Best 20th Century Conflicts Podcasts (2025)

1
Charles Berglund: US Navy, WWII - Heavy Cruiser USS New Orleans and Cold War Nuclear Submarines - Episode 4 of 4 36:09

3d ago36:09

36:09

Join us as Charles Berglund, a medic and sailor, describes his experiences on the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA-32) as it fought its way across the pacific in some of the most pivotal battles of the War in the Pacific! After World War 2, Charles was part of the newly-established nuclear submarine fleet under Admiral Rickover that fought in the …

1
NEW! Primary Source XLII: Roger of Howden 1:23

6d ago1:23

1:23

Our primary source this month comes from the 12th century English chronicler, Roger of Hoveden (Howden). This excerpt was chosen as it references a number of castles that dotted the Cypriot landscape during Richard the Lionheart's campaign. You'll hear him refer to Buffavent (Buffavento), Kantara, Dieu D'Amour (a possible corruption of the Greek na…

1
Charles Berglund: US Navy, WWII - Heavy Cruiser USS New Orleans and Cold War Nuclear Submarines - Episode 3 of 4 29:03

10d ago29:03

29:03

Join us as Charles Berglund, a medic and sailor, describes his experiences on the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA-32) as it fought its way across the pacific in some of the most pivotal battles of the War in the Pacific! After World War 2, Charles was part of the newly-established nuclear submarine fleet under Admiral Rickover that fought in the …

1
BONUS EPISODE! Myths & Legends: Cyprus in Mythology with Christian Körner 35:34

11d ago35:34

35:34

In this bonus episode, Dr. Christian Körner takes us into the world of Iron Age Cyprus and its city-kingdoms, exploring the foundation myths that shaped their identities. With legendary figures like Pygmalion, who fashioned a statue that came to life; Myrrha, the tragic mother of Adonis; and Teucer, the exiled half-brother of Ajax who is said to ha…

1
Charles Berglund: US Navy, WWII - Heavy Cruiser USS New Orleans and Cold War Nuclear Submarines - Episode 2 of 4 50:24

17d ago50:24

50:24

Join us as Charles Berglund, a medic and sailor, describes his experiences on the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA-32) as it fought its way across the pacific in some of the most pivotal battles of the War in the Pacific! After World War 2, Charles was part of the newly-established nuclear submarine fleet under Admiral Rickover that fought in the …

1
41. The Emperor of Flocks & Camels? The Calocaerus Revolt with Maria Castello 46:20

19d ago46:20

46:20

Calocaerus (Greek: Καλόκαιρος; d. 334 AD) was a Roman usurper who led a short-lived revolt against Emperor Constantine I in Cyprus. Appointed in 330 AD as Magister pecoris camelorum ("Master of the Flock and Camels"), a position with uncertain significance, Calocaerus proclaimed himself emperor in 334 AD. His rebellion, however, was swiftly suppres…

1
Sue Warner: from the Falklands to the NHS, from Afghanistan to the Invictus Games! 1:11:56

21d ago1:11:56

1:11:56

This week, Dan and Jonny hopped over to Belfast to interview Sue Warner (and husband Julian). There’s not many people whose military career spanned both the Falklands War and Afghanistan but Sue served as a Royal Navy nurse in the first and in the same trade as a Reservist in the second. With an NHS career overlapping, too. We talked about leaving …

1
Charles Berglund: US Navy, WWII - Heavy Cruiser USS New Orleans and Cold War Nuclear Submarines - Episode 1 of 4 46:57

24d ago46:57

46:57

Join us as Charles Berglund, a medic and sailor, describes his experiences on the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA-32) as it fought its way across the pacific in some of the most pivotal battles of the War in the Pacific! After World War 2, Charles was part of the newly-established nuclear submarine fleet under Admiral Rickover that fought in the …

1
Ihsan Abdel Quddous's Enduring 20th-Century Legacy | Jonathan Smolin 56:27

28d ago56:27

56:27

Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Dartmouth College, Jonathan Smolin, discusses his book "The Politics of Melodrama: The Cultural and Political Lives of Ihsan Abdel Kouddous and Gamal Abdel Nasser," which examines the life and work of Ihsan Abdel Quddous who played an immense role in shaping 20th-century Arab culture as a prolific writer, jour…

1
Major General James E. Livingston - Medal of Honor Vietnam Ep 4/4 51:59

1M ago51:59

51:59

Here we join Maj. Gen. Livingston as he talks about his recovery from his wounds from the Battle of Dai Do and his final assignment back to Vietnam for the evacuation of Saigon. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
Primary Source XLI: An Excerpt from Aurelius Victor 1:35

