Best Jim Hessler Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 51: The Wheatfield at Gettysburg - Part Three 1:19:57

14d ago1:19:57

1:19:57

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody continue their multi-part deep dive into the fighting in and around the infamous Wheatfield at Gettysburg. The hosts shift their focus to the Stony Hill on the western edge of the Wheatfield and the fighting between the Fifth Corps brigades of Tilton and Sweitzer of James Barnes's Division and the South Carolina…

1
Episode 50: The Wheatfield at Gettysburg - Part Two 1:24:29

6M ago1:24:29

1:24:29

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody continue their multi-part deep dive into the fighting in and around the infamous Wheatfield at Gettysburg. The hosts focus on the initial combat in the Wheatfield between the 3rd Arkansas and George Anderson's Georgia brigade as they square off with Union Third Corps forces from the brigades of De Trobriand, War…

1
Episode 49: The Wheatfield at Gettysburg - Part One 1:09:37

7M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody begin a multi-part deep dive into the fighting in and around the infamous Wheatfield at Gettysburg. The hosts set the stage for July 2 by detailing exactly what is "the Wheatfield," who lived on the property in 1863 and introduce the key figures and troops involved in the first phase of action in the area.If you…

1
Episode 48: Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg - November 18-19, 1863 with Tim Smith 1:19:22

9M ago1:19:22

1:19:22

In September 2023, The Adams County Historical Society hosted a special live recording of the show. Eric, Jim, and Jody were joined by Historian and Licensed Battlefield Guide Tim Smith and a lively crowd of Superfans. The topic that evening was Abraham Lincoln's visit to Gettysburg which lasted just 25 hours spanning November 18 - 19, 1863. In thi…

1
Episode 47: The Eve of Battle - June 30, 1863 1:47:29

11M ago1:47:29

1:47:29

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody had the opportunity to visit the historic Cashtown Inn located in Cashtown, Pennsylvania to record a deep-dive look at the events and decisions of June 30, 1863, and the impact they will have on what will become the Battle of Gettysburg. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the following: A…

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Episode 46: John Sedgwick and The Union Sixth Corps - Part Two with Carol Reardon 1:21:05

1y ago1:21:05

1:21:05

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody are once again joined by esteemed Civil War historian Dr. Carol Reardon as she discusses John Sedgwick and the Union Sixth Corps from their pursuit of Lee's army after Gettysburg to the death of Sedgwick on May 9, 1864. Part Two features a wide-ranging discussion of topics about Sedgwick and his troops, but also…

1
Episode 45: John Sedgwick and The Union Sixth Corps - Part One with Carol Reardon 1:29:58

1y ago1:29:58

1:29:58

In this episode, Eric, Jim, and Jody are joined by esteemed Civil War historian Dr. Carol Reardon as she discusses John Sedgwick and the Union Sixth Corps in the Gettysburg Campaign. Part One covers the background of John Sedgwick, a discussion of the composition of the Sixth Corps during the campaign, and a detailed look at the critical, but often…

1
Episode 44: The Gettysburg Bad History Episode - Part Two 1:52:24

1+ y ago1:52:24

1:52:24

In this episode, Eric and Jim continue their look at Bad Gettysburg History with a special focus on July 3 and beyond! Topics covered are Confederate Strategy on July 3, fighting around Culp's Hill, Pickett's Charge, East AND South Cavalry Field, and much more in this edition of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast. If you would like to donate to the s…

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Episode 43: The Gettysburg Bad History Episode - Part One 1:32:43

1+ y ago1:32:43

1:32:43

In this episode, Eric and Jim tackle a beloved subject matter: Gettysburg's bad history! What makes "bad history?" What are some of the more egregious Gettysburg myths, misunderstandings, or outright misinterpretations that relate to the battle? Tune in as our co-hosts delve into the worst of Gettysburg history! If you would like to donate to the s…

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Episode 42: George Meade at Gettysburg - Part Two with Kent Masterson Brown 1:42:29

