This American President
History
About
This American President delves into the lives and legacies of U.S. presidents through long form stories and interviews. It will challenge the way you look at American history. Hosted by Richard Lim and produced by Michael Neal. Art by NipRogers.com.
Episodes
- At the Brink: Presidents, Nuclear Weapons, and the Fate of the World Part 2, with Dr. Anthony Eames
This episode features Dr. Anthony Eames discussing presidential approaches to nuclear weapons, deterrence, and arms control from Reagan to Trump. The conversation covers the end of the Cold War, rogue states, military actions, and the qual…
- The First Ladies: Hidden Power in the White House, with Anita McBride
Anita McBride, former Chief of Staff to Laura Bush, joins host Richard Lim to discuss the historical evolution and influence of the First Lady role. They explore how First Ladies have shaped the presidency and consider the potential role o…
- At the Brink: Presidents, Nuclear Weapons, and the Fate of the World Part 1, with Dr. Anthony Eames
This episode of This American President features Dr. Anthony Eames discussing how American presidents have managed nuclear weapons, covering deterrence, arms control, and critical historical moments. The discussion spans from Truman to Rea…
- In Pursuit: Rediscovering America Through Its Presidents, with Dr. Colleen J. Shogan
Dr. Colleen J. Shogan explains the origins of the "In Pursuit" initiative, a project examining America's presidents and first ladies for historical insights relevant to current issues.
- America's Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick, with Bob Crawford
This episode features Bob Crawford discussing his book about John Quincy Adams, the sixth American president. Adams uniquely transitioned from the presidency to serving as a congressman. The discussion is hosted by Richard Lim.
- Trump Bombs Iran: The Presidential Decisions That Led to This Moment, with Randall Fowler
President Trump has ordered strikes on Iran. In this episode, scholar Randall Fowler discusses how we got to this critical moment. He examines the history of U.S.–Iran relations — from the 1953 coup and the 1979 Islamic Revolut…
- The Capture of Maduro: a Venezuelan Refugee Speaks Out
On January 3, 2026, the United States captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, ending his corrupt reign over the South American country. What led President Donald Trump to order this dramatic intervention? Franklin Camargo…
- The Truth About Franklin D. Roosevelt
FDR is often ranked by historians as one of the two or three greatest presidents. In recent years, he sometimes lands at the top spot. In this episode, Professor David T. Beito explores whether that ranking is deserved. FDR: A NEW POLITICA…
- The Hair-Raising History of the American Presidency, with Theodore Pappas
If J.D. Vance gets elected to the White House in 2028, he will be the first president in over a century to have facial hair. In this episode, Theodore Pappas discusses the surprising history of hair and the American presidency. COMBI…
- George Washington Book Update
Richard shares an update on his book project. https://www.richardmlim.com JOIN PREMIUM Listen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremium FOLLOW US www.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresident CREDITS Host: Richard Lim Producer: Michael Neal…
- Confronting the Most Evil People in History, with Bill O'Reilly
Why is there evil in the world? How do you stop it? In this episode, No Spin News host Bill O'Reilly discusses his new book about the most evil people in all of history. CONFRONTING EVIL: ASSESSING THE WORST OF THE WORST https://www.amazon…
- Debunking the Biggest Presidential Myths, with Larry Schweikart
Some of the biggest myths in American history center around the lives of the presidents. In this episode, historian Larry Schweikart tackles some of the biggest misperceptions about America's chief executives. A PATRIOT'S HISTORY OF THE UN…
- Theodore Roosevelt's Mission to Rescue the American Spirit, with Bret Baier
“His single minded mission was to elevate the United States as a leading world power… he was dedicated to the ideal of American greatness.” That is how today's guest, Bret Baier, describes President Theodore Roosevelt in…
- A Conversation with Allen Estrin about Charlie Kirk and The Honest Book of Presidents
In this episode, we interview Allen Estrin, the co-founder and executive director of Prager University, about the life of Charlie Kirk and about Estrin's new book on the presidents of the United States. THE HONEST BOOK OF PRESIDENTS: THE M…
- Camp David: The Most Important Vacation Spot in the World, with Charles Ferguson
It's both the famous vacation spot in the world, and the site of some of the most earthshaking events in modern history. It is Camp David. On this episode, former chaplain and historian at Camp David, Charles Ferguson, explains what it's l…
- America's Fallen Savior Part 4 | The Legacy of Herbert Hoover
He was the brilliant engineer and humanitarian who saved millions of lives during World War I, revolutionized the American economy, and was elected the 31st president of the United States. And yet, this same man left office with his reputa…
- The Presidents and the Bible, with Carl J. Richard