1M ago1:35

1:35

The Calocaerus Revolt (334 CE) was an uprising led by a certain Calocaerus, the Magister Pecoris Camelorum (Master of the Flock and Camels) in Cyprus, who declared himself emperor. The revolt was short lived and ruthlessly suppressed in the same year by Flavius Dalmatius, half brother to Emperor Constantine I. We know of the events from historians …

1
Major General James E. Livingston - Medal of Honor Vietnam Ep 3/4 30:52

1M ago30:52

30:52

In this episode we join Maj. Gen. Livingston as he talks about the pivotal battle of his military career, the battle of Dai Do for which he would be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
Major General James E. Livingston - Medal of Honor Vietnam Ep 2/4 46:31

2M ago46:31

46:31

In Episode 2 Gen Livingston takes us back to March 1968 as he fought an action in which he received the Silver Star. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
40. From Exploration to Exploitation: The Early History of Cypriot Archaeology with Luca Bombardieri 43:26

2M ago43:26

43:26

The history of archaeology in Cyprus started with a focus on collecting ancient objects, which influenced how archaeology was done on the island into the 1900s. In the 1800s and 1900s, foreign expeditions came to Cyprus to dig up artifacts, but this also led to illegal digging and private collections, both on the island and in the West. My guest th…

1
Major General James E. Livingston - Medal of Honor Vietnam Ep 1/4 39:34

2M ago39:34

39:34

Welcome to the 4 part Major General James E. Livingston series. In this episode we meet General Livingston of the USMC and learn of his background, education and training. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
Ken Smith on joining the army at the end of WWII and the rebuilding of Europe 36:10

2M ago36:10

36:10

Born in 1927, Ken Smith was an evacuee who just missed the end of WWII but served for four years in the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars, in Italy and Germany, as the allies began rebuilding Europe and staking out the Cold War. We discussed his military career, his childhood in Notting Hill, his evacuation in Wiltshire, and his experiences in the film indus…

1
The D-Day Liberation House Revisited 48:46

2M ago48:46

48:46

This is a companion episode to the original series (Season 3 Episodes 105-106) which was the story of the Maison de la Liberation or the Liberation House; a house in Saint Laurent sur mer on Omaha beach which claims to have been the first house liberated on D-Day. In this episode we revisit the story of the Liberation House from the perspective of …

1
Lt. Col Charles "Lee" Smith P-47 Fighter Pilot ETO WWII - Part 4 of 4 34:39

2M ago34:39

34:39

Welcome to the final episode of Lee Smith series. In our last episode Lee took us through the details of various missions and how he and his unit gained recognition for their work. Lets jump back in to the final episode and hear of Lee’s tour as it winds down and he rotates back the the States in late 1944. Support the show…

1
Primary Source XL: The Travels of Giovanni Mariti 2:03

2M ago2:03

2:03

Giovanni Mariti (1736–1806) was an Italian traveler best known for his detailed accounts of the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly Cyprus, during the 18th century. Born in Florence, Mariti served as an official in the service of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, and his travels provided him with firsthand insights into the social, political, and economi…

1
Lt. Col Charles "Lee" Smith P-47 Fighter Pilot ETO WWII - Part 3 of 4 34:40

2M ago34:40

34:40

Welcome to episode 3 of the 4 part Lee Smith series, a P-47 fighter pilot who flew 96 missions over Europe during WWII. In episode 2 Lee led us through his early tour action and how he started to gain more responsibility for such a young pilot. Join us now as we hear about Lee’s actions and fighter tactics. Support the show…

1
Lt. Col Charles "Lee" Smith P-47 Fighter Pilot ETO WWII - Part 2 of 4 37:43

3M ago37:43

37:43

Welcome to episode 2 of the 4 part Lee Smith series, a P-47 fighter pilot during WWII. Now we jump back in as he transfers to England and begins his tour of duty in early 1944 and flies in support of D-Day and the battle of Normandy. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
39. Brigands & Bandits: Banditry in 19th Century Cyprus with Mehmet Demiryürek 33:46

3M ago33:46

33:46

The Bouliler brothers are emblematic figures of banditry amidst a backdrop of economic struggle and social change. Hasan Bulli, a Turkish Cypriot from Paphos, became a legendary folk hero in Cyprus in the late 19th century. Often compared to American outlaws like Jesse James, he gained notoriety for his bold actions and was remembered through songs…

1
Ruth Brook Klauber: 101 year-old RAF veteran who fled persecution and served in WWII 50:59

3M ago50:59

50:59

Ruth Brook Klauber, born in Frankfurt in 1924, was just nine years-old when her family fled to Britain following Hitler’s rise to power. Now aged 101, she speaks with us on 'For Honour's Sake' where we also had the honour of presenting her with her UK War Medal and the UK Defence Medal in recognition of her service with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Fo…

