I’m Famous—Grilling the 3rd US President

I’m officially back in Abu Dhabi for  another year. Jetlag is killing me. But I’m happy to see my cats again.

More importantly—Clay Jenkinson, award-winning humanities scholar and author, and David Swenson, semi-permanent guest host of the Thomas Jefferson Hour, know who I am.

The Thomas Jefferson Hour is a radio show/podcast based out of North Dakota. The format is usually as follows: for half the show, Clay Jenkinson performs in-character as Thomas Jefferson. Mr. Swenson facilitates discussions, often based on questions sent in by listeners. In the second half, Mr. Jenkinson comes out of character and provides further commentary and answers more questions. This may seem like an unlikely show for me, a self-professed Thomas Jefferson Hater, to enjoy. But I like the people behind it, and I’ve learned a lot from the programs I’ve listened to.

While I was in Wales I sort of binge-listened to the show. I was doing a lot of work with my hands, but this was an excellent opportunity to listen to podcasts as well. So, during this time I was compelled to join their exclusive club, and also to send them an email. I had questions, and I also wanted to thank them for all the time and effort they’ve put into the show.

In response Mr. Jenkinson sent me what was basically the nicest email I’ve ever gotten, so that was cool enough. But on the 27th, they released a bonus 10-minute episode where they discussed my questions for the other members of the club. So that means that maybe 5 other strangers have heard my name!!!!!

Here’s a link—but the thing is, you can’t listen to it unless you become a member of the 1776 Club. So, here’s my pitch. It’s $5 a month (or more!), and you get access to bonus episodes, a separate contact email address, and new features they’re planning on implementing very soon. The archive is huge; right now it goes back to 2006. That’s 520 hours worth of programming, and it isn’t even all about Thomas Jefferson. I think it’s a good investment. Also, there’s a bonus episode called “Have Another Brownie, Mr. Madison” which really makes the whole thing worth it.

In all seriousness, this is such a cool thing to me. I’m hoping to correspond with them further. I’m very interested in hearing their perspectives on some questions about higher education, and I have a couple of ideas for topics I think would make good shows. It’s just so surreal to hear the guys on the podcast I’ve binged say my name!

Anyway. I somehow made it home with a bag full of new books, including 3 that are about James Madison in some way, so I think I’m going to be an expert on him pretty soon. At this rate I’m never going to get to anything after Monroe takes office, but I can’t find it in myself to be too bothered. Nobody cares about Monroe anyway.