13 Presidents is a radio series based on stories from the artist's book of the same name, created from research conducted at all thirteen of the nation’s presidential libraries as part of a 10,000-mile cross-country road trip. From Bill Clinton on an incognito pilgrimage to Graceland, to Richard Nixon secretly eating dog biscuits in the White House residence, presidents become semi-fictional protagonists in stories that weave together personal narrative with wider cultural observation, forming a vision of America that is both invented and true.

These radio episodes were originally commissioned as part of a series of artist works for the launch of Dublab Radio London—but Dublab UK never launched, and this project never aired. Now, in 2021, this work takes on new relevance as we deepen our questioning of the American presidency. Four episodes currently exist (featuring Clinton, Nixon, George W. Bush, and John F. Kennedy), complete with voice, music, and sound effects. Read by David Futernick, Sam Reich, and Marisa J. Futernick. Music composed and performed by Paul Huckerby. Sound by Paul Huckerby and Marisa J. Futernick.

Marisa J. Futernick is an artist and writer based in Glendale, California. Her work tells stories about the promise of the American Dream and expressions of “Americanness,” intertwining the personal with the historical and fact with fiction. https://marisafuternick.com/