1
Lt. Col Charles "Lee" Smith P-47 Fighter Pilot ETO WWII - Part 1 of 4 43:31

3M ago43:31

43:31

Welcome to Episode 1 of the 4 part Charles Lee Smith series. Lee flew in the 366th Fighter Group, 391st Fighter Squadron of the 9th Air Force. In this episode we meet Lee and hear what got him interested in becoming a pilot and we learn of his training experiences. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
John E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 5 of 5 35:44

3M ago35:44

35:44

This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that t…

1
Primary Source XXXIX: The Ballad of Hasan Bulli 2:09

3M ago2:09

2:09

Hasan Bulli is a significant figure in the history of Cyprus. A notorious bandit who roamed the island’s rural landscape in the late 19th century, he became something of a folk hero--often compared to Jesse James. His daring deeds and the stories surrounding his gang became the stuff of legend in Cypriot folklore. Turkish Cypriot poet Hafız Cemaled…

1
John E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 4 of 5 34:42

3M ago34:42

34:42

This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that t…

1
BONUS EPISODE! Surfaces, Surveys & Spatiotemporal Dynamics: The Hala Sultan Tekke Hinterland Project with Jan Coenaerts and Polte De Weirdt 48:36

3M ago48:36

48:36

For this bonus episode, I interview Jan Coenaerts and Polte De Weirdt from Vrije University in Belgium as they embark on their next season at The Hala Sultan Tekke Hinterland Survey Project (HST-HASP). They use archaeological survey and landscape analysis to reassess spatial organization at Dromolaxia-Vyzakia (13th–12th century BCE Late Bronze Age …

1
John E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 3 of 5 40:28

4M ago40:28

40:28

This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that t…

1
Author Selma Dabbagh | We Wrote In Symbols: Love and Lust By Arab Women Writers 59:30

4M ago59:30

59:30

In this episode of Ehkili, Palestinian writer Selma Dabbagh discusses the influence of her legal background on her storytelling and explores the complexities of her Palestinian identity, particularly in the context of political engagement and activism. The conversation also delves into Dabbagh's novel "Out of It" and her anthology "We Wrote In Symb…

1
38. Bones, Burials & Bioarchaeology: Reconstructing the Past with Sherry Fox 1:13:16

4M ago1:13:16

1:13:16

In this interview, we delve into the past with bioarchaeologist, Sherry Fox (Arizona State University), as we explore how bioarchaeologists utilize technology to reconstruct the lives of ancient inhabitants, identify various ailments they suffered and how studying even their teeth can unveil details about their occupations. We'll explore a variety …

1
John E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 2 of 5 41:52

4M ago41:52

41:52

This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that t…

1
Henny Franks- The 101 year old WWII veteran and Kindertransport refugee. 39:56

4M ago39:56

39:56

AJEX National Chair Dan Fox is joined by Henny Franks at Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre. Henny was born Henriette Grünbaum in Cologne in 1927. Aged 15, she escaped to London on the Kindertransport with her 12 year old sister. Her father was to die in Sobibor but her mother went into hiding in Italy, Switzerland and Belgium. By 1942, Henn…

1
John E. Little: US Army rifleman who fought at at Monte Cassino and Anzio during WW2 - Part 1 of 5 38:54

4M ago38:54

38:54

This series features John E. Little, a rifleman in the United States 34th Infantry Division, 135th infantry Regiment, Company C who fought at Monte Cassino, Anzio and the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign in World War Two. Listen in as John, who was 100 years old when this was recorded, talks about these lesser known but brutal battles that t…

1
Primary Source XXXVIII: An Excerpt from Luigi Palma Di Cesnola 1:52

4M ago1:52

1:52

Luigi Palma Di Cesnola is a controversial figure in Cypriot history. Born in Turin in 1832, he served in the First Italian War of Independence and later in the Crimean War. In 1858, he left Italy for the United States where his service in U.S. Civil War earned him distinction. He was later appointed as a consul in Larnaca where he engaged in wide-s…

1
Pearl Harbor survivor, Ted Kuykendall, from the USS Nevada tells his story (WWII). Part 4 of 4. 34:33

4M ago34:33

34:33

Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack. Later, he would find …

1
Pearl Harbor survivor, Ted Kuykendall, from the USS Nevada tells his story (WWII). Part 3 of 4. 31:30

5M ago31:30

31:30

Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack. Later, he would find …

1
A little update...and a small request! 1:43

5M ago1:43

1:43

Hello everyone! Thank you as always for tuning in. I've got a lot of great episodes planned that will take us well into 2026! Have a listen! But I'm also writing to ask for your support. If you enjoy the show or any particular episode, please consider taking some time to leave a review online. Positive reviews help grow the podcast and spread the w…

