Podcast appearances and mentions of Rick Atkinson

As we continue to celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S., we're revisiting author interviews on important books about American history. In today's episode, author and journalist Rick Atkinson speaks with Weekend Edition's Scott Simon about his book The British Are Coming. They discuss Atkinson's portrait of George Washington, whether the American Revolution was motivated by freedom or economic incentives and how “the nation was born disputatiously.”To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedaySee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

In this week's episode, host Margaret Walls brings Mark Brown and Jason Brooks on the podcast to discuss their work facilitating fire-resilience efforts among the residents of Marin County, California. As the executive officer of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority—the agency tasked with coordinating the county's fire-prevention activities—Brown relies on data and strategies created by Fire Aside, a software company co-founded by Brooks. Together, the pair have contributed to an evolution in how the county approaches fire mitigation and response, promoting collaboration among homeowners, local fire services, and insurers. Brown and Brooks relate key takeaways from five years of their public-private partnership, including how to effectively advocate for behavior change, enable homeowners to improve their insurance plans, and unite communities to protect one another against the growing threat of wildfire. References and recommendations: Fire Safe Marin; https://firesafemarin.org/ Fire Aside; https://www.fireaside.com/ “The British Are Coming” by Rick Atkinson; https://rickatkinson.com/british-are-coming/ “The Death of Expertise” by Tom Nichols; https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-death-of-expertise-9780197763834 Subscribe to stay up to date on podcast episodes, news, and research from Resources for the Future: https://www.rff.org/subscribe/

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, author Rick Atkinson, and retired Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford discussed Revolutionary War leadership at an event held at George Washington's Mount Vernon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On paper, it was a mismatch: a fledgling republic seeking freedom from the world's mightiest empire. And yet the American Revolution ended with the upstart colonists' victory over the mighty British military. Rick Atkinson, a military historian and author of a “Revolutionary Trilogy” on the fight for America's independence, discusses the military tactics, geopolitical shifts, and economic conditions that factored into the war's outcome. After that, the fellows discuss why serving as the British prime minister has become a game of musical chairs and how Labour lost its way, as well as the rise of “democratic socialism” and the appeal of class warfare and expansive government in the US – most notably, a California ballot initiative that imposes a “wealth tax” on the state's billionaires.  Finally, in the “lighting round”, John's thoughts on the passing of former Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan; H.R.'s take on the Pentagon putting its generals out to pasture; and Niall reflecting on European World Cup fans descending upon the US, only to discover a land of abundance (i.e., plenty of ranch dressing even if there's not enough beer to go around). Subscribe to GoodFellows for clarity on today's biggest social, economic, and geostrategic shifts — only on GoodFellows.

Send us Fan MailLet's celebrate 250! The legendary Rick Atkinson joins me to talk The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780.Buy The Fate of the DayCheck out Rick's websiteSupport the show

H.W. Brands new book, 'American Patriarch,' turns to the nation's first president, George Washington. Rather than treating Washington as an untouchable icon, Brands explores the ambition, discipline, and restraint that shaped both the man and the new republic.Award-winning historian Rick Atkinson has spent decades bringing pivotal moments in American history to life through richly researched, compelling narrative. His latest book, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777–1780, is the second volume of his acclaimed Revolution Trilogy, chronicling the critical middle years of the American Revolution as George Washington's army struggles to survive and the fight for independence hangs in the balance.

By winter 1777, the Continental Army was exhausted, having barely escaped annihilation by the world's most formidable fighting force. Two years into the war, King George, determined as ever to bring the rebellious American colonies to heel, faced a desperate set of foes in Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, to say nothing of rising wartime expenses and the threat of additional international rivals. Celebrated historian Rick Atkinson discusses this story, the subject of the second volume of his landmark American Revolution trilogy, with David M. Rubenstein.Recorded on June 11, 2025

