Battlecast is the world’s foremost podcast about war and it’s sociopolitical impact. Each month Dr. Luke Wolf works to bring you an unfiltered understanding of the most important battles and wars of mankind’s history. The official motto of the show: “not left, not right: above,” provides a fresh look at the conventional understandings found in history books. So pull up a chair, grab a beer, and join the conversation.
The Battle of Takur Ghar /// 94
The Battle of Takur Ghar, also known as the Battle of Robert’s Ridge, was one of the bloodiest engagements in the history of the United States’ war in Afghanistan. Dozens of men died in the hills and mountains of the Shahi-Kot Valley. Scores more were wounded. The battle also featured one of the first documented… Continue reading The Battle of Takur Ghar /// 94
19-10-2024 • 0
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Military History /// 93
Thousands of drone strikes have killed tens of thousands of targets since the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicle warfare in the early 2000s. This is the story of that warfare. It’s all free and it’s all here on Battlecast – the world’s foremost podcast on war and its sociopolitical impact. Download episode 93 here: download… Continue reading Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Military History /// 93
21-9-2024 • 0
Drones: A Military History /// 92
A man is sitting on his porch before he suddenly geysers upward, somersaulting through the air like a discarded plaything. A work truck is cruising across the Gaza Strip at fifty-miles-an-hour and then is suddenly crushed like a coke can and engulfed in flames. Scores of mass-produced Turkish drones flood the Armenian sky, raining death… Continue reading Drones: A Military History /// 92
21-8-2024 • 0
The Battle of Hamburger Hill part 3 /// 91
The Battle of Hamburger Hill was one of the most famous battles of the Vietnam War. Almost immediately after the conclusion of the battle, dumbfounded American journalists described the horrific assault of Hill 937 – and the inexplicable American withdrawal from the hill just a few days later. To journalists, and their well-fed, luxuriating readers… Continue reading The Battle of Hamburger Hill part 3 /// 91
21-7-2024 • 0
The Battle of Hamburger Hill part 2 /// 90
Hamburger Hill is one of the most famous battles from the Vietnam War. This is the complete story of that bloody conflict. It’s all here and it’s all free on Battlecast, the world’s foremost podcast on war and its sociopolitical impact. This is part two of an ongoing series. You can find part one here.… Continue reading The Battle of Hamburger Hill part 2 /// 90
21-6-2024 • 0
The Battle of Hamburger Hill: an Audio History /// 89
Hamburger Hill. It’s a battle made famous by the 1987 film with the same name. But the real battle of Hamburger Hill, also known as the Battle for Hill 937, took place almost two decades before the film was released – comprising more than a week of fierce, modern combat in horrendous mountainous terrain which… Continue reading The Battle of Hamburger Hill: an Audio History /// 89
20-5-2024 • 0
An Audio Guide to Mass Suicide: Masada, Cowra, Jonestown /// 88
Mass suicide. It’s a rare event, something unique, like an uncommonly beautiful woman – it commands our attention. Using the methods developed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, this podcast is an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon of mass suicide through he lens of three case studies – one ancient, and two modern. The Siege of Masada 73… Continue reading An Audio Guide to Mass Suicide: Masada, Cowra, Jonestown /// 88
21-4-2024 • 0
A Military History of The Liberian Civil War /// 87
Anarchy. Cannibalism. Disorder. These are adjectives, empty words, that we use to try, however futilely, to describe the total pain, the uprooted lives, the destroyed families, the ethnic cleansing that have taken place throughout human history. In this episode of Battlecast, we will tear our thesaurus in half looking up synonyms for torture and bloodshed,… Continue reading A Military History of The Liberian Civil War /// 87
19-3-2024 • 0
A Military History of Liberia /// 86
This podcast is a complete history of violence in the small African nation of Liberia. This is part two of an ongoing series. You can find part one here: A Military History of Liberia part one. Download episode 86 here: download link Maps and Images: Extensive maps and images are posted to the historical atlas… Continue reading A Military History of Liberia /// 86
20-2-2024 • 0
Black Apartheid: A Military History of Liberia
In the 1820s, a small number of freed Black Americans settled in West Africa. They called their country Liberia, land of freedom. From the beginning, conflict with the more than 15 indigenous ethnic groups ensued, and the American-Liberians formed themselves into a new ruling class, dominating natives in the country for more than 150 years,… Continue reading Black Apartheid: A Military History of Liberia
21-1-2024 • 0
Field of Lost Shoes: The Battle of New Market /// 84
The Battle of New Market took place on May 15, 1864 and has been made famous in numerous films and literary works. Hundreds of cadets from the Virginia Military Institute, many of them children, fought toe-to-toe with Union veterans, their small frames the only thing holding back the Federal blue tide. For years, the boys… Continue reading Field of Lost Shoes: The Battle of New Market /// 84
23-12-2023 • 0
