Bahr's History Hits is where the past and present collide--thorugh the lens of books, events, and ideas that shape our world. Hosted by Michael Bahr, this podcast explores how the past shapes the present through powerful ideas and pivitol books. Whether you're a student of history--or just love a good debate, this is your place for big questions and awesome discussions.
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What happens when a worldly 69-year-old celebrity scientist teams up with a reserved 43-year-old Virginia planter? You get the partnership that invented America.Join host Michael Bahr as he explores Edward J. Larson's "Franklin & Washington: The Founding Partnership," revealing how two men who couldn't have been more different became the collaboration that saved the Revolution and shaped the Constitution. Franklin brought intellectual brilliance and diplomatic charm; Washington contributed moral authority and unshakeable resolve. Together, they complemented each other perfectly.From the Second Continental Congress to the Constitutional Convention, this episode traces how personal trust and mutual respect overcame differences in background, temperament, and generation. Franklin secured French aid that kept Washington's army alive. Washington's presiding presence gave the Constitution legitimacy. Franklin's Great Compromise saved the proceedings when deadlock threatened to destroy the new nation.In an era of partisan gridlock, their story reminds us that the most successful political movements are built on unlikely alliances between very different people willing to subordinate personal ambition to larger goals.Next Episode: A Man of Iron - Grover Cleveland's principled presidency#HistoryPodcast #FoundingFathers #BenjaminFranklin #GeorgeWashington #AmericanRevolution #Constitution
THE KENNEDY DETAIL (00:11:53)
In this gripping episode, we explore the untold story of JFK's Secret Service agents and the tragic day that changed presidential protection forever. Based on Gerald Blaine's "The Kennedy Detail," we go behind the scenes with the elite agents who witnessed November 22, 1963, firsthand. Discover how these dedicated public servants carried the psychological burden of that terrible day, how the assassination transformed presidential security, and why absolute protection in a free society may be impossible. From Clint Hill's desperate leap onto the presidential limousine to the decades of guilt and PTSD that followed, this is the story of the invisible shield that protects our leaders—and what happens when that shield fails. A moving tribute to service, sacrifice, and the price of democracy.
The Vaccum Guy? The Rehabilitation of Herbert Hoover (00:11:48)
"The vacuum guy?" That's how Kevin McCallister responds in Home Alone 2 when told that President Herbert Hoover once stayed in his Plaza Hotel suite. It's a funny movie moment—but it's also a tragedy. How did one of America's greatest humanitarian heroes become so forgotten that people confused him with a vacuum cleaner brand?In this episode, we dismantle one of history's greatest myths: that Herbert Hoover was a do-nothing president who let America suffer through the Great Depression. The truth? Hoover pioneered the activist presidency, launched the most aggressive peacetime government intervention in American history, and created the very programs FDR would later expand and rebrand as the New Deal.The host explores Charles Rappleye's brilliant book "Herbert Hoover in the White House: The Ordeal of the Presidency" and discover a president who donated his entire salary to charity, worked eighteen-hour days, increased federal public works spending by 400%, and revolutionized the federal government's role in economic crises. So why did his name become synonymous with failure?Join Michael Bahr as he examines how political messaging trumped policy achievements, how quickly historical narratives can be distorted, and why scapegoating during national crises is as dangerous today as it was in the 1930s. Hoover's greatest tragedy wasn't that he failed to stop the Depression—it was that he pioneered the solutions, only to watch his successor take the credit.This is more than a story about one misunderstood president. It's a lesson in how we judge leaders during impossible crises—and why we should always dig deeper than the headlines.Featured Book: "Herbert Hoover in the White House: The Ordeal of the Presidency" by Charles RappleyeTopics: Herbert Hoover, Great Depression, Presidential Legacy, New Deal, FDR, Economic Crisis, Political Scapegoating, Historical Revisionism#HistoryPodcast #HerbertHoover #GreatDepression #AmericanHistory #PresidentialHistory #NewDeal #BahrsHistoryHits
Tis Well: George Washington's Final Journey (00:08:11)
