In the frosty winter of 1802, the American presidency witnessed a unique act of gratitude—a colossal 1,200-pound wheel of cheese, crafted not just with milk, but with a message of faith and liberty. Delivered by oxen over treacherous roads from the small town of Cheshire, Massachusetts, this gift embodied the hopes and convictions of a humble community standing behind President Thomas Jefferson.

Organized by Baptist preacher John Leland, this audacious cheese-making endeavor used milk exclusively from Republican cows, embedding deep-seated political undertones into every bit of curd. Carved with the bold motto, "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God," the cheese was more than a dairy product. It was a physical manifestation of Jeffersonian ideals—religious freedom and anti-elites sentiment.

As this mammoth cheese made its way into the White House, it became a symbol of democratic expression and rural determination. Join us on Time Tellers as we delve into this whimsical yet pivotal moment in history, exploring how simple curds once carried the weight of a nation's principles and forged a lasting legacy.

Join Renee and Dan on a captivating journey through time as they unravel the complex and oftentimes tumultuous history of how the Southern states of the United States came to have their current shapes. This episode promises a rich tapestry woven with European ambitions, indigenous native arrangements, and the indelible marks of colonial rivalries.

From the Spanish quests for gold to the disputed lines that shaped the destinies of Georgia and South Carolina, delve into a narrative filled with land frauds, map blunders, and the dramatic impact of the Civil War. You'll explore how the geographical and political landscapes of places like the Appalachian Mountains, the Mississippi River, and even the no-man’s lands between Texas and other territories came to be.

Experience stories of treaties that were forged in sweat, lands that changed hands amidst secession and secession, and the surprising tales of what might have been. Discover how these historical lines continue to affect modern times, influencing everything from local laws to educational funding. Don't miss this thrilling episode that peels back the layers of history, revealing the living artifacts that map out the story of the American South.

It started with a dream of open land and a better life, but the Oregon Trail was carved in sweat, blood, and impossible choices. Over months of dust, river crossings, and fever, families packed prairie schooners with flour, coffee, and fragile hope—electing leaders, erecting rules, and learning that survival often meant sacrifice.

In this episode, Time Tellers traces the trail mile by mile, weaving pioneers’ letters and campfire stories with the politics and laws that shaped settlement. Hear the voices of immigrants and Indigenous peoples, feel the toll of disease and displacement, and follow a nation forging its future one rutted mile at a time.