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

#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

#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: President Bush Biographer on the Iraq War - Robert Draper

Welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History podcast! In this episode, we dive into the causes and events of the Iraq War with our special guest, acclaimed New York Times journalist and author Robert Draper.

Draper, who had direct access to members of the Bush administration, including President George W. Bush himself, shares insights from his book 'To Start a War: How the Bush Administration Took America into Iraq.' We discuss the historical backdrop of Saddam Hussein's regime, the impact of 9/11, the controversial weapons of mass destruction, and the complex post-war consequences.

Tune in as Draper provides a comprehensive look into the intricate layers of war planning, intelligence failures, and the lasting repercussions of the Iraq War. This is an episode packed with detailed analysis and behind-the-scenes perspectives you won't want to miss.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happen History Podcast

00:49 Interview with Robert Draper: Access to Sources

02:32 The Gulf War and Its Impact on the 2003 Iraq War

06:17 Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Iraq Survey Group

15:40 Saddam Hussein and Al-Qaeda: Unraveling the Myths

21:38 Post-War Planning: Departmental Conflicts

27:12 The Legacy of the Iraq War and Bush's Reflection

28:57 Conclusion and Upcoming Projects

#IraqWar

#WarinIraq

#CoalitionoftheWilling

#OperationIraqiFreedom

#MilitaryHistory

#WarHistory

#USArmy

#ColonelKevinBenson

#WhyWarsHappened

#whywarshappen

#DefenseStrategy

#WarPlanning

#WarfarePodcast

#HistoryPodcast

#ModernWarfare

#InsiderMilitary

#MilitaryLeadership

#911History

#CatastrophicSuccess

#MilitaryDecisionMakers

#AmericanHistory

#GlobalConflict

#MilitaryOperations

#Bushwar

#post911warfare

#WeaponsofMassDestruction

#WMDs

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: Mastermind of Operation Iraqi Freedom Col. Kevin Benson joins us in a candid talk

Welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History podcast! In this special episode, we are joined by a very distinguished guest, Colonel Kevin Benson, a retired and highly decorated US Army veteran who played a pivotal role in making decisions during the Iraq War.

Join us as we delve into the causes and outcomes of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the extensive planning involved, and the concept of 'catastrophic success.' Discover the strategic decisions and meticulous preparations from someone who was at the helm of one of the most significant military campaigns of our time. Don't miss this rare opportunity to gain an insider's perspective on warfare and history!

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happen History Podcast

00:45 Meet Colonel Kevin Benson

01:30 Operation Iraqi Freedom Overview

04:52 Challenges and Planning of the Iraq War

08:11 Historical Context and Naming of Operations

09:31 Colonel Benson's Military Experience

17:52 Impact of 9/11 on Military Operations

20:28 Logistics and Planning Complexities

27:19 Introduction to Snowflakes

30:35 Challenges in Planning and Execution

31:50 War Gaming and Tactical Adjustments

41:13 Exit Strategy and Post-War Planning

44:07 Catastrophic Success and Logistical Challenges

49:52 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

#IraqWar

#WarinIraq

#CoalitionoftheWilling

#OperationIraqiFreedom

#MilitaryHistory

#WarHistory

#USArmy

#ColonelKevinBenson

#WhyWarsHappened

#whywarshappen

#DefenseStrategy

#WarPlanning

#WarfarePodcast

#HistoryPodcast

#ModernWarfare

#InsiderMilitary

#MilitaryLeadership

#911History

#CatastrophicSuccess

#MilitaryDecisionMakers

#AmericanHistory

#GlobalConflict

#MilitaryOperations

#Bushwar

#post911warfare

#WeaponsofMassDestruction

#WMDs

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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Cuban Missile Crisis, CIA, JFK - Behind the Scenes with Jeff Shaara

In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we dive into the Cuban Missile Crisis with bestselling author Jeff Shaara. His novel The Shadow of War brings the high-stakes drama of JFK, Khrushchev, and nuclear brinkmanship to life. We break down the Bay of Pigs, Cold War tensions, and the secret deals that shaped history. Plus, Shaara teases his upcoming book on Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd.🎙️ Listen now!