'Tis Well: George Washington's Final Journey What happens when the most essential leader tries to step away? George Washington spent his final years discovering that leaving power might be harder than wielding it.Join host Michael Bahr as he explores Jonathan Horn's "Washington's End," revealing how the father of our country spent his last two and a half years fighting to hold a fracturing nation together—even from retirement. From managing Mount Vernon's enslaved workforce to navigating the toxic partisan warfare between Hamilton and Jefferson, Washington faced crises that threatened everything he'd built.This episode connects to today's debates about presidential power, partisan division, and the peaceful transfer of authority. At 65, worn down and desperate for privacy, Washington was pulled back into political warfare, forced to restrain Hamilton's military ambitions while the country teetered on the edge of disunion. His struggle with slavery, his horror at emerging political parties, and his final service to democracy reveal a more complex—and more human—founding father.How do you leave when everyone believes only you can save the republic? Washington's answer would determine whether American democracy could survive its first generation.Next Episode: Herbert Hoover and the Ordeal of the Presidency#HistoryPodcast #GeorgeWashington #FoundingFathers #AmericanHistory #Democracy #MountVernon
Champions Behind Barbed Wire: The Heart Mountain Eagles (00:08:03)
Here's a Spotify description for this episode:The Eagles of Heart Mountain: How Japanese American Teens Became Wyoming Champions Behind Barbed WireWhat happens when teenage athletes prove their excellence while imprisoned by their own country? In 1943, the Heart Mountain High School football team achieved the impossible—winning the Wyoming state championship while their families were incarcerated in an American concentration camp.Join host Michael Bahr as he explores Bradford Pearson's powerful book "The Eagles of Heart Mountain," revealing how Japanese American teenagers used sports as an act of resistance and dignity during one of America's darkest chapters. From Executive Order 9066 to the championship game in Casper, this is a story about resilience, identity, and what it truly means to be American.This episode connects directly to today's debates about athletes and activism, showing how the simple act of playing—of refusing to be broken—can become a profound form of protest. It's a sports story, a civil rights story, and a reminder that patriotism sometimes means criticizing your country while still calling it home.Perfect for history buffs, sports fans, and anyone interested in the stories that challenge our understanding of American identity.Next Episode: Washington's End - The final years of America's first president.#HistoryPodcast #JapaneseAmericanHistory #WWII #SportsHistory #CivilRights #HeartMountain
"The Last Campaign: RFK's 82 Days That Could Have Changed America" (00:08:59)
In this episode of Bahr's History Hits, we explore one of American history's most compelling "what-ifs"—Robert F. Kennedy's electrifying 82-day presidential campaign in 1968.Featuring Thurston Clarke's "The Last Campaign: Robert F. Kennedy and 82 Days That Inspired America," we dive into a moment when politics transcended calculation and became something more—a movement that united Black and white, rich and poor, young and old in a fractured nation.From RFK's agonizing decision to challenge President Johnson, to his legendary impromptu speech the night MLK was assassinated, to his tragic final moments at the Ambassador Hotel—this is the story of a campaign that promised to heal America's deepest divides, and the haunting question of what might have been.Join host Michael Bahr for a journey through 1968, exploring why this brief campaign still breaks hearts and captures imaginations decades later. Whether you're a history student or just love a good story, this episode reminds us what we're still searching for in our leaders today.#History #RFK #1960s #PoliticalHistory #AmericanHistory #Kennedy #Podcast
The General Who Saved Democracy: Washington's Farewell to Power (00:10:43)
What makes a leader truly great? In 1783, George Washington did something that shocked the world: he voluntarily gave up absolute power. Then he did it again in 1796. This week on Bahr's History Hits, we explore how Washington's unprecedented decision to walk away—twice—established the foundation of American democracy. Featuring Joseph Ellis's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography "His Excellency: George Washington," we dive into the Newburgh Conspiracy, the emotional resignation at Annapolis, and the Farewell Address that created the template for peaceful transitions of power. From King George III's amazement to the precedents that still govern our democracy today, discover why Washington's greatest act wasn't winning the Revolution—it was knowing when to let go. Perfect for history lovers, students of leadership, and anyone wondering how democratic norms actually survive.
