Wesley Livesay
@historyofthesecondworldwar.com
Creator of History of the Great War and History of the Second World War weekly history podcasts. Always ready and willing to discuss video games, Tolkien, and the Detroit Red Wings
Pinned
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
Every year I get submissions for the @contingent-mag.bsky.social book and journal article lists that don’t really fit. But now, you can send your amazing 2025 public scholarship here!
🚨 ATTENTION PUBLIC SCHOLARS 🚨
As an end of year special #ScholarSunday thread, @americanstudier.bsky.social and I would like to share your favorite pieces from the year, especially if they're yours!
Did an essay or podcast episode blow you away with pride or brilliance? Please email us!
As an end of year special #ScholarSunday thread, @americanstudier.bsky.social and I would like to share your favorite pieces from the year, especially if they're yours!
Did an essay or podcast episode blow you away with pride or brilliance? Please email us!
Announcements
If you have a talk coming up, a book on its way, a podcast trailer to drop, or an accomplishment to celebrate, we want to help you share it!
blackwhiteandread.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Every year I get submissions for the @contingent-mag.bsky.social book and journal article lists that don’t really fit. But now, you can send your amazing 2025 public scholarship here!
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
🚨 ATTENTION PUBLIC SCHOLARS 🚨
As an end of year special #ScholarSunday thread, @americanstudier.bsky.social and I would like to share your favorite pieces from the year, especially if they're yours!
Did an essay or podcast episode blow you away with pride or brilliance? Please email us!
As an end of year special #ScholarSunday thread, @americanstudier.bsky.social and I would like to share your favorite pieces from the year, especially if they're yours!
Did an essay or podcast episode blow you away with pride or brilliance? Please email us!
Announcements
If you have a talk coming up, a book on its way, a podcast trailer to drop, or an accomplishment to celebrate, we want to help you share it!
blackwhiteandread.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:48 PM
🚨 ATTENTION PUBLIC SCHOLARS 🚨
As an end of year special #ScholarSunday thread, @americanstudier.bsky.social and I would like to share your favorite pieces from the year, especially if they're yours!
Did an essay or podcast episode blow you away with pride or brilliance? Please email us!
As an end of year special #ScholarSunday thread, @americanstudier.bsky.social and I would like to share your favorite pieces from the year, especially if they're yours!
Did an essay or podcast episode blow you away with pride or brilliance? Please email us!
A critical part of the story of Fascism/Nazism in Italy and Germany is that they were only able to do what they did because of the support of what were previously seen as Centrist or traditionally Conservative political leaders.
Nazis needed a coalition of parties to pass the Enabling Act because they had been unable to win a supermajority in March on their own; major miscalculation on the part of the Center Party and the German National People's Party, both of which were shut down. 2/
November 20, 2025 at 4:31 PM
A critical part of the story of Fascism/Nazism in Italy and Germany is that they were only able to do what they did because of the support of what were previously seen as Centrist or traditionally Conservative political leaders.
WTF New Stargate series announced? And it is not a reboot? With the original show runners involved?
I will try to keep my expectations in check. Amazon? I still feel burned by Rings of Power.
But it could still be good? Maybe? Hopefully? Please?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhYO...
I will try to keep my expectations in check. Amazon? I still feel burned by Rings of Power.
But it could still be good? Maybe? Hopefully? Please?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhYO...
November 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM
WTF New Stargate series announced? And it is not a reboot? With the original show runners involved?
I will try to keep my expectations in check. Amazon? I still feel burned by Rings of Power.
But it could still be good? Maybe? Hopefully? Please?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhYO...
I will try to keep my expectations in check. Amazon? I still feel burned by Rings of Power.
But it could still be good? Maybe? Hopefully? Please?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhYO...
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
For the first time ever, I had to make a payment in crypto.
I can now confidently say that crypto payments combine the speed of a dial up modem and the ease of updating the drivers on a 1998 HP Laserjet printer.
I can now confidently say that crypto payments combine the speed of a dial up modem and the ease of updating the drivers on a 1998 HP Laserjet printer.
November 18, 2025 at 5:58 AM
For the first time ever, I had to make a payment in crypto.
I can now confidently say that crypto payments combine the speed of a dial up modem and the ease of updating the drivers on a 1998 HP Laserjet printer.
I can now confidently say that crypto payments combine the speed of a dial up modem and the ease of updating the drivers on a 1998 HP Laserjet printer.
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
#OTD in 1941 the new Eighth Army crossed the border into Libya for the first army-scale offensive of the British Army in #WW2.
Two and a half months of fighting were to follow until both sides found themselves on the Gazala line, exhausted.
@cedricmas.bsky.social @jeffrutherford.bsky.social
Two and a half months of fighting were to follow until both sides found themselves on the Gazala line, exhausted.
@cedricmas.bsky.social @jeffrutherford.bsky.social
Order of Battle – 8th Army, 18 November 1941
Background In WO216/15 an overview of 8th Army units is given, probably dating to mid-October 1941 which I reproduce here. Based on my research, and on the report by GOC 8th Army after the battle (…
rommelsriposte.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:48 AM
#OTD in 1941 the new Eighth Army crossed the border into Libya for the first army-scale offensive of the British Army in #WW2.
Two and a half months of fighting were to follow until both sides found themselves on the Gazala line, exhausted.