To the Last Man: The Second Battle of Fort Fisher /// 83
The Second Battle of Fort Fisher was one of the most important battles of the American Civil War. Fort Fisher was the last shield of Wilmington, North Carolina – the final port open to the Confederacy in 1864. Outnumbered and outgunned, facing one of the largest armadas ever assembled in human history, the Confederates fought… Continue reading To the Last Man: The Second Battle of Fort Fisher /// 83
21-11-2023 • 0
A Military History of the Battle of Fort Fisher /// 82
In this podcast history of the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, Dr. Luke Wolf recounts the epic battle in all it’s gory detail. This is part two of an ongoing series. You can find part one here: part one. Download episode 82 here: download link Maps and Images: Extensive maps and images are posted to… Continue reading A Military History of the Battle of Fort Fisher /// 82
22-10-2023 • 0
Civil War D-Day: The Battle of Fort Fisher /// 81
It was Christmas Day, 1864 when one of the largest armadas ever assembled by mankind began to deluge Fort Fisher, one of the largest forts in the world, with tens of thousands of shells. The Confederates refused to surrender and fought to the last man. Their fort guarded the last remaining port of the Confederacy,… Continue reading Civil War D-Day: The Battle of Fort Fisher /// 81
21-9-2023 • 0
American Nightmare: The New Mexico Prison Riot /// 80
This is the story of the New Mexico State Prison Riot – the most violent penitentiary riot in United States history. This is not an episode for people who are squeamish because within these audio waves are embedded burst heads, mass sexual torture, drug-fueled abuse, a story more painful than pain. It’s a tale from… Continue reading American Nightmare: The New Mexico Prison Riot /// 80
20-8-2023 • 0
The Definitive History of The New Mexico State Penitentiary Riot /// 79
Murder. Mass rape. Mass torture. Violence beyond violence. Millions upon millions of dollars of property damage. An institution turned upside down – the strong fool ruling over the weak doctor; the prisoner over the guard; evil let loose over the good and the weak. Such is the New Mexico State Penitentiary Riot. More than thirty… Continue reading The Definitive History of The New Mexico State Penitentiary Riot /// 79
21-7-2023 • 0
The Battle of Ia Drang /// 78
Made famous in the film We Were Soldiers, the Battle of Ia Drang was the first major conventional battle between regular North Vietnamese forces and the United States military. Drawing from numerous first-person accounts, the Battle of Ia Drang is recounted with vivid detail in this episode. It’s a battle which directly changed the tactics… Continue reading The Battle of Ia Drang /// 78
19-6-2023 • 0
We Were Soldiers: The Battle of Ia Drang /// 77
The Battle of Ia Drang was the first conventional conflict between American forces and North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. For days the two sides met at the foot of the Chu Pong Massif – giving and receiving death, pain, and disfigurement. It’s a battle made famous in the film We Were Soldiers. It’s… Continue reading We Were Soldiers: The Battle of Ia Drang /// 77
20-5-2023 • 0
Zero Dark Thirty: The Manhunt for Osama bin Laden /// 76
For more than a decade after the September 11th attacks, the United States of America devoted a seemingly limitless amount of time and resources to finding one man – Osama bin Laden. This is the story of that manhunt. It’s all here and it’s all free on Battlecast – the world’s foremost podcast on war… Continue reading Zero Dark Thirty: The Manhunt for Osama bin Laden /// 76
19-4-2023 • 0
Chris Kyle – Greatest American Sniper /// 75
Today’s episode recounts the life and death of Chris Kyle – the greatest American sniper in United States history. It’s the final episode of a two part series. It’s 2000 yard shots; it’s death; it’s confused anger and groundless indignation – mixed together into one potent podcast. It’s also the definitive podcast history of Chris… Continue reading Chris Kyle – Greatest American Sniper /// 75
19-3-2023 • 0
American Sniper: Chris Kyle and the Battle of Fallujah /// 74
Chris Kyle was the greatest sniper in American history. The subject of the book and film American Sniper, this is the definitive biographical podcast regarding his life, the controversy surrounding his actions, and his battles. It’s also the story of the Second Battle of Fallujah – one of the bloodiest battles the United States has… Continue reading American Sniper: Chris Kyle and the Battle of Fallujah /// 74
19-2-2023 • 0
The Colonized Strike Back: The Battle of Adwa /// 73
On March 1, 1896 one of the most important events in Western imperial history took place; it was the Battle of Adwa. In this one decisive battle, Ethiopia defeated Italy and threatened to drive the Italians into the sea. Crushed by the Ethiopians, Italy’s entire foreign policy was upended for decades. Hundreds of thousands of… Continue reading The Colonized Strike Back: The Battle of Adwa /// 73
21-1-2023 • 0
The End of the Last Battle: Berlin, May 1945
This is the concluding episode of the definitive history of the Battle of Berlin and the fall of Nazi Germany. You can find parts one through ten at the following links: episode ten, episode nine, episode eight, episode seven, episode six, episode five, episode four, episode three, episode two, and episode one. Download episode 72… Continue reading The End of the Last Battle: Berlin, May 1945
21-12-2022 • 0