The controversial 'Memorandum of Understanding with Iran' and a high-stakes standoff over FISA surveillance renewals are igniting sharp divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins to discuss the economic and political fallout of lifting Iranian oil sanctions, the Supreme Court's looming decision on birthright citizenship, and how a late-night postponement of the confirmation of the Director of National Intelligence put a pause on national security legislation. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, how did a seemingly ragged group of Continental soldiers pull off an impossible victory against the world's greatest military superpower? Pulitzer Prize-winning military historian and best-selling author Rick Atkinson joins FOX News' Lucas Tomlinson to dive into the grueling, bloody middle years of the Revolutionary War. Drawing from his book, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777–1780, Atkinson breaks down the mythology surrounding our nation's founding. PLUS, commentary by Tevi Troy, senior fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute and a former senior White House aide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The controversial 'Memorandum of Understanding with Iran' and a high-stakes standoff over FISA surveillance renewals are igniting sharp divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins to discuss the economic and political fallout of lifting Iranian oil sanctions, the Supreme Court's looming decision on birthright citizenship, and how a late-night postponement of the confirmation of the Director of National Intelligence put a pause on national security legislation. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, how did a seemingly ragged group of Continental soldiers pull off an impossible victory against the world's greatest military superpower? Pulitzer Prize-winning military historian and best-selling author Rick Atkinson joins FOX News' Lucas Tomlinson to dive into the grueling, bloody middle years of the Revolutionary War. Drawing from his book, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777–1780, Atkinson breaks down the mythology surrounding our nation's founding. PLUS, commentary by Tevi Troy, senior fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute and a former senior White House aide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The controversial 'Memorandum of Understanding with Iran' and a high-stakes standoff over FISA surveillance renewals are igniting sharp divisions between the White House and Senate Republicans. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins to discuss the economic and political fallout of lifting Iranian oil sanctions, the Supreme Court's looming decision on birthright citizenship, and how a late-night postponement of the confirmation of the Director of National Intelligence put a pause on national security legislation. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, how did a seemingly ragged group of Continental soldiers pull off an impossible victory against the world's greatest military superpower? Pulitzer Prize-winning military historian and best-selling author Rick Atkinson joins FOX News' Lucas Tomlinson to dive into the grueling, bloody middle years of the Revolutionary War. Drawing from his book, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777–1780, Atkinson breaks down the mythology surrounding our nation's founding. PLUS, commentary by Tevi Troy, senior fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute and a former senior White House aide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777. Get all the news you need by listening to WBZ - Boston's News Radio! We're here for you, 24/7. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are back with another Open Book Q&A — the episode where you ask, I answer, and nobody's feelings are guaranteed to survive intact. From repealing Citizens United to what Trump is really like behind closed doors, we're getting into all of it today, so let's go.

➡️ Help history. 2 minutes for 7 questions

Rick Atkinson, a renowned historian and former Kansas City Times reporter, is coming to Kansas City this month for an event at Unity Temple on the Plaza. His new book, "The Fate of the Day," is his latest on the American Revolutionary War.

Bill hosts historian Rick Atkinson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of a WWII trilogy and a new American Revolution trilogy, with two volumes out (The British Are Coming and The Fate of the Day) and a third he hopes to finish by 2031. Atkinson describes his archival research approach and argues the Revolution became an eight-year global war and an American civil war, turning especially brutal in the South. He highlights key turning points including Trenton/Princeton, Saratoga's role in bringing decisive French alliance, and French indispensability at Yorktown. He assesses Washington's early missteps and growth, Benedict Arnold's battlefield brilliance and festering grievances, Robert Morris's critical wartime financing, and women's essential roles. He discusses enslaved and Indigenous peoples' tragic outcomes, black participation on both sides, and concludes the Revolution's democratic aspirations remain unfinished and must be renewed to prevent future tyrannies. Check out Rick's Authors Page on Amazon to see all his books. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rick Atkinson, Pulitzer prize-winning historian and author of The Revolution Trilogy and The Liberation Trilogy, sat down with Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann to reflect on the idea of perspective and history; how to make judgment calls with 250-year-old material; and how to approach the cliff hanger when the story has already been told many times before.

