what the experts are saying

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“The American POTUS Podcast has established itself as the best of its kind in the United States.  Alan Lowe and Scott Brun are two talented, leading experts who have brought their love of the American presidency to life with this highly accessible production.  It was a highlight of the year for me to join them and discuss the historical threads that have bound together all 46 presidencies.  Thanks to their work, this powerful story will continue to unfold.”

-Ken Gormley, President of Duquesne University

“I had a great time on American POTUS! Scott and Alan were great interviewers and their chemistry made for an easy-back-and-forth. Their questions were great, and I especially appreciated the chance to discuss Dolley Madison, who was James Madison’s secret weapon.”

-Jay Cost, Author of: James Madison, America's First Politician

"Alan and Scott have created something special. POTUS Podcast manages to delve rigorously into presidential history while never losing sight of the intriguing and personal side of life in the White House. This podcast is everything it should be, thanks to the enthusiasm, preparation, and humor of its hosts.."

-Kevin Burns, Author of: William Howard Taft's Constitutional Progressivism

"What a fun, curiosity-stoking conversation."

-Denise Kiernan, Author of: We Gather Together

“In the crowded world of history and politics podcasts, the American POTUS stands out for its engaging format, inquisitive hosts, and timely topic matter. Most of all, hosts Alan and Scott make the familiar strange and the not-so familiar important and fun.”

-Jay Sexton, Author of: The Monroe Doctrine, Empire & Nation in 19th Century America

“Scott and Alan were engaged, yet relaxed. They came prepared. They let me ramble on, which may or may not have been a good thing. And they didn’t criticize my mother’s singing. All in all, a great experience.”

-Clifton Truman Daniel, Grandson of Harry Truman

"These interviewers know their POTUS, ask the right questions, and make it enjoyable.  I can only hope the listeners enjoy it as much as I did."

-Ed Larson, Pulitzer Prize Winner & Author of: The Return of George Washington, Uniting the States

“What was so much fun about doing the podcast with Scott and Alan was the joy and knowledge they brought to the discussion. They’re connoisseurs of the American presidency; from the moment we started our talk I could feel it in the quality of their questions and the ease with which they talked about the presidents I covered and their First Friends. There aren’t many podcasts I’m aware of where the hosts are as engaged in the book’s subject matter as the author, and can elicit such off-beat yet deeply relevant material to entertain their audience.  American POTUS is that rare breed.”

-Gary Ginsberg, Author of: First Friends

"A pleasure to be interviewed by first rate journalists who actually want to elicit revealing information rather than propagandize and pontificate!"

-Ronald Kessler, former Washington Post and Wall Street Journal investigative reporter, and author of "The First Family Detail" and "The Secrets of the FBI."

"What a great chance to discuss one of America’s leading presidents, Ulysses S. Grant, with scholars Alan Lowe and Scott Brun. The new annotated edition will give everyone new insights into Grant, the Civil War, and his presidency.  Now Lowe, Brun and other listeners should come to the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State University for a tour and even more insight."

-John F. Marszalek, The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant, The Complete Annotated Edition.

"I greatly enjoyed working with the terrifically talented people of "American POTUS."  I am deeply grateful for the chance they gave me to make my THE EDUCATION OF JOHN ADAMS known to a wider audience."

-R.B. Bernstein, Author of: The Education of John Adams

"Having written about a president who was reviled in his lifetime and largely forgotten in ours, I welcomed the opportunity to speak with Alan and Scott about my book on John Tyler.  It was a pleasure to take part in the interview.  Their questions were thought-provoking and they allowed me the time to develop some of my main points, which will hopefully draw listeners of the American POTUS podcast to President without a Party.." 

-Chris Leahy, Author of: President Without A Party

"Gerald Ford, America's only unelected president, has oftentimes been regarded as little more than a caretaker whose only notable decision was to pardon Richard Nixon. I greatly appreciated the opportunity Scott and Alan provided to look at Ford's lengthy political career, and to reassess his 895-day tenure in the Oval Office." 

-Scott Kaufman, Author of: Ambition, Pragmatism, and Party: A Biography of Gerald R. Ford

“In a time of political instability, Scott and Alan offer a unique, non-partisan, and well-informed setting for exploring the nature of the U.S. presidency. They ask great questions and they get to the heart of the matter. My discussion with them was memorable for its range, its depth, and even its humor. Their show is the perfect antidote for our headline-obsessed culture.” 

-Jeremi Suri, Author of: The Impossible Presidency

"Churchill was an honorary US citizen and a regular visitor to the White House, so it was fun to hijack an episode of American POTUS.  It is what he would have wanted!"

-Allen Packwood, Author of: How Churchill Waged War

"Anyone who spends time exploring this web site will come away better informed about U.S. presidential history. It is a fine service that Alan and Scott are doing.  They grasped the essential fact about President John Quincy Adams: that his term as the sixth president was not the summit of his public service career.

That came afterward, when his friends and neighbors elected him to Congress, where Adams fought the good fight until his death in the U.S. Capitol at the age of 80. Alan’s and Scott’s perceptive questions and good humor made our discussion both entertaining and edifying."

-Joe Wheelan, Author of: Mr. Adams’ Last Crusade: John Quincy Adams’s Extraordinary Post-Presidential Career in Congress.

"It was an honor but also a lot of fun being on American POTUS with Alan and Scott. I felt like I was visiting with two friends who were kind enough to let me talk about my favorite subject:  The 41st President of the United States and the book I wrote about him, “The Man I Knew.”  They ask questions no one else does – a rarity today. They made me think.  They will make you think, too."

