Shaylyn Romney Garrett discusses The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again in a conversation with Sanjay Seth. The event traces America’s shift from individualism to solidarity and back again, exploring how the Progressive Era fostered civic renewal, economic reform, and cultural change—and how similar movements today could spark a new upswing. Recorded on February 18, 2021.

Yaël Eisenstat explores how social media platforms undermine democracy in this in-depth conversation with moderator Tayo Basquiat. Drawing on her experience in national security and tech, she examines disinformation, algorithmic amplification, and the need for accountability and reform. Recorded on February 18, 2021.

Peter Wehner discusses The Death of Politics: How to Heal Our Frayed Republic After Trump in this conversation with moderator Nicole Poolman. The event explores moral leadership, civic trust, and how to rebuild public life with integrity and humility. Recorded on February 4, 2021.

Katherine Gehl discusses The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy in this conversation with moderator Dave Ehlis. The event explores how Final-Five Voting and other reforms can improve accountability, reduce polarization, and strengthen democracy. Recorded on January 21, 2021.

James and Deb Fallows discuss Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America with moderator Blake Crosby. The event highlights how communities across the U.S. are revitalizing through civic collaboration, education reform, local journalism, and renewed investment in place. Recorded on November 19, 2020.

Jeff Rotering shares stories from his diplomatic career in this engaging conversation with moderator Vice Admiral Phil Wisecup. From rural North Dakota to postings in Russia, Estonia, and South Sudan, Rotering reflects on consular work, cultural exchange, and the role of diplomacy in supporting democracy. Recorded on November 5, 2020.

Suzanne Nossel discusses Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All in this conversation with moderator Steve Andrist. Drawing on her experience as CEO of PEN America, Nossel explores how to protect free expression in a polarized society, offering strategies for dialogue, dissent, and responsible speech. Recorded on October 15, 2020.

Dr. William G. “Bill” Chrystal portrays John Adams in this Living History Chautauqua performance moderated by Chris Cavanaugh. Speaking in Adams’ voice, the program reflects on the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress, the risks of revolution, and the ideas of liberty, self-government, virtue, and civic responsibility that shaped the founding era. The performance includes a full reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by audience questions and a scholar-led discussion with Dr. Chrystal about John Adams, living history, and the continued meaning of independence. Recorded on July 8, 2026.

William G. Chrystal portrays Alexander Hamilton in this Living History Chautauqua performance moderated by Susan Marie Frontczak. Speaking in Hamilton’s own voice, the program reflects on his early life in the Caribbean, his rise as an immigrant in revolutionary America, and his role in shaping the nation’s financial and political foundations, followed by audience questions and a scholar-led discussion. Recorded on February 24, 2026.

William G. Crystal portrays President John Adams in this Living History Chautauqua performance moderated by Susan Marie Frontczak. Speaking in Adams’s own voice, the program reflects on the founding era, the meaning of independence, civic virtue, and the responsibilities of democratic leadership, followed by audience questions and a scholar-led discussion. Recorded on February 10, 2026.

Becky Stone portrays Maya Angelou in a powerful first-person Chautauqua presentation moderated by Susan Marie Frontczak. Through Angelou’s own voice, the event explores themes of resilience, identity, and artistic expression. Recorded on April 13, 2025.

John Dennis Anderson portrays poet Robert Frost in this first-person Chautauqua performance moderated by Charles Pace. Through story and verse, the event explores Frost’s life, influences, and literary legacy. Recorded on March 28, 2024.