General Thomas Picton was a fearless and fiery officer of the British Army, renowned for his bravery and ruthlessness on and off the battlefield. Serving under the Duke of Wellington, Picton played a pivotal role in the Peninsular War and became one of the heroes of the Battle of Waterloo, where his leadership and tenacity left a lasting mark on history.

In this episode, special guest Graeme Callister will explore Picton’s remarkable military career—from his early service in the Caribbean, including his controversial governorship of Trinidad, to his rise as one of Wellington’s most trusted and aggressive commanders in Spain and Portugal. We examine his leadership at battles such as Badajoz, Ciudad Rodrigo, and of course Waterloo, where his experience and courage helped shape the outcome of the war.

Picton was known for his uncompromising discipline, fierce loyalty, and a personality as bold as his tactics. While celebrated for his battlefield achievements, his career was also marked by controversy, making him one of the most complex figures in British military history.

Was Picton a hero of the Empire, a ruthless disciplinarian, or both? This episode examines the life, battles, and legacy of one of Wellington’s most legendary—and feared—subordinates.

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X/Twitter: @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

⚓️🔥Admiral Horatio Nelson is celebrated as Britain’s greatest naval hero, whose daring tactics and bold leadership changed the course of European history. From the Mediterranean campaigns to his legendary victory at Trafalgar, Nelson became the symbol of naval brilliance and patriotic sacrifice.

In this episode, special guest Evan Wilson explores Nelson’s extraordinary career, starting with his early service in the Royal Navy, his rapid rise through the ranks, and his innovations in naval tactics that allowed smaller fleets to defeat larger opponents. We examine key victories at Cape St. Vincent, the Nile, Copenhagen, and of course, Trafalgar, where Nelson famously led from the front and paid the ultimate price for his country.

Nelson was not only a brilliant commander but also a charismatic and controversial figure, whose leadership, courage, and personal relationships influenced both his men and British society. This episode also touches on his partnership with Emma Hamilton, his unique approach to command, and the enduring legacy of a man who became a national icon.

Was Nelson a tactical genius, a patriotic hero, or a man defined by personal ambition as well as duty? This episode examines the life, battles, and enduring legend of Britain’s most celebrated admiral.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic naval warfare, heroic leadership, and history’s greatest admirals, this episode is a must-watch.

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*Note: the views and opinions of Evan Wilson do not reflect those of the US Government.

X/Twitter: @wilsonevan, @andnapoleon

Did you know Jean Jacques Régis de Cambacérès, one of Napoleon’s key consuls, was the legal mind behind much of the French Empire—but rarely made headlines? Special guest Charles Mackay joins the show to tell us about this important figure in Napoleon's government.

Cambacérès was a master of law and administration, helping draft the Napoleonic Code, which reshaped civil law across Europe. While others chased battles and glory, he focused on the rules that held an empire together.

Known for his calm intellect and careful diplomacy, he often acted as a bridge between Napoleon’s fiery ambition and the realities of government. Despite his enormous influence, he was understated—preferring legal brilliance over personal fame.

Without Cambacérès, Napoleon’s empire might have had victories on the battlefield, but chaos at home.

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The Battle of Fuentes de Onoro (May 1811) was a key engagement in the Peninsular War, pitting Wellington’s Anglo-Portuguese army against the French forces under Marshal Masséna. This battle highlights the strategic brilliance of Wellington and the resilience of his troops as they defended Portugal from Napoleon’s attempts to reclaim the territory.

In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb will break down the planning, execution, and aftermath of Fuentes de Onoro. We explore how Wellington anticipated French movements, and coordinated his infantry, cavalry, and artillery to repel Masséna’s attacks. The battle saw intense fighting over key positions with heavy casualties on both sides.

We also examine the heroic roles of British and Portuguese units, the tactical errors of both sides, and how Wellington’s ability to hold the line preserved Portugal and maintained Allied momentum in the Peninsular War. This battle further cemented Wellington’s reputation as a master strategist and showcased the effectiveness of coalition forces against French armies.

