FLOTUS 4eva

FLOTUS on the Road: Interview with Michelle Guillon

We are ON THE ROAD. And what a thrill it is. We have the absolute pleasure of sitting down and talking to Michelle Guillon, the Director of Research and Collections at the First Ladies National Library in Canton, Ohio.

Michelle, an incredible wealth of knowledge, facts and compassion. She tells us how she landed her dream job, which First Ladies have been the most consequential throughout history and which ones probably would have made better presidents then their husbands :))). 

Tune into this wonderful interview as part one of our two part FLOTUS on the road series. We'll be back next week with a recap of the whole trip! 

Eliza McCardle Johnson and Martha Johnson Patterson

Eliza giving us quiet, gentle and smart behind the scenes. Martha giving us an entire portrait gallery. Insane that Eliza taught our 17 president to read and write and was basically chief of staff of Andrew Johnson's life. Martha, begging for parties but gratefully reading the room of a mourning America. We discuss reconstruction, the first impeachment and cows living on the White House front lawn. 

Also! We run our HALF MARATHON. 

Mary Todd Lincoln, Part Two

We continue the saga of Mary Todd Lincoln in this part two episode. We discuss the infamous strawberry dress, how Abe only liked Mary when she was all dressed up (rude.) The sadness of her later years of life and her eventual escape to Europe. Mary, thank you for feeling your feelings. So sorry the world wasn't ready. 

Also, Elyse has to calm Claire down after a recording snafu. 

Mary Told Lincoln, Part One

Mary! A political, sassy, educated, fun women from the west. In our part one we talk about how Mary grew up as one of sixteen children, the drama of her stepmother and how she eventually meets the future 16th prez. We squash the rumors right up front that Mary was the dramatic one in the relationship and end this part just before the dynamic duo moves to Washington. 

Plus- half marathon is right around the corner, will Elyse make it? Claire discusses growing strawberries in honor of Mary T. 

Ann Coleman and Harriet Lane

In a surprise turn of events, we find out that James Buchanan was engaged and need to tell the tale. Ann, you lived your best PA life and we love you for it.

James Buchanan finally get to the White House and brings along his charming niece with a great haircut. Harriet, doing the best she can making seating arrangements while the civil war rumbles and tumbles in the background. Trying to use her FLOTUS powers for good, while also focusing heavily on DC nightlife. 

Also, Elyse discovers that there is a rival to Wawa and her world crumbles. 

William Rufus King

William, a political giant of the time and the likely partner to our 15th president James Buchanan. We discuss the necessity for intimate male friendship and how these two brought DC nightlife back. Veering sightly from what you might expect on a FLOTUS pod, but this story of love, confidence, partnership and politics has got to be told.

Also, we run 10 miles, Claire still can't find the matrix and Elyse gets a new floor lamp. 

Jane Appleton Pierce

A bit of a downer episode turned inspiring. Jane Pierce, an introverted melancholy kid reluctantly becomes First Lady when her husband gets he nomination for prez after trying to get a beer at the convention. We follow Jane's story through her turmoils with mental health but the inspiring message of always trying to heal and grow. 

Also, Claire gets a golden couch, Elyse runs a triumphant 9 miles and the civil war continues to be not random. 

Abigail Powers Fillmore

Another unknown VP stepping up to the plate.  Andrew Jackson is still scaring people into politics. Abigail is hobby queen who finally puts a library into the White House. We find out how cool Western New York was in the 1800's. The Compromise of 1850 yet again delays the not random Civil War. Elyse and Claire are still running a half marathon! Can you believe? Also, this is political.

Peggy Smith Taylor and Betty Bliss

Zachary Taylor reluctantly becomes president by first trolling Henry Clay. Peggy Taylor won't leave her house for fear of sin. Betty Bliss was stoked to be First Lady, but really just ended up being a new Taylor Swift hit song (we are hoping!!) It's Elyse's birthday and Claire finds out some revealing family news. And please: don't drink milk on a warm hot summer day. PLEASE. 

Sarah Childress Polk

Another western girl getting the spotlight. A true political partner to her husband and decidedly childless. But for real, when will someone who is stoked to be prez actually be prez? Another Dolley Madison appearance, another Andrew Jackson appearance. And for the last time, the civil war was NOT random. Sarah, we love everything about you except your views, beliefs and passions.