Prime and Load!

Historic Studios

Welcome to the Prime & Load Podcast!This podcast is dedicated to exploring the pivotal wars, battles, strategies, and figures that shaped the 18th century. From the rise of powerful empires to the dramatic shifts in military tactics, we delve into the stories behind the soldiers, commanders, and innovations that altered the course of history. Whether you’re a military history buff or just curious about this transformative period, we’ll guide you through the battles, conflicts, and the evolution of warfare that defined an era.

  1. 6D AGO

    The 14th Colony: Benedict Arnold, Guy Carleton, and the Battle of Quebec

    On New Year’s Eve 1775, in the midst of a blinding blizzard, the Continental Army launched an assault on the fortress city of Quebec. It was the climax of the first major offensive of the American Revolution, a bold attempt by Congress to seize the "14th Colony" and drive the British Empire off the continent. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Paul Knight to break down the 1775 Invasion of Canada. We analyze the strategic logic behind the invasion, the brutal operational difficulties faced by Benedict Arnold and Richard Montgomery (from smallpox to starvation), and the tactical reality of the street fighting in the Lower Town. In this episode, we cover: Why the Continental Congress authorized an invasion of Canada.The logistical nightmare of moving an army through the Maine wilderness.General Guy Carleton’s defense of the city.The disastrous assault on December 31, 1775.🔓 The Full Uncut Episode, available now in The War Room, we go even deeper. We discuss: The Shadow of 1759: How Wolfe’s victory in the Seven Years' War affected the 1775 American battle plan.The Canadian Militia: Who actually defended Canada? We break down the makeup of the French-Canadian irregulars.Carleton’s Command: A profile of the British commander who saved Canada.Become a member of The War Room to get the full story Text the show! Andrew asking listeners to join War Room. Support the show Join our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recommended Reading The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns *All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

    1h 6m
  2. 12/15/2025

    The Battle of Kesselsdorf: The Old Dessauer’s Last Victory

    December 15, 1745. In the freezing snow outside Dresden, the Second Silesian War came to a bloody conclusion. The Battle of Kesselsdorf is often overshadowed by Frederick the Great’s personal victories, but it was arguably the most decisive engagement of the war. In this episode of Prime & Load, hosts Lee Gugino, Dr. Alex Burns, and Dr. Andrew Bamford break down the brutal clash between the Prussian Army and the Saxon forces defending their capital. Drawing on the work of historian Dr. Alexander Querengässer, we analyze: The Command Feud: The toxic relationship between Frederick the Great and his 69-year-old commander, Leopold I (The Old Dessauer), who had to win the battle to save his reputation.The Saxon Perspective: Why this was a uniquely Saxon fight and how their supply lines forced them into a defensive corner.The Tactical Trap: How the Prussians used as unconventional tactic to lure the Saxons out of their strong defensive positions and into a slaughter.Join the War Room: Want to vote on our next Deep Dive? Join us on Patreon to become a Plank Owner Referenced Material Kesselsdorf 1745: Decision in the Fight for Silesia by Alexander Querengässer  Text the show! Andrew asking listeners to join War Room. Support the show Join our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recommended Reading The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns *All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

    1h 3m
  3. 12/05/2025

    The Jacobite Rising Part III: The High Water Mark

    December 1745. The Highland Army is at Derby. They have marched over 100 miles into English territory, outmaneuvering two British field armies along the way. They are just days away from London. The Stuart cause has never been closer to victory. But at the very moment of their greatest advantage, the army halts. In Part III of our Jacobite Rising series, hosts Dr. Alex Burns, Dr. Andrew Bamford and Lee Gugino are joined by our returning guest Dr. Aaron Johnston to break down the "High Water Mark" of the rebellion. We move beyond the myths of panic in the capital to analyze the cold strategic realities that faced Bonnie Prince Charlie. This is the story of a daring invasion, the complex politics of French support, and the fateful Council of War that changed the course of British history. In this episode, we dissect: The Invasion Route: How the Jacobites managed to slip past superior British forces to reach the heart of the Midlands.The French Factor: The arrival of the Royal Écossais and the strategic hesitation across the channel.The Council at Derby: We take you inside the room for the heated debate between the Prince and Lord George Murray. Was the retreat a failure of nerve, or the only military option left?🎧 Want the Full, Uncut Episode? The main episode covers strategic decision making, but we had to cut nearly 40 minutes of deep-dive analysis and alternate history. Join us as an Aide-de-Camp in the Prime & Load! War Room on Patreon to hear the Uncut Episode where we discuss: The "What If" Scenario: We play out the alternate history, what would have happened if they had marched on London? Would the French have landed? Would the City have fallen?The English Militias: Who actually mobilized to defend the Hanoverian government (and were they effective)?The Southern Jacobites: The reality of English support for the Stuarts. The Prime & Load! War Room Text the show! Andrew asking listeners to join War Room. Support the show Join our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recommended Reading The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns *All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

