Got to read this for a review for Emerging Civil War this month. Look for the full review in a week or two! In short, eye-opening and thought provoking.

I sent in a manuscript for review this morning for a phenomenal series on America’s veterans and their experiences. Now we wait. I welcome any and all good and positive words…and advice on how not to be an anxious wreck.

I’m making serious headway here… Anyone have a lead on a good publisher? open.substack.com/pub/josephdr...

The irony was not lost on me that I presented a lecture on Juneteenth about the Canal Street Coup of 1874-an attempt to overthrow Louisiana’s duly elected Republican governor. On a day dedicated to remembering emancipation, it was meaningful to reflect on the fragility of freedom and liberty.

Imagine being angry about people having a paid holiday.

Father’s Day Book Haul:

The Reconstruction Era Blog's Patrick Young joined Bo and Joey for a discussion about the political and social fallout after the American Civil War. Links- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5HtQ... YouTube: youtu.be/4eW-itKkdeE?...

I have worked 18 hour days in this house for the last four days to try and get it ready for our moving day. We’re so close. Tonight, hopefully, will be my last night up til 2am. Not one step back.

Okay, I forgot this app existed again. Apologies. Also, absence will continue as we are moving again! Prepping the new place for paint and some maintenance and then moving in. A lot of work ahead of me for the next few days.

Another fresh episode out now!

Holy. Crap.

I’ve never run like this before. Six months ago I couldn’t and now here we are:

If you missed our chat with the amazing @normagraham.bsky.social now is your chance to get caught up on all things 1st Canadian Para. Check it out! Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2ipa... YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/kiL7ajv...

An absolute delight to sit with two great friends and talk about what is, undoubtedly, the greatest movie of all time.

Why? Why? WHY? Here’s one for @waitmanwbeorn.com to file away in the “Oh, WTF” file:

A pleasure to get to catch up with @lydiajane13.bsky.social to talk a little about #AviationHistory and RAF Bomber Command. Have a listen:

I really did enjoy getting to “muse” about Arnhem and Urquhart. Have look and don’t be afraid to leave a comment! Enjoy

One thing I love about about adding a good black wash before I paint is how the easily the quality of Empress Miniatures is evident. These will be part of an Arnhem medical diorama. Also, the best paint for their berets is in the background for those so inclined. #HistScaleModels

The legendary Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War joins us to talk about his new book on the 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania and the American Civil War. Links- Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3YVo... YouTube: youtu.be/wxjtAXYKQPc?...

“Does Joe like Monty?” You may as well listen for more details:

There haven’t been many things I’ve missed having since I was put on this new diet, but Jesus, what I wouldn’t give for a bucket of fried chicken and biscuit with a sweet tea. Anyways, I’ll just be enjoying my Mediterranean meals.

A little piece I wrote this week for Emerging Civil War on miniature wargaming: emergingcivilwar.com/2025/03/14/r...?

We’re in the planning phase of a new series on 1945 and the end of the Second World War. Ambitious? Yes. Dear listener, what three events of that year stand out most? #History #Skystorians #WhatsHistory

What is suburbia’s obsession with golf carts? Asking for a friend.* *where we are staying right now is NOT AT ALL close to a golf course.

I can honestly say that I learned so much during this chat. Definitely check it out!

Be sure to join up and ask questions! #history #WWII #Monty #Normandy #SkyStorians #WhatsHistory

Took in about an hour’s worth of cricket this morning. Little did I know that Ponchatoula, Louisiana would be home to a cricket league. Between this and wargaming, my weekend plans are taken care of.

We have a lot of exciting news to share over the next week, but let's start here! Want to support the show? Click the link below to find out how! buymeacoffee.com/homebrewhistory

This’ll be one you have to catch! Lots of big news too!!!

This is a really fascinating piece by @merrynwalters.uk that should make us think about who writes the history that we consume. www.merrynwalters.uk/p/you-can-tr...

Well, good morning to you too?

First time Substack poster, here: open.substack.com/pub/josephdr...

Man, we are barely two months into 2025 and I am tired of getting my teeth kicked in. In addition to that, I can’t help but feel like I have whiplash from every breaking news story.

A very insightful post by @anthonyclark.bsky.social about the dismantling and reform of NARA. In general, now is a terrible time to be working with NARA to secure important research and gain access to archived documents. And this is just presidential sites. It will probably only get worse.

Some not so great news from the doctor visit today. A lot more changes in diet and exercise to come. I am getting healthier every day, but some test results were not quite what we hoped for. Feeling a bit wore out. Thoughts, prayers, and positive waves are appreciated.

YES! YES! YES!

The road trip? All to get a look at these! Members of the 2nd Battalion, 156th Regiment, 31st Division, including my wife’s great-grandfather. The Louisiana National Guard unit, comprised of Cajun-French speakers was deployed to Algeria and several served as translators. Now for some more research

A little (light) road trip reading:

I have searched and searched and finally came across 1945 dated Army Field Manual detailing the role of a Quartermaster Service Company and its assigned personnel! Good lord, something is wrong with me. Now if only I could manage getting a personnel file from St. Louis…

One-hundred-fifty-six years ago, one of Indiana’s finest soldiers and officers breathed his last. George Wagner isn’t famous among the pantheon of U.S. Army officers, but he and those like him were invaluable on the battlefields of the American Civil War. emergingcivilwar.com/2025/02/13/a...

Back to writing for the first time in months. Sometimes you really need to put some distance between the topic and yourself. Next week, more source material will arrive and boy howdy is that great!

I recently joined the team of contributors for Emerging Civil War. Here’s my first post, of many more to come!

It was cold, dark, and damp, but there’s no place like Carter House at dawn on November 30.

Thanksgiving done the proper way.

Is there a task worse than packing books for a move? I made at least thirty trips from my library/office room to the garage today. I think I’m done for this week!

When you and your friend insist on working kit into your wardrobe. I do think he and I need to switch jackets though.

Over the next few months you can expect to start seeing more and more articles and posts from me on the Emerging Civil War website. Here’s a little riff I did about some of my favorite Civil War books: emergingcivilwar.com/2024/11/10/o...

This was a surprise on my desk this morning!

Some light reading…