The Fall of the Third Reich and the Death of Adolf Hitler /// 71
On April 30, 1945 Adolf Hitler put a pistol to his head and pulled the trigger. By this time the Fuhrer bunker walls were literally trembling like a flag in the wind from the constant artillery shelling taking place all around him. While Hitler said goodbye, more than 2,000 die hard veterans of the SS,… Continue reading The Fall of the Third Reich and the Death of Adolf Hitler /// 71
21-11-2022 • 0
A Funeral for an Empire: The Fall of Berlin /// 70
On April 28th, 1945 nearly the entire developed world joined together to destroy one city: Berlin. This is the story. It’s all here and it’s all free on Battlecast – the world’s foremost podcast on war and its sociopolitical impact. Download episode 70 here: download This episode is part nine of an ongoing series. You… Continue reading A Funeral for an Empire: The Fall of Berlin /// 70
22-10-2022 • 0
Sexual Violence and Mass Rape in War: The Berlin Case /// 69
“Historically speaking, investigating sexual violence in war has been taboo. Nonetheless, sexual violence in armed conflict has been part of the spoils of war since time immemorial. Sexual violence takes many forms in armed conflicts across time and cultures. Sexual violence in war is often accompanied by torture, mutilation, and cannibalism. However, sexual violence is… Continue reading Sexual Violence and Mass Rape in War: The Berlin Case /// 69
22-9-2022 • 0
House to House: Street Fighting in the Battle of Berlin /// 68
April 26, 1945. Berlin is almost totally surrounded. The Soviets are pouring into the city. Small squads of German soldiers and Hitler Youth, often operating in groups of two or four, vainly attempt to stem the Russian tide. They fail, but they kill many in their downfall. This is the story. This episode is part… Continue reading House to House: Street Fighting in the Battle of Berlin /// 68
21-8-2022 • 0
A City Burning: The Battle of Berlin /// 67
Imagine millions of men trying to kill each other on a front more than 30 miles long. That’s what this podcast is all about. Millions of men fought in both urban and rural settings, tens of thousands were killed and wounded on this one day. It was April 25th, 1945. This is the story. It’s… Continue reading A City Burning: The Battle of Berlin /// 67
23-7-2022 • 0
A World in Flames: The Battle of Berlin /// 66
The Fall of Berlin was one of the most important battles in human history. In this ongoing series, Dr. Wolf recounts the story of the last titanic struggle between two totalitarian regimes in minute, exhaustive detail. Drawing from sources never translated into English, this is the definitive history of the Fall of Berlin and the… Continue reading A World in Flames: The Battle of Berlin /// 66
23-6-2022 • 0
Twilight of the Idols: The Battle of Berlin /// 65
This is part four of the definitive podcast history of The Battle of Berlin. This special double episode covers April 21-23. You can find episode three here: episode three, episode two here: episode two, and episode one here: episode one. It’s one of the most exhaustive histories on the Fall of Berlin that’s ever been… Continue reading Twilight of the Idols: The Battle of Berlin /// 65
22-5-2022 • 0
A Military History of the Battle of Berlin /// 64
This is part three of the definitive podcast history of The Battle of Berlin. This episode covers April 20. You can find episode two here: episode two and episode one here: episode one. It’s all here and it’s all free on Battlecast, the world’s foremost podcast on war and its sociopolitical impact. Download episode three… Continue reading A Military History of the Battle of Berlin /// 64
22-4-2022 • 0
Der Untergang: The Fall of Berlin /// 63
This is part two of the definitive podcast history of The Battle of Berlin. This episode covers April 17 through April 19. You can find episode one here: episode one. It’s all here and it’s all free on Battlecast, the world’s foremost podcast on war and its sociopolitical impact. Download episode 63 here: download link… Continue reading Der Untergang: The Fall of Berlin /// 63
23-3-2022 • 0
Downfall: The Battle of Berlin /// 62
The Battle of Berlin was one of the most important battles in human history. One of the greatest cities ever built, a city whose culture had transformed the Western world, was utterly destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of Germans were killed, wounded, or captured. Hundreds of thousands of Soviets lost their lives. Millions of women were… Continue reading Downfall: The Battle of Berlin /// 62
24-2-2022 • 0
Samurai Onslaught: The Japanese Invasion of Korea /// 61
The Imjin War was one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history. Hundreds of thousands were killed. Hundreds of thousands were enslaved. Entire regions were depopulated – former provincial capitals turned into ghost towns. In this episode there is weeping without end; pain without ceasing. An entire people abused and mistreated. This is the story… Continue reading Samurai Onslaught: The Japanese Invasion of Korea /// 61
23-1-2022 • 0
A Military History of the Imjin War /// 60
In this third episode of an ongoing series, Dr. Luke details the massive Chinese counterattack which spilled across the Chinese-Korean border in the winter of 1593. Tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers linked up with tens of thousands of Korean guerillas and warrior monks to drive the samurai across the Korean peninsula and into the… Continue reading A Military History of the Imjin War /// 60
