Shows
Fail to the ChiefBONUS! President Kingfish Huey Long and the Sharing of the WealthHe was a Louisiana progressive populist wannabe dictator who wanted to redistribute all the rich folks' money forever and ever. And he might have been president, had he not been gunned down before he even had the chance to run. But what if?2024-10-2607 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: What do all the Losers have in COMMON?There tends to be a certain template that presidential candidates follow - and I don’t mean simply getting elected as Senators or Governors first. There are some larger commonalities at play that seem to align most of them, in many cases from an early age. From family background to profession to political choices to some truly strange coincidences, the road to victory (or second-best to victory) says quite a lot about who we are as a society. Don't forget to BUY MY BOOK: VOLUME 1: https://www.amazon.com/Fail-Chief-1788-1928-Thom-Woodley-ebook/dp/B08WLD5CMG/re...2024-10-2230 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: President Ford - Henry Ford???We’re continuning to dig into other would-be Julius Caesar presidents of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even ran, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. Today - the Model T of presidents.... CEO (and rabid anti-Semite) Henry Ford. 2024-10-1906 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: President Citizen Kane - William Randolph HearstWe’re continuning to dig into other would-be Julius Caesar presidents of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even ran, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. Today - the man who inspired Citizen Kane, legendary megalomaniacal newspaper publisher and 'yellow journalist,' William Randolph Hearst!2024-10-1808 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: President (of the USA and the LDS) Joseph SmithWe’re continuning to dig into other would-be Julius Caesar presidents of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even ran, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. This time it's wannabe politician, Mormon founder and assassination victim Joseph Smith!2024-10-1805 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: President John D. Rockefeller, Wealthiest Prez EverWe’re continuning to dig into other would-be Julius Caesar presidents of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even ran, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. Today, one of the original 'robber barons' and the progenitor of a famous political family: John D. Rockefeller, CEO of Standard Oil. 2024-10-1707 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: President Grand Wizard Nathan Bedford ForrestWe’re continuning to dig into other would-be Julius Caesar presidents of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even ran, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. This episode - war criminal, slave trader, Confederate General, and literal Grand Wizard of the KKK - Nathan Bedford Forrest. 2024-10-1606 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: President General William Tecumseh ShermanWe’re continuning to dig into other would-be Julius Caesar presidents of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even ran, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. In this case - the 2nd-most-famous Union general and the guy who (gleefully) burnt down Atlanta, but turned down being President: William Tecumseh Sherman. 2024-10-1606 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: the "Dredded" President Roger B. TaneyWe’re continuning to dig into other would-be Julius Caesar presidents of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even ran, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. This time, it's awful Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Roger B. Taney - the conservative racist responsible for helping to kick off the Civil War. 2024-10-1605 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: Yee-haw, it's President Sam Houston!It's the Ides of October, and that got me thinking about other would-be Julius Caesar presidents of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even run, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. This time it's iconoclastic