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2.5 The War Drags On

Release Date: 10/31/2025

America's First Ladies

After taking a brisk review of the ratification of the new U.S. Constitution, we finally get Dolley and James together this week, covering their courtship, wedding, and early years of marriage in Philadelphia. Transcript and portaits available at Music by

4.4 The Constitutional Convention

America's First Ladies

This week we do a deep dive into the Constitutional Convention - think of it as getting to see how the sausage is made, with the sausage being the legal document that still rules our lives today. Transcript available at Music by

4.3 The Young James Madison

America's First Ladies

This week we hit pause on Dolley Madison to focus on young James Madison as he develops into the statesman who will eventually play such a large role in creating the U.S. Constitution. Transcript available at Music by

4.2 A Young Lady in Philadelphia

America's First Ladies

This week we'll learn about Dolley's teenage years in Philadelphia, her first marriage to John Todd, Jr., and the aftermath of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. Transcript available at Music by

4.1 Little Dolley Payne

America's First Ladies

Welcome to Season 4! We're covering Dolley and James Madison this season, and today we cover Dolley's family history and early life in North Carolina and Virginia. List of reference books available at Transcript available at Music by

Supplemental: The Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

America's First Ladies

Part 2 of our supplemental series on the Constitution. There were too many amendments to put them in the same episode as the main body of the document. Transcript available at Music by

Supplemental: The U.S. Constitution

America's First Ladies

The one where I read the Constitution of the United States of America to you. If nothing else, you can listen to it when you can't sleep! Transcript available at Music by

3.7 A Nomadic Life

America's First Ladies

This week we wrap up Martha Patsy Jefferson Randolph with a gallop through the final 18 years of her life. Transcript and the final portrait painted of Martha available at Music by

3.6 The President's Daughter

America's First Ladies

This week we cover Thomas Jefferson's presidency and Patsy/Martha's admittedly minor role in it. Transcript available at Music by

3.5 Marriage and Motherhood

America's First Ladies

This week, the Jefferson family returns to America, and Patsy almost immediately decides to marry and start having children. Transcript available at Music by

More Episodes

This week Abigail continues to struggle with running the farm in John's absence while he continues to live and work in Philadelphia.

Note: this episode contains a somewhat harrowing description of a stillbirth.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/2-5/

Music by Matthew Dull

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