This week on Prime & Load! we’re joined by Maj. Gen. Jason Bohm, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), author of Washington’s Marines. Together we explore the origins of the Continental Marines and their vital role in America’s fight for independence. From the early recruitment of Marines and their first amphibious assault in the Bahamas to their actions at Trenton and Princeton, Maj. Gen. Bohm helps uncover how these early warriors shaped America’s identity as a maritime nation. We also discuss Geor...

It’s Halloween on Prime & Load! — and we’re diving into the darker side of 18th-century warfare. From French soldiers sent to hunt monsters in the countryside, to Eastern European patrols investigating reports of vampires, to Hessians in America spotting UFOs, these are the stranger campaigns may never read about in the history books. In this lighthearted but historically grounded special, we explore the real primary sources behind these eerie tales and what they reveal about the fears, f...

How did a European hunting weapon become a symbol of American independence? In this episode of Prime & Load!, we sit down with Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver to explore the story of early rifles in America—from their origins in Europe to their transformation on the Pennsylvania frontier. We discuss how rifles were built and used in the colonies, their role in the frontier warfare, and how Continental Army used riflemen to win independence. Dr. Weaver explains the strengths and limitations of ...

Its been a long time coming but we are proud to announce the Prime & Load Top Commander of the 18th Century! Text the show! Support the show Join our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recommended Reading The Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher Duffy Infantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns *All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.

On the morning of September 30, 1745, Frederick the Great faced one of the most perilous moments of his career. The Prussian army, just 22,000 strong, awoke in its Bohemian camp to find Austrian guns positioned on the heights above them — a force twice their size, ready to strike. What followed was a desperate battle of improvisation, aggression, and survival. In this episode of Prime & Load!, we explore how Frederick the Great and the Prussian army clawed their way out of near disaster a...

Dr. Arran Johnston returns to dive into the Jacobites! On the 280th anniversary of the Battle of Prestonpans, we explore the battle and its lead-up in depth. This massive episode is packed with fascinating details, so buckle up and get ready to talk Scots! Recommended Reading The Battles of Bonnie Prince Charlie: The Young Chevalier at War, Arran Johnston Valour Does Not Wait: The Rise and Fall of Charles Edward Stuart, Arran Johnston Fight for a Throne: The Jacobite '45 Reconsidered, C...

Everything comes to this! You've voted and now it's down to our final 2 commanders. We're joined by long time friend of the podcast Dr. John Bradstreet Weaver to review the results of Round 4 and start Round 5. Those participating will receive an email ballet but anyone can buy additional votes for their top picks at your Buy Me a Coffee page. $1 = 1 vote! Buy More Votes Here! Text the show! Support the show Join our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recommended Reading The Military Expe...

Something very different for us, warfare and water! Join us and our guest Dr. Sam Cavell for an overview of warfare on the high seas! Together we talk about basic tactics, life on board, and some unique insights into a distinct advantage Britain's Royal Navy had on the rest of the world. Text the show! Asking listeners to share, subscribe, and sign up for our email list. Support the show Join our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recommended Reading The Military Experience i...

Cast Extra Votes Here! The results of Round 3 are in and there are only 4 commanders remaining! Hear who is moving on and who gets left in the dust. Then we start the voting for Round 4. If you've been voting in the previous rounds your email ballet is waiting for you in your inbox! If you have not been voting or you'd like to give your top picks an extra boost consider supporting the show through our Buy Me a Coffee Campaign! Every dollar is an extra vote for the commander of your choi...

Vote Here! Round 3 of our Top Commanders Bracket is now available! Like last time, we go over the results of Round 2 and start the next set of epic showdowns. Join us as we lament (some of) the losers, praise (some of) the victors, and share our predictions for the next round. Listen to the results, vote for the next round, and share The Top Commander Bracket with a friend! This is out last round of open voting so make sure hop in how! Round 4 and 5 will be done through email ballet so ...

Join us for the thrilling kickoff to our series on the Jacobite Uprising of 1745! In this episode of Prime & Load!, we dive into the dramatic story of Charles Edward Stuart, the charismatic "Young Pretender," and his bold journey to reclaim the British throne for the Stuart dynasty. From his childhood in exile to the iconic raising of the Stuart banner at Glenfinnan, we explore the early sparks of rebellion, the key players, and the high stakes of this pivotal moment in history. Tune in f...

