John Brown Today
John Brown Today is a podcast devoted to historical and contemporary themes relating to the abolitionist John Brown (1800-59), the controversial antislavery and antiracist freedom fighter. John Brown Today is hosted by Louis A. DeCaro Jr., a Brown biographer and researcher, the most prolific author on the John Brown theme since the abolitionist's death in 1859. John Brown Today engages a range of themes from history and biography to popular culture and other contemporary themes.
Podcasting since 2020 • 44 episodes
John Brown Today
Latest Episodes
The Legend of John Brown's Baby Kiss Revisited
In this episode, Lou does a deep dive evaluation of the legend of John Brown kissing a black baby on the day of his execution, a story that has been enshrined in poetry and paintings. Sharing his research on the topic, Lou considers...
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Season 5
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Episode 3
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38:54
"From John Brown to James Brown": A Conversation with Ed Maliskas
In this episode, Lou shares a conversation with author Ed Maliskas, a musician, clergyman, and researcher, the author of
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Season 5
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Episode 2
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46:41
The Sellout of Harper's Ferry Station: The Difficult Case of Heyward Shepherd
In this episode, Lou takes on the difficult theme of Heyward Shepherd, the black porter who was mortally wounded by John Brown's men during the Harper's Ferry raid, on the night of October 16, 1859. Reviewing the initial incidents of the ...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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44:09
Reaction & Reflection: David Blight on John Brown - - "John Brown Terrorist or Hero?"
After an extended hiatus, Lou returns with a reaction & reflection upon the YouTube video, "John Brown: Terrorist or Hero?" which features a short lecture by the eminent historian David Blight. John Brown Today features the audio vers...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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52:07
What Did Blacks Really Think of John Brown? Kudos & Conflicts (Part 1)
In Part 1 of "What Did Blacks Really Think of John Brown?" Lou reflects upon the question of white allies, particularly in the case of John Brown's story. What did black leaders and other associates really think of John Brown? Re...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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30:32