This week, Clay Jenkinson’s conversation with his cinephile friend Niles Schwartz of Minneapolis about the summer blockbuster film Oppenheimer. People are already saying it is one of the great films in recent decades, a certain classic like The Sound of Music, Dr. Strangelove, the Deer Hunter, and Citizen Kane. Clay asked Niles to forget about history and the character of Robert Oppenheimer, but simply to respond to the film as film: cinematography, editing, direction, the acting, the score. Niles agreed that Robert Downey, Jr., is headed for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Niles Schwartz is a tough critic, but he loved this film.

This week, Clay Jenkinson’s conversation with his cinephile friend Niles Schwartz of Minneapolis about the summer blockbuster film Oppenheimer. People are already saying it is one of the great films in recent decades, a certain classic like The Sound of Music, Dr. Strangelove, the Deer Hunter, and Citizen Kane. Clay asked Niles to forget about history and the character of Robert Oppenheimer, but simply to respond to the film as film: cinematography, editing, direction, the acting, the score. Niles agreed that Robert Downey, Jr., is headed for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Niles Schwartz is a tough critic, but he loved this film.

#1560 The Oppenheimer Film as Cinema

This week, Clay Jenkinson interviews Bruce Ledewitz, the author of The Universe is On Our Side: Restoring Faith in American Public Life. Since Nietzsche's famous pronouncement that "God is dead," Euro-American culture has become profoundly secular--and it shows, according to Ledewitz. Without the great tradition of Christian culture, America has descended into radical individualism without any moral anchor for public or private behavior. Ledewitz rejects the Enlightenment's belief that secular culture is a sufficient restraining mechanism for humans who are, in the Enlightenment's formulation, capable of considerable perfectibility. Jefferson's belief in a "moral sense" is not enough to give American culture meaning or restraint. Ledewitz sees little hope for a restoration of a morally grounded American society.

This week, Clay Jenkinson interviews Bruce Ledewitz, the author of The Universe is On Our Side: Restoring Faith in American Public Life. Since Nietzsche's famous pronouncement that "God is dead," Euro-American culture has become profoundly secular--and it shows, according to Ledewitz. Without the great tradition of Christian culture, America has descended into radical individualism without any moral anchor for public or private behavior. Ledewitz rejects the Enlightenment's belief that secular culture is a sufficient restraining mechanism for humans who are, in the Enlightenment's formulation, capable of considerable perfectibility. Jefferson's belief in a "moral sense" is not enough to give American culture meaning or restraint. Ledewitz sees little hope for a restoration of a morally grounded American society.

#1559 The Plight of a Secular Society

This week, Clay Jenkinson’s conversation with Listening to America’s Enlightenment correspondent David Nicandri after viewing the blockbuster film Oppenheimer. How close did the film stay to the historical record? Was the characterization of Oppenheimer both accurate and compelling? Why does Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey, Jr.) play so large a role in the film? Will the film be remembered in Hollywood history? Why is the film rated R? Is Christopher Nolan’s depiction of Edward Teller an allusion to Stanley Kubrik’s Dr. Strangelove? Do the four narrative strands of the film hold together? What is the significance of the argument of the film that, once you create nuclear devices, they are sure to be used in the next existential world crisis?

This week, Clay Jenkinson’s conversation with Listening to America’s Enlightenment correspondent David Nicandri after viewing the blockbuster film Oppenheimer. How close did the film stay to the historical record? Was the characterization of Oppenheimer both accurate and compelling? Why does Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey, Jr.) play so large a role in the film? Will the film be remembered in Hollywood history? Why is the film rated R? Is Christopher Nolan’s depiction of Edward Teller an allusion to Stanley Kubrik’s Dr. Strangelove? Do the four narrative strands of the film hold together? What is the significance of the argument of the film that, once you create nuclear devices, they are sure to be used in the next existential world crisis?

#1558 How Accurate Was the Oppenheimer Movie?

This week, Clay Jenkinson's interview with the Thoreau of Great Salt Lake, Scott Baxter, about the possibility that the lake will die well before it dries up entirely. Baxter has spent decades monitoring the lake as its levels diminish thanks to over-allocation and more recently the prolonged drought in the American West. With his future son-in-law, Baxter circumnavigated the lake several years ago. The toxic dust that is exposed by declining lake levels represents a respiratory problem for the citizens of the Wasatch Front in Utah. That dust finds its way to the snowfields in the mountains east of Salt Lake City, damaging the ski industry and causing the snowpack to melt sooner than ever before. This interview is part of Listening to America's Water in the West initiative.