Almost every American president has sworn on the Bible to faithfully execute their duties and uphold the Constitution. But what did our presidents actually think about the Bible? Historian Carl J. Richard has just written a book on that ve…
- America's Fallen Savior Part 3 | Herbert Hoover vs. the Great Depression
Herbert Hoover was a revolutionary figure in American politics -- for many, he represented a new era, in which experts and engineers would dominate the highest levels of government. Upon Hoover's election to the presidency in 1928, million…
- Presidents v. World, with Jonathan Stokes
April 2025 will be remembered as the month when President Donald Trump declared war against the entire world -- a trade war to be exact. Whatever one thinks about his decision, it was a bold move that few chief executives would be willing…
- Julia Sand and Chester Arthur: How A Random American Woman Influenced A President, with Destry Edwards
Few presidents entered office more distrusted than America's 21st chief executive, Chester A. Arthur. But one American, Julia Sand, believed that he could rise to the occasion. What ensued was one of the most surprising and unlikely episod…
- Why the 2024 Presidential Election Was the Wildest Election of Our Lifetimes, with Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes
A president in cognitive decline. A beleaguered Vice President. A party in shambles. An ex-president on the verge of the greatest political comeback in American history. And a lot of cat and dog memes. The 2024 presidential election featur…
- America's Fallen Savior Part 2 | Herbert Hoover Troubleshoots America
Herbert Hoover emerged from World War I with a reputation as the greatest living humanitarian. He would spend the 1920s applying his brilliance and organizational abilities to transforming the American economy. In this episode, we cover Ho…
- Clash of the Titans: American Presidents vs America's CEOs, with Tevi Troy
Few people are more powerful than the president of the United States and the CEOs of America's biggest companies. In this episode, presidential historian Tevi Troy explains what happens when they go head-to-head. THE POWER AND THE MO…
- The JFK Assassination That You've Never Heard Of, with Brad Meltzer
Everyone who loves history knows that John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Few, however, know that he was almost assassinated three years earlier. In this episode, bestselling historian Brad Meltzer discusses what he unco…
- America's Fallen Savior Part 1 | The Rise of Herbert Hoover
His name is synonymous with failure and depression, and yet Herbert Hoover was one of the most brilliant and accomplished Americans of all time. In this episode, we cover Hoover's unlikely rise from orphan to international statesman. JOIN…
- How America's Greatest Presidents Met Their Moment, with William Haldeman
The presidency is perhaps the greatest test of leadership in the world. In this episode, William Haldeman discusses what we can learn about leadership from America's most iconic presidents. Meeting the Moment: Inspiring Presidential Leader…
- Two Presidents At War: Abraham Lincoln vs. Jefferson Davis, with Nigel Hamilton
The Civil War has often been portrayed as a conflict between Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. Nigel Hamilton offers a new perspective: Lincoln vs. Davis. In this episode, Nigel explains this epic clash between two American giants. Linco…
- Why Woodrow Wilson hated women's suffrage, with Christopher Cox
Woodrow Wilson might have been a progressive, but he was not happy about the progress women made in securing the right to vote. In this episode, former congressman and SEC Chairman Christopher Cox explains why. Woodrow Wilson: The Light Wi…
- How Harry Truman's best friend became a big problem, with John Robert Greene
What would you do if your best friend became president of the United States? That's exactly what happened to Harry H. Vaughan. In this episode, John Robert Greene talks about how Vaughan took advantage of that opportunity. LITTLE HELPERS:…
- Kickstarter Update and Thoughts on the 2024 Presidential Election
Our host Richard Lim discusses the latest about the Kickstarter for his George Washington book project and reflects on Donald Trump's historic triumph in the 2024 presidential election. http://richardmlim.com JOIN PREMIUM Listen ad-free fo…
- What Gen Z-ers Know About the Presidents, with Reed Elliotte
Reed Elliotte has survived cancer, befriended three former presidents, become a presidential historian, is a future presidential candidate, and has been a guest on Ellen and Dr. Phil. Oh, and he's also just 14 years old. In this episode, w…
- The Presidents of the Roaring Twenties Part 4: The Legacy of Harding and Coolidge
What impact did presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge have on the United States? In this episode, we will explore how these two unsung figures changed the course of American history. JOIN PREMIUM Listen ad-free for only $5/month…
- Confronting the Presidents, with Bill O'Reilly
Bill O'Reilly knows several presidents personally and has spent years researching their lives and legacies. He and his co-author, Martin Dugard, have just published a book assessing every president from George Washington to Joe Biden. In t…