Guest Bill Whiteside abandoned a 30-year career in software sales to devote his time to a story that he started researching to keep his mind engaged during his business travels. Intrigued by a little-known incident from early in Winston Churchill's first term as Britain's Prime Minister, this diversion evolved into an obsession as he dug into the story of a controversial and catastrophic clash between the British and French Navies from multiple angles. The more he learned, the more it became a book he just had to write. That book, Operation Catapult: Winston Churchill and the British Attack on the French Navy at Mers-el-Kébir, was published by the U.S. Naval Institute Press in March 2026. Summary In this episode, Jeff talks with author Bill Whiteside about his new book, Operation Catapult, which describes a little-known but dramatic episode early in World War II. Whiteside explains that after France fell to Germany in May 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill feared that the powerful French fleet might fall into Nazi hands. Determined to prevent this strategic disaster, Churchill ordered the British Navy to confront the French fleet anchored at Mers-el-Kébir in Algeria. When negotiations failed, British ships opened fire on their former allies, killing nearly 1,300 French sailors. Whiteside describes how the story captivated him because it reveals the moral complexity and human drama behind major historical decisions. Rather than presenting events as simple or inevitable, his research shows how Churchill agonized over the decision, how British officers struggled with the prospect of attacking friends, and how individual personalities shaped the outcome. Whiteside emphasizes that history becomes compelling when readers see historical figures as people—leaders balancing duty, fear, loyalty, and uncertainty in moments of crisis. The conversation also explores Whiteside's research process as a non-professional historian. Drawing on archives in the U.K. and California, original letters, and memoirs, he reconstructed the perspectives of both British and French participants. Influenced by narrative historians like Laura Hillenbrand and Rick Atkinson, Whiteside has crafted a fast-moving, character-driven account. Ultimately, the book explores leadership under extreme pressure and invites readers to reconsider a controversial decision that may have helped ensure Britain's survival during one of the war's most vulnerable moments. The Essential Point Whiteside argues that history becomes truly meaningful when we move beyond headlines and dates to understand the human decisions, personalities, and moral dilemmas that shape events. Social MediaOperation Catapult: Winston Churchill and the British Attack on the French Navy at Mers-el-Kébir

As part of the Engage at the Bush Center series presented by NexPoint, the Bush Center, in collaboration with the George W. Bush Presidential Library, hosted acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Together, they explored how the American Revolution shaped our national identity and considered not just where we came from — but where we're headed.   Related:  Watch the Engage at the Bush Center program View America250 events at the Bush Center  

In this month's Q&A episode of Open Book, I answer questions from viewers across YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X on topics ranging from politics and global markets to career decisions, philosophy, and parenting. We cover Citizens United, the national debt, and the future of crypto, while also offering personal insights on finding your calling, managing time, and navigating difficult moments in life.

In this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns and Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Rick Atkinson join journalist Patt Morrison to examine how the American founding era continues to shape today's political and cultural debates.Drawing on their extensive work exploring the Revolutionary period, Burns and Atkinson discuss the ideas, conflicts, and leadership that defined America's birth—and how those same tensions echo in the nation's present moment.The discussion explores questions including:• What lessons does the American Revolution offer for today's challenges?• How did the founding generation navigate division and uncertainty?• What historical perspective can help illuminate the crossroads America faces today?Burns reflects on themes from his documentary The American Revolution, while Atkinson discusses insights from his bestselling Revolution Trilogy, including The Fate of the Day.SpeakersKen Burns – Documentary filmmaker known for landmark series including The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, The Vietnam War, and The American Revolution.Rick Atkinson – Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Long Gray Line, The British Are Coming, The Guns at Last Light, and The Fate of the Day.Patt Morrison – Journalist, author, and longtime Los Angeles Times columnist and broadcaster.Event DetailsAmerica at a CrossroadsMarch 4, 2026Hosted by Jews United for Democracy and Justice

Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Atkinson joins David M. Rubenstein at the National Archives to discuss his trilogies examining the Revolutionary War and World War II and view artifacts in the Archives' vault. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Atkinson: Manhattan (2 1/2 ounces Michter's rye, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, dash bitters served up with Luxardo cherry)  Rick names the most intelligent of the Founding Fathers, shows the ways King George III has been misrepresented in history, explains his experiences visiting the battlefields he writes about and why the visits are important, talks through the ways to manage personal finances in the career of a writer, and suggests that a knowledge of history can help us to cope with life in the present day.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Award-winning narrator Grover Gardner joins AudioFile's Michele Cobb to tell listeners about narrating one of our picks for Best Nonfiction & Culture audiobooks of 2025: Rick Atkinson's Revolutionary War epic, THE FATE OF THE DAY: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780. Gardner shares how he kept the energy up in this sprawling account of the second installment of Atkinson's Revolutionary War trilogy, which takes place just after the Battle of Trenton. Together they discuss various challenges, especially when narrating Atkinson's unique use of lists, and how impressive it was to understand the enormous, and still timely task, of winning our independence. Read AudioFile's review of the audiobook: Published by Random House Audio AudioFile's 2025 Best Nonfiction & Culture Audiobooks are: DARK RENAISSANCE by Stephen Greenblatt, read by Edoardo Ballerini THE FATE OF THE DAY by Rick Atkinson, read by Grover Gardner and the author  FOOD FOR THOUGHT written and read by Alton Brown MOTHER EMANUEL by Kevin Sack, read by William DeMeritt ORIGINAL SINS by Eve L. Ewing, read by Robin Miles, Eve L. Ewing WE THE PEOPLE written and read by Jill Lepore Explore the full list of 2025 Best Audiobooks on our website.   Support for our podcast comes from Dreamscape, an award-winning audiobook publisher with a catalog that includes authors L.J. Shen, Freida McFadden, and Katee Robert. Discover your next great listen at dreamscapepublishing.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jayda Justus of The History Mom recommends books for gift giving this holiday. Favorite Fiction: ●      Nostalgic reading - The Star of Camp Greene by Joy Callaway ●      Old favorites made new - The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson Wheeler, The Worlds of Jane Austen: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Novels by Helena Kelly, and Jane Austen's Fashion Bible by Ros Ballaster ●      Old favorite/new favorite pairing - Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell and The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian. ●      Vacation reading - The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman  ●      Sweet reads - Katherine Reay, Kristy Cambron, Sarah Sundin, and Laura Frantz  ●      Entertaining reads - Destiny of the Republic by Candace Millard   250th for America: ●      For guys: fiction - Jeff Shaara and John Jakes, nonfiction - Rick Atkinson and Nathaniel Philbreck  ●      For women: fiction - King's Mountain by Sharyn McCrumb, My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, and Answering Liberty's Call by Tracy Lawson. Nonfiction - Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts ●      Middle grade: Susanna's Midnight Ride by Libby McNamee   First Lady history: ●      Official White House China by William G. Allman ●      Jackie Kennedy: Jackie by Dawn Tripp and And They Called it Camelot by Stephanie Marie Thornton (fiction), and Designing Camelot by the White House Historical Society (nonfiction)   Royals watchers: Nonfiction - Sally Bedell Smith has written many biographies of the Royal family and The Queen: The Life and Times of Elizabeth II by Catherine Ryan Fiction - Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb, The Gown and Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson, and The Queen's Faithful Companion by Eliza Knight   Christmas Books: O. Henry for the Holidays by O. Henry   Cookbooks: The Southern Kitchen by Ivy Odom The Pioneer Woman Cooks―The Essential Recipes: 120 Greatest Hits, New Twists, and Perfected Classics by Ree Drummond Sign up for my literary salon. Jayda can be found on ⁠her website⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠. Want to know which new titles are publishing in January - May of 2026? Check out our fifth ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Literary Lookbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠which contains a comprehensive but not exhaustive list all in one place so you can plan ahead, and we color-code by genre in this one! Looking for something new to read? Here is my monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buzz Reads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ column with five new recommendations each month. Link to my article about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Best Books of 2025⁠.     Connect with me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History buffs — the wait is over. The second volume of the American Revolution trilogy by author Rick Atkinson is here. In "The Fate of the Day," Atkinson covers the middle years of the Revolution. His account of the bloody conflict between the Americans and the British offers well-researched and spectacularly dramatic history, and explores the demands that a democracy makes on its citizens. He joins us to discuss the book and his collaboration with documentarian Ken Burns.

Frequent guest, Lindsay Chervinsky, makes a late summer appearance to discuss Ten Books on the American Revolution. Ken Burns recently said the American Revolution was the most important event since the birth of Jesus. Our listeners have asked for advice about what to read as July 4, 2026, looms over American life. Lindsay is current with recent scholarship; Clay's approach is more biographical. They agreed that you cannot go wrong with Rick Atkinson's trilogy on the revolution, and reading anything by Joseph Ellis is great. Clay recommended Ellis's book Passionate Sage, on John Adams, while Lindsay recommended Founding Brothers. Listen to the podcast for lots more great book recommendations and their lively discussion. This episode was recorded on August 18, 2025

On today’s edition of The Spark, former host Scott LaMar returned to the show for a wide-ranging conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson. The discussion centered around Atkinson’s latest volume in his Revolutionary War trilogy, which explores not only national figures like George Washington but also the critical role Central Pennsylvania played during the war. Atkinson, whose ties to the region run deep—his father once taught at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle—spoke about the strategic importance of towns like Lancaster, York, and Reading during the revolution. He noted that the Second Continental Congress even relocated to York for several months when threatened by advancing British forces, although not all delegates had kind words about the temporary capital. The conversation also focused on how Atkinson brings familiar historical figures to life in nuanced ways. He described George Washington as “the indispensable man,” but not without flaws—highlighting his tactical missteps, limited early experience, and evolving leadership style. Atkinson also acknowledged Washington’s connection to slavery and how that legacy remains deeply intertwined with the nation’s founding. The full interview offered both historical insight and personal reflection, bringing new perspective to the Revolutionary era through a local lens. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

El historiador Rick Atkinson desentraña algunos hechos de la Guerra de Independencia de EE.UU. que han sido olvidados.

On the Independence Day Special from CBS News Radio, host Gil Gross speaks with Glenn Knobloch, the author of "Strong and Brave Fellows", which recounts the significant contributions of African-American soldiers and sailors during the Revolutionary War.  And, on America's 249th birthday, we'll speak with Pulitzer Prize-winner Rick Atkinson about the middle years of the Revolution when doubts and sacrifices were high.  Finally, here's a story you've never heard. Our founding fathers for decades thought our nation would not survive. Dennis C. Rasmussen, author of Fears of a Setting Sun: The Disillusionment of America's Founders, explains why earliest leaders were pessimistic about the prospects for the United States. 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

Hugh discusses Iran, the Big Beautiful Bill, the NYC Mayoral race, and talks with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Rep. Jason Smith, Mary Katharine Ham, Dan Senor, Salena Zito, Dave Barry, and Rick Atkinson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Rick Atkinson delves into the nature of military leadership through the lens of George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Atkinson outlines the essential traits of an effective commander—unshakable resolve, strategic communication, and a keen ability to navigate the complexities of the battlefield across both space and time. He also highlights Washington's political acumen and talent for recognizing potential in others, setting him apart from his British counterparts, whose flawed assumptions and leadership missteps raise the intriguing question: Could the British have won? Tune in to gain insights on military leadership, character, and the need to protect hard-won liberties for future generations. Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. It is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and Primary Source Media. For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

In this episode of Leadership and Legacy, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Rick Atkinson delves into the nature of military leadership through the lens of George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Atkinson outlines the essential traits of an effective commander—unshakable resolve, strategic communication, and a keen ability to navigate the complexities of the battlefield across both space and time. He also highlights Washington's political acumen and talent for recognizing potential in others, setting him apart from his British counterparts, whose flawed assumptions and leadership missteps raise the intriguing question: Could the British have won? Tune in to gain insights on military leadership, character, and the need to protect hard-won liberties for future generations. Leadership and Legacy: Conversations at the George Washington Presidential Library is hosted by Washington Library Executive Director Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky. It is a production of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and Primary Source Media. For more information about this program, go to www.GeorgeWashingtonPodcast.com.

