On April 22, 1616, William Shakespeare was at his home in Stratford when he received a call from the future…

In this episode, Shakespeare will talk about drinking ale and eating cake. He’ll explain why his wife got the second-best bed in his will. And he’ll tell us how he was able to compete with bears fighting dogs next door.

Start the episode now to join the conversation.

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How is it that after all these years that William Shakespeare and his words still impact us. It would be a monumental task to channel all that brilliance allowing us to have this conversation with the Bard of Avon. Thank you, Austin Tichenor, for making this extraordinary experience possible.

Austin is the co-artistic director of the Reduced Shakespeare Company; a writing and acting coach at The Shakespeareance; the co-author of ten stage comedies, including William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged) and The Comedy of Hamlet! (a prequel); the co-creator of the illustrated children’s books Pop-Up Shakespeare and Daisy, the Littlest Zombie; a contributor to The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Global Shakespeare and Shakespearean Biofiction on the Contemporary Stage and Screen (from Arden Shakespeare); and the host of the world’s oldest and longest-running theater podcast, the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast. He can be reached at theshakespeareance.com.

In Part 2 of the 1876 conversation with George Custer, he will talk about the battle (or massacre) at Washita. He’ll explain why he rode onto the battle wearing a red scarf, and why he is unlikely to ever run for president.

Listen to the Calling History Podcast on Spotify, Google, Apple, or your favorite provider.

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Steve Alexander is a distinguished actor, author, and living historian renowned for his portrayal of George Armstrong Custer. His deep commitment to authenticity has earned him recognition as the "Foremost Custer Living Historian" by the United States Congress and the Senates of Michigan and Ohio. Alexander has appeared in over forty docudramas and films, such as the History Channel's "Custer's Last Man" and A&E's award-winning "George Armstrong Custer: America's Golden Cavalier."

He is the author of the quintessential 2010 biography "G. A. Custer to the Little Big Horn" and its successor, "Believe in the Bold: Custer and the Gettysburg Campaign." Steve and his wife Sandy reside in the restored Bacon-Custer home in Monroe, Michigan. To learn more or contact Steve go to georgecuster.com.

On April 20, 1876, George Custer was at the 1876 Centennial Exhibit when he received a call from the future…

In this episode, Custer will share what inspired him to join the military in hopes of finding a life of adventure. He’ll explain why did didn’t get kicked out of WestPoint despite receiving more than 700 demerits. And he’ll share his role at Gettysburg that might have been a turning point in the civil war.

Listen to the Calling History Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite provider.

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Steve Alexander is a distinguished actor, author, and living historian renowned for his portrayal of George Armstrong Custer. His deep commitment to authenticity has earned him recognition as the "Foremost Custer Living Historian" by the United States Congress and the Senates of Michigan and Ohio. Alexander has appeared in over forty docudramas and films, such as the History Channel's "Custer's Last Man" and A&E's award-winning "George Armstrong Custer: America's Golden Cavalier."

He is the author of the quintessential 2010 biography "G. A. Custer to the Little Big Horn" and its successor, "Believe in the Bold: Custer and the Gettysburg Campaign." Steve and his wife Sandy reside in the restored Bacon-Custer home in Monroe, Michigan. To learn more or contact Steve go to georgecuster.com.

In Part 2 of the 1801 conversation with Samuel Adams, you’ll hear what happened when Sam was given a slave woman. He’ll also talk about his connections with the Sons of Liberty and how close he was to being assassinated.

Listen to the Calling History Podcast on Spotify, Google, Apple, or your favorite provider.

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Tom Niewulis’ deep understanding of the American Founding Fathers and his passion for the principles of liberty shine brightly in his portrayal of Samuel Adams. With over 30 years immersed in the political and historical arenas, Tom’s journey began during his military service when he developed an intimate study of the U.S. Constitution and its amendments. Tom has long believed in the role of faith, morality, and virtue as cornerstones of America’s cultural and political renewal—principles that echo through Samuel Adams' life and work.

Tom’s portrayal is steeped in authenticity, driven by his extensive reading of original Founding documents. His insights challenge modern interpretations of history, reminding listeners of the Founders’ intent—particularly their nuanced views on religion and governance.

Learn more about Tom at: samueladamsreturns.com.

In 1801, Samuel Adams was contemplating the fate of the country with Thomas Jefferson at the helm, when he received a call from the future …

In this episode, Sam will talk about what a terrible businessperson he was, how his beliefs of liberty developed, and why he thinks Jefferson will be a better president than his cousin was.

Start the episode now to join the conversation.

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Tom Niewulis’ deep understanding of the American Founding Fathers and his passion for the principles of liberty shine brightly in his portrayal of Samuel Adams. With over 30 years immersed in the political and historical arenas, Tom’s journey began during his military service when he developed an intimate study of the U.S. Constitution and its amendments. Tom has long believed in the role of faith, morality, and virtue as cornerstones of America’s cultural and political renewal—principles that echo through Samuel Adams' life and work.

Tom’s portrayal is steeped in authenticity, driven by his extensive reading of original Founding documents. His insights challenge modern interpretations of history, reminding listeners of the Founders’ intent—particularly their nuanced views on religion and governance.

Learn more about Tom at: samueladamsreturns.com.

In Part 2 of the 1961 conversation with Eleanor Roosevelt, she explains why the United Nations gave her a standing ovation, how she transformed herself from having racist thoughts to dedicating her lives to those who she once may have judged, and she will talk quite a bit about lesbians in the Democratic party.

Start episode 2 to join the conversation.

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Ruth Pangrace’s inspiring portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt is a powerful reminder that a person’s value is judged by their contribution. Few have given more selflessly than Eleanor Roosevelt. Ruth joined Women in History in 1998 and portrays fourteen notable American women. In addition to Eleanor Roosevelt, her favorites include Susan B Anthony, Julia Child, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Ruth has an M. Ed and has taught pre-school to graduate level education, English and history classes. Ruth can be reached at women@womeninhistoryohio.com, or ruthpangrace@gmail.com.

In 1961, Eleanor Roosevelt had just finished a call with recently elected John F. Kennedy, when she received a call from the future…

In this episode, she'll explain why J Edgar Hoover started a file on her suggesting that she was a pervert. She'll also talk about the time she spent in the slums that caused her to pursue a life of service, and she'll discuss the ultimate betrayal of her husband, four term president, franklin D Roosevelt.

Listen to the Calling History Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite provider.

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Ruth Pangrace’s inspiring portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt is a powerful reminder that a person’s value is judged by their contribution. Few have given more selflessly than Eleanor Roosevelt. Ruth joined Women in History in 1998 and portrays fourteen notable American women. In addition to Eleanor Roosevelt, her favorites include Susan B Anthony, Julia Child, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Ruth has an M. Ed and has taught pre-school to graduate level education, English and history classes. Ruth can be reached at women@womeninhistoryohio.com, or ruthpangrace@gmail.com.

In Part 2 of the 1775 conversation with Thomas Gage, he will explain why Washington and Hancock’s ambitious intentions are more aligned with greed than liberty. He’ll also explain how the Americans were clueless about the bubble of protection the English provided them. And last, he’ll share the details of his final battle that ended his career.

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Paul O’Shaughnessy has been a re-enactor with the British 10th Regiment of Foot since 1972, portraying British soldiers and officers of the Boston Garrison, and most recently the much-maligned General Thomas Gage, Governor of the Massachusetts Province for the turbulent year prior to the outbreak of civil war in the Colonies. He can be reached by email at frommage@comcast.net, or by phone at 617.620.8123. He wishes all of His Majesty’s subjects the blessings of Peace and Loyalty to King and Country.