- How Winston Churchill Saved the World, with Martin Dugard
We are constantly told that we face "existential threats." Well, there once was a time when that was literally true -- and the man who stopped it was Winston Churchill. In this episode Martin Dugard, co-author of the mega-million selling K…
- The Presidents of the Roaring Twenties Part 3 | The Rise of Calvin Coolidge
Legend has it that Calvin Coolidge slept 11 hours a day during his presidency. Scholars today often mock Coolidge for being a passive, ineffective leader. Yet, the fact remains that this reticent man from New England rose to become one of…
- Special Announcement Episode: My New Project, titled "Refusing A Crown"
Our host Richard Lim has a special announcement about a new project he's been working on. Here's a hint: it's about George Washington. Listen to learn the details and about how you can get involved. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geo…
- How Grover Cleveland Served Two Non-Consecutive Terms, with Bruce Carlson
Grover Cleveland is the only president (thus far) to have lost his re-election bid but subsequently win back the White House. Donald Trump is now trying to pull off this rare feat. In this episode, fellow podcaster Bruce Carlson discusses…
- Preserving the People's House, with Stewart D. McLaurin
The White House is the most famous home in the world, and the White House Historical Association (WHHA) is tasked with preserving its history for the benefit of all Americans. The men and women of the WHHA ensure that the White House and i…
- What Happens When the President is Incapacitated? Roy Brownell on the 25th Amendment
Joe Biden's debate performance on June 27, 2024 has left many Americans concerned about his advanced age and his ability to perform his duties as president. What does the Constitution say about this issue? In this episode, legal scholar Ro…
- My Thoughts on the Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump
My thoughts on the stunning attempted assassination of former President Trump. JOIN PREMIUM Listen ad-free for only $5/month at www.bit.ly/TAPpremium FOLLOW US www.linktr.ee/thisamericanpresident CREDITS Host: Richard Lim Producer: Michael…
- REBROADCAST | Ronald Reagan: The Voice in the Wilderness Part 3
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing, we are rebroadcasting our series on President Ronald Reagan ________ After entering office in 1981, Ronald Reagan insisted he wanted to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons. His critics s…
- The Worst Historical Movie Ever? with William Nunez
In 1956, a movie about the life of Genghis Khan was released. The actor who played Genghis Khan? Wait for it.... John Wayne! And the result was... well... even worse than anyone could have imagined. The Conqueror is widely considered one o…
- REBROADCAST | Ronald Reagan: The Voice in the Wilderness Part 2
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing, we are rebroadcasting our series on President Ronald Reagan________ When Ronald Reagan was elected president, his critics worried he would escalate the Cold War--maybe even provoke World…
- REBROADCAST | Ronald Reagan: The Voice in the Wilderness Part 1
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing, we are rebroadcasting our series on President Ronald Reagan _________ “Ronald Reagan, the actor?!” exclaimed Doc Brown in the film Back to the Future when he learned that Ronald Reagan wa…
- The Vice Presidency: America's Strangest Office, with Roy E. Brownell II
The vice presidency of the United States is not an easy job. As its first occupant, John Adams reportedly said, "I am nothing, but I may be everything." Another vice president, John Nance Garner, was even more blunt, saying the office was…
- Who Were the Founding Fathers' Heroes? with Jeffrey Rosen
Americans often revere the Founding Fathers as heroes, but who were the Founding Fathers' heroes? In this episode, we interview Jeffrey Rosen about how men like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson studied, imitated,…
- Key Battles of American History: The Sioux Wars Preview
War, Conflict, Victory & Defeat. These are all aspects of life that some may have to face. This was true for the various groups of the Sioux Tribes. On today's bonus episode from "Key Battles of American History" join host James Early as h…
- Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents, with Talmage Boston
There is no greater test of leadership in the world today than the presidency of the United States. In this episode, we interview Talmage Boston about leadership lessons we can learn from America's greatest chief executives. HOW THE BEST D…
- What Did Abraham Lincoln Believe? with Allen Guelzo
Abraham Lincoln once described democracy as "government of the people, by the people, for the people," but what exactly did that mean? In this episode, renowned Lincoln scholar Allen Guelzo explains our 16th president's vision for America.…
- The Presidents of the Roaring Twenties Part 2 | The Triumph and Tragedy of Warren G. Harding
Few presidents have been as mocked and vilified as Warren G. Harding, but few have examined the difficult circumstances he faced upon entering office -- an economic depression, social unrest, and violent extremism. During the 1920 election…