2y ago1:42:29

1:42:29

Eric and Jim continue their conversation with Kent Masterson Brown about all things George Meade and Gettysburg. In this episode, they pick up on the morning of July 2 and continue to the end of the battle on July 3, with some discussion of the logistical challenges faced by the Army of the Potomac in the wake of their victory. And yes there is som…

1
Episode 41: George Meade at Gettysburg - Part One with Kent Masterson Brown 1:32:09

2y ago1:32:09

1:32:09

Eric and Jim have long wanted to do an episode (or two) on George Meade and who better to join them than the author of "Meade at Gettysburg" Kent Masterson Brown to discuss Meade's role in the Gettysburg Campaign. Part One begins with Meade taking command of the Army of the Potomac on June 28, 1863, and follows him through his arrival in Gettysburg…

1
Episode 40: The Weather and The Battle of Gettysburg 1:20:44

2y ago1:20:44

1:20:44

What the weather was like during the Battle of Gettysburg? What impact did it have? How do we deal with differing accounts of the weather? If you have ever wondered questions such as these, then this is the episode for you!Jim is joined by Super Fan Jody (filling in as co-host for Eric) as they interview (via Zoom) Jeff Harding and Dr. Jon Nese fro…

1
Episode 39: James Longstreet at Gettysburg - Part Three 2:05:16

2y ago2:05:16

2:05:16

To kick off Season Four of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim return to a familiar topic and continue their deep dive into James Longstreet and the Gettysburg Campaign. This episode will focus on Longstreet's role in the Confederate attack plan of July 2 and more importantly on the famous, or infamous, countermarch later that afternoon.…

1
Episode 38: The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast LIVE! Heel Draft 59:15

2+ y ago59:15

59:15

We wanted to end Season 3 on a light-hearted high note... On May 1, 2021, Eric and Jim were joined by groups of Super Fans for our first-ever live recording at GettysGear and this episode is a recording of that great night. Our topic that evening was the popular Battle of Gettysburg Heel Draft with Eric and Jim squaring off to see who can select th…

1
Episode 37: Chambersburg and The Civil War - Part Two with Tracy Baer 1:40:50

2+ y ago1:40:50

1:40:50

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are again joined by their friend and colleague Tracy Baer who will be discussing the fascinating history of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. While many students of the battle have heard of Chambersburg, it is often overshadowed by events just thirty miles to the east in Gettysburg. Tracy …

1
Episode 36: Chambersburg and The Civil War - Part One with Tracy Baer 1:18:48

3y ago1:18:48

1:18:48

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are joined by their friend and colleague Tracy Baer who will be discussing the fascinating history of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. While many students of the battle have heard of Chambersburg, it is often overshadowed by events just thirty miles to the east in Gettysburg. Tracy in Par…

1
Episode 35: July 1 on Seminary Ridge with Pete Miele 1:21:45

3y ago1:21:45

1:21:45

To commemorate the 158th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Gettysburg, Eric and Jim have gone high in the sky to record an episode from the iconic cupola of the Luthern Theological Seminary. They are joined by Pete Miele, Executive Director of the Seminary Ridge Museum, and newest podcast team member Super Fan Jody to discuss the critical m…

1
Episode 34: James Longstreet at Gettysburg - Part Two 1:13:40

3y ago1:13:40

1:13:40

In this episode, Eric and Jim continue their deep dive into James Longstreet and the Gettysburg Campaign. Part Two focuses on the period of Longstreet's service from January to July 1, 1863. The hosts analyze Longstreet in the Suffolk Campaign in the spring of 1863, his absence from Chancellorsville, and the role he played in the Confederate planni…

1
Episode 33: James Longstreet at Gettysburg - Part One 1:34:21

3y ago1:34:21

1:34:21

In this episode, Eric and Jim begin their first of a three-part series on Lieutenant General James Longstreet who commanded the First Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg. Part One is a deep dive into the period of Longstreet's life from his birth in South Carolina to the end of 1862 and what we can learn from Longstreet's life to g…

1
Episode 32: Medical Care at Gettysburg - Part Two 1:20:31

3+ y ago1:20:31

1:20:31

Eric and Jim are once again joined by their friends and colleagues Fran Feyock and Rick Schroeder, both retired medical professionals, to do a deep dive into some of the more well-known individuals to be wounded at Gettysburg and take a closer look at their treatment and recovery. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via the follo…