Vote Here! Round 2 of our Top Historical Commanders Bracket is in full swing! In this episode, we dive into the results of Round 1 and start the next set of epic showdowns. From cunning tacticians to bold visionaries, we analyze the standout moments, surprising victories, and intense rivalries that defined this round. Who outmaneuvered their foes, and who fell short? Join us as we lament (some of) the losers, praise (some of) the victors, and share our predictions for the next round. Listen t...

Click Here to Cast Your Votes! Get ready for an epic clash in this exciting episode as we unveil our Top Commanders Bracket! We've handpicked 32 of the most iconic, powerful, and beloved commanders from the 18th Century, and now it's up to YOU, our listeners, to decide who reigns supreme. Join us as we introduce our top commanders and explain the rule of the competition. From legendary powerhouses to underdog favorites, we’ll dive into what makes these commanders stand out. Tune in, check out...

Join our Newsletter! The Battle of Minden stands as one of the defining clashes of the Seven Years’ War—a stunning infantry victory that saw British and German troops repel repeated French cavalry charges and expose the failure of the key British commanders. In this episode of Prime & Load!, we’re joined by Maj. Gen. Ewan Carmichael, author of Like a Brazen Wall: The Battle of Minden, 1759, and its Place in the Seven Years War. Together, we break down the armies, commanders, and tac...

Join our Email List! In this exciting listener Q&A episode of the Prime & Load! Podcast, hosts Dr. Alex Burns and Dr. Andrew Bamford tackle a selection of your burning questions! From Jacobites to logistics, they dive into the topics you care about most. This is just the first installment, with more listener questions to be answered in future episodes. Tune in for expert answers, engaging discussions, and a closer connection with the Prime & Load community! Text the show! Asking ...

Join our Email List! Historian, author, and award winning history blogger Josh Provan joins us on this episode to talk about 18th century warfare in the less talked about parts of the world. Together we explore the military tactics of India and China, the isolation policies of Japan, the conquest of the Hawaiian Islands and much more! Text the show! Asking listeners to share, subscribe, and sign up for our email list. Support the show Join our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recom...

The United States Army is celebrating its 250th birthday this year. But what did it look like when it was first created? In this episode we are joined by our friend, author and historian, John Rees. Together we explore the birth of the Continental Army and men who served in it. Referenced Materials They Were Good Soldiers, By John U. Rees The Continental Army, By Robert Wright Private Yankee Doodle, By Joseph Plum Martin A Revolutionary People at War, By Charles Royster Text the s...

In this episode of Prime & Load!, our very own Dr. Alex Burns unpacks the thrilling story of the Battle of Hohenfriedberg (1745). Another pivotal clash in the War of the Austrian Succession, Dr. Burns breaks down the masterful tactics employed by Frederick the Great’s Prussian forces against the Austrian and Saxon armies. From innovative cavalry maneuvers to the resilience of the infantry, discover how this battle cemented Prussia’s military reputation. Referenced Materials Frederic...

With out guest Dr. Paul Knight we explore the training of the British Army. A British Army Officer himself Paul has studied how the army trained and prepared itself for war. Referenced Materials A Very Fine Regiment, The 47th Foot during the American War of Independance, 1773-1783, Paul Knight With Zeal and Bayonets Only, The British Army on Campaign in North America, 1775-1783, Matthew H. Spring Joseph Wright if Derby: Life on Paper, Museum and Art Gallery Text the show! Support...

It's the 280th anniversary of the Battle of Fontenoy! Join us for a look into the battle, who fought it and the tactics they employed. Maps and more! Referenced Works Marshal of France, Jon Manchip White Fontenoy 1745, Cumberland's Blood Defeat, Michael McNally Fontenoy: France Dominating Europe, Denis Gandilhon Great Britain and the Defense of the Low Countries 1744-1748, Alastair Massie The War of the Austrian Succession, M.S. Anderson Text the show! Support the show Join...