-Jean Becker, Chief of Staff for George HW Bush and author of: The Man I Knew

"I really enjoyed my time on American POTUS. The well thought out questions helped us cover a lot of ground very efficiently - something General Harrison would have appreciated."

-Robert Owens, Author of: Mr. Jefferson's Hammer.  William Henry Harrison and the Origins of American Indian Policy

"There are many podcasts; but there is only one American POTUS Podcast.  For the latest books on the presidency and presidents, this is THE place to go.  Alan and Scott take their audience behind the scenes and explore the inner workings of the White House."

-Kasey Pipes, Author of: After the Fall, The Remarkable Comeback of Richard Nixon

"Alan and Scott know plenty about America’s least-known president, Chester A. Arthur. Their insightful questions helped me bring Arthur’s colorful character and story to life. This podcast is a must-listen for U.S. presidential history buffs."

-Scott Greenberger, Author of: The Unexpected President

"American POTUS is a terrific podcast.  The smart questions they asked me showed a deep engagement with my book, an impressive knowledge of the era in which it is set, and a genuine understanding of the issues it addresses."

-Bruce Levin, Author of: Thaddeus Stevens, Civil War Revolutionary, Fighter for Racial Justice

"Few people in their lifetimes have friends who are elected President of the United States. Scott and Alan's American POTUS podcast gave me

the opportunity to share some experiences and stories regarding the 42nd President, Bill Clinton.  Their podcast is professionally and technically top notch with good questions prompting engaging conversation.  The American  POTUS collection is a  gift to education, history, politics and public service."

-Skip Rutherford, Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service

"Really enjoyed our time with Alan and Scott talking about our ACTION PRESIDENTS series of graphic novels for kids. It's so great and refreshing to have a BS- and politics-free discussion of American history with two such knowledgeable and charming hosts!"

-Fred Van Lente, writer of Action Presidents! (Harper Kids)

“How do human beings handle the almost indescribable pressure of serving as president of the United States? The answers can be inspiring, alarming, and often surprising. And always fascinating if you dig deep, and POTUS does. Scott and Alan really know their stuff."

-Evan Thomas, "Ike's Bluff" & "Being Nixon"

“The interview that Alan and Scott did with me about my Jimmy Carter biography was superb, with first-rate questions that showed they understood the subtleties of my book. What more can an author ask? American POTUS is essential listening for anyone interested in the American presidency. ”

-Jonathan Alter, "His Very Best . Jimmy Carter, A Life"

“What a fabulous time I had in conversation with Scott and Alan. Their questions about the young JFK and the world in which he came of age were spot on, and they clearly have an excellent feel for the era in question. I’m already scheming about how to get myself invited back to American POTUS.”

-Fredrik Logevall, Harvard University.  Pulitzer Prize Winner & Author of JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956

"Alan and Scott know presidential history -- and they know what makes for a good conversation, too. I had so much fun talking about America's famous and forgotten presidents with them. Their questions and insights were excellent."

-Craig Fehrman,  Author in Chief: The Untold Story of Our Presidents and the Books They Wrote

“I enjoyed participating in American POTUS with Alan and Scott.  What a pleasure to speak with persons who have really entered into your biographies.  The depth and thoroughness of the questions about Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant provided a thoughtful and enjoyable conversation."

-Ronald C. White,  A. Lincoln: A Biography & American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant

"It was a pleasure joining Alan Lowe and Scott Brun of American POTUS to talk about the lasting legacy of First Ladies who have done so many important things in their unique and unpaid role.  I really appreciated their knowledgeable questions and having a conversation that exemplifies what American politics should be today – a cordial conversation where people listen.  Thank you Alan and Scott for probing the American Presidency and to ensuring that we learn from the past in hopes of wisely guiding the future."

-Nancy Kegan Smith, First Ladies Scholar and retired Director of the Presidential Materials Division at the National Archives and         Records Administration

"We loved joining American POTUS for a discussion of our new biography of Jim Baker. It was a terrific conversation led by two smart, informed and thoughtful interviewers who know so much about the presidency and our history."

-Peter Baker, Chief White House Correspondent for the New York Times

“Probing the minds of experts on the American presidency, Alan Lowe and Scott Brun vividly bring our Presidents to life. American POTUS is insightful, informative, and downright fun.”

-Mark K. Updegrove, President & CEO of the 

LBJ Foundation and Presidential Historian

 for ABC News

“As a fan of presidential history myself, it was a pleasure to sit down and chat with American POTUS about my former boss - #40 - Ronald Reagan.  The engaging style of this podcast takes history and brings it to life in memorable and meaningful ways, focusing on stories, not statistics and the enduring timelessness of the office itself rather than the politics of the day.  Would definitely be enjoyed by POTUS novices or pros.  Pull up a seat and join their virtual fireside chat!”

-Peggy Grande, Executive Assistant

 to Ronald Reagan

"Alan and Scott run a sterling show, in large measure because they know their history and demonstrate a fine ability to probe into the intricate details that make presidential discussions so fascinating. 

Highly recommended"

-Robert Merry, Author of 

A Country of Vast Designs

“I enjoyed contributing to American POTUS. Scott and Alan asked good questions that revealed not only Andrew Jackson's politics 

but also his personality”

-Mark Cheathem, Professor of History & Project Director-The Papers of Martin Van Buren

“I was honored to be interviewed for American POTUS.  The questions, I thought they were well constructed and well phrased, 

and enjoyed it immensely”

-Howard Kittell, President & CEO, 

The Hermitage