Shows / Sandra Day O'Connor Institute
Sandra Day O'Connor Institute
This is the official podcast of the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute. Our mission is to continue the distinguished legacy and lifetime work of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor to advance American democracy through multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement.
Episodes
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Sybil Ludington: One Rider. One Mission. One Nation
Before It Became History, a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | War of 1812: America's Second Fight for Independence
Often called America’s second war for independence, the War of 1812 tested the young nation’s resolve against Great Britain. Discover the battles, leaders, and…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore it Became History | Carter Braxton: From Virginia Statesman to American Patriot
Carter Braxton signed the Declaration of Independence knowing it could cost him everything and it nearly did. Discover the story of a Founder who risked his…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Dolley Madison: Leading with Charm, Serving with Courage
Dolley Madison helped define the role of First Lady through hospitality, diplomacy, and leadership during a time of national uncertainty. Discover how she…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Hannah Adams: Where Vision Meets Action
At a time when few women were recognized as scholars, Hannah Adams became one of America’s first professional authors. Discover how her pursuit of knowledge…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | John Quincy Adams: Building America’s Future Through Principle
Diplomat, president, congressman, and abolitionist, John Quincy Adams devoted his life to public service. Discover how one of America’s most accomplished…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Paul Cuffe: Leading by Courage, Guided by Purpose
Paul Cuffe built a successful shipping business while advocating for education, equality, and opportunity. Discover how this entrepreneur and civic leader used…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | The Midnight Ride: The Real Story Behind America’s Most Famous Night on Horseback
Paul Revere’s midnight ride became an American legend, but the real story is more complex—and just as fascinating. Discover the facts, the myths, and the…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | What Caused the French and Indian War? A War for Land, Power, and Destiny
Before the American Revolution, a global conflict reshaped North America and altered the relationship between Britain and its colonies. Discover how the French…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Benjamin Banneker: He Measured the Stars While Breaking Barriers
Benjamin Banneker used science, mathematics, and astronomy to challenge assumptions about race and citizenship in early America. Discover how one brilliant…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Boston Massacre: The Beginning of America’s Fight for Freedom
The Boston Massacre shocked the colonies and fueled growing anger toward British rule after five colonists were killed. Discover how one violent night helped…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Eliza Hamilton: Her Legacy Lived Beyond the Revolution
After Alexander Hamilton’s death, Eliza Hamilton devoted her life to preserving his legacy, supporting orphans, and advancing civic service in the young…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | History of the American Flag: Threads of Freedom, Symbols of Unity
From the Revolutionary War to today, the American flag has evolved alongside the nation itself, reflecting its struggles, growth, and ideals. Discover the…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea): A Mohawk leader who bridged two worlds
Joseph Brant, a Mohawk leader and diplomat, navigated the challenges of revolution while fighting to protect his people’s land, alliances, and future. Discover…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | The Other Day of Independence: What Really Happened on August 2, 1776: Where Independence Became Official
Did you know the Declaration of Independence wasn't complete on July 4? It took nearly a month from the vote to the final signature on this important document…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Abigail Adams : The Woman Who Told the Founders to Remember the Ladies
Abigail Adams was more than a First Lady—she was a trusted advisor, sharp political thinker, and advocate for women’s rights during America’s founding…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Battle of Yorktown : The Victory That Secured Independence
The Battle of Yorktown marked the decisive victory that secured American independence and changed the course of world history. Discover how strategy…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Benedict Arnold : The Hero Who Became a Warning
Benedict Arnold began the American Revolution as one of its greatest military heroes before becoming history’s most infamous traitor. Discover the dramatic…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | First Reading of the Declaration : The Moment Independence Became Public
On July 8, 1776, crowds gathered in Philadelphia to hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud for the first time, transforming bold words into a public…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Thomas Jefferson : The Founder Who Gave Voice to America’s Promise
