Boom Goes the History

Latest Episodes:

What is it like to perform in "1776" at Ford's Theatre? Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

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.

Ranking the Division Commanders of the Army of the Potomac Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

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!

Band of Brothers at 25: Why We’re Still Watching...At Least Some of Us Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

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”: The Battle of New Orleans Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

“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!

From the Alamo to Forgotten Coffee: Behind the Scenes of our Epic Texas Video Swing Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

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.

"The Truth is How You Feel" | Reacting to Bruce Catton and Shelby Foote Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

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.

The Liberty Trail: Talking America's Revolutionary War Sites Jul 14, 2026

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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!

Gettysburg Historians Unfiltered LIVE (Part 2) | BOOM Goes the History Bonus Ep. 2 Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

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.

Gettysburg Historians Unfiltered LIVE (Part 1) | BOOM Goes the History Bonus Ep. 1 Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

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.

Why Stonewall Jackson with Chris Mackowski Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

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.

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