Well, it's been ten years. A good run. But all things must come to an end.

Well, it's been ten years. A good run. But all things must come to an end.

Episode 1: Good Night . . . and Good Luck

At last!  A new episode!Well, kinda.  We're not yet resuming production (sorry), but Wayne and Stewart got together via Skype to discuss some of 2020's most pressing issues.  Their interview was part of WETS' 2020 fall fundraiser--so, if you're inclined to support the station that brings you "Your Weekly Constitutional," please consider making a donation.

At last! A new episode! Well, kinda. We're not yet resuming production (sorry), but Wayne and Stewart got together via Skype to discuss some of 2020's most pressing issues. Their interview was part of WETS' 2020 fall fundraiser--so, if you're inclined to support the station that brings you "Your Weekly Constitutional," please consider making a donation.

The Constitution and 2020 - WETS Fundraiser

Two of Stewart's students join us to discuss papers they wrote for his constitutional seminars.First, Jennifer Bolt tells us about the history of slavery and human trafficking among Asian immigrants.Then D.T. Christmas talks about, well, breasts.Join us!

Two of Stewart's students join us to discuss papers they wrote for his constitutional seminars. First, Jennifer Bolt tells us about the history of slavery and human trafficking among Asian immigrants. Then D.T. Christmas talks about, well, breasts. Join us!

A Tale of Two Papers

Is there such a thing?  Well, there’s certainly something called the Administrative State, governed by something called administrative law.  Stewart’s colleague, Akram Faizer, is writing a new article on it.  He and Stewart discuss Akram's ideas and even argue a little bit about them.  Turns out that Stewart has some pretty strong opinions on the subject.

Is there such a thing? Well, there’s certainly something called the Administrative State, governed by something called administrative law. Stewart’s colleague, Akram Faizer, is writing a new article on it. He and Stewart discuss Akram's ideas and even argue a little bit about them. Turns out that Stewart has some pretty strong opinions on the subject.

The Deep State

Andrew Jackson

Donald Trump

Donald Trump likes to compare himself to Andrew Jackson.  So do his supporters.  So do his opponents, for very different reasons.Are any of these comparisons valid?  We ask a guy who should know: University of Tennessee historian Dan Feller, the Director of The Papers of Andrew Jackson.

Donald Trump likes to compare himself to Andrew Jackson. So do his supporters. So do his opponents, for very different reasons. Are any of these comparisons valid? We ask a guy who should know: University of Tennessee historian Dan Feller, the Director of The Papers of Andrew Jackson.

Presidential Smackdown!  Andrew Jackson v. Donald Trump

This is Part Two of a two-part episode.In Part One, we told you about Kristine Bunch, who experienced the worst thing that could happen to any parent: the death of her son, Tony.Then we started to tell you what happened next: a false accusation of arson and murder, a conviction, and more than a decade in prison.Now we’ll tell you the rest of Kristine’s story.

This is Part Two of a two-part episode. In Part One, we told you about Kristine Bunch, who experienced the worst thing that could happen to any parent: the death of her son, Tony. Then we started to tell you what happened next: a false accusation of arson and murder, a conviction, and more than a decade in prison. Now we’ll tell you the rest of Kristine’s story.

Exonerated! Part Two

Kristine Bunch experienced the worst thing that could happen to any parent: the death of her son, Tony.But then things got worse.  Much worse.  She was accused of his murder.  She was accused of burning him to death.Join us for a poignant tale of a wrongful accusation and its terrible aftermath.

Kristine Bunch experienced the worst thing that could happen to any parent: the death of her son, Tony. But then things got worse. Much worse. She was accused of his murder. She was accused of burning him to death. Join us for a poignant tale of a wrongful accusation and its terrible aftermath.

Exonerated!  Part One

Nope.  Not Andrew Johnson.  It's a guy named William Blount, who was kicked out of the United States Senate more than two hundred years ago.But, like Johnson, Blount was an East Tennessean.  Perhaps there's something in the water here.University of Tennessee historian Chris Magra tells the tale.

Nope. Not Andrew Johnson. It's a guy named William Blount, who was kicked out of the United States Senate more than two hundred years ago. But, like Johnson, Blount was an East Tennessean. Perhaps there's something in the water here. University of Tennessee historian Chris Magra tells the tale.

The First Impeachment

Well, it happened.  Brexit, that is.  As of January 31, 2020, the UK is no longer a member of the EU.So . . . what's changed?  And what happens next?  Our go-to Brexit Guy, William Walton, shares his wisdom with us.

