History with Mark Bielski
97 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratingsTune in for a more conversational discussion of history with historian Mark Bielski and his guests. We all know there was a war and who was president, but what about the spies, the intrigues, the deceptions and the backstories? What about learning about the occasional farcical or comedic decisions made by serious figures and their sometime tragic results? By telling the untold tales of our past, Mark Bielski is committed to making history come alive for future generations.
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Episodes
Trench Dogs
July 13, 2018 14:20 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBAn interview with Ian Densford, artist, and animator, who has just published his graphic novel, Trench Dogs. A book that draws its inspiration from a collection of first-hand accounts from WW1.
The Civil War: Early July 1863
July 05, 2018 16:05 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBA quick look at the two major Civil War events that took place in early July 155 years ago and some characters who played key roles. The man who initiated the battle of Gettysburg, one of the most controversial generals who took part in it and the General who could have saved Vicksburg for the Confederacy.
Leadership: The Essential Qualities Part II
June 28, 2018 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBProf. Harry Laver returns to continue the discussion on the qualities of Leadership and his book edited with Jeffrey J. Matthews, The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell.
Leadership: The Essential Qualities
June 20, 2018 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBProf. Harry Laver joins Mark to discuss the qualities of Leadership and his book edited with Jeffrey J. Matthews, The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell.
Iraq: Ancient Country, Modern Conflicts
June 13, 2018 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBIraq: from ancient to modern times. Kate Tietzen joins Mark to discuss the conflicts, sometime resolutions and the evolution of the country. Her in-country research delves into the many facets of the Iraqi people, the religious factions and the nation's friends, foes and allies.
The D-Day Invasion-The Beach Landings
June 07, 2018 14:51 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBA discussion of the D-Day Invasion operations in June 1944, Omaha Beach landings and actions at Vierville Draw on D-Day.
D-Day Invasion: Preparation and Deception
June 01, 2018 20:52 - 24 minutes - 22 MBA discussion about Operation Overlord, the planning of the D-Day invasion, and the deception operations. This podcast includes excerpts from Dr. Stephen Ambrose’s lectures on WWII.
The Ghost Army of WWII with Rick Beyer
May 24, 2018 17:24 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MBIn this episode of History With Mark Bielski, Rick Beyer discusses the Ghost Army operations in WWII and the upcoming tour he will be leading this September to experience and study their creative deceptions during the war.
May Historical Events: Civil War
May 18, 2018 13:29 - 25 minutes - 35.2 MBIn this episode Mark takes a look at some significant events that took place in May from the Civil War era, even considering these events in light of Ralph Waldo Emerson's famous (yet unrelated) quote "What potent blood hath modest May" which Mark will show is an applicable description when considering the outcome of some such events from this time in history.
Medicine in the Civil War
May 09, 2018 06:00 - 23 minutes - 32.6 MBDr. Ken Rettig and Mark discuss medical practices during the Civil War. From bullet wounds and amputations to respiratory diseases they explore how army surgeons treated patients during that period.
Predicting Pearl Harbor
May 02, 2018 20:26 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MBRon Drez discusses his latest book, Predicting Pearl Harbor: Billy Mitchell and the Path to War. Gen. Billy Mitchell recognized the signs and foresaw the eventual showdown between the two nations―eighteen years before the tragedy of Pearl Harbor. Yet his predictions were dismissed out of hand.
Civil War: The Fall of New Orleans
April 26, 2018 19:00 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MBThe Union Fleet under Farragut passes Forts Jackson and St. Philip. After a duel with the few Confederate gunboats, they reach New Orleans and demand the city's surrender on April 26, 1862.
April Historical Events: Civil War and WWII
April 18, 2018 20:37 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBA look at some significant events that took place in April from the Civil War and WWII. April is the cruelest month” according to T.S. Eliot, but was he also thinking historically? A look at some significant April events from the Civil War and WWII: Fort Sumter, Shiloh, Norway, Murmansk and Iraq.
