America: A History Podcast
BONUS: What Really Keeps the White House Running?
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Episode notes
In this special, unfiltered bonus episode, you get a little sneak peak behind the curtain of how America: A History is made, which is fitting as we're also going backstage at the White House to find out what actually keeps the Presidential home running.
This episode shines a light on how each president, regardless of their party, has made improvements to this iconic building, leaving it in better shape than they found it.
Our guest from the White House Historical Association shares some juicy tidbits about the day-to-day operations and the dedicated staff that keep everything running smoothly—because let’s be real, the White House isn’t just a nine-to-five gig!
We even explore some quirky roles that you might not expect, like who’s responsible for the flowers and who keeps the lights on (spoiler: it’s not just the President!).
So, whether you're a politics buff or just curious about what goes down in that grand ol’ house, we’ve got a delightful mix of history, humor, and insights waiting for you. Grab your earbuds and settle in for a fun chat about the heartbeat of American democracy!
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Special guest for this episode:
- Stewart McLaurin, the president of the White House Historical Association, and the author of three books including the 2021 anthology James Hoban: Designer and Builder of the White House.
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Highlights from this episode:
- The White House has evolved through multiple presidencies, each leaving it better than before.
- Despite political differences, there's a shared respect for preserving the White House's history.
- The daily operations of the White House are run by an impressive, dedicated staff that works 24/7.
- Many people are surprised by the small size of the White House compared to their expectations.
- The original design of the White House was meant to reflect American values without being too grand.
- If it weren't for James Madison's decision, the White House could have been built in Ohio instead of D.C.!
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Additional Resources:
The White House Historical Association: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/
The White House 1600 Sessions: https://open.spotify.com/show/75CjkWPYFGXZvz2u9Xpeid?si=f527f98c7dad4c9a
James Hoban : Designer and Builder of the White House Hardcover by Stewart McLaurin
The People’s House: A White House Experience: https://www.thepeopleshouse.org/
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Was the Constitutional Convention?
Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?
Is the President Above the Law?
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