The History Syndicate Podcast

On this episode, Mark welcomes Erin Allen to discuss the United States Army 42nd (Rainbow Division). Speakings about the Division's origins around the First World War, its deployment and then subsequent deployments to the European theatre during the Second World War. With the soldier experience being a clear passion, Erin discusses her research with an empathy for others who have served on operations overseas. Additionally, their expereince around the Holocaust also allowed the conversation to delve further into the topic of the soldier experience in the Division.From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not represent any views of any other organisation or institution.Hosted by Mark Martin.With guest Erin Faith Allen.Edited and produced by Mark Martin.Music: 'Throughout History' available via Async.Audio: Mixed using Async.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Stu Lyle to discuss the history of urban warfare with a deep dive into the formation of the Home Guard and their role in the development of Urban Warfare doctrine. Mark and Stu discuss the variations of urban warfare, how it has evolved and how there are a number a myths associated with such operations. One of the big myths is that of the 'Dads Army', who had more of a intricate role in development fighting in built up areas and its employment in North-West Europe during the Second World War.From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.Hosted by Mark Martin.With Stu Lyle.Edited and produced by Mark Martin.Music: Throughout History available via ASync.Audio: Mixed using ASync.Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

On this episode, Mark welcomes back Dr Steve Tibble to discuss his book 'Crusader Armies' where he dispels many of the macro popular perspectives of "The Crusades". That the reasons why the armies fought, how they fought and how they were motivated may not be as obvious as it seems yet far more complex. Additionally, Mark and Steve discuss a mutual love for wargaming and revisit Steve's book 'Assassins and Templars' which has been taken by Wargames Illustrated and others to build a game to explore the topic.From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not represent any views of any other organisation or institution.Hosted by Mark Martin.With guest Dr Steve Tibble.Edited and produced by Mark Martin.Music: 'Throughout History' available via Async.Audio: Mixed using Async.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Phil Craig to discuss his book '1945: The Reckoning: War, Empire and the Struggle for a New World'. In this conversation, Phil discusses with Mark the wider thematic points around 1945 and the world that emerged from the Second World War. This includes the relationship between Great Britain and its then Empire, the relationship with the USA and facets of Indian Independence. Within the book, through a cast of real people, Phil brings to life the world in which they lived under the realities of the macro topics discussed during this episode.From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not represent any views of any other organisation or institution.Hosted by Mark Martin.With guest Phil Craig.Edited and produced by Mark Martin.Music: Throughout History available via Async.Audio: Mixed using Async.Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Andrew White onto the podcast to discuss WW2 Pilots and Aircrew in neutral countries. An often overlooked niche of the Second World War, Andrew discusses the nuances of airmen being held in neutral countries and the different approaches various neutral countries took towards them. The international legal framework was outdated and had not considered the use of airpower in warfare leading to differences in how countries approached the interned personnel. So many facets of this conversation were eye-opening and informative, that most people would not have thought about previously. A forgotten history brought back into the conversation wonderfully by Andrew.From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.Hosted by Mark Martin.With Andrew White.Edited and produced by Mark Martin.Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Dr Kevin Benson, a retired Colonel from the US Army who was a key planner for Operation Cobra II, the US led Invasion of Iraq in 2003. Mark and Kevin discuss his book titled 'Expectation of Valor: Planning for the Iraq War'. Kevin discusses how the book is to correct the belief that their was no planning for what was to happen after the initial invasion of Iraq by the US led coalition in 2003. That significant effort was placed not only into the invasion planning itself, but also all the eventualities that could come next. Kevin discusses that while the invasion was taking place, the types of planning and questions that were being conducting. Candidly appreciating what happens, Kevin discusses the anticipation of an insurgency but not the scale that it became. A remarkable and candid appraisal of the operation, Kevin expertly convey's his experience during this pod. Kevin also introduces his future work 'Raising the Bar' on the first 10 years of the US Army's School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, USA to be available from February 2026.From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.Hosted by Mark Martin.With Dr Kevin Benson.Edited and produced by Mark Martin.Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Nathen Amin to the syndicate to discuss the establishment of the Tudor dynasty in England through the efforts of Henry VII. A deep understanding and discussion expertly led by Nathan into the Wars of the Roses. Henry VII was the 'outsider' for much of the clash between the Red Rose House of Lancaster and the White Rose House of York between1455 and its end with the famous Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Nathen discusses the Welsh heritage of Henry and how his claim to the throne was established, alongside discussing how he kept that throne with the ongoing question of what happened to the Princes in the Tower under Richard III. A superb chat about the Tudor's beginning, Nathen is expert at introducing this subject with superb academic depth reflecting his superb book 'Son of Prophecy'From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.Hosted by Mark Martin.With Nathen Amin.Edited and produced by Mark Martin.Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Dr Steve Tibble to discuss his new book 'The Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood'. Fascinated by the topic, Mark quickly likes to dig into the actual history of the Assassins and Templar's with Steve to establish where these groups predominantly came from. How did they achieve the projected influence they wielded and even down the ages to the extent what were very small groups are still being discussed today. Albeit not always achieving their tactical aims, the success of their influence to get deals and to be treated as equals made them one of the most intriguing stories to emerge from the Middle Ages.From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.Hosted by Mark Martin.With Dr Steve Tibble.Edited and produced by Mark Martin.Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Richard Duckett to discuss his latest book about Lt Col Edgar Peacock DSO MC and Bar called 'Jungle Warrior: Britain's Greatest SOE Commander'. Set against the backdrop of the Second World War in Burma, Richard illustrates how Edgar was driven by a strong sense of duty to serve, despite his age in the difficult conditions the 14th Army faced. Reflecting on the service of his own family, Richard states why he became interested in this facet of World War Two and in particular Burma alongside trying to give recognition to all those who fought there. Additionally, Richard discusses in outline the actions that led to the award on two Military Crosses and a Distinguished Service Order for Edgar, which marked him out as a charismatic and excellent leader on the SOE missions they found themselves.From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.Hosted by Mark Martin.With Richard Duckett.Edited and produced by Mark Martin.Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.