This week, Clay Jenkinson's interview with the Thoreau of Great Salt Lake, Scott Baxter, about the possibility that the lake will die well before it dries up entirely. Baxter has spent decades monitoring the lake as its levels diminish thanks to over-allocation and more recently the prolonged drought in the American West. With his future son-in-law, Baxter circumnavigated the lake several years ago. The toxic dust that is exposed by declining lake levels represents a respiratory problem for the citizens of the Wasatch Front in Utah. That dust finds its way to the snowfields in the mountains east of Salt Lake City, damaging the ski industry and causing the snowpack to melt sooner than ever before. This interview is part of Listening to America's Water in the West initiative.

#1557 The Death of Great Salt Lake

John Quincy Adams

This week, the second of a two part conversation between Clay Jenkinson and Lindsay Chervinksy on the life and achievements of John Quincy Adams. The little known sixth President is so interesting that Clay and Lindsay decided to do a second Ten Things program about him. Did he have a sense of humor? Could he relax? What kind of First Lady was Louisa Adams? Was Adams a true abolitionist or did he prefer caution to a bold assault on slavery? Why did he dislike Thomas Jefferson so much?

This week, the second of a two part conversation between Clay Jenkinson and Lindsay Chervinksy on the life and achievements of John Quincy Adams. The little known sixth President is so interesting that Clay and Lindsay decided to do a second Ten Things program about him. Did he have a sense of humor? Could he relax? What kind of First Lady was Louisa Adams? Was Adams a true abolitionist or did he prefer caution to a bold assault on slavery? Why did he dislike Thomas Jefferson so much?

#1556 John Quincy Adams Part II

This week, the first of a two part conversation between Clay Jenkinson and Lindsay Chervinsky on the life and achievement of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. Adams was perhaps the greatest Secretary of State in American history. He had a rough one-term presidency, but then he won a seat in the House of Representatives that he retained until his death in 1848. He was one of America's greatest opponents of slavery.

This week, the first of a two part conversation between Clay Jenkinson and Lindsay Chervinsky on the life and achievement of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. Adams was perhaps the greatest Secretary of State in American history. He had a rough one-term presidency, but then he won a seat in the House of Representatives that he retained until his death in 1848. He was one of America's greatest opponents of slavery.

#1555 John Quincy Adams Deserves Better

This week, Clay Jenkinson talks with David Horton of Radford University in Virginia about the artificial intelligence revolution. Where are we with AI and where are we headed? What is the future of privacy? Is it possible to regulate AI? Will the machines terminate us as a slovenly, irrational, and wasteful species? Will we live forever or at least another hundred years? What will universities do now that ChatGPT is rocking education? Meanwhile, Clay asks ChatGPT to write an essay condemning Jefferson for slavery and another defending him.

This week, Clay Jenkinson talks with David Horton of Radford University in Virginia about the artificial intelligence revolution. Where are we with AI and where are we headed? What is the future of privacy? Is it possible to regulate AI? Will the machines terminate us as a slovenly, irrational, and wasteful species? Will we live forever or at least another hundred years? What will universities do now that ChatGPT is rocking education? Meanwhile, Clay asks ChatGPT to write an essay condemning Jefferson for slavery and another defending him.

#1554 Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Civilization

Clay Jenkinson interviews Enlightenment correspondent David Nicandri about the discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s ship the Endurance at the bottom of the Weddell Sea in Antarctica. The Endurance sank in November 1915 after being trapped and crushed by polar ice. A rescue archaeologist named Mensun Bound led two multimillion dollar expeditions to find the sunken ship, which had settled on the bottom of the icy sea nearly 10,000 feet below the surface. On March 5, 2022, an underwater probe found the Endurance right where it should be, and to their great surprise, it was wonderfully intact. Clay asks Nicandri whether such an expensive undertaking was worth it.

Clay Jenkinson interviews Enlightenment correspondent David Nicandri about the discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s ship the Endurance at the bottom of the Weddell Sea in Antarctica. The Endurance sank in November 1915 after being trapped and crushed by polar ice. A rescue archaeologist named Mensun Bound led two multimillion dollar expeditions to find the sunken ship, which had settled on the bottom of the icy sea nearly 10,000 feet below the surface. On March 5, 2022, an underwater probe found the Endurance right where it should be, and to their great surprise, it was wonderfully intact. Clay asks Nicandri whether such an expensive undertaking was worth it.

#1553 Shackleton’s Ship the Endurance Found!

