Dead Presidents Podcast

09 William Henry Harrison & Top 5 Funniest Presidents

In an episode almost as long as his presidency, we give William Henry Harrison his due. Before his 31 days in the White House, he was a strong governor,  successful general, and one of the shrewdest executioners of U.S. Indian policy. But first, we regale a live studio audience with humor from our Top 5 Funniest Presidents.

Presidential War #4 - Slapping the Shit Out of Angie Dickinson

Another exciting installment of Presidential War, America's favorite presidential discussion card game. Topics include Teddy Roosevelt's action-packed post-presidency, George H.W. Bush's distinguished pre-presidency, and LBJ's ambitious domestic agenda. This episode is named in honor of Angie Dickinson, who had sex with one president and got bitchslapped in the face by another.

08 Martin Van Buren & Top 5 Pardons

Forgiveness is in the air as we discuss the Top 5 Pardons in American history. Then we turn to the life and career of Martin Van Buren, the shrewd politician who masterminded the creation of the Democratic Party and Andrew Jackson's rise to political dominance. When he succeeded Jackson, however, Van Buren inherited a crisis that would plague his presidency. In a redemptive post-presidency, he took a principled stand against the party he started.  We try to give a lesser-known president his due in an epic episode that spans the tumultuous antebellum period.

Presidential War #3 - Hanging with Warren G

This epic Presidential War game comes down to the wire! It features a clash of foreign policy titans, a French pronunciation lesson, and a president who helped us learn about the birds and the bees when we were kids. 

07 Andrew Jackson & Top 5 Presidential Pets

James J. Hamilton and Stephen Lincoln-Douglas count down the Top 5 Presidential Pets before delving into the controversial life of Andrew Jackson.  Born into nothing and steeled by hardship and tragedy, Jackson survived duels, battles, and an assassination attempt as he transformed the presidency via unflinching clashes with Congress, banks, secessionists, Native Americans, and anyone else who stood in his way.

Presidential War #2 - The Railsplitter

In this iteration of the Presidential War card game, discussion topics include who had the best foreign policy, who would get picked first in flag football, and who would win in a fight. Listen and find out which president might not get back up after this brawl.

06 John Quincy Adams & Top 5 Most Athletic Presidents

James J. Hamilton and Stephen Lincoln-Douglas count down the Top 5 Most Athletic Presidents and delve into the life of John Quincy Adams. JQA had among the most distinguished pre-presidential and post-presidential careers, but his presidency is another story. The episode closes with a special treat: one of JQA's poems turned into a gangsta rap by the Constitutionalists. 

Presidential War #1 - The Unlikely Triumph of Julia Grant

In their first special bonus episode, James J. Hamilton and Stephen Lincoln-Douglas introduce you to the Presidential War card game they invented. Presidents face off head-to-head in a variety of interesting categories and an intellectually-stimulating discussion ensues. 

05 James Monroe & Top 5 Presidential Last Words

James J. Hamilton and Stephen Lincoln-Douglas bring you wisdom from presidents on the brink of the grave with the Top 5 Presidential Last Words.  They also delve into the interesting life and career of James Monroe, who is often overshadowed by other Founding Fathers but gets his due here. Also, this episode's sponsors contain a harrowing true crime tale you don't want to miss. 

04 James Madison & Top 5 Failed Assassins

Presidential history buffs James J. Hamilton and Stephen Lincoln-Douglas count down the Top 5 Failed Assassins and chronicle the life of fourth president James Madison.