Sam Houston, First President of the short-lived Republic of Texas, and maybe the one man who could have kept the Union together in 1860?2024-10-1604 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: Davey Crockett, President of the Wild Frontier!It's the Ides of October, and that got me thinking about other would-be Julius Caesar presidents of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even run, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. On this episode, King of the Wild Frontier (and Congressman and badass) Davey Crockett!2024-10-1605 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: What's your name, man?? PRESIDENT Alexander Hamilton!!It's the Ides of October, and that got me thinking about other would-be Julius Caesars of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even run, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. Our first is The Man Who Would Not Throw Away his Shot... what's your name man? It's Alexander Hamilton, of course. 2024-10-1507 minFail to the ChiefIdes of October SPECIAL Bonus Episode: President Benjamin Franklin?It's the Ides of October, and that got me thinking about other would-be Julius Caesars of American history. The men who never were nominated, and maybe never even run, but who could have been either the great Man of the People who'd lead us to glory.... or terrible Imperators who tore us apart. I'll be posting a bunch of these throughout this week. Our first is Founding Father, man on the $100 bill, and political "lightning rod": Benjamin Franklin. 2024-10-1508 minFail to the ChiefBONUS Veepstakes!! Rating the Vice Presidents of American HistoryWe're not just talking about losers anymore! This episode, join amateur historian Thom Woodley on a tour through the vice presidents of history - those mediocre, second-rate men who were a heartbeat away from the presidency. Those who never served as Commander in Chief (or who were nominated as candidate of one of the major parties) gets discussed today - and rated! (Please forgive the audio quality on this one - I was without my pop filter and you can hear every single 'p' nice and close!) I discuss in this episode: George Clinton, Elbridge...2024-10-0858 minFail to the ChiefHillary Clinton - First (Nasty) Woman CandidateWell, we've come to the end. Fail to the Chief started ten years ago in 2014, and now 50 losers later, we are finally at the big boy (girl), the elephant (donkey) in the room = Hillary Clinton. It took me forever to get here, but thanks for sticking with me. But please still continue to like, follow, subscribe (and of course, listen) because we'll still throw out some goodies! Buy my book(s): https://www.amazon.com/Fail-Chief-1788-1928-Thom-Woodley-ebook/dp/B08WLD5CMG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=19APH7S49I56Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.65f4SS...2024-10-0138 minFail to the ChiefMitt Romney, the first Mormon (and last moderate) candidateJoin amateur historian Thom Woodley as he delves into the losers of presidential history - and today, the man who inspired the podcast in the first place, 2012 loser (to Barack Obama) Governor and Senator Mitt Romney. Why did he lose? Could he have won? What would America be like if so?2024-09-1733 minFail to the ChiefJohn McCain, War Hero, POW, and big-time Loser.This episode, amateur historian Thom Woodley digs into the life and politics of John Sidney McCain, Jr. - Arizona Senator and two-time Republican candidate for president, who lost the 2008 race to Barack Obama. 2024-09-0325 minFail to the ChiefJohn Kerry, the First Loser of the 21st CenturyEvery episode, comic historian Thom Woodley dives deep into a loser of the US presidential elections. This time, it's John Kerry, Senator, Secretary of State, war veteran and protestor, surf rocker, and the only Democrat since 1988 to lose the popular vote (and even THAT's questionable!) What if President Kerry had inherited the Iraq War and Operation Enduring Freeom? What if he'd been man on watch during the 2008 Recession? 