Join the Why Wars Happen History Podcast as we chat with entertainment powerhouses Jeremy Fox, Sir Howard Stringer, and Jeff Bewkes. In this episode, we uncover their journey into podcasting with Thoroughbred Studios, producing immersive historical audio dramas that are captivating listeners worldwide.

Discover the making of “Central Intelligence,” the UK’s #1 audio drama starring Kim Cattrall, which brings to life the shadowy world of CIA espionage and covert operations. Plus, get an exclusive look at “Buzz,” the upcoming series featuring John Lithgow, exploring Buzz Aldrin’s moon landing mission and the Space Race like never before.

From covert CIA operations to historic space exploration, learn how these epic true stories are being transformed into gripping audio storytelling experiences.

Whether you're a fan of history podcasts, audio dramas, or behind-the-scenes media insights, this episode offers an inside look at how storytelling is evolving for global audiences.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Why Wars Happen History Podcast

00:26 – Meet the Esteemed Guests

01:09 – Why These Media Giants Entered Podcasting

03:35 – The Success of Central Intelligence (Starring Kim Cattrall)

05:36 – Why Historical Audio Dramas Matter

11:53 – Behind the Scenes of Central Intelligence

13:22 – Buzz: A New Take on Buzz Aldrin’s Space Legacy (Featuring John Lithgow)

19:32 – Challenges in Today’s Entertainment Industry

21:51 – The Mission Behind Thoroughbred Studios

31:21 – Closing Thoughts

Tune in to explore how history, espionage, and space exploration come alive through cinematic sound design, A-list talent, and expert storytelling.

#podcast #history #behindthescenes #screenwriting #audiodrama

On this episode of Why Wars Happened, we’re joined by historian and author Katja Hoyer to take a deep dive into one of Europe’s most dramatic transformations — the unification of Germany. Katja, who wrote the highly praised Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire, walks us through how a scattered collection of states came together to form a powerful empire — and how that transformation shaped the path to war.

We’ll start in 1815, just after Napoleon’s defeat, and trace the events leading up to Germany’s unification in 1871, right through to the outbreak of World War I. Along the way, we’ll talk about the power moves of Otto von Bismarck, the rise of Wilhelm II, and the growing tensions — political, cultural, and social — within the new empire.

This episode digs into how Germany’s rapid rise unsettled Europe, fueled militarism, and left a lasting mark on the 20th century. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the roots of modern conflict, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

00:58 The Big Picture: Europe After 1815

01:48 Napoleon’s Shadow and the German Question

03:14 How the Great Powers Reacted

04:36 Prussia Steps Up

06:35 Life in a Brand-New Germany

12:52 Bismarck’s Strategy and Influence

15:43 Why Bismarck’s Legacy Still Divides Historians

21:19 Enter Wilhelm II

25:44 Tensions Rise Before the Great War

28:52 Social Friction and Cultural Shifts

30:25 Final Thoughts + Katja’s Book Pick

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INTERVIEW: INTERVIEW: German Unification with Historian Katja Hoyer

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

In this episode, historian and award-winning author Stephen Platt joins us to uncover the overlooked story of Evans Carlson, the bold and unconventional Marine officer who helped shape what would become U.S. Special Forces.

We follow Carlson’s remarkable path—from serving alongside Chinese communist fighters to forming the legendary Marine Raiders during WWII. Platt walks us through Carlson’s battlefield tactics, political ideals, and close ties to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, painting a portrait of a man who challenged military norms and paid the price for it.

If you're into WWII, unconventional warfare, or the stories behind military innovation, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

00:49 – Meet historian Stephen Platt

01:27 – Who was Evans Carlson?

03:00 – Early life and influences

04:58 – Time in China with the communists

13:21 – Founding the Marine Raiders

14:55 – Why his tactics caused friction

21:22 – What happened after the war

28:24 – Final thoughts + book info

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INTERVIEW: WWII Icon Evans Carlson & the Origins of U.S. Special Forces with Historian Stephen Platt

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