The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War
Seth Paridon, William Toti
The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War Podcast is the creation of Seth Paridon and Bill Toti. Seth is a World War II historian with over 20 years experience who's many roles also was serving as a chief historian for The National WWII Museum for 15 years. Bill is not a historian, but is a retired submarine commodore and military planner with a special interest in the Pacific War. Bill has a unique perspective to offer as one who spent more than a decade sailing those same waters where the action in “The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War” took place.
Each week, Bill and Seth dive deep into topics pertaining to the Pacific War during World War II. We dissect the battles, tactics, strategies, and personalities that drove the United States' victory on the largest battlefront in human history.
Seth and Bill bring out the hard facts about the war that resonates deeply today, some 80 years after the war was fought.
New episodes are released on this channel every Tuesday, and the audio versions of each episode are released at the same time everywhere you receive your podcasts. Make sure you subscribe to get notifications of every fresh upload and new show!
If you prefer an audio-only version of “The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War,” it can be heard here:
And for those of you interested in the transition from active duty to industry, Bill’s book “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership” is available in hardback at Amazon and other resellers, in eBook format on Kindle and Apple, and in audiobook format on Audible.
Each week, Bill and Seth dive deep into topics pertaining to the Pacific War during World War II. We dissect the battles, tactics, strategies, and personalities that drove the United States' victory on the largest battlefront in human history.
Seth and Bill bring out the hard facts about the war that resonates deeply today, some 80 years after the war was fought.
New episodes are released on this channel every Tuesday, and the audio versions of each episode are released at the same time everywhere you receive your podcasts. Make sure you subscribe to get notifications of every fresh upload and new show!
If you prefer an audio-only version of “The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War,” it can be heard here:
And for those of you interested in the transition from active duty to industry, Bill’s book “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership” is available in hardback at Amazon and other resellers, in eBook format on Kindle and Apple, and in audiobook format on Audible.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 1, 2023 • 1h 3min
The Battle of the Komandorski Islands with special guest Admiral Sam Cox
This week Bill and Seth are joined once again by Naval History and Heritage Command Director, Rear Admiral sam Cox, to discuss the little-known and often-forgotten naval battle of the Komandorski Islands. The trio break down the 4-hour long old school naval gunnery duel in the frigid waters of the North Pacific during the Aleutian Islands campaign of 1943.
Jul 25, 2023 • 1h 34min
The Thousand Mile War-The Aleutians with guest co-host Jon Parshall
This week Seth and guest co-host Jon Parshall discuss the largely forgotten and relatively unknown campaign in the Aleutian islands in 1942 and 1943. The pair discuss the Japanese invasion in 1942 and the plans made by the US in the defense of the Aleutians and eventual recapture. The discussion wraps as the American 7th Infantry Division lands and recaptures sovereign American territory.
Jul 22, 2023 • 1h 7min
Special Episode: The Navy's Role in Hiroshima with special guest Admiral Sam Cox
In this special episode airing on the release of the movie "Oppenheimer," Bill, Seth and guest Admiral Sam Cox examine the Navy's role in the Manhattan Project and the bombing of Hiroshima. The trio also discusses the controversial nature of the bombing and the reality of the situation as it was seen in 1945.
Jul 18, 2023 • 1h 33min
The Carrier Raids on Rabaul with Jon Parshall
Explore the intense aircraft carrier raids on Rabaul in World War II, highlighting strategic decisions and Japanese reactions. Learn about the critical importance of Rabaul as a logistical hub, the challenges of neutralizing its defenses, and the resilience of Japanese forces. Delve into the modern heavy cruisers sent by Admiral Koga and the strategic strike on Rabaul, showcasing brave American fighters and successful carrier raids. Uncover the unintended consequences of Cartwheel and the significance of carrier air power in the Pacific Theater.
Jul 11, 2023 • 1h 42min
The Battle of Empress Augusta Bay with special guest Drachinifel
This week Seth and Bill are again joined by naval historian Drachinifel and the trio discusses the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay that was fought as a result of the invasion of Bougainville on the night of November 1-2, 1943. Tune in and see what the trio has to say about the resounding American surface victory.
Jul 4, 2023 • 1h 30min
The Invasion of Bougainville
This week Seth and Bill tackle the invasion of Bougainville on November 1, 1943. With the noose around Rabaul growing ever tighter, ADM Halsey and the new 3rd Marine Division and veteran 37th Infantry Division land at Cape Torokina and establish airfields to further tighten the grip on the Japanese fortress at Rabaul. Tune in and see what the team has to say about the reasons for the invasion, the operation itself, heroism, and the end results.
Jun 27, 2023 • 2h 2min
Medals of Honor from the Silent Service
This week Seth and Bill welcome special guest Chuck Merkel to the show to discuss the Medals of Honor awarded to those members of the Silent Service during World War II. Together the trio goes into the stories of Howard Gilmore, John Cromwell, Sam Dealey, Red Ramage, and George Street. Tune in and see what gallantry is really like.
Jun 20, 2023 • 1h 39min
Sweep up the Solomons-The Naval Battles of Vella LaVella and Cape St. George
This week Bill and Seth sweep up the remaining naval surface battles in the long and bloody road up the Solomons island chain. US Navy destroyers meet the Imperial Navy once again at The Naval Battle of Vella LaVella and a gentleman named Arleigh Burke sets the pace at Cape St. George.
Jun 13, 2023 • 1h 39min
Gung Ho! The Makin Island Raid
This week Seth and Bill take a step back to 1942 and look at the somewhat audacious, somewhat foolhardy Makin Island Raid of August 1942. Colonel Evans Carlson and his 2nd Raider Battalion, Carlson's Raiders, launched an audacious, ferocious and extremely hazardous raid behind enemy lines on Makin Atoll in August of 1942. Hailed as a success by the American press at the time, the team breaks down whether or not it really was as successful as originally said to be.
Jun 6, 2023 • 2h 23min
The Ace Race Over New Guinea 1943-44 with special guest John Bruning
This week Seth and Bill welcome first time guest, author and historian John Bruning to the show to discuss the ace race of New Guinea in 1943. The trio unpacks the stories of General George Kenney, the birth of his 5th Air Force, as well as Richard Bong and Tommy Maguire and their quest to become America's Ace of Aces.
