Latest Episodes
Civil War New Orleans
Mark discusses New Orleans during the Civil War. General Mansfield Lovell assumes military command of New Orleans and begins to shore up the defenses. He affirms that the threat...
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Civil War New Orleans: Prelude to Conflict
New Orleans fell to the Union on April 29, 1862. As we approach the anniversary of this historic moment, Mark takes a comparative look at developments leading up to...
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Cold War Series: Admiral Gorshkov
Wrapping up his Cold War Series, Mark returns to his interview with Admiral Thomas Brooks about his co-written book, Admiral Gorshkov: The Man Who Challenged the U.S. Navy. They...
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Historical Events in January
Often we think that historically, not much has happened in the middle of winter. However, that’s far from the truth. From Charlemagne to Henry VIII, Secession in the Civil...
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Cold War Series: Cold War In The Middle East
Continuing his Cold War Series, Mark revisits his conversation with Dr. Kate Tietzen about the turmoil in the Middle East during the difficult years following WWII to the final...
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Cold War Series: Europe With Dr. Steve Bourque
In continuing the Cold War Series, Steve Bourque joins Mark to discuss his experiences in the U.S. Army during those years. We get the perspectives of a young enlisted...
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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
Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to receive info on our latest news and episodes
Civil War: The Fall of New Orleans
Continuing his discussion of the fall of New Orleans during the Civil War, Mark discusses the Union bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip by David Dixon Porter’s mortar boats. The rest of the Union fleet under David Farragut is able to steam past the forts. After a duel with the few effective Confederate gunboats...
Podcast: Play in new window | Download