Best Kathleen Langone Podcasts (2025)

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Art, Ambition & the Gilded Age: The Miniature Painter Revealed with Kathleen Langone 23:39

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23d ago23:39

23:39

What can a miniature portrait painter teach us about fame, fortune, and forgotten women of the Gilded Age? In this episode I welcome historian and author Kathleen Langone to explore the fascinating life and career of Amalia Kussner — one of the Gilded Age’s most sought-after portrait artists. Drawing from her new book, The Miniature Painter Reveale…

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A Version of Sisterhood: Unwed & Unbothered with Emma Duval 45:55

1d ago45:55

45:55

From spinsters to old maids, women who broke conventions to remain single have long been derided as somehow outside of the norm. But history shows this has been happening for generations. What gives? Join me this week as I sit down with author and illustrator Emma Duval to chat about her debut book, Unwed & Unbothered: The Defiant Lives of Single W…

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Community Care: Black Women During Reconstruction 15:02

4d ago15:02

15:02

Join me this week as I explore the vital but often overlooked role of Black women in the Reconstruction-era South. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Black women were central to rebuilding Black communities and creating the social foundation for future generations. Through everyday acts of care, resistance, and resilience, they redefined citizenshi…

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Unpacking the Mind Behind Vietnam: Dr. William Taubman on McNamara At War 52:04

8d ago52:04

52:04

Join me as I sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer William Taubman to explore his latest work, McNamara at War: A New History. Authors Philip and William Taubman take readers behind the scenes of Robert S. McNamara’s career, from his role in shaping U.S. defense policy to the internal conflicts that defined his legacy. In this episode, we…

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Talking to Books: Education during Reconstruction 15:56

11d ago15:56

15:56

After the Civil War, education became one of the most powerful tools for newly freed Black Americans and one of the most fiercely contested. Join me as I explore the rise of Black education during Reconstruction, from grassroots schools built by the Black community to the founding of the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). L…

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Landscape of Ruin: The Southern Economy during Reconstruction 17:39

18d ago17:39

17:39

How do you replace enslaved labor and rebuild an economy? In the aftermath of the Civil War, the Southern economy didn’t just have to recover; it had to reinvent itself. Join me as I explore how systems like sharecropping and the cotton lien system emerged to replace slavery, and why these systems often kept both Black and white farmers trapped in …

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Interview About Amalia Kussner by Elizabeth DeWolfe 24:40

24d ago24:40

24:40

This is the second full-length episode of the new series, Searching for Amalia, that will explore her life and maybe uncover some of it's mysteries. This is a delightful and in-depth interview by Elizabeth Dewolfe who interviewed me - with her own expertise about the Gilded Age women. Her interview revealed some of the more subtle aspects of Kussne…

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Reconstruction Beyond the South: The Broken Promises to Mexican Americans 16:43

27d ago16:43

16:43

Reconstruction is often taught as a Southern story, focused on the political, social, and legal changes that followed the Civil War. But for Mexican Americans living in the American Southwest, this era brought a different set of challenges, betrayals, and broken promises. Join me as I explore the Mexican American experience during Reconstruction. L…

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Jay Gould: Titan or Tyrant? 19:02

1M ago19:02

19:02

Join me this week as I take a look at the life and legacy of Jay Gould, one of the most talked-about figures of the Gilded Age. From his early years in the tannery business to his rise as a major player in America’s railroad expansion, Gould left a complicated mark on U.S. history. Learn how he navigated the cutthroat world of 19th-century finance,…

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Exploring Conscience of a Nation: Zaakir Tameez on Charles Sumner’s Fight for Justice 41:53

1M ago41:53

41:53

Charles Sumner was one of the fiercest voices for abolition and racial equality in 19th-century America, but how much do we really know about the man behind the Senate desk? Join me as I sit down with Zaakir Tameez, author of Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation, to explore the radical ideas, bold political stands, and enduring legacy of a leader…

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The Page Act: How America Banned Chinese Women 17:01

1M ago17:01

17:01

In 1875, the United States passed the Page Act: the first federal law to restrict immigration. The Page Act marked a turning point in American immigration policy, introducing the use of moral and racial criteria to determine who could enter the country. Join me as I examine the origins, language, and enforcement of the Page Act, how the law impacte…

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Axes, Activism, and Abstinence: The WCTU and the Fight for Temperance 16:03