Thomas Jefferson penned the words that declared America’s independence, yet his life reflected the contradictions of a nation founded on liberty. Discover the…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Washington’s Inauguration : The First Oath of a New Republic
In 1789, George Washington took the first presidential oath of office, setting a powerful precedent for America’s new democracy. Discover the historic moment…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Benjamin Franklin : The Diplomat Who Brought France In
Printer, inventor, scientist, diplomat, and Founding Father—Benjamin Franklin helped shape America through curiosity, innovation, and public service. Discover…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Elizabeth Freeman : The Woman Who Put Freedom on Trial
In colonial Massachusetts, Elizabeth Freeman used the law to claim her freedom, proving that the ideals of the Revolution applied to all people. Discover how…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Henry Knox : The Bookseller Who Armed the Revolution
Henry Knox rose from a self-educated Boston bookseller to one of George Washington’s most trusted generals, helping secure America’s fight for independence…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Lucy Flucker Knox : The Woman Who Chose Revolution Over Family
Born into a wealthy Loyalist family, Lucy Flucker Knox gave up privilege and security to stand beside the patriot cause during the American Revolution…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Marquis de Lafayette : The French Nobleman Who Bet on America
The Marquis de Lafayette crossed an ocean to fight for American independence, becoming one of George Washington’s most trusted allies and a hero of two…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Prince Hall : The Black Leader Who Built Power After Independence
From Boston’s free Black community, Prince Hall built a legacy of civic leadership through education, petitions, and Freemasonry—proving that organized action…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Crispus Attucks : The Man at the Center of the Boston Massacre
Crispus Attucks became the first to die for American liberty during the Boston Massacre, turning tragedy into a rallying cry for revolution. Discover the story…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Nathan Hale : The Spy Who Risked Everything
Nathan Hale left behind the classroom to serve the cause of American independence, becoming one of the Revolution’s most remembered patriots. Discover the…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Patrick Henry : The Voice That Demanded Liberty
With the words “Give me liberty, or give me death!”, Patrick Henry delivered one of the most powerful speeches in American history, urging the colonies toward…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Phillis Wheatley : The Poet Who Forced America to Face Freedom
Taken from Africa and enslaved in Boston, Phillis Wheatley became America’s first published African American woman poet, using her words to challenge injustice…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Samuel Adams : The Organizer Behind the Uprising
Before independence was declared, Samuel Adams was rallying colonists through speeches, protests, and bold ideas that helped ignite a revolution. Discover how…
Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteBefore It Became History | Thomas Paine : The Writer Who Turned Protest into Independence
In 1776, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense transformed frustration into a call for independence, inspiring ordinary colonists to support revolution. Discover the…
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Public Square | Gen Z & Democracy: How Do You Engage in the Digital Age?
How do social media and digital platforms shape the way younger generations learn about civics and engage in public life? This episode explores whether today’s…
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How Tribal Government & Indigenous Political Theories Impacted Constitution
First released in 2022, this episode revisits an often overlooked influence on the American founding. Professor Robert James Miller explores how tribal…
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Constitution Series: Millennials, Gen-Z, and COVID-19 with Pew Research Center
Originally released during the height of the global pandemic, this episode returns as we approach the March 11 anniversary of the COVID-19 national emergency…
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Public Square | The Civic Issues Shaping 2026: Your Voice, Our Community
Education. The economy. Technology. Civil discourse. These issues shape our daily lives and shared future. In this public square we reviewed recent poll…
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Can Social Media and Civil Discourse Coexist?
First released in 2021, this conversation feels increasingly relevant as social media continues to shape how Americans communicate, disagree, and connect…
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Maverick: A Biography of Thomas Sowell | Jason Riley
This special episode from our original Constitution Series returns in honor of Black History Month, spotlighting the life and ideas of Thomas Sowell, one of…
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Public Square | Why are Teachers Uncomfortable Teaching Civics?
