Best Alec Avdakov Podcasts (2025)

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Napoléon III - France's Last Monarch 47:12

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1M ago47:12

47:12

Imagine growing up with the world’s most famous uncle, the one who conquered Europe and redefined France. For young Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, bedtime stories came with cavalry charges and imperial dreams. In this episode, we follow the nephew who turned admiration into ambition, rising from exile to become Napoléon III, Emperor of the French. Join …

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Volney’s Vision: The Ruins of Empires in Our Time. With Thomas C. Williams 1:20:10

4M ago1:20:10

1:20:10

Thomas C. Williams is an American author and historian living in France since 1989. A former U.S. Embassy staffer, he is a leading expert on Volney and Thomas Jefferson’s secret translation of The Ruins of Empires, a radical Enlightenment text that nearly derailed Jefferson’s presidency. He has lectured at the Robert H. Smith Research Facility (Mon…

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The 1830 Revolution. Barricades in Paris! 40:58

7M ago40:58

40:58

In July 1830, Paris erupted. For three days, workers, students, and veterans rose against royal ordinances that trampled the Charter of 1814. Barricades filled the streets, the tricolour flag flew once more, and the Bourbon monarchy collapsed. King Charles X fled, and Louis-Philippe, styled the “Citizen King”, took the throne. This revolution wasn’…

1
Frederick the Great's Art of War 34:44

8M ago34:44

34:44

In today's episode, we examine Frederick's book Instructions to his Generals, one of his most influential works on military science. My Links: Online Version of the Book: https://archive.org/details/militaryinstruc00prusgoog Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UZK1RES5MF5F?ref_=wl_share Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/…

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Antoine Lavoisier - A Savant at the Scaffold 36:23

9M ago36:23

36:23

If you weren't sleeping through your chemistry classes in high school, you probably heard the phrase "Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed." This is basically what we know as the law of conservation of mass. It was coined by Antoine Lavoisier, the man considered the father of modern chemistry and one of history's most infl…

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Frederick's Government: A Control Freak's Dream 19:48

10M ago19:48

19:48

In today's episode, we discuss the governing administration of Frederick the Great and the various ways he conducted his rule. You'll also learn of the shadowy figures behind the scenes that are not often told about when discussing his reign. My Links: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frederick_the_great_podcast Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://w…

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War of Austrian Succession: What's Next?? 45:49

10M ago45:49

45:49

At long last, I am back! Today's episode is a summary of the War of Austrian Succession. The main focus is on the fronts in what is today Belgium and Italy. However, we will touch up on the fighting that took place around the globe. My Links: Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UZK1RES5MF5F?ref_=wl_share Patreon: https:…

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The French Résistance - Refusing Defeat & Occupation 41:32

11M ago41:32

41:32

The story of the Résistance is the story of ordinary men and women rising to the occasion. Risking everything to fight oppression, to defend their homes, their country, their way of life. Being a résistant could mean many things. You could be part of a network, you could just run errands or messages, you could spy on the Germans or just not answer …

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Bonus - The Raft of the Medusa Part II - From Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs 51:14

12M ago51:14

51:14

This is part II of our episode swap on The Raft of the Medusa from the great podcast Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Rich Napolitano. Enjoy this bonus episode and check out Rich's podcast, it's fantastic! The French frigate Medusa shipwreck is one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, occurring in 1816 off the coast of present-day Mauritan…

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Gaby & Robert Casadesus - With Thérèse Casadesus Rawson 52:04

12M ago52:04

52:04

In this very special episode, we interview Thérèse Casadesus Rawson, daughter of the renowned French pianists Robert and Gaby Casadesus. The occasion is the publication of Gaby Casadesus' book My Musical Notes: A Journey in Classical Piano between the World Wars and Beyond, now available in English. We discuss the book, as well as Thérèse's parents…

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Bonus - The Raft of the Medusa Part I - From Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs 49:07

1y ago49:07

49:07

We have something special for today, an episode swap! Coming straight from the great podcast Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Rich Napolitano, I give you the story of the Radeau de la Méduse, The Raft of the Medusa. The French frigate Medusa shipwreck is one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, occurring in 1816 off the coast of present-da…

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Marie-Antoinette & Louis XVII - The Cursed Family. With Charles MacKay 1:12:50

1y ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Charles MacKay, PhD, former university history professor at Morehead State University and West Virginia University joins us to discuss Queen Marie-Antoinette and her family, especially her son, the ill-fated Louis XVII. These members of the French royal family suffered terribly during the French Revolution, eventually losing their lives to the guil…

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The Five French Republics - From Revolution to Evolution 1:08:30

1y ago1:08:30

1:08:30

We will traverse the peaks and valleys of five republics, each reflecting France’s evolving spirit and struggles. From revolutionary fervour to imperial ambition, from the trials of war to the triumphs of modern democracy, each republic has contributed to the rich mosaic of France as we know it today. Join us as we unravel the dramatic narrative of…

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Q&A: 50th Episode Special 24:34

1+ y ago24:34

24:34

This episode is in thanks to all who have supported me over the years. Thank You All! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frederick_the_great_podcast Generals and Napoleon Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/generals-and-napoleon/id1629218432 La Fayette We Are Here: https://www.lafayettepodcast.com/ My Links: Amazon Wishlist for Books: http…

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La Fayette's USA Tour of 1824 - The Hero Returns. With Elizabeth Reese. 48:16

1+ y ago48:16

48:16

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of La Fayette's grand tour of the USA in 1824, we have a special episode featuring guest Elizabeth Reese. Elizabeth is a public historian whose work focuses on the American Revolution and the Early Republic. She recently published a book on the famed Marquis' visit to America: "Marquis de Lafayette Returns - A T…

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Jules Verne - France's Great Adventure 45:57

1+ y ago45:57

45:57

Jules Verne is one of the most influential authors who ever lived, from every country and genre. He is the most translated author in the world after Agatha Christie and is by far the most translated French author. Verne's vision, stories and characters still resonate with us today, whether as part of new fictional storylines, or as cultural beacons…

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The French Wars of Religion - Faith in Destruction 55:32

1+ y ago55:32

55:32

On one side, the Catholic majority, unwavering in their devotion to Rome. On the other, the Huguenots, French Protestants inspired by the teachings of Jean Calvin. Caught in the crossfire of this religious divide was the monarchy, struggling to maintain order amidst growing tension. But their efforts often only fuelled the flames of conflict. And s…

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Jacobite Downfall 33:48

1+ y ago33:48

33:48

In this episode, the fate of the Jacobite cause is at its high point before it falls into destruction. The drama is astounding in this one. My Links: Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UZK1RES5MF5F?ref_=wl_share Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frederick_the_great_podcast Email for questions: [email protected] Insta…

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Napoléon : the Man and his Books, with Louis Sarkozy 1:10:28

1+ y ago1:10:28

1:10:28

When we talk about Napoléon, we often talk about battles or politics, but we don't talk nearly enough about the man. Some dismiss him as a proto-Hitler, others adore him as they would a god. But few actually try to crack open the mysteries of the Napoleonic mind. Author Louis Sarkozy did just that, by studying Napoléon Bonaparte and his most import…

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Camille Saint-Saëns and France's Music 36:46

1+ y ago36:46

36:46

We often see history as a succession of dates, events, wars and political machinations. But we should not forget that history is also forged by culture and by art. Art reflects society's values and aspirations, but also helps create them and move people forward. It also elevates us and makes us better in many ways. Among the many art forms availabl…

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Public Service Announcement! SYW Convention 2:14

1+ y ago2:14

2:14

I will be at the Seven Years War Convention in South Bend, Indiana on April 6th. More info is below, hope to see you there! https://sywconvention.blogspot.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Jacobites Are Coming 24:45

1+ y ago24:45

24:45

In this episode, we take a look into one of the most insane situations that took place during Frederick the Great's life and times: the Jacobite Uprising of 1745. This episode looks at the very beginning of the rebellion against Great Britain's government. My Links: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frederick_the_great_podcast Amazon Wishlist for Bo…

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The First World War. The French Experience 52:33

2y ago52:33

52:33

For France, the Great War is a serious and deep wound that she partially inflicted on herself. It is painful and has never fully healed. It is something personal, felt by all strata of the nation. From the humblest peasant to the richest industrialist, no layer of French society was spared in the great slaughter that the trenches were. The country …

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Nathanael Greene and La Fayette, Partners in Freedom. With Salina B. Baker. 42:25

2y ago42:25

42:25

In this unique episode, we engage in a conversation with Salina B. Baker, an accomplished author of historical fiction, who has received multiple awards for her work. Additionally, she is a historian specializing in the American Revolution and Victorian America. She has just released an outstanding novel titled "The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nat…

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Frederick the Great and Music 26:32

2y ago26:32

26:32

In this episode, we discuss Frederick's involvement in Prussia's music scene, his own works, and an evening with one of the world's most important composers. My Links: Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UZK1RES5MF5F?ref_=wl_share Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frederick_the_great_podcast Email for questions: aavdakov…

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The Dreyfus Affair. France's Shame 48:16

