Echoes Of The Republic

In The Presidents and the Professors, we explore how U.S. presidents have shaped—and been shaped by—American colleges. From Jefferson’s founding ideals to campus protests, court battles, and culture wars, this episode traces the politics of higher education.

From Roosevelt’s polio campaign to Trump’s war with the CDC, this episode examines how presidents have shaped—and shaken—America’s public health institutions. A sweeping look at leadership, science, and the politics of medicine in the modern presidency.

Economist Judith Rosenzweig joins Echoes of the Republic to unpack the history and politics of tariffs—from McKinley and Smoot-Hawley to Trump’s trade wars. A deep dive into presidential power, economic fallout, and what it means for America’s future.

Memorial Day isn't just a ceremony—it's a stage for presidential reckoning. Charlotte Wells traces how presidents have shaped, politicized, and commemorated this solemn holiday from Grant to Trump, asking who we remember—and who we forget.

This episode explores how U.S. presidents have concealed major health issues, including strokes, heart disease, and cognitive decline, raising urgent questions about transparency, leadership, and the public’s right to know.

Charlotte Wells explores the history of birthright citizenship—from the 14th Amendment to Trump’s second-term efforts to limit it. This episode examines how presidents have shaped who belongs in America through law, fear, and the meaning of citizenship itself.

In “The Moral Presidency,” we examine how presidents have used the office to shape the nation's values. From calls for unity to personal failings, the episode explores how moral leadership can uplift or undermine trust

Owen Fielding examines how U.S. presidents—from Lincoln to Trump—have suspended or challenged habeas corpus during crises, exploring the balance between national security and civil liberties throughout American history.

In this episode, we uncover the story of the Palmer Raids—mass arrests and deportations of immigrants in 1919–1920—and compare them to modern-day crackdowns, exploring how fear, power, and politics shape America's approach to civil liberties and dissent.

In “The Shining City,” Owen Fielding explores Ronald Reagan’s iconic metaphor, tracing its Puritan roots, Cold War symbolism, and its role in America’s rise as a global superpower—revealing how presidential rhetoric shapes national identity and global vision.

We explore how presidents have used the pardon power to heal, reward, or protect. When does mercy serve justice—and when does it shield power? A look at clemency, controversy, and the cost of unchecked forgiveness.

From FDR’s New Deal sprint to Trump’s second-term blitz, we explore how presidents shape their legacy in the first 100 days. Who delivered on promises? Who stumbled? And what do those early days reveal about power, vision, and the future of the republic?

Presidents don’t set interest rates—but many have tried to sway the Fed. From Nixon to Trump, we explore how presidents have pressured the Federal Reserve, and why the battle for monetary control matters for democracy.

From Lincoln to Bush to Trump, we explore how presidents have used crisis to expand power—suspending rights, declaring emergencies, and redefining liberty in the name of security. What is lost when fear rules the Constitution?

We examine the long battle over the independence of America’s courts—from FDR’s court-packing plan to modern efforts to politicize the judiciary. How far can a president go in reshaping the courts? And what are the consequences for our democracy?

Host Owen Fielding explores the roots of presidential authority, from George Washington’s restrained leadership to the early interpretations of Article II. Learn how the Founders shaped the presidency to balance power and accountability—setting the stage for centuries of debate.