Send us a textIn this special Army Birthday Week episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson joins Joe to explore the deep roots of the U.S. Army and what its 250-year journey can teach today's leaders. Known for his Liberation Trilogy and now two volumes into his Revolution Trilogy, Atkinson brings the American Revolution to life—warts, wonder, and all—and makes a compelling case for why understanding our founding story is essential for anyone in uniform.In this episode, they explore:What it was like growing up as an Army brat—and how Atkinson's father's 30-year career shaped his lifelong fascination with military historyThe surprising parallels between Washington's army and today's force, from self-study and logistics to leadership under pressureHow George Washington's instinct for civilian control—and his rapid growth as a commander—still echoes in the Army's DNAWhy the American Revolution was, in Atkinson's words, “our first civil war,” and how its complexity is far more compelling than its mythologyLafayette, logistics, and the brutal truth of 18th-century expeditionary warfare (including the grim sound of horse carcasses hitting the sea)The power of books, curiosity, and informal learning among Washington's officers—and why that tradition matters more than ever for leaders todayWhat Atkinson hopes readers, soldiers, and citizens will carry forward from the Founding Generation—and why we must not lose sight of what they gave usWhether you're a company commander, a military history buff, or someone simply trying to understand where the Army came from and where it's headed, this episode is a timely reminder: the past isn't just prologue—it's instruction.Rick Atkinson is the bestselling author of eight works of narrative military history, including The Fate of the Day, The Guns at Last Light, The Day of Battle, An Army at Dawn, The Long Gray Line, In the Company of Soldiers, and Crusade. He also was the lead essayist in Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery, published by National Geographic. He was a reporter, foreign correspondent, war correspondent, and senior editor at The Washington Post for more than twenty years. His many awards include Pulitzer Prizes for history and journalism, the George Polk Award, the George Washington Prize, and the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing. He lives in Washington, D.C.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Eliot and Eric offer up candidates for jackassery of the week before turning to a discussion of The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780, (New York: Crown, 2025) the second volume of journalist/historian Rick Atkinson's monumental military history of the American revolution. They discuss Atkinson's background as a military journalist for the Washington Post who has written books about the Gulf War, the Iraq War and covered other late 20th and 21st Century conflicts before turning his attention to writing a trilogy on the US Army in Europe during the Second World War and now the American Revolution.  They discuss the depth of his research in both archives in the U.S. and UK as well as his process for researching and writing these massive volumes (each of which has taken about 5-6 years to produce) and the decline of grand narrative history in the academy (despite the public demand for it). They consider how his own experience as a journalist affected his sense of the contingency of warfare and the fact that there are always tensions between the architects of war in capitals and the officers and troops on the ground. He explains how King George III and his ministers never understood the American drive for independence and were gripped by strategic misconceptions about how to fight the war, including the notion that there was a silent majority of North Americans who supported the monarchy despite the fact that the loyalists had mostly fled the colonies to Canada, the Caribbean or London. They discuss the star crossed career of Benedict Arnold, Washington's generalship at the Battle of Brandywine in Pennsylvania, and, finally, how Americans should think about the meaning of the American revolution today as we celebrate the sesquicentennial of the war for independence over the next 8 years. The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780: https://a.co/d/b6rFlQV The Liberation Trilogy Boxed Set: An Army at Dawn, The Day of Battle, The Guns at Last Light: https://a.co/d/dWBRojr Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

The Revolution 250 Podcast began in the fall of 2020 and this is our 250th episode.  Today, Professor Robert Allison (Suffolk University) speaks with Pulitzer Prize Award-winning author Rick Atkinson who has just published the second in his 3-book trilogy on the American Revolution.  This volume focuses on the war from the recapture of Fort Ticonderoga by the British in 1777 through the Siege of Charleston in 1780.  Join Professor Allison in conversation with Rick Atkinson as they plumb the depths of the American Revolution and the many characters who made the war what it was.Tell us what you think! Send us a text message!

The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center is excited to present a special American Revolution lecture by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson. The lecture focuses on his book, “The Fate of the Day,” the second volume in his Revolution trilogy.

Pulitzer Prize–winner Rick Atkinson joins to discuss The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777 to 1780, the second volume in his Revolutionary War trilogy. He explores the crucial but often-overlooked role of France, the underestimated grit of American generals, and the British strategic failures rooted in imperial delusion. Also in the show: Geert Wilders' far-right party pulls out of the Dutch coalition, prompting a government collapse. Immigration strains, war displacements, and global dominoes; we analyze why this Dutch de-Wilders meant such bewilderment. Produced by Corey WaraProduction Coordinator Ashley KhanEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com⁠⁠⁠⁠To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to The Gist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠GIST INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow The Gist List at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pesca⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