2M ago16:03

16:03

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was one of the most powerful reform organizations of the 19th century, but its story goes far beyond banning booze. Sit down with me as I dive into the WTCU's origins, its wide-ranging activism, and the influential women who helped shape its legacy. From the moral crusades of Frances Willard and her ambitious …

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Bringing History to Life: Rob Edwards on Robert Smalls in Defiant 29:25

2M ago29:25

29:25

Veteran screenwriter and producer Rob Edwards (The Princess and the Frog, Treasure Planet) joins the show to discuss his newest project: a graphic novel chronicling the extraordinary life of Robert Smalls, a man born into slavery who became a Civil War hero, ship captain, and U.S. Congressman. Topics include: The life and legacy of Robert Smalls Th…

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Five Years of Civics & Coffee: Welcome to the New Era! 16:46

2M ago16:46

16:46

Sit down with me as I reflect on five years of Civics and Coffee! In this episode I look back on where I started and explain where I would like to go. I also give you an inside look into the rebranding of the show and how I landed on the new name, Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast. Help me celebrate five years by subscribing to the podcast's YouTu…

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Ice: The Hidden History of a Hot Commodity with Dr. Amy Brady 44:12

2M ago44:12

44:12

What do cocktails, hospitals, and the American railroad system have in common? Ice. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Brady, author of Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks – A Cool History of a Hot Commodity, to explore how something as simple as frozen water reshaped the nation. From 19th-century ice harvesting to the rise of refrigeration and i…

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Riot or Massacre? Reclaiming the History of Colfax, 1873 19:14

2M ago19:14

19:14

For over a century, the Colfax Massacre was inaccurately labeled a “race riot.” But in reality, it stands as one of the deadliest instances of racial and political violence during the Reconstruction Era. Join me this episode as I uncover what happened in Colfax, Louisiana in 1873 including why Black citizens were targeted for defending their newly …

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True Story of a Gilded Age Spy and a Scandalous Trial 35:23

2M ago35:23

35:23

Send us a text This is an interview with author Elizabeth DeWolfe, who tells the fascinating story of two women "hidden in history" from the Gilded Age. Her recent book, Alias Agnes - The Notorious Tales of a Gilded Age Spy, brings to light a woman, Madeleine Pollard, who was promised a better life from a Kentucky congressman, and continued an affa…

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Announcement of my new book - Biography of Amalia Kussner 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

Send us a text Dear Listeners, I have just published a Gilded Age biography of Amalia Kussner titled: The Miniature Painter Revealed - Amalia Kussner's Gilded Age Pursuit of Fame and Forutne. Kussner was the famed miniature portrait artist during the 1890's through the 1900's. The start of this book - was in part the two podcasts that I published i…

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Unforgettable Sacrifice with Dr. Hilary Green 42:49

3M ago42:49

42:49

Join me this week as I sit down with Dr. Hilary Green to discuss her latest book, Unforgettable Sacrifice: How Black Communities Remembered the Civil War. In our conversation we dive into the importance of preserving historical memory, the work of Black women to guard the past, and what we these communities teach us about the Civil War. Support the…

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William "Boss" Tweed 19:01

3M ago19:01

19:01

In this episode I explore the life and legacy of the man who first established "bossism," William Tweed. Learn about Tweed's early life and his increasing influence while serving in local offices and how it all came crashing down. Support the showBy Alycia

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Louisa May Alcott's Little Women 16:14

3M ago16:14

16:14

Join me this week as I dive into the story of Little Women and its author Louisa May Alcott. Learn all about Alcott's youth and exactly how the story of Little Women got started. Support the showBy Alycia

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Reconstruction's Legal Legacy with Dr. Matthew Brogdon 58:45

3M ago58:45

58:45

Joining me this week is scholar and fellow podcaster Dr. Matthew Brogdon. He is a Political Scientist with an expertise in American Constitutionalism. In this episode, we discuss the history of the 13th and 14th Amendments and how they reshaped American society. We also spent time talking about how the amendments of this period influence our societ…

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America's Drink: Bourbon 18:21

3M ago18:21

18:21

Join me this week as I dive into another listener request and tackle the history of Bourbon. In this episode I cover when Bourbon got its start in the United States, how it differs from Scottish Whiskey, and why it is considered America's drink. The episode also mentions the Whiskey Rebellion, which you can learn more about by listening to the epis…

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Predatory Data with Dr. Anita Chan 48:33

