This episode traces the United States' journey from neutrality and strategic economic partnerships to full-scale post–World War II alliances like NATO, using key moments such as Yorktown, Washington's Neutrality, the Monroe Doctrine, the World Wars, and the Truman Doctrine.

It explains why America moved away from isolationism, how alliances shaped global policy and security, and highlights the ongoing debate over the costs and benefits of U.S. engagement in international alliances today.

Was the United States really founded as a Christian nation? What does the separation of church and state even mean, and what does the Constitution actually say?

To answer these questions we explore colonial religious life, Enlightenment influences, and the debates of the Founding Fathers. Along the way, we meet the original Christian evangelicals, watch a political boxing match unfold in Virginia, and briefly run into pirates in North Africa. Who knew the religious roots of the United States involved so many different stories? In the end, we gain a better understanding of the role of the Christian religion in the founding of the country... and the limits of that influence.

Welcome to the "History You Can Use" podcast with Brian Thomas. This episode introduces the podcast’s approach: examining historical facts behind today’s political and social debates with clarity and balance. The host outlines how the show will present evidence, encourage listener judgment, and connect past events to modern issues.

Hosted by a psychologist with a master’s in history and experience in historical publishing and teaching, the podcast promises conversational, accessible episodes that provide the background needed to understand contemporary debates.