Welcome back to Why Wars Happened, the podcast where we dig into what really sparked history’s biggest conflicts. In this episode, Emily chats with military historian Michael Jones about one of the most famous battles in English history—the Battle of Bosworth, 1485. It’s the clash that brought down Richard III, ended the Wars of the Roses, and kicked off the Tudor dynasty. Michael, author of Bosworth 1485: The Battle That Transformed England, walks us through what really happened that day, clears up some of the myths Shakespeare helped spread, and even weighs in on the enduring mystery of the Princes in the Tower. If you’re into medieval history, the Tudors, or just love a good royal power struggle, you won’t want to miss this one.

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened Podcast

00:53 Introducing Today's Guest: Michael Jones

01:35 The Battle of Bosworth: An Overview

03:03 Reevaluating the Battle's Location

05:47 Shakespeare's Influence and Historical Misunderstandings

18:21 The Princes in the Tower: A Medieval Mystery

20:54 The DNA Test Debate

21:23 Historical Discoveries and Their Impact

23:30 Richard III's Reputation

30:38 Hypothetical Scenarios and Propaganda

34:54 The Role of Mothers in Royal Politics

40:04 Debates and Future Works

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INTERVIEW: The Tudors, Richard III, and Bosworth with historian Michael Jones

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Get ready for a fascinating episode of Why Wars Happened as we dive into the gritty, complex world of ancient Greek warfare with Dutch historian Roel Konijnendijk. Roel’s not only a top expert on classical Greek military history—he’s also a longtime moderator on Reddit’s r/AskHistorians. We’ll bust some myths about Spartan soldiers, dig into the tactics the Greeks actually used on the battlefield, and explore the political drama between the smaller Greek states and powerful Persia. We also talk about his book, Classical Greek Tactics: A Cultural History, and what it reveals about how the Greeks really fought. If you’re into history that cuts through the legend and gets to the heart of how war shaped the ancient world, this one’s for you.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened Podcast

00:50 Meet Roel Konijnendijk: Expert on Classical Greek Warfare

01:30 Understanding Greek Warfare: Myths vs. Reality

01:57 The Citizen Militia: Greek Warfare Dynamics

04:20 The Role of Generals and the Community in Greek Warfare

14:46 Comparing Greek and Roman Military Systems

18:45 Sources and Evidence in Studying Ancient Warfare

27:48 The Mystery of Greek Fire and Ancient Innovations

31:28 Debates and Misconceptions in Greek Warfare

35:33 Greek Relations and Alliances

36:23 The Persian Empire's Influence

37:33 Greek States Seeking Persian Aid

38:34 Persian Wars and Greek Diplomacy

41:44 The King's Peace Treaty

42:41 Macedonian Rise and Greek Response

44:21 Greek History and Popular Culture

01:02:22 Spartan Military Myths

01:10:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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INTERVIEW: r/AskHistorians mod Talks Ancient Greek Warfare with Us [Guest Roel Konijnendijk]!

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: The Japanese American Spy Hunter Who Helped Shape WWII – with NCIS’s Leon Carroll Jr.

In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we chat with former Marine and longtime NCIS Special Agent Leon Carroll Jr. – who also happens to be a technical advisor on the hit show NCIS. Carroll shares the incredible true story behind Ghost of Honolulu, the book he co-wrote with actor Mark Harmon.

At the heart of the book is Douglas Wada, a Japanese American intelligence officer whose quiet heroism helped shape the early days of World War II. From his love of baseball to his undercover work before and after Pearl Harbor, Wada’s life was anything but ordinary.

Leon takes us behind the scenes of the Office of Naval Intelligence, the challenges of digging into hidden corners of history, and the personal journey of connecting with Wada’s family. This conversation is full of surprising facts, moving moments, and a spotlight on a little-known American hero.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Why Wars Happened

00:50 Who is Agent Leon Carroll Jr.?

01:41 Douglas Wada: The All-American Kid

03:05 ONI’s Rise and Wada’s Role

04:37 Writing Ghost of Honolulu

07:24 Wada’s Identity as a Japanese American

10:46 Meeting Wada’s Family

15:32 Hawaii Before the Bombs Fell

17:27 Japanese Espionage in Hawaii

18:39 Japanese Presence in Pre-War Hawaii

19:28 First U.S. POW in WWII

19:57 Wada’s Secret Work

22:03 Inside the First Pearl Harbor Interrogation

24:52 Baseball and Japanese American Culture

29:52 Researching Hidden History

33:26 Remembering Doug Wada’s Legacy

35:54 What’s Next for Leon Carroll Jr.

