Friends & Fellow Citizens
In this unique civics podcast, discover how the principles of George Washington's Farewell Address (patriotism, civility, faith, education, national unity, and fiscal responsibility) apply to today! With a focus on American political institutions and policymaking, hear fascinating stories and discussions that any America-loving listener can enjoy!
This non-partisan podcast is a remarkable mix of solo shows, interviews and special guests that gives you a great boost of freedom! New episodes on the first two Mondays of each month!
Episodes
171 episodes
#159: James Smith (PA) - A Surveyor of Independence [2024 Winter Holiday Episode]
While James Smith did not have nearly the same name recognition as many of his contemporaries, learn how his simple story may reflect a lot about how the signers are remembered and forgotten today. Sherman also shares thoughts and a quick histo...
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23:24
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#158: A Communicator of Public Service for the 'Great Communicator'
President Ronald Reagan was known as 'The Great Communicator' who made countless positive relationships with others across the political spectrum. But who has had the opportunity of a lifetime to personally serve him? Peggy Grande, Executive As...
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59:58
#157: Combating the Threat of Usurpation with Humility, Courage, and Vigilance
As America was facing the crossroads on the political and moral debates of slavery, one former MA congressman warned of the ideologies and behavior that undermined the American experiment. Learn how Josiah Quincy III, a longtime Jefferson oppon...
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44:56
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Message from F&FC - Post-2024 Presidential Election
Hear a statement from Sherman and Friends & Fellow Citizens the day after the 2024 presidential election.
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6:02
#156 Part II: The Strategic President's 'Bully Pulpit' - Electoral College, Presidential Evaluation, and Premises
How should we evaluate our Presidents and presidential candidates? In Part II, we continue our conversation with Dr. George C. Edwards III about the Bush School and Presidential Library, the Electoral College, and criteria people should use for...
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47:33
#156 Part I: The Strategic President's 'Bully Pulpit' - Persuasion, Effectiveness, and Civility
Teddy Roosevelt once coined the term 'bully pulpit' to describe an ideal speaking platform for one's agenda. But this begs many questions. The public can hear the President, but does the public actually listen? Is the Electoral College a democr...
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59:22
#155: George Clymer (PA) - A Radical Pragmatist Who Supplied the Continental Army
George Clymer was one of the staunchest supporters of independence who favored more drastic measures than many in the PA delegation. But what makes him a pragmatic signer? Learn how he helped supply the Continental Army when rough conditions an...
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38:27
#154: Charting the Horizons of Astronomical Connectedness
Imagine the ability to solemnly see the Earth and the universe from high above the sky and contributing to the ever-important infrastructure that informs us about outer space. A lifelong Aggie, Col. (Ret.) Michael E. Fossum ...
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59:47
#153: "Fighting Bob" and his Aggressive Fight for a Broad Progressive Coalition
One hundred years before this year's 2024 U.S. presidential election, a different type of populism and progressivism swept the nation during the 1924 national elections. Learn how Wisconsinite U.S. Senator Robert La Follette (popularly known as...
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34:41
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#152: Miss America's Real-life 'Barbenheimer'? - Catalyzing Nuclear Chain Reactions for Clean Energy
The box office successes of the Barbie and Oppenheimer movies in 2023 may not have been just a coincidence. The Wausau Daily Herald earlier this year named a Wisconsinite woman as
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58:52
#151: John Morton (PA) - The Signer Who Seized His "Keystone Moment"
While John Morton does not have the same recognition as other famous signers (like the one before him, Ben Franklin), he may have contributed to one of Pennsylvania's nicknames. Hear how Morton seized his "Keystone moment" when so much was on t...
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34:13
#150: Practical Tips and Mannerisms for America's Public Service Interns
NEW Patreon update! Full versions of all interview episodes will soon be available to every paid member! More details next month!How can we better prepare young people to best transition into public service careers? Whether you are inte...
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57:35
Statement from Friends & Fellow Citizens - July 13, 2024
Today (July 13, 2024) is a tragic day in American history. A former president and current major presidential candidate Donald Trump was tragically shot at a Trump rally near Butler, PA earlier this afternoon. Luckily by the grace of God, he is ...
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5:15
#149: How a Senator Forced His Party to Choose: Country or Radicals
Oscar Underwood, a Democrat U.S. Senator from Alabama 1915-1927, gained so much political capital during the Wilson administration and was considered a potential candidate for POTUS or VP. But his stance against the most powerful white supremac...
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30:12
#148: From Federalism to Antislavery - How the Father of the Constitution Shaped Our Nation
For many, James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution. But how did he become that Founding Father who shaped American institutions and politics far beyond his time? Dr. Lynn Uzzell, a Madison scholar and Associate Professor o...
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53:21
#147: Benjamin Franklin (PA) - The Prolific Scientist, Statesman, and Reconciler
Arguably the most famous American scientist, diplomat, postmaster, and so much more, Benjamin Franklin embodied America as an experiment. What distinguished him as a signer of the Declaration of Independence which he helped edit?ICYMI, ...
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43:05
#146: Legal/Political Legacies and Aspirations of the American 'Lawyers' Revolution'
Revolutions are tumultuous episodes of history when the past and the present battle to fundamentally shape the future. How did the 'lawyers' revolution' and the American legal and political systems define and redefine the meanings and context o...
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55:24
#145: Cold War-era Pioneers of American Conservative Policies Toward China and Taiwan
Nowadays, American conservative political leaders have foreign policy platforms that call for greater toughness against China. But they are not the first generation of conservatism that wanted stronger U.S. foreign policy and security in the wa...
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44:30
#144: The Need for Responsible Deployment of Tech in American Infrastructure
Too often, Americans understandably anticipate modern technology but voice frustration over potholes. So what are some of the issues that are preventing the U.S. from having decent roads and technological advancements in our infrastructure? Kir...
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51:19
#143: Dr. Benjamin Rush (PA) - The Physician Who Prescribed Medicines of Education and Science
John Adams called him "a greater and better Man that Dr. Franklin..." So who was this pioneer of medicine, education, and science? Learn how Dr. Benjamin Rush, Franklin's protégé, laid the foundation for modern mental health care and became an ...
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42:01
#142: "4am Kyiv was bombed" - A Diplomat's Reflections on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Around 4am on February 24, 2022, Russia launched a tragic attack against Ukraine that began the first major European conflict since World War II. The causes and effects of the invasion have disrupted the state of U.S. national security and glob...
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1:03:51
#141: Polarization, Partisanship, and the ABCs of the XYZ Affair
While the XYZ Affair was not about deciphering secret codes, one could decipher some of the contentious eras of polarization and partisanship in American politics. Learn how this diplomatic episode between the Adams administration and French en...
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39:39
#140: The Intense Struggles to Fight Antisemitism for Good
Since the tragic Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023 resulting in more than 1100 deaths, Jews worldwide have encountered an unprecedented wave of antisemitism. Trent Spoolstra, Associate Regional Director for the Midwest of...
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59:58
#139: Robert Morris (PA) - A 'One-man Treasurer' of the American Revolution
When people think of money, they may think of Ben Franklin. But a different Founding Father from Pennsylvania supplied a lot of money that funded the American patriot cause. Learn how Robert Morris's rise and fall in American politics reflected...
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36:02
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#138 Part II: Raising the Profile of Comms on the Hill
What is the future of comms on the Hill? In Part II, Sarah recounts her first-hand experience with Sherman as they were evacuated during the January 6th, 2021 Capitol attack. She also shares the mission and vision of her own PR firm 917 Strateg...
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47:11
