Passion and Practicality: A Liberal Arts Podcast
History
Episodes

Jul 31, 2026
Jul 31, 2026
1hr 16 min
In this History Speaker Series event, we catch up with Dr. Matt Schandler to discuss advances in generative artificial intelligence in the year since his last appearance, and we talk about the historical skills that still matter in an AI world.

Jul 17, 2026
Field Notes with Thara Nugues
Jul 17, 2026
Jul 17, 2026
21 min
In this episode, we talk with Tara Nugues, Community Engagement Manager at Reading Partners in New York, about her path from studying languages, history, and economics to building a career in nonprofit community engagement. Tara shares how working in hospitality, completing an AmeriCorps service year, and drawing on what she learned in college helped her grow as a communicator, problem solver, and relationship builder. This episode may be especially helpful for those interested in nonprofit work, education, community partnerships, public service, or people-centered roles that require adaptability and strong judgment. Listeners will come away with a clearer sense of how broad academic interests can connect to meaningful work and long-term professional growth.

Jul 3, 2026
Jul 3, 2026
1hr 4 min
In this History Speaker Event, Dr. Rob Clemm discusses A Violent Peace: A Global History of the Interwar Period, which he co-edited and contributed. Rob and Rob discuss the book development process, a bit about military historiography, his upcoming book on the history of cartography in Africa, and reminisce about the glory days of grad school.

May 29, 2026
History Speaker Series with Elisabeth Davis
May 29, 2026
May 29, 2026
47 min
In this History Speaker Series event, Dr. Elisabeth Davis discusses her book, Catholic Sisters, Narratives of Authority, and the Native American Boarding Schools, 1847-1918, and her upcoming book on Laura Ingalls Wilder, the community around Wilder and her family, and what that story says about the development of the American West.

May 1, 2026
May 1, 2026
1hr 10 sec
In this History Speaker Series event, Ryan Walker, an alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University undergraduate history program and a doctoral student at the University of Portsmouth, discusses the concept of microhistory and his recent book on Henry Breault, The Silent Service’s First Hero: The First Submariner to Receive the Medal of Honor.

Mar 6, 2026
Mar 6, 2026
1hr 19 min
In this History Speaker Series event, Monique Taylor discusses her book, Suicide Jockeys: The Making of the World War II Combat Glider Pilot, which describes the training and missions of glider pilots in the US Army Air Corps, who were charged with delivering soldiers and equipment behind enemy lines. Here, Monique will discuss with Rob and Jimmy her career and training as a historian and the research and writing process for Suicide Jockeys.

Jan 23, 2026
History Speaker Series with Roger Newman
Jan 23, 2026
Jan 23, 2026
1hr 2 min
In this History Speaker Series event, Roger Newman discusses his recent book, Boys. Dr. Newman is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, specializing in the care of women with multiple gestations. He has authored hundreds of papers, chapters, and books. At this event, Dr. Newman discusses his approach to historical fiction, how the book reflects real events in his family’s past, and the book publication process.

Dec 12, 2025
Dec 12, 2025
54 min
In this History Speaker Series event, historian Aly Riley discusses her recent book, She Spies: Women of the American Revolution, Their Heroic Missions, and Agent 355 Revealed, her experience with self-publication, and her future projects.

Oct 31, 2025
History Speaker Series with Beth van Duzer
Oct 31, 2025
Oct 31, 2025
48 min
In this History Speaker Series event, public historian Beth Van Duzer, a recent graduate of SNHU’s graduate program in History, discusses her career as a historian and her work with local government in preparation for the America250 celebration.

Oct 17, 2025
Oct 17, 2025
1hr 58 min
Patricia Weeks presents “Imperfectly Perfect.” Mac Scotty McGregor presents “Reclaiming the Earth: How Positive Masculinity Can Reshape Environmental Conservation.” Alena Shellenbean presents “Wild Home: The View from the Tent Flap throughout American History.” Georgena Luiso “Waste Not Want Not: How Cultural Perspectives Towards Plastic Implementation Hinder Large-Scale Plastic Waste Mitigation Techniques.”