Changing Hearts & Minds: Recent Episodes
Jeffrey Adamec
Changing Hearts & Minds is a history podcast. We talk about everything that has to do with the history of warfare. Everything from clandestine operations, battles, and individuals and technology connected to the history of warfare.
This is a quickly thrown together episode on the evenst going on in Eastern Europe.
The editing and audio are not what a regular episode would be.
Here are some of the links we spoke about at the end of the episode:
www.icrc.org
www.savethechildren.org
www.mercycorps.org
www.americares.org
www.internationalmedicalcorps.org
www.novaukraine.org
CHM030- The Battle of Bunker Hill
Summary:
The Revolutionary Wars most casualty producing battle for the British was not Yorktown or Trenton but took place on a hill at the Charlestown Peninsula on July 17, 1775. This episode we go over the mislabelled Battle of Bunker Hill. The lead up, events and personalities involved.
Links:
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/bunker-hill
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-true-story-of-the-battle-of-bunker-hill-36721984/
Books:
The Battle of Bunker Hill
By: Scott Waldman
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Battle_of_Bunker_Hill/YjExqouBnnoC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=battle+of+bunker+hill&printsec=frontcover
CHM Sponsors:
El Yucateco Hot Sauce:
https://www.elyucateco.com/
CHM029- First Platoon (Interview with Author Annie Jacobsen)
Summary:
Bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen’s new investigative work has profound implications for democracy. First Platoon: A Story of Modern War in the Age of Identity Dominance (Dutton, 2021) reveals the full account of the platoon of young soldiers sent to Afghanistan whose experience ended abruptly in tragedy under 1st LT Clint Lorance. The larger part of the story, one never comprehensively reported before, is how the platoon was unwittingly involved in a shadowy Defense Department program to capture biometrics. Jacobesn also reveals details on how flawed data was used to make a case for Clint Lorance’s Pardon. Author Annie Jacobsen joins Jeff for an in depth interview on the events and untold details of how this was much more than just a war crime.
Links:
https://www.npr.org/2021/01/14/956705029/first-platoon-examines-how-war-on-terror-birthed-pentagons-biometrics-id-system
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/624446/first-platoon-by-annie-jacobsen/9781524746667
Books:
First Platoon: A Story of Modern War in the Age of Identity Dominance
By Annie Jacobsen
https://www.amazon.com/First-Platoon-Modern-Identity-Dominance/dp/1524746665
Other Works By Annie Jacobsen:
Surprise, Kill, Vanish: The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H28Z9LL/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0
Phenomena: The Secret History of the U.S. Government's Investigations into Extrasensory Perception and Psychokinesis
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HZFB2T0/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i5
The Pentagon's Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA, America's Top-Secret Military Research Agency
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RTY0GEA/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3
Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BAXFBI2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1
Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004THU68Q/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i4
CHM Sponsors:
El Yucateco Hot Sauce:
https://www.elyucateco.com/
CHM028- Battle of The Crater
Summary:
One of the most film ready stories of the Civil War. When a stand-off occurs at the Siege of Petersburg looks to be taking a long time towards the end of the war, a seemingly insane plan to break the defenses of the Confederates is born. When failed leadership and planning ends up with the battle being one of the most disastrous events for the Union Army during the last years of the war.
Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Crater
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/crater
Books:
Cold Harbor to the Crater: The End of the Overland Campaign
By: Gary W. Gallagher, Caroline E. Janney
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Cold_Harbor_to_the_Crater/lWK0CAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Battle+of+the+crater+Civil+War&printsec=frontcover
CHM Sponsors:
El Yucateco Hot Sauce:
http://www.elyucateco.com/usa#:~:text=Our%20history%20started%20in%201968,a%20jalapeno%20and%20chipotle%20sauce.
CHM027- Cold Harbor
Summary:
Towards the end of the Civil War and the Overland Campaign newly promoted Lt General U.S. Grant faces down General Robert E. Lee. He learns a hard lesson about frontal assaults on reinforced positions.
Jeff & Andrew also speak about the events in D.C. a few weeks ago.
Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cold_Harbor
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battles-of-cold-harbor
Books:
Cold Harbor: Grant and Lee, May 26–June 3, 1864 By Gordon C. Rhea
https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Harbor-Grant-26-June-1864/dp/0807132446
CHM Sponsors:
El Yucateco Hot Sauce:
http://www.elyucateco.com/usa#:~:text=Our%20history%20started%20in%201968,a%20jalapeno%20and%20chipotle%20sauce.
CHM026- Battle of The Aleutian Islands
Summary:
Empire of Japan after bombing Pearl Harbor invaded United States soil. The battlefields of World War II make their way onto U.S. land.
Links:
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-the-aleutian-islands
https://www.nps.gov/aleu/learn/photosmultimedia/upload/McGinnis-Battle-of-the-Aleutians-508.pdf
Books:
Thousand-Mile War: World War II in Alaska and the Aleutians By Brian Garfield
https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Mile-War-Aleutians-Classic-Reprint/dp/0912006838
CHM Sponsors:
El Yucateco Hot Sauce:
http://www.elyucateco.com/usa#:~:text=Our%20history%20started%20in%201968,a%20jalapeno%20and%20chipotle%20sauce.
CHM025- 1914 Christmas Truce
Summary:
Christmas Eve 1914, Europe is in the first Winter of The Great War. In the hundreds of miles of trenches the German and British Armies do something that has become legend since. They laid down their arms and celebrated Christmas with each other.
Links:
https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/christmas-truce-of-1914
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_truce
Books:
The Christmas Truce of 1914: The History of the Holiday Ceasefire During World War I By Charles Rivers Editors
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christmas-truce-of-1914-charles-river-editors/1123541827?ean=9781542351522
Audio In Episode:
“Silent Night” Piano Solo Instrumental (HD) Manuel Espinoza
CHM Sponsors:
El Yucateco Hot Sauce:
http://www.elyucateco.com/usa#:~:text=Our%20history%20started%20in%201968,a%20jalapeno%20and%20chipotle%20sauce.
Retire Marine Officer and Hollywood Legend Dale Dye joins CHM Podcast to talk about his career and projects.
CHM023- Ernie Pyle
Summary:
Indiana born war reporter Ernie Pyle, won the Pulitzer Prize for his body of work during World War 2. His love of the dogfaces infantryman of the U.S. Army in both theaters was something to honored. His writings and life are one of the forgotten stories of the history of warfare. This episode we cover the life and times of Ernie Pyle.
Links:
https://indianahistory.org/education/educator-resources/famous-hoosiers/ernie-pyle/
https://www.erniepyle.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Pyle
Books:
https://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Pyles-Americas-Eyewitness-World/dp/0684836424/ref=asc_df_0684836424/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312118059795&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15238554886246786893&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010055&hvtargid=pla-589964430709&psc=1
Films and Documentaries:
https://www.pbs.org/video/ernie-pyle-life-in-the-trenches-zj0kpu/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038120/
CHM Sponsors:
El Yucateco Hot Sauce:
http://www.elyucateco.com/usa#:~:text=Our%20history%20started%20in%201968,a%20jalapeno%20and%20chipotle%20sauce.
CHM022- Texas Revolution
Summary:
The Aftermath of the massacre at the Alamo left the Texians shocked, angry, and unified. Sam Houston and the growing numbers in his new Texian Army fight the Army of General Santa Anna for the independence of the Republic of Texas.
Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Revolution
https://omniatlas.com/maps/north-america/18360421/
Books:
https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Heroes-Struggle-Alamo-Sacrifice/dp/0316053732
CHM Sponsors:
El Yucateco Hot Sauce:
http://www.elyucateco.com/usa#:~:text=Our%20history%20started%20in%201968,a%20jalapeno%20and%20chipotle%20sauce.
CHM021- The Alamo
Summary:
The Texians, are placed under siege by the army of Santa Ana and the battle of The Alamo on this episode of Changing Hearts & Minds Podcast
Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Alamo
https://www.history.com/topics/mexico/alamo
Books:
https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Heroes-Struggle-Alamo-Sacrifice/dp/0316053732
CHM020- Jim Bowie
Summary:
Col James Bowie was perhaps one of the most complicated American Pioneers. He was most known for his Bowie knife and his death at the Alamo. Jim Bowie also was a land swindler and slaver. His family and his legacy cannot be honored without taking into account these dark parts of his story. CHM Podcast covers the life and times of James Bowie up until his joining of forces with the defenders at the doomed Alamo.
Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bowie
https://www.biography.com/political-figure/jim-bowie
Books:
Jim Bowie Paperback –by Robert Hollmann
https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Bowie-Robert-Hollmann/dp/0982529287
CHM019- Paul Biddiss - BONUS
Summary:
Paul Biddiss is a British military veteran and military technical advisor for Hollywood. He has worked on films such as Fury & 1917 and television shows Vanity Fair and Strike Back.
Links:
https://militaryadviserforfilmandtv.com/team/
https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryFilmandTvadvisor/
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-berkshire-45284265/how-ex-para-paul-biddiss-stumbled-into-hollywood#:~:text=Ex%2Dparatrooper%20Paul%20Biddiss%20stumbled,Bourne%20and%20War%20and%20Peace.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7168922/
https://www.businessinsider.com/1917-military-advisor-reminds-stars-take-care-of-their-feet-2019-11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LU5FfWquMw
CHM018- Davy Crockett
Summary:
David Crockett was not just a pioneer, veteran, politician, but also a hero to the people of Texas. This is part 1 of 4 of Changing Hearts & Minds coverage of the Texas Revolution.
Links:
https://www.biography.com/military-figure/davy-crockett
http://www.sonsofdewittcolony.org//adp/history/bios/crockett/crockett.html
Books:
https://www.amazon.com/American-Legends-Life-Davy-Crockett/dp/1986134849
CHM017- Silent Service Part 2 (Revisited)
Summary:
Another re-released episode series Andrew and Jeff did back in 2018. The use of submarines in warfare changed the navel battle field forever when it first was used back in the United States Civil War. On this episode Jeff and Andrew will cover submarine during the Cold War and beyond.
Links:
Submarine Warfare Wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine_warfare
Submarines and Submarine Warfare:
https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/submarines_and_submarine_warfare
USS Thresher:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Thresher_(SSN-593)
USS Scorpion:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Scorpion_(SSN-589)
Finding The Titanic:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/13/us/titanic-discovery-classified-nuclear-sub/index.html
Film Clips:
The Hunt For Red October:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099810/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
CHM016- Silent Service Part 1 (Revisited)
Summary:
Another re-release episode series Andrew and Jeff did back in 2018. The use of submarines in warfare changed the navel battle field forever when it first was used back in the United States Civil War. On this episode Jeff and Andrew will cover the invention of the technology of submarines up until World War 2.
Links:
Submarine Warfare Wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine_warfare
Submarines and Submarine Warfare:
https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/submarines_and_submarine_warfare
Film Clips:
U571:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0141926/
Jaws:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Men of Honor:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203019/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
CHM015- “SPECIAL EPISODE” 1917 (Review- Spoilers!)
Summary:
When you think of war dramas that have defined the war they depict you likely think of Saving Private Ryan for WW2 or Platoon for Vietnam. Director Sam Mendez paying tribute to his Grandfather Alfred Mendez who stories of his service in The Great War (WW1) as a message runner filled his youth with awe. This brilliant film is not based on real soldiers of history but is inspired and very similar to some of the wars battles and missions. CHM finds this film to be one of the best War Films to ever be made and it full of heart and reality that as a combat veteran Jeff cannot seem to shake the way the film made him feel and has a different opinion on the story and its not so easy to figure lesson. Michael Whelan from Unresolved Podcast and Dan from 1289 podcast join Jeff and give a Spoiler filled review and interpretation of this instant classic.
Links:
1917 Official Website:
https://www.1917.movie/
They Shall Not Grow Old - Peter Jacksons Brilliant Documentary
http://www.theyshallnotgrowold.movie/
WW1 Historical Association
https://ww1ha.org/
Guests Links:
Unresolved Podcast - Micheal Whelan:
https://unresolved.me/
True Crime Movie Club : Jeff Dan & Michael
https://www.spreaker.com/show/true-crime-movie-club
Podcast 1289 - Dan:
https://www.spreaker.com/show/podcast-1289
CHM014- KMS Bismarck Part 2
Summary:
The Bismarck had just engaged two British warships in its first action and within 10 minutes sunk The HMS Hood the world most well known ship with all but three of the crew. The British Navy under direct orders from Prime Minister Churchill made the hunting down and destroying the Bismarck the top priority. We go through the hunt for and chasing down of the Bismarck leading to its historic final engagement.
