Meet Haym Salomon, superhero of the Revolution.

Episode 23 - Wright Left

In 1982, one man conned his way into one of the biggest races in NASCAR, then disappeared without a trace for over forty years. Get ready for a hard left turn. 

Episode 22 - Grandpa Tenth President

No time - just listen, before it's too late. (Also, the story of the results of John Tyler's procreative history.)

Episode 21 - Technically Free Speech

About the tension between Freedom of Speech and human decency, and how one canny Police Commissioner tried to protect both at once. Come laugh at the bigots with us.

Episode 20 - By the Hem of Her Dress

An epic tale of an indomitable spirit and the small world of the Civil War-era United States. Meet Elizabeth Keckley. 

Episode 19 - A Teddy for Valentine’s

The story of the saddest Valentine's Day in American history. Listen with a loved one. 

Episode 18 - The Raid

If you think a raid into enemy territory that rescued over 750 enslaved people and destroyed millions of dollars of Confederate property sounds impressive, you should hear about the woman who led it