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.

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INTERVIEW: The Kings Who Built Medieval France (and Sparked a War) with Author Justine Firnhaber-Baker

Step into medieval France with historian Justine Firnhaber-Baker as she breaks down the power, politics, and legacy of the Capetian Dynasty. In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we talk about everything from the Crusades and the rise of chivalry to gothic cathedrals and royal rivalries. Justine explains how France’s kings built their power—and how that power shaped centuries of European conflict, including the buildup to the Hundred Years’ War. If you're into medieval history or just want to understand how France became France, this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:49 Meet Justine Firnhaber-Baker: Expert on Medieval France

01:38 The Capetian Dynasty: Shaping Medieval France

02:39 Personal Fascinations and Academic Pursuits

04:16 Medieval Maps and Borders: A Historical Overview

06:56 Power Dynamics in Medieval France

13:37 The Hundred Years' War: Origins and Conflicts

16:29 The Role of the Mayor of the Palace

22:30 Sources and Historical Debates

29:07 Upcoming Works and Conclusion

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

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.

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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

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.

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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