126 episodes

The American Idea explores America's Founding principles and their effect on American history and government. Through thoughtful conversations with renowned academics and public figures from across the country, we examine the history and political thought behind our country’s greatest documents and debates, as well as contemporary issues, American popular culture, and political statesmanship. The podcast is a production of the Ashbrook Center and hosted by Jeff Sikkenga.

The American Idea Ashbrook Center

    • Education
    • 4.9 • 100 Ratings

The American Idea explores America's Founding principles and their effect on American history and government. Through thoughtful conversations with renowned academics and public figures from across the country, we examine the history and political thought behind our country’s greatest documents and debates, as well as contemporary issues, American popular culture, and political statesmanship. The podcast is a production of the Ashbrook Center and hosted by Jeff Sikkenga.

    Did Federal Officials Pressure Social Media Companies to Censor Americans?

    Did Federal Officials Pressure Social Media Companies to Censor Americans?

    Jeff is joined by John Vecchione, Senior Litigator for the New Civil Liberties Alliance (nclalegal.org) to discuss their work before the Supreme Court, arguing on behalf of individuals and groups that claim that federal officials abused their power and pressured social media companies to censor their speech. Similar to the “memory hole” of 1984, social media giants like Facebook, it is alleged, were pressured to downgrade or outright ban certain posts and even individuals whose opinions they didn’t like.

    nclalegal.org
    Host: Jeff Sikkenga
    Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer
    Producer: Jeremy Gypton
    Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

    • 32 min
    A Conversation with Vivek Ramaswamy

    A Conversation with Vivek Ramaswamy

    Jeff sits down with entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to discuss what motivated him to run, what he learned from the experience, and how he views the opportunities America has given him and his family.
    #vivek #ramaswamy #president #elect ions #campaign #america
    Host: Jeff Sikkenga
    Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer
    Producer: Jeremy Gypton
    Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

    • 11 min
    Bombing Hitler's Hometown - the Untold Story of the Last Mass Bombing Raid Over Europe in WW2 | Documents & Debates

    Bombing Hitler's Hometown - the Untold Story of the Last Mass Bombing Raid Over Europe in WW2 | Documents & Debates

    On April 25th, 1945, the 15th Air Force launched the last mass bombing raid in the war in Europe, on Hitler's self-declared hometown of Linz, Austria. This strategically-important transportation hub was also the location where Hitler dreamed of creating a shrine to himself and Nazism, in the form of museums, monuments, (stolen) art collections, and eventually his grave.
    Mike Croissant, author and retired CIA analyst, discusses the raid with John Moser, as the two discuss the closing days of the war, the dangers of American daylight bombing, and the tragic end to the life of Croissant's uncle, who fly in the raid and was the inspiration for the book.
    If the courage and stories of the 'Greatest Generation' interest and inspire you, take the time to listen to this episode, and check out Mike's book, out now: https://a.co/d/0Pnycx3
    Host: Jeff Sikkenga
    Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer
    Producer: Jeremy Gypton
    Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

    • 34 min
    World War 1's Far-Reaching Impact on America | Documents & Debates

    World War 1's Far-Reaching Impact on America | Documents & Debates

    World War 1 had a profound and far-reaching impact on American politics, government, law, international standing and, perhaps even more significant, on American culture and society. Many of the most important movements of the 20th Century - Civil Rights, Women's Suffrage, the growth of government power and size - have their roots in how America and Americans understood the war, took part in it, and what they took from the experience with it and the broader world. Dr. Jeff Sikkenga, Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center, discuses these topics with Dr. Jennifer Keene, Professor of History at Chapman University. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

    • 46 min
    The Importance of Good Local Government | American Core Ideas

    The Importance of Good Local Government | American Core Ideas

    Jeff moderates a panel with mayors of four small towns in Ohio, discussing their work and the importance of good local government and how we can, with our neighbors, play an essential role in America’s civic life. This episode was recorded live at one of the Ashbrook Center’s recent “Major Issues Lecture Series,” held at Ashland University.
    Host: Jeff Sikkenga
    Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer
    Producer: Jeremy Gypton
    Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Servant Leadership and Building a Winning Team | American Core Ideas

    Servant Leadership and Building a Winning Team | American Core Ideas

    Building a winning team - in business, education, sports, or the military - is hard, essential work; sustaining excellence over time is, perhaps, even harder. Kari Pickens, head coach of Ashland University’s Women’s Basketball Team, knows a lot about both, and shares her experiences and insights with Jeff in this episode.
    Kari’s reflections are also firmly connected to the American tradition of servant leadership - of a leader who puts their people and mission ahead of themselves, working to get the best out of people while helping them develop as individuals.
    For basketball fans there’s a lot to love in this episode. Those interested in organizational culture and personnel development will find equally as much.
    Learn more about Coach Pickens and the program here: https://goashlandeagles.com/sports/womens-basketball
    Host: Jeff Sikkenga
    Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer
    Producer: Jeremy Gypton
    Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
100 Ratings

100 Ratings

Beau ma Beau ,

Worth the investment of your time

An intentional interview style. The host allows the guest to really paint the pictures of history by not letting and agents nor political sway hinder the guest’s story.

Thanks, so much for the production.

bGuiles ,

First listen failed to earn my respect because…

Peter Grossman may be an economics expert but he isn’t one on energy or climate change. His views fail to understand the reality unfolding, and instead express his own form of utopian views not grounded in science. He is harmful if influential in that arena.

Cornerstone1976 ,

So good

I attended Ashland University to get my MA in US history and government through the Ashbrook Center. It was the finest educational experience I have ever received. I even had Dr. Sikkenga for a class on the 4th Amendment-it was phenomenal. This podcast is a continuation of that experience. HIGHLY recommended if you are a history teacher or just want to understand more about what it means to be an American.

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