Best Imperial Japanese Navy Podcasts (2024)

1
The Aztecs 2:57:39

1d ago2:57:39

2:57:39

We finish off the Big 3 of Ancient Meso/South American civilizations with The Aztecs. Originally hailing from what is now the southern United States, the Mexica would enter the Valley the Mexico to find the place pretty crowded already. The only real spot left was a swampy marshy island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. Through innovation and engineer…

1
Captain Toti tours the USS Cod Submarine Memorial in Cleveland Ohio - Episode 420 1:21:16

2d ago1:21:16

1:21:16

Bill takes a tour of the USS Cod (SS-224) in July 2024. Many thanks to Paul Farace and the entire USS Cod crew.Bill authored "From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership"By Paul Farace, William Toti

1
Audience Generated Q&A Session coming soon and Notes about the show's future 14:04

7d ago14:04

14:04

Hey guys. This is a short PSA (nothing is short when Bill and I start talking) about another audience-generated Q&A session. This time, Bill and I will be joined by our good buddy Jon Parshall as we field your questions about the Pacific war. We also briefly discuss the show's future and other topics top of mind. Send us your questions now at:unaut…

1
The Berlin Wall 2:20:18

8d ago2:20:18

2:20:18

The Berlin Wall is, for most, one of those historical topics you're aware of, but probably don't know a ton about. Well don't freak out because that's what we're here for. Post WW2 Germany was divided into zones with the U.S., U.K. and "France" taking stewardship of West Germany and the Soviet Union taking East Germany. Now this was right at the st…

1
Gotterdamerung: The End on Okinawa- with Jon Parshall-Episode 421 1:47:12

9d ago1:47:12

1:47:12

This week Seth, Bill and good buddy Jon Parshall examine the last month of the ground campaign on Okinawa. in this episode, the guys discuss the Japanese withdrawal from the Shuri Line, the attempted American pursuit as well as the final American push south which results in the final American amphibious landing of World War II on the Oroku Peninsul…

1
Jim Jones and The Peoples Temple 3:11:02

15d ago3:11:02

3:11:02

Jim Jones....Jim Jones....what can we say about Jim Jones? Early on young James found he had two things going for him, his newfound love of religion and his ability to memorize sermons and scripture. What started out as lil Jimmy preaching to the other kids in town, took a slight detour in dealing monkeys (not a euphemism) before he finally perform…

1
The Marines on Okinawa:Sugar Loaf Hill, and Beyond--Okinawa Part 3 with Jon Parshall - Episode 420 2:05:57

16d ago2:05:57

2:05:57

This week Seth and Bill and good buddy Jon Parshall get into the US Marine Corps side of the campaign ashore for Okinawa. The team begins their coverage, fittingly, at the beginning of the month of May 1945 and talk about the situation as it stands ashore at the beginning of the month before getting into the early fighting against the Awacha Pocket…

1
Milton Hershey 1:55:19

23d ago1:55:19

1:55:19

Everyone take your seats because it is time for the sweet story of Milton Hershey and Hershey Chocolate. Milton grew up needing direction in life which he found in candy making. He started with caramel and failed more than once before eventually becoming the Caramel King of Pennsylvania. That wasn't enough for Milt because he had bigger dreams. Fro…

1
The Invasion of Okinawa: Cactus, Kakazu, and Hacksaw Ridge with Jon Parshall - Episode 419 2:21:01

23d ago2:21:01

2:21:01

This week Seth and Bill welcome back good buddy Jon Parshall and the three amigos take on the US Army's portion of the early fight for Okinawa. the guys break down the slugfest at Cactus Ride, Kakazu Ridge, and Hacksaw Ridge, digging into the stories of the heroics at each location diving into the stories of Medal of Honor recipients, Desmond Doss,…

1
The Oklahoma City Bombing 2:40:22

30d ago2:40:22

2:40:22

April 19th 1995 was a pretty dark day for the United States and to the people of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in particular. Here in The States if you mention terrorism most people tend to think of the International variety, but domestic terrorism seems to be just as prevalent albeit with usually less of a bang, but not in this instance. Timothy McVeigh…

