In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we look at the tumultuous election of 1876, a pivotal moment in American history where the outcome was determined not solely by the votes cast but by a web of shadows, silence, and backroom deals. We explore the complexities of this disputed election, where the winner of the popular vote did not ascend to the presidency, leading to a significant compromise that left lasting scars on the nation.
Sep 29, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we look at the tumultuous election of 1876, a pivotal moment in American history where the outcome was determined not solely by the votes cast but by a web of shadows, silence, and backroom deals. We explore the complexities of this disputed election, where the winner of the popular vote did not ascend to the presidency, leading to a significant compromise that left lasting scars on the nation.
Sep 22, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we look into the life and presidency of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. Exploring Truman's early life, marked by a series of failures, from his struggles in school to his unsuccessful ventures in business. Despite these setbacks, Truman's determination and resilience shine through. We discuss how Truman unexpectedly rose to political prominence, starting as a judge and then becoming a U.S. Senator, before ultimately being thrus...
Sep 15, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we explore the complex legacy of a president who is remembered for both his victories and failures. We delve into the controversial choices he made, the collapse of his popularity, and how, despite these challenges, he has come to be regarded as one of the greats in American history. Join us as we uncover the journey of how a president can rise from near disgrace to achieve lasting respect. Tune in to discover the nuances of his story and the lessons it ...
Sep 08, 2025•58 sec
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we examine the intriguing story of a U.S. president whose post-office life made history for all the wrong reasons. We explore how his controversial choice during one of America's darkest periods led to his erasure from many history books. From the political landscape of the White House to a funeral that the U.S. government refused to acknowledge, this episode is packed with politics, controversy, and a family legacy that continues to astonish. Join Jeff...
Sep 01, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we examine the intriguing story of a U.S. president whose post-office life made history for all the wrong reasons. We explore how his controversial choice during one of America's darkest periods led to his erasure from many history books. From the political landscape of the White House to a funeral that the U.S. government refused to acknowledge, this episode is packed with politics, controversy, and a family legacy that continues to astonish. Join Jeff...
Aug 25, 2025•2 min
In this episode of " Beyond Mount Rushmore ," we delve into a fascinating and eerie aspect of American history: the phenomenon of U.S. presidents who have died in office. We explore the intriguing connection to Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader and warrior from the early 1800s, who made a promise that some interpret as a curse. This curse seems to have manifested through a series of tragic events, including assassinations and the sudden deaths of presidents, with only a few managing to survive their te...
Aug 18, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this upcoming episode of "Beyond Mount Rushmore," we delve into a fascinating and eerie aspect of American history: the phenomenon of U.S. presidents who have died in office. We explore the intriguing connection to Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader and warrior from the early 1800s, who made a promise that some interpret as a curse. This curse seems to have manifested through a series of tragic events, including assassinations and the sudden deaths of presidents, with only a few managing to survive t...
Aug 11, 2025•2 min
In this episode, we explore the fascinating and unlikely friendship between Ulysses S. Grant, a Civil War general facing financial ruin and terminal illness, and Mark Twain, a sharp-witted novelist also struggling with his own financial challenges. Together, they embarked on a journey that not only transformed Grant's legacy but also resulted in one of the greatest presidential memoirs ever written. Join us as we explore the themes of fame, failure, and the power of storytelling, uncovering how ...
Aug 04, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this upcoming episode, we explore the fascinating and unlikely friendship between Ulysses S. Grant, a Civil War general facing financial ruin and terminal illness, and Mark Twain, a sharp-witted novelist also struggling with his own financial challenges. Together, they embarked on a journey that not only transformed Grant's legacy but also resulted in one of the greatest presidential memoirs ever written. Join us as we explore the themes of fame, failure, and the power of storytelling, uncove...
Jul 28, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the life of Dolly Madison, the wife of our fourth president, James Madison. While many might assume that Martha Washington holds the title of America's first First Lady, it was Dolly who defined the role and set the standard for future presidential wives. We explore Dolly's early life, her marriage to James Madison, and her significant contributions to social life in Washington, D.C., during a politically divided era. Known for her convivia...
Jul 21, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Beyond Mount Rushmore dives into the stories your history teacher definitely skipped. Each week, we explore forgotten presidents and their sketchy scandals, bizarre executive orders, and historic near-misses. Plus, facts so weird you'll think we made them up. From FDR's final words, "I have a terrific headache," to Eleanor Roosevelt's lifelong "companion" in the White House, we're here to prove that history is anything but boring. Whether you're a hardcore history nerd or just love laughing at o...
Jul 14, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we explore the fascinating life of the first U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms. Known for his reformist spirit and his reputation as a "veto machine," this president also guarded a significant secret that he kept literally under wraps. While he appeared stern and unshakeable publicly, we reveal the layers of power and secrecy that shaped his private life. Join us as we examine one of the boldest cover-ups in presidential history and unco...
