“Robert E. Lee and Me” – General Ty Seidule

General Ty Seidule returns to the Buzzkill Institute to talk about his wonderful new book, “Robert E. Lee and Me: a Southerner’s Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause.” This is required listening for every American, and all those interested in why our country continually struggles with racism, white supremacy, and false and ahistorical…

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Presidential Transitions in American History

Even though nothing tops the 2020-2021 Trump-Biden “transition,” presidential transitions have not always been smooth and stable in American history. Professor Philip Nash explains all and puts historical transitions in the context of what’s happening now. Episode #402 Buzzkillers can enjoy free membership at Hark Audio, the coolest new thing in the podcast world. Go…

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Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence

Dr. Kate Lemay from the National Portrait Gallery tells us about the popular historical exhibition, “Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence.” She outlines the movement for women to obtain the right to vote as part of the larger struggle for equality, and tells us how that was shown in portraiture. A great show to…

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“It’s a Wonderful Life” Myths and Urban Legends

Imagine being tortured by wartime memories. Explosions, death, mutilated bodies (some of them friends of yours), all the screaming. Now, imagine them coming from a very confined and dangerous place. I’ve always thought that being in a warplane or submarine would add the extra stress of being trapped, and not even being able to contemplate…

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Christmas: Commercialism, FDR, the Nazis, and Beyond!

Professor Philip Nash explains the complexities of the celebration and commercialism of Christmas — from the Roman holiday of Saturnalia to the Victorian era to the Nazi period and beyond! Listen to the best explanation of the history of modern Christmas that you’re gonna find this side of Bethlehem! Episode #387 —Buzzkill Bookshelf Gerry Bowler,…

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George Washington and the Development of the Cabinet

How and why did George Washington create the cabinet structure that he used in his Presidency? How did it help create new political norms and traditions in the early United States? What was its long-standing effect? Professor Lindsey Chervinsky explains all! Episode #395. —Buzzkill Bookshelf Lindsay M. Chervinsky, The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation…

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