1
Operation ICEBERG-The Invasion of Okinawa Part 1 with Jon Parshall - Episode 418 1:31:23

30d ago1:31:23

1:31:23

This week Seth and Bill welcome good buddy Jon Parshall to discuss the planning and setup for the last great invasion of World War II, the invasion of Okinawa. In this episode the guys get deep into the weeds discussing the origins of the campaign, the American plans for invasion, and the Japanese plans for defense. Japanese General Ushijima, Gener…

1
Christopher Columbus 2:57:32

1M ago2:57:32

2:57:32

In 1492 this freakin guy Christopher Columbus took his ass across the ocean blue looking for a western sea route to the lands of Asia and India (which he actually thought were the same place and same people). What transpired saw the Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria (Boats and Hoes) sail across the Atlantic, which granted hadn't really been attempte…

1
Big Ben-The Story of USS Franklin-Episode 417 1:58:12

1M ago1:58:12

1:58:12

This week Seth and Bill take a look at one of the most famous stories of survival and bravery in all of World War II, the story of the USS Franklin. On March 19, 1945 aircraft carrier USS Franklin (CV-13) better known as Big Ben, was hit by one or two bombs dropped by a Japanese Judy dive bomber. In the ensuing inferno and chaos that followed, more…

1
The American Revolution: Part 2 2:44:24

1M ago2:44:24

2:44:24

We left off with the shot heard round the world and we ate coming back into Lexington and Concord. While it is sorta known as the opening salvo of the Revolutionary War, it really wasn't. We had to have 2 continental congresses before we decides to declare independence. That is what started the Revolutionary War. A strongly worded letter to a pre-c…

1
Operation MEETINGHOUSE-The Firebombing of Tokyo - Episode 416 1:22:35

1M ago1:22:35

1:22:35

This week Seth and Bill take a deep, and horrifying, dive into Mission number 40 from the Marianas and 21st Bomber Command, codenamed Operation MEETINGHOUSE. The raid that occurred on the night of March 10, 1945, was the single deadliest air raid in all of human history. Faced with failure after failure and the mounting pressure of a Japanese Home …

1
The American Revolution: Part 1 1:53:05

2M ago1:53:05

1:53:05

By the mid 1700's the British in North America had established 13 colonies and a large population some of which were 2nd or 3rd generation British Americans, having never set foot on the home islands. Being separated from Great Britain by 3,000 miles, taking 6-8 weeks to cross the Atlantic, the colonies began to feel isolated or maybe a little inde…

1
The Strategic Bombing Campaign Over Japan with James Scott-Episode 415 1:54:44

2M ago1:54:44

1:54:44

This week Seth and Bill welcome back historian James Scott to talk about the strategic bombing campaign over Japan. The guys get into the roots of strategic bombing, discussing Billy Mitchell, Duohet, Hap Arnold and the B-29. Moving west, the guys dissect the first few months of the campaign against Japan, taking a look at 21st Bomber Command's fir…

1
The Imperial Japanese Navy 2:08:10

2M ago2:08:10

2:08:10

Surprise Surprise Prof Chris is taking us back to the Pacific Theater of World War 2. This week were discussing the IJN, the Imperial Japanese Navy from its formation to it's warm up wars against China, Russia, and then China yet again to it's role in pulling the United States into WW2 at Pearl Harbor. We cover how WW1 shaped what Naval Warfare wou…

1
Tailhookers Over Tokyo-Carrier Raids on the Home Islands with Jon Parshall-Episode 414 1:44:45

2M ago1:44:45

1:44:45

This week Seth and Bill welcome back good buddy Jon Parshall to talk about the first American carrier raids on the Japanese Home Islands since the Doolittle Raid in April 1942. In February 1945, just before Iwo Jima, Task Force 58 under the command of Marc Mitscher sails to within 60 miles of Honshu to launch the first US Navy carrier raids against…

1
Sparta 2:24:03

2M ago2:24:03

2:24:03

This is Sparta! Spartan Race, Sparty the Spartan, god knows how many CrossFit gyms. The culture of ancient Sparta has inspired a certain amount of worship or at least been idolized by numerous modern civilizations. But how much of their legend is fact and how much fiction. How did they gain the reputation as THE elite warriors of Ancient Greece? Di…