Well, it happened. Brexit, that is. As of January 31, 2020, the UK is no longer a member of the EU. So . . . what's changed? And what happens next? Our go-to Brexit Guy, William Walton, shares his wisdom with us.

Okay, Brexit.  What Now?

Appellate Attorney John Vail recently argued a case in the Tennessee Supreme Court presenting a very important issue: Does Tennessee’s $750,000 cap on "noneconomic" personal injury damages violate the Tennessee Constitution?  This case could have a significant impact on so-called "tort reform," in Tennessee and beyond.

Does Tort Reform Violate your Right to a Jury Trial?

Produced in partnership with James Madison's Montpelier, Your Weekly Constitutional is a public radio show featuring lively discussion of controversial constitutional topics, from Gay Rights to Gun Rights.  Find us on Facebook and iTunes!

Great podcast. Gets me interested in topics I wouldn’t have thought to dive into on my own.

Fun and informative

It does a great job of making the constitution accessible and is fun as well!

Wholeheartedly recommended

Your Weekly Constitutional

Only once in its history has the United States gone to war to resolve a constitutional issue.  The war was the American Civil War and the issue was slavery.In this episode we go to where it all effectively came to an end:  a small, remote town in Virginia called Appomattox Court House.

Only once in its history has the United States gone to war to resolve a constitutional issue. The war was the American Civil War and the issue was slavery. In this episode we go to where it all effectively came to an end: a small, remote town in Virginia called Appomattox Court House.

Appomattox Court House

That's what Alexander Hamilton once called the Articles of Confederation - imbecilic. And that's why he wanted to throw out the Articles in their entirety and start fresh with what ultimately became our current Constitution. Sandy Levinson, a distinguished law professor from the University of Texas, doesn't want to throw out our whole Constitution, but he thinks that some parts of it are definitely worth changing. And we're not talking little stuff here - he goes right after the basics, even revisiting some of the very issues that were hotly debated during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Hey, that's why we have an amendment process, right?

Our Imbecilic Constitution

We like to think that we live in a "democracy," even though we know that it's actually something called a "republic." But what's the difference?  Is our particular republic something less than democratic?Well, Michael Klarman of Harvard Law School suggests that perhaps the Framers of our Constitution pulled a fast one on the rest of us, enshrining the power of "elites" rather than the common folk. Sound familiar?Join Stewart for a fascinating conversation about the nature of American "democracy."

We like to think that we live in a "democracy," even though we know that it's actually something called a "republic." But what's the difference? Is our particular republic something less than democratic? Well, Michael Klarman of Harvard Law School suggests that perhaps the Framers of our Constitution pulled a fast one on the rest of us, enshrining the power of "elites" rather than the common folk. Sound familiar? Join Stewart for a fascinating conversation about the nature of American "democracy."

The Framers' Coup

What can you do if an ex-lover posts explicit photographs of you online? Aren't there laws against such behavior?There are, indeed, according to our two guests. But are such laws effective? And, even if they might be effective, do they violate the First Amendment?Join us for a timely, and disturbing, discussion.

What can you do if an ex-lover posts explicit photographs of you online? Aren't there laws against such behavior? There are, indeed, according to our two guests. But are such laws effective? And, even if they might be effective, do they violate the First Amendment? Join us for a timely, and disturbing, discussion.

Revenge Porn

Once upon a time, the idea of a woman serving on the United States Supreme Court seemed strange, perhaps unattainable. Then along came Sandra Day O’Connor, and, a few years later, Ruth Bader Ginsberg. The Court, and the nation, haven’t been the same since.This week, author Linda Hirshman will tell us all about it. Her new book about the High Court’s first two female Justices and their personal and professional relationships is called Sisters-in-Law: How Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World.

Once upon a time, the idea of a woman serving on the United States Supreme Court seemed strange, perhaps unattainable. Then along came Sandra Day O’Connor, and, a few years later, Ruth Bader Ginsberg. The Court, and the nation, haven’t been the same since. This week, author Linda Hirshman will tell us all about it. Her new book about the High Court’s first two female Justices and their personal and professional relationships is called Sisters-in-Law: How Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World.

Sisters-in-Law

Every year it seems that more states legalize marijuana in one form or another. Could the national government be next? Or have the recent elections stopped the progress of legalization efforts?We’ll speak with Howard Wooldridge, of Citizens Against Prohibition, as well as Scott Chipman, a spokesperson from CALM, Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana. We'll also hear from Robert Mikos of Vanderbilt University, who spoke to us about the constitutional issues back in 2013.