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#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we’re thrilled to sit down with Lord Jonathan Sumption—former UK Supreme Court justice and renowned historian—for an unforgettable dive into the Hundred Years’ War. With over four decades spent researching and writing a five-volume history of the conflict, Sumption brings rare depth and clarity to a war that shaped the fate of England and France.

We’ll talk about the major players and battles, the messy politics that kept the war going for over a century, and the long shadow it cast over Europe. From the courtroom to the battlefield, this conversation blends storytelling with serious scholarship. If you’re into medieval history, English politics, or just love a good history story, you won’t want to miss this one.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:50 Introducing Lord Jonathan Sumption

01:29 The Epic Journey of Writing About the 100 Years War

02:39 Challenges in Writing a Neutral History

04:29 Overview of the 100 Years War

10:54 Joan of Arc's Trial and Medieval Justice

14:31 Significant Battles and Figures

20:24 Impact on Civilians and the Aftermath

24:00 Debates and Unanswered Questions

29:21 Future Projects and Conclusion

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INTERVIEW: The Hundred Years' War with UK Supreme Court Justice, Lord Jonathan Sumption

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: The Kings Who Built Medieval France (and Sparked a War) with Author Justine Firnhaber-Baker

Step into medieval France with historian Justine Firnhaber-Baker as she breaks down the power, politics, and legacy of the Capetian Dynasty. In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we talk about everything from the Crusades and the rise of chivalry to gothic cathedrals and royal rivalries. Justine explains how France’s kings built their power—and how that power shaped centuries of European conflict, including the buildup to the Hundred Years’ War. If you're into medieval history or just want to understand how France became France, this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:49 Meet Justine Firnhaber-Baker: Expert on Medieval France

01:38 The Capetian Dynasty: Shaping Medieval France

02:39 Personal Fascinations and Academic Pursuits

04:16 Medieval Maps and Borders: A Historical Overview

06:56 Power Dynamics in Medieval France

13:37 The Hundred Years' War: Origins and Conflicts

16:29 The Role of the Mayor of the Palace

22:30 Sources and Historical Debates

29:07 Upcoming Works and Conclusion

#historypodcast

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#whywarshappen

On this episode of Why Wars Happened, host Emily Ross sits down with British historian Tim Bouverie to talk about his latest book, Allies at War: How the Struggles Between the Allied Powers Shaped the War and the World. Their conversation unpacks the tense and often fragile relationships between the major Allied leaders—Stalin, FDR, and Churchill—as well as the cracks in lesser-known partnerships.

From the breakdown of the Anglo-French alliance to the uneasy coordination between the U.S., Britain, and the Soviet Union, Bouverie shares how political rivalries, mistrust, and wartime strategy collided behind the scenes. He offers new insight into how these internal tensions shaped key moments like the Yalta Conference—and ultimately, the course of the war itself.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Why Wars Happened

00:49 – Meet today’s guest: Tim Bouverie

01:10 – What Allies at War is all about

01:42 – Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill—and their complicated ties

04:31 – U.S.–Britain relations before the war

08:49 – How the Allied powers worked (and clashed)

12:53 – Seeing the war from Stalin’s point of view

24:08 – The Yalta Conference: what was really going on

29:09 – Wrapping it all up

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INTERVIEW: Inside the Anti-Axis Alliance of WWII with historian Tim Bouverie

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: 36th US Army Chief of Staff, General George Casey, on Iraq, 9/11, and Leading in Chaos

What’s it really like to lead the U.S. Army during war? In this episode of Why Wars Happened, Emily talks with retired four-star General George Casey Jr., former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. From commanding during the Iraq War to managing massive change in the military after 9/11, General Casey shares firsthand stories and lessons on leadership, strategy, and how warfare has evolved in a post-Cold War world. He also unpacks what it means to lead in a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions and pressure at the top levels of U.S. military command, this episode is it.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:50 Meet General George Casey

01:32 Role and Responsibilities of the US Army Chief of Staff

04:50 Transformation of the US Army Post-9/11

09:12 Revised Operations Field Manual 2008

13:02 General Casey's Role During the Iraq War

14:49 Living in a VUCA World

18:40 Future Combat Systems Program

22:36 Reflections on 9/11 and the Iraq War

34:25 Conclusion and Upcoming Projects

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: The 82nd Airborne’s Heroic D-Day Mission with Author James Donovan