1
The Ace Race 1944-45 with John Bruning - Episode 413 2:06:34

2M ago2:06:34

2:06:34

This week Seth and Bill welcome back good friend John Bruning to wrap up the discussion on the great Ace Race in the Pacific during World War II. The trio gets into a discussion on one of the fieriest leaders of the Pacific theater, P-47 Thunderbolt ace, Neel Kearby, and his 348th Fighter Group. n The guys break down Kearby's "freelancing" fighter …

1
Mercedes-Benz: Origins of the Automobile 2:08:28

2M ago2:08:28

2:08:28

The Automobile is one of those inventions that we tend to take for granted. Most people can't explain how an internal combustion engine works let alone design and build one. Well that's where the subjects of our episode come in, Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. Now I know what you're thinking, it's MERCEDES Benz. You're right and there's a pretty co…

1
Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy - Episode 412 1:41:05

2M ago1:41:05

1:41:05

This week Seth and Bill take a deep look at the man that some called the second most powerful man in the world during WWII. US Navy Admiral William D. Leahy's naval career, as well as diplomatic and advisory career are examined by the team as they go through the astounding rise of one of the United States' true leaders and great men. Tune in to see…

1
The Battle of Stalingrad 1:50:20

3M ago1:50:20

1:50:20

A more apt title for this should be The Battle for Stalingrad, because that exactly what this was in every sense of the word. After the Nazi invasion of Russia during Operation Barbarossa failed to capture Moscow, Hitler needed a win and decided to pivot and capture Russia's oil fields in the south, fueling his war machine and starving the Russian …

1
Halsey's Carrier Raids in the South China Sea-Episode 411 1:46:37

3M ago1:46:37

1:46:37

This week Seth and Bill take a look at Admiral William F. Halsey's carrier raids into the South China Sea in January 1945. As early as October 1944, Halsey realized that the South China Sea was an untapped hunting ground for Japanese shipping. These vital supply lines brought most of Japan's oil, foodstuffs, and raw materials to or from the Home Is…

1
Charles Darwin 2:25:51

3M ago2:25:51

2:25:51

Even if you don't know what the man's about you've probably heard the name Charles Darwin. At the very least you've seen one of those Jesus Fish car decals with legs and the name Darwin in the middle. Well Mr. Darwin was kind of a jack of all trades when it came to the fields of science. What started as a childhood passion for insects grew into a l…

1
Operation DETACHMENT-The Invasion of Iwo Jima Part 2 with Jon Parshall-Episode 410 2:02:37

3M ago2:02:37

2:02:37

This week Seth and Bill welcome back good friend Jon Parshall to wrap up the bitter fight for Iwo Jima. The guys cover all aspects of the struggle for Iwo beginning in the days after the flag raising on Mount Suribachi all the way through the bitter end. in this episode we cover the Medal of Honor stories of Woody Williams, William Harrell, George …

1
Apollo 11 2:38:54

3M ago2:38:54

2:38:54

Reaching the moon is arguably humanity's greatest accomplishment. When Kennedy promised we would reach the moon by the end of the decade, it sounded like a big commitment considering we had only just got a man into orbit some 3 days earlier. NASA used programs Mercury and Gemini to build towards the Apollo Program. The promise would be fulfilled in…

1
Operation DETACHMENT-The Invasion of Iwo Jima Part 1 with Jon Parshall-Episode 409 2:26:36

3M ago2:26:36

2:26:36

This week Seth, Bill and great buddy Jon Parshall discuss the Battle of Iwo Jima in the first part of a miniseries on Operation DETACHMENT. The guys get into a deep discussion on Japanese preparations on the island, and how Japanese Imperial Army General Kuribayashi Tadamichi devised his defensive plan. The guys get into the amazing details on the …

1
The Louisiana Purchase 1:51:30

3M ago1:51:30

1:51:30

Back in good ol 1803 a little transaction occurred that saw the newly christened United States of America doubled in size, adding a chunk of land stretching from the west bank of the Mississippi River and covering 15 current states in the USA. Effectively this meant the U.S. territory stretched about 2/3 across the continent. Now land transfers hav…