Jul 07, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we'll be exploring the fascinating life of the first U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms. Known for his reformist spirit and his reputation as a "veto machine," this president also guarded a significant secret that he kept literally under wraps. While he appeared stern and unshakeable publicly, we reveal the layers of power and secrecy that shaped his private life. Join us as we examine one of the boldest cover-ups in presidential...
Jul 05, 2025•2 min
In this special bonus episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we celebrate the 4th of July by exploring the intriguing connection between our founding fathers and this significant date in American history. We kick off the episode by discussing how the Declaration of Independence was actually presented on July 2nd, but July 4th became the date we celebrate due to its catchy ring. We talk about the remarkable fact that three of the first five U.S. presidents, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Mon...
Jun 30, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this upcoming special bonus episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we celebrate the 4th of July by exploring the intriguing connection between our founding fathers and this significant date in American history.
Jun 27, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the lesser-known aspects of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. We explore the intriguing story of Colonel Henry Rathbone, who was present in the presidential box during the tragic event. We discuss how the assassination was initially intended to be a kidnapping, and how it evolved into a conspiracy involving multiple targets, including Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William Seward. Rathbone, who was a Union Army off...
Jun 23, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we delve into a lesser-known aspect of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. While most people are aware that Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theater, few know about Colonel Henry Rathbone, who was present in the presidential box that fateful night. Rathbone not only witnessed the assassination but also bravely attempted to stop John Wilkes Booth, resulting in a struggle that left him wounded and traumatized. We explore the question of whether Booth ...
Jun 16, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , the complex legacy of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, is examined. We discuss how Wilson, often rated highly in presidential surveys, was a deeply flawed individual with a troubling history, including his role in the segregation of the federal government and his blatant racism. Stan expresses his disdain for Wilson, highlighting his deceptive political tactics, particularly regarding World War I, where he campaigned on keeping A...
Jun 09, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Coming up on the next episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we dish up some Tea on Thomas Woodrow Wilson. "Thomas" was an American politician and academic who served as the 28th president of the United States from 1913 to 1921. A member of the Democratic Party, Wilson served as the president of Princeton University and as the governor of New Jersey before winning the 1912 presidential election. Beyond Mount Rushmore
Jun 02, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the intriguing life of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, and his wife, Rachel. We explore the controversies surrounding their marriage, including allegations of bigamy and the mudslinging tactics used against them during Jackson's presidential campaigns. We discuss Jackson's rise to prominence as a champion of the common man and his opposition to the federal bank, as well as his tumultuous relationship with Congres...
May 26, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In the upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the tumultuous life of Andrew Jackson, a figure known for his complex legacy as a war hero, duelist, and notorious grudge holder. We'll explore his controversial signing of the Indian Removal Act, his remarkable survival of an assassination attempt where both pistols misfired, and the deep-seated blame he placed on John Quincy Adams for his wife's death. Join us as we unpack the messy and outrageous details of Andrew Jackson's life,...
May 19, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the life and legacy of our 25th president, William McKinley. We start by discussing McKinley's unique place in history, including being the first president to have his inauguration filmed and one of the first to have his voice recorded. We explore his obsession with cleanliness and his social nature, which made him a beloved figure during his presidency. McKinley was known for his effective handshaking technique, which allowed him to connec...
May 12, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Beyond Mount Rushmore dives into the stories your history teacher skipped. We explore forgotten presidents and their sketchy scandals, bizarre executive orders, and historic near-misses. Don't miss episode 3, Dressed to the Nines, Shot at the Expo. An episode all about the stylish rise and sudden fall of President William McKinley. Subscribe to the Beyond Mount Rushmore podcast everywhere.
May 05, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we dive into the intriguing life and presidency of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States. Stan Nawalaniec, our self-proclaimed presidential historian, and I explore Arthur's unexpected rise from customs collector at the Port of New York to vice president, and ultimately to the presidency after the assassination of James Garfield. There's corruption, his connections to the powerful New York political machine, and some controversy sur...
Apr 29, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In the debut episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore , we delve into the life and legacy of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. From his humble beginnings as a canal worker to his meteoric rise in politics, Garfield's story is one of resilience and reform. But his presidency was tragically cut short by an assassin's bullet. We explore the motivations of Charles J. Guiteau, the delusional office seeker who believed he was destined to change history, and uncover the surprising rol...
Apr 14, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Beyond Mount Rushmore dives into the stories your history teacher definitely skipped. Each week, we explore forgotten presidents and their sketchy scandals, bizarre executive orders, and historic near-misses. Plus, the facts are so weird that you'll think we made them up. From FDR's final words, "I have a terrific headache," to Eleanor Roosevelt's lifelong "companion" in the White House, we're here to prove that history is anything but boring. Whether you're a hardcore history nerd or just love ...
Apr 08, 2025•2 min