Every year it seems that more states legalize marijuana in one form or another. Could the national government be next? Or have the recent elections stopped the progress of legalization efforts? We’ll speak with Howard Wooldridge, of Citizens Against Prohibition, as well as Scott Chipman, a spokesperson from CALM, Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana. We'll also hear from Robert Mikos of Vanderbilt University, who spoke to us about the constitutional issues back in 2013.

Spreading Like a Weed

A friendship for the ages.  One of the most important intellectual collaborations in human history.  Fifty years of harmonious cooperation on profound issues of government and philosophy.Lewis &amp; Clark?  Nah, they just wandered in the wilderness.Lennon &amp; McCartney?  Nah, but we have to admit that Lennon was quite a philosopher, at least when he wasn't high.We're talking about Jemmy &amp; Jeffy, a/k/a James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.  They weren't much for roughing it, and neither wrote any songs (that we know of) but their lifelong friendship produced some of the most important ideas in American constitutional history.  Professor Jeffry Morrison of Regent University and the James Madison Foundation tells us all about it.

A friendship for the ages. One of the most important intellectual collaborations in human history. Fifty years of harmonious cooperation on profound issues of government and philosophy. Lewis &amp; Clark? Nah, they just wandered in the wilderness. Lennon &amp; McCartney? Nah, but we have to admit that Lennon was quite a philosopher, at least when he wasn't high. We're talking about Jemmy &amp; Jeffy, a/k/a James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. They weren't much for roughing it, and neither wrote any songs (that we know of) but their lifelong friendship produced some of the most important ideas in American constitutional history. Professor Jeffry Morrison of Regent University and the James Madison Foundation tells us all about it.

Jemmy and Jeffy's Big Adventure

We’ve all heard of the Jim Crow era, when African-Americans were barred from most restaurants, gas stations and hotels in the South. Did you ever wonder how black people were able to travel during that time?One resource they used was The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide to those places where they could find food, shelter, and a friendly face during a very unfriendly era.Join us for an enlightening discussion with law professor Alfred Brophy, who’s done extensive research on The Green Book and who has a lot to tell us about it.

We’ve all heard of the Jim Crow era, when African-Americans were barred from most restaurants, gas stations and hotels in the South. Did you ever wonder how black people were able to travel during that time? One resource they used was The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide to those places where they could find food, shelter, and a friendly face during a very unfriendly era. Join us for an enlightening discussion with law professor Alfred Brophy, who’s done extensive research on The Green Book and who has a lot to tell us about it.

The Green Book

"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny." James Madison, Federalist #47, January 30, 1788.You said it, James! And this week we're talkin' Separation of Powers, or, as your 8th Grade teacher might have called it, "Checks and Balances." Either way, it's the first and most fundamental way that the Constitution protects our individual liberties. Ben Kleinerman from Michigan State University's James Madison College tells us all about it, and Cash Arehart, from Colonial Williamsburg, tells us about a new Electronic Field Trip that uses baseball to illustrate the concept (Cash is playing the role of Chief Justice John Marshall in the photograph).We're also talking about how we might improve the Constitution, with our rabble-rousing buddy Chris Phillips and his new project at the National Constitution Center, "The Next 10 Amendments."

"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny." James Madison, Federalist #47, January 30, 1788. You said it, James! And this week we're talkin' Separation of Powers, or, as your 8th Grade teacher might have called it, "Checks and Balances." Either way, it's the first and most fundamental way that the Constitution protects our individual liberties. Ben Kleinerman from Michigan State University's James Madison College tells us all about it, and Cash Arehart, from Colonial Williamsburg, tells us about a new Electronic Field Trip that uses baseball to illustrate the concept (Cash is playing the role of Chief Justice John Marshall in the photograph). We're also talking about how we might improve the Constitution, with our rabble-rousing buddy Chris Phillips and his new project at the National Constitution Center, "The Next 10 Amendments."

Separation of Powers

Sophia Rosenfeld is a historian at the University of Pennsylvania.  She's published an incisive and timely book about the fraught relationship between democratic governance and, well, the truth.Turns out that when it comes to politics--SPOILER ALERT--not everything you hear is factual.  And some people--SPOILER ALERT--believe falsehoods even after they've been debunked.But aren't facts necessary to democratic debate and governance?  How can we address these fundamental problems?  Sophia has a few ideas.  Join us!

