Latest Episodes
What Potent Blood Hath Modest May: The Civil War
In this episode, Mark takes a look at some significant events that took place in May from the Civil War era. He considers these events in light of Ralph...
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Ghost Army of WWII – Part II
Mark continues his discussion with Rick Beyer about the 23rd HQ Special Troops, aka the Ghost Army, and the series of deception operations that took place once we had...
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The Ghost Army of WWII
This week, I return to an interview I did with historian Rick Beyer, who co-wrote, The Ghost Army of World War II, and produced and directed an award-winning PBS...
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Garth Ennis: “The Night Witches”
Renown graphic novelist, Garth Ennis, visits with Mark to discuss his new book, The Night Witches, about the young women who flew night bombing raids for the Red Army...
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The Civil War in April
During the Civil War, April lived up to the moniker later bestowed by T.S. Eliot as the “Cruelest Month.” The start of hostilities at Fort Sumter in 1861 initiated...
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Abraham Lincoln: Youth to Civil War
President Abraham Lincoln fell victim to an assassin’s bullet on Good Friday, 14 April 1865 and died the next morning. Mark and Professor Gerald J. Prokopowicz discuss Lincoln from...
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Behind The Mic
Mark Bielski
Mark Bielski, Ph.D. is an historian, author, and the Director at Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours. As the host of the History with Mark Bielski Podcast, he discusses history from ancient to modern times with experts in their field, with special attention to the Civil War and WWII.
Steve Bourque
Steve Bourque, author of The Allied War Against France, is professor emeritus at the Army Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas. He lives nearby in Kansas City Missouri. He served for twenty years in the U.S. Army in the U.S. Germany and the Middle East. Dr. Bourque received his Ph.D. from Georgia State University. He has taught history at Cal State University and the School of Advanced Military Studies at the Command and General Staff College.
Gerald J. Prokopowicz
Gerry Prokopowicz, Ph.D. is the author of Did Lincoln Own Slaves? Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Abraham Lincoln as well as the online host of Civil War Talk Radio. He served for nine years as the resident Lincoln Scholar at the Lincoln Museum.
Rick Beyer
Documentary film-maker and history enthusiast Rick Beyer produced and directed the award-winning PBS documentary The Ghost Army, and co-wrote (with Liz Sayles) of The Ghost Army of World War II. The book is now being developed as a Hollywood movie by the producers of American Sniper.
What Listeners Are Saying
“My new favorite podcast.” Ross Wilson
“Mark, I just found your podcast and have listened to the first 3 episodes. Love it! Can’t wait for more.”
Ford Porter
“I was a history major in college and love the podcast.”
Bill Schwartz
“I wanted to send you a quick message to say that I’m thoroughly enjoying your D-Day podcast.”
Jim Lewis
“Great to hear your voice and listen to your presentation on D-Day! Bravo Zulu!!”
John Lindstedt
“Just a note to say how much I am enjoying the podcasts. It’s a great idea and really easy to listen to. I’ve shared it with a few homeschooling associations here in PA. It’s a great resource!” Connie Kennedy
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Operation Overlord: Planning the D-Day Invasion
Mark begins his series of podcasts dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, discussing Operation Overlord, the planning of the D-Day invasion. He includes excerpts from WWII lectures that historian Stephen E. Ambrose gave at the University of New Orleans, covering the preparation the Allies made for Operation Overlord. By December of 1943 the United...
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