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:46 Interview with Jeff Shera: Author of The Shadow of War

03:32 The Bay of Pigs Invasion: A Prelude to the Cuban Missile Crisis

06:55 The Cuban Missile Crisis: Tensions and Strategies

09:06 The Cold War Context: Missiles and Public Perception

12:33 Comparing Leadership: Eisenhower vs. Kennedy

15:15 Soviet Union Dynamics: Post-Stalin Era

17:43 The Winnable War: A Chilling Perspective

18:08 Khrushchev's Balancing Act

19:02 The Aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis

20:25 Operation Mongoose: The CIA's Bizarre Plots

22:49 Berlin's Role in the Cold War

28:38 The Secret Treaty and Its Implications

30:01 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

#HistoryPodcast #CubanMissileCrisis #JeffShaara #ColdWar #JFK #MilitaryHistory #whywarshappened #whywarshappen #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #history#podcast #bayofpigs #jfk #cia #castro #fidelcastro #russia #russianmissiles #Kruschev #presidentkennedy

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 Drama Behind the Declaration of Independence with Tom McMillan

In this episode of the Why Wars Happened History podcast, we sit with guest Tom McMillan, a historian and retired sports media veteran, to discuss the intricate details of the American Revolution and the pivotal moments and debates leading up to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. McMillan, the author of 'The Year That Made America: From Rebellion to Independence, 1775-1776,' provides fresh insights into the complexities and personalities that shaped America's fight for freedom.

We cover the stories of founding fathers like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and John Dickinson to gain a richer understanding of the era's political and social dynamics. Tune in for a riveting discussion on history, politics, and the enduring legacy of the American Revolution.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:48 Meet Today's Guest: Tom McMillan

01:48 The American Revolution: A Deep Dive

02:59 The Declaration of Independence: Complexities and Controversies

06:31 The Role of Key Figures: Adams, Jefferson, and Dickinson

15:21 The Votes Leading to Independence

23:01 Researching History: Sources and Challenges

26:54 Historical Anecdotes and Connections

27:06 Richard Henry Lee's Forgotten Legacy

29:54 The Role of Jefferson and Adams

39:08 Editing the Declaration of Independence

43:31 Upcoming Book Projects and Reflections

#History

#AmericanRevolution

#DeclarationOfIndependence

#FoundingFathers

#HistoryPodcast

#USHistory

#Americanhistory

#ColonialAmerica

#1776

#RevolutionaryWar

#ThomasJefferson

#JohnAdams

#HistoryLovers

#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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BTS on Apple’s “Masters of the Air” with John Orloff

Step into the world of high-stakes aerial combat with Why Wars Happened as we sit down with award-winning screenwriter and producer John Orloff. Best known for Band of Brothers, Orloff takes us behind the scenes of his latest project, Masters of the Air, an Apple TV+ mini-series that brings the harrowing air war against Nazi Germany to life.

From the intense research behind the 100th Bomb Group to the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with gripping storytelling, Orloff shares the highs and lows of dramatizing real events. Hear untold war stories, the emotional toll on WWII airmen, and the creative decisions that shaped this ambitious series. If you love history, filmmaking, or the stories of those who fought in the skies, this episode is for you.

📌 Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to John Orloff and His Work

00:34 The Art of Scene Cuts and Structure

01:41 Developing Masters of the Air

02:48 Historical Accuracy and Research

05:12 Challenges of Portraying Real Events

07:23 Realism in Masters of the Air

09:13 The Harsh Realities of Air Combat

19:16 Psychological Toll on Airmen

26:58 The Morality of WWII Pilots

27:32 Training Differences Between American and German Pilots

28:40 The Scale of American Manufacturing in WWII

31:03 The Evolution of Bombing Strategies

34:20 The Journey of Masters of the Air

37:09 Future Projects and Challenges

38:49 Battlestar Galactica and Other Ventures

41:56 Concluding Thoughts and Future Hopes

#whywarshappened #whywarshappen #Thepacific #Bandofbrothers #wwII #worldwarii #ww2 #worldwar2 #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #WWII #WorldWar2 #8thAirForce #100thBombGroup #MastersOfTheAir #BomberWar #AerialCombat #WWIIHistory #WWIIPodcast #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #WWIIAviation #USAirForce #WWIIHeroes #AppleTV #BandOfBrothers #WWIIStories #HistoricalAccuracy #B17Bomber #WarFilms #WWIIEurope #WWIIVeterans #WWIIResearch #spielberg #tomhanks #appletvshows #europeanhistory #BattlestarGalactica #BSG #johnorloff