4M ago48:33

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Join me this week as I chat with Dr. Anita Chan to discuss her latest book, Predatory Data: Eugenics in Big Tech and Our Fight for an Independent Future. To learn more about Dr. Chan, be sure to visit her website at: https://www.anitachan.org/ Support the showBy Alycia

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The Panic of 1873 17:06

4M ago17:06

17:06

Join me this week as I sit down and dive into the Panic of 1873. Learn how one man, Jay Cooke, brought the United States economy to the brink and how the panic has connections with the recession of 2008. Support the showBy Alycia

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The Return of Lewis and Clark - Shared From History Daily 17:55

4M ago17:55

17:55

Send us a text An episode of a “different nature” for your listening pleasure - People Hidden in History was part of an episode swap with the impressive series - History Daily and I am sharing their episode titled “The Return of Lewis and Clark” discussing the journey in 1806. It was narrated by Lindsay Graham - a host from the History Daily series…

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A Public Woman: Victoria Woodhull 21:04

4M ago21:04

21:04

Victoria Woodhull is perhaps best known to contemporary audiences for her decision to launch a questionable, and ultimately unsuccessful, bid for the presidency in 1872. But there is much more to Woodhull than her failed political career. Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of Victoria Woodhull. Support the show…

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The Great Chicago Fire 17:51

4M ago17:51

17:51

Join me this week as I dive into the cause and legacy of the Great Chicago Fire. What sparked the massive blaze? How did the city recover? And how did the fire inspire new structural technologies? Support the showBy Alycia

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Grant’s Fight: The Ku Klux Klan Act 18:36

5M ago18:36

18:36

Soon after assuming office, President Grant was overwhelmed with letters from residents telling of the constant reign of terror they faced for exercising their right to vote. Unable to act as forcefully as he wanted, Grant asked Congress for a new law that would provide the necessary tools to combat the racial political violence. Their answer? The …

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Gilded Age "Teas", Luxury Liner Meals & Amalia Kussner 31:14

5M ago31:14

31:14

This is the first full-length episode of the new series, Searching for Amalia, that will explore her life and maybe uncover some of it's mysteries. Amalia Kussner held her own "teas" both in New York and London, in part to get new customers. She also traveled on the luxury liners of the late Gilded Age, such as the Lusitania (a Cunard ship), who wo…

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Jeep Show with Robert B. O'Connor 36:43

5M ago36:43

36:43

Join me this episode as I sit down with author Robert O'Connor to discuss his historical novel about the Morale Corps during World War II, Jeep Show. To learn more about Robert, visit his website at www.jeepshowbook.com Support the showBy Alycia

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Julia Dent Grant 18:33

5M ago18:33

18:33

Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of First Lady Julia Grant. Learn about Grant's early life living in the border state of Missouri, how she met her future husband, and how she impacted the role of First Lady. Support the showBy Alycia

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Ulysses S. Grant: Part Two 19:01

5M ago19:01

19:01

This week I wrap up the presidency and legacy of President Ulysses S. Grant. Learn about Grant's time in office, his work to preserve the civil rights of African Americans, and the struggles he faced due to his lack of political experience. Support the showBy Alycia

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Ulysses S. Grant: Part One 18:39

6M ago18:39

18:39

Join me this week as I begin my coverage of the life and legacy of 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. In this episode, I cover Grant's early life including his decision to enroll at the Military Academy at West Point and his experiences during the Civil War. Support the showBy Alycia

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Introductory Episode - Searching For Amalia 5:20

6M ago5:20

5:20

Welcome to my new podcast series - Searching for Amalia. This will focus on Amalia Kussner, the famous miniaturist from the Gilded Age. I completed her biography recently, but knew there was still much more to learn. The biggest mystery was the 1901 lawsuit, the contents of which were never revealed and we don't actually know who the plaintiff was.…

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Dual Justice with Dr. Anthony Grasso 47:16

6M ago47:16

47:16

Join me this week for my conversation with Dr. Anthony Grasso where we discuss his latest book, Dual Justice: America's Divergent Approaches to Street and Corporate Crime. Learn all about how different ideologies influenced the criminal justice system and how they are still impacting carceral policy today. Support the show…

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Muriel White - The Countess Who Defied The Nazis 27:07

6M ago27:07

27:07

Send us a text Muriel White was born into great wealth during the Gilded Age and both her parents was well known in society. Her mother's impressive beauty was written about by authors Edith Wharton and Henry James. Her father, Henry White, was one of the most respected diplomats of that era, with a career extending through WW1. Muriel married a Pr…

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The Maverick: Patricia Schroeder (Part Two) 18:40

6M ago18:40

18:40

Join me this week as I wrap up my coverage of the Colorado Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder. In this episode I dive into Schroeder's legislative accomplishments and her decision to launch a campaign for president. Support the showBy Alycia

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The Maverick: Patricia Schroeder (Part One) 15:31

6M ago15:31

15:31

This week's episode comes to you thanks to a listener request! Join me as I dive into part one of feminist politician Patricia Schroeder's life and legacy. In this episode I cover Schroeder's early life, including her experience attending Harvard Law School, and her unlikely 1972 campaign to represent Colorado in the House of Representatives. Suppo…

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The Transcontinental Railroad 19:22

7M ago19:22

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Join me this week as I dive into the history of the transcontinental railroad. Learn all about how it got started, how the two companies bested nature, and the complicated legacy the rail left in its wake. Support the showBy Alycia

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Reuel Colt Gridley & The Flour Fundraiser 13:25

7M ago13:25

13:25

Tune into this listener's request where I dive into the story of Reuel Colt Gridley who stumbled into a creative way to raise money for the United States Sanitary Commission during the Civil War. Learn about Gridley, the fundraiser, and how Mark Twain is involved. Support the showBy Alycia

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All Play and No Work with Dr. Paul Gagliardi 47:30

7M ago47:30

47:30

Join me in this episode I sit down with Dr. Paul Gagliardi to discuss his book All Play and No Work which analyzes complex portrayals of labor and work relief through plays selected by the Federal Theatre Project. Tune in to learn about the Federal Theatre Project and the organization's role in the New Deal. Support the show…

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Carceral Apartheid with Dr. Brittany Friedman 34:58

7M ago34:58

34:58

Join for another bonus episode where I sit down with Dr. Brittany Friedman to discuss her book, Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons. To learn more about Dr. Friedman, be sure to visit her website at www.brittanyfriedman.com For Bay Area listeners: be sure to catch Dr. Friedman at her book talk on March 16th at Book P…

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The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 17:32

7M ago17:32

17:32

Join me this week as I explore the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. Learn why the United States and Plains tribes engaged in yet another negotiation aimed at securing peace, how the agreement was eventually violated by the U.S. government, and how it all ties to a still-active Supreme Court case. Support the show…

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Maxfield Parrish Revisited and Exhibit at Flagler Museum (Palm Beach, FL) 44:06

7M ago44:06

44:06

Send us a text I am excited to share with you, that there is currently a stunning art exhibition – featuring the works of Maxfield Parrish, at the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida. To celebrate this exhibition of Parrish’s work – you are now listening to a re-release of the interview with Judy Goffman Cutler and her fascinating insights on Max…

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The Ku Klux Klan & Reconstruction 19:36

7M ago19:36

19:36

Join me this week as I explore the history of the first iteration of the Ku Klux Klan. Learn about the earliest days of the organization, how it evolved into a dangerous domestic terrorist group, and how their acts of violence sough to depress the influence of Black Americans and the Republican Party throughout the former Confederacy. Please note, …

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Kidnapped At Sea with Dr. Andrew Sillen 35:51

8M ago35:51

35:51

Join me for this BONUS episode where I welcome Dr. Andrew Sillen to discuss his latest book, Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White. You can learn more about Dr. Sillen by checking out his website: https://kidnappedatsea.com/ Support the showBy Alycia

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The People's Poet: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper 17:09

8M ago17:09

17:09

Frances Harper was an abolitionist, author, and activist who spent her life in the pursuit of a better nation. Risking her safety to tour on the anti-slavery lecture circuit before the war, Harper became one of the loudest critics of Andrew Johnson during Reconstruction. Tune in this week as I dive into her life, motivations, and legacy. Support th…

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Eliza McCardle Johnson 15:49

8M ago15:49

15:49

Join me this week as I dive into the life of Eliza McCardle Johnson. In this episode I dive into McCardle's early years, her relationship with Andrew Johnson, and how she chose to run the house as First Lady. Support the showBy Alycia

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Hidden in History No Longer - Otto Antoine 7:03

8M ago7:03

7:03

Send us a text Otto Antoine, who was discussed in the September 2022 episode, has gotten much attention recently through a September 2024 article in the online magazine Art News (link here). The article also helped promote efforts to get the collection of his works, owned by Todd Barrowcliff, hopefully into a museum or academic institution. Not onl…