Prime and Load!
Welcome to the Prime & Load Podcast!
This podcast is dedicated to exploring the pivotal wars, battles, strategies, and figures that shaped the 18th century. From the rise of powerful empires to the dramatic shifts in military tactics, we delve into the stories behind the soldiers, commanders, and innovations that altered the course of history. Whether you’re a military history buff or just curious about this transformative period, we’ll guide you through the battles, conflicts, and the evolution of warfare that defined an era.
- Update frequency
- every 10 days
- Average duration
- 64 minutes
- Episodes
- 20
- Years Active
- 2025
Top Commanders Bracket: Round 5
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 sta…
Naval Warfare in the 18th Century with Dr. Sam Cavell
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 uni…
Top Commanders Bracket: Round 4
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 bee…
Top Commanders Bracket: Round 3
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…
The Jacobite Rising Part I: Raising the Banner with Dr. Arran Johnston
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 Pr…
The Top Commander Bracket: Round 2
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 …
The Top Commander Bracket: Round 1
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 fr…
The Battle of Minden with Ewan Carmichael
In this episode of Prime & Load!, we’re diving into one of the iconic battles of the Seven Years’ War: the Battle of Minden, fought on August 1, 1759. British and Hanoverian infa…
Listener Q&A, Part I
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 log…
Warfare Around the World with Josh Provan
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 …
The Birth of the Continental Army with John U. Rees
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. …
The Battle of Hohenfriedberg
In this episode of Prime & Load!, our very own Dr. Alex Burns unpacks the thrilling story of the Battle of Hohenfriedberg (1745). Another pivotal clash in the War of the Austrian Succession, Dr. Burn…
Training the British Army with Dr. Paul Knight
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
The Battle of Fontenoy
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.
Referenced Works
The Reenacting Hobby with Mark Canady
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 ho…
The Battle of Lexington & Concord
The 250th Anniversary is here! On April 19th, 1775 American militia men faced off against British regulars and to mark the occasion we sat down with Park Rangers Jim Hollister and Andrew Fuoss of Min…
A Beginner’s Guide to Eighteenth-Century Warfare Part II
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 al…
The Irish Brigades
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 …
A Beginners Guide to 18th Century Warfare, Part I
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 con…
Welcome to the Podcast
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 ge…