23-12-2021 • 0
Admiral Yi Sun-sin: Military Genius and Savior of Korea /// 59
Admiral Yi Sun-sin single-handedly safeguarded the entire existence of the Korean people. Without this one man Korean culture, the Korean language, and Korean political independence would have ceased to exist. Sun-sin is one of the greatest military minds in recorded human history. This is his story. It’s all here and it’s all free on Battlecast… Continue reading Admiral Yi Sun-sin: Military Genius and Savior of Korea /// 59
23-11-2021 • 0
Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Japanese Invasions of Korea: The Imjin War /// 58
The Imjin War, also known as the Japanese invasions of Korea, were a series of conflicts which took place in Korea after the unification of Japan by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, were killed or enslaved by the samurai invaders. The Korean people may have ceased to exist as an unique people if… Continue reading Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Japanese Invasions of Korea: The Imjin War /// 58
24-10-2021 • 0
Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and the Cuban Revolution /// 57
The Cuban Revolution was one of the most important events in military, diplomatic and political history. Here is the story of the men who tore a revolution from nothing, and sent the world to the very brink of nuclear destruction. It’s all here and it’s all free on Battlecast – the world’s foremost podcast on… Continue reading Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and the Cuban Revolution /// 57
25-9-2021 • 0
A Military History of the Cuban Revolution /// 56
During the 1950s, two wealthy brothers named Fidel and Raul Castro, along with their Argentinian medical doctor Che Guevara Lynch, upturned the entire Western hemisphere. Whole industries, where Americans had spent tens of millions of dollars on gambling or prostitution, were suddenly wiped out. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans fled the advent of Castro’s regime… Continue reading A Military History of the Cuban Revolution /// 56
25-8-2021 • 0
The Rhodesian Bush War and the Rise and Fall of Zimbabwe /// 55
The Rhodesian Bush War was just the start of modern Zimbabwe’s tragedy. In today’s special double episode we pick up where we left off: in the middle of the bloody Rhodesian Bush War. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives in the conflict. Hundreds of thousands more lost everything they owned in the struggle.… Continue reading The Rhodesian Bush War and the Rise and Fall of Zimbabwe /// 55
26-7-2021 • 0
The Rhodesian Bush War – a Forgotten African War /// 54
The Rhodesian Bush War was one of the bloodiest conflicts since the Second World War. Tens of thousands were killed. Tens of thousands more were wounded. Hundreds of thousands of African civilians were moved from their ancestral homes and concentrated in “protective villages” – a massive movement of population that in itself demonstrates the tremendous… Continue reading The Rhodesian Bush War – a Forgotten African War /// 54
26-6-2021 • 0
A Military History of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe: The First Chimurenga /// 53
The First Chimurenga was a near simultaneous uprising by the veteran warriors of the Ndebele tribe and their former serfs of the Shona tribe against the few thousand settlers who had colonized Rhodesia during the first decade of its existence. Tens of thousands of people died – including many women and children – no one… Continue reading A Military History of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe: The First Chimurenga /// 53
27-5-2021 • 0
A Military History of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe: The First Matabele War /// 52
In 1890, the country of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe did not exist. What did exist were two regions dominated by the Ndebele tribe, a tribe who broke off from the battle-hardened Zulu. The area of modern-day Zimbabwe was called Matabeleland and Mashonaland. The Ndebele ruled over the Shona like Spartans over Helots. In the early 1890s, British settlers… Continue reading A Military History of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe: The First Matabele War /// 52
25-4-2021 • 0
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi and the 2012 Benghazi Attack /// 51
The 2012 Benghazi Attack on two isolated American diplomatic and intelligence compounds is a well-known story to millions of film-viewers across the world. In tonight’s show, a few Americans will battle for their lives against overwhelming odds. It’s a case study of static defense warfare in the modern setting: cut off and alone – hundreds… Continue reading 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi and the 2012 Benghazi Attack /// 51
26-3-2021 • 0
Leslie Bull Allen: Australian Hero /// 50
Leslie Bull Allen: orphan, pig farmer, day laborer, hero. Seventeen: that’s how many wounded and helpless men were saved from direct modern combat by Bull Allen – a man beyond measure. Bull braved dangers that actually drove him insane. The thing is: he didn’t have to do it. He volunteered to do the impossible. There… Continue reading Leslie Bull Allen: Australian Hero /// 50
26-2-2021 • 0
The Siege of Jerusalem /// 49
The Siege of Jerusalem is one of the most important battles in human history. The siege has a direct and lasting impact on millions of Jews and Christians across the globe. It’s a story of hundreds of thousands of deaths, forced enslavement, and barbaric mass destruction. It’s the fall of the temple that could not… Continue reading The Siege of Jerusalem /// 49
