Discover how Thomas Nast, the “Father of American Cartoons,” shaped the modern image of Santa Claus during the Civil War.

This documentary podcast episode explores Nast’s powerful illustrations in Harper’s Weekly, where he transformed St. Nicholas into a symbol of hope, unity, and national identity. From wartime propaganda to holiday tradition, learn how Nast’s art connected soldiers at the front with families at home and forever changed the way Americans imagine Christmas.

Perfect for fans of visual history podcasts, Civil War storytelling, and holiday traditions, this episode blends cultural history with emotional narrative.

In this episode of "The Point of the Spear," host Robert Child explores the rich history and enduring traditions of the Army-Navy football game. Listeners relive a dramatic Navy victory, learn about the rivalry’s origins, legendary players, and its deep cultural and patriotic significance. The episode also addresses recent controversies, highlights the unique dual role of the athletes as future military leaders, and previews the upcoming 2025 game. Closing remarks and production credits round out this engaging look at one of America’s most storied sporting events.

History often whispers before it shouts. On December 7th, 1941, those whispers were present — faint signals, overlooked warnings, subtle cues that might have changed the course of a day. Yet they were missed.

In this episode, we return to the quiet hours before the attack on Pearl Harbor, not to relive the explosions, but to reflect on the signs that went unheard.

These moments remind us that history is shaped not only by what happens, but by what is overlooked.

The American Civil War was a conflict that tore a nation apart and pitted brother against brother. While history remembers names such as Grant, Sherman, and Lee, there were unsung heroes who played pivotal roles on the Union side. Today, we'll count down our top 5 most underrated Union Generals who made significant contributions during the war.

In the decades following the Civil War, an era of relic hunting swept across the United States. Enthusiasts, amateur historians, and even opportunists scoured battlefields and historic sites, unearthing artifacts that once adorned the uniforms and weapons of soldiers who had fought valiantly for their cause. It was a time of discovery, as these artifacts offered a tangible connection to the past.

However, as interest grew, the sites that held these treasures were at risk of being irreparably damaged. To protect the nation's historical legacy, the National Park Service was established in 1916. With its creation a watchful eye was turned on unregulated Civil War relic hunting, with federal regulations later enacted. However, it remains a constant battle preserving these hallowed grounds for generations to come.

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Picture this: America loses the Pacific War, and the Stars and Stripes no longer fly over California, Oregon, and Washington. Instead, the Japanese flag flutters in the wind. This chilling possibility is brought to life in our gripping 15-part alternative history audio series, Ghost Carrier: They Died to Fight Another Day. Dive into the harrowing journey of a doomed aircraft carrier and its crew, stranded in the boundless Pacific by an otherworldly twist of fate. Adapted from Robert Child’s captivating book, Ghost Carrier, this series will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out—get the full experience in paperback, Kindle, or audiobook. Click the links below to purchase.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ghost Carrier Paperback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ghost Carrier Kindle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ghost Carrier Audiobook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (FREE) with Audible Subscription

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our Online Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Books and More.

Visit our Online Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Books and More.

Picture this: America loses the Pacific War, and the Stars and Stripes no longer fly over California, Oregon, and Washington. Instead, the Japanese flag flutters in the wind. This chilling possibility is brought to life in our gripping 15-part alternative history audio series, Ghost Carrier: They Died to Fight Another Day. Dive into the harrowing journey of a doomed aircraft carrier and its crew, stranded in the boundless Pacific by an otherworldly twist of fate. Adapted from Robert Child’s captivating book, Ghost Carrier, this series will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out—get the full experience in paperback, Kindle, or audiobook. Click the links below to purchase.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ghost Carrier Paperback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ghost Carrier Kindle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ghost Carrier Audiobook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (FREE) with Audible Subscription

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our Online Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Books and More.

Visit our Online Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Books and More.

Picture this: America loses the Pacific War, and the Stars and Stripes no longer fly over California, Oregon, and Washington. Instead, the Japanese flag flutters in the wind. This chilling possibility is brought to life in our gripping 15-part alternative history audio series, Ghost Carrier: They Died to Fight Another Day. Dive into the harrowing journey of a doomed aircraft carrier and its crew, stranded in the boundless Pacific by an otherworldly twist of fate. Adapted from Robert Child’s captivating book, Ghost Carrier, this series will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out—get the full experience in paperback, Kindle, or audiobook. Click the links below to purchase.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ghost Carrier Paperback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ghost Carrier Kindle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ghost Carrier Audiobook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (FREE) with Audible Subscription

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our Online Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Books and More.