Links and References:
Battleship Bismarck:
https://www.kbismarck.com/
Britannica Page- Bismarck:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bismarck-German-ship
Documentary:
You-Tube Link Sink The Bismarck History Channel Special:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC3kDrltYjw&t=3287s
Book:
“Killing The Bismarck” By Iain Ballantyne:
https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Bismarck-Destroying-Pride-Hitlers/dp/1783462655
CHM013- KMS Bismarck Part 1
Summary:
1941 The Nazi Controlled German Navy launched the most notorious battleship of modern naval history. The KMS Bismarck was only at sea operationally for 8 days but is one of the most well known and storied ships in the history of warfare.
Links and References:
Battleship Bismarck:
https://www.kbismarck.com/
Britannica Page- Bismarck:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bismarck-German-ship
Documentary:
You-Tube Link Sink The Bismarck History Channel Special:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC3kDrltYjw&t=3287s
Book:
“Killing The Bismarck” By Iain Ballantyne:
https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Bismarck-Destroying-Pride-Hitlers/dp/1783462655
CHM012- Overexposed 2! Hormones
Summary:
Geoff Dardia is a Special Forces show friend who does so much honorable work with veterans health initiatives and awareness. He joined us for 2 shows to talk about the health of our combat vets and the dirty secrets they are not told and now pay for. This episode Geoff focuses on Hormones and the problems Veterans are having with them.
Links:
Task Force Dagger Homepage:
https://www.taskforcedagger.org/
Blast injury Article:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130422102029.htm
Hormones & PTSD:
https://www.veteranslaw.com/new-research-shows-relationship-between-hormone-levels-and-ptsd/
CHM011- Overexposed
Summary:
Geoff Dardia is a Special Forces show friend who does so much honorable work with veterans health initiatives and awareness. He joined us for 2 shows to talk about the health of our combat vets and the dirty secrets they are not told and now pay for.
Links:
Task Force Dagger Homepage:
https://www.taskforcedagger.org/
Methloquin in News
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/12/26/results-of-scientific-inquiry-into-malaria-drugs-used-by-us-troops-expected-in-march/
Blast Injury News:
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/12/26/pentagon-ordered-add-blast-exposure-troops-medical-histories.html
CHM009- Daniel Boone Part 2
Summary:
Here is another revisited CHM episode from way back in time.
Daniel Boone was one of America’s most famous pioneers. This episode we dive into his life and times.
Links and References:
Media and Recommendations:
Links:
Links and References:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Daniel-Boone
https://www.notablebiographies.com/Be-Br/Boone-Daniel.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Boone
Books:
Daniel Boone: The Life and Legacy of an American Pioneer:
https://books.google.com/books?id=pGiln6g3MoIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=daniel+boone&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6jay7lt7mAhVETt8KHcLWB3wQ6AEwAHoECAYQAg#v=onepage&q=daniel%20boone&f=false
Daniel Boone His Own Story
https://books.google.com/books?id=UJIZ4ATrVqgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=daniel+boone&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6jay7lt7mAhVETt8KHcLWB3wQ6AEwAXoECAQQAg#v=onepage&q=daniel%20boone&f=false
CHM009- Daniel Boone Part 1
Summary:
Here is another revisited CHM episode from way back in time.
Daniel Boone was one of America’s most famous pioneers. This episode we dive into his life and times.
Links:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Daniel-Boone
https://www.notablebiographies.com/Be-Br/Boone-Daniel.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Boone
Books:
Daniel Boone: The Life and Legacy of an American Pioneer:
https://books.google.com/books?id=pGiln6g3MoIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=daniel+boone&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6jay7lt7mAhVETt8KHcLWB3wQ6AEwAHoECAYQAg#v=onepage&q=daniel%20boone&f=false
Daniel Boone His Own Story
https://books.google.com/books?id=UJIZ4ATrVqgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=daniel+boone&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6jay7lt7mAhVETt8KHcLWB3wQ6AEwAXoECAQQAg#v=onepage&q=daniel%20boone&f=false
CHM008-The Battle of Trenton
Summary:
Here is another revisited CHM episode from way back in time or specifically a year and some months ago,.
