MARTIN VAN BUREN
Martin Van Buren wasn’t just some tavern kid from Kinderhook — he was the kid who figured out that serving beer to bickering politicians was the fastest crash course in power you could get. Fast forward a few decades and he’s sitting in the White House, running the country like it’s his own personal chessboard.
Nicknamed “The Little Magician” (because “Slicker Than You” was apparently taken), Van Buren mastered the backroom deal, invented the political machine, and somehow convinced Jackson he was just a loyal little sidekick. Joke’s on Old Hickory: the “puppet” was learning all the tricks of the trade, and he was damn good at it.
By the time he grabbed the presidency in 1837, Van Buren was done hiding in the wings. He had his own agenda, his own style, and the confidence to ditch the marionette strings. Problem is, his timing was trash — nothing like kicking off your presidency with a full-blown economic panic and a nation ready to riot.
So was he Jackson’s puppet? Absolutely. But then he pulled a Van Buren special: flipped the script, claimed the stage, and showed the country that the quiet Dutch kid wasn’t just a side act — he was the main event.
andrew jackson
From bootless brawler to unchecked power machine, Andrew Jackson is the ultimate “maybe don’t root for him too hard” story. He clawed his way out of a brutal childhood—dead parents, dead brothers, and a whole lot of Revolutionary War trauma—and somehow landed in the halls of power. By all accounts, he should’ve been a historical footnote. Instead, he became a war hero, a courtroom bruiser, and a political icon with serious main character energy. America loves a self-made man... until that man starts making laws.
And that’s where things get messy. Because once Jackson hit the White House, he brought that same brawler energy—just with more vetoes and way worse consequences. He crushed the national bank, ignored the Supreme Court, and steamrolled Indigenous nations like they were inconvenient speed bumps on his path to greatness. Jackson’s rise is fascinating, infuriating, and full of red flags we absolutely should have seen coming.
the bill of rights
From teen diplomat to exhausted president to the “Madman from Massachusetts” in Congress, John Quincy Adams made his entire life a protest against slavery and corruption. He believed public service was a duty—not a grift—and proved it by outworking, outthinking, and outlasting everyone around him. He wasn’t here to charm you. He was here to do the damn work.
Now it's your turn. Stand up. Speak out. Do the work that matters. Tune in now!
buck wild
From teen diplomat to exhausted president to the “Madman from Massachusetts” in Congress, John Quincy Adams made his entire life a protest against slavery and corruption. He believed public service was a duty—not a grift—and proved it by outworking, outthinking, and outlasting everyone around him. He wasn’t here to charm you. He was here to do the damn work.
Now it's your turn. Stand up. Speak out. Do the work that matters. Tune in now!
john quincy adams
From teen diplomat to exhausted president to the “Madman from Massachusetts” in Congress, John Quincy Adams made his entire life a protest against slavery and corruption. He believed public service was a duty—not a grift—and proved it by outworking, outthinking, and outlasting everyone around him. He wasn’t here to charm you. He was here to do the damn work.
Now it's your turn. Stand up. Speak out. Do the work that matters. Tune in now!
James Monroe
James Monroe, America’s fifth president, was a Revolutionary War veteran, key diplomat, and the mind behind the Monroe Doctrine. As the last Founding Father to hold office, Monroe’s legacy includes expanding U.S. influence, navigating the complexities of slavery, and leading during the so-called Era of Good Feelings—which wasn’t as peaceful as it sounds. His presidency shaped the future of American politics, foreign policy, and the nation’s struggle with its own ideals. Dive into Monroe’s fascinating life and impact with The Buck Starts Here podcast.
James Madison
James Madison: The OG Big Brain of American Democracy
James Madison—brilliant thinker, reluctant wartime leader, and the guy who had to flee when the British set the White House on fire. His presidency was a whirlwind of war, economic chaos, and some serious "well, that escalated quickly" moments. From masterminding the Constitution to barely surviving the War of 1812, Madison’s legacy is a mix of genius, struggle, and one badass First Lady who quite literally saved history. Was he a visionary or just in way over his head? Press play and find out.
thomas jefferson
Thomas Jefferson—freedom fighter or hypocrite in chief?
Eric and Kyle dig into the life of the man who wrote about liberty… but also owned slaves. From the Louisiana Purchase to his complicated relationship with Sally Hemings, Jefferson’s story is full of contradictions that’ll make your head spin. You won’t want to miss this one.
John adams
Meet John Adams—America’s second president, a founding father who was never one to keep quiet. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, he didn’t inherit power but fought his way to the top with intellect, determination, and a knack for making enemies.
After losing the election to Jefferson, Adams set a vital precedent by stepping aside peacefully, showing that democracy was bigger than any one leader. Adams didn’t just leave behind a legacy; he left an indelible mark on American history.
George Washington
In these inaugural episodes, we’re taking a deep (and quirky) dive into George Washington—the “Father of His Country” and America’s first president, our reluctant leader.