This week on the show writer, strategist, and founder of The Emperor Norton Trust John Lumea joins AP for an in-depth discussion about an obscure but fascinating historical figure- that of Joshua Abraham Norton, the self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. What began as a campaign on John's part to recognize the Emperor's association with the San Francisco Bay Bridge turned into the current Trust, which seeks to honor the legacy of Norton I through archival materials, advocacy, and John's writings about the man. Norton's impact in the latter part of the 19th century extended far beyond San Francisco and his time, showing the power of eccentricity and force of will to carry one's beliefs and ideas into reality.
In the interview, John gets into the history of Emperor Norton as well as his ideology, which was surprisingly progressive for his time. In the process, he pushes back on some common misconceptions about the Emperor, painting a picture of a benevolent monarch and poignant, albeit unconventional, thinker. Also discussed are the Emperor's spiritual life, his role as a Discordian saint, and how we can apply the Nortonian ideal in today's age.
Keep up with John at The Emperor Norton Trust here: https://emperornortontrust.org/