Episodes
Next episode November 6, 2024
Published 09/25/24
In Part 2 of the 1865 conversation with Abraham Lincoln, he explains why total devastation of the South was the only way to win the war. He also shares several of his plans to free the slaves including moving them to … Liberia? And he’ll explain why breaking American laws was necessary during war. -----   John King's episode on the Calling History Podcast was nothing short of captivating. With 25 years of experience portraying Abraham Lincoln, John seamlessly brought the 16th President to...
Published 09/18/24
On April 13, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was waiting for his son Robert to return with a firsthand account of Robert E. Lee surrendering the south when he received a phone call from the future… In this episode, Lincoln shares the powerful lesson he learned while wrestling with his sister that caused him to forgive instead of punishing the South. He explains why he added ‘In God We Trust’ to our coins. And demonstrates his ingenuity by choosing to duel with swords rather than pistols. Start the...
Published 09/11/24
In Part 2 of the 1804 conversation with Alexander Hamilton, he will persuade you as to why the Bill of Rights might be a bad thing. He’ll talk about how Jefferson was a coward that made a decent president. And he’ll clear up why not aiding the French made complete sense, even though they were there when we needed them the most. Start episode 2 to join the conversation. -----   Hal Bidlack’s portrayal of Alexander Hamilton embodies the brilliance and complexities of this indispensable Founding...
Published 09/04/24
On July 10th, 1804, Alexander Hamilton was preparing for his trip to Weehawken, New Jersey, when he received a call from the future… In this episode, Hamilton talks about his duel with Vice President Aaron Burr, scolds me for bringing up his affair with Mariah Reynolds, and explains his vision to unite the 13 states and create the most powerful nation the world has ever known. Start the episode now to join the conversation. -----   Hal Bidlack’s portrayal of Alexander Hamilton embodies the...
Published 08/28/24
In Part 2 of the 1802 conversation with Thomas Paine, he’ll talk about his relationships with Napoleon, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. He’ll also share his controversial opinions on the bible and religion that nearly caused him to be erased from history. Start episode 2 to join the conversation. -----   I’m so thankful to Steve Gulick for never letting us forget Thomas Paine’s role in American Independence. The countless hours you put into learning the history and replicating...
Published 08/21/24
In 1802, Thomas Paine was in France making plans to return to America when he received a call from the future… In this episode, Paine talks about his wildly popular pamphlet Common Sense and how it united the Americans to fight for liberty. He talked about his history seizing enemy ships and their goods, and how that didn’t make him a pirate. And he’ll talk about his experience in France almost losing his head to the guillotine. Start the episode now to join the conversation. -----   I’m so...
Published 08/14/24
In Part 2 of the 1944 conversation with Anne Frank, she will talk about her dreams for the future, her thoughts about God, and how she feels about Hitler. Start episode 2 to join the conversation. -----   Sheryl Faye’s reenactment of Anne Frank is extraordinarily moving. An award-winning actress with a BFA in Acting from Emerson College, Sheryl has over 20 years of experience performing across the world, and currently stars in eleven one-woman shows. Her portrayal of Anne Frank is deeply...
Published 08/07/24
On August 3, 1944, Anne Frank was hiding in the secret annex when she received a call from the future… In this episode, Anne is going to talk about what it's like hiding in the secret annex for almost two years. She's going to explain how they get food and how people risk their lives to protect them. She will also explain why she remains optimistic despite knowing that horrible atrocities are happening to her people. Start the episode now to join the conversation. -----   Sheryl Faye’s...
Published 07/31/24
In Part 2 of the 1955 conversation with Albert Einstein, he’ll explain why as a pacifist he supported men arming themselves to fight Hitler. He’ll talk about his regret after realizing his discoveries resulted in weapons that would kill thousands. And he’ll challenge your mind with explanations of stretching space and time. Start episode 2 to join the conversation.   -----     A professional actor could spend a lifetime trying to master the art of Albert Einstein's voice, his mannerisms, and...
Published 07/24/24
On March 14, 1955, Albert Einstein was contemplating unified field theory when he received a call from the future… In this episode, he’ll tell the story of the gift his father gave him as a child that initiated his never-ending curiosity. He’ll also explain the great lengths he took to avoid conscription into the German army. And he’ll solve the mystery of why his hair always looks like he just woke up. Start the episode now to join the conversation.   -----   A professional actor could spend...
Published 07/17/24
In Part 2 of the 1891 conversation with PT Barnum, he will explain the difference between fraud and humbug. He’ll explain where he drew the strength to recover when his life’s work was burned to the ground twice, and he’ll give us all some tips on the Art of Getting Money. Start episode 2 to join the conversation.   -----     Adam Gertsacov is one of the most educated clowns in the world (barring certain elected officials.) He wears many hats, including those of a professional clown, an...
