As America approaches its 250th birthday, O’Connor & Company welcomes Dr. Matthew Spalding, Vice President for Washington Operations and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C., Campus on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Spalding discusses the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the events that led to 1776, drawing from his new book, The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence. From the Founders’ debates to the philosophical roots of America’s founding, this conversation explores why the Declaration still matters today.

Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C., Campus is home to the Van Andel Graduate School of Government, which offers a part-time M.A. in Government for young professionals.

Learn more at DC.Hillsdale.edu.

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Episode: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 / 8 AM Hour