Friends & Fellow Citizens

With so much division, misinformation, and fear-mongering on environmental issues, Americans have found it difficult to weather the contemporary political ecosystem. So what policy solutions are there that can make our natural and political environment sustainable? Stephen Perkins, former VP of Grassroots Strategy at the American Conservation Coalition (now Chief Operating Officer as of this episode's release), shares how bipartisan ideas can focus on the real issues facing our environment and unite people from different ideologies on a greener and more sustainable planet. Learn more about the ACC at acc.eco! Instagram: @acc_national X: @acc_national Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

As another year of Friends & Fellow Citizens passes, Sherman provides a recap of the interview episodes since September 2022. 22 years ago, America experienced a tragedy that would change the country and the world instantly. As yet another year passes since 9/11, Sherman offers some brief thoughts about the significance of America's yearly reflection on this unforgettable day. We will always honor the American first responders on September 11th who became historic heroes in our nation's history. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

The U.S. faces unprecedented drug addiction and trafficking crises that is intricately connected to law enforcement, foreign policy, and social factors. How extensive have these crises been regarding U.S. foreign policy in Latin America? Dr. Aileen Teague joins the program to share her views on the transnational drug trafficking and preview how complex the causes and solutions are to these ever-changing issues. Click here for Dr. Teague's Bush School faculty profile Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

When people think of the U.S. flag design, they often think of Betsy Ross...but not Francis Hopkinson. Hear how this Founder with artistic skills encountered a major bureaucratic obstacle in the young Congress and how his writing analogized the patriot cause of the American Revolution. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Listen to Part 1 HERE! What goes into the process of podcasting? After nearly three years since Friends & Fellow Citizens began, this special, two-part, two-way interview episode features Sherman and fellow podcaster Francisco Kilgore, who hosts his own program "Hello Sonoma!". Both provide deeper insight into the podcast production process, including tips on how to start and maintain your own podcast! Check out Francisco's podcast "Hello Sonoma!" Helpful podcast links to get started and/or learn more: Riverside - hgh quality audio and video recordingDescript - editing audio, text, and video all at onceCalendly –immensely useful scheduling toolAirtable - keeping track of your podcastBuzzsprout - podcast hosting platformPat Flynn Blog about Starting a PodcastSupport the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

What goes into the process of podcasting? After nearly three years since Friends & Fellow Citizens began, this special, two-part, two-way interview episode features Sherman and fellow podcaster Francisco Kilgore, who hosts his own program "Hello Sonoma!". Both provide deeper insight into the podcast production process, including tips on how to start and maintain your own podcast! Listen to Part 2 for more! Check out Francisco's podcast "Hello Sonoma!" Helpful podcast links to get started and/or learn more: Riverside - hgh quality audio and video recordingDescript - editing audio, text, and video all at onceCalendly –immensely useful scheduling toolAirtable - keeping track of your podcastBuzzsprout - podcast hosting platformPat Flynn Blog about Starting a PodcastSupport the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Discover the intriguing life and impactful legacy of Benjamin Bristow as this episode journeys through his career as a Union Army officer and major Republican Party reformer. Hear how his dedication to government reform and civil rights advocacy as a Kentucky state senator, US district attorney, first Solicitor General of the U.S., and Secretary of the Treasury. We also dive into the Whisky Ring scandal of 1874 that shook the Republican Party and how this massive scheme involved briberies from distilleries to IRS agents and millions stolen from the American people. Learn how Bristow took down this illegal operation and how the involvement of President Grant's personal secretary complicated the relationship between the Treasury Secretary and the 18th President. Finally, hear how Bristow may have helped Grant secure a more positive legacy despite the administration's numerous scandals. Check out this year's FreedomFest at freedomfest.com to learn more and support this event, and use promo code FELLOW50 for $50 off your ticket! Truly a fantastic experience for freedom-loving minds! Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

In an age of social media, the challenge of promoting and maintaining trust online continues to grow and demand more solutions. So how can parents and educators contribute to minimize online threats and maximize accountability and personal responsibility? Brock Murphy, Co-Founder and President of Parent ProTech, discusses the challenges of social media accountability and regulation and how his platform can protect kids online. Learn more about Parent ProTech at parentprotech.com! Check out this year's FreedomFest at freedomfest.com to learn more and support this event, and use promo code FELLOW50 for $50 off your ticket! Truly a fantastic experience for freedom-loving minds! Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

What can we learn from the life and legacy of John Witherspoon, an influential figure in American history who left an indelible mark on the education system and the formation of our nation? In this Sacred Honor series episode, we also delve into Witherspoon's role as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and the only clergyman to sign the document. Learn about the impact of this incredible leader on the growth of the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton University) and how his teachings on natural law, separation of powers, and checks and balances inspired students like James Madison. Check out this year's FreedomFest at freedomfest.com to learn more and support this event, and use promo code FELLOW50 for $50 off your ticket! Truly a fantastic experience for freedom-loving minds! Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Despite numerous political differences, most people can agree on one thing: everyone wants freedom! So where can people convene and socialize about ideas for liberty? A professional dancer and Executive Director of FreedomFest, Valerie Durham shares what makes FreedomFest a unique annual event, insight into how it is put together, and some of the successes and challenges of our current political environment. Check out FreedomFest at freedomfest.com to learn more and support this event, and use promo code FELLOW50 for $50 off your ticket! Truly a fantastic experience for freedom-loving minds! Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