1
Episode 31: Medical Care at Gettysburg - Part One 1:16:50

3+ y ago1:16:50

1:16:50

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are joined by their friends and colleagues Fran Feyock and Rick Schroeder, both retired medical professionals, to discuss the treatment and challenges of battlefield medicine at Gettysburg. You will not want to miss this episode into an underappreciated yet vitally important aspect o…

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Episode 30: East Cavalry Field at Gettysburg - Part Two 1:42:02

3+ y ago1:42:02

1:42:02

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim continue their two-part deep dive on the fighting of July 3 at East Cavalry Field. The co-hosts discuss the ebb and flow of this often confusing action, and they also take on prevailing views and theories that have arisen from this aspect of the battle that some have called "Cavalry …

1
Episode 29: What Was Sickles Thinking on July 2? 44:41

3+ y ago44:41

44:41

In this special Super Bowl Sunday edition of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim decided to put together a Gettysburg Halftime Event for the big game! For an event of this magnitude, they had to select an individual whose legend was equal to this monumental moment... None other than Dan Sickles!In this episode, Eric and Jim delve into th…

1
Episode 28: East Cavalry Field at Gettysburg - Part One 1:21:39

3+ y ago1:21:39

1:21:39

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim begin their two-part deep dive on the fighting of July 3 at East Cavalry Field. The co-hosts discuss why this action is important, what led David Gregg and JEB Stuart's cavalry forces to meet on that part of the field, and the role of Union and Confederate troopers that afternoon. Th…

1
Episode 27: John Bachelder and Gettysburg... The Man, The Myth, The Papers! Part Two 2:02:39

3+ y ago2:02:39

2:02:39

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim continue their two-part deep dive into the life and legacy of the artist turned-historian, John Badger Bachelder. In this episode, the hosts discuss some of the controversies that Bachelder was a part of, give insight on how to best use the Bachelder Papers as a resource for studying…

1
Episode 26: John Bachelder and Gettysburg... The Man, The Myth, The Papers! Part One 1:16:00

3+ y ago1:16:00

1:16:00

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim begin their two-part deep dive into the life and legacy of the artist turned historian, John Badger Bachelder. Outside of a participant, Bachelder is the most influential and powerful individual ever associated with the Battle of Gettysburg. So who was Bachelder, and why was he so im…

1
Episode 25: Alfred Iverson at Gettysburg - Part Two 2:01:07

3+ y ago2:01:07

2:01:07

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim continue their look at Brigadier General Alfred Iverson and his North Carolina brigade. In Part Two, the hosts give another of their noted "deep dives" into what happened to Iverson and his troops at Gettysburg on July 1 and the ultimate fallout from what happened on the fields of th…

1
Episode 24: Alfred Iverson at Gettysburg - Part One 1:23:30

3+ y ago1:23:30

1:23:30

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim start Season Three off with a look at one of the most controversial figures associated with the battle: Brigadier General Alfred Iverson. In Part One, they take a deep dive into the native-born Georgian as they detail his life and military service up to July 1. As they often do, the …

1
Episode 23: The Battle of Gettysburg Fantasy Draft! 2:44:41

3+ y ago2:44:41

2:44:41

To close out Season Two and to celebrate the first anniversary of the show, Eric and Jim are joined by some of their friends and colleagues for The First Annual Battle of Gettysburg Fantasy Draft. While the theme of the show is somewhat lighthearted, this almost three-hour episode is full of great insights from Licensed Battlefield Guide and, at ti…

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Episode 22: Culp's Hill at Gettysburg, July 2: Part Two 1:31:36

4y ago1:31:36

1:31:36

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim continue their two-part series on the July 2 fighting on Culp's Hill. In Part Two, the hosts give a deep dive into battle action on Culp's Hill on the evening of July 2, involving George Greene's Union brigade and Confederate forces under Edward Johnson. As always, special attention …

