Prime and Load!
Historic Studios
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About This Podcast
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.
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Recent Episodes
S1E29 Fight for the Steppe: The Russo-Ottoman Wars
When we think of 18th-century warfare, our minds usually jump to the fields of Flanders, the forests of North America, or the rolling hills of Central Europe. But while the Western powers were…
S1E28 The Jacobite Rising Part V: The Small Wars of 1746
January 1746. The Jacobites have just won another stunning victory at Falkirk Muir. But instead of marching south, Bonnie Prince Charlie finds himself overruled by his war council and forced into a…
S1E27 The Gold Standard: The Royal French Army of the 18th Century
In the English-speaking world, we often view the French Army through the single lens of the Seven Years' War. We see the disaster: the loss of Canada, the retreat from India, and a reputation left in…
S1E26 Refighting History: Making a Wargame
How do you turn the chaos of an 18th-century battlefield into a set of rules? How do you simulate the "fog of war" that plagued commanders like the Duke of Cumberland or Marshal Saxe?In this special…
S1E25 The Jacobite Rising IV: The Highland Storm
The retreat from Derby was not the end of the Jacobite Rising, it was a tactical realignment. Following a highly disciplined and orderly withdrawal from England, the Jacobite Army arrives in Glasgow…
The 14th Colony: Benedict Arnold, Guy Carleton, and the Battle of Quebec
On New Year’s Eve 1775, in the midst of a blinding blizzard, the Continental Army launched an assault on the fortress city of Quebec. It was the climax of the first major offensive of the American…
S1E23 The Battle of Kesselsdorf: The Old Dessauer’s Last Victory
December 15, 1745. In the freezing snow outside Dresden, the Second Silesian War came to a bloody conclusion. The Battle of Kesselsdorf is often overshadowed by Frederick the Great’s personal…
S1E22 The Jacobite Rising Part III: The High Water Mark
December 1745. The Highland Army is at Derby. They have marched over 100 miles into English territory, outmaneuvering two British field armies along the way. They are just days away from London. The…
S1E21 Glorious Soldiers: The 8th Virginia Regt with Gabe Neville
They called them the “German Regiment,” but the 8th Virginia was more than that — a fascinating mix of frontier riflemen, Scots-Irish settlers, and German-speaking farmers who brought their own…
S1E20 Washington's Marines with Maj. Gen. Jason Bohm
This week on Prime & Load! we’re joined by Maj. Gen. Jason Bohm, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), author of Washington’s Marines. Together we explore the origins of the Continental Marines and their…
S1E19 Prime & Spook!
It’s Halloween on Prime & Load! — and we’re diving into the darker side of 18th-century warfare. From French soldiers sent to hunt monsters in the countryside, to Eastern European patrols…
S1E18 The American Rifle: Myth, Reality, & Revolution with Dr. John Weaver
The Sniper. The Frontiersman. The American Legend. Pop culture tells us the American Revolution was won by sharp-shooters hiding in the trees, picking off British officers with impossible accuracy.…
Top Commanders Bracket: Grand Finale
Its been a long time coming but we are proud to announce the Prime & Load Top Commander of the 18th Century! Text the show! Support the showJoin our Newsletter! Follow is on X General Recommended…
S1E17 The Battle of Soor (1745): How Frederick the Great Escaped a Massacre
On the morning of September 30, 1745, Frederick the Great faced one of the most perilous moments of his career. The Prussian army, just 22,000 strong, awoke in its Bohemian camp to find Austrian guns…
S1E16 The Jacobite Rising Part II: The Fall of Edinburgh and the Highland Charge with Dr. Arran Johnston
Dr. Arran Johnston returns to dive into the Jacobites! On the 280th anniversary of the Battle of Prestonpans, we explore the battle and its lead-up in depth. This massive episode is packed with…
S1 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…
S1E15 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…
S1 Top Commanders Bracket: Round 4
Cast Extra Votes Here!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…
S1 Top Commanders Bracket: Round 3
Vote Here!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…
S1E14 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…
Frequently Asked Questions
Prime and Load! has published 35 episodes since March 2025, covering topics in Documentary, Education.
Prime and Load! is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 1h 9m.
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