The American Idea

by Ashbrook Center

The American Idea explores America's Founding principles and their effect on American history and government. Through thoughtful conversations with renowned academics and public figures from across the country, we examine the history and political thought behind our country’s greatest documents and debates, as well as contemporary issues, American popular culture, and political statesmanship. The podcast is a production of t ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 3

  • American Portraits: Last Summer Boys

    American Portraits: Last Summer Boys

    Jeff is joined by Bill Rivers, author and former speechwriter for James Mattis, for a discussion of Bill's coming of age novel, "Last Summer Boys." Set in the summer of 1968, the story follows the experiences and choices of three boys living through the tumult of the political and cultural issues of the late 1960s. Jeff and Bill discuss the writer's craft, and Bill's work as a speechwriter for James Mattis during his service as Secretary of Defense.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

  • Contemporary Conversations: Ohio Attorney General David Yost on Constitution Day 2023

    Contemporary Conversations: Ohio Attorney General David Yost on Constitution Day 2023

    Jeff is joined by Ohio Attorney General to discuss the role of an attorney general, the rule of law, and the importance of a properly-balanced constitutional order. This podcast was recorded during the AG's visit to the Ashbrook Center on 12 SEP 23 for Ashbrook's "Major Issues Lecture Series" luncheon in recognition of Constitution Day 2023.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

  • Contemporary Conversations: A "Post-America" American History?

    Contemporary Conversations: A "Post-America" American History?

    John Moser and Johann Neem, of Western Washington University, discuss the movement by many toward a version of American history that seeks to get beyond what have been understood as America's fundamental meaning, identity, and role in the world. From the traditional view of America as a source of hope and good to a reformed vision of America as a force for evil and oppression, many in academia, journalism, and K-12 schools have moved to a "post-America" vision for understanding our country. In this episode we examine this movement, its impact on Americans, and how an honest analysis of both Left and Right extremes can provide a unified and unifying understanding of what America is, and what it can be.Read Johann's Article: https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/theological-variations/articles/missed-america Host: John Moser Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea Podcast homepage: https://ashbrook.org/viewpoints/

  • Core American Ideas: Natural Rights and Limited Government

    Core American Ideas: Natural Rights and Limited Government

    Jeff discusses two of the most fundamental ideas at the foundation of the American experiment: natural rights and their outgrowth, limited government. Get a firm, documents-based understanding of these fundamental principles, and ideas of what to read to consider them in even greater depth.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanideaGet a free copy of the 50 Core American Documents volume: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/50-core-american-documents-cdc/

  • Contemporary Conversations: A Student's Journey

    Contemporary Conversations: A Student's Journey

    In this special episode, a former teacher - and Ashbrook MAHG graduate - and former Ashbrook Scholar - and recent law school graduate - discuss their years-long connection and the importance of mentorship, collegial relationships in education, and the place of a classical liberal education.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea