Prime and Load!

Text the show! December 15, 1745. In the freezing snow outside Dresden, the Second Silesian War came to a bloody conclusion. The Battle of Kesselsdorf is often overshadowed by Frederick the Great’s personal victories, but it was arguably the most decisive engagement of the war. In this episode of Prime & Load, hosts Lee Gugino, Dr. Alex Burns, and Dr. Andrew Bamford break down the brutal clash...

Text the show! Join the War Room on Patreon Recommended Reading: The Fight for the Throne  by Christopher Duffy In December 1745, the Stuart restoration was just 120 miles away. The Jacobite army had outmaneuvered two government forces, captured the walled city of Carlisle , and stood at Derby with an open road to London. Join hosts Dr. Alexander Burns and Dr. Andrew Bamford as they welcome back D...

Text the show! They called them the “German Regiment,” but the 8th Virginia was more than that — a fascinating mix of frontier riflemen, Scots-Irish settlers, and German-speaking farmers who brought their own traditions to the fight for independence. In this episode of Prime & Load! , we’re joined by historian and author Gabe Neville , whose book The Last Men Standing: The 8th Virginia Regimen...

Text the show! 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....

Text the show! 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 ground...

Text the show! The Sniper. The Frontiersman. The American Legend. Pop culture tells us the American Revolution was won by sharp-shooters hiding in the trees, picking off British officers with impossible accuracy. But how much of that is Hollywood myth, and how much is ballistic reality? In this episode of Prime & Load , host Lee Gugino and historian Dr. Alex Burns are joined by Dr. John Bradst...

Text the show! Its been a long time coming but we are proud to announce the Prime & Load Top Commander of the 18th Century!  Support the show 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...

Text the show! 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 Pr...

Text the show! 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 R...

Text the show! 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 Vo...

Text the show! 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.   Asking listeners to share the show Patreon Pitch Support the show General Recommended Rea...

Text the show! 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 s...

Text the show! 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 i...

Text the show! 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,...

Text the show! 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 l...

Text the show! 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....

Text the show! 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...

Text the show! 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 ans...

Text the show! 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! Support the show General Recommended Reading The...

Text the show! 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 Pri...

Text the show! Episode Resources & Quick Links Recommended Reading: Military Life of Frederick the Great  by Christopher Duffy  Infantry in Battle  by Dr. Alexander Burns Episode Summary Was Frederick the Great's most iconic victory actually a failure of his original plan? On June 4, 1745, the Prussian army executed a daring night march to surprise a coalition of Austrians and Saxons in t...

Text the show! 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, Mat...

Text the show! 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 1744-17...

Text the show! Join us as we welcome our good friend Mark Canady for a discussion of the hobby of reenacting. Together, we talk about our impressions, why we do them, and how we approach this weird and wonderful hobby.  Support the show 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...

Text the show! Episode Resources & Quick Links Recommended Reading: Fit for Service  by J. Holden and A People's Army  by Fred Anderson   Episode Summary In this episode, hosts Dr. Alexander Burns and Dr. Andrew Bamford deconstruct the "fifth-grade narrative" of April 19, 1775 . They are joined by Jim Hollister and Jared Foss , expert rangers from Minuteman National Historic Par...