2024-08-2028 minFail to the ChiefBONUS! Reviewing the 6th Period of American Politics (1968-2004)This is the (lightly comedic) history podcast where we talk about the losers of presidential races. In this one, we're discussing ALL your favorite losers of the 6th period of American history (1968-2004), including: Hubert HUMPHREY! George WALLACE! Robert F. KENNEDY! Eugene MCCARTHY! Nelson ROCKEFELLER! Charlene MITCHELL! George MCGOVERN! Shirley CHISHOLM! John SCHMITZ! Patsy MINK! Ed MUSKIE! Gerald FORD! Jerry BROWN! Jimmy CARTER! Teddy KENNEDY! John ANDERSON! Walter MONDALE! Gary HART! Jesse JACKSON! Michael DUKAKIS! George H.W. BUSH! Ross PEROT! Pat BUCHANAN! Bob DOLE! Al GORE! and Ralph NADER!!2024-08-0847 minFail to the ChiefRE-VISIT: Al Gore, the Loser who Won in 2000Welcome to FAIL TO THE CHIEF, the podcast where we rate and rank the losers of presidential history. I’m kicking this podcast off again, and starting with the beginning of the 21st century. [If you want to hear about the losers of the 20th century, and the 19th and the 18th, go ahead and listen to the archives OR, you can buy my book: Volume 1 (1800 through 1928): Volume 2 (1932 through 2020) I’m starting today with an episode on a loser I’ve already talked about: Al Gore! The loser slash winner of the contentious 2000 election. I original...2024-07-3140 minFail to the ChiefBiden dropping out - NOT unprecedented!! (Also, hi, we're back!?!)Hey hey! We're BACK after a 2-year hiatus, to talk about the upcoming 2024 election, and wrap out the remaining losers. And what better occasion than the UNPRECEDENTED DROPPING OUT of our sitting Commander in Chief of the Fall presidential race. Well, actually? It's not that unprecedented. We have elections like 1968, 1952, and others like 1924 and 1892 to look at for some context. In this episode, we talk through what we can learn from this unique moment in time - and what (if anything) we can expect from this year's cockamamie election...2024-07-2330 minFail to the Chief43. Walter Mondale, the Loser of 1984.Comic historian Thom Woodley looks at Walter Mondale, the landslide Ronald Reagan reelection of 1984, and growing up in the 1980s in general. 2022-06-2441 minFail to the ChiefBOB DOLE BOB DOLE BOB DOLESad to hear of Bob Dole's passing this week. In honor of the man, here is the Bob Dole chapter from my book Fail to the Chief Vol. 2 (available on Amazon!)2021-12-0817 minFail to the ChiefUPDATE! and 1992: Ross PerotFail to the Chief THE BOOK? Yes indeed. Also? Ross Perot. In lo-fi style. Because you've been waiting. Order the book today: https://www.amazon.com/Fail-Chief-1788-1928-Thom-Woodley/dp/1736697706/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=fail+to+the+chief&qid=1631577684&sr=8-12021-09-1427 min
The Italian American PodcastIAP 163: The Italian American Almost-Presidents of the United States-- With Special Guest Thom Woodley of the Fail to the Chief PodcastWith Election Day tomorrow, it’s a star-spangled celebration on this week’s episode as we're joined by special guest Thom Woodley of the "Fail to the Chief" podcast to discuss the Italian American "Almost-Weres" of United States Presidential history. Sure, we have yet to see a Paesano or a Paesana take up residence in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but there have been more than a few who have tossed their name into the proverbial hat, and there are a few who have actually gotten pretty close to assuming the highest (or second highest) office in the land. Join us a...2020-11-021h 04Fail to the Chief1988. Michael Dukakis, a.k.a. Zorba the Clerk.Thom Woodley takes you on a tour of presidential losers of the past. In this episode, the George Bush vs. Michael Dukakis election of 1988. 2020-05-0536 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: 1980. John B. Anderson, the Best Candidate You Never Heard Of,Thom Woodley digs into the losers of presidential history - in this case, the independent candidacy of former Republican Congressman John B. Anderson (IL-16), who lost to Ronald Reagan but might have been the architect of a much better future. 2020-03-1729 minFail to the Chief1972. George McGovern's McGovernment.Thom Woodley takes you through the history of the disastrous 1972 presidential campaign of liberal icon and Nixon opponent, George McGovern. 