Sultana Disaster: Part II
April 12, 2018 15:14 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBAuthor Sally M. Walker joins Mark to discuss the tragic disaster of the explosion and sinking of the Sultana in 1865. It was America's greatest maritime disaster that occurred on the Mississippi River at the end of the Civil War—but so few people know about it. Her book , Sinking the Sultana tells the intriguing story.
The Lincoln Assassination and the Sultana Disaster
April 04, 2018 22:06 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBProfessor Gerry Prokopowicz wraps up the Lincoln discussion with some points about the assassination in April 1865. Mark gives background and the basic story of the Sultana tragedy, America's greatest maritime disaster that occurred that same month.
Civil War and Abraham Lincoln: Part I
March 28, 2018 21:31 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBMark discusses the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln with historian Gerry Prokopowicz.
Patton and the Third Army at Fort Driant
March 22, 2018 14:53 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBAfter the historic breakout in Normandy and their rapid advance through northern France, the Third Army faced an unexpected obstacle at Fort Driant on the Maginot Line. A seasoned garrison of Wehrmacht troops put up a staunch resistance. Historian Kevin Hymel returns to discuss the action there.
Band of Brothers: Leadership of the 101st Airborne Division
March 14, 2018 20:06 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBHistorian Chris Anderson joins Mark to discuss leadership in the Second World War at various levels. As an expert on Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, he highlights Major Dick Winters of Band of Brothers renown.
Civil War New Orleans
March 09, 2018 15:47 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBGeneral Mansfield Lovell assumes military command of New Orleans and begins to shore up the defenses. He affirms that the threat will come upriver from the Gulf of Mexico, despite Richmond's insistence that he transfer men and boats north. Construction begins on two super CSA gunboats, the Louisiana and Mississippi—said to surpass anything the Union had.
Hood's Texas Brigade
March 01, 2018 19:19 - 40 minutes - 36.6 MBSusannah J. Ural, professor of history at the University of Southern Mississippi and co-director of the University’s Dale Center for the Study of War and Society discusses her recent book, Hood’s Texas Brigade: The Soldiers and Families of the Confederacy’ts Most Celebrated Unit. Published by Louisiana State University Press.
The Band of Brothers: George Luz and Easy Company
February 22, 2018 15:23 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBIn this episode, guest George Luz, Jr. talks about his father’s experiences in WWII as a soldier in Easy Company, the Band of Brothers. We discuss the training, toil, camaraderie and sacrifices of the men in E Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.
Vicksburg Monuments: The Art of Commemoration
February 15, 2018 14:37 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBGeneral Parker Hills joins Mark to discuss the monuments at the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi. Gen. Hills’ book Art of Commemoration catalogues and details the magnificent sculpture, architecture, the artists and interpretations that memorialize the Park.
Civil War New Orleans
February 08, 2018 16:44 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBIn 1861, the City of New Orleans prepared for an imminent invasion by Union forces after Louisiana joined the Confederacy. As a crisis loomed, leadership, politics and military shortcomings become evident.
Ulysses S. Grant: Later War Years
January 31, 2018 17:57 - 29 minutes - 27 MBProfessor Laver returns to review the Vicksburg Campaign, Grant’s rise to General-in-Chief of the Union Army, the Chattanooga campaign and his campaigns in Virginia.
Ulysses S. Grant: Early Career and Civil War
January 24, 2018 20:53 - 45 minutes - 42 MBHarry Laver, Professor of History at the US Army Command and General Staff College will discuss Grant’s early career and his leadership in the Western Theatre of the War up to the Vicksburg Campaign.
Tudor England in the Media
January 17, 2018 14:24 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBProfessor Bill Robison joins Mark to discuss Tudor England and its portrayal in film and TV—especially the series The Tudors and the interpretations of key characters such as Henry VIII, Ann Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, Thomas More and Cardinal Wolsey.
January Events in American History
January 12, 2018 21:39 - 20 minutes - 19 MBThe beginning of a new year has often seen major developments in U.S. history. We review some of the key events such as the Battle of New Orleans and the Emancipation Proclamation.