This week, Clay Jenkinson and regular Listening to America correspondent Lindsay Chervinsky talk about moments when the first president, George Washington, may have been tempted to drop the mic - if such a technology had existed in his time. We discuss Washington's response to the Newburgh Conspiracy, Washington showing up at the Continental Congress in uniform before they had appointed him Commander in Chief, Washington's Farewell Address, and Washington's gift of a basket of figs when Colonel Hamilton was beset by a sex scandal.

This week, Clay Jenkinson and regular Listening to America correspondent Lindsay Chervinsky talk about moments when the first president, George Washington, may have been tempted to drop the mic - if such a technology had existed in his time. We discuss Washington's response to the Newburgh Conspiracy, Washington showing up at the Continental Congress in uniform before they had appointed him Commander in Chief, Washington's Farewell Address, and Washington's gift of a basket of figs when Colonel Hamilton was beset by a sex scandal.

#1552 Ten Things: If George Washington Could Drop the Mic

This week, Clay Jenkinson interviews the actor John Gowans, who portrays Dr. Ward Evans of Northwestern University in the upcoming Robert Oppenheimer film. Gowans tells fascinating stories about being on the set of the film, particularly the 1954 security hearing in Washington, DC., when Oppenheimer was treated like a man of potential treason by the McCarthy-era security establishment. The director Christopher Nolan kept all the actors in a small enclosed space to create the atmosphere of tension and excruciating intimacy of the security hearing, after which Oppenheimer's security clearance was withdrawn by the United States government. Oppenheimer is one of Clay's historical characters.

This week, Clay Jenkinson interviews the actor John Gowans, who portrays Dr. Ward Evans of Northwestern University in the upcoming Robert Oppenheimer film. Gowans tells fascinating stories about being on the set of the film, particularly the 1954 security hearing in Washington, DC., when Oppenheimer was treated like a man of potential treason by the McCarthy-era security establishment. The director Christopher Nolan kept all the actors in a small enclosed space to create the atmosphere of tension and excruciating intimacy of the security hearing, after which Oppenheimer's security clearance was withdrawn by the United States government. Oppenheimer is one of Clay's historical characters.

#1551 On the Set of the Oppenheimer Film

Listening to America aims to “light out for the territories,” traveling less visited byways and taking time to see this immense, extraordinary country with fresh eyes while listening to the many voices of America’s past, present, and future. Led by noted historian and humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson, Listening to America travels the country’s less visited byways, from national parks and forests to historic sites to countless under-recognized rural and urban places. Through this exploration, Clay and team find and tell the overlooked historical and contemporary stories that shape America’s people and places. Visit our website at ltamerica.org.

Overall a good thinking, balanced approach to issues and people. However on economic issue he does show his ignorance. Example, saving money in financial institutions, savings accounts, bonds or stock are not hoarding money. They are part of circulation of money just as spending is. If put money in jar or vault such as Scrooge Mcduck, Smoug the dragon that is hoarding.

Good but does show ignorance.

These Joe Elis episodes are gold/straight fire as the Zelennials say...

I am behind a few episodes as I ration them to myself. Was not disappointed...

Great to see Clay bounce some his favorite Jefferson quotations off Elis for his take on them.

As always the gentle steering of the ship by David is perfect.

We should all be a little more Swenson in our communications with others. There is No more gentlemanly voice in all of podcasting...

Please plan on breaking down Doctor Elis’ new book he mentioned.

Thank you for your discourse...

1388 Letters #1 Adams and Jefferson

Listening to America aims to “light out for the territories,” traveling less visited byways and taking time to see this immense, extraordinary country with fresh eyes while listening to the many voices of America’s past, present, and future. Led by noted historian and humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson, Listening to America travels the country’s less visited byways, from national parks and forests to historic sites to countless under-recognized rural and urban places. Through this exploration, Clay and team find and tell the overlooked historical and contemporary stories that shape America’s people and places. Visit our website at <a href="http://ltamerica.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ltamerica.org</a>.

Listening to America

"Jefferson regarded the national debt as a national disgrace." This week, President Jefferson (as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson) explains his reasoning behind his federal budget and why he felt it was essential to pay down the national debt that he inherited. We also learn about some of the people who helped Jefferson develop the budget, including Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin. Jefferson dedicated his administration to reducing the national debt as severely as possible. As always, there are parallels between Jefferson's time and ours. He wanted to cut taxes and the size of the federal government, but he also wanted to cut the size of the Army and Navy; you don't hear that kind of talk much in our time. In this case, Jefferson was an idealogue about fiscal responsibility. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Read Clay's Jefferson Watch essay, "The Most Jeffersonian Thing in America". Clay will be performing as Thomas Jefferson at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, VA on April 19th. Find more info and buy tickets  here. Learn more about Odyssey Tours and the summer 2017 Lewis &amp; Clark adventure on odytours.net.