2020-03-0444 minFail to the Chief1968. Hubert Horatio Humphrey, the Happy Handshaker.Thom Woodley discusses the losers of presidential history - this year, the big Democratic loser of the chaotic year of 1968, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who lost to Richard Nixon in the midst of the Vietnam War. 2020-02-0443 minFail to the Chief1968. George Wallace, Segregator-in-ChiefRerelease of a 2015 Episode. Just in time for MLK Day, it's our episode on George Wallace, the 3rd party candidate in the 1968 election. Why wasn't he elected president? And how would he have been in office?2020-01-2130 minFail to the ChiefBONUS! The 5th Era of American Politics ReviewIn this episode, we explore ALL of the losers of the 5th Period in American Politics (1932-1968), Alf Landon, Wendell Willkie, Thomas Dewey, Adlai Stevenson, Strom Thurmond, Henry Wallace and Barry Goldwater, and find out where they rank among the losers of all American history. We also talk about some notable other losers of the era: Henry Breckinridge, Cactus Jack Garner, Estes Kefauver, Averell Harriman, Bob Taft, Douglas MacArthur, Nelson Rockefeller and the classic perennial candidate of them all, Harold Stassen. 2020-01-1433 minFail to the Chief1964. In your heart, you know Barry Goldwater's right.Amateur historian host Thom Woodley re-releases his 2016 episode on Barry Goldwater, the very conservative-libertarian Republican losing candidate of the 1964 Lyndon Johnson presidential election. 2020-01-0740 min
Fail to the ChiefNEW: 1952/1956. Adlai Stevenson, the Thinking Man's President.This is a repost as there was an error the first time I posted! Comic historian Thom Woodley digs into the record of Adlai Stevenson II, Governor of Illinois and two-time nominee of the Democratic party, who lost big to Dwight Eisenhower. 2019-12-0347 min
Fail to the Chief1948. Henry Wallace, the Secret Soviet Spy candidate?Join comic historian Thom Woodley as we talk about Henry Wallace, former Vice President and the 1948 candidate of the Progressive Party... and also maybe, just maybe, a secret Soviet asset. 2019-11-0535 min
Fail to the Chief1848. Lewis Cass, our first Ugly-American PresidentComic historian Thom Woodley (@thomwoodley) takes you on a tour through the rogues gallery of presidential candidates who didn't quite make it. This episode, Lewis Cass (Democrat, 1848), who lost to Zachary Taylor. 2019-10-2932 min
Fail to the Chief1948. Strom Thurmond, Dixiecrat.Thom Woodley takes you on a tour of the 1948 presidential election, in which 3rd party Democrat Strom Thurmond runs on a platform of segregationist views - and later goes on to rebuild the Republican party in his image. 2019-10-0137 min
Fail to the Chief1844. Henry Clay (Part 2) [RE-RELEASE]Re-release of this 2015 episode; comic historian Thom Woodley takes you through the 1844 election where historical great Henry Clay was defeated by dark horse James K. Polk. 2019-09-1727 min
Fail to the Chief1944/48. DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN (not so much)!Comic historian Thom Woodley investigates the losers of presidential history - this time Thomas E. Dewey, two time Republican nominee, the gangbusting man on the wedding cake who lost to FDR and Harry Truman. 2019-09-0343 min
Fail to the Chief1836. The Devil in Daniel Webster (re-release)Thom rereleases his episode on presidential loser Daniel Webster, the only man to turn down two separate vice-presidential offers (either of which would have led to his becoming president). 2019-08-2029 min
Fail to the Chief1940. What if Wendell Willkie Won the World War?Every episode, comic historian Thom Woodley dissects one of the losers of presidential elections. This time, the discussion is on Wendell Willkie, a proto-Trump figure: businessman who never served in office, former Democrat, famous for speaking on a controversial issue. What would have happened had a completely nonexperienced man had beaten FDR and been at the helm during WW2??2019-08-0648 min
Fail to the Chief1836. Hugh Lawson White, Legislative DraculaEvery episode, Thom Woodley delves into a different Loser of American presidential elections. Enjoy this re-release of diehard conservative (and possible Nesferatu) Hugh Lawson White of Tennessee, one of 1836's Way Too Many Whig candidates. 2019-07-2325 min