Spring Lineup
January 05, 2018 19:51 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBSpring Lineup by History with Mark Bielski
Christmas in Wartime - Part II
December 20, 2017 16:16 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBIn this episode, Mark reviews some of the happenings that American and Allied soldiers experienced during WWII. There are a few items from the home front and some from where the fighting occurred, as well as a few segments from POWs.
Christmas in Wartime - Part I
December 13, 2017 19:32 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBWar brings few joyous moments. Over the years, Christmas time has provided a few glimmers of warmth. From a surprise victory for George Washington, to mules masquerading as reindeer in the Civil War, to a flare-lit soccer game between Brits and Germans in WWI, Mark shares some wartime Christmas memories.
Lewis & Clark With Hal Stearns
November 28, 2017 20:39 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBLewis & Clark With Hal Stearns by History with Mark Bielski
Conspiracy theories: JFK and Pearl Harbor
November 01, 2017 16:09 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBConspiracy theories: JFK and Pearl Harbor by History with Mark Bielski
Patton Part II: Post WWII
October 18, 2017 17:21 - 24 minutes - 22 MBKevin Hymel returns for a discussion of Patton’s post-war governance in Germany and the actual story of his fatal accident and death.
General George S. Patton: Early Years and WWII
October 11, 2017 14:14 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBKevin Hymel, writer and Patton historian, joins Mark to discuss one of America’s greatest generals. They cover Patton’s background, his early years and his career leading up to and into WWII.
Civil War New Orleans: Prelude to Conflict
October 04, 2017 10:39 - 19 minutes - 18 MBCivil War New Orleans: Prelude to Conflict by History with Mark Bielski
Antietam II
September 27, 2017 13:08 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBAntietam II by History with Mark Bielski
Preview of Autumn Historians and Topics
September 13, 2017 15:24 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBPreview of Autumn Historians and Topics by History with Mark Bielski
Ghost Army - Part II
August 30, 2017 11:31 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBWriter and filmmaker Rick Beyer returns to discuss in further detail the extraordinary deception soldiers better known as the Ghost Army. Rick made the PBS documentary The Ghost Army and co-authored the book,The Ghost Army of World War II.Bielski
Ghost Army - Part I
August 16, 2017 13:54 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this episode of History with Mark Bielski, Filmmaker and author Rick Beyer visits with Mark to discuss the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, the extraordinary deception soldiers better known as the Ghost Army. Rick made the PBS documentary The Ghost Army and co-authored the book,The Ghost Army of World War II.
In Normandy with Mort Sheffloe - Part II
July 26, 2017 12:42 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBCombat veteran Mort Sheffloe continues discussing his WWII experiences in Normandy and Brittany in 1944. Mort talks about Operation Cobra and being shot by a German sniper near Brest.
Interview with WWII Vet Mort Sheffloe in Normandy
July 12, 2017 12:07 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBIn this episode of History with Mark Bielski, Mark is on location in Normandy with a group of graduate students and veteran Mort Sheffloe, who discusses his WWII experiences in Normandy and Brittany in 1944. Some of the interviews took place while walking the sands and in cafés at Utah and Omaha Beaches.
D-Day: Beach Landings
June 21, 2017 11:14 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBD-Day: Beach Landings by History with Mark Bielski
D-Day: Airborne Operations
June 06, 2017 11:06 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBD-Day: Airborne Operations by History with Mark Bielski
Operation Overlord -Part II: Deception Plan
May 31, 2017 11:52 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIn this podcast, Mark covers the grand plan to fool Hitler about the D-Day invasion.
Operation Overlord Part I: D-Day Preparation
May 24, 2017 10:04 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBMark discusses Operation Overlord, the planning of the D-Day invasion, on this podcast. It includes excerpts from Dr. Stephen Ambrose’s lectures on Operation Overlord.
Introduction
June 28, 2016 00:21 - 3 minutes - 5.19 MBMark discusses his new podcast, history with Mark Bielski, which will cover history from ancient to modern times with experts in their fields of study, with special attention to the Civil War and WWII.