"Jefferson regarded the national debt as a national disgrace." This week, President Jefferson (as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson) explains his reasoning behind his federal budget and why he felt it was essential to pay down the national debt that he inherited. We also learn about some of the people who helped Jefferson develop the budget, including Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin. Jefferson dedicated his administration to reducing the national debt as severely as possible. As always, there are parallels between Jefferson's time and ours. He wanted to cut taxes and the size of the federal government, but he also wanted to cut the size of the Army and Navy; you don't hear that kind of talk much in our time. In this case, Jefferson was an idealogue about fiscal responsibility. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1228" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Read Clay's Jefferson Watch essay, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/neh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"The Most Jeffersonian Thing in America"</a>. Clay will be performing as Thomas Jefferson at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, VA on April 19th. Find more info and buy tickets <a href="http://fergusoncenter.org/ai1ec_event/clay-jenkinson-thomas-jefferson/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>. Learn more about Odyssey Tours and the summer 2017 Lewis &amp; Clark adventure on <a href="https://www.odytours.net/news/2017lc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">odytours.net</a>.

#1228 Budgets

"The constitution ... is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist, and shape into any form they please." — Thomas Jefferson to Spencer Roane, 1819 Thomas Jefferson had a unique and slightly odd view of the proper place of the judicial branch in America. He thought of judicial independence as both a strength and a weakness of our system: you want judges that are independent of popular factionalism but you want them to be accountable to the sovereign, to the American people. Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson, discusses his concept of judicial balance, his lifelong displeasure with the Supreme Court, and some of the changes that he thinks should be made. He said of life-tenured judges, 'Few die and none resign.' Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Read Clay's Jefferson Watch essay, "Good News for America". Clay will be performing as Thomas Jefferson at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, VA on April 19th. Find more info and buy tickets  here. Learn more about Odyssey Tours and the summer 2017 Lewis &amp; Clark adventure on odytours.net.

"The constitution ... is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist, and shape into any form they please." — Thomas Jefferson to Spencer Roane, 1819 Thomas Jefferson had a unique and slightly odd view of the proper place of the judicial branch in America. He thought of judicial independence as both a strength and a weakness of our system: you want judges that are independent of popular factionalism but you want them to be accountable to the sovereign, to the American people. Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson, discusses his concept of judicial balance, his lifelong displeasure with the Supreme Court, and some of the changes that he thinks should be made. He said of life-tenured judges, 'Few die and none resign.' Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1230" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Read Clay's Jefferson Watch essay, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/gorsuch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Good News for America"</a>. Clay will be performing as Thomas Jefferson at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, VA on April 19th. Find more info and buy tickets <a href="http://fergusoncenter.org/ai1ec_event/clay-jenkinson-thomas-jefferson/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a>. Learn more about Odyssey Tours and the summer 2017 Lewis &amp; Clark adventure on <a href="https://www.odytours.net/news/2017lc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">odytours.net</a>.

#1230 Judgment

James Madison

"to the press alone, checkered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression." — James Madison We discuss James Madison again this week, President Jefferson's good friend and ally. Madison was the de facto father of the American Constitution. We look at his preparation, his advocacy of the Virginia Plan, and his work to try to ratify this somewhat imperfect instrument. We talked a great deal with President Jefferson about the Constitutional Convention. Jefferson wasn't there, but Madison kept him apprised of progress. Madison wanted a more centralized national government than Jefferson was comfortable with. Jefferson believed in the 10th amendment: that powers not delegated to the national government belong to the states, which is something that haunts us to this day because of its vagueness. The question is, what is America? Is it a compact of sovereign states? Or is it as a nation state whose constitution begins with the words, "We the People"? Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at jeffersonhour.com/tours. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"to the press alone, checkered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression." — James Madison We discuss James Madison again this week, President Jefferson's good friend and ally. Madison was the de facto father of the American Constitution. We look at his preparation, his advocacy of the Virginia Plan, and his work to try to ratify this somewhat imperfect instrument. We talked a great deal with President Jefferson about the Constitutional Convention. Jefferson wasn't there, but Madison kept him apprised of progress. Madison wanted a more centralized national government than Jefferson was comfortable with. Jefferson believed in the 10th amendment: that powers not delegated to the national government belong to the states, which is something that haunts us to this day because of its vagueness. The question is, what is America? Is it a compact of sovereign states? Or is it as a nation state whose constitution begins with the words, "We the People"? Find this episode, along with recommended reading, <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1316" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Support the show by joining the <a href="https://jeffersonhour.bandcamp.com/1776-club" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1776 Club</a> or by <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donating</a> to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jeffersonhour.com/tours</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1316 James Madison (Part Two)

Guest host Joe Lovell of Amarillo, Texas returns to speak with President Thomas Jefferson about revolution, public education and the need for true leadership.

