Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast

Today in history, 1934: the first set of civilian inmates arrive on Alcatraz. Initially built as a military prison, Alcatraz housed the “most dangerous” inmates from 1934 until its closure in 1963. It housed more 1,500 convicts in its nearly three decades of operation.

Beautiful!

A day early, but still a great time to sit down and enjoy some fantastic scholarship as collected by @americanstudier.bsky.social 💗☕️

Axes, Activism, and Abstinence: The WCTU and the Fight for Temperance The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was one of the most powerful reform organizations of the 19th century, but its story goes far beyond banning booze. Sit down …

Learn how the temperance movement became a stepping stone for women’s suffrage, education reform, and so much more.
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www.civicsandcoffee.com/axes-activis...

Think the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was just about banning booze? Think again.
Join me this week as I dive into one of the most powerful reform movements of the 19th century - from Frances Willard’s bold “Do Everything” strategy to Carrie Nation’s hatchet-wielding crusades.
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I’ve had some wonderful guests over the last five years whose books explore critical moments from our past - and one of those books could be YOURS! Be sure to enter the giveaway before it closes on 8.16!

Looks like a fantastic book!! Can’t wait.

💗 yay. I was thinking of you as I wrote it up.

I think @franklinpierce.bsky.social will be happy with this week’s episode. 😉

A new episode is coming to this weekend. What do you think I am covering?

Considering History: The U.S.S. Indianapolis, Jaws, and the Human Horrors of War | The Saturday Evening Post Just before the end of World War II, an American cruiser on a secret mission experienced one of the ghastliest naval disasters in U.S. history. But it was only 30 years later, when the movie Jaws was ...

For this tragic historical anniversary, my new @satevepost.bsky.social Considering History column, on how one of our worst naval disasters & one of our greatest movie monologues together help us remember the human horrors of war. 🗃️

www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/08/cons...

90 Years of Social Security Frances Perkins & the history of Social Security

Read (& subscribe) below:

substack.com/@aasai/note/...

August marks 90 years of the Social Security program. Did you know that it was largely the brainchild of the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet? Check out the latest Substack to learn more.

Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls The Story of Robert Smalls

And get yourself a copy of the book here (or wherever you buy your favorite titles):

bookshop.org/p/books/defi...

One of my favorite parts of my conversation with @iamrobedwards.bsky.social - be sure to check it out!

Thanks so much for sharing! So glad you liked the episode.

Bringing History to Life: Rob Edwards on Robert Smalls in Defiant Veteran screenwriter and producer Rob Edwards ( The Princess and the Frog , Treasure Planet ) joins the show to discuss his newest project: a graphic novel chronicl…

We talk about the power of storytelling and how graphic novels can expand history’s reach. Tune in and then be sure to grab a copy of Defiant wherever fine books are sold!
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www.civicsandcoffee.com/bringing-his...

Join me this week as I sit down with writer and producer Rob Edwards to discuss his new historical graphic novel, Defiant, which tells the incredible true story of Robert Smalls - the enslaved man turned hero by commandeering a Confederate ship during the Civil War.
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It may be 90 degrees today, but this is where I am mentally. 🎃

Giveaway ends August 16th. Winner will be announced on August 17th. Giveaway limited to residents of the United States. Enter today!

☕️ Become a member of the Patreon at the Espresso Tier or higher (current members are already entered!)
☕️ Share your favorite episode & tag me
☕️ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, GoodPods, etc (send it to me to get credit)

Women’s history? ✅
Military history? ✅
Oral history? ✅
Historical fiction? ✅

There is something for everyone!

You have THREE ways to enter:

Thank you ALL for helping bring in the 5th anniversary with a bang! 💗

One of the things I’ve enjoyed about the show is chatting with scholars & writers about their books. In honor of them & with gratitude to all of you I’n giving away ONE FREE COPY of YOUR choosing from any one of my past guests.

Another wonderful week of public scholarship to catch up on. 💗

Five Years of Civics & Coffee: Welcome to the New Era! Sit down with me as I reflect on five years of Civics and Coffee! In this episode I look back on where I started and explain where I would like to go. I also give y…

Celebrate with me: listen to today’s anniversary episode, subscribe on YouTube, and tell a friend who loves history.
Let’s raise a mug to five more years of stories that matter ☕
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www.civicsandcoffee.com/five-years-o...

Welcome to the new era:
Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast is here!
➕ New name
🎨 New look
🎥 On YouTube for the first time
🎁 Giveaway open until 8.16
I started this show to make history accessible and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s been part of the journey.
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Welcome to the ✨NEW Era✨
Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast

Aww thank you! 💗 I am happy to have you with me. Thank you for all the support - and keeping your legacy alive for new audiences ;)

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a FREE copy of this (or any other past guest’s) book!
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August is here which means we are officially celebrating five years of Civics & Coffee! Before I unveil what I’ve been working on, let’s stroll down memory lane. Remember this conversation with Dr. Chad Williams about his fantastic book, The Wounded World?
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