1
Short Stories from Arab Cities | Exploring Urban Narratives With the Co-Editors of "Mudun" Reem Khorshid & Faris Bseiso 48:37

5M ago48:37

48:37

In this episode of Ehkili, we speak with Reem Khorshid and Faris Bseiso about their literary project Mudun, published by Kaph Books and supported by the Barjeel Art Foundation. They trace the origins of this anthology of short stories about Arab cities, which began as a pandemic project and grew into a collection featuring narratives both in Arabic…

1
37. For King & Country: Cyprus in the Second World War with Marios Siammas 1:32:21

5M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

The impact of the Second World War was far-reaching -- Cyprus included. While initial reactions to the war were muted, the dynamic shifted dramatically when Greece entered the fray, spurring Cypriots to enlist in large numbers to serve King and Country. Much like in World War I, many Cypriots served as muleteers, but this time, direct action was fa…

1
Pearl Harbor survivor, Ted Kuykendall, from the USS Nevada tells his story (WWII). Part 2 of 4. 32:23

5M ago32:23

32:23

Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack. Later, he would find …

1
Pearl Harbor survivor, Ted Kuykendall, from the USS Nevada tells his story (WWII). Part 1 of 4. 36:10

5M ago36:10

36:10

Ted Kuykendall was an electrictrician during WWII and was serving on the USS Nevada when the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec 7th, 1941. He shares his remembrances from one of the most historic events in modern history onboard the only battleship to make steam as it tried to leave the harbor during the attack. Later, he would find …

1
Jamie & Amba Cooper-Morris - Royal Engineers veteran and Adult Instructors in the Army Cadet Force 49:57

5M ago49:57

49:57

AJEX National Chair Dan Fox is joined by Royal Engineers veteran Jamie Cooper-Morris and his wife Amba (with a guest appearance from Cooper-Morris Junior!) at their home in Kent. They talk about Jamie's extensive operational army career, and his second calling in the Ambulance Service, a career introduced to him by Amba. They met through the Kent A…

1
Sgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 6/6 SERIES 54 30:40

5M ago30:40

30:40

Welcome to the final episode of the 6 part Bill Mauch series. In this Episode Bill describes his trip across the US after leaving the Marines and the heartfelt moment he saw his family again. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
Primary Source XXXVII: The Battle of Monte Cassino 1:59

5M ago1:59

1:59

The Battle of Monte Cassino (1944) was a series of Allied assaults on heavily fortified German positions in central Italy, centered around the ancient Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino. Capturing Monte Cassino would weaken Germany's grasp in Italy and open the way to Rome. Cypriot muleteers played a pivotal role in overcoming the rugged terrai…

1
Sgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 5/6 SERIES 54 48:22

5M ago48:22

48:22

Welcome to Episode 5 of the 6 part Bill Mauch series. In this episode Bill discusses the number of ways you can die on Okinawa. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
Sgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 4/6 SERIES 54 47:43

6M ago47:43

47:43

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Bill Mauch series. Bill talks about the reason for invading Peleliu and provides some intense moments from the battle. He also talks about the landing on Okinawa. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
36. Deus Vult! The Templars in Cyprus with Peter Edbury 43:26

6M ago43:26

43:26

The Knights Templar were a medieval Christian military order founded in the early 12th century. Originally established to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land during the Crusades, they quickly grew in wealth and influence. In 1191, Richard the Lionheart sold Cyprus to the Knights Templar for 100,000 Syrian bezants.*** This provided the Templ…

1
Sgt Bill Mauch 8th AMTAC Battalion, 1st Marine Div, Peleliu, Okinawa WWII - Episode 3/6 SERIES 54 39:25

6M ago39:25

39:25

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Bill Mauch series. In this episode Bill discusses the training on Pavuvu and Guadalcanal before the invading Peleliu in the fall of 1944. Support the showBy Ryan Fairfield, Tony Lupo

1
Barrie Davey - Pt II - Our Chelsea Pensioner's military service in post-war Britain 48:58

6M ago48:58

48:58

In Part II of our second episode, AJEX National Chair Dan Fox continues the conversation with Chelsea In-Pensioner Barrie Davey. Barrie chronicles his military service - and finding, and his attachment to, Judaism. We also get a look into life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and we are enormously grateful to them for their support in making this epi…

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