

History That Doesn't Suck
Prof. Greg Jackson
HTDS is a bi-weekly podcast, delivering a legit, seriously researched, hard-hitting survey of American history through entertaining stories. To keep up with History That Doesn’t Suck news, check us out htdspodcast.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram: @Historythatdoesntsuck. Become a premium member to support our work, receive ad-free episodes and bonus episodes.
Take a special VIP cruise with Prof. Jackson May 18-22, 2026
Pre-order Prof. Jackson's new book Been There Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome
Take a special VIP cruise with Prof. Jackson May 18-22, 2026
Pre-order Prof. Jackson's new book Been There Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Jan 31, 2018 • 1h 1min
11: Southern Discomfort: Savannah & Charleston Captured, Slavery, Massacres, & 1779’s Sundries
Delve into the turbulent events of 1779 in the South, where British ambitions clash with enslaved individuals seeking freedom. Discover Quimino Dali's journey amid the chaos of Savannah’s fall and the Southern strategy's brutal realities. The podcast also highlights Spain’s strategic entry into the war and the moral complexities of warfare on the frontier. Packed with intriguing details on the Franco-American alliance, it's a gripping exploration of loyalty, conflict, and the harsh truths of history.

13 snips
Jan 19, 2018 • 58min
10: Dueling, Life Sucks at Valley Forge, von Steuben's Cool & the Battle of Monmouth
Baron von Steuben, a key military figure renowned for training the Continental Army, dives into the grim realities of the winter at Valley Forge. This brutal period saw starvation and turmoil but also the introduction of crucial military training. Listeners hear about intense duels highlighting loyalty and honor among officers. The podcast discusses the dramatic Battle of Monmouth and contrasts leadership styles, revealing how von Steuben's strategies transformed a struggling army ready to face its British adversaries.

11 snips
Jan 2, 2018 • 1h 2min
9: (Almost) Everything Important in 1777--Saratoga, Lafayette & George Returns Gen. Howe’s Dog
Gentleman Johnny, a charismatic playboy and playwright, leads a Canadian invasion in 1777, shedding light on egos and ambitions in the Revolutionary War. The conversation dives into the pivotal Saratoga Campaign and the struggles Washington faces, including troop shortages and harsh winters at Valley Forge. As the British lose battles, they hilariously misplace General Howe's dog. The outcome aligns with Ben Franklin's efforts to secure French support, changing the war's trajectory. It's a riveting blend of military strategy and historical shenanigans!

11 snips
Dec 23, 2017 • 34min
Christmas Special: George Wishes Some Hessians a Merry F’ing Christmas
Experience the thrilling tale of George Washington's daring Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River. Amidst icy struggles, his troops faced demoralizing retreats and significant losses. Witness how Washington orchestrated a surprise attack on the Hessians, leading to a pivotal victory at Trenton. This bold move not only turned the tide of the war but also lifted the spirits of a beleaguered army. It's a gripping reminder of resilience and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds.

11 snips
Dec 17, 2017 • 1h 4min
8: From Independence to NY (meeting A. Ham, Nathan Hale & Charles Lee is a Sneaky Bastard)
In this engaging discussion, we meet Alexander Hamilton, who rose from a tough childhood in the Caribbean to become a key figure in New York. The conversation dives into the heated debates in Congress leading up to the Declaration of Independence, the despair faced by patriots, and Hamilton's pivotal role during the Revolutionary War. Listeners are captivated by tales of early military struggles, the emotional toll of loss, and the indomitable spirit of the founding fathers as they navigate through one of America's most tumultuous times.

17 snips
Dec 4, 2017 • 1h 2min
7: An Olive Branch Rejected, Tom's a Royal Pain(e), & the Siege of Boston
Join Thomas Paine, a key revolutionary thinker, and Aaron Burr, a military officer, as they dive into the explosive tensions leading up to the American Revolution. Paine critiques King George III in his viral pamphlet, Common Sense, while Burr witnesses the tragic death of General Montgomery in Quebec. They reflect on the brutal Battle of Bunker Hill, where the cost of conflict becomes painfully clear. Together, they explore the futile Olive Branch Petition and the growing divide among the colonies, setting the stage for inevitable rebellion.

Nov 18, 2017 • 60min
6: "The Shot Heard Round the World"
“Fire, for God’s sake, fire!” This is the story of the first battle of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775. We're in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. Between Lexington's Green, Concord's North Bridge, and Colonel Smith's troops returning to Boston, 49 Americans and 73 Redcoats die. The battle and ongoing friction will also cause the Second Continental Congress to create an army. But who can lead it? Welcome back to the story, George Washington.____Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and
go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations
join discussions in our Facebook community
get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette
come see a live show
get HTDS merch
or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks.
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

34 snips
Nov 1, 2017 • 1h 5min
5: "Delenda est Bostonia:" a Congress, Paul Rides, & the First Shot at Lexington
"Lay down your arms, you damned rebels, or you are all dead men."This is the story of the First Continental Congress and the build-up to the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies air their grievances against Parliament, and it doesn't go well. Paul Revere goes for a ride. Rather than making it to Concord, he gets to listen to soldiers threaten to "blow his brains out." The next morning, shots are fired at Lexington. War is here. British America will never be the same.This Second Edition episode is a rewritten, rerecorded, and remastered version of the original episode that aired on October 31, 2017. Head to HTDSpodcast.com to find out how to listen to the original.___Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and
go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations
join discussions in our Facebook community
get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette
come see a live show
get HTDS merch
or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks.
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 snips
Oct 17, 2017 • 58min
4: "Boston Harbor A Tea-Pot This Night:" The Boston Tea Party
"We have only been making a little salt-water tea."This is the story of the Boston Tea Party. The East India Company and the needs of the global British Empire are intertwined, and Parliament wants the American colonies to help foot the bill by drinking the company's tea. The East India Company sends its tea to America on seven ships. Four head to Boston. Three will make it. To be clear: the ships make it. The tea won't.This Second Edition episode is a rewritten, rerecorded, and remastered version of the original episode that aired on October 16, 2017. Head to HTDSpodcast.com to find out how to listen to the original.___Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and
go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations
join discussions in our Facebook community
get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette
come see a live show
get HTDS merch
or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks.
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 snips
Oct 9, 2017 • 58min
3: "Clean My Sh*t House!" The Boston Massacre
The podcast explores the Boston Massacre, presenting different perspectives on the event. It discusses the events leading up to the Massacre, including taxation and the arrival of military forces. Tensions between Bostonians and British soldiers are highlighted, leading to a confrontation at the British Coffee House. The aftermath of the Massacre is also discussed, including the guilty verdict and the repeal of the Townshend Acts.


