Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast

Alycia Asai

Civics & Coffee delivers bite-sized U.S. history with clear, engaging storytelling — all in the time it takes to drink your morning cup of coffee. Host Alycia brings America’s past to life with well-researched episodes that are approachable, human, and impossible to forget. In 2026, Civics & Coffee dives into the Gilded Age - a transformative era of booming industry, powerful presidents, labor uprisings, immigration waves, inequality, and social reformers. From national crises like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 to personal stories of figures such as Rutherford B. Hayes, Lucy Webb Hayes, and the Exodusters, each episode uncovers the people, tensions, and turning points that shaped modern America. Whether you’re a longtime history lover or just history-curious, Civics & Coffee offers context without the homework and storytelling without the fluff. Grab your mug and join the conversation, one cup at a time.

  1. 2d ago

    Unpacking American Democracy: Dr. Kelly Burton on The Price of Union

    Is the American experiment in democracy undergoing a temporary setback? Or is it undergoing a racial reckoning 400 years in the making? That is what Dr. Kelly Burton explores in her book The Price of Union: Race, Power, and the Make of American Democracy. Join me as I discuss her book and what motivated Dr. Burton's research - and where she thinks the United States goes from here.  In this conversation, Dr. Burton and I discuss:  Dr. Burton's book where she argues that America's origins are rooted in economic ventures. Why she believes the Constitution is as an economic document.The long-range implications of the Three-Fifths Compromise we may not think about. Why Dr. Burton believes there is a need for a new understanding of democracy and a reimagining of the political order to ensure human flourishing for all.To learn more about Dr. Burton check out her website: priceofunion.com Public Intellectual Substack BUY THE BOOK: The Price of Union Want Me To Cover a Topic? Reach Out! Want More Civics & Coffee?  Sign Up for the Substack Join the Patreon Coffee Club Make Sure We Are Connected: Instagram BlueSky Threads Love Civics & Coffee? Review on Apple Rate on Spotify Disclaimer: Links to books are affiliate links. Each purchase helps support great historical scholarship, independent book stores, and the podcast!  Support the show

    Unpacking American Democracy: Dr. Kelly Burton on The Price of Union

  2. 5d ago

    More Trick, Less Treat: A Gilded Age Halloween

    Carving pumpkins, bobbing for apples, and sharing ghost stories are just some of the wholesome Halloween traditions Americans love to enjoy every year, but what were things like during the rapidly changing era known as the Gilded Age? Join me as I explore the festivities of Halloween during the Gilded Age! Learn how the elite used Halloween as another way to celebrate and showcase their wealth and why Spiritualism was a popular religious - and secular - movement. I also highlight the rise of the Ouija board and the pranks that characterized Halloween during this era, prompting cultural shifts that made the holiday much more reminiscent of what we know today. Thought This Was Interesting? Just Wait Until You Try… Episode 268: A Public Woman: Victoria Woodhull Episode 203: Mary Todd Lincoln: Part Two Episode 292: Louisiana Voodoo: Untangling the Myths, the Magic, and the History  Want Me To Cover a Topic? Reach Out! Want More Civics & Coffee?  Sign Up for the SubstackJoin the Patreon Coffee ClubMake Sure We Are Connected: InstagramBlueSkyThreadsLove Civics & Coffee? Review on AppleRate on SpotifySupport the show

    More Trick, Less Treat: A Gilded Age Halloween

  3. Oct 20

    Uncovering the New Farmers of America: Dr. Bobby Smith on Black Farm Boys

    Education has the power to open doors - and from 1935 to 1965 the New Farmers of America helped introduce rural Black youth to the world. Join me as I sit down with Dr. Bobby J. Smith to discuss his latest book Black Farm Boys: The Untold Story of the New Farmers of America which explores the origins of the organization and traces its impact and legacy on Black youth in agriculture.   In this conversation, Dr. Smith and I discuss:  How the New Farmers of America (NFA) played a pivotal role in the agricultural education of Black youth in the South. The significance of George Washington Owens in establishing agricultural programs How attending the Fifth National Convention in New Jersey, including a visit to the World's Fair, impacted Southern rural residents. The importance of camping activities in fostering leadership and skill development among young Black men, ultimately redefining their relationship with agriculture and community engagement. Where Dr. Smith hopes to take this research in future projects. To learn more about Dr. Smith  check out:  Instagram: smith_classic Faculty Profile at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign BUY THE BOOK: Buy Black Farm Boys Today Want Me To Cover a Topic? Reach Out! Want More Civics & Coffee?  Sign Up for the Substack Join the Patreon Coffee Club Make Sure We Are Connected: Instagram BlueSky Threads Love Civics & Coffee? Review on Apple Rate on Spotify Disclaimer: Links to books are affiliate links. Each purchase helps support great historical scholarship, independent book stores, and the podcast!  Support the show

