Riding with History: Jefferson, Madison, and the Journey that Shaped a Nation

The Not Old - Better Show

Paul Vogelzang

History, Fitness, Film, Health, Aging, Employment, Fashion, Career, Technology, Seniors, Society & Culture, Music, Health & Fitness

5 • 1.8K Ratings

🗓️ 20 June 2025

⏱️ 30 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

🐎 When Friendship Shapes Nations: The Untold Journey of Jefferson & Madison

🇺🇸 Ever imagine two founding fathers on horseback, pondering America's future as they ride through rugged landscapes, confronting pest infestations, cultural discoveries, and their own biases? Thomas Jefferson and James Madison did exactly that in their remarkable 1791 journey through Upstate New York and New England.

📚 Smithsonian Associate, author, historian Louis Masur explores this intriguing chapter in his compelling new book, A Journey North: Jefferson, Madison, and the Forging of a Friendship. Their trip wasn't simply about crop pests or maple syrup—it was about unity, vision, and a deepening bond that would echo throughout history. Check out Louis Masur's upcoming presentation at Smithsonian Associates!

🌳 This friendship trip had surprising encounters: from meeting a free Black farmer running a prosperous farm with white workers, to engaging Native American communities, to tackling agricultural threats like the dreaded Hessian fly. What did they truly learn about race, equality, and nationhood along the way?

🤔 Jefferson later said this friendship was "a source of constant happiness." But how did personal affection shape political strategy and influence America's path toward unity, amidst deep regional tensions and looming divisions?

🎧 Curious to learn more? Join me in an insightful conversation with Louis Masur on The Not Old Better Show Smithsonian Associates Interview Series. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3FAbebT

Let's reflect on friendship, leadership, and the powerful lessons history offers us today. 🌟

Check out Smithsonian Associates for more details:

https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/jefferson-madison-and-friendship

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to the Not Old Better Show,
0:13.8	Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast.
0:18.0	The show covering all things health, wellness, culture, and more. The show for all of us who aren't old were better.
0:25.0	Each week we'll interview superstars, experts, and ordinary people, doing extraordinary things,
0:31.1	all related to this wonderful experience of getting better, not older. Now here's your host, the award-winning Paul Vogelzang.
0:42.8	Welcome to the Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on Radio and Podcast.
0:49.2	I'm your host, Paul Vogelsang.
0:52.3	Imagine two of America's greatest founders Thomas Jefferson and James Madison,
0:58.7	riding horseback together through rugged New England landscapes, swapping stories, and ideas.
1:06.1	It's 1791, and the nation is brand new, bursting with promise and tension alike. Amid lush maple forests
1:15.5	and small villages, these two future presidents aren't just exploring crops threatened by pesh
1:21.9	peshant flies or tasting syrup made from sugar maples. They're cementing one of history's most remarkable friendships.
1:31.2	Joining us today on the Smithsonian Associates interview series is Spisonian Associate and acclaimed historian, Louis Mazur, author of The Fascinating New Book, A Journey North, Jefferson, Madison, and The Forging of a Friendship.
1:47.7	Lewis will reveal surprising details about how this modest trip deep into bond that lasted decades
1:54.8	and shaped the very fabric of our young nation. As you listen today, picture the open countryside, feel the gentle rhythm of hoofbeats,
2:04.6	and reconnect with a time when friendship, curiosity, and adventure could change history.
2:09.8	So sit back, get comfortable.
2:11.7	Let's warmly welcome our guest today, Smithsonian Associate Louis Mazur,
2:16.6	joining us right here on the Not Old Better
2:18.6	Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series.
2:21.3	Professor Lou Mazur, welcome to the program.
2:35.0	Thank you. It's great to be here.
	...

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