Was Fuentes de Onoro a decisive victory or a bloody stalemate? This episode unpacks the tactics, terrain, and leadership that defined one of the Peninsular War’s most important confrontations.

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X/Twitter: @mcribbHistory, @andnapoleon

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General Jean-Baptiste Drouet, Comte d’Erlon was one of Napoleon’s most capable yet controversial corps commanders, remembered for being at the center of some of the most critical moments of the Napoleonic Wars. From early Revolutionary success to his fateful role at Waterloo, d’Erlon’s career shows how timing and command decisions could shape the fate of empires.

In this episode, special guest Graeme Callister will explore d’Erlon’s rise through the French Revolutionary armies, his service under Napoleon, and his important role in the Peninsular War, where he fought against Wellington in Spain and Portugal. We examine his leadership style, battlefield strengths, and the moments where hesitation—or conflicting orders—proved costly.

The story culminates at Waterloo, where d’Erlon’s corps launched one of the largest infantry attacks of the battle, only to be shattered by Allied fire and British heavy cavalry. We also revisit the dramatic confusion at Quatre Bras and Ligny, when d’Erlon’s corps marched back and forth between two battles—potentially altering the entire campaign.

Was d’Erlon unlucky, indecisive, or simply a victim of Napoleon’s increasingly complex command structure? This episode reassesses his reputation and explains why his career remains one of the great debates of Napoleonic military history.

If you’re interested in Napoleonic battles, French corps commanders, and the fine margins that decided Waterloo, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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X/Twitter: @graemecallister, @andnapoleon

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General Levin August von Bennigsen was one of Napoleon’s most persistent—and frustrating—adversaries, a Russian commander who repeatedly stood in the Emperor’s path during the War of the Fourth Coalition. Best known for commanding Russian forces at Eylau and Friedland, Bennigsen’s career highlights both the strengths and limits of coalition warfare against Napoleon.

In this episode, special guest & author Alexander Mikaberidze explores Bennigsen’s rise through the Russian Imperial Army, his experience fighting across Europe, and his role as commander of Russian forces in Poland and East Prussia. We break down the brutal Battle of Eylau (1807)—one of the bloodiest and most indecisive battles of the Napoleonic Wars—where Bennigsen came closest to halting Napoleon in open battle.

We also examine his defeat at Friedland, the strategic miscalculations that followed, and how these events led directly to the Treaty of Tilsit. Beyond the battlefield, the episode looks at Bennigsen’s difficult relationships with Tsar Alexander I, rival generals, and later commanders like Kutuzov during the 1812 campaign.

Was Bennigsen an able commander constrained by politics, or a general who failed at decisive moments? This episode reassesses his leadership and explains why his clashes with Napoleon mattered far beyond their immediate outcomes.

If you’re interested in Napoleonic coalition generals, Russian military history, and the campaigns that tested Napoleon at his peak, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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X/Twitter: @amikaberidze, @andnapoleon

King Louis XVIII of France was the Bourbon who outlasted the Revolution, Napoleon, and exile to reclaim the French throne—twice. Often overshadowed by his brother Louis XVI and his enemy Napoleon, Louis XVIII was a shrewd political survivor who helped shape post-Napoleonic Europe.

In this episode, we explore Louis XVIII’s early life, his years in exile during the French Revolution, and his careful positioning as the legitimate Bourbon alternative while Napoleon ruled France. We examine his return to power in 1814, his attempt to balance monarchy with revolutionary change, and his dramatic flight during Napoleon’s return in the Hundred Days.

The story continues with Louis XVIII’s second restoration after Waterloo, as he navigated political revenge, royalist extremism, and a war-weary nation desperate for stability. This episode looks at how Louis XVIII ruled differently from the old absolute monarchs—and why his cautious pragmatism helped the Bourbon monarchy survive longer than many expected.

Was Louis XVIII a weak placeholder king, or a skilled political realist who understood that France had permanently changed? This episode reassesses his reign and his role in rebuilding France after years of revolution and war.

