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Madison's Notes

Madison's Notes

Written by: The James Madison Program
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 The official podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • S5E1 Preacher, Teacher, and Founder: On Princeton's famous President, John Witherspoon

    S5E1 Preacher, Teacher, and Founder: On Princeton's famous President, John Witherspoon
    Feb 26 2026
    Madison’s Notes is back and with a new host, Ryan Shinkel. In this episode to start off Season 5, I interview Dr. Kevin DeYoung, a popular author, Presbyterian pastor, as well as noted theologian and historian. Drawing on DeYoung’ book, The Religious Formation of John Witherspoon (2020), we dive into Witherspoon’s fascinating life as a Scottish preacher and Reformed apologist who became the president of Princeton University, one of America’s Founding Fathers and signers of the Declaration of Independence, and a teacher and mentor to James Madison. We examine the place Witherspoon takes in the history of American and religious thought, as well as how he models a spirit of religious devotion with republican self-government in an example that is still relevant for us today. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page. Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.
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    51 mins
  • S4E41: Season Finale!

    S4E41: Season Finale!
    Jun 7 2025
    That’s a wrap on the 2024-2025 season of Madison’s Notes! Stay tuned until the end for a special announcement—you won’t want to miss it! A massive thank you to our incredible listeners and guests for making this season unforgettable. Your support means everything! The show will be back—so hit subscribe to be the first to know when we return. Until then, keep exploring, learning, and staying curious!
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    1 min
  • S4 E40 Interpretations of the Second Amendment: A Conversation with Joel Alicea

    S4 E40 Interpretations of the Second Amendment: A Conversation with Joel Alicea
    May 29 2025
    The Supreme Court’s ruling in 2022 changed the established methodology for evaluating Second Amendment cases. What was the existing methodology, and what does this shift signify for future interpretations? We sit down with Joel Alicea, Professor of Law and Director, the Center for the Constitution and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. We discuss the implication of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen and the new methodology relates to originalist interpretations. He answers questions on how courts define “tradition” when using it as legal reasoning, and the limitations it can pose. Finally, Alicea offers a nuanced perspective on the application of gun rights in America with recognition of America’s complicated relationship with firearms. Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.
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    38 mins
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