The James Beaudrie Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Michael Nagle, a historian with over 30 years of teaching experience at West Shore Community College, where he specializes in U.S. History, Western Civilization, and American Government.We begin by discussing his work as an author, including his biographies on Eber B. Ward and Justus S. Stearns, before diving deep into the American Revolution and the origins of the Declaration of Independence.What were the Founding Fathers really thinking? What did the Declaration of Independence actually mean in its time—and how should it be understood today?Professor Nagle breaks down the history of the American Revolution, the political philosophy behind the founding of the United States, and the lasting impact of these ideas on modern America. With decades of experience teaching history, he provides clear, insightful analysis that connects the past to today’s political and cultural landscape.If you’re interested in American history, the Revolutionary War, the Founding Fathers, or the Constitution, this episode is for you!Topics Covered:American Revolution explainedDeclaration of Independence meaningFounding Fathers and political philosophyEarly American history and governmentHistorical research and writing biographiesHow history influences modern politics

Chase Callaway describes himself as an “unprofessional bladesmith,” but his passion for forging knives tells a much deeper story. By trade, Chase is a Journeyman Lineman, working one of the most physically demanding and dangerous jobs out there—climbing poles, working high-voltage lines, and helping keep the power on when the rest of the world needs it most.In this episode we dive deep into what it really takes to succeed as a lineman. Chase shares what the journey to becoming a journeyman looks like, the challenges of the trade, and how physical strength, discipline, and mental toughness are essential to the job.Fitness is a major part of Chase’s life, and we talk about how training and staying in shape directly impacts his performance in such a physically demanding career.Outside of work, Chase has developed a serious passion for forging knives, teaching himself the craft and embracing the process of shaping raw steel into functional art. What started as a curiosity has grown into a creative outlet that combines patience, precision, and craftsmanship.This conversation covers work ethic, physical training, skilled trades, craftsmanship, and the mindset required to pursue passions outside of your day job.If you’re interested in blue-collar grit, strength, and the art of making something with your hands, you’ll enjoy this episode.

Epstein. Aliens. Artificial intelligence. Cartels. Iran. Venezuela. ICE.In this episode, we connect the dots between the Epstein files, UFO disclosure, the rise of AI, the Mexican drug war, global instability and border policy.What is distraction, what is strategy, and what is actually happening behind the scenes?Full breakdown inside.

Jackie Gutowski joins the show to break down her vision for Manistee Performance Gym — a true all-in-one fitness space built to raise the standard for health and performance in our community.This isn’t just another gym. MPG is designed to combine cutting-edge training equipment, tailored workout programming, recovery tools like a sauna and cold plunge, and personalized dietary guidance — all under one roof.We talk about why she decided now was the time to open, what makes MPG different, and how this model can help beginners, athletes, and everyday people train smarter, recover better, and see real results.If you care about your health, performance, or the future of fitness in Manistee, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Travis, a retired U.S. Navy veteran whose life of service didn’t end when he hung up the uniform.Bill spent his career in the U.S. Navy Seabees—a unique and elite construction force within the Navy. The Seabees (short for Construction Battalions) are trained builders and engineers who construct critical infrastructure in some of the world’s most challenging environments, often under combat conditions. Their motto, “We Build, We Fight,” speaks to the dual role they play—skilled tradesmen and warfighters when needed.After retiring from the Navy, Bill and his wife took that same service-first mindset into civilian life by opening Third Coast Boutique in downtown Manistee, Michigan. What started as a small boutique has grown into something much bigger: a platform dedicated to selling veteran-produced products and supporting the veteran community through conscious commerce.At the heart of Bill’s work is a deeply personal mission—making a real difference in the lives of veterans, especially in the fight against veteran suicide. With an estimated 22 veterans a day lost to suicide, this isn’t just a statistic for Bill; it’s a call to action.In this conversation, we dive into:Bill’s long career in the U.S. Navy and his time with the SeabeesWhat the transition from military service to small business ownership really looks likeHow Third Coast Boutique is being used as a vehicle for impact, not just profitThe importance of community, purpose, and connection in saving veterans’ livesThis episode is about service, leadership, and what it means to continue showing up for others long after the uniform comes off.