1
Episode 21: Culp's Hill at Gettysburg, July 2: Part One 1:18:45

4y ago1:18:45

1:18:45

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim start a two-part series on the July 2 fighting on Culp’s Hill. Students of the battle have long lamented how the combat at Culp’s Hill is overlooked or even forgotten, but is it? And if so, why? Part One features a detailed discussion of the terrain in and around Culp’s Hill, as well…

1
Episode 20: The Union 11th Corps at Gettysburg and Beyond with Stuart Dempsey 1:52:56

4y ago1:52:56

1:52:56

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are joined by their colleague and friend Stuart Dempsey to discuss the much-maligned and controversial role played by the Union 11th Corps during all three days of the Battle of Gettysburg. Does the traditional interpretation of "The Flying Dutchmen" hold up? Or have historians and s…

1
Episode 19: Robert E. Lee vs George Pickett 1:57:10

4+ y ago1:57:10

1:57:10

In this episode, Eric and Jim explore the complex and challenging relationship between two Gettysburg icons Robert E. Lee and George Pickett. Often accounts place the events of the afternoon of July 3 as the cause of the strain in their relationship, but did the problems begin much earlier? The co-hosts delve into the life of George Pickett and tak…

1
Episode 18: The Union 11th Corps Before Gettysburg with Stuart Dempsey 1:24:38

4+ y ago1:24:38

1:24:38

In this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast co-hosts Eric and Jim are joined by their colleague and friend Stuart Dempsey to discuss the fascinating and unique history of the Union 11th Corps before Gettysburg. Dempsey, a noted expert on the 11th Corps, explains the background of what became the 11th Corps from the European Revolutions in t…

1
Episode 17: The Battle of Hunterstown - July 2, 1863 1:21:06

4+ y ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Eric and Jim discuss the important, yet overlooked, fighting that takes place northeast of Gettysburg in the small crossroads town of Hunterstown on July 2. This cavalry action features such famous Gettysburg figures as Wade Hampton, George Custer, Judson Kilpatrick, and Elon Farnsworth. The hosts take a deep dive into the sharp rearguard action by…

1
Episode 16: Dan Sickles GETS AWAY WITH MURDER! Part Two 1:30:30

4+ y ago1:30:30

1:30:30

Eric and Jim continue their look at the murder and trial that shocked a nation in 1859. In this episode, they cover the death of Barton Key at the hands of Congressman Daniel Sickles, one of the most covered trials in the 19th century, and the fall out for those involved. They also fast forward to July 2, 1863, and discuss what can be learned from …

1
Episode 15: Dan Sickles GETS AWAY WITH MURDER! Part One 1:24:26

4+ y ago1:24:26

1:24:26

With Valentine's Day near Eric and Jim wanted to share a special story of love with their Super Fans. Of course, that story is the infamous 1859 murder of Barton Key at the hands of Congressman Daniel Sickles over the illicit affair Key was having with Dan’s wife Teresa. Part One covers the background of Sickles before the murder, his relationship …

1
Episode 14: Barlow's Knoll at Gettysburg: Part Two 2:10:15

4+ y ago2:10:15

2:10:15

Eric and Jim continue their deep dive into Barlow’s Knoll. In this episode, they turn their attention to the fighting in and around what is today referred to as Barlow’s Knoll and the impact it has on July 1. They likewise delve into the famous Barlow – Gordon Incident and sort out what is a myth and what is reality. Of course, as they have from th…

1
Episode 13: Barlow's Knoll at Gettysburg: Part One 1:30:20

4+ y ago1:30:20

1:30:20

Eric and Jim return for the start of Season Two of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast with a deep dive into the often-overlooked fighting around what is commonly known as Barlow’s Knoll. In this first of two parts, they discuss the Blocher Family, who lived on the property during the battle, and the history of the nearby Adams County Almshouse. They …

1
Episode 12: The Myth of Little Round Top with Garry Adelman 1:08:00

4+ y ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Episode 12 is a special holiday bonus episode brought to us by Santa Sickles himself! In this episode, Eric and Jim are joined by their friend and colleague Garry Adelman to discuss his 2003 book The Myth of Little Round Top. Why does Little Round Top loom so prominently in the history of the Battle of Gettysburg, and has this always been the case?…

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Episode 11: Gettysburg Books!!! A Very Special Super Fan Choice Episode! 1:52:24

4+ y ago1:52:24

1:52:24

To close out Season 1 of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are addressing their broadest topic yet as selected by you, the listeners (Super Fans!). Episode 11 looks at Gettysburg Books and the Historiography of the Battle of Gettysburg and the impact it has had and still has on the way we view and interpret the battle. They discuss the…

1
Episode 10: Johnston Pettigrew and the Gettysburg Campaign 1:43:16

4+ y ago1:43:16

1:43:16

Widely regarded as one of the smartest and most accomplished individuals from the South during the Antebellum era, North Carolina native Johnston Pettigrew led his brigade from the Old North State through some of the most ferocious combat of the Civil War. Join Eric and Jim as they delve into the role played by Pettigrew and the troops under his co…

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Episode 9: The Killer Angels and Gettysburg "a.k.a. The Movie" - Part Two 2:18:12

5y ago2:18:12

2:18:12

In Episode 9 of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast: The Killer Angels and Gettysburg "a.k.a. The Movie" - Part Two, Eric and Jim do a deep dive into the 1993 Ted Turner-produced historical film epic Gettysburg! Or as many fans and students of the battle call it "the movie." The hosts discuss what the film gets right, what they got wrong, bad beards, …

1
Episode 8: The Killer Angels and Gettysburg "a.k.a. The Movie" - Part One 48:11

5y ago48:11

48:11

In Episode 8 of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim delve into the background of the 1974 Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara and the 1993 film adaptation "Gettysburg." To many students of the battle the novel and "the movie" bring out strong emotions in how they depict the Battle of Gettysburg a…

1
Episode 7: Lewis Armistead with Wayne Motts 44:45

5y ago44:45

44:45

For Episode Seven of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are joined by their friend and fellow Licensed Battlefield Guide Wayne Motts to discuss the life of Brigadier General Lewis Armistead. In addition to being a Licensed Battlefield Guide, Wayne Motts is the CEO of The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the auth…

1
Episode 6: What was Lee Thinking? July 3, 1863 1:28:52

5y ago1:28:52

1:28:52

Eric and Jim attempt to delve into one of the most commonly asked visitor questions they receive as Licensed Battlefield Guides at Gettysburg: What was Lee thinking to order Pickett's Charge? This episode focuses on the planning that went into one of the most famous military attacks in history and the thought process behind it. What was the objecti…

1
Episode 5: The Peach Orchard at Gettysburg - Part Two 1:04:56

5y ago1:04:56

1:04:56

Eric and Jim continue their dive into the actions in and around the Sherfy's peach orchard. In this episode they delve into some of the most intense, yet overlooked fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg. They also cover what became of the property after the battle, and answer listener questions. If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so…

1
Episode 4: The Peach Orchard at Gettysburg - Part One 49:30

5y ago49:30

49:30

The first of a two-part series which will focus on the ferocious, yet often overlooked, fighting in and around the Peach Orchard owned by Joseph Sherfy and his family. In part one, Eric and Jim give background on the property and discuss the plans of General Robert E. Lee and his army for the Peach Orchard and the Emmitsburg Road on July 2, 1863. T…

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Episode 3: “What If Jackson Were At Gettysburg?" - Richard Ewell and July 1 1:25:30

5y ago1:25:30

1:25:30

In Episode Three, Eric and Jim delve into the often-asked question of "what if Jackson were at Gettysburg?" While not an alternative history episode the premise is to use the question as a means to compare and contrast Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Richard Ewell in their roles as commanders of the Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. Wou…

1
Episode 2: June 28, 1863 - A Critical Day 58:32

5y ago58:32

58:32

Eric and Jim take a closer look at one of the most critical days in the Gettysburg Campaign: June 28, 1863. The hosts detail the circumstances of George Meade taking command of the Army of the Potomac, Robert E. Lee discovering the location of Union forces and a terrible day for J.E.B. Stuart. Also, questions from listeners about June 28 and the ev…

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