Ep 1: "Young Man of Merit" — Cortelyou, an outstanding stenographer and master of shorthand, rises through skill and determination—an uncommon path in an era defined by political patronage and connections. His precision and intellect catch the attention of multiple supervisors as he advances rapidly through the Postal Department. Eventually recognized by Postmaster General Bissell and then by President Grover Cleveland, Cortelyou is appointed as presidential secretary—despite their party differences. When Cortelyou tells Cleveland, “I think you ought to know my politics. I’m a Republican,” Cleveland replies, “I don’t care a d—n about your politics. There are no politics in confidential relations.” When Cleveland recommends him to President McKinley, Cortelyou steps into a deeper and more intimate role, becoming a trusted figure within the McKinley household. He provides steadiness to the emotionally fragile Ida McKinley, who suffers from seizures and lingering grief over the loss of her daughters. During the Spanish-American War, Cortelyou's calm under pressure and gift for managing information are tested on a national scale. It is during this time he begins to hear increasing mentions of the bold young "Rough Rider", Theodore Roosevelt, whose military exploits capture the nation's imagination and launch him into political stardom.

Ep 2: "Assassination" — As the Pan-American Exposition nears, Cortelyou is charged with orchestrating the president's visit. Out of concern for McKinley's safety, he cancels the trip twice, fearing inadequate security and an unpredictable crowd. He is eventually overruled—but history would soon prove his instinct correct. At the Exposition in Buffalo, a celebration of American progress and new innovations is everywhere—electric light displays, steam-powered walkways, and the X-ray machine. But tragedy strikes. President McKinley is shot by an anarchist assassin. Cortelyou takes control—managing doctors, messaging Roosevelt, and updating the press. As McKinley dies, Cortelyou comforts Ida and shields her from the harshest shocks. Meanwhile, Vice President Roosevelt is deep in the Adirondack Mountains on a hunting trip. When word reaches him, he rushes to Buffalo, and the two men finally meet face-to-face. TR takes the oath. One era ends, another begins.

Ep 3: "White House Architect" — By 1908, journalist James Creelman would write that Cortelyou’s discipline and organizational mastery had made the White House “a place of peace.” — Cortelyou must now adjust to a very different president. Roosevelt is bold, energetic, and nearly Cortelyou’s peer in age—unlike McKinley, who served as a father figure. Cortelyou becomes Roosevelt’s right hand and reshapes the presidency—developing staff protocols, formalizing security, and building systems that transformed the chaotic Executive Mansion into a model of operational excellence. He creates a code of behavior for clerks, ushers, and doorkeepers, mandates tidy workspaces, and writes a detailed playbook for presidential travel. Twice daily, he meets with reporters to manage public messaging, invents the modern press release, and begins analyzing press coverage to gauge public opinion. These innovations lay the foundation for modern presidential communication and logistics. A flashback reveals his early ambition: running beside President Arthur’s carriage when he was 12 years old. Now, he's inside it.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.