Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais was more than Napoleon’s first wife—she was a key figure in the social and political life of Napoleonic France. Known for her charm, elegance, and intelligence, Joséphine influenced the Emperor, the court, and even French fashion, leaving a lasting legacy on history.

In this episode, special guest Rachael Stark explores Joséphine’s early life, her first marriage, and rise to prominence in Revolutionary France. We examine her relationship with Napoleon: the passion, the political alliance, and the heartbreak of their eventual divorce. Beyond romance, Joséphine’s role as Empress included hosting influential parties, fostering diplomacy, and supporting the arts, all while navigating the pressures of empire and court intrigue.

We also explore her personal style, her role as a mother, and her enduring influence on the Bonaparte dynasty, including her impact on Napoleon III. Joséphine’s life reveals the human and emotional side of power in the Napoleonic Era, where love, ambition, and politics often collided.

Was Empress Joséphine merely a socialite, or a subtle political force who helped shape Napoleonic France? This episode delves into her life, influence, and legacy as one of the most fascinating women of the era.

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Sir John Moore was one of Britain’s most important—and often overlooked—generals of the Napoleonic Wars. A reformer, battlefield commander, Moore helped shape the modern British Army long before his famous last stand in Spain.

In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb explores Moore’s military career, from his early service in the French Revolutionary Wars to his role in transforming British infantry training, where he emphasized discipline, initiative, and light infantry tactics. These reforms would later become the foundation of British success in the Peninsular War.

The story culminates with Moore’s daring winter retreat across northern Spain and his final battle at Corunna (1809), where he was mortally wounded while securing the evacuation of the British army. His death turned him into a symbol of sacrifice, professionalism, and duty—praised even by his enemies.

Was Sir John Moore a tragic hero, a military innovator ahead of his time, or the true father of Wellington’s army? This episode examines his life, leadership, and lasting impact on British military history.

If you’re interested in Napoleonic Britain, British generals, and the early Peninsular War, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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La Fayette is an intriguing figure - he participated in not one, but two major world revolutions. The American Revolutionary War went well for him, but the French Revolution did not. He was also frequently at loggerheads with Napoleon and his empire. We walk through his story with special guest Emmanuel Dubois.

X/Twitter: @lafayettepod, @andnapoleon

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Czar Alexander I of Russia was one of Napoleon’s most powerful and complex rivals—the monarch who ultimately helped bring down the French Empire. Idealistic, deeply religious, and politically shrewd, Alexander played a central role in the wars that reshaped Europe.

In this episode, special guest Alexander Mikaberidze will explore Alexander’s rise to the Russian throne, his shifting relationship with Napoleon—from enemy to uneasy ally after Tilsit, and back to bitter opponent during the 1812 invasion of Russia. We examine his leadership during Russia’s scorched-earth defense, the fall of Moscow, and how perseverance and coalition warfare turned Napoleon’s greatest campaign into catastrophe.

The story continues with Alexander’s transformation into the driving force behind the Sixth Coalition, his march into Paris, and his influence at the Congress of Vienna, where he helped determine the post-Napoleonic order of Europe. Along the way, we explore his personality, beliefs, and the contradictions that made him both visionary and unpredictable.

Was Alexander a reluctant warrior, a moral crusader, or Napoleon’s most dangerous political opponent? This episode breaks down his role in defeating Napoleon and shaping Europe after the Napoleonic Wars.

If you’re interested in Napoleon’s greatest enemies, the Russian campaign of 1812, and coalition warfare, this episode is a must-watch.

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X/Twitter: @amikaberidze, @andnapoleon

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General Jean-Victor Moreau was one of the most talented commanders produced by Revolutionary France—and the one man many believed could rival Napoleon Bonaparte himself. A master of maneuver and defense, Moreau’s victories in Germany made him a national hero and a potential threat to Napoleon’s rise.

In this episode, we explore Moreau’s military career, from his stunning success at Hohenlinden (1800)—one of the most decisive French victories of the Revolutionary Wars—to his growing political tension with Napoleon after the creation of the Empire. We examine why Napoleon exiled Moreau, how personal rivalry and politics shaped his downfall, and why France lost one of its finest generals as a result.

The story continues with Moreau’s years in exile in the United States and his dramatic return to Europe to fight against Napoleon alongside the Coalition. His fatal wounding at the Battle of Dresden (1813) turned his life into a tragic symbol of the Revolution devouring its own heroes.

Was General Moreau a cautious genius, a political rival Napoleon could not tolerate, or the greatest general France never fully used? This episode reassesses his legacy and explains why his name still haunts comparisons to Napoleon.

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This episode is sponsored by NapoleonicImpressions.com.

X/Twitter: @napoleonic_imp, @andnapoleon

Robert “Black Bob” Craufurd was one of the most feared and respected officers in the British Army during the Peninsular War. Known for his iron discipline, explosive temper, and uncompromising standards, Craufurd forged the legendary Light Division into one of the most effective fighting forces of the Napoleonic Wars.

