The Distant Drums Podcast

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we sit down with renowned battlefield archaeologist Dr. Douglas D. Scott to explore the groundbreaking archaeological investigations conducted at the Little Bighorn Battlefield following the devastating 1983 prairie fire.

Dr. Scott takes us behind the scenes of the historic project that helped pioneer the field of battlefield archaeology. Using metal detectors, forensic analysis, and meticulous fieldwork, Scott and his team uncovered thousands of artifacts that dramatically changed our understanding of Custer's Last Stand and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

We discuss what was discovered on the battlefield, how archaeological evidence challenged decades of accepted interpretations, and how the findings revealed a far more complex picture of the battle than historians previously understood. Dr. Scott also shares insights from his decades of work at Little Bighorn and other historic battlefields across the United States.

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we welcome award-winning author and historian Siobhan Fallon for a fascinating discussion about the controversial 1879 Reno Court of Inquiry. Together, we explore Major Marcus Reno's role during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the accusations and controversies that followed, and the testimony that sought to answer some of the battle's most enduring questions.

Siobhan also shares insights from her ongoing research into the Little Bighorn and we discuss how memory, reputation, and historical interpretation have influenced the legacy of Reno, Custer, and the men of the 7th Cavalry.

She also hosts the history-focused YouTube channel @SiobhanFallon7, which explores the 7th Cavalry and military families on the American frontier.

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we welcome acclaimed historian and author Jerome A. Greene for a discussion on the 1876 campaign that culminated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. A veteran historian, former National Park Service researcher, and author of more than twenty books, Greene brings decades of scholarship to one of the most significant campaigns in American military history.

In this episode, we welcome former Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument ranger and historian Steve Adelson for a fascinating discussion on how the story of the Battle of the Little Bighorn has been interpreted over the past 150 years—and how that interpretation continues to evolve today. Drawing on thirteen seasons as a ranger at Little Bighorn and decades of research, Adelson explores the changing narratives surrounding the battle, from Custer's Last Stand to modern efforts to incorporate Native perspectives and a more complete understanding of the conflict.

We also dive into Steve's unique approach to historical interpretation, discussing how storytelling, emotion, and human connection can transform a battlefield visit from a history lesson into a powerful and unforgettable experience. Through firsthand accounts, compelling narratives, and a deep passion for the subject, Adelson shares how he strives to connect visitors with the people who fought, suffered, and died on the windswept ridges above the Little Bighorn River.

In this we sit down with Bill Rini to discuss his new book, Custer's Last Stand Demystified: The Story of an Epic Defeat. Together, we take a fresh look at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, examining the evidence, eyewitness accounts, battlefield movements, and enduring questions that have surrounded Custer's Last Stand for nearly 150 years. Drawing upon extensive research, detailed timelines, and accounts from both sides of the conflict, Rini offers new perspectives on one of the most studied and debated battles in American history.

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, historian and longtime Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument ranger Michael N. Donahue joins us for an in-depth exploration of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience interpreting the battlefield, Donahue examines the events leading up to the battle, the fighting itself, and the enduring mysteries surrounding Custer’s Last Stand. Using Native American accounts, battlefield archaeology, and historical maps, this episode offers a detailed and compelling look at one of the most studied battles in American history.

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, noted military historian and firearms expert Phil Spaugy joins us to explore the tactics, weapons, and terrain of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Best known for his expertise in Civil War weaponry and battlefield history, Spaugy brings decades of hands-on research and experience to the discussion as we examine the firearms used by soldiers and Native warriors, the challenges of the battlefield terrain, and the tactical decisions that shaped the outcome of one of America’s most famous battles.

To watch this presentation on youtube click here

https://youtu.be/2bsAwI8mrLc

In Episode Four of The Distant Drums Podcast, author and historian Paul L. Hedren joins us to examine the Battle of the Little Bighorn through the perspectives of the Native Americans who fought and lived through it. Drawing from Native accounts, oral histories, and years of research, this episode explores the experiences of the Native Americans on the battlefield and the meaning the battle carried for their people. Together, we look beyond the legend to better understand the voices too often left out of the story.

In Episode Three of The Distant Drums Podcast, acclaimed historian Paul Andrew Hutton joins us to explore the life, legacy, and controversy surrounding George Armstrong Custer. Together, we examine the man behind the legend from his rise during the American Civil War to his role on the western frontier and the events leading to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Drawing on decades of scholarship and storytelling, Hutton offers a compelling look at one of the most debated figures in American history.

In Episode Two of The Distant Drums Podcast, historian and author James Hessler joins us for a fascinating look at the surprising connections between the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. From veterans who fought on both battlefields to the lasting influence of the Civil War on the American frontier, this episode explores how two iconic battles separated by time and distance remain deeply connected in American history.