Guest host Joe Lovell of Amarillo, Texas returns to speak with President Thomas Jefferson about revolution, public education and the need for true leadership.

#1210 Optimistic Revolution

This week, we return with the 14th installment of the “Jefferson 101” series. The program is the first of two shows discussing Jefferson’s time as the first Secretary of State. It begins with the story of Jefferson’s return from Europe and the effect his time in France had on his own political sentiments. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog.

This week, we return with the 14th installment of the “Jefferson 101” series. The program is the first of two shows discussing Jefferson’s time as the first Secretary of State. It begins with the story of Jefferson’s return from Europe and the effect his time in France had on his own political sentiments. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1216" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>.

#1216 Secretary of State (Part One)

We speak with President Jefferson this week in our annual 4th of July Show. Jefferson shares his thoughts on why the holiday is so important to Americans and recalls how it was celebrated during his time. We also speak to Gaye Wilson, the Shannon Senior Historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies and Pat Brodowski, specialty gardener at Monticello who tell us about the celebrations being held at Monticello. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

We speak with President Jefferson this week in our annual 4th of July Show. Jefferson shares his thoughts on why the holiday is so important to Americans and recalls how it was celebrated during his time. We also speak to Gaye Wilson, the Shannon Senior Historian at the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies and Pat Brodowski, specialty gardener at Monticello who tell us about the celebrations being held at Monticello. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1241" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1241 4th of July

Benjamin Franklin

President Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson, is joined in conversation by Benjamin Franklin, as portrayed by GregRobin Smith.

President Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson, is joined in conversation by Benjamin Franklin, as portrayed by GregRobin Smith.

#1203 Benjamin Franklin’s Visit

"Can we talk? Can we try to argue about where we are and where we're going and use the founders as a source of wisdom that might allow us to have a safe place to meet and to talk about this with civility, but with fervor?" — Joseph J. Ellis Clay and David discuss how to conduct better arguments, and also speak with author Joseph Ellis to talk about his new book American Dialogue, which will be released this fall. Professor Joseph Ellis is the author of a great number of books about the founding fathers, including some of our favorites. There's talk of violence against journalists; how can we ratchet down our national discourse rather than continue to ratchet it up? Jefferson's mantra was, 'We disagree, but if we do, we disagree as rational friends,' and Dr. Ellis is saying, disagreement is the beginning of wisdom and harmony. ind this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at jeffersonhour.com/tours. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"Can we talk? Can we try to argue about where we are and where we're going and use the founders as a source of wisdom that might allow us to have a safe place to meet and to talk about this with civility, but with fervor?" — Joseph J. Ellis Clay and David discuss how to conduct better arguments, and also speak with author Joseph Ellis to talk about his new book American Dialogue, which will be released this fall. Professor Joseph Ellis is the author of a great number of books about the founding fathers, including some of our favorites. There's talk of violence against journalists; how can we ratchet down our national discourse rather than continue to ratchet it up? Jefferson's mantra was, 'We disagree, but if we do, we disagree as rational friends,' and Dr. Ellis is saying, disagreement is the beginning of wisdom and harmony. ind this episode, along with recommended reading, <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1300" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Support the show by joining the <a href="https://jeffersonhour.bandcamp.com/1776-club" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1776 Club</a> or by <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donating</a> to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jeffersonhour.com/tours</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1300 Better Arguments

Attempting to move President Jefferson into the Christmas Spirit is always a challenge, and this year is no different. This year, we present excerpts from past Jefferson Hour shows discussing Jefferson’s feelings about the holiday and memories of his own Christmas experiences. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at jeffersonhour.com/tours. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

Attempting to move President Jefferson into the Christmas Spirit is always a challenge, and this year is no different. This year, we present excerpts from past Jefferson Hour shows discussing Jefferson’s feelings about the holiday and memories of his own Christmas experiences. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1213" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Support the show by joining the <a href="https://jeffersonhour.bandcamp.com/1776-club" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1776 Club</a> or by <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donating</a> to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jeffersonhour.com/tours</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1213 Jefferson Christmas 2016

We speak with President Thomas Jefferson this week about the unexpected emergence of the two-party political system during his time. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Learn more about "John Steinbeck’s California" Spring Book Retreat/Tour 2017, hosted by Odyssey Tours, a div. of Bek, Inc. For more information, visit Odyssey Tours online or contact Becky Cawley: (208) 791-8721 or bek@odytours.net

We speak with President Thomas Jefferson this week about the unexpected emergence of the two-party political system during his time. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1218" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Learn more about <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/events/steinbeck-mar4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"John Steinbeck’s California" Spring Book Retreat/Tour 2017</a>, hosted by Odyssey Tours, a div. of Bek, Inc. For more information, <a href="http://odytours.net/Steinbeck'sCalifornia.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visit Odyssey Tours online</a> or contact Becky Cawley: (208) 791-8721 or bek@odytours.net

#1218 Two Parties

This Jefferson 101 episode is the first of three shows devoted to Jefferson's time in Paris from 1784 to 1789.