27-1-2021 • 0
The Great Revolt: The First Jewish-Roman War /// 48
It’s a war that goes by many names: The First Jewish-Roman War, The Great Revolt, The Jewish War; but whatever name you prefer, The Great Revolt was a war that influences untold millions today. The Revolt directly altered the entire calendar of the Western World – moving the sacred day of rest (and your primary… Continue reading The Great Revolt: The First Jewish-Roman War /// 48
27-12-2020 • 0
A Military History of Modern Israel: The Yom Kippur War /// 47
This is part four of a four part series on the military history of modern Israel. You can find the other three parts here: part three, part two, and part one. It’s all here and it’s all for free on Battlecast – the world’s foremost podcast on war and its socio-political impact. Download episode 47… Continue reading A Military History of Modern Israel: The Yom Kippur War /// 47
27-11-2020 • 0
A Military History of Modern Israel: The Six-Day War
In the Six-Day War, Israel once again faced much of the combined might of the Soviet-equipped Arab world. Once again, Israel stunned the world in her elegant defense of her borders and conquest of hundreds of square miles of territory. Tens of thousands of men were either killed, wounded, or taken prisoner – over a… Continue reading A Military History of Modern Israel: The Six-Day War
27-10-2020 • 0
A Military History of Modern Israel: The Suez Crisis /// 45
In 1956 the world held it’s breath. Israel invaded Egypt, penetrating to within ten miles of the Suez Canal – a key choke point for the world economy. The Egyptians struggled to stem the Israeli tide of shrapnel-spewing steel. The British and French threatened to intervene. The United Nations fell into an uproar. The Soviet… Continue reading A Military History of Modern Israel: The Suez Crisis /// 45
25-9-2020 • 0
A Military History of Modern Israel: The First Arab-Israeli War /// 44
100,000 British soldiers – a massive army in the annals of human history; that’s how many soldiers The United Kingdom sent to Palestine in order to quell the budding revolt of the Israeli nation. It didn’t work. Thousands died. Tens of thousands of Arab and Israeli soldiers clashed. Hundreds of thousands of people lost everything… Continue reading A Military History of Modern Israel: The First Arab-Israeli War /// 44
23-8-2020 • 0
Burn Ward 13: Modern Military Medicine /// 43
Today’s show is the story of modern military medicine. It’s burns. It’s amputations. It’s disfigurement. It’s the story of medical staff and wounded in war zones – the horror, the deaths, the exhaustion. It’s a brief history of pain and it’s all for free on Battlecast – the world’s foremost podcast on war and it’s… Continue reading Burn Ward 13: Modern Military Medicine /// 43
24-7-2020 • 0
May 1968: The Month France Exploded /// 42
In May 1968 the nation of France came apart at the seams. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators flooded into the streets. Strikes across the nation brought production to a standstill. Veteran politicians fled the country. Protestors met police in the streets: club versus bat, stone versus grenade. This is the story of the month France… Continue reading May 1968: The Month France Exploded /// 42
23-6-2020 • 0
El Narco: The Mexican Drug War /// 41
Today we’re diving back into a war that has touched all our lives – the Mexican Drug War. It’s the deaths behind so many parties across the length and breadth of North America – the sin behind the fun – the endless pain that birthed endless euphoria. It’s a war that lays bare our true… Continue reading El Narco: The Mexican Drug War /// 41
26-5-2020 • 0
Outlaw King: Robert the Bruce /// 40
Tonight we’re going back to Scotland – back to the front line where Robert the Bruce is going to roll the dice and gamble it all – facing down the gathered strength of England. He traded wine and women – a comfortable chair by the fire – for the bitter cold of water-drenched journeys, bloodshed… Continue reading Outlaw King: Robert the Bruce /// 40
26-4-2020 • 0
Braveheart: William Wallace and the Battle for Scotland /// 39
William Wallace is an enigmatic figure – most of what we know about him was written by his enemies but tonight we go deep down the rabbit hole to find every shred of evidence that we know about his life. It’s an epic tale complete with guerilla warfare, vicious torture, and the making and breaking… Continue reading Braveheart: William Wallace and the Battle for Scotland /// 39
26-3-2020 • 0
The Battle of Dunkirk: Operation Dynamo /// 38
Dunkirk. It’s a battle that has inspired countless filmmakers, novelists, and historians – a battle that saved a nation, and quite possibly, the modern world as we know it. As a direct result of the actions of the men you will hear about in this episode, Great Britain survived to fight another day. The cornerstone… Continue reading The Battle of Dunkirk: Operation Dynamo /// 38
26-2-2020 • 0
Scorched Earth: Concentration Camps and Guerilla Conflict in the Boer War /// 37
During the Boer War the British laid waste to huge swaths of South Africa. Homes were burned. Children starved. Battle raged across the countryside. Entire populations were imprisoned in concentration camps. Thousands died. This is the story. This is part 2 of a two part series. You can find part one here: Boer War part… Continue reading Scorched Earth: Concentration Camps and Guerilla Conflict in the Boer War /// 37