    Uncovering the New Farmers of America: Dr. Bobby Smith on Black Farm Boys

  4. Oct 17

    The Dowry of Death: The Case of Benjamin Burton

    He was one Rhode Island's richest Black entrepreneurs. His death sent shockwaves into the small, coastal community of Newport. Initially ruled a suicide, rumors of family disputes, financial mismanagement, and concerns about a new addition to the household prompted authorities to dive deeper. What they exposed was a horrific story of greed and manipulation. Prepare yourself for the Gilded Age case of Benjamin J. Burton.  And check out the novel A Harbor of Deceit mentioned during the episode.  Support the show

    The Dowry of Death: The Case of Benjamin Burton

  5. Oct 13

    American Authoritarianism? A Conversation with Jackson van Uden

    There has been a lot of talk lately about fascism, communism, and authoritarianism in U.S. politics, but what does the history tell us? Join me as I welcome historian Jackson van Uden to discuss his research on authoritarianism and its long thread through American history. Discover the distinctions between authoritarianism, fascism, and communism, and how these concepts manifest in various political contexts. Our conversation reflects on historical examples, including the founding era, Reconstruction, and the actions of 20th-century presidents, highlighting moments where authoritarian tendencies emerged in American governance. Finally, Jackson shares why he feels it is important to understand these patterns as Americans navigate the current political challenges.  To learn more about Jackson  check out his website: https://historywithjackson.co.uk/ Instagram Want Me To Cover a Topic? Reach Out! Want More Civics & Coffee?  Sign Up for the Substack Join the Patreon Coffee Club Make Sure We Are Connected: Instagram BlueSky Threads Love Civics & Coffee? Review on Apple Rate on Spotify Support the show

    American Authoritarianism? A Conversation with Jackson van Uden

  6. Oct 10

    The Colorado Cannibal: The Story of Alfred Packer

    Was Alfred Packer a crazed maniac or a desperate man seeking a way to survive? Join me as I launch Civics & Coffee's annual spooky season with a look into the life of the would-be prospector known as the Colorado Cannibal. Learn how the thirst for gold drove Packer and twenty others into the treacherous Colorado mountains in the dead of winter and why his story of abandonment and panic failed to resonate with his fellow residents.  Support the show

    The Colorado Cannibal: The Story of Alfred Packer

  7. Oct 6

    Historical Politics: David Walbert on Stealing Elections, American Style

    Does the United States really have free and fair elections? In this conversation, voting rights attorney David Walbert discusses his book Stealing Elections American Style, which explores America's contentious electoral history. He highlights the ongoing issues of voter suppression and the historical context of the 1876 election, illustrating how political structures have perpetuated racial inequalities and the challenges faced in achieving true democratic representation. Join us as we highlight important moments including the controversial Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case and why Walbert believes civic engagement remains critical to democracy.  Learn more about David at his website here.  Buy your copy of the book through my bookshop affiliate link here.  Support the show

    Historical Politics: David Walbert on Stealing Elections, American Style

  8. Oct 3

    Before Hollywood: The History of Vaudeville

    If you grew up taping posters of your favorite celebrities on your wall or consider yourself a Swiftie, you can thank Vaudeville. Tune in this week as I explore the early quintessential American mass entertainment medium and its lasting impact on modern culture. Discover how vaudeville shaped celebrity culture, influenced entertainment accessibility, and laid the groundwork for future media. Support the show

    Before Hollywood: The History of Vaudeville
See All (381)

4.9
out of 5
77 Ratings

About

Civics & Coffee delivers bite-sized U.S. history with clear, engaging storytelling — all in the time it takes to drink your morning cup of coffee. Host Alycia brings America’s past to life with well-researched episodes that are approachable, human, and impossible to forget. In 2026, Civics & Coffee dives into the Gilded Age - a transformative era of booming industry, powerful presidents, labor uprisings, immigration waves, inequality, and social reformers. From national crises like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 to personal stories of figures such as Rutherford B. Hayes, Lucy Webb Hayes, and the Exodusters, each episode uncovers the people, tensions, and turning points that shaped modern America. Whether you’re a longtime history lover or just history-curious, Civics & Coffee offers context without the homework and storytelling without the fluff. Grab your mug and join the conversation, one cup at a time.

Information

You Might Also Like