​We talk with members of the famous United States Military Academy at West Point's Class of 1966, which holds a unique and tragic place in American history. Brian Ashbaugh, Walt Brinker, Rusty Correia, Al Lindseth, and Jerry Cecil all join us to share their memories of that remarkable era. Rick Atkinson's book, The Long Gray Line: The American Journey of West Point's Class of 1966, provides an in-depth and personal account of their collective journey, following a core group of graduates through their cadet years, their deployments to Vietnam, and their lives afterward. By the time they graduated, the Vietnam War was escalating, and many were sent into the conflict within months of receiving their commissions. In Vietnam, these young officers faced a brutal baptism by fire. Many became platoon leaders or company commanders, responsible for leading men in deadly jungle warfare against a highly motivated and elusive enemy. The casualties were staggering—of the 579 graduates, at least 30 were killed in action, and many more were wounded. We look forward to asking our guests how much their experiences align with the story Atkinson tells. We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Rick Atkinson has just published the second volume of his American Revolution trilogy. The book is called "The Fate of the Day" and covers years 1777 to 1780. His initial 800-page volume, titled "The British Are Coming," was published in 2019 and focused on years 1775 to 1777. Mr. Atkinson won the George Washington prize for this beginning look at the revolution. His second book in the trilogy covers the middle years. Stationed in Paris, Benjamin Franklin was wooing the French. In Pennsylvania, George Washington was pleading with Congress to deliver the money, men, and material he needed to continue the fight. This volume is timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Atkinson has just published the second volume of his American Revolution trilogy. The book is called "The Fate of the Day" and covers years 1777 to 1780. His initial 800-page volume, titled "The British Are Coming," was published in 2019 and focused on years 1775 to 1777. Mr. Atkinson won the George Washington prize for this beginning look at the revolution. His second book in the trilogy covers the middle years. Stationed in Paris, Benjamin Franklin was wooing the French. In Pennsylvania, George Washington was pleading with Congress to deliver the money, men, and material he needed to continue the fight. This volume is timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Atkinson, historian and author of The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780, joins the show to discuss the causes, conduct, and epic consequences of the American Revolution.   ▪️ Times      •      02:08 Introduction     •      02:21 Journalism        •      04:30 Mogadishu      •      09:30 Lessons     •      12:49 Ideology           •      16:36 Diplomacy     •      20:21 Boston           •      22:59 “Blows must decide”       •      28:05 British strategy      •      31:27 Washington          •      36:49 Franklin in Paris     •      41:15 Friendless Britain           •      45:57 Legacy     •      51:24 250th Celebration  Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find a transcript of today's episode on our School of War Substack

Stan's guest this week is Pulitzer-Prize winner Rick Atkinson discussing his new book, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780, Volume 2 of his Revolution Trilogy, published on April 29 by Crown. Rick discusses the crucial events and people—including the Siege of Savannah, Lafayette, Hamilton and Benedict Arnold—covered ...Continue Reading »

On November 17th, 2002, 23 years ago, Rick Atkinson appeared on the Booknotes television program to discuss his book, "Army at Dawn." This was the first of three books Atkinson called the "Liberation Trilogy," a full history of the European theater of World War II, which is a total of 2,512 pages, including notes and indexes. Beginning in 2019, Rick Atkinson switched trilogies. This time, it's the history of the American Revolution. In this episode of Booknotes+, we are repeating the 2002 interview, which has substantial background on Rick Atkinson's life and writing experience. During next week's episode, we will talk with him about his second book on the Revolution, "The Fate of the Day." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On November 17th, 2002, 23 years ago, Rick Atkinson appeared on the Booknotes television program to discuss his book, "Army at Dawn." This was the first of three books Atkinson called the "Liberation Trilogy," a full history of the European theater of World War II, which is a total of 2,512 pages, including notes and indexes. Beginning in 2019, Rick Atkinson switched trilogies. This time, it's the history of the American Revolution. In this episode of Booknotes+, we are repeating the 2002 interview, which has substantial background on Rick Atkinson's life and writing experience. During next week's episode, we will talk with him about his second book on the Revolution, "The Fate of the Day." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy and Kelley Brown, a Massachusetts U.S. history and civics teacher, interview Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson, author of The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777. Mr. Atkinson explores the rise and fall of British imperial power in North America, the radical leadership of the American patriot Samuel Adams, and the early military […]

In this episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy and Kelley Brown, a Massachusetts U.S. history and civics teacher, interview Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson, author of The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777. Mr. Atkinson explores the rise and fall of British imperial power in North America, the radical leadership of the American patriot Samuel Adams, and the early military struggles of General George Washington and the Continental Army. He discusses the brutal battlefield realities faced by Continental soldiers, the pivotal roles of Lafayette and the French alliance, and the ideological stakes of America's War for Independence. As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the April 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord, Atkinson reflects on the Revolution's lasting lessons about civic sacrifice, liberty, and the meaning of American democratic ideals. In closing he reads a passage from his new book, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780.

