This episode of Talk With History features an interview with screenwriter/lead actor Lee Wilson (as Confederate cavalry commander Earl Van Dorn) and actor David B. Meadows (as Nathan Bedford Forrest) about the feature film The Legend of Van Dorn, set in Middle Tennessee in spring 1863. They discuss how Wilson discovered Van Dorn through a Spring Hill play, Meadows’ initial reservations about portraying the polarizing Forrest, and the production’s emphasis on authenticity through filming at historic sites and battlefields. The film premieres August 21 on Amazon Prime and other platforms. Legend of Van Dorn
Tag Archives: podcast
Been There Done That: An Interview with History That Doesn’t Suck!
Scott and Jenn interview Professor Greg Jackson—host of the podcast History That Doesn’t Suck and author of the upcoming book Been There, Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome. This book is about how America’s current polarization has clear precedents in the 1790s and the mid- to late-1800s. Jackson previews themes fromContinue reading “Been There Done That: An Interview with History That Doesn’t Suck!”
The REAL Edgar Allan Poe: His Military Service, Reputation, and Mysterious Death
Hosts Scott and Jenn, discuss Edgar Allan Poe while visiting Westminster Hall and Burying Ground in Baltimore, covering the mysterious circumstances of his 1849 death after being found delirious in the streets. They trace Poe’s early life (orphaned, taken in by the Allan family), his Army service and brief West Point stint, and his strugglingContinue reading “The REAL Edgar Allan Poe: His Military Service, Reputation, and Mysterious Death”
Gettysburg 1863: A Civilian View of the Battle | Bo Brinkman & Samuel Rogan Interview
At the Gettysburg Film Festival, Scott and Jenn interview director Bo Brinkman (Gettysburg, 1993; upcoming Gettysburg 1863) and actor Samuel Roukin (Turn: Washington’s Spies) about portraying the Battle of Gettysburg through the experiences of civilians—especially women and children—rather than traditional battlefield spectacle.
Gettysburg Film Festival: Behind the Scenes Where History Meets Hollywood
Scott and historian Jenn recap their Easter weekend 2026 trip to the Gettysburg Film Festival, describing Gettysburg’s high-energy atmosphere, panels, and meetups with the history community. They organized a Thursday-night gathering of 10–15 content creators at The Gettys Burger, then attended a “Turn” panel about Washington’s Culper Spy Ring with actors including Samuel Roukin (CaptainContinue reading “Gettysburg Film Festival: Behind the Scenes Where History Meets Hollywood”
Inside the mind of Hamilton’s George Washington: A Chat with Chris Jackson!
We just got back from the Gettysburg Film Festival, where Chris was one of the featured guests, and we couldn’t resist revisiting our past chat with him. We’re diving into a juicy convo with Chris Jackson, the original George Washington from Hamilton! 🎭 This episode is all about how Chris connected with history and whatContinue reading “Inside the mind of Hamilton’s George Washington: A Chat with Chris Jackson!”
A Civil War “Band of Brothers”? | The Trumbull County Boys with Chris Mowery
Scott and Jenn interview YouTuber Chris Mowery (Vlogging Through History) about his background in history, youth ministry, and speaking for Rachel’s Challenge, and how COVID led him to popular at-home history reaction videos. Chris discusses his new 500-page book, “Trumbull County Boys,” focused on Company H of the 20th Ohio Volunteers and built largely fromContinue reading “A Civil War “Band of Brothers”? | The Trumbull County Boys with Chris Mowery”
Meet the Miracle Worker: Annie Sullivan’s Role in Helen Keller’s Life
Scott and Jenn dive into the inspiring story of Annie Sullivan, the woman who opened up the world for Helen Keller. Imagine living in complete silence and darkness—yikes, right? But then, bam! Annie shows up and changes everything with her teaching magic. We chat about our visit to Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, Alabama, where that moment at the water pump went down. It’s a tale of grit, determination, and the incredible bond between a teacher and her student, proving that miracles can happen when someone refuses to give up. Buckle up for a heartwarming journey through history! 📍 Google Maps to Hellen Keller birthplace
Elvis Unplugged: Reviewing the New Elvis Documentary
We’re diving into the electric vibes of 1969 Vegas, where the King himself, Elvis Presley, is shaking things up on stage. Picture this: a smoky showroom, a captivated crowd, and a spotlight that cuts through the darkness to reveal the man in a dazzling jumpsuit. For a solid hour, the world fades away, and allContinue reading “Elvis Unplugged: Reviewing the New Elvis Documentary”
JFK & Jackie’s Newport Wedding: The Birth of Camelot
Scott and Jenn revisit St. Mary’s Church in Newport, Rhode Island, where Senator John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier on September 12, 1953, in a spectacle likened to America’s “Camelot” moment. 🎥 Video from the church 📍 Google Maps to St Mary’s