History Podcasting

Honoring Service, Sharing Stories

In collaboration with Northern Kentucky University’s History Department and Veterans Resource Station, this podcast celebrates the lived experiences of America’s service members, bridging military and civilian perspectives through education, storytelling, and shared history. Through dynamic, firsthand accounts from veterans, active duty members, reservists, and military families, this series brings the powerful impact of military life into public focus.

Hosted by Rusty Mardis and produced by visiting teaching professor Kevin Eagles and graduate assistant Alisha Burnett, each episode dives into the unique histories and journeys of our student service members and alumni. Listeners gain not only a deeper appreciation of military service but also valuable insights from episodes that serve as educational resources. We are proud to facilitate and preserve these voices, offering an accessible platform for the VRS to educate and inspire a broader understanding of military life and service.

Join us as we document the narratives that honor our nation’s history, break down civilian-military divides, and highlight the resilience and service of our military community.

Welcome to our brand-new series exploring the life of Ulysses S. Grant, one of the most significant yet often misunderstood figures in American history. Throughout this series, we will engage with acclaimed historians and scholars who shed light on Grant’s formative years, his Civil War leadership, his transformative presidency, and his personal struggles and triumphs—all against the backdrop of a rapidly changing nation.
Our featured guests bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise:

Ben Kemp, a living historian and researcher, delves into Grant’s final year, revealing the  financial challenges that prompted his memoirs and culminating in his poignant last days at Grant Cottage.

Chris Mackowski, a leading Civil War historian, examines Grant’s battlefield adaptability, his collaborations with President Lincoln and Generals Sherman and Sheridan, and the role contingency played in his remarkable rise.

Dr. Charles Calhoun, a distinguished scholar of the Gilded Age, reviews Grant’s presidency, analyzing his Reconstruction efforts, international affairs, and his lasting political impact.

Ned Lodwick, an authority on Grant’s boyhood in Georgetown, Ohio, uncovers the early life and character that guided Grant’s journey from rural Ohio to West Point and beyond.

Nick Sacco, a curator at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, explores Grant’s life in St. Louis between the Mexican and Civil Wars, focusing on his family dynamics, evolving views on slavery, and the challenges that shaped his outlook.

As you listen, you will discover the many dimensions of Grant’s life: his childhood experiences, command style, evolving racial perspectives, and the political and personal realities he navigated. From his days in small-town Ohio to his leadership on the national stage, this series reveals a leader who both reflects and helped to reshape the identity of the United States. Join us for a closer look at Ulysses S. Grant—a man whose legacy continues to influence our understanding of democracy, citizenship, and what it means to lead in times of crisis.