[Abridged] Presidential Histories Podcast By Kenny Ryan Austin cover art

[Abridged] Presidential Histories

[Abridged] Presidential Histories

By: Kenny Ryan Austin
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From Yorktown to the Civil War, Pearl Harbor to 9/11, Abridged Presidential Histories explores the successes, setbacks, and scandals that define each president’s legacy, and then asks what lessons we can learn from them.

© 2025 [Abridged] Presidential Histories Political Science Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • 2025 Friendsgiving History Podcast Spectacular

    2025 Friendsgiving History Podcast Spectacular
    Nov 24 2025

    It's the week of Thanksgiving, which means its time for the fourth annual Friendsgiving Podcast Spectacular. Four compelling podcast hosts sit down for a round table where each host gets to ask 1 question of each other host. Questions like:

    • On the eve of the United States' 250th birthday, what ideas or facts from the revolution could use more emphasis today?
    • Is there anyone from history your opinion pulled a 180 on as you learned more about them?
    • If you could take any one president and swap their place with any other president, who would you swap and why?

    Join me for a merry discussion with 3 of the best U.S. / Presidential History podcasters you'll find:

    • Howard Dorre, Plodding through the Presidents
    • Jerry Landry, Presidencies of the United States
    • Alycia, Civics & Coffee

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 20.B) Death by Lightning, an interview on the assassination of James Garfield with Candice Millard

    20.B) Death by Lightning, an interview on the assassination of James Garfield with Candice Millard
    Nov 13 2025

    Historian Candice Millard, author of Destiny of the Republic, discusses what it's like to have your book turned into a major Netflix Miniseries, Death by Lightning, and what first attracted her to the story of President James Garfield and the assassin Charles Guiteau.




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    35 mins
  • The improbable Victoria Woodhull, an interview with Eden Collinsworth

    The improbable Victoria Woodhull, an interview with Eden Collinsworth
    Sep 1 2025

    "While others prayed for the good time coming, I worked for it," - Victoria Woodhull, April 2, 1870, in a newspaper column announcing her candidacy for presidency of the United States.

    You may know that Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run for president, but did you know that prior to running for office, she turned a reputation for being a clairvoyant into a stock brokerage career? Or that her vice presidential candidate was Frederick Douglass, but he didn't know it? Or that she missed the election because she was in jail?

    Join me for an interview with Eden Collinsworth on her new book, The Improbable Victoria Woodhull: Suffrage, Free Love, and the First Woman to Run for President.

    If there are other historians or authors of presidential history you would like to hear from, drop me a line: abridgedpresidentialhistories@gmail.com

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    55 mins
All stars
Most relevant
very informative, expanded my knowledge base regarding Luncoln's views and beliefs, as well as his reasoning for instituting policies.

balanced view

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1. I love the humor. It’s subtle and has just the right amount of sarcasm.
2. It’s informative in the best way. There’s a variety of experts telling different parts of history. Each guest has an opinion and Kenny Ryan lets them speak—even if he clearly disagrees with the guest’s views.
3. It beats the stereotypes. The Herbert Hoover episodes blew my mind. Hoover is looked down upon by history. When we think of Hoover, we associate him with The Great Depression (and Anne if you’re into musicals). This podcast broke that stereotype for me and completely changed how I see the past, present, and future. This podcast is not afraid to say good things about presidents who are viewed negatively or to say bad things about presidents who are perceived positively.

In conclusion, thanks Kenny. You’re doing great and I am so excited for more episodes.

Favorite Historical Podcast

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