The audio is what I expect from the 3rd episode I ever created but its still worth releasing for the sake of continuity and the topic and info is good.
Battle Of Trenton was what most Revolutionary War historians agree the turning point in the War for not just the revolution but the British and Hessian forces learned a lesson in underestimating General Washington and his tactical plans and leadership on the field of battle.
Links and References:
Links:
https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/battle-of-trenton/
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/trenton
https://revolutionarywar.us/year-1776/battle-of-trenton/
Books:
The Battle of Trenton/the Battle of Princeton*:*
https://books.google.com/books?id=DRcRAQAAMAAJ&q=battle+of+trenton&dq=battle+of+trenton&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcpbTLj6HmAhWQTt8KHSRKDk4Q6AEwAXoECAQQAg
Victory Or Death: The Battles of Trenton and Princeton, December 25, 1776-January 3, 1777
https://books.google.com/books?id=CeyvAQAACAAJ&dq=battle+of+trenton&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcpbTLj6HmAhWQTt8KHSRKDk4Q6AEwAnoECAEQAg
CHM007- From MLB To OSS, Moe Berg Part 2
Moe Berg finally joined the OSS after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 6 1941.
Moe worked as an analyst for the OSS until his chance to go to Europe and work in the field came when The Manhattan
Project needed a spy to assist in Operation Alsos. Moe did clandestine work to track and discover the Nazis progress on the Atomic Bomb.
His work and missions including the possible assassination of a world famous physicist had a direct impact on the success of The Manhattan Project and the outcome of World War 2.
Links and References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moe_Berg
https://www.atomicheritage.org/profile/morris-moe-berg-1
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/the-strange-life-and-death-of-moe-berg-the-baseball-catcher-who-became-a-spy/2019/06/06/37f96782-82d6-11e9-933d-7501070ee669_story.html
Media and Recommendations:
Books:
The Catcher Was A Spy by Nicholas Dawidoff
https://www.amazon.com/Catcher-Was-Spy-Mysterious-Life/dp/0679762892
Moe Berg Athlete Scholar Spy by Louis Kaufman
https://www.amazon.com/Moe-Berg-Athlete-Scholar-Spy/dp/0316483486
Films:
The Catcher Was a Spy (2019):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07DGMHR3K/ref=atv_dl_rdr
Documentary- The Spy Behind Home Plate (2019)
http://spybehindhomeplate.org/
From humble beginnings first generation Jewish American Morris "Moe" Berg graduates from Princeton University with abilities in both academics and athletics that are unbelievable. He would become a spy in the OSS during WW2.
REVISITED EPISODE:
June 6 1944, D-Day has more stories of sacrifice and heroism than can be fit into a hour long podcast. Jeff and Andrew discuss the part that 2nd Ranger Bn had in their mission that day.
Did you know there was a single American Soldier who fought for both the US Army and the Soviet Red Army as a official enlisted infantryman for both armies? We just found out and so lets learn about Joseph R. Beyrle a hero who had a almost movie script written life in the midst of the worlds most impactful war.
Show can be found along with more episodes and endless other great podcasts at:
https://podbelly.com/podcast/changing-hearts-minds/
Donate and support is very appreciated and comes with some perks:
https://www.patreon.com/rss?campaign=3174484&auth=tJMO2uHDjGdv1AX2L9bFjLQIl-jAFu6X
Vietnam 1963, Green Beret Lt. James "Nick" Rowe was captured by Vietnamese Communists and would be held captive until 1968 when after a daring escape he was rescued. This episode we discuss the legend of Nick Rowe and his fellow Green Berets who faced and overcame unimaginable odds and torture as prisoners of war.
His story is available in the autobiography of his time in captivity "5 Years To Freedom"
Since the first atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima in 1945 the industrial nations of the world have been in a race to see who can create and possess the most world-ending weapons of mass destruction. This episode we discuss the history of nuclear weapons.
From November 26, 1950 to December 13, 1950 Marines from the 1st Marine Division along with attached United States Army Infantry as part of the United Nations Taskforce fought an epic battle against the North Korean and Chinese Communists at a place a called Chosin Reservoir.