Historian, writer, and researcher
Bringing history to life through rigorous research and compelling storytelling.
PODCASTS
THOUGHT ROW PODCAST
Listen as I talk to Rod and Inci Jones about some of the fascinating people I have researched: FDR, Eleanor Roosevelt, Frank Sinatra, Loretta Lynn, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Meadows. I discussed my thoughts on another New Deal, and the importance of believing in the beauty of your dreams.
THE PACKAGED TOURIST PODCAST
I had a blast chatting with Matthew DiBiase about my time at Val-Kill, a couple of my favorite articles, my work with the Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee, and what’s coming next. Give it a listen!
CIVICS & COFFEE PODCAST
Join Alycia and me as we dive into the world of public history! I share behind-the-scenes stories from restoring Eleanor Roosevelt photos, creating a Pat Nixon exhibit at USC, and offer tips for anyone looking to break into the field. You won’t want to miss it!
TALES FROM A WANDERING SCRIBE PODCAST
I had an awesome chat with fellow historian and writer Gabriel Garcia on his podcast! We covered it all—how I got into writing after my time at presidential libraries, who I write for, what sparks my creativity, what’s next, and my advice for aspiring authors and historians.
HISTORY, BOOKS & WINE PODCAST
Join me as I chat with authors Eliza Knight and Lori Ann Bailey about my article "Marilyn Monroe Gets Down to Business" published in American Heritage Magazine.
HISTORY, BOOKS & WINE PODCAST
I was thrilled to chat again with Eliza Knight and Lori Ann Bailey about my deep dive into the legendary dance duo, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers! We cover how they first met, the intense prep behind one of their films, the crucial role of Hermes Pan, and so much more.
DOOR KEY PODCAST
Had an amazing chat with April Nordyke on Door Key about my exciting journey as a historian! Tune in as I share stories from working at two presidential sites, running the Girls' Leadership Worldwide program at the Eleanor Roosevelt Center, tough lessons learned, and what’s next!
FRONT ROW CLASSICS PODCAST
Catch me on the Front Row Classics podcast with Brandon as we dive into my article, 'Let's Face the Music and Dance,' from American Heritage! We chat about Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' partnership, their impact during the Great Depression, and the magic behind their working relationship.
VALLEY GIRLS PODCAST
I was thrilled to contribute to the Valley Girls podcast's final episode of 2024, a special Hudson Valley Holiday Story Hour. I performed a reading of Eleanor Roosevelt's "My Day" column from December 30, 1957, which can be heard at the 18:24 mark. The episode features an all-star lineup of Hudson Valley creatives sharing stories, poems, readings, and songs.
FRONT ROW CLASSICS PODCAST
I was happy to join Brandon Davis again on the Front Row Classics podcast to discuss the 1950 film Storm Warning. This bold and underrated thriller from Warner Bros. serves as both a gripping noir and a powerful allegory for the politically charged era of the Red Scare in Hollywood. The film’s screenplay, written by Richard Brooks and Daniel Fuchs, was remarkably ahead of its time in its stark indictment of the KKK. Featuring an unexpected cast of Ginger Rogers, Doris Day, and Ronald Reagan, Storm Warning remains an important piece of cinema that tackled social issues with rare courage for its time.
VALLEY GIRLS PODCAST
Eleanor Roosevelt has always inspired me with her fearless advocacy for human rights and social justice. In honor of Women’s History Month, I joined Jennifer Santiago and Jenny Leight on the Valley Girls Podcast to celebrate her legacy. We discussed my work at Val-Kill, her role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and her lasting impact on history. It was a great conversation filled with fascinating stories and historical insights!
THE REVISIONIST'S ALMANAC
March is Women’s History Month, and I was honored to contribute to this special collaborative episode of The Revisionist’s Almanac podcast. In my segment, I highlight some of the remarkable women in film and television - both on and off screen - who have inspired me, including Lucille Ball, Audrey Meadows, and Ginger Rogers. My segment begins at 1:12:35.
FRONT ROW CLASSICS PODCAST
In honor of my recent articles on Liza Minnelli for PBS, I joined Brandon Davis on Front Row Classics to talk all things Liza—her legendary career on stage and screen, the American Masters documentary, and what makes her a true triple threat in entertainment.
FADE OUT PODCAST
One of my favorite topics to research has been the legendary partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers—their films, careers, and enduring friendship. I was so happy to join Rob Kelly on Fade Out to discuss their work, with a spotlight on their final film together at MGM, The Barkleys of Broadway. I also shared insights from my research and addressed some of the common myths I’ve worked to correct.
HISTORY, BOOKS & WINE PODCAST
Patsy Cline is one of the most legendary voices in country music—a fearless trailblazer whose impact still echoes more than sixty years after her passing. I recently joined Eliza Knight on the History, Books & Wine podcast to discuss my article, Patsy Cline: The Trailblazing Voice That Redefined Country Music. We dive into topics like Cline’s early contract with Four Star Records, her deep bond with her mother, the support she offered to other women in the industry, and the powerful legacy she left behind.
THE WORDSTAGE THEATRE PODCAST
I joined Andi Brynildsen on The Wordstage Theatre Podcast to discuss Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ legendary sixth film, Swing Time (1936). We dive into what makes the movie so enduring, George Stevens’ direction, the crucial role of choreographer Hermes Pan, and insights from my own research on the Astaire–Rogers partnership.
FRONT ROW CLASSICS PODCAST
Shall We Dance remains one of the most distinctive entries in the legendary partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers—a film whose wit, sophistication, and unforgettable score continue to charm audiences nearly ninety years later. I joined Brandon Davis on Front Row Classics to discuss the 1937 classic. We explore what sets this pairing apart, the brilliance of the music by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, and how the film helped further cement Astaire and Rogers as one of Hollywood’s most enduring screen duos.
PRESERVECAST
My conversation with Nicolas Redding on PreserveCast focuses on my restoration project at Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt's home. We discuss the importance of historic preservation, the challenges of restoring historic places, and the role they play in connecting us to the past.