Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast

Now available on the Patreon: the story of Elizabeth Short, also known as The Black Dahlia. Not a member yet? It’s not too late! Link to join in bio.

Poster for the animated film The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996). From the top of the bell tower, we see between the bells down into Paris blazing in orange. Quasimodo sits on the ledge reaching out for a dove.

This week for the first in my Spooky Season Monster Mash series, I watched a movie with the scariest monster I can think of: Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame in which the monster wraps himself in unjust laws and bible quotes to commit genocide and assault.
blackwhiteandread.com/monster-mash...

The name “Quija” apparently came from the board itself during a session. The game enjoyed renewed popularity in the aftermath of World War II as people tried to commune with lost loved ones.

Are you a Quija player?
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Did you ever play the Quija board? Or did you think it was too creepy?

Patented in 1891 in Maryland, the Quija board has ties to the Spiritualist movement where people who claimed to be able to commune with the dead used “talking boards” to channel communications.
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It’s officially spooky season here in the podcast. Have you listened to the latest episode? What did you think?

Another great Sunday filled with fantastic public scholarship thanks to @americanstudier.bsky.social

Thank you!!! 💗

Louisiana Voodoo: Untangling the Myths, the Magic, and the History Join me this week as I dig into the real story behind Louisiana Voodoo — a spiritual tradition shaped by West African roots, Haitian resistance, and the streets of …

History, myth, and power collide in this deep dive into one of the most misunderstood religions in the United States.
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Tune in here:

www.civicsandcoffee.com/louisiana-vo...

What do a revolutionary uprising and a New Orleans icon have to do with the story of Voodoo in America?
This week, I’m tracing the roots of Louisiana Voodoo — from West African spiritual traditions to the Haitian Revolution and the legend of Marie Laveau.
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Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast Bookshop Welcome to the Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast bookshop! Peruse (and purchase) titles I've read and recommend -- and help support me and my work in the process.

If you like supporting independent bookstores and have enjoyed my book recommendations, consider buying through my shop. Proceeds go back into the show.
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bookshop.org/shop/civicspod

If you read the latest Substack then you already know: Civics & Coffee is now an affiliate with Bookshop.org!

The shop is in its early stages but includes a list highlighting my previous guests and one shining a light on some of my favorite books on women’s history.
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Coming to you this weekend: a brand new episode! What do you think I am covering?

When the Nation Spoke to the Dead The rise of Spiritualism in the aftermath of the Civil War

Read & subscribe here:

civicsandcoffee.substack.com/p/when-the-n...

Happy October!

On this month’s Substack I explore the rise of Spiritualism in the aftermath of the Civil War and how this movement sheds light on our current moment. Subscribe today - link below.

Happy International Podcaster’s Day! This is the day to show your favorite pods some love. Show your support by submitting a review, sharing your favorite episode, or making a donation.

I will be spending the day with some of my favorite shows. What is your favorite podcast? Tag them below!

From Beans to Brews: Coffee in America Join me this week as I dive into the latest listener request: the history of coffee in the United States. Coffee has long been associated with American culture. …

Listen to the episode here:

www.civicsandcoffee.com/from-beans-t...

In this household, every day is coffee day. But per the calendar, today is International Coffee Day. Did you know I produced an episode diving into America’s relationship with the caffeinated beverage? Tune in if you haven’t already.

Commonplace Call for Submissions - Commonplace Article reviews are ongoing.

Do you have an idea for a short article (~2000-3000 words) on early American history/literature/art/material culture before 1900? We are accepting submissions at Commonplace or please reach out to me with a pitch or questions. More info below:🗃️

commonplace.online/article/subm...

Happy Sunday, peeps. On a little getaway - have a restful final day of your weekend!

Here it is, my 243rd #ScholarSunday thread of great public scholarly writing & work, podcast episodes, new & forthcoming books from the past week. Add more below, please share widely, & enjoy, all! 🗃️

blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...

White Man’s Law Rules the Country: The Modoc War One of the costliest conflicts launched in opposition of Indigenous Americans, the Modoc War pitted the United States Army against a dwindling band of Modoc. Despit…

You can listen to the episode here:

www.civicsandcoffee.com/white-mans-l...

Is it possible to push against a mighty foe and win? That is what members of the Modoc tried to determine in the winter of 1872 as Indian Bureau agents tried to force their relocation. Tune in this week as I dive into the Modoc War.

Today in history, 1960: Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy meet for a televised presidential debate. This marked the first time two presidential candidates debated on television and demonstrated the power of television in swaying public opinion.

A new episode is coming your way! What do you think is in store for you on Saturday?

Happy Anniversary to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, which opened on this date in 2016. The museum explores the contributions and legacy of African Americans. Best of all? It’s free! Have you had a chance to visit?

A Version of Sisterhood: Unwed & Unbothered with Emma Duval From spinsters to old maids, women who broke conventions to remain single have long been derided as somehow outside of the norm. But history shows this has been hap…

Tune in to hear about some of these women and what Emma hopes the book will mean for future generations.
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www.civicsandcoffee.com/a-version-of...

Join me in welcoming author and illustrator Emma Duval this week to talk about her debut book, Unwed & Unbothered. Duval’s research dives into the lives of women throughout history who have gone against the grain to remain single.
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The finalized Emancipation Proclamation would be issued months later on January 1st, 1863.
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Today in history, 1862: President Lincoln issues the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. The document set a future date for the emancipation of over 3 million enslaved men, women, and children. Lincoln held off on his announcement until after a Union victory.
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Time to cozy up and enjoy some public scholarship. 💗