FDR's consequential presidency and Eleanor Roosevelt's intertwined career with HW Brands

FDR's consequential presidency and Eleanor Roosevelt's intertwined career with HW Brands

Author: Matt Blumberg November 14, 2024 Duration: 53:00

Originally recorded on 09-27-2024

In this episode, Matt and Bill talk about the 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.  Roosevelt was in office longer than any other president and led the country through more turbulence, both home and abroad.  And yet, what stands out is less Roosevelt's moral courage or altruism, and more his ability to fuse what he saw as good for the country with what was good for him politically, his shrewd political instincts, and his ability to mobilize both government and the population to get behind his vision and his policies.  His wife Eleanor, one of the most politically active First Ladies, operated from a similar frame of reference.

HW Brands
H. W. BRANDS holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin. A New York Times bestselling author, he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in biography for The First American and Traitor to His Class. His most recent book is AMERICA FIRST: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War. 

To learn more about Country Over Self or to check out other episodes head to Countryoverself.com. 

If you have an idea for an episode or want to reach Matt directly, please email podcast@countryoverself.com


Country Over Self is edited and produced by Culture Collaborative Media.


In Country Over Self, author and technology entrepreneur Matt Blumberg sits down with some of the nation's most accomplished Presidential historians. Together, they examine defining moments in American history through the lens of leadership and sacrifice. This isn't a general survey of presidential facts; it's a focused exploration of those critical junctures where a President made a choice intended to strengthen the nation, even when that decision came at a significant personal or political cost. Each episode of the podcast delves into a specific story, unpacking the context, the pressures, and the often-complicated motivations behind these pivotal actions. You'll hear detailed narratives that go beyond textbook summaries, revealing the human complexities and historical weight of these decisions. Designed for those who appreciate depth in a concise format, the series offers thoughtful analysis on how singular choices can ripple through time, shaping the country's trajectory. By focusing on the tension between personal ambition and public duty, Country Over Self provides a unique perspective on the American presidency, all grounded in historical scholarship and engaging conversation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 14

Country Over Self
Podcast Episodes
Finale - Does Country Over Self exist? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:39
In this episode, Noah Feldman and Alexis Coe join Matt to discuss a wide range of Presidential anecdotes beyond the 12 Presidents covered in the series, wrap up learnings from Country Over Self, and attempt to answer the…
George Washington's many courageous acts with Alexis Coe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:03
Originally recorded on 11-27-2024In this episode, Matt and Alexis talk about the 1st President, George Washington, the "foundingest father," who was incredibly conscious that everything he did would set precedent for the…
John Adams's rationale for virtue with Joseph Ellis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:24
Originally recorded on 10-2-2024 00:00 Introduction to Country Over Self 00:33 Meet Joseph Ellis: Historian of John Adams 02:36 John Adams: The Most Human of the Founding Fathers 04:15 Adams' Role in the American Revolut…
Grover Cleveland's superhuman moral courage with Troy Senik [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
Recorded on 09-26-2024 In this episode, Matt and Troy talk about the 22nd and 24th President, Grover Cleveland, the only president to serve two non-sequential terms in history (up to this week's election of Donald Trump)…
Harry S. Truman and early recognition of Israel with Gary Ginsberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:15
In this episode, Matt and Gary talk about the 33rd President, Harry S. Truman. An accidental - and somewhat unprepared President who succeeded Franklin Delano Roosevelt after only 73 days on the job as Vice President, Tr…
James A. Garfield and Civil Service Reform with CW Goodyear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:17
In this episode, Matt and Charlie talk about the 20th President, James A. Garfield. While most Americans wouldn't be able to pick Garfield out of a lineup, and he was only president for a handful of months before he died…