The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution

The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution

Exploring the life, ideas, and contributions of James Wilson SHOW NOTES: In this episode of The Blessings of Liberty, New York Times journalist Jesse Wegman joins to discuss his new book, The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution. This biography tells the story of James Wilson, a Founding Father whose bold vision shaped American democracy, but whose legacy was lost to scandal. Jeffrey Rosen, senior fellow at FIRE and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, moderates.  Participants  Jesse Wegman [https://www.brennancenter.org/bio/jesse-wegman] is a Senior Fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, where he writes about Supreme Court reform and constitutional amendments. From 2013 to 2025, he was a member of the New York Times editorial board, covering law and politics, the Supreme Court, democracy, and electoral reforms. His first book, Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College, was published in 2020. Jeffrey Rosen [https://constitutioncenter.org/about/board-of-trustees/jeffrey-rosen] is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic.  Additional Resources * Jesse Wegman, The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution [https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Founder-Forgotten-Peoples-Constitution/dp/1250851076] (6/23/2026)  * James Wilson, Considerations on the Nature and Extent of Legislative Authority [https://wisc.pb.unizin.org/ps601/chapter/james-wilson-considerations-on-the-nature-and-extent-of-the-legislative-authority/] (1774) * James Wilson, “Speech in the State House Yard” [https://archive.csac.history.wisc.edu/17_James_Wilson_Speech_in_the_State_House_Yard.pdf] (1787) * James Wilson, Lectures on Law [https://www.nlnrac.org/node/240.html] (1790-1791) Stay Connected and Learn More * Continue the conversation by following us on social media. * Substack: @rosenjeffrey * Instagram: @TheBlessingsOfLiberty * X: @JeffreyRosenPod * X (Personal): @RosenJeffrey * YouTube: @TheBlessingsofLibertyPod * Explore Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness [https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/podcasts/pursuit-the-founders-guide-to-happiness] * Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen Thank you to our presenting sponsor, FIRE, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans—especially freedom of speech and free thought. Learn more about FIRE’s work at FIRE.org/blessings [http://FIRE.org/blessings].

Free Speech and Religious Liberty with David French

Unpacking the legal and political issues surrounding free speech and the First Amendment SHOW NOTES: In this episode of The Blessings of Liberty, former president of FIRE David French explores evolving threats to free speech, the rise of Christian nationalism, the importance of religious liberty, and the thorny legal issues posed by AI and social media. Jeffrey Rosen, senior fellow at FIRE and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, moderates.   Participants  David French [https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-french] is a columnist for the New York Times and Special Guest for the podcast Advisory Opinions. He’s a former president of FIRE and former senior editor of The Dispatch. He most recently Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation. Jeffrey Rosen [https://constitutioncenter.org/about/board-of-trustees/jeffrey-rosen] is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic.  Additional Resources * David French, Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250201977?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] (2020) * David French, “Christian Nationalism’s Dark Forebears” [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/14/opinion/christian-nationalism-maga-france.html] (6/14/2026) * David French, “There’s a 900-Year-Old Answer to Our Most Modern Problem” [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/30/opinion/ai-crimes-law.html] (4/30/2026) * David French, “Don’t Cheer Too Hard for the Facebook Verdict” [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/29/opinion/free-speech-social-media-court-ruling.html] (3/26/2026) Stay Connected and Learn More * Continue the conversation by following us on social media. * Substack: @rosenjeffrey * Instagram: @TheBlessingsOfLiberty * X: @JeffreyRosenPod * X (Personal): @RosenJeffrey * YouTube: @TheBlessingsofLibertyPod * Explore Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness [https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/podcasts/pursuit-the-founders-guide-to-happiness] Thank you to our presenting sponsor, FIRE, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans—especially freedom of speech and free thought. Learn more about FIRE’s work at FIRE.org/blessings [http://FIRE.org/blessings]. Soapbox is the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s bold new conference, taking place November 4-6, 2026, in Philadelphia to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with high-impact keynotes, timely panels, and unforgettable entertainment. It culminates in a show-stopping gala on November 6. Please go to soapbox.fire.org [https://soapbox.fire.org/] to purchase tickets and check out the amazing lineup of speakers! I’m