In this episode of Why Wars Happened, bestselling author James Donovan joins us to tell the gripping story of the 82nd Airborne on D-Day. Based on his book Nothing but Courage, Donovan walks us through the chaos, bravery, and brutal reality faced by American paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines. From navigating dark skies over Normandy to seizing key bridges like the one at La Fière, this mission was anything but simple—and it was critical to the Allies’ success. It’s a story of guts, grit, and soldiers who refused to quit.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:08 Overview of the 82nd Airborne's D-Day Mission

03:34 Strategic Importance of the Bridges

05:53 Challenges Faced by the 82nd Airborne

09:55 The Chaotic Night Jump

14:43 Eisenhower's Contingency Letter and the Stakes of D-Day

19:26 Swift Attack and Battle of the Bulge

20:17 High Casualties and Courage

20:44 The Title 'Nothing but Courage'

22:37 Extraordinary Leadership: Ridgeway and Gavin

26:59 Training and Initiative of the 82nd Airborne

31:59 The Lafayette Bridge Assault

35:15 Legacy and Remembrance

37:03 Author's Research and Personal Connection

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: WWII The Battle of Midway with Martin Dugard

In this episode of the Why Wars Happened History podcast, we dive into the Battle of Midway and its pivotal role in World War II with New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard. Known for his collaborative works with Bill O’Reilly on the bestselling Killing series, Dugard brings his expertise to his new book, Taking Midway. Learn about the significant impact of code-breaking, the strategies of key figures like Admirals Chester Nimitz and Yamamoto, and the intense stakes of naval warfare. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on historical storytelling, the human element in war, and what it takes to write compelling history. Perfect for history buffs, WWII enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by military strategy and historical narratives.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:52 Interview with Martin Dugard: Bestselling Author

01:22 The Success of the Killing Series

03:47 The Cinematic Approach to Writing History

06:39 The Strategic Importance of Midway

10:32 Japan's Expansion and Resource Needs

12:12 Churchill's Risky Moves During WWII

15:54 Admiral Chester Nimitz: A Risk Taker

16:34 The Innovative Naval Officer

17:38 The Importance of Code Breaking

20:02 Admiral Yamamoto's Strategy

22:52 The Battle of Midway: Key Moments

26:21 US vs. Japanese Military Tactics

27:54 The Power of American Production

29:50 Future Projects and Reflections

31:40 Conclusion and Farewell

#history

#BattleOfMidway

#WWII

#MartinDugard

#TakingMidway

#worldwar2

#HistoryPodcast

#ChesterNimitz

#AdmiralYamamoto

#CodeBreaking

#MilitaryStrategy

#NavalWarfare

#whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: How Scotland Fought for Freedom with Professor Michael Brown

We're heading back to medieval Scotland in this episode of Why Wars Happened. Our guest, historian Michael Brown from the University of St. Andrews and author of The Wars of Scotland, 1214–1371, takes us deep into the real story behind the Scottish Wars of Independence. From the rise of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to shifting alliances, brutal battles, and the roots of the Stewart dynasty, this isn’t just about war—it’s about identity, language, and survival. We also talk about Scotland’s climate, trade, and regional differences that shaped its long struggle for autonomy. If you think you know this chapter of history, think again.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:48 Meet Michael Brown: Expert on Scottish History

01:20 The 13th Century in Scotland: Alba vs. Scotland

02:02 Language Transition in Medieval Scotland

03:35 Population and Clans in Medieval Scotland

07:22 The Role of Lords and Nobles in Scotland

11:34 The Anglo-Scottish Relationship and Wars of Independence

14:10 Challenges of Historical Research

16:51 Debates and Controversies in Scottish History

19:21 Internal Changes in Scotland: 13th to 14th Century

23:06 Adapting to Change: Agriculture and Colonization

23:18 Impact of the Plague on Population and Colonization

25:08 Warfare and Population Movements

26:38 Robert Bruce's Tactics and Legacy

28:03 Hypothetical Scenarios in Scottish History

32:37 The Rise of the Stewarts

34:59 Misconceptions About Medieval Scotland

38:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Works

#historypodcast

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#whywarshappen