Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America

Constituting America
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Constitutional Chats are hosted by Janine Turner, Cathy Gillespie, student ambassadors, and experts who join us weekly to discuss hot-topic issues! The audience is not on camera, but you may ask questions!

  1. 2D AGO · VIDEO

    Ep. 290 | Constitutional Chats Podcast | Henry Olson | Celebrating Washington's Birthday: The Farewell Address That Formed Our Republic

    It is that time of year where celebrate the birthday of General George Washington!  Each year around this time our podcast pays tribute to the man Major General Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III eulogized as "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."     This year, we focus on Washington's Farewell Address, an incredible example of his oratorical skills and a blueprint for our republic.  In his address, Washington paints a rather cautionary tale on issues that will face our new nation.  Among others, he cautioned against the rise of political factions and foreign entanglements, issues that still affect our nation centuries later.     To lead the conversation this week, we are thrilled to welcome Henry Olson, senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, as our special guest.

    56 min

  2. FEB 13 · VIDEO

    Ep. 289 | Constitutional Chats Podcast | Tony Williams | Divided Over the Declaration: How an Enduring Debate Sustains the Vision of America - with author Tony Williams

    For 250 years, a debate has carried on over the meaning of the Declaration of Independence. To enlighten us on his new book: "Divided Over the Declaration: How an Enduring Debate Sustains the Vision of America," we welcome author Tony Williams!

    56 min

  3. FEB 6 · VIDEO

    Ep. 288 | Constitutional Chats Podcast | Gary Porter | Liberty at Any Price: Abraham Clark Signs the Declaration

    Through no fault of any of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, some signers are better known than others.  Some are familiar household names while others are a bit more obscure.  One of the lesser-known signers is the subject of our chat this week.  Abraham Clark was a lawyer from New Jersey who signed the Declaration but also served two terms in the United States House of Representatives.  To shed more light on the life and career of Abraham Clark, and the personal sacrifices he made in defense of freedom, we are delighted to welcome Gary Porter as our special guest.  Gary is a long-time friend of Constituting America and Executive Director of the Constitution Leadership Initiative.

    55 min

  4. JAN 30 · VIDEO

    Ep. 287 | Constitutional Chats Podcast | Robert Allison | Celebrating 250: Why John Hancock Signed First

    When one looks at the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, among the soaring prose and clear indictment against the British crown, one name stands out from the others: John Hancock.  Clearly, we know he was a Founding Father and most know he was the first to sign the great document.  But beyond that, he is one of the least studied of the Founders.  Today, we change that.  To help in this challenge to shed light on him we are delighted to welcome as our  special guest Robert Allison, Professor of History at Suffolk University, president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts and chair of Revolution 250.

    54 min

  5. JAN 25 · VIDEO

    Ep. 286 | Constitutional Chats Podcast | Ben Franklin | Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father, Faithful Patriot

    Perhaps there is no greater archetype of the American Dream than Benjamin Franklin in the founding generation.  A printer's apprentice, he rose to become a writer, statesman and scientist.  Along the way, he helped draft and sign the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution and became our country's first postmaster general and served as an ambassador to France.  As we celebrate our country's 250th birthday this year, we are delighted to have a chance to chat with Dr. Franklin, wonderfully portrayed by David Holland of the American Historical Theatre.

    55 min

  6. JAN 17 · VIDEO

    Ep. 285 | Constitutional Chats Podcast | Robert McDonald | Thomas Paine's Common Sense: 250 Years Later

    Our country is built on a great library of extraordinary documents that framed our new republic in its infancy.  Constituting America always delights in discussing these works.  In that spirit, today we are discussing Thomas Paine's seminal work, "Common Sense."  How did the English-born Paine become such an ardent supporter of American independence and what role did his work have in pushing us from mere resistance to revolution?  To discuss this extraordinary document, we are pleased to welcome to the chat Robert McDonald, professor of history at the U.S Military Academy in West Point, NY.

    56 min

  7. JAN 9 · VIDEO

    Ep. 284 | Constitutional Chats Podcast | Michael Auslin | The Declaration: How It Was Written and Led to Independence

    Compared to modern record keeping, not all of the details surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence are known.  Case in point, although we know the date, we do not know the specific time of day when it passed and was signed.  Other questions remain such as who offered what changes and were they incorporated in Jefferson's final draft?  But what we do know is the long-lasting impact this incredible document had that changed the world.  As we kick off the new year, a year in which we celebrate the 250th birthday of our country, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Michael Auslin as our guest this week.  Dr. Auslin is the Payson J. Treat Distinguished Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University and author of "National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America."

    56 min

  8. 12/20/2025 · VIDEO

    Ep. 283 | Constitutional Chats Podcast | Jeffry Morrison | John Witherspoon: Faith and Leadership at the Second Continental Congress

    Washington.  Adams.  Jefferson.  Madison.  Hamilton.  There are certain Founding Fathers with whom are all very familiar.  But there are also those who are less well-known but not less important.  John Witherspoon is one such historical figure.  Our guest today is Jeffry Morrison, Professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University and Director of Academics at the federal government's James Madison Foundation.  Dr. Morrison will teach us about this important founder and explain why John Witherspoon is "the most interesting  Founding Father you have never heard of."

    56 min
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Constitutional Chats are hosted by Janine Turner, Cathy Gillespie, student ambassadors, and experts who join us weekly to discuss hot-topic issues! The audience is not on camera, but you may ask questions!

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