Fail to the Chief1936. Landslide Alf Landonin this episode, Thom Woodley discusses the very boring Kansas governor Alf Landon and his landslide loss to Franklin D. Roosevelt. 2019-07-0941 minFail to the ChiefBONUS: The 4th Era of American PoliticsIt's July 4th, 2019, and Thom is going to quickly recap the 4th period of American history (from McKinley in 1896 through Hoover in 1928), and its presidential losers: William Jennings Bryan, Alton Parker, Eugene Debs, Charles Evans Hughes, James Cox, John W. Davis, Robert La Follette, Burton Wheeler, and Al Smith. In addition he discusses some might-have-been-also-rans: Silver Dick Bland, Champ Clark, Charles Fairbanks, William Randolph Hearst, Leonard Wood, William Gibbs McAdoo, Hiram Johnson and Irvine Lenroot. 2019-07-0223 min
Fail to the Chief1832. William Wirt and the Anti-Masons.Thom Woodley dives into the groundbreaking third party candidacy of William Wirt and the Anti-Masonic party in this rerelease of a 2015 episode. 2019-06-1828 min
Fail to the Chief1928. Al Smith, the Happy WarriorIn this episode, humorist historian Thom Woodley dives into Al Smith, Governor of New York, first Catholic nominee, a man who might have prevented the Depression even though he never even went to high school. 2019-06-0440 min
Fail to the ChiefEp 29: La la la Loser, La la la La Follette (Re-release)Re-release of episode from 2015/2016 about 'Fighting Bob' La Follette, champion of the Progressive Party and bigtime loser of 1924. 2019-05-2134 min
Fail to the Chief1924. John W. Davis, Pride of West VirginiaIn this episode, Thom dives into one of the most forgotten presidential losers of all time, John W. Davis, 1924 Democratic dark horse nominee. 2019-05-0735 min
Fail to the Chief1824 and 1832. The Incredible Henry Clay (Part 1)Thom rereleases part 1 of his all-time favorite loser, Henry Clay, the man who ran six times, was nominated thrice, saved the Union thrice, and probably almost destroyed it a few times too. 2019-04-3036 min
Fail to the Chief1920. America kicks itself in the Cox (James Cox)REISSUE of an episode that came out in the Summer of 2016! Back then I compared James Cox to John Kasich (since both were, you know, governors of Ohio ultimately defeated by men who really had little knowledge of what the president did). But could this short, feisty, intense little man have ALSO prevented the stock market crash and depression? Listen on.2019-04-1632 min
Fail to the Chief1916. Charles Evans Hughes, the Beard we can Believe in.In this episode, Thom looks at one of the best presidential losers of all time, Charles Evans Hughes. He lost to Woodrow Wilson by only about six thousand votes, but it's all good - he went on to serve as both Secretary of State and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, so don't feel too bad. 2019-04-0235 minFail to the ChiefBONUS! The Sentencing Speech of Eugene V. DebsWhen Socialist presidential candidate Eugene V. Debs was sentenced for speaking out against World War 1, on September 18, 2018, he gave a stirring speech in support of his beliefs and principles, and in execration of the Espionage Act and the government that had spawned it. I read it here, poorly and quickly, in the streets of NYC!2019-03-2610 min
Fail to the Chief1900-1920. Eugene V. Debs and the (first) Socialist RevolutionDid you know that America had socialist candidates before Bernie Sanders? We sure did. In fact, union organizer Eugene Debs ran as the Socialist candidate in five elections - including one from a prison cell. 2019-03-1939 min
Fail to the Chief1904. The Anonymous Alton B. Parker.Thom Woodley explores the candidacy of Judge Alton B. Parker, the most forgotten of all losers - so forgotten that this democratic nominee has never even had a biography written about him. 2019-03-0536 min
Fail to the Chief1824. William Crawford's Stroke of Bad Luck.Learn how the last Democratic-Republican nominee, Georgia's William Crawford, split the party apart and led to the rise of the two party system which ultimately bred hatred in the days leading to the Civil War. 2019-02-2629 minFail to the ChiefBONUS! President's Day 2019Thom goes through the Top 5 and Bottom 5 Losers so far, and also discuss FAIL TO THE CHIEF... the book???2019-02-1815 min
Fail to the ChiefBONUS! The Cross of Gold Speech by William Jennings BryanThom reads the 1896 Democratic National Convention 'Cross of Gold' speech of William Jennings Bryan. 2019-02-1320 min