Sophia Rosenfeld is a historian at the University of Pennsylvania. She's published an incisive and timely book about the fraught relationship between democratic governance and, well, the truth. Turns out that when it comes to politics--SPOILER ALERT--not everything you hear is factual. And some people--SPOILER ALERT--believe falsehoods even after they've been debunked. But aren't facts necessary to democratic debate and governance? How can we address these fundamental problems? Sophia has a few ideas. Join us!

Democracy and Truth

We’ve spoken with Elizabeth Dowling Taylor before, about her groundbreaking book “A Slave in the White House.”Well, Beth has kept on writing, and this time she’s expanded her focus to the proud “colored aristocracy” that emerged in the United States after the Civil War. She focuses upon two of its members — Daniel Murray, the son of a former slave, who, in 1897, became chief of periodicals at the Library of Congress, and his wife, Anna, a descendant of one of John Brown’s raiders. Beth documents the inaugural balls they organized, the properties they owned, and their political efforts on behalf of their race.She also chronicles their decline -- ultimately, their affluence, respectability, and light complexions couldn’t save them from the humiliations of Jim Crow.Join us for a poignant glimpse into a largely forgotten era in our constitutional history.

We’ve spoken with Elizabeth Dowling Taylor before, about her groundbreaking book “A Slave in the White House.” Well, Beth has kept on writing, and this time she’s expanded her focus to the proud “colored aristocracy” that emerged in the United States after the Civil War. She focuses upon two of its members — Daniel Murray, the son of a former slave, who, in 1897, became chief of periodicals at the Library of Congress, and his wife, Anna, a descendant of one of John Brown’s raiders. Beth documents the inaugural balls they organized, the properties they owned, and their political efforts on behalf of their race. She also chronicles their decline -- ultimately, their affluence, respectability, and light complexions couldn’t save them from the humiliations of Jim Crow. Join us for a poignant glimpse into a largely forgotten era in our constitutional history.

The Original Black Elite

Does the Supreme Court need saving?  Ganesh Sitaraman thinks so.  He teaches constitutional law at Vanderbilt University, and, like many of us, he is troubled by current political challenges to the Supreme Court’s legitimacy.  Unlike most of us, however, he has some concrete proposals to save it.  He and co-author Daniel Epps have put their ideas into writing in an article that will soon appear in the Yale Law Journal.  As Stewart points out, some of the proposals in the article are pretty radical, but Ganesh has thoughtful and interesting arguments in favor of them.Join us for a deep dive into the highest court in the land.

Does the Supreme Court need saving? Ganesh Sitaraman thinks so. He teaches constitutional law at Vanderbilt University, and, like many of us, he is troubled by current political challenges to the Supreme Court’s legitimacy. Unlike most of us, however, he has some concrete proposals to save it. He and co-author Daniel Epps have put their ideas into writing in an article that will soon appear in the Yale Law Journal. As Stewart points out, some of the proposals in the article are pretty radical, but Ganesh has thoughtful and interesting arguments in favor of them. Join us for a deep dive into the highest court in the land.

How to Save the Supreme Court

Who are those guys?You've heard of them - the United States Attorneys.  They sound pretty important.  But who are they, and what do they do?  Quite a lot, it turns out.  And a lot of what they do involves the Constitution, starting out with their appointment by the President and their extensive and arduous confirmation process before the United States Senate.We talk to two of these powerful government officials:  Tim Heaphy, from the Western District of Virginia; and Bill Killian, from the Eastern District of Tennessee.  Tim and Bill tell us about their duties, their backgrounds, and how they came to occupy these important positions.  And, yes, they share lots of good war stories.

Who are those guys? You've heard of them - the United States Attorneys. They sound pretty important. But who are they, and what do they do? Quite a lot, it turns out. And a lot of what they do involves the Constitution, starting out with their appointment by the President and their extensive and arduous confirmation process before the United States Senate. We talk to two of these powerful government officials: Tim Heaphy, from the Western District of Virginia; and Bill Killian, from the Eastern District of Tennessee. Tim and Bill tell us about their duties, their backgrounds, and how they came to occupy these important positions. And, yes, they share lots of good war stories.