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, historians Rick Atkinson, author of The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777; Mary Beth Norton, author of 1774: The Long Year of Revolution; and Rosemarie Zagarri, author of Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic, explore the events leading to the first shots of the American Revolution, the battles themselves, and the colonists' response to this pivotal moment in history. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. Resources Rick Atkinson, The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777, (2019) Rick Atkinson, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780, (2025) Mary Beth Norton, 1774: The Long Year of Revolution, (2020) Mary Beth Norton, Liberty's daughters: The Revolutionary experience of American women, 1750-1800, (1980) Rosemarie Zagarri, Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic, (2008) Rosemarie Zagarri, A Woman's Dilemma: Mercy Otis Warren and the American Revolution (2nd ed. 2014) Townshend Act (1767) The Tea Act and the Boston Tea Party (Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation) The Intolerable Acts (Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation) Joseph Warren, “Our Country Is In Danger but Not To Be Despaired Of,” (March 6, 1775) Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr. Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen. Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube. Support our important work. Donate

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, historians Rick Atkinson, author of The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777; Mary Beth Norton, author of 1774: The Long Year of Revolution; and Rosemarie Zagarri, author of Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic, join Jeffrey Rosen to explore the events leading to the first shots of the American Revolution, the battles themselves, and the colonists' response to this pivotal moment in history. Resources Rick Atkinson, The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777  (2019)  Mary Beth Norton, 1774: The Long Year of Revolution (2020)  Rosemarie Zagarri, Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic (2008)  Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr. Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate. Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen. Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube. Support our important work. Donate

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Rick Atkinson joins David Rubenstein to uncover the untold stories and moral conflicts—from both the American and British perspective—of the first 21 months of the Revolutionary War. Through the lens of a rich cast of characters, Atkinson makes clear the human consequences of this epic conflict at the dawn of the American story that pitted an ersatz Continental Army against the formidable British empire. Recorded on February 5, 2024 

Retiring right requires a smart strategy. And if you didn't get started early in your retirement planning, the second best time to start is now. Rick Atkinson, Founder & President of RA Retirement Advisors in Toronto, shares his insights and advice. ___________________________ It's Back to School time. Here's your reading list to peruse: Best Books on Retirement ___________________________ Bio Rick Atkinson is Founder & President of RA Retirement Advisors specializing in retirement planning. For over 15 years, Rick has been helping people live their ideal retirement. As a human resources management specialist with over 30 years' experience in industry and government service, Rick honed his understanding of what is required to lead a satisfying life after work. He then transferred this to writing and speaking about retirement planning and facilitating workshops and coaching. He is the author of five books including Don't Just Retire – Live It, Love It! and Strategies for Retiring Right! Rick has written lead stories for well-known journals, as well as stories for various daily Canadian newspapers, and has appeared on Canadian radio and TV. Rick is an acclaimed speaker on holistic retirement planning appearing at groups from 10 to 300. He has spoken at conferences and service groups across Canada, and facilitates workshops and webinars for companies, cities, government agencies and religious organizations and service clubs. Rick has an MBA from York University and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. He is also a CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional); CMC (Certified Management Consultant); Advanced Level, Ontario Society of Training & Development. Recently made a Fellow of Distinguished Financial Services (FDFS) for his service as an influential thought leader. As a point of pride and growth, for 10 years, Rick travelled extensively to Canada's Arctic as a CESO (Canadian Executive Service Organization) volunteer advisor to mentor Inuit supervisors and managers, and to impart his human resources knowledge and insights. Rick's volunteering was part of the Government of Nunavut's Initiative Program. ___________________________ For More on Rick Atkinson Books Website ___________________________ Podcast Episodes You May Like Design Your Life and Get Unstuck – Dave Evans Retire Happy – Dr. Catherine Sanderson Why Retirement is About Much More Than Money – Ted Kaufman & Bruce Hiland Ready to ROAR? – Michael Clinton ____________________________ Wise Quotes On Deciding When to Retire "So I think this whole piece of work stress for some, but for some others, what I found is that they have a feeling of unfulfillness -  that work is holding them back, that they've got things that they want to pursue, a passion project. They want to start a business,. They want to do extensive traveling. But there are others that, and I've had this myself, people saying, Why aren't you retired? You're X years old. Why are you still working? I met a couple and the wife had said to the husband, I didn't sign up for this. He just told me he's not going to retire. I thought we would have time together. There's another situation that says, is this the right time? I've met many people who have sat down with their financial advisor and the financial advisor had said, You know what, you got enough money to keep you going well into your 90s. And they walk out of the office and say, Hey, maybe that's it." On Mistakes to Avoid in Planning for Retirement "Oh, there's a whole myriad of things that you need time to think about these and plan for them rather than just the day you retire. Another mistake that I find that people make is that they concentrate so much on the money. The recession in 2008 devastated a whole bunch of folks and their retirement monies. And to my mind, it's not the money that you amass,