Fail to the Chief1896, 1900, 1908. William Jennings Bryan, shaper of the Democratic Party.Thom Woodley discusses three-time democratic party loser William Jennings Bryan, and what the world would be like had this preacher-in-chief been elected. 2019-02-0553 minFail to the ChiefBonus Episode! Reviewing the 3rd Period of American PoliticsThom summarizes his rankings for the losers of the period of American history from 1860-1892: Stephen Douglas, John Breckinridge, John Bell, George McClellan, Horatio Seymour, Horace Greeley, Samuel Tilden, Winfield Scott Hancock, James Blaine and James Weaver. He also discusses some interesting 'nearly also-rans': William Seward, Salmon Chase, Cassius Clay, Roscoe Conkling, Thomas Hendricks, Thomas Bayard, Benjamin 'Beast' Butler, and the various third parties of the era, from the Women's Equality Party to the Prohibition Party. 2019-01-2929 minFail to the Chief1816. The Man who would be (Rufus) KingIn this rerelease, Thom dives into the election of 1816, the last mewling death cry of the Federalist Party and its standardbearer, Rufus King. 2019-01-2228 min
Fail to the Chief1896. James B. Weaver, the People's Person of Choice.You've probably never heard of James B. Weaver, but he's the first successful populist (leftist) candidate in American history. His 1896 third party run won five states and helped to change the landscape of politics from then on. In this episode, Thom Woodley tells you about his life, his politics, and maybe, just maybe, you'll come out a 'b.weaver'. 2019-01-1533 min
The Curiosity RoomMarc Weitz of the New York Indie Theatre Film FestivalThom sits down with Marc Weitz, director of the New York Indie Theatre Film Festival at the New Ohio Theatre.2019-01-1038 min
The Curiosity Room12 days in the week, 5 seasons in the year (and happy new years)2019-01-0222 min
Fail to the Chief1884. The Plumed Knight of Maine, James G. BlaineJames G. Blaine combined the politicking of Paul Ryan, the NYC elitist foibles of Hillary Clinton, and the plutocratic corruption of Donald Trump. And he almost became president in 1884. Hear comic historian Thom Woodley go into what kept this scandal-ridden, political wunderkind out of the White House. 2019-01-0134 min
Fail to the Chief1812. De wit and de wisdom of Dewitt Clinton.When he ran for president in the midst of our most-forgotten major war, Dewitt Clinton was serving as both lieutenant governor of New York and Mayor of New York City - and he was both a Democratic-Republican and a Federalist. It was confusing times. How exactly did this canal-digging, city-building Magnus Apollo of a man lose to short, shriveled, sickly James Madison? Listen in to find out. 2018-12-1826 minThe Curiosity RoomInventing the Dialog Novel: "Search and Destroy"Today Thom launches his newest project, "Search & Destroy", a 'dialog novel' in an entirely new format, with producer Ashlea Hartz.2018-12-0656 minThe Curiosity RoomTen Laws to Save AmericaThom has identified ten simple adjustments to our government that, if enacted, would lead us to a democracy that represented us better - all of us. The goal with these laws is fourfold: to stem corruption and the influence of special interests. To encourage the people to participate in democracy more. To encourage better leaders and legislators to appear - not just those hungry for power, fame and money. And, just as important, to reduce the power of the two parties.2018-12-0626 min
Fail to the Chief1880. The Superb Winfield Scott Hancock.We're back, with a new episode the first Tuesday of every month! This episode, Thom explores the election of 1880, which Civil War hero Winfield Scott Hancock lost to political partisan James Garfield. 2018-12-0435 minFail to the Chief1804/1808. C.C. Pinckney, the Plantation President (Re-Release)Thom Woodley dives into the history of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, two-time federalist loser (1804 and 1808). New episodes coming the first tuesday of every month!2018-11-2729 minThe Curiosity RoomHow Endless Television is Changing StorytellingAfter reading Amanda Hess' article 'The End of Endings', I question what the colonization of entertainment by the structures of the internet will do to storytelling. Is the Hero's Journey outmoded? What would its replacement look like?2018-11-2212 minThe Curiosity RoomHow I Failed at 'Fail to the Chief'In this episode of the Curiosity Room, Thom talks about his other podcast, Fail to the Chief (comic bios on presidential losers) - why it initially failed, and how he is going to rework it in 2019.2018-11-1529 minFail to the Chief1800. Aaron Burr, our First SupervillainSpecial Re-Release! Thom Woodley dives deep into the life of the very first presidential loser (and star of the stage) Aaron Burr. Not just the bad guy in Hamilton... he very much played the bad guy in real life. But also the good guy! Because it's history and history is confusing. Enjoy and let us know by reaching out to us on @failtothechief on Instagram if you are interested in us continuing to re-edit and re-release old episodes (or just get to the new stuff already?). 2018-11-1341 min
