In Pursuit with Colleen Shogan

About In Pursuit with Colleen Shogan

We call it the American experiment, and over the last 250 years, we've learned a lot about what's worked.....and what hasn't. So what can we learn from Americans' quest to form a more perfect union? Join Colleen Shogan, the 11th Archivist of the United States, along with some of our nation's most prominent historians, journalists, and public servants as we go in pursuit of lessons from America's past to write the history of America's future.

Publisher

PRX

Category

history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Mar 2026

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

13 of 17 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Ulysses S. Grant Stands His Ground

   Colleen Shogan, Ph.D. interviews General Stanley A. McChrystal (ret.) about Ulysses S. Grant's crucial role in a constitutional crisis and the first presidential impeachment.

2. 

   22 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Mary Lincoln's Fiery Trial

   Colleen Shogan, Ph.D. interviews author Lois Romano about the often-misunderstood life and resilience of Mary Lincoln during her tumultuous historical period.

3. 

   8 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Abraham Lincoln's Union

   Host Colleen Shogan interviews historian Harold Holzer about Abraham Lincoln's leadership and vision for a redefined American Union during the Civil War.

4. 

   25 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Franklin Pierce Fails to Read the Room

   Colleen Shogan interviews Pulitzer Prize-winning author David W. Blight about President Franklin Pierce's political missteps leading to the Civil War.

5. 

   11 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Millard Fillmore Kicks the Can Down the Road

   Colleen Shogan, Ph.D. interviews former congressman Steve Israel about Millard Fillmore's presidency and the compromises that led to the Civil War.

6. 

   28 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   James K. Polk Manifests A Destiny

   Colleen Shogan, Ph.D., interviews Matthew Costello, Ph.D., exploring James K. Polk's ambitious westward expansion and its unintended consequences.

7. 

   21 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   In Pursuit Recommends: History Daily: The Death of Alexander Hamilton

   Public historian Lindsay Graham recounts the fatal duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr on July 12, 1804, offering listeners a deep dive into a pivotal historical event.

8. 

   14 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   William Henry Harrison Delivers a Warning

   Colleen Shogan interviews Civic Educator Sharon McMahon about William Henry Harrison's fears for the nation and his impactful inaugural address.

9. 

   2 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   In Pursuit Live: America at 250 Town Hall at the National Constitution Center

   Host Colleen Shogan interviews historian Jon Meacham and professor Danielle Allen about connecting new generations to America's founding ideals.

10. 

    30 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

    Louisa Catherine Adams Finds Her Voice

    Colleen Shogan, Ph.D. interviews Louisa Thomas, Staff Writer at The New Yorker, exploring Louisa Catherine Adams's journey from confinement to finding freedom through her writing.

11. 

    16 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

    John Quincy Adams Avoids The Monsters Abroad

    Colleen Shogan, Ph.D., interviews Lindsay Chervinsky, Ph.D., exploring John Quincy Adams's diplomatic vision and extensive political career.

12. 

    2 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

    Dolley Madison Takes Command

    Colleen Shogan, Ph.D. interviews Catherine Allgor, Ph.D. about Dolley Madison's diplomatic skills and resilience during early American political turmoil and the War of 1812.

13. 

    19 May 2026TRANSCRIPT

    The Grand Strategies of James Madison

    Colleen Shogan, Ph.D. interviews Jack Rakove, Ph.D. about James Madison's strategic genius in shaping the Constitution and his early political decisions.

14. 

    5 May 2026

    Thomas Jefferson: Futurist

    Colleen Shogan interviews Andrew Davenport, Ph.D., about Thomas Jefferson's enduring faith in future Americans and his vision for the nation.

15. 

    21 Apr 2026

    Martha Washington's First Steps

    Colleen Shogan interviews Karin Wulf about Martha Washington's foundational role in establishing the office of First Lady and navigating the early American republic.

16. 

    7 Apr 2026

    George Washington Surrenders His Sword

    Colleen Shogan, Ph.D., interviews Douglas Bradburn, Ph.D., exploring George Washington's decision to relinquish power and the foundational moments of the nation.

17. 

    31 Mar 2026

    Introducing In Pursuit with Colleen Shogan

    Colleen Shogan, the 11th Archivist of the United States, interviews historians, journalists, and public servants to explore lessons from America's past for its future.

Inside a recent episode

Ulysses S. Grant Stands His Ground

Published 6 Oct 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And if you don't sort out the logistics, then you're never going to go very far. And this comes through all of his campaigns in the Civil War. In the Civil War, that actually comes into really good use because to move supplies, and he's really racing against the Confederacy to do that. Everything is about moving relatively huge armies. The campaign around Vicksburg was really a logistics exercise as he maneuvers forces. He establishes a canal. He builds roads. He does river crossings, all to position these massive amounts of foodstuffs and ammunition that you need where you need it, when you need it. […]

Who has been a guest on In Pursuit with Colleen Shogan

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Stanley A McChrystal
• Lois Romano
• Harold Holzer
• David W Blight
• Steve Israel

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.6 / 5

130 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Contact In Pursuit with Colleen Shogan

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about In Pursuit with Colleen Shogan