The Filibuster: Democracy's Kill Switch (00:09:03)
The filibuster—democracy’s safeguard or democracy’s kill switch? In this episode of Bahr’s History Hits, Michael Bahr unpacks the strange and surprising history of the Senate’s most controversial rule. From its accidental invention in 1805 to Strom Thurmond’s marathon speeches and today’s “silent email filibusters,” discover how this once-rare tactic became routine gridlock. Featuring Adam Jentleson’s Kill Switch, we explore what the Founders intended, how the Senate evolved, and the case both for and against the modern filibuster.If you’ve ever wondered why everything in Washington seems stuck, this episode gives you the historical context—and the big questions—that matter today.
Benedict Arnold: The Man Behind the Treason (00:09:30)
Was Benedict Arnold simply a villain — or a betrayed hero who made a terrible choice? In this episode, Michael Bahr examines The Real Benedict Arnold by Jim Murphy to reveal the human side of America’s most infamous traitor. We explore his battlefield brilliance, his loyalty to Washington, and the bitterness that led him to turn against the cause he once fought to the brink of death to defend.
The Darkness That Made Him Great: How Struggle Forged A President (00:11:44)
We often think of depression as a roadblock to greatness — but what if it can also be a forge? This episode of Bahr’s History Hits connects modern conversations about mental health to Abraham Lincoln’s lifelong battle with melancholy. Drawing on Lincoln’s Melancholy by Joshua Wolf Shenk, Michael Bahr shows how Lincoln’s suffering fueled his empathy, sharpened his judgment, and gave him the moral resilience to guide the nation through the Civil War.
When Words Become Weapons (00:12:37)
In the wake of Charlie Kirk's tragic murder at Utah Valley University, host Michael Bahr delivers a powerful special episode examining the escalating crisis of political violence in America. From the assassination attempts on President Trump to the recent killings of Minnesota state senators, Bahr traces how our nation has moved away from its founding principles of peaceful democratic discourse.This isn't just another political commentary—it's a heartfelt call for Americans to choose a different path. Speaking as both a historian and a Christian, Bahr confronts the machinery of hate that turns political opponents into enemies, while refusing to let righteous anger become hatred.A must-listen for anyone seeking both political insight and spiritual hope in these divided times.Content warning: Discussion of political violence and assassination attempts.
Labor Day--the Struggle Continues (00:08:06)
In this special edition of Bahr's History Hits--Michael discusses Labor Day. Why it is important, and how we can keep honoring the legacy of those who stood their ground for the rights that we enjoy! Let's open the book--Today's Chapter starts NOW!
More Than a Political Stunt: The Real Story of Impeachment from Johnson to Trump (00:09:26)
Impeachment gets thrown around like political confetti every election cycle, but do we actually know what it means? Spoiler alert: it's not a "you're fired" button—it's more like a giant constitutional "Are you sure about this?" lever.Join us as we dive deep into America's impeachment history, from the framers' original vision to the dramatic cases that shaped our democracy. We'll explore Andrew Johnson's near-miss in 1868, Nixon's Watergate resignation, Clinton's perjury scandal, and bring the story current with Donald Trump's unprecedented double impeachment in 2019 and 2021.Featured Book: Impeachment: An American History by Jon Meacham, Timothy Naftali, Peter Baker, and Jeffrey A. Engel—four historians, four cases, one fascinating constitutional crisis after another.What You'll Learn:Why the founders included impeachment in the ConstitutionHow Johnson survived removal by just one Senate voteWhy Nixon resigned before impeachment could finish himHow Clinton's approval ratings actually rose during his impeachmentThe unprecedented timeline of Trump's two impeachmentsThe Pattern: No president has ever been removed through impeachment. Every case reveals as much about Congress and the country as it does about the president in question.Purchase the featured book: https://tinyurl.com/impeachmenthistory
When The King Met The President: Elvis, Nixon, and the Strangest White House Visit in History (00:09:20)