    1h 10m
  4. 11/28/2025

    Glorious Soldiers: The 8th Virginia Regt with Gabe Neville

    They called them the “German Regiment,” but the 8th Virginia was more than that — a fascinating mix of frontier riflemen, Scots-Irish settlers, and German-speaking farmers who brought their own traditions to the fight for independence. In this episode of Prime & Load!, we’re joined by historian and author Gabe Neville, whose book The Last Men Standing: The 8th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolution explores this Continental Army regiment’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. We uncover what made the 8th Virginia unique — from its early use of American rifles to its blend of backcountry culture and disciplined military leadership. You’ll hear how this unit fought from Virginia’s valleys to the Battle of Brandywine and beyond, helping shape the Continental Army’s identity in the War for Independence. If you enjoy this new Regimental Series, let us know by texting or emailing the show — and be sure to share this episode with a friend who loves Revolutionary War history. The Last Men StandingThe 8th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolution By Gabriel Neville DISCOUNT CODE: LMS25 Valid through January, 2026 Text the show! Andrew asking listeners to join War Room. Support the show Join our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recommended Reading The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns *All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

    1h 14m
  5. 10/15/2025

    The American Rifle: Myth, Reality, & Revolution with Dr. John Weaver

    The Sniper. The Frontiersman. The American Legend. Pop culture tells us the American Revolution was won by sharp-shooters hiding in the trees, picking off British officers with impossible accuracy. But how much of that is Hollywood myth, and how much is ballistic reality? In this episode of Prime & Load, host Lee Gugino and historian Dr. Alex Burns are joined by Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver to track the evolution of the American Rifle—from a German hunting tool to the weapon that defined the Continental Army. We move beyond the romanticized "Daniel Boone" image to explore the mechanics, the logistics, and the lethal effectiveness of America's first specialized weapon system. Inside the War Room, we discuss: The Pennsylvania Transformation: How German Jaeger rifles were adapted into the sleek "American Longrifle" of the frontier.Musket vs. Rifle: The eternal debate. We break down the trade-off between range and reload speed.Washington’s Love/Hate Relationship: Why the Commander-in-Chief valued riflemen as scouts but feared their lack of discipline.The "Rifle Shirt" Identity: How a weapon became a symbol of American independence, distinct from the European "automaton" soldier.Whether you are a black powder enthusiast, a student of Morgan’s Riflemen, or just want to know if The Patriot got anything right, this is the definitive history of the gun that built a nation. 🎧 Want the unedited version? We got into a deep technical debate about rifling twist rates and patch grease that was a bit too "in the weeds" for the main feed. If you want the full technical breakdown, join us as an Aide-de-Camp on Patreon to unlock the "Unsealed Dispatches"—the raw, unedited audio. Referenced Materials Rifles and Riflemen: Material Culture, Violence, and Early American Identity, 1720 -- 1820, By Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary Warby Friederike Baer Text the show! Support the show Join our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recommended Reading The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns *All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

    1h 12m
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Prime & Load Podcast!This podcast is dedicated to exploring the pivotal wars, battles, strategies, and figures that shaped the 18th century. From the rise of powerful empires to the dramatic shifts in military tactics, we delve into the stories behind the soldiers, commanders, and innovations that altered the course of history. Whether you’re a military history buff or just curious about this transformative period, we’ll guide you through the battles, conflicts, and the evolution of warfare that defined an era.

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