The Curiosity RoomNick Leavens on Directing, Collaboration and Horror OperaThom interviews Nick Leavens, director of film and theatre, and writer of the upcoming horror pop opera Headphone Splitter - a collaboration with celebrated and recently deceased composer Matt Marks.2018-11-0944 minThe Curiosity RoomWelcome to the Curiosity RoomThom explains his new podcast experiment, The Curiosity Room.2018-11-0910 min
Fail to the Chief1876. Samuel Tilden and the Ruther-Fraud of the CenturyComic historian Thom Woodley dissects the back stories, politics and failures of the men who lost presidential elections. In this episode, epic 1876 loser Samuel Tilden, who had the election stolen right from under his beaklike nose. 2017-08-3036 min
Fail to the Chief1872. Horace Greeley and the Lamestream MediaJoin comic historian Thom Woodley as he investigates the losers of presidential history. In this episode, Liberal Republican candidate and New York Tribune founder-editor Horace Greeley. He lost to Ulysses Grant, was a titan of media, and a journalistic icon, as well as a brilliant genius and possible lunatic. (History politics presidents worst comedy)2017-05-2538 min
Fail to the Chief1868. Horatio Seymour, the Man who Wouldn't be President (please??)Join comic historian Thom Woodley on a tour through the losers of presidential history - this time Horatio Seymour, Governor of New York, who lost the election of 1868 to Ulysses S. Grant, and has the distinction of being the loser who most sincerely did NOT want to become president. 2017-04-1537 min
Fail to the Chief1864. George McClellan, the Trump of the Civil WarJoin comic historian Thom Woodley on a discussion of the very Trumplike candidate to lose against Abraham Lincoln in the middle of the Civil War. 2017-03-1237 minFail to the ChiefPresident's Day 2017 Special AnnouncementWe're back. 2017-02-2007 min
Fail to the ChiefBarry Goldwater: the Ted Cruz of 1964Join humorist historian Thom Woodley as he discusses the men who lost presidential elections. This time he talks about conservative icon and uber-loser Barry Goldwater. Please subscribe and rate us on iTunes! And follow us at @failtothechief. 2016-06-2939 min
Fail to the ChiefJames Cox: The John Kasich of 1920Humorist historian discuss the presidential losers. In this episode, Gov. James Cox of Ohio, who lost in 1920 to Warren G. Harding and bears a striking similarity to Gov. John Kasich of Ohio.2016-06-1230 min
Fail to the ChiefBONUS! The Premature Obituary of John BreckinridgeThom reads the New York Times' premature and erroneous obituary of John C. Breckinridge, thought to be killed in the Civil War (but actually surviving for another 12 years).2016-03-0806 min
Fail to the Chief1860 Part 3. The Traitor, John Breckinridge.Join humorist historian Thom Woodley on a whirlwind tour through the losers of presidential history.2016-03-0739 min
Fail to the Chief1860 part 2. Ding goes John Bell.Comic historian Thom Woodley @thomwoodley dives into one presidential loser each episode. This time it's the sole nominee of the short-lived Constitutional Union party, John Bell of Tennessee.2016-02-1030 minFail to the ChiefBONUS! Antebellum Era Recap2016-01-3128 min
Fail to the Chief1860. Stephen Douglas, the Little Giant.Join comic historian on a tour through the presidential losers of elections past.
@failtothechief2016-01-1734 min
Fail to the ChiefEp16. la la la La Follette, la la la LoserJoin comic historian Thom Woodley (@thomwoodley) as he explores a losing presidential candidate of the past, and discusses how they got the nomination, how they lost, what life might be like if they had won, and what they might be like if they were on the political scene today.