This Jefferson 101 episode is the first of three shows devoted to Jefferson's time in Paris from 1784 to 1789.

#1194 Jefferson 111 (Jefferson in Paris)

"You cannot understand the founding of this country without understanding the Founding Fathers’ obsession with classical languages and literature." — Clay S. Jenkinson Guest host Catherine Jenkinson has an extended conversation with President Jefferson about the classics, and Jefferson’s understanding and support of the classics. Find this episode on the blog, along with 15 Greek and Latin Classics recommended by Clay and Catherine. Learn about Clay's upcoming cultural tours and humanities retreats by visiting Odyssey Tours. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"You cannot understand the founding of this country without understanding the Founding Fathers’ obsession with classical languages and literature." — Clay S. Jenkinson Guest host Catherine Jenkinson has an extended conversation with President Jefferson about the classics, and Jefferson’s understanding and support of the classics. Find this episode <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1274" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>, along with <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1274classics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">15 Greek and Latin Classics</a> recommended by Clay and Catherine. Learn about Clay's upcoming cultural tours and humanities retreats by visiting <a href="https://www.odytours.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Odyssey Tours</a>. Support the show by joining the <a href="https://jeffersonhour.bandcamp.com/1776-club" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1776 Club</a> or by <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donating</a> to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1274 The Classics

We speak with President Jefferson about the role of government in the oversight of elected officials. He tells us that because of the times they lived in, the founding fathers had great concerns about foreign involvement and influence on our government, and accordingly provided a mechanism to protect against it: impeachment. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about Clay's cultural tours &amp; retreats at jeffersonhour.com/tours. Check out our new merch. You can find Clay's publications on our website, along with a list of his favorite books on Jefferson, Lewis &amp; Clark, and other topics. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

We speak with President Jefferson about the role of government in the oversight of elected officials. He tells us that because of the times they lived in, the founding fathers had great concerns about foreign involvement and influence on our government, and accordingly provided a mechanism to protect against it: impeachment. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1361" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Support the show by joining the <a href="https://jeffersonhour.bandcamp.com/1776-club" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1776 Club</a> or by <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donating</a> to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about Clay's cultural tours &amp; retreats at <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jeffersonhour.com/tours</a>. Check out our <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/tjh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new merch</a>. You can find Clay's publications <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/books" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on our website</a>, along with a list of his favorite books on Jefferson, Lewis &amp; Clark, and other topics. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1361 Constitution in Crisis

"I never like to be rude, but sometimes one has to set the precedent for a society that will shock the world." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we discuss diplomacy and presidential decorum. When the British Ambassador Anthony Merry came to the White House, Jefferson went out of his way to be rude: to make it clear that the Revolution was won by us, not them. In 1792, Jefferson wrote to George Washington: "No government ought to be without censors: and where the press is free, no one ever will. If virtuous, it need not fear the fair operation of attack and defence. Nature has given to man no other means of sifting out the truth either in religion, law, or politics." Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Learn more about Odyssey Tours and the summer 2017 Lewis &amp; Clark adventure on odytours.net. There, you can also find the Lochsa Lodge retreats: one on Walden and another on Shakespeare. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"I never like to be rude, but sometimes one has to set the precedent for a society that will shock the world." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we discuss diplomacy and presidential decorum. When the British Ambassador Anthony Merry came to the White House, Jefferson went out of his way to be rude: to make it clear that the Revolution was won by us, not them. In 1792, Jefferson wrote to George Washington: "No government ought to be without censors: and where the press is free, no one ever will. If virtuous, it need not fear the fair operation of attack and defence. Nature has given to man no other means of sifting out the truth either in religion, law, or politics." Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1238" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Learn more about Odyssey Tours and the summer 2017 Lewis &amp; Clark adventure on <a href="https://www.odytours.net/news/2017lc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">odytours.net</a>. There, you can also find the Lochsa Lodge retreats: one on <a href="https://www.odytours.net/news/2018walden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walden</a> and another on <a href="https://www.odytours.net/news/2018shakespeare" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shakespeare</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1238 Presidential Decorum