2y ago48:16

48:16

Liberté, égalité, fraternité. This is the French Republic’s motto. Liberty and equality are also in the first article of the "Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen" of 1789. The French are very proud of that heritage, of France’s struggle during and after the Revolution. They think of their homeland as the cradle of liberty in Europe,…

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The Seven Years' War. The Great French Disaster 44:14

2y ago44:14

44:14

This particular conflict goes by multiple names and definitions. While it is globally recognized as the Seven Years' War, it is more commonly referred to in America as the French and Indian War, and in Canada as the War of Conquest. These wars are all interconnected and are part of a vast global struggle between the two superpowers of the mid-eight…

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Richelieu and Louis XIII, France’s Dynamic Duo? 41:41

2y ago41:41

41:41

King Louis XIII and the Cardinal de Richelieu. These two men are quite important and deserve to be better known. The Cardinal is probably the most known of the two, because of his policies, wars and his long lasting impact on French institutions and Europe's destiny. Louis XIII is often perceived as the weaker of the two, the king who merely signed…

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Frederick Becomes "The Great" 25:00

2y ago25:00

25:00

In this episode, the Prussian Army fights two battles, Frederick fights in one of these, and he earns the epithet "The Great". My Links: Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UZK1RES5MF5F?ref_=wl_share Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frederick_the_great_podcast Email for questions: [email protected] Instagram:https://…

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Hectic Hohenfriedberg 30:42

2+ y ago30:42

30:42

On today's episode we talk about one of Frederick's "great" battles: Hohenfriedberg. We also take a look at the military and diplomatic situation in the first half of 1745. This battle sure was a doozy to attempt to explain. My Links: Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UZK1RES5MF5F?ref_=wl_share Patreon: https://www.pa…

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Maurice de Saxe: An Interview with Dr. Jonathan Abel 55:11

2+ y ago55:11

55:11

We have a special guest today! Dr. Jonathan Abel is a professor at Fort Leavenworth who specializes in French history during the 18th Century. On today's episode, we focus on the interesting story of Maurice de Saxe. My Links: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frederick_the_great_podcast Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/…

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Nouvelle-France, the French in North America 1:01:23

2+ y ago1:01:23

1:01:23

The Nouvelle France (New France) is the French colonization of North America. And by this I mean North America, not just Canada. Over a couple of centuries, the French established settlements all over North America, especially along the St-Lawrence and Mississippi River but also in Nova Scotia, Florida, Louisiana and more. New France basically exis…

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Frederick Strikes Again! 22:16

2+ y ago22:16

22:16

Fritz invades the Austrian Province of Bohemia and begins the Second Silesian War! My Links: Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UZK1RES5MF5F?ref_=wl_share Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frederick_the_great_podcast Email for questions: [email protected] Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/frederick_the_great_podcas…

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Frederick in Neutral Prussia 20:17

2+ y ago20:17

20:17

In today's episode, we'll talk about the relationship between Voltaire and Frederick, the diplomatic situation during the time after the First Silesian War, and some military reforms in the Prussian military. My Links: Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UZK1RES5MF5F?ref_=wl_share Ad-Free Episodes: https://www.patreon.c…

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François I, King of the Renaissance 40:50

2+ y ago40:50

40:50

We delve into the life and reign of King François I (Francis the First), who ruled France from 1515 to 1547. Despite facing significant challenges and experiencing notable failures during his rule, François I remains one of the most renowned French monarchs. He is particularly associated with the Renaissance in France and has left a lasting legacy,…

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De Gaulle, JFK and the New World Order with Sean J. McLaughlin 1:05:29

2+ y ago1:05:29

1:05:29

In this special episode, I am joined by Sean J. McLaughlin, historian specialized on the relationship between Charles de Gaulle and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. He is the author of JFK and de Gaulle: How America and France Failed in Vietnam, 1961-1963 (University Press of Kentucky, 2019). Together, we discuss the complex but utterly fascinating relatio…

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French Indochina, from Imperial Jewel to Hell on Earth 46:49

2+ y ago46:49

46:49

"The pearl of the Empire", that's how the French described their colony of Indochina, comprised of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. They took over control in the nineteenth century, exploited the place for decades, and finally got kicked out in 1954-55. It is a story of violence and exploitation. Of colonization and war. Of exchanges and legacies. And s…

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Napoleonic Discussion with Very Special Guests 2:15:06

2+ y ago2:15:06

2:15:06

In this very special episode, I am joined by a coalition of Napoleonic experts to discuss this fascinating period of history and its legacy. We cover Napoléon's personality, some campaigns, the roles of his marshals, the era's lasting impact, as well as a variety of other topics. A truly interesting and enjoyable discussion. My guests are: Dr. Zack…

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Destruction at Dettingen 20:45