This episode: Fighting Bob La Follette, Wisconsin Progressive, of the 1924 election. 2015-12-0533 min
Fail to the ChiefEp15. Free Men, Free Soil, Free Loser: Fremont.join comic historian Thom Woodley as he discusses the losers of the presidential elections of the past, and debates what kind of president said loser would have made. In this episode, the 1856 election and the first Republican candidate, John C. Fremont. 2015-11-1347 min
Fail to the ChiefEp14. The Big Man: Winfield ScottJoin comic historian @thomwoodley as he explores the foibles and facts of the losers of our presidential elections.
Follow us @failtothechief and check out failtothechief.wordpress.com for more. 2015-08-2132 min
Fail to the ChiefEp13. Lewis Cass, our first Ugly-American candidate.Comic historian Thom Woodley (@thomwoodley) takes you on a tour through the rogues gallery of presidential candidates who didn't quite make it. This episode, Lewis Cass (Democrat, 1848), who lost to Zachary Taylor. 2015-06-1432 min
Fail to the ChiefEp12. Henry Clay - Part 22015-06-0230 min
Fail to the ChiefEp11. Al Gore, the loser who won.Comic historian @thomwoodley discusses the candidate Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election, and what would have happened had he won. 2015-05-1837 min
Fail to the ChiefEp10. The Devil in Daniel WebsterComic historian Thom Woodley @thomwoodley talks about congressional legend Daniel Webster's failed 1836 Presidential bid, and the two other times he could have very easily become president. 2015-04-1930 min
Fail to the ChiefEp9. Hugh Lawson White, legislative DraculaThis episode, Thom Woodley talks about Hugh Lawson White, possibly the most conservative candidate ever to run on a major party ticket for president. Also one of the ugliest, and possibly most undead. 2015-03-3125 min
Fail to the ChiefEp8. William Wirt Fights the FreemasonsEvery episode, comic historian Thom Woodley (@thomwoodley) details one loser of a presidential election. This time, it's the 1832 third party, William Wirt, sole candidate of the short-lived Anti-Masonic Party... that's right, an entire party dedicated to eradicating the influence of Freemasons. 2015-03-1528 min
Fail to the ChiefEp7. Henry Clay, Part 1Today Thom discusses Henry Clay, three-time loser, six-time candidate, and loserly legend so spectacular he needs two episodes. 2015-03-0636 minFail to the ChiefBonus: Happy President's Day!Today in honor of President's Day, we take a look at all the presidents who have been defeated, either before or after their terms. Just because they won doesn't mean they're not losers. 2015-02-1633 min
Fail to the ChiefEp5. President George Wallace! (gotta keep 'em segregated)This episode, comic historian Thom Woodley talks about the famous villain from the movie SELMA and his quixotic 1968 run for President as the candidate of the American Independent Party. Segregationist, populist, and assassination survivor - just how bad of a President would George C. Wallace have made?
Follow at @failtothechief on Twitter and Facebook, subscribe on iTunes, and follow the blog at failtothechief.wordpress.com.2015-01-2329 minFail to the ChiefBONUS Episode! The First Era of American PoliticsThom Woodley takes a look at the first 9 terms of American presidential history, decides who the Loser of the Era was, and talks about a few more interesting losers who didn't clinch the nomination. 2015-01-1915 min
Fail to the ChiefEp4. The Man who would be Rufus KingJoin comic historian Thom Woodley as he discusses the losers of presidential history - this time Senator Rufus King (1816), the last candidate of the doomed Federalist Party, who didn't even want to be. 2015-01-1028 min
Fail to the ChiefIntro Episode: Hello, LoserWelcome to Fail to the Chief, the podcast where comic historian Thom Woodley talks about the men who became President… almost.
First, let’s talk about what this podcast is and isn’t, and get a sense for the wonderful Losers we’ll be exploring.2014-12-0920 min