Clay S. Jenkinson discusses Thomas Jefferson’s election as President in 1801, his first 100 days in office, and notes the sometimes-uncanny parallels with our time. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Learn more about "John Steinbeck’s California", the Spring 2017 Tour &amp; Retreat hosted by Odyssey Tours, a division of Bek, Inc. For more information, visit Odyssey Tours online or contact Becky Cawley: (208) 791-8721 or bek@odytours.net

Clay S. Jenkinson discusses Thomas Jefferson’s election as President in 1801, his first 100 days in office, and notes the sometimes-uncanny parallels with our time. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1221" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Learn more about <a href="https://www.odytours.net/news/2017steinbeck" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"John Steinbeck’s California"</a>, the Spring 2017 Tour &amp; Retreat hosted by Odyssey Tours, a division of Bek, Inc. For more information, <a href="http://odytours.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visit Odyssey Tours online</a> or contact Becky Cawley: (208) 791-8721 or bek@odytours.net

#1221 The First 100 Days

"The question then became: Is a national bank constitutional? Did the Founding Fathers contemplate a national bank?" — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we discuss the argument between Alexander Hamilton and Jefferson over the creation of a national bank of the United States. Hamilton believed a central banking system was essential to America's standing in the world. Jefferson disagreed, arguing that to take a single step beyond the powers of the constitution is to enter a field of boundless abuse. We speak with Jefferson about President Washington's support of Hamilton’s plan, a decision with ramifications that affect Americans to this day. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"The question then became: Is a national bank constitutional? Did the Founding Fathers contemplate a national bank?" — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we discuss the argument between Alexander Hamilton and Jefferson over the creation of a national bank of the United States. Hamilton believed a central banking system was essential to America's standing in the world. Jefferson disagreed, arguing that to take a single step beyond the powers of the constitution is to enter a field of boundless abuse. We speak with Jefferson about President Washington's support of Hamilton’s plan, a decision with ramifications that affect Americans to this day. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1239" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1239 Original Argument

"[Thomas Jefferson] could calculate an eclipse, survey an estate, tie an artery, plan an edifice, try a cause, break a horse, dance a minuet, and play a violin." — James Parton, 1874 This week, we ask President Jefferson to confirm or deny these reported talents. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Learn more about Odyssey Tours and the summer 2017 Lewis &amp; Clark adventure on odytours.net. There, you can also find the Lochsa Lodge retreats: one on Walden and another on Shakespeare. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson. 

"[Thomas Jefferson] could calculate an eclipse, survey an estate, tie an artery, plan an edifice, try a cause, break a horse, dance a minuet, and play a violin." — James Parton, 1874 This week, we ask President Jefferson to confirm or deny these reported talents. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1234" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Learn more about Odyssey Tours and the summer 2017 Lewis &amp; Clark adventure on <a href="https://www.odytours.net/news/2017lc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">odytours.net</a>. There, you can also find the Lochsa Lodge retreats: one on <a href="https://www.odytours.net/news/2018walden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walden</a> and another on <a href="https://www.odytours.net/news/2018shakespeare" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shakespeare</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1234 Jefferson's Talents

"This period was, in some ways, the most satisfying period of Jefferson's life, and in some ways it was the most radical." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week, as promised, and in anticipation of Clay’s upcoming cultural tour of Jefferson’s France in October 2019, we devote an entire show to discussion of Jefferson’s time as Minister to France from 1784 to 1789. Jefferson spent five of the most extraordinary years of his life in France. He fell in love with French people and French culture, but he also got to witness a second great revolution in a single lifetime: the beginnings of the French Revolution. It was one of the most formative times of Mr. Jefferson's life, and he carried what he called the little flame of liberty across the Atlantic in the summer of 1784. Jefferson was thrilled to see that the principles that we had fought for and established in our new system were now being used to change the world — that all of Europe he thought was going to follow the path of the United States. It didn't quite work out that way, but that was his optimism. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at jeffersonhour.com/tours. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"This period was, in some ways, the most satisfying period of Jefferson's life, and in some ways it was the most radical." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week, as promised, and in anticipation of Clay’s upcoming <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cultural tour</a> of Jefferson’s France in October 2019, we devote an entire show to discussion of Jefferson’s time as Minister to France from 1784 to 1789. Jefferson spent five of the most extraordinary years of his life in France. He fell in love with French people and French culture, but he also got to witness a second great revolution in a single lifetime: the beginnings of the French Revolution. It was one of the most formative times of Mr. Jefferson's life, and he carried what he called the little flame of liberty across the Atlantic in the summer of 1784. Jefferson was thrilled to see that the principles that we had fought for and established in our new system were now being used to change the world — that all of Europe he thought was going to follow the path of the United States. It didn't quite work out that way, but that was his optimism. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1304" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Support the show by joining the <a href="https://jeffersonhour.bandcamp.com/1776-club" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1776 Club</a> or by <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donating</a> to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jeffersonhour.com/tours</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1304 To France