1
The Sea is Trying to Kill You-Halsey's Typhoons with Jon Parshall - Episode 408 2:16:46

3M ago2:16:46

2:16:46

This week Seth and Bill are joined by good buddy Jon Parshall to break down Typhoon Cobra and Typhoon Viper, better known as Halsey's Typhoons. Typhoon Cobram which occurred in December 1944 wreaked more havoc and devastation on Halsey's 3rd Fleet than the Japanese ever did at any one time. The guys go deep into the weeds and talk about the early w…

1
The Chernobyl Disaster 2:19:43

4M ago2:19:43

2:19:43

In what still stands as the worst nuclear disaster to take place on this planet, the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine on April 26 1986 was the catalyst that led to the downfall of the Soviet Union. Poor materials, rushed construction, and a staggering amount of ineptitude regarding the design and operation of the nuclear re…

1
Allied Prisoners of War of the Japanese-Episode 407 1:30:08

4M ago1:30:08

1:30:08

This week Seth and Bill take on the unpleasant topic of Allied Prisoners of War held by the Japanese. The guys get into the weeds talking about the brutal treatment of Allied POWs at the hands of the Japanese, getting into the Burma-Thai Railway, Hell Ships, Japanese methods of torture, starvation, Ofuna, Omori and finally liberation. Louis Zamperi…

1
The Opium Wars 2:11:10

4M ago2:11:10

2:11:10

In a land far to the East and at a time not all that long ago Britain decided it needed a whole bunch of stuff that only China could provide, silks, fine porcelain, and oh yeah TEA. You know how they are about Tea. Well trouble was Britain really didn't have China wanted. What they did want was silver. The Brits didn't have silver, but they did hav…

1
The Cabanatuan Raid-Episode 406 1:35:20

4M ago1:35:20

1:35:20

This week Seth and Bill take a deep dive into one of the most exciting, and heroic, episodes of the Pacific War-the rescue of some of the survivors of the Bataan Death March during the raid on Cabanatuan in 1945. US Army 6th Rangers under the command of COL Henry Mucci infiltrated deep behind Japanese lines to rescue American POWs languishing in th…

1
Walt Disney 1:43:30

4M ago1:43:30

1:43:30

Disney...a name that can stir emotions, excite the senses, and bring memories flooding back from anyones childhood. Walter Elias Disney was a man from humble beginnings who, through his love for animation, storytelling, and sheer determination, created an entertainment empire that spans the globe. Mickey Mouse is one of the most recognizable symbol…

1
Japanese Atrocities in Manila with James Scott-Episode 405 1:43:09

4M ago1:43:09

1:43:09

This week Seth and Bill welcome author and historian James Scott to the show to discuss Japanese atrocities in Manila during the battle. The guys discuss some of the more heinous Japanese atrocities committed against the population of Manila at places like Dy Pac Lumberyard, St Paul's, and Fort Santiago. Following that somber discussion, the guys g…

1
Special Episode: Flying the Hump in the CBI with Caroline Alexander 59:43

4M ago59:43

59:43

In this special episode Seth and Bill welcome author Caroline Alexander to the show to discuss her new book: Skies of Thunder-The Deadly World War II Mission Over the Roof of the World. In this hour, the guys and Caroline talk about the treacherous flight path known to history as The Hump, the deadly aerial supply run to help keep China in World Wa…

1
The History of Scotland Part 2 2:24:01

4M ago2:24:01

2:24:01

After ol Robert Bruce takes a dirt nap, Scottish Independence is threatened before his body's even cold. The English wolves are at the door yet again. We'll fine out what happens when all of that Scottish/English martial mingling results in the King of Scotland being the next closest relative when the Monarch of England dies? Who was Mary, Queen of…

1
The Liberation of Santo Tomas-Episode 404 1:10:46

4M ago1:10:46

1:10:46

This week Seth and Bill talk about the liberation of the civilian internment camp in Manila at the University of Santo Tomas. In a daring dash through Japanese lines, elements of the 1st Cavalry Division, known to history as Chase's Flying Columns, blow through Japanese lines and head towards the Pearl of the Orient, Manila, to liberate civilian pr…