Supreme Court Term Review

SHOW NOTES: In this episode of The Blessings of Liberty, leading Supreme Court commentators Sarah Isgur and Melissa Murray join to discuss the most important cases and overarching themes of the recently concluded term. Jeffrey Rosen moderates.   Participants  Sarah Isgur [https://www.scotusblog.com/author/sarah-isgur/] is the host of Advisory Opinions and the editor of SCOTUSblog. She has worked in every branch of the federal government and on 3 presidential campaigns. She’s also an ABC News contributor and the author of Last Branch Standing [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593800923?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback], a deep dive into the inner workings of the Supreme Court. Melissa Murray [https://its.law.nyu.edu/facultyprofiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.overview&personid=40825] is the Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law at NYU. Her award-winning public law scholarship considers constitutional law, family law, and reproductive rights and justice. Murray has written extensively about the Supreme Court, the legal recognition of marriage and its alternatives, abortion, and the legal regulation of sex and sexuality. Jeffrey Rosen [https://constitutioncenter.org/about/board-of-trustees/jeffrey-rosen] is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic.  Additional Resources * Trump v. Barbara [https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/25-365_4hdj.pdf] (2026) * Trump v. Slaughter [https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/25-332_qn12.pdf] (2026) * Trump v. Cook [https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/25a312_5468.pdf] (2026) * Sarah Isgur, Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today’s Supreme Court [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593800923?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback] (4/14/2026) * Melissa Murray, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668221934/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9ocXBfc2hhcmVk] (5/5/2026) * Advisory Opinions [https://thedispatch.com/podcast/advisoryopinions/] Stay Connected and Learn More * Substack: @rosenjeffrey * Instagram: @TheBlessingsOfLiberty * X: @JeffreyRosenPod * X (Personal): @RosenJeffrey * YouTube: @TheBlessingsofLibertyPod Thank you to our presenting sponsor, FIRE, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to defending and sustaining the freedom of speech and free thought. Learn more about FIRE’s work at FIRE.org/blessings [http://FIRE.org/blessings].

Fourth of July Special: Ken Burns on America’s 250th

"Distilling the essence of the American Idea with America’s storyteller" SHOW NOTES: In this special episode of The Blessings of Liberty, a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns walks through the Declaration of Independence, clause by clause, to encapsulate the big ideas at the heart of the American story. Jeffrey Rosen, senior fellow at FIRE and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, moderates.   Participants  Ken Burns  [https://kenburns.com/]is a pioneering force in American documentary filmmaking. He has directed and produced some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including The Civil War; Baseball; and Jazz. His films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including 17 Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and two Oscar nominations. His most recent project is The American Revolution, which premiered in November 2025. Jeffrey Rosen [https://constitutioncenter.org/about/board-of-trustees/jeffrey-rosen] is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic.  Additional Resources * Ken Burns, The American Revolution [https://www.pbs.org/show/the-american-revolution/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23864638707&gbraid=0AAAAAooDyp1XQWjL8nKaQ7hUnKM57Utvc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjIPSBhCCARIsABGyK7vrmZ44JRKCEeR0LXDSnapkK3s0dYi0Yisqplx3iYsC8hFVEI1Uwt4aApeREALw_wcB] (2025) * Declaration of Independence [https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript]  Stay Connected and Learn More * Continue the conversation by following us on social media. * Substack: @rosenjeffrey * Instagram: @TheBlessingsOfLiberty * X: @JeffreyRosenPod * X (Personal): @RosenJeffrey * YouTube: @TheBlessingsofLibertyPod * Explore Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness [https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/podcasts/pursuit-the-founders-guide-to-happiness] * Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen Thank you to our presenting sponsor, FIRE, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans—especially freedom of speech and free thought. Learn more about FIRE’s work at FIRE.org/blessings [http://FIRE.org/blessings]. Soapbox is the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s bold new conference, taking place November 4-6, 2026, in Philadelphia to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with high-impact keynotes, timely panels, and unforgettable entertainment. It culminates in a show-stopping gala on November 6. Early bird pricing is available from now until July 4. Please go to https://soapbox.fire.org/ [https://soapbox.fire.org/] to purchase tickets and check out the amazing lineup of speakers!

American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington

"Exploring the character and public service of America’s first president" SHOW NOTES: In this episode of The Blessings of Liberty, award-winning historian H.W. Brands joins to discuss his new book, American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington. From his early military career to his leadership during the American Revolution and reluctant return to public service as the first president of the United States, American Patriarch brings to life the man who was called to lead time and again by his peers. Jeffrey Rosen, senior fellow at FIRE and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, moderates.  Participants  H.W. Brands [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2168121/h-w-brands/] holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his PhD in history in 1985. He has written more than a dozen biographies and histories, including The General vs. the President, a New York Times bestseller.  Two of his biographies, The First American and Traitor to His Class, were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. Jeffrey Rosen [https://constitutioncenter.org/about/board-of-trustees/jeffrey-rosen] is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic.  Additional Resources * H.W. Brands, American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777764/american-patriarch-by-h-w-brands/] (2026) * George Washington, “Newburgh Address” [https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/historic-document-library/detail/george-washington-newburgh-address-1783] (1783) * George Washington, “Circular Letter to the States” [https://archive.csac.history.wisc.edu/16_George_Washington.pdf] (1783) * George Washington, “Farewell Address” [https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/Washingtons_Farewell_Address.pdf?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email] (1796) Stay Connected and Learn More * Continue the conversation by following us on social media. * Substack: @rosenjeffrey * Instagram: @TheBlessingsOfLiberty * X: @JeffreyRosenPod * X (Personal): @RosenJeffrey * YouTube: @TheBlessingsofLibertyPod * Explore Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness [https://constitutioncenter.org/news-debate/podcasts/pursuit-the-founders-guide-to-happiness] * Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen Thank you to our presenting sponsor, FIRE, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans—especially freedom of speech and free thought. Through legal advocacy, education, and public awareness, FIRE helps protect open debate and a culture where ideas can be challenged instead of silenced. Learn more about FIRE’s work at FIRE.org/blessings [http://FIRE.org/blessings].