In today's politics, it is not uncommon to see Members of Congress in shouting matches among each other and even toward witnesses. But what historical precedent could explain how we arrived at this point in time of polarized American politics? In this episode, learn more about the highly televised HUAC hearings of Alger Hiss and Whittaker Chambers and how the confrontational saga paved the way for this day and age of bitter polarization. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Utah Army National Guard Major Brent Taylor, a lifelong public servant and serviceman, was serving as mayor of North Ogden, UT when he embarked on his fourth deployment to Afghanistan. But on November 3, 2018, Maj. Taylor was tragically killed by an insider attack in Kabul, making him the first sitting U.S. politician to be killed in action since the Civil War. The United States lost an American hero and patriot that day, but his legacy still lives on to inspire service leadership among many more Americans. Every Memorial Day, we honor and mourn the men and women who lost their lives fighting for the United States. Jennie Taylor, the Gold Star Widow of Maj. Taylor and Founder/Director of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, shares the touching memories and stories about her late husband and the defining principles and lessons of Train, Honor, and Engage of her organization. Please visit majorbrenttaylor.com to learn more about and support the Major Brent Taylor Foundation. We will never forget the incredible service, sacrifice, statesmanship, and leadership of Maj. Brent Taylor. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Richard Stockton was one of the most prominent jurists and politicians before the American Revolution. But the growing conflict would not only take away his beloved estate, but also his health. Learn how Stockton's treatment as a prisoner of war and false rumors by Loyalists shaped the rough times many Signers faced soon after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Whether it's flying into Harry Reid International Airport or driving through the border town of Jackpot, visitors from all over the world come to Nevada for a gaming experience built on leisurely fun. But who is authorized to ensure tourists and locals are treated fairly by gaming companies and allow for an open environment of business innovation? Phil Katsaros, a gaming industry professional and former member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, discusses how his previous agency works to achieve balances of regulatory and free enterprise goals and shares the major successes and issues facing the U.S. gaming industry today. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

With millions of visitors every year, Yosemite National Park in California is one of the natural wonders in the U.S. But what many might not know is the work that President Abraham Lincoln and one U.S. Senator did to protect this park from destruction and exploitation. Learn how Senator John Conness helped spearhead one of the earliest examples of natural conservation and why Yosemite remains an iconic place to visit today. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Since Nevada officially became a "battle born" state in 1864 during the Lincoln presidency, Lincoln has been a ubiquitous historical figure in the Silver State. What other lessons can we learn from the 16th President? In Part 2, Dr. Green tell us why a both brilliant and imperfect Lincoln exemplified the type of moral leadership that can inform our political leaders today. For more research and news about gaming, visit UNLV's International Gaming Institute (IGI) website! Also, be sure to check out these Amazon links to Dr. Green's books: Nevada: A History of the Silver State (2015) Lincoln and Native Americans (2021) Lincoln and the Election of 1860 (2011) A special thank you to Dr. Brett Abarnel from UNLV's IGI for making this episode possible. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

It is no surprise why Nevada was often considered a major part of the Old Wild West. But what about the risk-takers who bet on the success of the Silver State from the Civil War to the modern era, from mob-ruled casinos of Las Vegas to professional sports on the Strip? In Part 1, Dr. Michael Green, professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), shares about some of the fascinating stories that made Nevada and Las Vegas into the unique places that they are today. For more research and news about gaming, visit UNLV's International Gaming Institute (IGI) website! Also, be sure to check out these Amazon links to Dr. Green's books: Nevada: A History of the Silver State (2015) Lincoln and Native Americans (2021) Lincoln and the Election of 1860 (2011) A special thank you to Dr. Brett Abarnel from UNLV's IGI for making this episode possible. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

While few have read about Lewis Morris, he was the first Signer from the prominent, political Morris family that ultimately continued to serve for the nation. Learn about how this signer responded to his Loyalist brother and how he became one of the first architects of what later became New York State. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Presidents' Day is a federal holiday, but what is its significance in American history and culture? What qualities does a good leader have in the Pentagon, White House, or any American institution? Gen. (ret.) Mark Welsh, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force under President Obama and current Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M, shares some key leadership lessons from his 40-year service in the USAF and what Presidents' Day means to the American people. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Although President Martin Van Buren was one of the creators of the Democratic Party, some might say his son indirectly created the Republican party (perhaps by accident). Learn how the former President, his son John Van Buren, the Free Soil Party, and the Barnburners contributed to the prevention of slavery expansion in the U.S. and the prominence of single-issue politicking. Support the showNEW! Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org for 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 $10 membership level or higher! SUBSCRIBE to our e-mail list for the latest news and updates from Friends & Fellow Citizens! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All guests on interview episodes are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.