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

What do Roman legions, Viking raiders, and Norman knights have in common? They all left deep marks on the English language. In this episode, Dr. Colin Gorrie—linguist and creator of the Dead Language Society newsletter—joins us to explore how centuries of war shaped the words we use today.

We take you from Julius Caesar’s campaigns in Gaul to the Viking invasions of Anglo-Saxon England, where Norse settlers in the Danelaw region introduced everyday words like sky, egg, and they. Then we move to 1066 and the Norman Conquest, when William the Conqueror’s French-speaking court transformed English once again, injecting a flood of legal, political, and cultural vocabulary—from court and jury to dinner and beef.

Dr. Gorrie breaks down how conquest, colonization, and cultural blending forged modern English, why it sounds so different from its Germanic roots, and how power and language evolve side by side. Whether you're a language nerd, a history buff, or just curious why English is such a chaotic blend of words and rules, this is a must-listen.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Why Wars Happened

00:49 – Meet Dr. Colin Gorrie

01:22 – How War Shapes Language

03:25 – The Norman Conquest: English Under French Rule

04:24 – Rome’s Influence on Gaul’s Language

07:11 – The Franks and the Germanic Roots of French

14:41 – The Danelaw: Norse Meets Anglo-Saxon

22:52 – Borrowed Words from Conflict and Trade

26:31 – 1066: The Norman Takeover of English

27:26 – French Vocabulary Floods English

28:47 – The Fall of Old English, Rise of Middle English

31:36 – The Great Vowel Shift and Language Change

35:58 – Vulgar Latin’s Lingering Legacy

40:21 – War, Trade, and Linguistic Crossroads

47:05 – Should Language Be Prescriptive or Descriptive?

51:00 – Wrapping Up: The Deep History of English

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INTERVIEW: The Linguistic Legacy of Wars: From Caesar to the Normans with Dr. Colin Gorrie

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 of Why Wars Happened, we talk with historian Peter Wilson from the University of Oxford about the long and often misunderstood history of German-speaking peoples since 1500. As the author of Iron and Blood, Wilson helps break down how centuries of conflict, shifting borders, and political ambition shaped the region—from the Holy Roman Empire to the rise of Prussia and the eventual unification of Germany.

We look at how military traditions and national myths developed, the role of Austria, and the impact of key figures like Bismarck. Whether you're interested in Germany’s past or the broader forces behind Europe's wars, this conversation offers clear and thoughtful insight into a complex history.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

00:50 – Guest: Peter Wilson

01:29 – Germany’s fragmented beginnings

05:36 – The rise and influence of Prussia

14:21 – Military traditions and their legacy

19:41 – The Holy Roman Empire and Austria

28:11 – Bismarck and unification

30:30 – Closing thoughts

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INTERVIEW: German History 1500-Present with Historian Peter Wilson

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

This week on Why Wars Happened, we’re diving into the rise of the Ottoman Empire with Si Sheppard—Associate Professor of Political Science at Long Island University and author of Crescent Dawn: The Rise of the Ottoman Empire and the Making of the Modern Age.

Si joins us to talk about why the Ottomans matter more than most people realize. From unexpected alliances to bold military campaigns, we unpack how this empire helped shape the world we live in. We get into the global ripple effects of 16th-century power struggles, the role of economics in empire building, and how weather—yes, weather—could make or break an army.

Whether you're into big-picture history or the gritty details of war, this episode brings the Ottoman story to life in a fresh and surprising way.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Why Wars Happened

00:51 – Meet Si Sheppard

01:32 – How the Ottoman Empire helped build the modern world

04:43 – Was this the first global war?

07:03 – Key leaders on both sides of the conflict

09:51 – The Protestant Reformation’s unexpected role

13:03 – Why Morocco mattered so much

14:56 – What if history had gone differently?

16:03 – On-the-ground reality of the Ottoman-French alliance

16:34 – Barbary pirates and imperial influence

17:14 – Eyewitness accounts from the frontlines

18:30 – How Europe tried—and often failed—to push back

20:01 – Portugal’s role in stopping Ottoman expansion

21:29 – Long-term impact on European power structures

21:49 – How the weather changed everything

26:25 – Could the Ottomans have gone further?

27:31 – The bigger picture

29:41 – Wrapping up + a book you’ll want to read

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INTERVIEW: The Ottoman Empire Like You’ve Never Heard It with Si Sheppard

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

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