Advertise on podcast: Boom Goes the History

Join us as we "Monday Morning Quarterback" the division commanders of the Army of Northern Virginia. Who performed the best in the Eastern Theater? Who performed the worst? Garry Adelman, Kris White and Dan Davis make their picks!

On this week's episode of Boom Goes the History we are joined by a very special guest, longtime friend of the American Battlefield Trust Doug Ullman to hear about his experience performing in the show "1776" at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.! Join Chris Mackowski and Andy Poulton.This is episode 16 of Boom Goes the History.

Who were the Union Army of the Potomac’s greatest division commanders? Kris White, Garry Adelman, and Chris Mackowski debate and rank their top three picks, exploring the leadership, battlefield performance, and lasting impact of these often-overlooked commanders. Who makes the list—and who gets left out? Find out on today's episode!

Twenty-five years after Band of Brothers first brought the men of Easy Company to the screen, its impact on history, popular culture, and battlefield tourism is stronger than ever. In this episode of Boom Goes the History, we look back at the landmark HBO series, debate our favorite episodes and characters, share a few personal stories and connections, and explore why the story of Dick Winters and Easy Company continues to resonate with new generations. From Bastogne to “Why We Fight”—and, yes, plenty of favorite-character arguments—we celebrate 25 years of a series that changed how millions of people connect with history and the Second World War.

“In 1814, we took a little trip…” and what followed became one of the most famous American victories of the War of 1812! Dan Davis and Kristopher White head down the Mississippi to explore the Battle of New Orleans—from Andrew Jackson’s eclectic army and the British campaign in Louisiana to the fierce fighting on the Chalmette battlefield. They tackle the personalities, tactics, myths, music, and lasting legacy of the battle that made Jackson a national hero and gave Americans something to celebrate—even though a peace treaty was already in the works. Grab your powder, watch out for alligators, and join us for all things New Orleans, 1815!

Garry, Kris, Dan, and Andy take you behind the scenes of their epic Texas video swing—from the Alamo and Galveston to San Jacinto and the remarkable John Nau Collection. Hear about the history, road-trip adventures, unexpected moments, and inevitable chaos that unfolded when the cameras weren’t rolling, and Garry forgot to get Dan's coffee.

When it comes to Civil War History it is hard to find two authors more prolific than Bruce Catton and Shelby Foote. Today on Boom, we react to the words of the men themselves - and debate what is more important when trying to get people interested in history, facts or a good story? Join Garry Adelman, Kris White and Dr. Chris Mackowski. This is episode 11 of Boom Goes the History.

Today's episode features host, Chris Mackowski, alongside Kate Egner and Dan Davis of the American Battlefield Trust as they explore how the Liberty Trail is transforming the way we experience Revolutionary War history. From overlooked battlefields in South Carolina to immersive apps, virtual tours, and layered storytelling across more than 25 states, the conversation reveals how technology and preservation are making the past more accessible, engaging, and relevant for today’s listeners. Visit thelibertytrail.org to learn more!

Welcome back for Part 2 of our special LIVE bonus episode of Boom Goes the History, recorded before a packed audience at Gettysburg History, home of the Adams County Historical Society! Co-hosts Kris White and Garry Adelman return with an all-star panel of Gettysburg experts, including Wayne Motts, Jim Hessler, Tim Smith, Sarah Kay Bierle, and Chris Mackowski, for another fast-paced, unpredictable, and delightfully irreverent conversation about America's most famous battlefield. In this episode, the panel explores some of Gettysburg's most overlooked July 2 battle sites, remembers long-lost tourist attractions that once dotted the battlefield, and dives into the thunderous Confederate bombardment that preceded Pickett's Charge. Along the way, they tackle one of Gettysburg's most enduring topics—Jennie Wade—in a lively discussion that is sure to spark conversation among history buffs. As always, the conversation wanders into unexpected territory, filled with battlefield stories, historical debates, behind-the-scenes insights, plenty of laughs, and the kind of Gettysburg nerdery that Boom Goes the History is known for. Whether you're a first-time visitor, a lifelong Gettysburg enthusiast, or just love hearing historians argue over fascinating details, this is an episode you won't want to miss. The American Battlefield Trust preserves America's hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

Join us for Part 1 of a special LIVE bonus episode of BoomGoes the History, recorded in front of a live audience at Gettysburg History, home of the Adams County Historical Society! Co-hosts Kris White and Garry Adelman are joined by an all-star lineup of Gettysburg experts, including Tim Smith, Jim Hessler, and Chris Mackowski, for an energetic, unexpected, and unscripted conversation about America's most famous battle. From favorite spots on the battlefield, such as Devil's Denand the Wheatfield to the biggest decisions made by Robert E. Lee, John Buford, John Reynolds, Richard Ewell, Francis Barlow, Dan Sickles, and more! This lively discussion dives deep into the people, places, and moments that continue to make Gettysburg one of the most fascinating stories in American history. Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for Part 2, where theconversation continues with even more Gettysburg stories, surprises, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from some of the battlefield's most knowledgeable historians. The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowedbattlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as alasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

We gave you "Why Gettysburg?" with Garry Adelman and now we present "Why Stonewall?" with our good friend and frequent American Battlefield Trust personality Chris Mackowski. Learn why a proud Upstate New Yorker has such a fascination with the famed Confederate General. Garry and Kris White join him on this week's episode of BOOM Goes the History.

In this episode of Boom Goes the History, hosts Garry Adelman and Kris White dive into Lee's critical decision-making during the failed Maryland Campaign. They explore the context surrounding Lee's actions, the strategic options he considered, and the outcomes of his campaign. What do you think? Was Lee's gamble worth it? Listen in!

What really happened at the Little Bighorn? In this special episode of Boom Goes the History, hosts Garry Adelman and Kris White saddle up with in-house Custer expert Dan Davis to tackle one of the most famous—and debated—battles in American history: The Battle of the Little Bighorn—on its 150th anniversary. From big personalities and battlefield blunders to myths, legends, and last stands, the crew dives into the drama surrounding George Armstrong Custer and the fight along the Little Bighorn River. Along the way, they also show off incredible resources that let history fans virtually explore the battlefield from anywhere. It’s history, humor, battlefield exploration, and plenty of lively discussion packed into one fast-moving episode. Saddle up—boom goes the history!

What happens when two of America’s biggest revolutionary minds become one of its most famous political rivalries? In this episode of Boom Goes the History, Kris White, Chris Mackowski, and Dan Davis dive into the fascinating feud between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams—friends, rivals, frenemies, and eventually something more. From politics and personality clashes to the legacy of their remarkable relationship, this is a lively look at one of the premier showdowns of the Revolutionary era. History, debate, and plenty of fun—boom!

In this episode of Boom Goes the History, historians Tim Smith and Garry Adelman dive into the powerful world of Civil War photography at Gettysburg. This isn’t about how to take a better photo—it’s about the men behind the camera and the haunting, iconic images they left behind. From the work of Alexander Gardner to Mathew Brady, we explore how these early photographers documented the aftermath of battle, shaped public perception of the war, and created some of the most enduring images in American history. What’s real, what’s staged, and what stories do those famous photos actually tell? It’s a fascinating, sometimes surprising look at Gettysburg—not as you walk it, but as the world first saw it. History, storytelling, and a few myth-busting moments along the way… boom!