James K. Polk believed that America was destined to expand west. Did this make him an imperialist or an agent for freedom and opportunity? Wilfred McClay, professor of history at Hillsdale College, sets the record straight about the 11th President of the United States.

Hour 1

5-Minute Videos

James K. Polk: Manifest Destiny

Activists suggest that all “colonized” land should be returned to the previous owners. Is it really that simple? Michael Knowles has thoughts.

Would You Rather Be Colonized by Aztecs or Christians?

Is climate change an existential crisis? Judith Curry, former Chair of the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology, has spent her career studying this question. Her answer might surprise you.

The Good News about Climate Change

Should we judge people by the color of their skin or by their actions? The answer to this question was once obvious. Not anymore. Andre Archie, professor of philosophy at Colorado State University, explains why.

America Must Be Colorblind

In his first term as president, Woodrow Wilson sought to transform America. In his second term, he sought to transform the world. RJ Pestritto, professor of politics at Hillsdale College, describes how this once-obscure academic became one of America’s most influential presidents.

Woodrow Wilson: World War I and the League of Nations

As America’s 28th president, Woodrow Wilson greatly expanded the size and scope of the federal government. How did he do it, and why? RJ Pestritto, professor of politics at Hillsdale College, answers this important question.

Woodrow Wilson: The Founder of Big Government

Science journalist and nutrition author Max Lugavere knows how to fix our badly broken healthcare system. His plan is simple and practical. He elaborates in this eye-opening video.

Do We Have Health Care or Sick Care?

Growing up in Bahrain, Fatema Al Harbi was taught that Jews hated her because she’s Muslim, and in turn, she should hate them because they’re Jews. What changed her mind?

Arabs and Israelis: Finding Common Ground

If China were to invade Taiwan—an island democracy in the South China Sea—would it be in America’s national interest to defend it? China scholar Helen Raleigh weighs in on this critically important question.

Should America Defend Taiwan?

What is the only economic system that values freedom, lifts people out of poverty, disdains distinctions of race and creed, and draws us into productive networks of mutual dependency? Hint: it’s not a system of ever-increasing government control.

A Moral Case for Capitalism

No one has a monopoly on truth. That’s why we need open, uncensored discussion and debate. Why, then, are the government and Big Tech platforms suppressing what we can read, see, and hear? Philip Hamburger, Professor of Law at Columbia University, sheds light on this alarming trend.

What's Wrong with Censorship?

William Howard Taft served as both the President of the United States and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court — the only man to ever do so. Richard Lim, host of the This American President podcast, recounts the unique career of America’s 27th president.

William Howard Taft: The Really Big President

The time had come for America to take its place among the great nations of the world. There was no better man to lead this charge than Theodore Roosevelt. Wilfred McClay, professor of history at Hillsdale College, chronicles the complex career of America’s 26th president.

Theodore Roosevelt: The Action Hero President

Was there ever a more bold and brash character to occupy the White House than Theodore Roosevelt? Wilfred McClay, professor of history at Hillsdale College, tells the story of how this politician, cowboy, and war hero came to capture the American imagination.

Theodore Roosevelt: City Slicker to Cowboy President

As much as anyone, William McKinley laid the foundation for US dominance in the 20th century. Why, then, is America’s 25th president given such little credit for his accomplishments? Jason R. Edwards, professor of history at Grove City College, sets the record straight.

William McKinley: The Man Who Could’ve Been on Rushmore

You need wisdom to navigate the challenges and complexities of life. But how do you get it? Owen Anderson, professor of philosophy at Arizona State University, suggests the perfect place to start.

The Beginning of Wisdom

After being valedictorian of his high school class and the winner of merit scholarships, Xaviaer DuRousseau was accepted to a top university. But all it took was one comment from a fellow student about affirmative action to make him doubt his real worth.

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