Podcast Episodes

Nimitz at War with Craig Symonds

In this episode, James interviews Dr. Craig Symonds, one of the world's leading naval historians and a Professor Emeritus of History at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Symonds…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

Hamburger Hill

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1987 film Hamburger Hill, a war drama based on the real-life Battle of Hamburger Hill during the Vietnam War in May 1969. The film follows a platoon of you…

Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago

VW9: Nixon and Vietnamization

In this episode, Sean and James discuss President Richard Nixon’s early approach to the Vietnam War, highlighting his policy of Vietnamization—gradually shifting combat responsibility to South Vietna…

Published on 3 months ago

Full Metal Jacket

In this episode, James and Sean review the classic 1987 Vietnam War film Full Metal Jacket, directed by Stanley Kubrick, and featuring an iconic performance by the late, great, R. Lee Ermey.

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Published on 3 months ago

VW8: The Tet Offensive

In late January 1968, the NVA and the Viet Cong launched a massive campaign of well-planned and coordinated attacks, hitting targets all up and down South Vietnam. Although the Allied forces fought o…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago

Platoon

In this episode, James and Sean review the classic, multiple Oscar-winning 1986 film Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone and based on Stone’s own experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War.

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Published on 3 months, 1 week ago

VW7: Failing Strategies and False Optimism

In 1966 and 1967, the U. S. forces in Vietnam increased their activity, launching many search and destroy missions, including Operation Masher/Whitewing and Operation Junction City. But as the US cas…

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

We Were Soldiers

In this episode, James, Sean and special guest Steve Guerra review the 2002 film We Were Soldiers, written and directed by Randall Wallace and starring Mel Gibson. Based on the book We Were Soldiers …

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

VW6: The Americanization of the War

In 1965, the ground war in South Vietnam intensified. In June, the ARVN suffered a disaster at the hands of the Viet Cong in the Battle of Dong Xoai. That same year, U. S. President Lyndon Johnson ma…

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Rescue Dawn

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2006 film Rescue Dawn, based on the true story of American pilot Dieter Dengler, who was shot down over Laos in 1966 and spent several months in a prison c…

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago