Prime and Load!

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...

Text the show! Join us for the second part of our introduction to 18th century warfare! In this conversation we focus on the tactics and military leadership of the time. This episode helps set the groundwork for all the conversations we'll be having the future.  If you missed Part I check it out to learn about the structure and social order of armies.  Support the show General Recommended Rea...

Text the show! In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we focus on the service of Irish soldiers in foreign service. Dr. Andrew Bamford gives insight into his research about the French Irish Brigades, their lineage, combat history, and what brought them to France in the first place. Dr. Alex Burns tells us about Irish service in Austrian and American service in the 18th century. We also talk about Iri...

Text the show! In this episode, we take some time to contextualize our time period. In part 1 we'll be exploring some of the social aspects of 18th century armies. Who are the men and officers? How are historic conflicts different from modern ones? How do these aspects differ between countries? If you are looking to learn more about the men who fought the battles in the 18th century this is a...

Text the show! Our premier episode! In this episode, we meet our hosts, Alex, Andrew, and Lee, and talk about the amazing time period we'll be focusing on. Whether you're a longtime military history buff or just getting into it, we're thrilled to have you with us. So grab your headphones, sit back, and join us as we explore the military history, strategy, and tactics of the 18th cen...