Beyond Mount Rushmore
Beyond Mount Rushmore

Beyond Mount Rushmore

Beyond Mount Rushmore dives into the stories your history teacher definitely skipped. Each week, we explore forgotten presidents and their sketchy scandals, bizarre executive orders, and historic near-misses. Plus, facts so weird you'll think we made them up.

From FDR's final words, "I have a terrific headache," to Eleanor Roosevelt's lifelong "companion" in the White House, we're here to prove that history is anything but boring. Whether you're a hardcore history nerd or just love laughing at old dead guys' dumb decisions, buckle up for a wild ride through America's lesser-known past. New episodes drop every week—perfect for fans of dark humor, surprising trivia, and stories that Netflix wouldn't dare touch. Hosted by self-proclaimed presidential historian Stan Nawalaniec (owner of three Warren G. Harding bobbleheads) and co-host Jeff Hickcox (the voice of reason).

Social links

Website Facebook

Follow the podcast

RSS Feed

Episodes

Beyond Mount Rushmore - Grover Cleveland's Horrible Secret

Beyond Mount Rushmore - Grover Cleveland's Horrible Secret

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we examine the complex legacy of Grover Cleveland, a president often celebrated for his honesty and reform. However, beneath the surface lies a largely ignored story, a narrative about a powerful man and a vulnerable woman, and how their experiences were shaped by power dynamics. Our aim is not to pass judgment but to explore how these power dynamics influenced the truth and who ultimately bore the consequences. Join us, Jeff Hickcox and Stan Nawalaniec, as we uncover the overlooked aspects of history that deserve to be remembered. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Grover Cleveland Preview

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Grover Cleveland Preview

In the upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we examine the complex legacy of Grover Cleveland, a president often celebrated for his honesty and reform. However, beneath the surface lies a largely ignored story, a narrative about a powerful man and a vulnerable woman, and how their experiences were shaped by power dynamics. Our aim is not to pass judgment but to explore how these power dynamics influenced the truth and who ultimately bore the consequences. Join us, Jeff Hickcox and Stan Nawalaniec, as we uncover the overlooked aspects of history that deserve to be remembered. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Many Loves of Thomas Jefferson

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Many Loves of Thomas Jefferson

In this episode of "Beyond Mount Rushmore," we examine the complex and private life of Thomas Jefferson, a figure often celebrated for his intellect and contributions as a statesman. However, we aim to uncover the emotional entanglements, relationships, and rumors that shaped his personal world, elements that are frequently overlooked in traditional narratives. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the lesser-known aspects of Jefferson's life, revealing the affairs, gossip, and secrecy that lie hidden between the lines of history. Tune in to discover a more nuanced portrait of this iconic figure, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Thomas Jefferson Preview

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Thomas Jefferson Preview

In this upcoming episode of "Beyond Mount Rushmore," we take a look at the complex and private life of Thomas Jefferson, a figure often celebrated for his intellect and contributions as a statesman. However, we aim to uncover the emotional entanglements, relationships, and rumors that shaped his personal world, elements that are frequently overlooked in traditional narratives. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the lesser-known aspects of Jefferson's life, revealing the affairs, gossip, and secrecy that lie hidden between the lines of history. Tune in to discover a more nuanced portrait of this iconic figure, available wherever you get your podcasts.

 Beyond Mount Rushmore - Robert Todd Lincoln and the Weight of History

Beyond Mount Rushmore - Robert Todd Lincoln and the Weight of History

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we're discussing the intriguing life of a man born into power who spent his days trying to escape the heavy burden it brought. We explore the idea that some stories remain hidden in the shadows of history, often overshadowed by more prominent narratives. Our discussion centers on the interplay of coincidence, fear, and history's profound impact on individual lives. Join Stan Nawalaniec and Jeff Hickcox as we uncover the overlooked tales that deserve to be remembered. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

 Beyond Mount Rushmore - Robert Todd Lincoln Preview

Beyond Mount Rushmore - Robert Todd Lincoln Preview

In the upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we're discussing the intriguing life of a man born into power who spent his days trying to escape the heavy burden that came with it. We explore the idea that some stories remain hidden in the shadows of history, often overshadowed by more prominent narratives. Our discussion centers on the interplay of coincidence, fear, and history's profound impact on individual lives. Join us, Stan Nawalaniec and Jeff Hickcox, as we uncover the overlooked tales that deserve to be remembered. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Next Chapter

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Next Chapter

In this episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we delve into the intriguing second lives of former U.S. presidents, exploring the unexpected paths they take after leaving office. While many presidents fade into history, some embark on journeys that are stranger than fiction. We highlight stories of a leader who follows an unanticipated route, another who resurfaces in the political arena unexpectedly, and a president who discovers a transformative calling that impacts the world beyond politics. These narratives are often overlooked in traditional history lessons, revealing the complexity and surprising nature of our former leaders. Join us as we uncover these fascinating second acts that history tends to forget. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Next Chapter Preview

Beyond Mount Rushmore - The Next Chapter Preview

In this upcoming episode of Beyond Mount Rushmore, we delve into the intriguing second lives of former U.S. presidents, exploring the unexpected paths they take after leaving office. While many presidents fade into history, some embark on journeys that are stranger than fiction. We highlight stories of a leader who follows an unanticipated route, another who resurfaces in the political arena unexpectedly, and a president who discovers a transformative calling that impacts the world beyond politics. These narratives are often overlooked in traditional history lessons, revealing the complexity and surprising nature of our former leaders. Join us as we uncover these fascinating second acts that history tends to forget. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

Beyond Mount Rushmore - America Loves a General

Beyond Mount Rushmore - America Loves a General

In this episode of "Beyond Mount Rushmore," we explore the unique moments in American history when the nation has turned to leaders outside the political sphere, specifically, military generals, during times of crisis. We discuss how figures like Washington, Jackson, Grant, and Eisenhower rose to the presidency not out of a desire for power, but out of a necessity for strong, unifying leadership when the country faced fear, division, or uncertainty. Join us as we delve into the stories of these warriors who became presidents, highlighting their impact and the circumstances that called for their steady hands. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!

Beyond Mount Rushmore - America Loves a General Preview

Beyond Mount Rushmore - America Loves a General Preview

In this upcoming episode of "Beyond Mount Rushmore," we explore the unique moments in American history when the nation has turned to leaders outside the political sphere, specifically, military generals, during times of crisis. We discuss how figures like Washington, Jackson, Grant, and Eisenhower rose to the presidency not out of a desire for power, but out of a necessity for strong, unifying leadership when the country faced fear, division, or uncertainty. Join us as we delve into the stories of these warriors who became presidents, highlighting their impact and the circumstances that called for their steady hands. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!