Historian Teri Finneman joins moderator Larry Skogen to explore the often-overlooked influence of America’s First Ladies. Drawing on examples from across U.S. history, Dr. Finneman examines how women in the White House shaped political culture, public perception, and national priorities despite lacking formal power, and how their contributions have frequently been minimized or forgotten. The conversation invites a reconsideration of political influence, visibility, and women’s roles in shaping American history. Recorded on January 13, 2026.

Historian Cynthia Prescott joins moderator Murray Sagsveen to explore how Midwestern pioneer monuments celebrate family values while often overlooking or erasing Indigenous women. Drawing on examples from across the region, Dr. Prescott traces how public monuments shape ideas of American identity, race, and gender, and how recent efforts are challenging and reinterpreting that legacy. Recorded on November 18, 2025.

Historian Larry Skogen joins moderatort Tomi Cimarosti for a thoughtful examination of federal Indian schooling at the turn of the twentieth century. The event explores the policy goal of “civilizing,” debates over assimilation and scientific racism, and the lasting impacts of boarding schools—harm, loss, and resilience—on Native communities. Recorded on October 28, 2025.

Attorneys Bruce Ringstrom Jr. and Matthew Keller join moderator Dennis Cooley for a thoughtful conversation on how the criminal justice system balances process and outcomes. The event explores questions of fairness, procedural justice, and the challenges of defining and achieving true justice. Recorded on September 15, 2025.

Dr. Larry Skogen explores the origins, policies, and lasting consequences of the U.S. Indian boarding school system in this thought-provoking presentation moderated by Tomi Cimarosti. Drawing from historical records and firsthand accounts, the event is based on his book To Educate American Indians. Recorded on March 18, 2025.

Peter Manseau discusses the intersection of religion, photography, and American history in this engaging conversation moderated by Roddy MacInnes. He draws from his book The Apparitionists to explore belief, memory, and the role of storytelling in public life. Recorded on October 29, 2024.

Amanda Ripley explores the causes and solutions to toxic division in this timely conversation moderated by Ann Crews Melton. Drawing from her book High Conflict, the event offers real-world strategies for navigating and transforming entrenched disputes. Recorded on September 17, 2024.

Roby Barrett examines the historical and geopolitical roots of conflict in the Middle East in this insightful conversation moderated by Dennis Cooley. The event explores U.S. foreign policy, regional tensions, and the enduring complexities of diplomacy. Recorded on September 10, 2024.

David Mura discusses The Stories Whiteness Tells Itself in this compelling conversation moderated by Yesenia Lucia Cervera. The event explores race, privilege, and the power of narrative in shaping American identity. Recorded on March 12, 2024.

Christopher Bellitto discusses aging, humility, and wisdom in this thought-provoking event moderated by Sister Kathleen Atkinson. Drawing from his book Humility: The Secret History of a Lost Virtue, the conversation explores the spiritual and cultural significance of growing older. Recorded on February 13, 2024.

Freddy Jaimes explores the history and current realities of addiction in this powerful conversation moderated by Lindsey Ellefson. The event offers personal insight and systemic context, with a focus on recovery, equity, and compassion. Recorded on January 23, 2024.

Jason Steinhauer discusses his book History, Disrupted in this thought-provoking conversation moderated by Chris Cavanaugh. The event explores how the internet and social media are reshaping public understanding of history. Recorded on December 12, 2023.