In this episode, special guest Marcus Cribb will explore Craufurd’s military career, from his early service to his crucial role under the Duke of Wellington in Spain and Portugal. We examine how his relentless training, strict enforcement of discipline, and mastery of skirmish tactics allowed the Light Division to operate independently, screen the army, and fight French veterans on equal terms.

The story follows Craufurd through key moments such as the Coa River incident, his controversial decisions, and his heroic death at the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo (1812), where he was mortally wounded while directing troops under fire. His death was deeply felt across the army—and even Wellington acknowledged the loss of one of his most capable commanders.

Was “Black Bob” a brutal officer or a necessary leader who saved lives through discipline? This episode examines why Craufurd’s methods were harsh—but effective—and why his legacy still defines elite light infantry doctrine.

If you’re interested in Wellington’s generals, the Peninsular War, and elite Napoleonic units, this episode is a must-watch.

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X/Twitter: @mcribbhistory, @andnapoleon

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Spanish generals Gregorio García de la Cuesta and Joaquín Blake y Joyes played crucial—and often controversial—roles in Spain’s fight against Napoleon during the Peninsular War (1808–1814). Tasked with resisting some of France’s finest marshals, both men struggled with outdated armies, political interference, and the brutal reality of Napoleonic warfare.

General Cuesta, stubborn and aggressive, is best remembered for his actions at Medina del Rioseco, Talavera, and his uneasy alliance with Sir Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington). His refusal to adapt to modern tactics made him both a symbol of defiance and a liability on the battlefield.

In contrast, General Blake was one of Spain’s more capable commanders, attempting to reform and professionalize Spanish forces at battles like Zornoza, Espinosa, and Albuera. Despite his efforts, Blake was often undermined by poor coordination and overwhelming French superiority.

In this episode, special guest Joshua Provan will explore:

• Spain’s military leadership crisis

• Cuesta’s confrontations with both the French and his allies

• Blake’s battles against the French

• How Spanish generals shaped—and struggled within—the wider Napoleonic Wars

X/Twitter: @landofhistory, @andnapoleon

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"Russia has no good generals. The only exception is Bagration." -Napoleon.

Russian General Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration was one of the most aggressive and respected commanders to face Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars. A disciple of Alexander Suvorov, Bagration earned a fearsome reputation for his courage, battlefield instincts, and refusal to retreat—often fighting in the thick of the action alongside his soldiers.

Best known for his role in the 1805 campaign, the brutal actions of 1807, and his legendary stand at Borodino in 1812, Bagration commanded the Russian left wing during one of the bloodiest battles of the era. His defense of the Bagration Fleches became a symbol of Russian resistance, where he was mortally wounded while personally directing the fight.

In this episode, we examine:

• Bagration’s rise in the Russian army

• His role in delaying Napoleon during the 1812 invasion of Russia

• Why Napoleon himself regarded Bagration as one of his most dangerous opponents

Join us for this episode on the dynamic Prince Bagration with special guest Jimmy Chen of NapoleonicImpressions.com. 

X/Twitter: @napoleonic_imp, @andnapoleon

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General Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly was the architect of the strategy that ultimately defeated Napoleon in 1812—yet he was one of the most criticized commanders of the entire Napoleonic Wars. Calm, methodical, and deeply unpopular, Barclay chose survival over glory as Napoleon’s Grand Army advanced into Russia.

Barclay implemented a controversial scorched-earth strategy, trading space for time and preserving the Russian army at the cost of public outrage. Accused of cowardice and even treason, he endured attacks from politicians, officers, and fellow generals—while executing the only strategy capable of defeating Napoleon.

In this episode, special guest & author Alexander Mikaberidze explores:

• Barclay’s background as a Baltic German in Russian service

• His rivalry with General Bagration and the tension within the Russian command

• His role in the retreat to Smolensk and the road to Borodino

• How history ultimately vindicated his strategy in 1812

Essential viewing for fans of Napoleon, the 1812 invasion of Russia, Borodino, Kutuzov, and the strategic side of the Napoleonic Era.

X/Twitter: @amikaberidze, @andnapoleon

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French General Jean-Andoche Junot, Duke of Abrantès, was one of Napoleon’s earliest companions and most loyal supporters—but also one of his most tragic commanders. Known for his personal bravery and volatile temperament, Junot rose rapidly during the Revolutionary Wars and followed Napoleon from Toulon to the heights of imperial command and almost to Marshal status.

Junot is best remembered for leading the French invasion of Portugal in 1807, where he captured Lisbon without a major battle, only to lose control of the country amid rebellion, British intervention, and his own increasingly erratic behavior. His defeat during the Peninsular War—culminating in the Convention of Cintra—marked the beginning of a steep personal and professional decline.

In this episode, special guest Charles Mackay will examine:

• Junot’s early friendship with Napoleon

• His governorship of Portugal and the collapse of French control

• His battlefield courage versus his failures as an independent commander

• His mental health struggles and tragic end

A compelling portrait for fans of Napoleon, the Peninsular War, Portugal 1807–1808, French generals, and the human cost of the Napoleonic Era.

Bluesky: @bubblesvampire.bsky.social, @andnapoleon.bsky.social

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