Let’s face it: you could spend your free time doom-scrolling through social media, or you could finally impress your friends by knowing the difference between Ulysses S. Grant and that guy with the epic beard on the five-dollar bill. Enter the magical world of Civil War podcasts.
Yes we live in weird times, but maybe that means that voluntarily listening to hours of cannon fire, dramatic readings of old-timey letters, and historians debating whether Lincoln would’ve been a TikTok star is cool now? So grab your metaphorical bayonet (or just your earbuds), and prepare to march through the absolute best podcasts about the American Civil War. Trust me, it’s more fun than reenacting Gettysburg in your backyard…plus, fewer laundry concerns.
Civil War Talk Radio
CWTR is an online talk radio program that airs weekly for an hour and is hosted by Gerry Prokopowicz from East Carolina University. Every episode, Gerry welcomes prominent historians, writers, and Civil War buffs to discuss a wide range of topics connected to the Civil War.
Untold Civil War
This podcast seeks to uncover and share the overlooked stories of the Civil War, tales that are essential for a deeper understanding of the conflict, yet often go unnoticed.
American Revolution Podcast
The American Revolution Podcast explore the full timeline of the American Revolution, covering everything from its origins to its conclusion. New episodes are released each week.
Emerging Civil War
Listeners can discover new viewpoints and valuable analysis of America’s most pivotal conflict through the Emerging Civil War Podcast, hosted by Chris Mackowski alongside a rotating group of contributors from Emerging Civil War. Drawing on the expertise of an acclaimed team of historians with diverse specialties, the podcast offers engaging discussions on all things Civil War.
Civil War Weekly
Civil War Weekly is a podcast that looks back at the events of the American Civil War exactly 160 years ago each week. The show guides listeners through the story of the war, following its progress week by week from Fort Sumter all the way to Appomattox and beyond.
Civil War Regiments
The Civil War Regiments Podcast features firsthand accounts and diary excerpts from ordinary soldiers of the American Civil War, as well as unit histories and detailed battle stories. Through these narratives, the podcast aims to educate listeners and provide deeper insight into the everyday experiences of soldiers between 1861 and 1865.
Battlefields & Bourbon Podcast
Listeners are invited to relax and enjoy conversations about Bourbon Whiskey and American Civil War history with co-hosts Jack and Elijah, both passionate historians and Bourbon enthusiasts based in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Jack specializes in battlefield preservation, while Elijah works in archaeology. Each episode features a different Bourbon, with the hosts sharing their impressions before delving into discussions about notable Civil War battles.
The Civil War & Reconstruction
Rich & Tracy host a history podcast where they craft a chronological story of the Civil War period, guiding listeners through the era’s events in sequence.
Battles Of The American Civil War
The Civil War stands as the deadliest conflict in America’s history, pitting states against each other and even dividing families. With more than 380 recognized battles, this podcast is dedicated to revisiting each and every one. By combining irreverent humor, candid commentary, and lively back-and-forth, the hosts deliver a Civil War podcast experience that’s truly one of a kind.
The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast
The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, hosted by historians and Licensed Battlefield Guides Jim Hessler and Eric Lindblade, offers expert insights into different facets of the 1863 Gettysburg Campaign, making it essential listening for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.
Civil War Breakfast Club
This podcast takes listeners on in-depth explorations of the Civil War, covering both detailed analyses and unconventional, quirky topics from the era.
Portraits of Blue & Grey: The Biographical Civil War Podcast
Portraits of Blue & Grey, with Christopher Moore as host, is a Civil War podcast that delves into the biographies of the era’s most notable, fascinating, and influential individuals.
Uncivil
Uncivil is a history podcast from Gimlet Media, hosted by journalists Jack Hitt and Chenjerai Kumanyika, that revisits the point when America’s longstanding divisions erupted into war. The show challenges the traditional Civil War narrative, uncovering hidden stories of espionage, corruption, rebellion, counterfeiting, early technology, and more, drawing connections between these overlooked events and today’s political landscape.
The Antietam and Beyond Podcast
Authors John Banks and Tom McMillan take an in-depth look at the Battle of Antietam which is the deadliest single day in American history. These experienced journalists, joined by various guests, share insights, stories, and expertise about the battle and the fascinating era surrounding it.
The Civil Weird Podcast
This is a history podcast featuring informal conversations that focus on the stranger and more unusual elements of an already peculiar conflict.
Key Battles of the Civil War
Hosted by history professors James Early and Scott Rank, this podcast covers the ten most significant battles of the Civil War, from First Bull Run to Appomattox, while also exploring key figures, emancipation, naval warfare, and military technology.
Threads From The National Tapestry: Stories From The American Civil War
Historian and master storyteller Fred Kiger brings the narratives of the American Civil War to life with his distinctive style and engaging presentation. Each episode highlights significant events and figures from the era, aiming to immerse listeners in the drama and lasting impact of the conflict.
War Of The Rebellion: Stories Of The Civil War
A Marine Corps infantry veteran narrates regimental histories penned by soldiers who served in the American Civil War, bringing listeners along as these accounts recount marches through places like Antietam and Gettysburg. The podcast also features interviews with authors, readings of soldier poetry, and additional content related to the War Of The Rebellion, which can be found on its YouTube channel.
Addressing Gettysburg
Addressing Gettysburg is the leading podcast focused on Gettysburg’s history, featuring narrative episodes, Q&As with Licensed Battlefield Guides, recordings of NPS Winter Lectures, and exclusive content for supporters, all designed to share the stories of Gettysburg in engaging formats.
Do you know of another podcast about the American Civil War that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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