25-1-2020 • 0
The Boer War /// 36
The Boer War was fought across the length and breadth of modern-day South Africa. It started as a conventional fight but degenerated into a protracted guerilla war that cost the British people 230 million pounds, approximately 27 billion pounds in today’s money. But the war left another legacy in South Africa – a legacy of… Continue reading The Boer War /// 36
24-12-2019 • 0
The First Crusade and the Conquest of the Holy Land /// 35
The war for the Holy Land – the First Crusade. On today’s show, we’re taking the besieged crusaders all the way from Antioch to Jerusalem. It’s an epic story filled with war, savagery, and even ghosts the whole way. It’s the story of the Holy Lance of Christ and the bloody conquest of Palestine. It’s… Continue reading The First Crusade and the Conquest of the Holy Land /// 35
29-11-2019 • 0
The First Crusade and the Double Battle of Antioch /// 34
The First Crusade was a watershed moment in both Islamic and Christian history – influencing history across Africa, Europe, and Asia for centuries to come. This is the story. It’s all here and it’s all for free on Battlecast – the world’s foremost podcast on war and it’s sociopolitical impact. I also want to give… Continue reading The First Crusade and the Double Battle of Antioch /// 34
29-10-2019 • 0
The H.L. Hunley: First Combat Submarine /// 33
The H.L. Hunley was the first submarine in human history to effectively engage and destroy an enemy. The story of the Hunley is equal to the story of the Wright brothers’ first flight or Armstrong’s moon landing – a first step with dire repercussions for the future of the world. This is the story. It’s… Continue reading The H.L. Hunley: First Combat Submarine /// 33
26-9-2019 • 0
9/11: The September 11 Attacks /// 32
The September 11 attacks. Almost 3,000 died. Hundreds of millions of dollars of property was destroyed. 15 pregnant women lost their babies – their bodies spontaneously aborting their children as their fellow citizens fled from the crashing towers in absolute terror. But behind all these figures – these faceless, nameless numbers – there are tens… Continue reading 9/11: The September 11 Attacks /// 32
26-8-2019 • 0
The Tet Offensive part 2 / Hue and Khe Sanh /// 31
The battles for Hue and Khe Sanh were some of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War. Hue was the third largest city in South Vietnam and its capture by Communist forces led to the first urban conflict of the Marine Corps since the Korean War. Khe Sanh was the battlefield where classical encirclement strategies… Continue reading The Tet Offensive part 2 / Hue and Khe Sanh /// 31
30-7-2019 • 0
The Tet Offensive part 1 /// 30
The Tet Offensive. It’s not a battle – it’s a campaign, a campaign that would change the course of American history. Tet combined major set-piece battles with guerrilla strikes up and down the length of South Vietnam, there was fighting everywhere. One Colonel said his situation map lit up like a pinball machine. With this one stroke, General Giap… Continue reading The Tet Offensive part 1 /// 30
30-6-2019 • 0
Lone Survivor: Operation Red Wings /// 29
Lone Survivor. It’s the deadliest day for United States special forces since World War II. Four Navy Seals, cut off and alone, fought for their lives on a literal mountain of pain – in terrain so hostile it actually fought against the men. I mean this literally, the terrain cut them, smashed them – foiled… Continue reading Lone Survivor: Operation Red Wings /// 29
30-5-2019 • 0
Simo Hayha – the Greatest Sniper of all Time /// 28
Simo Häyhä was the greatest sniper that ever lived. Using only iron sights and the normal equipment of the Finnish soldier in the Russo-Finnish Winter War, he carried out a 90-day reign of terror on the Soviet invaders of his homeland. They called him “The White Death.” He had over 200 confirmed kills. He gave… Continue reading Simo Hayha – the Greatest Sniper of all Time /// 28
29-4-2019 • 0
Waterloo /// 27
Waterloo. It’s a battle that’s on the top of every list of decisive battles in human history. It’s a day that changed the world forever. It’s the nail in the coffin for one of the greatest military leaders in human history and it’s all covered on Battlecast, the world’s foremost podcast on war and its… Continue reading Waterloo /// 27
1-4-2019 • 0
The Hungarian Revolution of 1956
In 1956 the Hungarian nation revolted against their Soviet masters. The Soviets responded with massive force – columns of tanks that went on for miles, like an interminable death train. The rest of the world looked on dumbfounded. They did nothing. The Hungarians fought against overwhelming odds – in the teeth of air strafing, tanks,… Continue reading The Hungarian Revolution of 1956
28-2-2019 • 0
Show 25: War to the Knife – the Paraguayan War II
This is the second part of our series on the Paraguayan War, the bloodiest war in South American history. It’s a war of waste, of burned cities and child soldiers. It’s a war of tyrants and monarchs. It’s a war to the knife. It’s all here and it’s all for free on Battlecast – the… Continue reading Show 25: War to the Knife – the Paraguayan War II
30-1-2019 • 0
Show 24: The Paraguayan War and the Battle of Tuyutí