Published 07/10/24
On April 1, 1891, PT Barnum was contemplating a life of showmanship when he received a call from the future… In this episode, Barnum will discuss his relationship with the 161-year-old nurse of George Washington. He’ll talk about the time he bet his entire fortune on a singer he had never heard. And he’ll share his greatest regret. Start the episode now to join the conversation.   -----     Adam Gertsacov is one of the most educated clowns in the world (barring certain elected officials.) He...
Published 07/03/24
A Message From Tony Dean - Next Podcast July 3, 2024. We are just getting started. 
Published 06/06/24
In Part 2 of the 1836 conversation with James Bowie, He will talk about the nearly unbelievable smuggling scheme he concocted with the Pirate Jean Lafitte. He’ll also explain how he sold pieces of the Louisiana purchase, even though it was not his land to sell. Listen to the Calling History Podcast on Spotify, Google, Apple, or your favorite provider.   -----     Jack Edmondson’s interpretation of James Bowie is exceptional. His deep knowledge and engaging storytelling bring this complex...
Published 05/29/24
On March 5, 1836, James Bowie was sick and lying on a cot in the Alamo when he received a call from the future… In this episode, Bowie will go in detail about the Sandbar Duel that cemented his legacy in the history books. He’ll dispel some of the myths of his life including the fact that he is not a knife fighter. And he’ll tell the story of his search for a lost silver mine that probably never existed. Listen to the Calling History Podcast on Spotify, Google, Apple, or your favorite...
Published 05/22/24
In Part 2 of the 1870 conversation with Ruby Waller, she will talk in detail about the extraordinary place called Urania cottage giving fallen women a safe plan to start again by creating a new life in Australia. She'll also explain what a badger game is. And she'll talk about her meetings later in life with Charles Dickens when he was an old man. Start the episode now to join the conversation.   -----    From Connecticut to Maine, from Baltimore to London, Jennifer Emerson has honed her...
Published 05/15/24
In Autumn of 1870, Ruby Waller was sitting comfortably in her home reminiscing about her days on the streets of London as a prostitute when she received a call from the future … Do not listen to this episode if you are under-age or have a weak stomach. Ruby is going to explain the gruesome circumstances that caused her to become a child prostitute. She'll also talk about the meeting with Charles Dickens that changed her life as well as the moment they dragged her from the river and threw her...
Published 05/08/24
In Part 2 of the 1958 conversation with Frances Perkins, she explains why her daughter turned into a spoiled debutante that didn’t want to work, her uneasy but loving relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt, and her greatest regrets after accomplishing so much. Start episode 2 to join the conversation. Listen to the Calling History Podcast on Spotify, Google, Apple, or your favorite provider. -----   Janet Parnes takes overlooked sculptors of the American evolution out of history’s dusty archives...
Published 05/01/24
In 1958, Frances Perkins was preparing a lesson for her students when she received a call from the future… In this episode, you’ll learn how Frances managed to make such an enormous impact in an industry dominated by men. She’ll also share the horrifying story of 140 people burning to death that inspired her life’s mission. Start the episode now to join the conversation. -----   Janet Parnes takes overlooked sculptors of the American evolution out of history’s dusty archives and onto the...
Published 04/24/24
In Part 2 of the 1863 conversation with Nathaniel Hawthorne, he’ll explain why he can’t seem to write while the war ravages his nation. He’ll also further demonstrate how all his writing was not doom and gloom with his story The Celestial Railroad. And he’ll tell us how Sophia, his wife, saved the day when he was fired from his job and thought he was broke. Start episode 2 to join the conversation. -----   Since 2018, Paul Riopelle has been portraying Nathaniel Hawthorne at The House of the...
Published 04/17/24
----more----On July 4, 1863, Nathaniel Hawthorne was celebrating his 59th Birthday when he received a call from the future… In this episode, Hawthorne will explain why his stories often leave you with more questions than answers. He’ll talk about the role he played in getting his good friend elected as the fourteenth president. And he’ll talk about his dark family history that inspired some of his most popular novels. Start the episode now to join the conversation. -----   Since 2018, Paul...
Published 04/10/24
In Part 2 of the 1774 conversation with Mercy Otis Warren, she’ll explain what happened to her brother after being almost beaten to death and then recanting his beliefs of liberty. She’ll also talk about her next publication about the Boston Tea Party, and she will reluctantly share her feelings about how things might be different if she were able to express her genius as men do. Start episode 2 to join the conversation. -----   In Michele’s interpretation of Mercy Otis Warren, she...
Published 04/03/24
On Feb 19, 1774, Mercy Otis Warren was tending to her family when she received a call from the future… Mercy was a writer and poet that found a way to use her gifts to further the cause of liberty. In this episode, she’ll talk about the meetings in her home that eventually played a role in uniting the colonies. She’ll also discuss the anonymously published play she wrote that created a safe way for the citizens of Boston to communicate about the injustices and freedoms that were slowly being...
Published 03/27/24