What happens when the King of Rock 'n' Roll shows up unannounced at the White House gates? On December 21, 1970, Elvis Presley—decked out in purple velvet and gold sunglasses—walked into the Oval Office for one of the most bizarre presidential meetings in American history.In this episode, we dive into the unlikely encounter between Elvis and Nixon, exploring how celebrity influence and political power collided in 1970s America. From Elvis's handwritten letter requesting federal agent credentials to Nixon's calculated decision to grant the meeting, this story reveals the strange ways culture and politics intersect.Featured Book: The Day Elvis Met Nixon by Egil "Bud" Krogh—the White House aide who made it all happen.In This Episode:How a restless night in LA led Elvis to the White HouseWhat Nixon and Elvis actually talked about in the Oval OfficeThe famous handshake photo that became the most requested image in National Archives historyWhy this meeting symbolizes the blurred lines between celebrity and political influenceLinks: Nixon Library Oral History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaMyHw6NeXoThe Day Elvis Met Nixon by Egil Bud Krogh https://tinyurl.com/WhenElvisMetNixon
The Power of the Pardon (00:11:42)
In this episode, we dive into one of the more controversial decisions ever in American history: Gerald R. Ford's pardon of former President Nixon. We relive the decision, discuss the pardon power, and make the case why Ford's decision was right. Book featured; Gerald R. Ford: An Honorable Life by James Cannon
The Shot that Shouldn't Have Killed Him (00:11:51)
President James A. Garfield survived the bullet--but not the system that failed him. In this episode of Bahr's History Hits, we unravel the astonishing and often overlooked story of America's 20th president, his assassin Charles Guiteau, and the corrupt spoils system that enabled it all. Featuring insight from Candice Millard's gripping book Destiny of the Republic, we explore how political patronage, medical arrogance, and misplaced ambition led to a death that could--and should-have been prevented. We also connect Garfield's era of backroom deals and broken institutions to today's broken budget process in Congress, showing how some political dysfunctions are more persistent then we think..
The JFK Files: Secrets, Silence, and Why They Matter (00:16:53)
Nearly 60 years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the U.S. government is still releasing classified files. But what do they really tell us—and why does it matter?In this episode of Bahr’s History Hits, we explore the JFK Records Act of 1992, the new documents released in 2022 and 2023, and the enduring questions around Lee Harvey Oswald, especially his mysterious trip to Mexico City. Did the new files change the story—or just confirm what we already suspected?Topics Covered:– What the JFK files actually are—and why they were kept secret– The political and historical context of the JFK Records Act– Oswald in Mexico: confusion, Cold War chaos, and embassy intrigue– Why people still don’t trust the official story– Should you read the files yourself?Suggested reading:– A Cruel and Shocking Act by Philip Shenon– The Ghost by Jefferson Morley– History Will Prove Us Right by Howard WillensOfficial archive: https://www.archives.gov/research/jfkMarry Farrell Foundation: https://www.maryferrell.org/pages/JFK_Assassination_Documents.html
History Will Prove Us Right (00:12:48)
Welcome to the debut episode of Bahr’s History Hits! In this kickoff chapter, we tackle one of the most polarizing events in American history: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy—and the official account that insists Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.We’ll look at Howard P. Willens’ book, History Will Prove Us Right, an insider’s defense of the Warren Commission—the controversial investigation Willens helped write. Was it a rushed cover-up or a sincere search for truth under global pressure? Did they get it right?Before diving into JFK, we take a quick look at current headlines:– Is the GOP really the new party of the working class?– And a tribute to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, who passed away this week—and made a surprising political appearance before his death.This episode examines:Why the Warren Commission was createdWhether Oswald truly acted aloneHow media leaks, CIA secrecy, and Cold War panic fueled public distrustAnd what this moment still teaches us about truth, power, and perceptionWhether you’re a JFK buff, a skeptic, or just a curious mind, this episode is your invitation to look again—at the facts, not just the feelings.Let’s open the book. Today’s chapter starts now.
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