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While little is known about Thomas Stone, learn more about his dedication to preventing war and care for his ill wife that compelled him to leave public office. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Policies like DEI, affirmative action, and other race-based policies claim to embrace diversity. The Jussie Smollett case initially made people aware of racial issues, but the event turned out to be a highly publicized hate crime hoax. Why do race-based policies fail to realistically achieve success in solving social issues?  Dr. Wilfred Reilly, professor at Kentucky State University, shares how race-based policies further divide ethnic groups and contribute to racial divisions. He advocates for greater awareness to mitigate the spread and effects of such policies. Check out Wilfred's website! https://wilfredreilly.com/ Check out Wilfred's books below! Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me Hate Crime Hoax: How the Left is Selling a Fake Race War Taboo: 10 Facts You Can't Talk About Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Washington's Farewell Address is very much a speech reflecting on the first President's successes and failures. Edmund Randolph, the first Attorney General, looked promising for a cabinet member but caused headaches for the new administration. How did Washington handle an embarrassing moment for the Secretary of State? Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Anyone looking through polarized lenses sees everything darker. How and why have Americans disliked "the other side" more and chosen new, uncompromising political identities? What can be done to "remove" these polarized lenses? Dr. Samara Klar (Professor of Political Science, University of Arizona) and Dr. David Hopkins (Professor of Political Science, Boston College) discuss the nature and consequences of distortions happening to our political environment today. Hear what citizens can do to more clearly see and improve our political culture. Check out Samara's book Independent Politics and her website samaraklar.com too! Check out Dave's book Polarized by Degrees! Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

With multiple favorite U.S. presidents to choose from, few if any stand out like Theodore Roosevelt. What made the 26th POTUS uniquely interested in nature? How will North Dakota play an important role later in July 2026 to finally preserve his legacy? Dr. Michael Patrick Cullinane, Chair of Roosevelt Studies at Dickinson State University and Public Historian at the Theodore Roosevelt Association, shares the inspirations and contributions of the Rough Rider who brought the U.S. to a new century of conservation and diplomacy. Check out Mike's website and learn more about the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library on its website! Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

One of only two Signers of Italian descent, William Paca was a successful lawyer and was heavily involved in the formation of our system of government. What can we learn from his opposition to "energetic government?" Can civic energy come from such a position? Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Watch the video episode HERE! As we reflect again later this month on Washington's Birthday, religion and religious freedom are indisputably central to the American experiment. How do the Founders' ideas on religion relate to our debates today? And where does faith fit in with our country?  This episode's special guest is Dr. Vincent Phillip Muñoz, who is Professor of Political Science and Professor of Law and Founding Director of the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government at the University of Notre Dame. Hear how his expertise and views contribute to understanding religion and religious freedom in the U.S. Check out Dr. Muñoz's books below! Religious Liberty and the American Founding: Natural Rights and the Original Meanings of the First Amendment Religion Clauses God and the Founders: Madison, Washington, and Jefferson Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Concepts are rarely defined and understood by those involved in politics. What are the consequences of using the term 'gender?' Dr. Alex Byrne, Professor of Linguistics and Philosophy at MIT, provides explanations about how these concepts should be used. He also previews his work on a 2025 report revealing very weak evidence and weak medical ethics for treatment of pediatric gender dysphoria.  Check out Alex's book Trouble with Gender: Sex Facts, Gender Fictions Learn more about Alex's work at http://www.alexbyrne.org/ HHS Report on Pediatric Gender Dysphoria Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Henry Wilson was one of the most important abolitionists and a savvy politician who thought well ahead of his time. How did he discuss patriotic causes in the abolitionist cause? Hear how an 1857 (in the wake of the Dred Scott decision) speech highlights ways we can relate to the pillar of patriotism. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Click here to watch the video version on Youtube! America is a quilt of immigration stories, and among those is one that is unimaginable for any child. As an orphan who moved from Ukraine to America just 12 years ago, Anna Leah Jolly is living out her life-changing American Dream. As we celebrate another winter holiday season, learn how she went from a childhood amidst abuse and neglect in Ukraine to now serving as Miss Mississippi 2025 (and Top 10 at the Miss America 2026 competition!) and running her own platform and dance studio! Follow Anna Leah on Instagram @missamericams and @22annaleahjolly! Check out her book Theodore: The Little Bear with Big Feelings! Friends & Fellow Citizens wishes everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Music Credits:  "Joy to the World" by DIXIDD (AudioJungle) Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Statement from Friends & Fellow Citizens re: tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife and Trump's Truth Social post. The podcast does not support individuals turning tragedies into political opportunism and celebration. Our country is better than this. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Not all signers were universally well-regarded as calm moderates. Hear how Samuel Chase, a lawyer and a bunch of other "jobs," was known as an "extremely irregular" signer. He would serve as Supreme Court Justice and get caught up in one of the most partisan episodes in early American history. Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay "Deck the Halls" by Xylote (AudioJungle) Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Click here to watch the video version on Youtube! Amid all the political noise about ideologues on the right and left, political moderates are unique in our democracy. What makes moderation so essential for robust democracies? Dr. Aurelian Craiutu, Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Indiana University Bloomington, shares about the array of faces and virtues of moderation that can steer society to a more balanced and stable state. Check out Dr. Craiutu's books below! Why Not Moderation?: Letters to Young Radicals Liberalism Under Siege: The Political Thought of the French Doctrinaires Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Click here to watch on Youtube! Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and it may also mean honoring those who have given. Kristin Strobel, who was our guest in Ep. 90, joins our show again to discuss her latest project about a statue honoring one of the most famous Americans: Thomas Edison! Hear about the journey from idea to voting, statuary to statue. You can visit this magnificent Edison's statue, which still stands tall in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall. Purchase Kristin's book here on Amazon! Hear Kristin's previous guest episode! https://ffc.buzzsprout.com/1255184/episodes/10329937-90-making-american-politics-more-local-and-civil-feat-kristin-strobel Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

"Populism" is a term thrown around by many in politics, but what kind of populists used to be prominent? Is populism only for those who claim to be populist? Hear an 1892 excerpt from James Weaver, a prominent Populist Party leader, and the ways he portrayed a long-standing issue (as old as the country) that applied to the 1890s and applies to this day in 2025 and beyond. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.