Calling History: Listen In on Conversations with History’s Most Influential People.

In Part 2 of the 1776 conversation with John Hancock, he will clear up a few things:
Why he would not be a good choice to lead.
What his most important role of the revolution was.
And finally, the mistakes the crown made that pushed him into the revolution. 
John Hancock was the best kind of rich businessman. He invested in people and relationships that built his business while benefiting everyone at the same time. It’s hard to imagine the revolution being successful without such a powerful backer at the start.  
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Here is the link mentioned. Snug Harbor Tavern: Shaggin' For A Shillin' by William E. Johnson.
 
 

It’s July 4, 1776. John Hancock was sitting in a pub with friends after signing the Declaration of Independence, when he received a call from the future …
John Hancock didn’t want war, but he also didn’t want the British to create unfair laws and taxes that would decimate his thriving business.  As an active member of his community, he also didn’t want to see his friends and business associate suffer under the tyrannical rule of King George III.  In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why John Hancock loaned money to nearly everyone.
As one of the richest men in the colonies, why he was willing to risk his empire by supporting the American cause.
And finally, did he do a little smuggling on the side?
Not only had Hancock just signed The Declaration of Independence as of this conversation, but he was the only signer. Prior to this conversation, I could never figure out why he would risk so much, but once it was over, the answer was crystal clear. Hancock was a man of the people, but one thing came before everything else.
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Here is the link mentioned. Snug Harbor Tavern: Shaggin' For A Shillin' by William E. Johnson.

On November 2, 1959, Louise Thaden was reminiscing about her 30 years of setting records when she received a call from the future.
In her twenties, Louise Thaden promised her boss that if he taught her to fly, she would set records. He loved the idea because if a woman could fly on the ragged edge and survive, that would prove that the aviation industry was safe. If it was safe for women, it was safe for everyone.
In this episode you’ll hear Louise tell stories of how she raced and beat Amelia Earhart and the men. 
How she rigged and used equipment taken from hospitals to set and hold the altitude, speed, and endurance records.
And why the obnoxious drunk, who she regretted allowing on her plane, lost his life in a crash.
But most importantly, you’ll be inspired. Louise pushed the limits of her time and yet found a way to live a balanced life with a career and a family. Because she wasn’t a self-promoter, you may have never heard her name. But once you hear her speak, you’ll never forget it.
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In Part 2 of the 1775 conversation with Joseph Warren he will share with us:
Why he would risk his life on the battlefield when he has so much to offer as a doctor and a leader.
What he hopes the British will do before things get out of hand.
And, what makes fighting against the Crown so difficult.
Had Joseph Warren survived at Bunker Hill his face would probably be on our money. There would have been no limits for him in our new government. And, if he had been absent from Bunker Hill it is likely that he would have lived because he had just been promoted to General. As General, this would have probably been the last time he was on the front lines. But Alas, we will never know.
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It’s early in the morning on June 17, 1775. Dr. Joseph Warren is taking a break after a long night and a rough month. The American Revolution is about to reach it’s tipping point at the battle of Bunker Hill. Dr. Warren has no idea that he will die in a few hours at that battle, when suddenly he receives a call from the future …
Joseph Warren was the whole package. He was a soldier, a powerful speaker, and a doctor. His resolve for the cause was unmatched, but his fire was extinguished too early when he demanded to fight on the front lines at Bunker Hill.  In this episode, you’ll learn:
About his relationship with Paul Revere, were they pals?
How he felt about the South and whether they were helping or hurting the cause.
And finally, you’ll hear a funny story about the Battle of Chelsea Creek. I can’t believe that happened.
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In Part 2 of the 1877 call with Ulysses S. Grant, you’ll hear him talk about:
Why as quarter master he would run towards the sound of the guns.
What turned the civil war into a holy war for the north.
And finally why grant attempted to move the mighty Mississippi River to a new location, even though he thought the idea given to him by his superiors was absurd.
After that, Grant will tell a story to close out this podcast that will leave you speechless. After the surrender at the Appomattox courthouse which more or less was the end of the civil war, Grant was invited to join Lincoln in his box at the Ford Theater. Grant turned down the request and regretted it for the rest of his life. Hear how his presence would have altered history.
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On March 5, 1877, Ulysses S. Grant was enjoying his first day as a private citizen after eight years as the 18th president, when he received a phone call from the future.
In this episode, we are going to clear up the rumors and misconceptions you might have about the man on your $50 bill.
Some saw Grant as a butcher who would push men into battle without any concern for their wellbeing or survival. Yet, his men zealously trusted and followed him knowing that he would not ask them to take risks that he would not take himself.
Some say he was a foolish drunkard and should be removed from command. Yet, because of his battlefield brilliance, ability to stay calm, and willingness to fight, Lincoln promoted him throughout the ranks so quickly they scarcely had enough time to sew on his new stripes before he would need another.
And still other say grants presidency was an epic failure because a few poor decisions that in hindsight looked obvious. Yet, during the reconstruction phase at the end of the civil war, he managed to pull the nation together, even though the south resented him as the man who had toppled the mighty Robert E. Lee.
So what was true? Was he a butcher or the only man willing to do the dirty work that had to be done. And with all that carnage, how is it possible that he couldn’t stand the sight of blood? And finally, what natural ability gave him the advantage on each battlefield?
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In Part 2 of the 1830’s phone conversation with Aaron Burr he will share with us:
Why he didn’t get along with George Washington and many of the other founding fathers.
How he saved Alexander Hamilton’s life, before taking it.
And finally, how he frequently visited ladies of the night. 
Aaron Burr lost everyone who loved him at a young age. Had he spent more time with his parents before they passed, it is very possible that his legacy would have been among the first tier founding fathers.  
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In the 1830’s, near the end of his life, Aaron Burr was living in a boarding house after losing everything, when he received a call from the future …
Aaron Burr rose to Vice President, but by the time he was old and near death, he had lost everything. His wife divorced him, his friends abandoned him, and he was living in a boarding house. That is the time this conversation takes place. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Burr’s proof that Alexander Hamilton shot first in their duel and intended to kill Burr.
Why Aaron Burr was charged with treason and travelled under a false name.
And last, why he wanted to invade and conquer Mexico.
Aaron Burr’s life and reputation was at a peak when he killed Alexander Hamilton. But from that point forward, everything was downhill.
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In Part 2 of the 1858 phone conversation with Henry David Thoreau he answers a few questions for us, like:
What did he mean when he said, “Long ago I lost a hound, a bay horse, and a turtle-dove, and am still on their trail.”
How he feels about women and their right to vote.
And finally, what happened when he had a disagreement with a woodchuck. 
Many people want to live a simple life, and everyone wishes it to be fulfilling. Thoreau found a way to do both without having to compromise his principles or beliefs. His way of seeing and appreciating the world is inspiring and refreshing.
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