Rendezvous With History
Welcome to Rendezvous with History, a Reagan Institute podcast that explores the past and present of the American presidency with leading scholars and authors who shed new light on what we thought we knew about the highest office in the land. Rendezvous with History captures the drama of presidential decision-making and dives deep into the connections between the president and the people that shape American society and world events.
Episodes
In this special Halloween episode, Dr. Matthew J. Cressler joins the podcast to discuss his new book, Body and Blood: Catholic Horror in America. The conversation dives into the spooky, gruesome, and weird aspects of the horror genre that have been influenced by Catholicism, the connection between horror and American morality and politics.
Professor Andrew Preston joins the podcast to discuss his new book: Total Defense: The New Deal and the Invention of National Security. The conversation covers the causation direction between the Welfare State and the Warfare State in the wake of FDR's New Deal, and the tradeoffs between democracy and an empowered state.
Stephanie Slade joins the podcast to discuss her new book, Fusionism: Liberty, Virtue, and the Future of the American Right. Slade breaks down the philosophical commitments that have defined conservative thought, and how the modern American right is a departure. The conversation drills to the core of the philosophical currents that drive our political realities.
Louis Hyman joins the podcast to discuss the history of computing, the advancement of AI, and how the fundamental nature of AI and quantum computers create different challenges for societies to decentralize, regulate, or democratize the two technologies.
Beverly Gage joins Anthony Eames on the podcast to discuss her new book: This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History, featured on President Obama’s 2026 Summer Reading List. The episode covers the winding road of American history and the moments that are relevant to the questions we face today.
In this special America 250 episode, Prof. Ilan Wurman joins Dr. Anthony Eames on the podcast to discuss his new book: The Constitution of 1789: A New Introduction. The discussion covers political science at the time of the founding, the legal innovations that inspired the American Revolution, and the less intuitive provisions for the separation of powers.
Sarah Isgur joins Anthony Eames on the podcast to discuss her new book: Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today’s Supreme Court. The conversation explores the history that shaped the Supreme Court into the counter-majoritarian institution it is today.
Join us for an in-depth discussion with Professor David Holloway on the history of nuclear weapons, their strategic evolution, and their impact on international relations from WWII to the present. Discover insights into deterrence, technological advances, and regional conflicts that shaped the nuclear age.
Dr. Elizabeth Rees joins Dr. Anthony Eames to discuss the evolving role of the Office of the First Lady in American history, from early hostess duties to the changing demands of social secretaries and the impact of the East Wing on culture and political movements. Rees explores how the First Ladyship evolved over time without rules, giving every First Lady the ability and the right to make the role her own.
Dr. Julia Irwin joins Dr. Anthony Eames to discuss her book: Catastrophic Diplomacy: US Foreign Disaster Assistance in the American Century. Irwin lays out the political motivations that shaped international disaster relief and dives into the history of USAID, the American Red Cross, and US military interventions.
Dr. Laura K. Field joins Dr. Anthony Eames to discuss her book, Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right. The conversation dives into who has a claim to Western Civilization, the overrepresentation of Catholic Integralists and postliberals in government, and how the Oresteia Trilogy inspired the book title. Field makes a strong case for hidden, deep roots that inform MAGA goals.
Dr. James Graham Wilson joins Dr. Anthony Eames to discuss the ending of New START. The conversation explores the historical evolution of arms control, how technological developments impact negotiations, and the current geopolitical landscape.
Professor Alex Wellerstein joins to discuss his book, 'The Most Awful Responsibility,' which challenges conventional narratives about the use of atomic bombs on Japanese cities. Wellerstein argues that President Truman never decided whether to use the atomic bomb. The decision Truman actually made was regarding the bomb's target, where he misunderstood the cost to civilian lives. This episode explores the blind ...
Host Dr. Anthony Eames welcomes Dr. Aileen Teague to discuss her landmark study, Policing on Drugs: The United States, Mexico, and the Origins of the Modern Drug War, 1969–2000. Teague examines the intertwined histories of U.S. supply-control strategies, PRI-era political violence, cross-border agency dynamics, and the profound effects of NAFTA and economic crisis on drug trafficking routes. This epis...
In this episode, host Anthony Eames interviews Daniel Flynn about his book 'The Man Who Invented Conservatism,' which explores the life and ideas of Frank Meyer, a pivotal figure in the American conservative movement. The conversation delves into Meyer's concept of fusionism, his early life, his transition from communism to conservatism, and his influential role at the National Review. Flynn highlights Meyer's relationships with ke...
In this conversation, Professor Frank Gavin discusses the critical role of historical thinking in contemporary society, addressing its failings in informing foreign policy and civic unity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding history's methodology and the lessons learned from past events, particularly in the context of the global war on terror. Gavin also explores the implications of unprecedented technological changes and...
In this engaging conversation, Anthony Eames speaks with Alexis Coe, a presidential historian and columnist for the New York Times, about her unique role in curating American history for modern readers. They explore the intersection of public and academic history, the personal lives of presidents, and the importance of authenticity in leadership. The discussion also touches on the evolution of the White House, the significance of p...
On this episode of Rendezvous with History, Anthony Eames sits down with Andrew Rudavelige to discuss the intricacies of government shutdowns and the pivotal role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Rudavelige, a professor and expert on government operations, explains the historical evolution of the OMB, highlighting its critical function in managing fiscal policies and its influence during shutdowns. They discuss the age...
On this episode of Rendezvous with History, Anthony Eames sits down with Paul Miller to discuss his new book, "Choosing Defeat: The 20-Year Saga of How America Lost Afghanistan." They delve into the complexities of the Afghanistan war, discussing the cultural perceptions, strategic missteps, and bureaucratic challenges that shaped the conflict. They take a look back at presidential decision-making across successive administrations ...
On this episode of Rendezvous With History, Reagan Institute Director of Scholarly Initiatives Dr. Anthony Eames sits down with Dr. Stephan Kieninger who is a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center and the author of the book entitled, Securing Peace in Europe. Strobe Talbott, NATO, and Russia after the Cold War. They discuss Strobe Talbot’s background as a journalist, his transition to the State Department under President Clinton...
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