The Great American Story: The Experiment Begins

The Great American Story: The Experiment Begins

Author: Hillsdale College April 15, 2026 Duration: 45:15

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the questions that dominated the politics of the Early Republic before introducing Wilfred McClay.

Americans have overcome many challenges throughout our history, including the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Great Depression, two World Wars, and the Cold War. Studying the great stories from our past inspires us to preserve the blessings of liberty in our day. Now you can study these stories with Hillsdale College.

Hillsdale’s free online course, “The Great American Story: A Land of Hope,” explores the history of America as a land of hope founded on high principles. In presenting the great triumphs and achievements of our nation’s past, as well as the shortcomings and failures, it offers a broad and unbiased study of the kind essential to the cultivation of intelligent patriotism.

The brutal institution of slavery, which pre-dated the Founding of America, grew and became entrenched in the Southern states. Although it was antithetical to the principles of the Declaration of Independence, slavery survived the Constitutional Convention and became the great source of national dissolution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast delivers the core of a classical liberal arts education directly to your preferred listening app. Hosted by Online Learning Directors Kyle Murnen and Juan Davalos, this series transforms the college's foundational mission into an accessible audio format. Each episode serves as a lecture or discussion drawn from Hillsdale's complete, free online courses, covering enduring topics in history, government, culture, and the principles of a free society. You'll hear in-depth explorations of the ideas, events, and figures that have shaped Western civilization and American institutions, all presented with the clarity and depth of a classroom setting. The podcast is designed for lifelong learners seeking substantive content beyond the headlines, offering structured education through the convenience of an audio feed. Listen for thoughtful commentary that introduces each course's themes, followed by the full lecture material, allowing you to engage with rigorous academic content on your own schedule. This is more than a series of talks; it's a curated curriculum aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the philosophical and historical foundations necessary for informed citizenship and personal enrichment.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Marxism, Socialism, and Communism: Stalin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:23
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the unique evil of Joseph Stalin. In “Marxism, Socialism, and Communism,” professors of history, politics, and economics look at…
Marxism, Socialism, and Communism: Lenin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:19
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the forces that lead to the rise of the Soviet Union before introducing the lesson. In “Marxism, Socialism, and Communism,” profe…
Marxism, Socialism, and Communism: Marx [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:33
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "Marxism, Socialism, and Communism." In “Marxism, Socialism, and Communism,” professors of history, politics, and ec…
Communism's Bloody History: An Interview with Sean McMeekin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:27
In this special episode of the Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah Regan sits down with Dr. Sean McMeekin, the Francis Flournoy professor of European History and Culture at Bard College, for an in-depth co…
The Bible as Literature: An Interview with Justin Jackson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:25
In this special episode of the Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah Regan sits down with Dr. Justin Jackson, chairman and professor of English at Hillsdale College, for an in-depth conversation about the on…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: The End of It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:18
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the beauty of a Christmas well spent before introducing Dr. Dwight Lindley. By taking this course, you’ll learn profound lessons…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Christmas Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:50
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the biblical themes in A Christmas Carol before introducing Dr. Dwight Lindley. By taking this course, you’ll learn profound less…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Christmas Present [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:40
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the power of Bob Cratchit's selflessness before introducing Dr. Dwight Lindley. By taking this course, you’ll learn profound less…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Christmas Past [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:48
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the terrifying and comical nature of the Ghosts of Christmas before introducing Dr. Dwight Lindley. By taking this course, you’ll…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Marley’s Ghost [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:25
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the depth of Scrooge's miserly ways before introducing Dr. Dwight Lindley. By taking this course, you’ll learn profound lessons f…