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Generals and Napoleon

Generals and Napoleon

John W. Viscardo 164 Episodes Aug 22, 2026

Generals and Napoleon is a history podcast presented by John Viscardo that explores the Napoleonic Wars, iconic commanders, battlefield strategy, and leadership lessons. The show delves into the military campaigns and tactics of the era, offering insights into the decisions and personalities that shaped history. It is available on various platforms including Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube, Patreon, and TikTok.

Episodes

Episode 171 - The Rearguard Actions of Marshal Ney, with special guest Wayne Hanley
Episode 171 - The Rearguard Actions of Marshal Ney, with special guest Wayne Hanley Aug 22, 2026 00:39:38 In this episode, special guest and author Wayne Hanley explores the legendary rearguard actions of Marshal Michel Ney during Napoleon’s disastrous retreat from Russia in 1812. Known as "the Bravest of the Brave," Ney earned immortal fame by commanding the French Army’s rearguard under some of the harshest conditions in military history. Facing relentless Russian attacks, freezing tempera
Episode 170 - How Napoleon shaped modern militaries and governments, with special guest Robert C. Greenway
Episode 170 - How Napoleon shaped modern militaries and governments, with special guest Robert C. Greenway Aug 13, 2026 00:31:51 More than 200 years after his fall at Waterloo, Napoleon continues to shape the modern world. His influence extends far beyond the battlefields of Europe, leaving a legacy that can still be seen in today's military organizations, legal systems, governments, and leadership doctrines.In this episode, special guest Robert C. Greenway will explore how Napoleon revolutionized warfare through the co
Episode 169 - Sailors of the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Andrew Lambert
Episode 169 - Sailors of the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Andrew Lambert Aug 4, 2026 00:42:47 Life at sea in the Napoleonic Era was a world of danger, discipline, and endurance. During this time (1799–1815), thousands of sailors served aboard the warships of Great Britain, France, Spain, and other European powers, facing fierce naval battles, brutal weather, disease, and months away from home.In this video, special guest & author Andrew Lambert will explore the daily lives of Napoleoni
Episode 168 - Marie Antoinette, the tragic Queen of France, with special guest Charles Mackay
Episode 168 - Marie Antoinette, the tragic Queen of France, with special guest Charles Mackay Jul 27, 2026 00:42:33 Marie Antoinette is one of the most misunderstood queens in history. Was she really the extravagant monarch who said, "Let them eat cake," or has history unfairly turned her into a symbol of the French Revolution?In this episode, special guest Charles Mackay will explore the remarkable life of Marie Antoinette—from her childhood to her marriage to the future King Louis XVI, her years as
Episode 167 - Battle of Ocana, Spain's greatest defeat in the Peninsula War, with special guest Josh Provan
Episode 167 - Battle of Ocana, Spain's greatest defeat in the Peninsula War, with special guest Josh Provan Jul 18, 2026 00:42:59 The Battle of Ocaña, fought on November 19, 1809, was one of the most decisive and devastating battles of the Peninsular War. In this episode, special guest & author Josh Provan will examine how King Joseph Bonaparte and Marshal Soult led French forces to a crushing victory over General Juan Carlos de Aréizaga's Spanish army.Despite holding a numerical advantage, the Spanish army suffered
Episode 166 - Marshals of the Pre-Napoleonic Era, with special guest Jonathan Abel
Episode 166 - Marshals of the Pre-Napoleonic Era, with special guest Jonathan Abel Jul 9, 2026 00:53:37 Before Napoleon's legendary Marshals, France was already producing some of the greatest military leaders in European history. In this episode, we explore 4 remarkable Marshals of France whose achievements helped shape the French Army long before Austerlitz, Jena, and Waterloo.Special guest Jonathan Abel discusses the Comte de Rochambeau, whose leadership alongside George Washington helped secu
Episode 165 - The Louisiana Purchase, Napoleon's great real estate deal, with special guest Alexander Mikaberidze
Episode 165 - The Louisiana Purchase, Napoleon's great real estate deal, with special guest Alexander Mikaberidze Jun 30, 2026 00:53:08 The Louisiana Purchase: Greatest Real Estate Deal Ever? In 1803, the United States increased in size with the Louisiana Purchase, acquiring more than 800,000 square miles of territory from France for just $15 million. But why did Napoleon sell such a vast empire in North America? In this episode, special guest & author Alexander Mikaberidze will explore the political, military, and economic fa
Episode 164 - The Malet Conspiracy, an elaborate lie that almost toppled Napoleon's Empire, with special guest Graeme Callister
Episode 164 - The Malet Conspiracy, an elaborate lie that almost toppled Napoleon's Empire, with special guest Graeme Callister Jun 19, 2026 00:45:49 During Napoleon’s catastrophic retreat from Russia, another crisis nearly brought down his empire from within. In October 1812, while Napoleon was deep inside Russia, General Malet launched one of the boldest coup attempts in French history—the Malet Conspiracy. Armed with forged documents announcing Napoleon’s death, Malet deceived Paris officials, freed imprisoned generals, arrested senior gover
Episode 163 - Napoleon's turbulent relationship with the Catholic Church, with special guest Ambrogio Caiani
Episode 163 - Napoleon's turbulent relationship with the Catholic Church, with special guest Ambrogio Caiani Jun 10, 2026 00:42:51 Discover the complex and often volatile relationship between Napoleon Bonaparte and the Catholic Church—a story filled with ambition, compromise, and conflict. In this episode, special guest & author Ambrogio Caiani breaks down how Napoleon went from restoring Catholicism in France to ultimately clashing with the Pope himself.After the chaos of the French Revolution, religion in France was in
Episode 162 - Napoleon’s 1813 Attack on Berlin, the Gamble that Failed, with special guest Michael Leggiere
Episode 162 - Napoleon’s 1813 Attack on Berlin, the Gamble that Failed, with special guest Michael Leggiere May 31, 2026 00:59:06 In 1813, after the disastrous retreat from Russia, Napoleon faced a growing coalition determined to destroy his empire. In this episode, author Michael Leggiere will explore Napoleon’s attempt to capture Berlin in 1813 and the reasons behind it.Determined to regain the initiative, Napoleon ordered a bold offensive toward Berlin—the capital of Prussia. Napoleon entrusted the operation to 2 of his m
Episode 161 - Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Joshua Meeks
Episode 161 - Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era, with special guest Joshua Meeks May 22, 2026 00:41:48 ⚓ Naval Tactics of the Napoleonic Era Explained ⚓Step into the age of sail and discover how naval warfare shaped the fate of empires during the Napoleonic Wars. In this episode, special guest and author Joshua Meeks will break down the key tactics, strategies, and innovations used by legendary commanders like Admiral Nelson.From the devastating effectiveness of the “line of battle” to bold maneuve
Episode 160 - Double episode! Generals La Bédoyère and Cambronne, with special guest Jonathan North
Episode 160 - Double episode! Generals La Bédoyère and Cambronne, with special guest Jonathan North May 13, 2026 00:47:27 In this episode, special guest & author Jonathan North explores the dramatic story of 2 of the most devoted French officers of the Napoleonic Wars: La Bedoyere and CambronneLa Bédoyère - From his early service in the Grande Armée to his pivotal role in the Emperor’s return during the Hundred Days, La Bédoyère risked everything for Napoleon. When France stood divided after the fall of the Empir

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