Friends & Fellow Citizens

The U.S. faces unprecedented drug addiction and trafficking crises that is intricately connected to law enforcement, foreign policy, and social factors. How extensive have these crises been regarding U.S. foreign policy in Latin America? Dr. Aileen Teague joins the program to share her views on the transnational drug trafficking and preview how complex the causes and solutions are to these ever-changing issues.

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When people think of the U.S. flag design, they often think of Betsy Ross...but not Francis Hopkinson. Hear how this Founder with artistic skills encountered a major bureaucratic obstacle in the young Congress and how his writing analogized the patriot cause of the American Revolution.

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Listen to Part 1 HERE!

What goes into the process of podcasting? After nearly three years since Friends & Fellow Citizens began, this special, two-part, two-way interview episode features Sherman and fellow podcaster Francisco Kilgore, who hosts his own program "Hello Sonoma!". Both provide deeper insight into the podcast production process, including tips on how to start and maintain your own podcast!

What goes into the process of podcasting? After nearly three years since Friends & Fellow Citizens began, this special, two-part, two-way interview episode features Sherman and fellow podcaster Francisco Kilgore, who hosts his own program "Hello Sonoma!". Both provide deeper insight into the podcast production process, including tips on how to start and maintain your own podcast!

Listen to Part 2 for more!

Discover the intriguing life and impactful legacy of Benjamin Bristow as this episode journeys through his career as a Union Army officer and major Republican Party reformer. Hear how his dedication to government reform and civil rights advocacy as a Kentucky state senator, US district attorney, first Solicitor General of the U.S., and Secretary of the Treasury.

We also dive into the Whisky Ring scandal of 1874 that shook ...

In an age of social media, the challenge of promoting and maintaining trust online continues to grow and demand more solutions. So how can parents and educators contribute to minimize online threats and maximize accountability and personal responsibility? Brock Murphy, Co-Founder and President of Parent ProTech, discusses the challenges of social media accountability and regulation and how his platform can protect kids online.

What can we learn from the life and legacy of John Witherspoon, an influential figure in American history who left an indelible mark on the education system and the formation of our nation? In this Sacred Honor series episode, we also delve into Witherspoon's role as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and the only clergyman to sign the document. Learn about the impact of this incredible leader on the growth of the C...

Despite numerous political differences, most people can agree on one thing: everyone wants freedom! So where can people convene and socialize about ideas for liberty? A professional dancer and Executive Director of FreedomFest, Valerie Durham shares what makes FreedomFest a unique annual event, insight into how it is put together, and some of the successes and challenges of our current political environment.

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In today's politics, it is not uncommon to see Members of Congress in shouting matches among each other and even toward witnesses. But what historical precedent could explain how we arrived at this point in time of polarized American politics? In this episode, learn more about the highly televised HUAC hearings of Alger Hiss and Whittaker Chambers and how the confrontational saga paved the way for this day and age of bitter po...

Utah Army National Guard Major Brent Taylor, a lifelong public servant and serviceman, was serving as mayor of North Ogden, UT when he embarked on his fourth deployment to Afghanistan. But on November 3, 2018, Maj. Taylor was tragically killed by an insider attack in Kabul, making him the first sitting U.S. politician to be killed in action since the Civil War.

The United States lost an American hero and patriot that day,...

Richard Stockton was one of the most prominent jurists and politicians before the American Revolution. But the growing conflict would not only take away his beloved estate, but also his health. Learn how Stockton's treatment as a prisoner of war and false rumors by Loyalists shaped the rough times many Signers faced soon after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

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Whether it's flying into Harry Reid International Airport or driving through the border town of Jackpot, visitors from all over the world come to Nevada for a gaming experience built on leisurely fun. But who is authorized to ensure tourists and locals are treated fairly by gaming companies and allow for an open environment of business innovation? Phil Katsaros, a gaming industry professional and former member of the Nevada Ga...

With millions of visitors every year, Yosemite National Park in California is one of the natural wonders in the U.S. But what many might not know is the work that President Abraham Lincoln and one U.S. Senator did to protect this park from destruction and exploitation. Learn how Senator John Conness helped spearhead one of the earliest examples of natural conservation and why Yosemite remains an iconic place to visit today.

Since Nevada officially became a "battle born" state in 1864 during the Lincoln presidency, Lincoln has been a ubiquitous historical figure in the Silver State. What other lessons can we learn from the 16th President? In Part 2, Dr. Green tell us why a both brilliant and imperfect Lincoln exemplified the type of moral leadership that can inform our political leaders today.

For more research and news about gaming,...

It is no surprise why Nevada was often considered a major part of the Old Wild West. But what about the risk-takers who bet on the success of the Silver State from the Civil War to the modern era, from mob-ruled casinos of Las Vegas to professional sports on the Strip? In Part 1, Dr. Michael Green, professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), shares about some of the fascinating stories that made Nevada and L...

While few have read about Lewis Morris, he was the first Signer from the prominent, political Morris family that ultimately continued to serve for the nation. Learn about how this signer responded to his Loyalist brother and how he became one of the first architects of what later became New York State.

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Presidents' Day is a federal holiday, but what is its significance in American history and culture? What qualities does a good leader have in the Pentagon, White House, or any American institution? Gen. (ret.) Mark Welsh, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force under President Obama and current Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M, shares some key leadership lessons from his 40-year ser...

Although President Martin Van Buren was one of the creators of the Democratic Party, some might say his son indirectly created the Republican party (perhaps by accident). Learn how the former President, his son John Van Buren, the Free Soil Party, and the Barnburners contributed to the prevention of slavery expansion in the U.S. and the prominence of single-issue politicking.

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Far too often, Americans hear about how polarized the U.S. Congress has become in recent decades. The bitter divisiveness among Members has major ramifications on the federal legislative process and the political climate, and it appears that many simply have not had opportunities to get to know one another. Among the 435 Members of Congress are thousands of Capitol Hill staffers who also need to get to know one another amid a diffi...