The United States Attorney

President Obama wants to formalize the longstanding practice of the U.S. government allowing millions of undocumented aliens to remain in the United States. Donald Trump wants to step up deportations and ban all Muslim immigration.But does any president have that much executive power? Join us as we speak to University of Chicago law professor Eric Posner about this controversial constitutional question.

President Obama wants to formalize the longstanding practice of the U.S. government allowing millions of undocumented aliens to remain in the United States. Donald Trump wants to step up deportations and ban all Muslim immigration. But does any president have that much executive power? Join us as we speak to University of Chicago law professor Eric Posner about this controversial constitutional question.

Executive Orders, Immigration and the Donald's Muslim Ban

Boston University journalism Professor Dick Lehr has written a new book about a film that is perhaps the greatest in American history - and the most racist.  Is censorship justified in such a situation, where great art is created for a terrible cause? It's been a century, and we're still arguing about that one.  Join us for a fascinating historical discussion with great current relevance.And then, just for good measure, we'll have an update on the Declaration Project from our good friend, Chris Phillips, author of Democracy Café.  This time, Chris isn't content with rousing the over-21 rabble -- he wants to empower children, too.Teenagers of the world, unite!

Boston University journalism Professor Dick Lehr has written a new book about a film that is perhaps the greatest in American history - and the most racist. Is censorship justified in such a situation, where great art is created for a terrible cause? It's been a century, and we're still arguing about that one. Join us for a fascinating historical discussion with great current relevance. And then, just for good measure, we'll have an update on the Declaration Project from our good friend, Chris Phillips, author of Democracy Café. This time, Chris isn't content with rousing the over-21 rabble -- he wants to empower children, too. Teenagers of the world, unite!

The Birth of a Nation

What does baseball have to do with constitutional law? Quite a bit, it turns out.Stewart will explain it to you, along with YWC’s Executive Producer, Wayne Winkler, who’s a bit skeptical.Stewart will also interview historian, constitutional lawyer and author David O. Stewart about his latest book, The Babe Ruth Deception, which tells a tale set in the early 20th Century, a time when baseball truly became "the national pastime."Play ball!

What does baseball have to do with constitutional law? Quite a bit, it turns out. Stewart will explain it to you, along with YWC’s Executive Producer, Wayne Winkler, who’s a bit skeptical. Stewart will also interview historian, constitutional lawyer and author David O. Stewart about his latest book, The Babe Ruth Deception, which tells a tale set in the early 20th Century, a time when baseball truly became "the national pastime." Play ball!

Baseball:  The Most Constitutional Sport

William Wells

Ever heard of Frederick Douglass?  Sure you have.  But how about his contemporary and fellow ex-slave and abolitionist, William Wells Brown?No?  Well, now you have, and you’ll learn even more through our discussion with Ezra Greenspan, the author of a new biography.

Ever heard of Frederick Douglass? Sure you have. But how about his contemporary and fellow ex-slave and abolitionist, William Wells Brown? No? Well, now you have, and you’ll learn even more through our discussion with Ezra Greenspan, the author of a new biography.

William Wells Brown

This week Stewart visits with Cash Arehart, our friend and interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, one of the coolest places on the planet.Stewart and Cash talk about the history of the city of Williamsburg, the establishment of Colonial Williamsburg in the 1920's, and the evolution of this unique institution of living history over the past century.Listen in.  It's epic.

This week Stewart visits with Cash Arehart, our friend and interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, one of the coolest places on the planet. Stewart and Cash talk about the history of the city of Williamsburg, the establishment of Colonial Williamsburg in the 1920's, and the evolution of this unique institution of living history over the past century. Listen in. It's epic.

Colonial Williamsburg, Part I

We haven't heard much from the Supreme Court lately on the Second Amendment.  That may soon change.  So the Law Review at Lincoln Memorial University’s law school decided to host a symposium, bringing together leading Second Amendment scholars from around the country.  Two of the scholars at the symposium sat down with Stewart to share their contrasting views.  We'll hear from Stephen Halbrook, a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, and Robert Spitzer, a Distinguished Service Professor at the State University of New York-Cortland.

We haven't heard much from the Supreme Court lately on the Second Amendment. That may soon change. So the Law Review at Lincoln Memorial University’s law school decided to host a symposium, bringing together leading Second Amendment scholars from around the country. Two of the scholars at the symposium sat down with Stewart to share their contrasting views. We'll hear from Stephen Halbrook, a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, and Robert Spitzer, a Distinguished Service Professor at the State University of New York-Cortland.

Second Amendment Update, 2019

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!