"He saw a nation that collapsed right in front of him and he thought, 'well, I wonder why nations collapse,' and I think that really led to some great thinking." — Clay S. Jenkinson We respond to listener mail this week, including questions related to the principle of one-person one-vote, and we discuss replies to Clay’s request for some thoughtful conservative perspectives from listeners who support the Trump administration. We love questions, comments, and small essays from our listeners from all over the country — even all over the world. We take them all seriously and we try to address as many as we can. Sometimes it's easier to address them out of character, and that's this week's program. We talk about a whole range of subjects, all of them generated by our listeners who are fascinated by the connection between Jefferson's era and the current chaos, whatever it is, in our national political arena. We read a letter from our new political friend down south, Tim Clemmons, who wonders whether we are really fair about certain questions of the give and take of our Justice Department. Plus, David gets a chance to brag about his two pound tomato, an Amana Orange. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at jeffersonhour.com/tours. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"He saw a nation that collapsed right in front of him and he thought, 'well, I wonder why nations collapse,' and I think that really led to some great thinking." — Clay S. Jenkinson We respond to listener mail this week, including questions related to the principle of one-person one-vote, and we discuss replies to Clay’s request for some thoughtful conservative perspectives from listeners who support the Trump administration. We love questions, comments, and small essays from our listeners from all over the country — even all over the world. We take them all seriously and we try to address as many as we can. Sometimes it's easier to address them out of character, and that's this week's program. We talk about a whole range of subjects, all of them generated by our listeners who are fascinated by the connection between Jefferson's era and the current chaos, whatever it is, in our national political arena. We read a letter from our new political friend down south, Tim Clemmons, who wonders whether we are really fair about certain questions of the give and take of our Justice Department. Plus, David gets a chance to brag about his two pound tomato, an Amana Orange. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1303" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Support the show by joining the <a href="https://jeffersonhour.bandcamp.com/1776-club" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1776 Club</a> or by <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donating</a> to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jeffersonhour.com/tours</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1303 Can We Talk?

"George Washington ... was as close to a perfect human being as we believed existed on Earth." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson This week, we speak with President Jefferson about George Washington's farewell address which was first published in Philadelphia's American Daily Advertiser on September 19, 1796, 222 years ago. Presidents leave a little note in the desk for their successor, and the public always wants to know what's in those notes. We seldom learn that, but the tradition of giving a farewell address is no longer a big part of American life. The last one was Eisenhower, but Washington set the tone in 1796. President Jefferson tells us what he thought of that tone. We know that Jefferson was aware that Madison wrote the first draft, and Hamilton the final draft, of Washington's farewell address. Mr. Jefferson was not too happy about that. He saw that Madison had recovered his senses and had now broken with the Federalists, and he hated the fact that Hamilton played a role in the great man's life. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at jeffersonhour.com/tours. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S. Jenkinson.

"George Washington ... was as close to a perfect human being as we believed existed on Earth." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson This week, we speak with President Jefferson about George Washington's farewell address which was first published in Philadelphia's American Daily Advertiser on September 19, 1796, 222 years ago. Presidents leave a little note in the desk for their successor, and the public always wants to know what's in those notes. We seldom learn that, but the tradition of giving a farewell address is no longer a big part of American life. The last one was Eisenhower, but Washington set the tone in 1796. President Jefferson tells us what he thought of that tone. We know that Jefferson was aware that Madison wrote the first draft, and Hamilton the final draft, of Washington's farewell address. Mr. Jefferson was not too happy about that. He saw that Madison had recovered his senses and had now broken with the Federalists, and he hated the fact that Hamilton played a role in the great man's life. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/blog/1301" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the blog</a>. Support the show by joining the <a href="https://jeffersonhour.bandcamp.com/1776-club" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1776 Club</a> or by <a href="http://jeffersonhour.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">donating</a> to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. You can learn more about our Cultural Tours &amp; Retreats with Clay S. Jenkinson at <a href="https://jeffersonhour.com/tours" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jeffersonhour.com/tours</a>. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by <a href="http://www.clayjenkinson.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clay S. Jenkinson</a>.

#1301 Farewell Address

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