How does today’s polarized climate shape what—and how—civics is taught in America’s classrooms? This Public Square virtual conversation was inspired by the…
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Public Square | The Electoral College: Why does it exist?
Perhaps no extant product of the U.S. Constitution has received more bipartisan animus than the Electoral College. Since 1800 there have been more than 700…
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Socrates, Alcibiades, and 'The Quest for Character,' with Massimo Pigliucci
In his book The Quest for Character, Massimo Pigliucci asks: can good character be taught? Through an exploration of Greek and Roman philosophy, and especially…
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The Pros and Cons of Open Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting
Do open primaries and ranked-choice voting have the potential to improve American elections, or will they create more problems than they solve? Kevin Meyer…
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Art's Role in Civil Society, with Jed Perl
Civics for Life and the O'Connor Institute welcome Jed Perl as he joins Liam Julian, director of Public Policy, for a discussion on the relationship between…
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Public Square | Political Polarization: Can it be overcome?
Americans today are more politically polarized than in the past. We are more likely to align our political identities with specific ideological stances, and we…
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Emancipation's Complicated History, with Kris Manjapra
Emancipation in America is often presented as a single and singular undertaking. But Professor Kris Manjapra's new book, Black Ghost of Empire, complicates…
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The Future of the Court
Civics for Life and the O'Connor Institute welcome Professor Cristina Rodríguez and Mr. Adam White as they join host Liam Julian, director of Public Policy…
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Public Square | When and Why Did America Stop Teaching Civics?
On Thursday, Oct. 17, we welcomed participants from 36 states to our Public Square online discussion on the decline of civics education being taught today. The…
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Why Rural America Is Thriving, with Elizabeth Currid-Halkett
The story often told is that rural America is in decline, and that rural Americans are resentful of their suburban and urban counterparts. But Elizabeth…
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The Museum as Civic Space, with Dr. Anthea Hartig
What is the museum’s role in society? How does – and can – the museum function as a civic space? Dr. Anthea Hartig, the first woman director of the Smithsonian…
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A Conversation on the Economy With Dr. Art Laffer
Economist Dr. Art Laffer—creator of the famous Laffer Curve and advisor to U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton—joins the Sandra Day…
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Gerrymandering in America, with Nick Seabrook
Gerrymandering, according to Webster, is "to divide or arrange (an area) into political units to give special advantages to one group when voting districts are…
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From Bowling Alone to Join or Die: How Clubs Can Strengthen Community and Democracy
"This is a film about why you should join a club." So begins the documentary Join or Die, available to stream on Netflix, that follows the work of sociologist…
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The Economy: Tariffs, Inflation, and American Competitiveness
From trade wars to rising prices, America’s economic landscape is being reshaped by powerful forces. How do tariffs affect U.S. industry and global standing?…
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Civic Education and the Future of American Democracy, with Jeffrey Sikkenga
At a time when civic knowledge is in decline, political scientist Jeffrey Sikkenga makes the case that the health of our democracy depends on how—and…
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How to Save Democracy, with Josiah Ober
Is democracy in trouble? Many Americans believe so: recent polls consistently rank "threats to democracy" as one of respondents' top concerns. In the new book…
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Women, Caregiving, and America's Social Safety Net, with Jessica Calarco
At a time when many Americans struggle with economic insecurity, sociologist Jessica Calarco offers an exploration of how women have become America’s default…
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Heroes of Abolition and Suffrage
As we transition from Black History Month into Women's History Month, we share "Heroes of Abolition and Suffrage" from our podcast library. This powerful…
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The Constitution and American Unity, with Yuval Levin
At a time when Americans seem more divided than ever, Yuval Levin offers a compelling argument for how we can rebuild a shared national identity. Levin, the…
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Library of Congress with Dr. Carla Hayden
We are pleased to share this conversation with Dr. Carla Hayden of the Library of Congress led by moderator Chevy Humphrey, CEO of the Museum of Science and…