Why Wars Happened History Podcast

Emily Ross
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  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Why Wars Happened History Podcast

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.

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

    3D AGO · BONUS

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

    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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    32 min

  2. JUN 3 · BONUS

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

    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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

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

    MAY 27 · BONUS

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

    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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    39 min
  4. INTERVIEW: WWII The Battle of Midway with Martin Dugard

    MAY 20 · BONUS

    INTERVIEW: WWII The Battle of Midway with Martin Dugard

    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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    32 min
  5. INTERVIEW: How Scotland Fought for Freedom with Professor Michael Brown

    MAY 13 · BONUS

    INTERVIEW: How Scotland Fought for Freedom with Professor Michael Brown

    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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    40 min
  6. INTERVIEW: President Bush Biographer on the Iraq War - Robert Draper

    MAY 6 · BONUS

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

    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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    30 min
  7. Why Wars Happened Show Trailer

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Why Wars Happened Show Trailer

    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. 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! #AmericanRevolution #Historypodcast #Interviews #WWII #Warsinhistory #War #War

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

    APR 29 · BONUS

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

    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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    52 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Ross
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Great Hall Entertainment 2024

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