Latest Episodes
Civil War: New Orleans Prepares
New Orleans during the Civil War is Mark’s topic. In 1861, the City of New Orleans prepared for an imminent invasion by Union forces. As crisis loomed, leadership, politics...
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Winter Events in History
Mark reviews some significant events that occurred at during winter in history. We go from the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century to Europe’s worst winter in history in...
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Cold War In The Middle East
Cold War studies often focus on events in Europe. However, the Cold War quietly and sometimes loudly raged in the Middle East. Numerous political, religious and ethnic factions struggled...
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Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em
Joel Bius’s new book, Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em: The Rise and Fall of the Military Cigarette Ration, is a treatise on the relationship between the American Military-Industrial...
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Christmas In Wartime
Christmas during wartime, just as in life, shines with a different glow than that in more peaceful years. Luxuries are often non-existent and even basics are scarce but soldiers...
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Jefferson Davis: His Final Days and Passing in New Orleans
Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, died in New Orleans in December 1889. Mark talks with Mrs. Gladys LeBreton, whose grandfather was a friend of Davis’. As a child, Mrs. LeBreton’s...
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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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Civil War Medicine: Practices Then and Now
Historians have been fascinated by medical practices during the Civil War. Dr. Ken Rettig discusses the methods used by army surgeons and how they have involved in later years. From bullet wounds and amputations to respiratory diseases they compare the emergency procedures in the field and in hospitals. This is a prelude to their further...
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