Snakes & Otters Podcast
Episodes
Friday Sep 27, 2019
Episode 018 "James Madison: Paragon of the Enlightenment"
Friday Sep 27, 2019
Friday Sep 27, 2019
Martin reaches back to our Voltaire discussion to highlight another key figure, James Madison. We talk through Madison's formation and career as an Enlightenment figure and a giant among the Founding Fathers.
Although the guys didn't mention a particular book about James Madison in the episode proper, they all agree that perhaps the newest book on him, The Three Lives of James Madison: Genius, Partisan, President by Noah Feldman from 2017 is well worth reading. Martin further recommends Richard Brookhiser's James Madison. He has an extra copy in fact if anyone is interested in purchasing it.
Friday Jul 12, 2019
Episode 008 "Voltaire and His Influence On America"
Friday Jul 12, 2019
Friday Jul 12, 2019
The Voltaire discussion continues! Francis is sticking with Voltaire: A Life by Ian Davidson, but Martin brings in Walter Isaacson's Benjamin Franklin to help Robert show Francis how wrong he is.
Friday Jul 05, 2019
Episode 007 "Voltaire: Epitome of the Enlightenment"
Friday Jul 05, 2019
Friday Jul 05, 2019
Francis leads the discussion on that paragon of the Enlightenment, Voltaire. Francis thinks Americans owe him a lot. Martin and Robert say not so fast homey. Check out Voltaire: A Life by Ian Davidson, if, you know, you want to side with Francis.