1
Oral History with 102-year-old WWII Seabee Cam Pelletier 1:04:41

4M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

In this special 4th of July episode, Bill takes a handoff from Seth and records his first ever oral history. The subject is 102-year-old World War II veteran Cam Pelletier, a Seabee at Guadalcanal, the Russell Islands, the Green Islands, and most notably on Peleliu.#seabees; #history; #worldwar2; #pacific ; #peleliu; #usmc; #firstmarinedivision…

1
The History of Scotland Part 1 2:30:04

4M ago2:30:04

2:30:04

There's something about Scotland that holds a special place in our hearts here at the Institute of Higher Learning. The Highlands, the moors, the lochs, the rolling hills, the accent, scotch whiskey, the people who date back more than 8,000 yrs before Britain's recorded history. A land constantly trying to fight for its independence against pretty …

1
The Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal with John Bruning - Episode 403 2:12:29

5M ago2:12:29

2:12:29

This week Seth and Bill welcome back pal John Bruning to the show to talk about his new book, and always a fascinating subject, the Cactus Air Force. John's new book, 53 Days on Starvation Island is an absorbing look into the first two United States Marine Corps squadrons to land on Henderson Field in August 1942, VMF-223 and VMSB-232. The guys get…

1
Charles Manson and The Family 2:45:31

5M ago2:45:31

2:45:31

Charles Manson was a monster. Spending over half of his first 32 years on the planet in an institution did not reform him. If anything it made him what he was. A smooth talking con man who used his influence over impressionable young people leading to horrifying results. Oh and he sucked at the guitar. Activated by a drastic misinterpretation of Th…

1
The Battle for Manila with John McManus-Episode 402 1:34:23

5M ago1:34:23

1:34:23

This week, Seth, Bill and good friend John McManus take a look at the the battle for the Filipino capital of Manila. The team dissects the incredibly violent and horrific fight for General Douglas MacArthur's beloved Pearl of the Orient. The fighting in Manila was one fo the most violent combat areas of the entire war and the team breaks the fighti…

1
Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird 1:37:59

5M ago1:37:59

1:37:59

Some things are bigger than sports. Every once in awhile that phrase is used to describe an event that means more than the score on the board. The relationship Larry Bird and Magic Johnson share with history is one of those things. Sure we will talk about their stellar achievements on the court, but there is so much more to Magic vs Bird. Michigan …

1
The Liberation of Luzon with John McManus - Episode 401 1:57:51

5M ago1:57:51

1:57:51

In the first episode of Season 4, Seth and Bill welcome good buddy John McManus as the trio takes on the topic of the Liberation of Luzon in 1945. The guys discuss the initial landings and successes while also getting into Douglas MacArthur's personal feelings and courage displayed on the island during the campaign. The guys then dig into some of t…

1
The Battle off Samar with Jon Parshall (both episodes combined) 3:00:33

5M ago3:00:33

3:00:33

Again, due to popular request, we have combined both Samar episodes with Jon Parshall into this long-form version. This is both parts 1 and part 2 combined. Hope you enjoy.This week Seth, Bill and good pal Jon Parshall get into the much anticipated Battle off Samar! The guys get into the background of the epic fight, the commanders on both sides, E…

1
The Italian-American Mafia 1:34:17

5M ago1:34:17

1:34:17

The Italian American Mafia was born out of the Castellamarese War. The Mafia was very much a thing in the United States prior to the war. The difference was the leadership. Old Sicilian Mafia men were called Mustache Petes. These were the guys in charge before the war. They were actually the guys that went to war. The generation of mobsters that gr…

1
The Battle of Surigao Strait with Jon Parshall and Tony Tully (Both Episodes Combined) 3:15:26

5M ago3:15:26

3:15:26

Due to popular request, I have combined both parts of the Surigao Strait shows and released them as one, here. As Bill and I prepare for Season 4, please enjoy the long-form version of Surigao Strait with our buddies Jon Parshall and Tony Tully.By William toti, Jon parshall, Seth paridon

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Imperial Japanese Navy Podcasts

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