The Paraguayan War. It’s the bloodiest inter-state war in South American history. It’s the bloodiest war in modern history on a per capita basis. Because of this war, the Paraguayan people, an entire culture, almost ceased to exist. And how many of you even knew about it before you read this? But it’s not just… Continue reading Show 24: The Paraguayan War and the Battle of Tuyutí
30-12-2018 • 0
Show 23: Christmas at the Battle of the Bulge
Christmas, 1944. The weakest sector of the American line is getting ready to celebrate the Yuletide when Nazi Germany, like a second-Mordor, disgorged multiple armies no one knew Hitler even had into the green American troops. The tide of steel was overwhelming. Hundreds of thousands of men would die. Hundreds of thousands of mothers would… Continue reading Show 23: Christmas at the Battle of the Bulge
1-12-2018 • 0
Show 22: The Real Dracula
Dracula. He’s a legend who will appear at innumerable parties on Halloween. Children will wear capes and not understand why. Adults will watch movies about vampires sucking blood and never know why they do it. As Armand said in Interview with the Vampire: “I know nothing of God, or the Devil. I have never seen… Continue reading Show 22: The Real Dracula
19-10-2018 • 0
Show 21: The Fall of Constantinople part 2
On May 29, 1453 Constantinople fell. This is the story of the fall. Check out the first part of the story here: Fall of Constantinople part 1 The beer this episode is Mythos, 3 bullets out of five. http://media.blubrry.com/429895/archive.org/download/BC21_2034/BC21.mp3 Download link: download Illustrations Contemporary depiction of Constantinople Battle map. Notice the shape of the walls. A modern… Continue reading Show 21: The Fall of Constantinople part 2
30-9-2018 • 0
Show 20: Total Jihad – Fetih 1453 and the Last Battle of Constantinople
It’s a holy war between Islam and Christianity. It’s a battle known the world over. It’s the last outpost of Christian Europe in the Near East facing down a Turkish onslaught. It’s a battle that has profound and lasting implications for our modern world: from debates about Turkish entry into the European Union to the… Continue reading Show 20: Total Jihad – Fetih 1453 and the Last Battle of Constantinople
2-9-2018 • 0
Show 19: The Last Hell is Never the Very Last – Stalingrad part 2
What can you write to describe this battle? It’s Stalingrad. It’s a scar on all ethics – all morality – all outlooks that men are basically good. Were men good when they massacred each other, starved each other, shot and stabbed and exploded one another at Stalingrad? Homo homini lupus – Man is a wolf… Continue reading Show 19: The Last Hell is Never the Very Last – Stalingrad part 2
30-7-2018 • 0
Show 18: Enemy at the Gates: The Battle of Stalingrad part 1
Stalingrad. It’s a name we’ve all heard before. It’s a showdown between two totalitarian systems and a battle that sent millions of people to the grave. Can you even imagine millions upon millions of men at war? Think about it. In our show today, this tragedy will take place in your ear drums, will desecrate… Continue reading Show 18: Enemy at the Gates: The Battle of Stalingrad part 1
1-7-2018 • 0
Show 17: The Caravan of Death – The Chilean Coup
On September 11, 1973, tanks ground the pavement of Chile’s capital city. Chilean air force jets bombed the presidential palace. Men fought in the streets. Snipers danced in between buildings, shooting friend and foe, and even each other. The whole nation was under martial law. The radio was taken over. The schools were taken over.… Continue reading Show 17: The Caravan of Death – The Chilean Coup
28-5-2018 • 0
Show 16: Australia Turns the Tide – The Kokoda Track
Japan Triumphant On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the United States navy at Pearl Harbor. On December 8, the United States declared war on Japan. But Japan didn’t stop at Pearl Harbor, she launched a series of daring assaults across the Pacific theater of war. On the tenth of December, the… Continue reading Show 16: Australia Turns the Tide – The Kokoda Track
1-5-2018 • 0
Show 15: Death Forest – Battle of Teutoburg Forest
In today’s episode we have one of the most important battles in world history: Teutoburg Forest. A loose confederation of Germanic tribes, led by a Romanized German named Arminius, seeks to stem the irresistible Roman advance into the heart of Germany. It was Arminius’s actions that saved the German language. It was his actions that… Continue reading Show 15: Death Forest – Battle of Teutoburg Forest
2-4-2018 • 0
Show 14: Canada Must Fall – the Plains of Abraham
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was fought outside the walls of Quebec City. It decided the fate of not only the French in North America but also hundreds of Native American tribes across the continent. In today’s show we have ethnic cleansing on a vast scale – entire provinces and regions deliberately depopulated.… Continue reading Show 14: Canada Must Fall – the Plains of Abraham
1-3-2018 • 0
Show 13: Black Hawk Down – The Battle of Mogadishu part 2
It’s our anniversary show here at Battlecast and we’re starting our second year off with an action-packed episode on the Battle of Mogadishu. In today’s episode you’ll hear an epic story of self-sacrifice as two Delta Force operators attempt to hold back an entire city of hostiles. Meanwhile, General Garrison struggles to scrape together a… Continue reading Show 13: Black Hawk Down – The Battle of Mogadishu part 2
28-1-2018 • 0
Show 12: Black Hawk Down – the Battle of Mogadishu part 1