2+ y ago20:45

20:45

Welcome back to the first regular narrative episode in a long time! Today, we focus on the British involvement in the War of Austrian Succession. In particular, we focus on the growth of the Pragmatic Army and the Battle of Dettingen. This episode ties in why I talked about the British so much over the last few episodes. My Links: Amazon Wishlist f…

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The Historiography Episode with Rhun Hughes 24:27

2+ y ago24:27

24:27

On today's episode, special guest and writer of a dissertation, Rhun Hughes, and I talk about the historiography surrounding the history of Frederick the Great. What is historiography? Listen and find out! My Links: Amazon Wishlist for Books: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/UZK1RES5MF5F?ref_=wl_share Ad-free Episodes on Patreon: https://www.p…

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Charles de Gaulle, Tales of Grandeur 52:41

2+ y ago52:41

52:41

Charles de Gaulle, the famous general who led the French Resistance during the Second World war before becoming President and the father of the current French political system: the Fifth Republic. De Gaulle is a very, very complicated man. You will often read in the same paragraph that he was ultra-conservative, but that he was a troublemaker and f…

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Visiting Potsdam with Jonny Whitlam 37:05

2+ y ago37:05

37:05

The History of Frederick the Great still lives in Potsdam! Hear how Tour Guide Jonny Whitlam interacts with this history. Jonny's Links: Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/whitlamsberlintours/ Potsdam Tour https://www.whitlams-berlin-tours.com/potsdam-day-trip-from-berlin-palaces-parks-prussians-and-the-cold-war Self-guided walk https://www.whitl…

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The Fall of France of 1940, German Victory or French Defeat? 41:27

2+ y ago41:27

41:27

The Fall of France of 1940, the famous military campaign that saw France being conquered by the German army in a few weeks. This subject is one of the most misinterpreted military events in history. Reading online, you’d believe that the French went to war with sticks to fight German Panzers, or that they fled at the first sign of enemy artillery. …

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Napoléon Part II - From Paris to Saint Helena 1:07:50

3y ago1:07:50

1:07:50

December 2nd 1804, Napoléon Bonaparte is crowned Emperor of the French. Over the next decade, he will keep reforming and modernizing France, but he will also fight the rest of Europe. He will become master of the continent, defeating all his enemies on land, only to go too far and to see Europe strike back at him and at France. This is the second p…

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18th Century History Misconceptions with Public Historian Brandon Fisichella aka Youtuber Brandon F 45:28

3y ago45:28

45:28

Can misinformation about the 18th century really be damaging? In this conversation with Brandon Fisichella, Public Historian/YouTuber, we intend to answer this question. Wait till the end for an actual positive ending on this show! Brandon's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonF/featured Joseph "Plumb" Martin's Memoir: https://www.perl…

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Napoléon Part I - From Corsica to Paris 56:55

3y ago56:55

56:55

Napoléon Bonaparte doesn't really need an introduction. He's the most famous Frenchman ever. He's had more books written about him than any other person, except for Jesus Christ. This French general and emperor shook France, Europe and the world at the turn of the nineteenth century. He is also a polarizing figure. Enlightened ruler, or tyrannic di…

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Napoléon and Frederick the Great: A Comparison with Podcaster John Viscardo 33:51

3y ago33:51

33:51

In this episode, I have a discussion with podcaster John Viscardo about the characteristics of Napoleon and Frederick the Great's reign. Generals and Napoleon podcast link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/generals-and-napoleon/id1629218432 For Ad-Free episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frederick_the_great_podcast Email for questions…

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The French Revolution, a Worldwide Tremor 1:02:11

3y ago1:02:11

1:02:11

The French Revolution shook the world from 1789 to 1799 and completely transformed modern European societies. By ricochet, it transformed the whole world. It was a real political tsunami, with immediate and long term consequences. With the following Napoleonic wars, it shaped the Nineteenth century in a way that nobody could foresee only a generati…

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The Prussian Army of Frederick the Great With Dr. Alexander Burns 51:26

3y ago51:26

51:26

For today's episode, we have a special guest. He is an expert in military history in the 18th century. Today we discuss a variety of topics but we mainly focus on what it was like for the ordinary soldier of Frederick the Great's army. I had a great time producing this episode and hope you enjoy it. Dr. Burns' blog: https://kabinettskriege.blogspot…

1
The Fall of Walpole 18:37

3y ago18:37

18:37

In today's episode, we focus on Britain's war against Spain as well as its diplomatic entanglements in Europe. We also discuss the end of the term of Britain's longest-serving Prime Minister. The Alexander Standard Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-alexander-standard/id1638022326 Email for questions: [email protected] For Ad-Fre…