The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

In a world first, Sean Bean and Bernard Cornwell sit down to share their memories about how they shaped Sharpe, and how Sharpe shaped them.
Will Sean reveal where the inimitable use of 'bastard' came from? Does Bernard settle the argument on which Sharpe novel is the best? Where did the idea of Sharpe come from.
From fan questions, to an exclusive reading from the new Sharpe novel featuring Bernard, Sean and the hosts of the podcast, perhaps the most hotly anticipated Sharpe interview ever is about to stream right here, on the Napoleonic Wars Podcast. This is the ultimate interview for anyone who has watched the TV series, read the books, or was introduced to the Napoleonic Wars through this cult classic.
Sharpe's Storm: https://thecleevebookshop.co.uk/products/9780008496821?srsltid=AfmBOoqKQgLD5rQ3B8KecvoosLJCC9HU33iSFx3J4nSUkr_EPtT85wvt
Released to the public: 8th April 2026

What does it take to make a Marshal of France. Of the 26 individuals that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte elevated to the highest military rank of the first French Empire, there were a myriad of similarities and differences - ostentatious, arrogant, specialists, administrators, inspirational figures, princes and paupers.
To delve into the characters of these exalted figures of military and Napoleonic history, Rachael Stark and Dr Graeme Callister sit down to unpick the lives and styles of command of the French Marshals. We cover the diversity of the marshals' backgrounds, Napoleon's influence on marshal selection, the relationships between Napoleon and his marshals, and their strategic and tactical successes and failures.
Graeme's Books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Graeme-Callister/a/4546

Timestamps (All timings approximate):
00:00 Introduction to the Marshals of France
02:47 Diversity Among the Marshals
06:10 Napoleon's Influence on His Marshals
08:53 Origins and Backgrounds of the Marshals
11:51 The Impact of Early Life Experiences
14:59 Training and Military Education
18:13 The Role of Luck and Timing
20:59 Relationships with Napoleon
24:14 The Marshals' Loyalty and Pragmatism
27:01 Listening to the Marshals
30:00 Personality Dynamics Among the Marshals
46:05 Exploring Personality Traits of Marshals
50:05 The Role of Arrogance in Leadership
56:55 Inspiration vs. Administration in Command Styles
01:04:03 Evaluating the Choices of Marshals
01:07:27 Strategic and Tactical Command Styles
01:19:08 Comparing French Marshals to Their Opponents
01:25:38 Public Perception of Marshals

Keywords
Napoleon, marshals, military leadership, history, strategy, personalities, Napoleon's generals, military history, leadership traits, Napoleonic Wars

In this episode of the The Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we saddle up and ride into part 1 of the dramatic world of cavalry warfare during the Napoleonic Wars with historian and author Josh Proven.
From the thunderous heavy cavalry charges to the lightning fast scouting of light horsemen, we explore how mounted troops shaped battlefields across Europe and beyond. Josh breaks down the different cavalry types and explains how armies from France, Britain, and Russia deployed them in radically different ways. We dig into the culture of cavalry, elite training, battlefield discipline, and the prestige that surrounded the mounted arm.
But cavalry warfare wasn’t just a European story. We also examine the role of irregular horsemen and the mounted forces of the Ottoman Empire and India, revealing how global traditions of cavalry influenced the era’s conflicts.
And of course, horses. Where did the thousands of horses come from? How were they trained for the chaos of battle, and how well were they cared for?
Finally, we relive some of the most famous cavalry moments of the era, devastating charges, heroic feats, and spectacular disasters that defined the mounted arm of Napoleonic warfare.
If you love battlefield tactics, military culture, and epic cavalry action, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
For more about Josh and his works please visit Home - Joshua Provan
For all our exclusive Podcast merchandise please visit Discover Our Exclusive Range at Napoleonic Wars Podcast

In an emergency recording Gareth Glover sits down with Zack to discuss a major auction of Napoleonic letters, the importance of preserving historical documents, and how the community can help save these invaluable pieces of history from private collections. The episode emphasises the significance of public access and proper preservation of military heritage, and the way that listeners can chip in to safeguard this remarkable cache of documents for future generations.
Support Gareth's fundraising bid directly via paypal by searching for this account: [email protected]
Notify Gareth that you would like to pledge an amount, or discuss more details with him via email at: [email protected]
More information available on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/waterlooassociation/permalink/24547146224983255/

Who was the 'Darling Child of Victory'? What characterised his style as a commander? What were his greatest moments? And why was he such an inveterate looter?
Marshal Massena is the focus of the latest episode as the Marshals series makes a welcome return to the Napoleonic Wars Podcast. Rachael Stark holds court as we discuss how he compared to other marshals and to Napoleon himself, the relationship between the two men, and the peaks and troughs of his career, stymied by ill health.

This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Marshal Massena, a prominent figure in the Napoleonic Wars. The discussion covers his early life, rise through the military ranks during the French Revolution, his command style, significant victories in Italy, and the challenges he faced during the Peninsular War. The conversation also explores his retirement, return to service, and the impact of his health on his later years, culminating in his death in 1817. Throughout, the complexities of his character and the perceptions of his legacy are examined.

Chapters
00:00 The Legacy of Marshal Massena
03:00 Early Life and Military Beginnings
05:45 Rise to Prominence in the Revolutionary Army
09:09 Command Style and Relationships with Peers
12:10 Key Contributions in the Italian Campaigns
14:53 Controversies and Command Challenges
18:03 Strategic Brilliance in Switzerland
20:46 Post-Genoa and Retirement Life
23:55 Return to Service and the Peninsular War
35:12 The Impact of Mental and Physical Strain
36:22 Injuries and Their Consequences
37:15 Elevation to Prince of Essling
38:48 Challenges in the Peninsula War
40:34 Expectations and Realities of Command
42:08 Resource Limitations in Spain
43:45 Reputation After the Peninsula War
46:20 Napoleon's Disappointment with Messena
50:31 Return to Napoleon's Side in 1815
54:54 The End of Messena's Military Career
58:51 Legacy and Historical Perception