American Made

Matt Landis | Teacher | Historian | Kidlit Author

A podcast about the questions, stories, and struggles that built a nation. authorlandis.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Crimes of the King: Presidents Day!

    3 DAYS AGO

    Crimes of the King: Presidents Day!

    Welcome to AMERICAN MADE, Matt’s history podcast for grades 3-8. In this current series, Crimes of the King, 1776, we tackle the most important question in American history: Why did the American colonies actually break up with King George? But in today’s bonus PRESIDENTS DAY episode, we’re asking this question: Did GW repeat King George’s crimes when he became prez? Each episode gives you a story-driven dive into the Declaration of Independence as America sets to celebrate the 250th Anniversary. With parents, teachers, and homeschoolers in mind, this content is perfect for car rides, classrooms, and co-ops. Thanks for listening, enjoy the show! 🎧Episode resources for teachers, students, and parents * 🗂️ Google Docs folder with activity handouts (graphic novel handout of the Whiskey Rebellion for students) * 🎮Blooket! Whole-class game (teachers copy to your account) or 🎮 Individual Game! * 📜 Primary source and citation links: * Ghilder Lehrman’s annotated copy of the king’s crimes * The Constitution! * 🤓Dig Deeper: The History of President’s Day! 🇺🇸Have fun digging in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorlandis.substack.com

    12 min
  2. Crimes of the King: No Justice (#7-10)

    1 FEB

    Crimes of the King: No Justice (#7-10)

    Welcome to AMERICAN MADE, Matt’s history podcast for grades 3-8. In this current series, Crimes of the King, 1776, we tackle the most important question in American history: Why did the American colonies actually break up with King George? Each episode gives you a story-driven dive into the Declaration of Independence as America sets to celebrate the 250th Anniversary. With parents, teachers, and homeschoolers in mind, this content is perfect for car rides, classrooms, and co-ops. Thanks for listening, enjoy the show! 🎧Episode resources for teachers, students, and parents * 🗂️ Google Docs folder with activity handouts (crimes 7-10 in plain-English, word search, crossword puzzle) * 🎮Blooket! Whole-class game (teachers copy to your account) or 🎮 Individual Game! * 📜 Primary source and citation links: * Ghilder Lehrman’s annotated copy of the king’s crimes * The Constitution’s Center annotated copy of the Declaration * 🤓Dig Deeper: The Tarring and Feathering of John Malcom 🇺🇸Have fun digging in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorlandis.substack.com

    12 min
  3. Crimes of the King: Muzzling the People (#3-6)

    18 JAN

    Crimes of the King: Muzzling the People (#3-6)

    Welcome to AMERICAN MADE, Matt’s history podcast for grades 3-8. In this current series, Crimes of the King, 1776, we tackle the most important question in American history: Why did the American colonies actually break up with King George? Each episode gives you a story-driven dive into the Declaration of Independence as America sets to celebrate the 250th Anniversary. With parents, teachers, and homeschoolers in mind, this content is perfect for car rides, classrooms, and co-ops. Thanks for listening, enjoy the show! 🎧Episode resources for teachers, students, and parents * 🗂️ Google Docs folder with activity handouts (crimes 3-6 in plain-English, word search, crossword puzzle) * 🎮Blooket! Whole-class game (teachers copy to your account) or 🎮 Individual Game! * 📜 Primary source links: * Ghilder Lehrman’s annotated copy of the king’s crimes * The Constitution’s Center annotated copy of the Declaration * 🤓Dig Deeper: Women’s Rights and the Declaration of Independence 🇺🇸Have fun digging in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorlandis.substack.com

    13 min
  4. Crimes of the King: Thumbs Down (#1-2)

    4 JAN

    Crimes of the King: Thumbs Down (#1-2)

    Welcome to AMERICAN MADE, Matt’s history podcast for grades 3-8. In this current series, Crimes of the King, 1776, we tackle the most important question in American history: Why did the American colonies actually break up with King George? Each episode gives you a story-driven dive into the Declaration of Independence as America sets to celebrate the 250th Anniversary. With parents, teachers, and homeschoolers in mind, this content is perfect for car rides, classrooms, and co-ops. Thanks for listening, enjoy the show! 🎧Episode resources for teachers, students, and parents * 🗂️ Google Docs folder with activity handouts (crimes 1-2 in plain-English, word search, crossword puzzle) * 🎮Blooket! Whole-class game (teachers copy to your account) or 🎮 Individual Game! * 📜 Primary source links: * Ghilder Lehrman’s annotated copy of the king’s crimes * The Constitution’s Center annotated copy of the Declaration * 🤓Dig Deeper: Black Americans and the Declaration of Independence 🇺🇸Have fun digging in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorlandis.substack.com

    13 min
  5. Christmas, 1776

    14/12/2025

    Christmas, 1776

    Merry Christmas! Enjoy this SPECIAL Christmas narrative about the greatest AMERICAN MADE miracle to ever happen in these United States! 🎧Teachers, Students, Parents! * 🗂️ Google Doc folder with COLORING PAGES and the complete story. * 🎮 Blooket! Whole-class game (teachers copy to your account) or Individual Game! * 📜 Nerdy further reading on the crossing 🇺🇸Have fun digging in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorlandis.substack.com

    17 min
  6. American Santa!!

    09/12/2025

    American Santa!!

    Happy (belated) Saint Nicholas Day! 🎅🏻THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SANTA SPOILERS FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS🎅🏻 Welcome to AMERICAN MADE, Matt’s student-centered history podcast that proves the past doesn’t have to be boring — especially for middle-grade listeners (8-12 yrs old). Each episode gives you a story-driven dive into the people, moments, and big ideas that shaped our country. With parents, teachers, and homeschoolers in mind, this content is perfect for car rides, classrooms, and co-ops. Thanks for listening, enjoy the show! 🎧Teachers, Students, Parents! Everything from today’s episode: * 🗂️ Google Docs folder with source handouts * 🎮 Blooket! Whole-class game or individual challenge! * 📜 Primary source links: * Irving’s A History of New York (1809) * Moore’s Twas the Night Before Christmas (1823) * Nast’s first Santa cartoon (1863) * Nast’s most famous Santa cartoon (1881) * Bonus: sources on Saint Nicholas of Myra 🇺🇸Have fun digging in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorlandis.substack.com

    14 min
  7. The First Thanksgiving?

    20/11/2025

    The First Thanksgiving?

    Welcome to the launch of AMERICAN MADE, Matt’s student-centered history podcast that proves the past doesn’t have to be boring — especially for middle-grade listeners (8-12 yrs old). Each episode gives you a story-driven dive into the people, moments, and big ideas that shaped our country. With parents, teachers, and homeschoolers in mind, this content is perfect for car rides, classrooms, and co-ops. Thanks for listening, enjoy the show! 🎧Teachers, Students, Parents! Everything from today’s episode is right here: * 🗂️ Google Docs folder with source handouts * Blooket! Whole-class game (teachers copy to your account) or 🎮 Individual Game! * 📜 Primary source links: * Edward Winslow’s account in Mourt’s Relations (1622) * Rev. Alexander Young’s The Chronicles of our Pilgrim Fathers (1841) * Sarah Hale’s Northwood: A Tale of New England (1827, subtitle “Life in North and South” in the UK print) * Hale’s relentless editorial letters in Godey’s Lady’s Magazine * Hale’s Letter to Lincoln (1863) 🇺🇸Have fun digging in! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorlandis.substack.com

    17 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

A podcast about the questions, stories, and struggles that built a nation. authorlandis.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Landis | Teacher | Historian | Kidlit Author
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt Landis
  • Show Website
    American Made