If you’re interested in French Restoration history, post-Napoleonic Europe, and the rulers who inherited Napoleon’s world, this is an essential watch.

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Twitter/X: @lafayettepod, @andnapoleon

⚔️👑Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most influential—and controversial—figures in world history. From obscure Corsican artillery officer to Emperor of the French, Napoleon reshaped Europe through war, law, and ambition on a scale never seen before.

In this episode, special guest & author Andrew Roberts will trace Napoleon’s extraordinary rise during the French Revolution, his early victories in Italy and Egypt, and the political gamble that brought him to power in the Coup of 18 Brumaire. We examine how Napoleon transformed France through sweeping reforms, including the Napoleonic Code, while simultaneously building a military empire that dominated Europe for over a decade.

The story follows Napoleon through his greatest triumphs—Austerlitz, Jena, Wagram—and his growing challenges, from the Peninsular War to the catastrophic invasion of Russia in 1812. We then chart his fall, exile to Elba, dramatic return during the Hundred Days, and final defeat at Waterloo, ending with his last years on Saint Helena.

Was Napoleon a military genius, a revolutionary hero, or a tyrant driven by endless war? This episode explores the man behind the myth and explains why Napoleon’s legacy still shapes modern Europe, warfare, and politics.

If you’re fascinated by Napoleonic battles, military strategy, and the personalities that changed history, this is essential viewing.

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Twitter/X: @aroberts_andrew, @andnapoleon

🩺⚔️Dr. Dominique Jean Larrey was Napoleon’s greatest surgeon and the father of modern battlefield medicine. Serving as Surgeon-in-Chief of the Grande Armée, Larrey revolutionized how wounded soldiers were treated, saving countless lives across the brutal campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars.

In this episode, special guest Mick Crumplin will explore Larrey’s groundbreaking innovations, including the creation of the “flying ambulance”, rapid triage, and the idea of treating wounded soldiers regardless of rank or nationality. From Egypt to Austerlitz, Borodino, and Waterloo, Larrey worked under fire, performing surgeries at incredible speed and with compassion rarely seen in 19th-century warfare.

We also examine Larrey’s close relationship with Napoleon, who deeply admired and protected him, as well as the extraordinary respect Larrey earned from friend and enemy alike. Even Wellington ordered his troops to spare Larrey on the battlefield of Waterloo—an honor almost unheard of during the era.

Was Larrey merely a brilliant surgeon, or one of the most important humanitarian figures in military history? This episode explains why his legacy extends far beyond Napoleon and why modern combat medicine still traces its roots back to his work.

If you’re interested in Napoleonic history, military medicine, and the unsung heroes who saved lives amid empire and war, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Twitter/X: @andnapoleon

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Joseph Bonaparte, 👑⚔️Napoleon’s eldest brother, became a king twice—but was never meant to be one. Appointed King of Naples and later King of Spain, Joseph’s reigns showcase the limits of Napoleonic power and the challenges of ruling conquered nations during the age of empire.

In this episode, special guest Graeme Callister will trace Joseph Bonaparte’s early life as a lawyer and diplomat, his role in supporting Napoleon’s rise, and his reluctant acceptance of crowns placed on his head by the Emperor. We examine his rule in Naples, where he attempted moderate reforms, and his far more troubled reign in Spain, where popular resistance and the Peninsular War turned his kingship into a constant struggle for survival.

The story follows Joseph through key moments such as the Spanish uprising of 1808, the intervention of Wellington’s army, and defeats at battles like Vitoria, which effectively ended French rule in Spain. We also look at Joseph’s uneasy relationship with Napoleon, his preference for diplomacy over war, and his life in exile after the fall of the Empire.

Was Joseph Bonaparte an incapable ruler, or a man placed in an impossible position by his brother’s ambitions? This episode reassesses his career and explains why his failures mattered to the fate of Napoleon’s empire.

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X/Twitter: @GraemeCallister, @andnapoleon