It’s October 3, 1993 and 160 soldiers of an American task force are making a routine raid into Mogadishu. It should have been just another minor skirmish. It became a battle that would cost the lives of thousands. On today’s show we’ve got a classic showdown of cutting-edge military technology and training versus the sheer… Continue reading Show 12: Black Hawk Down – the Battle of Mogadishu part 1
22-12-2017 • 0
Show 11: Texas Forever – The Battle of the Alamo
Join Chris and Luke in the North Georgia bunker as they recount the Battle of the Alamo, the famous battle from the Texas Revolution. General Santa Anna, an opium addict and dictator, is bringing an army of 7,000 men to decimate the homes and firesides of Texas. Only 200 men stand in their way –… Continue reading Show 11: Texas Forever – The Battle of the Alamo
2-12-2017 • 0
Show 10: Clearing Hell – The Battle of Iwo Jima part 3
“Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.” — U.S. Navy Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, March 16, 1945 Join Chris and Luke as they guide you through one of the bloodiest battles in American history: the Battle of Iwo Jima. In this episode the marines will drive across… Continue reading Show 10: Clearing Hell – The Battle of Iwo Jima part 3
3-11-2017 • 0
Show 9: Storming Hell – The Battle of Iwo Jima part 2
It’s February 20, 1945 and the United States Marine Corps has bisected the neck of the island of Iwo Jima. In this show, the Japanese will unleash the fearsome kamikaze and we’ll hear from a kamikaze who miraculously survived to tell the tale. Thousands of Navy personnel and hundreds of Japanese pilots won’t be so… Continue reading Show 9: Storming Hell – The Battle of Iwo Jima part 2
2-10-2017 • 0
Episode 8: A Nightmare In Hell – Iwo Jima part 1
Iwo Jima – an eight-square-mile island transformed into a death trap. Literally, every square inch of the island spewed death. The whole rock was a front line. Join Chris and Luke as they take you, like a second Virgil, on a trip through a Nightmare in Hell – the battle of Iwo Jima. For months,… Continue reading Episode 8: A Nightmare In Hell – Iwo Jima part 1
2-9-2017 • 0
Episode 7: The Death of a World – The Battle of Zama
Join Luke and Chris in the bunker as they recount the battle of Zama – the final battle of the Second Punic War. Beer this month is Celtia, 3 bullets out of 5. In this battle, Roman commander Scipio Africanus faces Carthaginian legend Hannibal Barca. The battle would decide the fate of much of our… Continue reading Episode 7: The Death of a World – The Battle of Zama
6-8-2017 • 0
Episode 6: Punic Stalingrad – The Battle of Metaurus
Join Luke and Chris in the bunker as they recount the battle of Metaurus – the Stalingrad of the Second Punic War. Beer this month is Birra Moretti, 3.5 bullets out of 5. In this battle, Roman commander Nero attempts to turn the tide in the decisive confrontation of the Second Punic War. This battle… Continue reading Episode 6: Punic Stalingrad – The Battle of Metaurus
12-7-2017 • 0
Episode 5: The Battle of Cannae
Join Chris and Luke in the North Georgia Bunker as they recount the Battle of Cannae. The beer this month is Peroni, 3 bullets out of 5. Note this map is dated wrong, the battle took place in 216 B.C. http://media.blubrry.com/429895/archive.org/download/BattlecastBattleofCannae/Battlecast%20Cannae.mp3 Download link: download Map of battle locations: Book References: Rome and Carthage by T.A.… Continue reading Episode 5: The Battle of Cannae
16-6-2017 • 0
Episode 4: Battle of Atlanta Part 2
Join Chris and Luke in the Atlanta Ivory Tower as they discuss the battle of Atlanta and drink beer. The beer this episode is Sweetwater Blue, bunker grade: 3.5 out of 5 bullets. http://media.blubrry.com/429895/archive.org/download/BattleofAtlantaPart2Final/battle%20of%20atlanta%20part%202%20final.mp3 Download Episode 4 here: download Picture Credits: “War is Hell” by Mort Kunstler References: The Siege of Atlanta by Samuel Carter… Continue reading Episode 4: Battle of Atlanta Part 2
27-5-2017 • 0
Episode 3 – Battle of Atlanta part one
Join Luke and Chris in the bunker as they drink beer and review the greatest battles in history. Beer this episode is Laughing Skull Craft Lager: four bullets out of five. http://media.blubrry.com/429895/archive.org/download/BattlecastBattleOfAtlantaPartOne/Battle%20of%20Atlanta%20part%20one.mp3 Download episode 3 here: download References: The Siege of Atlanta by Samuel Carter III Co. Aytch by Sam Watkins Sherman’s March by Richard… Continue reading Episode 3 – Battle of Atlanta part one
13-5-2017 • 0
Episode 2: Hastings
Join Chris and Luke in the bunker as they recount the battle of Hastings. The beer this episode is Fuller’s London Porter. Bunker rating: 4 bullets out of 5. http://media.blubrry.com/429895/archive.org/download/battlecasthastings/battlecasthastings.mp3 Download episode 2 here: download References: Bradbury, Jim. The Battle of Hastings. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Sturluson, Snorri. The Saga of King Harold Bloch, R. Howard.… Continue reading Episode 2: Hastings
7-5-2017 • 0
Episode 1: Dien Bien Phu
Join us in the bunker this week as we recount the harrowing tale of Dien Bien Phu. Dien Bien Phu was fought between the French and Vietnamese in 1954. The battle is a classic example of encirclement warfare. Our beer this week is 33 export beer out of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. http://media.blubrry.com/429895/archive.org/download/BattlecastDienBienPhuUpdate2/battlecast%20dien%20bien%20phu%20update2.mp3 Download… Continue reading Episode 1: Dien Bien Phu