@cedricmas.bsky.social @jeffrutherford.bsky.social
Two and a half months of fighting were to follow until both sides found themselves on the Gazala line, exhausted.
@cedricmas.bsky.social @jeffrutherford.bsky.social
I generally think that almost anything that prompts people to think about/be more interested in history is a net good when it comes to general societal engagement and understanding with the past.
But $400 for a "history inspired" bottle of whiskey really tests the boundaries.
But $400 for a "history inspired" bottle of whiskey really tests the boundaries.
November 18, 2025 at 7:36 PM
I generally think that almost anything that prompts people to think about/be more interested in history is a net good when it comes to general societal engagement and understanding with the past.
But $400 for a "history inspired" bottle of whiskey really tests the boundaries.
But $400 for a "history inspired" bottle of whiskey really tests the boundaries.
Remember, if you or someone you know has/is written/writing a book on the Second World War (broad definition) hit me up. There is a good chance I would like to talk with them.
I can't promise riches and glory, but I can generally say that thousands of people are waiting to hear about the book.
I can't promise riches and glory, but I can generally say that thousands of people are waiting to hear about the book.
Yesterday I released the latest interview for the pod (50!). I chatted with Robert Forsyth about his recent book Defenders of the Reich for @ospreypublishing.bsky.social
historyofthesecondworldwar.com/interviews/s...
historyofthesecondworldwar.com/interviews/s...
Interview 50: Defenders of the Reich with Robert Forsyth
historyofthesecondworldwar.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Remember, if you or someone you know has/is written/writing a book on the Second World War (broad definition) hit me up. There is a good chance I would like to talk with them.
I can't promise riches and glory, but I can generally say that thousands of people are waiting to hear about the book.
I can't promise riches and glory, but I can generally say that thousands of people are waiting to hear about the book.
Yesterday I released the latest interview for the pod (50!). I chatted with Robert Forsyth about his recent book Defenders of the Reich for @ospreypublishing.bsky.social
historyofthesecondworldwar.com/interviews/s...
historyofthesecondworldwar.com/interviews/s...
Interview 50: Defenders of the Reich with Robert Forsyth
historyofthesecondworldwar.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Yesterday I released the latest interview for the pod (50!). I chatted with Robert Forsyth about his recent book Defenders of the Reich for @ospreypublishing.bsky.social
historyofthesecondworldwar.com/interviews/s...
historyofthesecondworldwar.com/interviews/s...
Some of the most interesting answers I have ever gotten from historians during podcasts have been the result of me asking how their views on the topic of their research has changed over the course of that research. A non-specific question like that seems to so often result in an interesting answer.
November 16, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Some of the most interesting answers I have ever gotten from historians during podcasts have been the result of me asking how their views on the topic of their research has changed over the course of that research. A non-specific question like that seems to so often result in an interesting answer.
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
Never ending soup and salad (threatening)
November 15, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Never ending soup and salad (threatening)
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
We have another podcast interview for you to enjoy this weekend.
Our author Anthony Tucker-Jones appeared on the History of the Second World War Podcast to talk about his new book 'Rhineland.'
You can listen here: https://bit.ly/4i5MLuu
View the book: https://bit.ly/4oOsOLw
Our author Anthony Tucker-Jones appeared on the History of the Second World War Podcast to talk about his new book 'Rhineland.'
You can listen here: https://bit.ly/4i5MLuu
View the book: https://bit.ly/4oOsOLw
Interview 49: Rhineland: Hitlers Last Defence 1944-45 with Anthony Tucker-Jones
<p>This time I was joined by Anthony Tucker-Jones to discuss his new book Rhineland: Hitlers Last Defence 1944-45 which covers the Allied efforts in late 1944 and early 1945 to move their forces into western Germany.</p><p>Buy the Book: <a href="https:/...
player.fm
November 15, 2025 at 2:50 PM
We have another podcast interview for you to enjoy this weekend.
Our author Anthony Tucker-Jones appeared on the History of the Second World War Podcast to talk about his new book 'Rhineland.'
You can listen here: https://bit.ly/4i5MLuu
View the book: https://bit.ly/4oOsOLw
Our author Anthony Tucker-Jones appeared on the History of the Second World War Podcast to talk about his new book 'Rhineland.'
You can listen here: https://bit.ly/4i5MLuu
View the book: https://bit.ly/4oOsOLw
I have typed the word "Hitler" probably thousands of times at this point in the podcast. Just a tremendous number of times.
Roughly 1/4 of the times I have first typed "Hilter" first and have had to correct it and I have no idea why my brain would do that so consistently.
Roughly 1/4 of the times I have first typed "Hilter" first and have had to correct it and I have no idea why my brain would do that so consistently.
November 14, 2025 at 9:52 PM
I have typed the word "Hitler" probably thousands of times at this point in the podcast. Just a tremendous number of times.
Roughly 1/4 of the times I have first typed "Hilter" first and have had to correct it and I have no idea why my brain would do that so consistently.
Roughly 1/4 of the times I have first typed "Hilter" first and have had to correct it and I have no idea why my brain would do that so consistently.
One of my favorite types of online content is Anti-Productivity Hack Productivity Hacks. Things where people think if they do X it will make it easier to accomplish their goals, but really doing X is really just an excuse to not have to do the thing.
Latest example: www.writerdeck.org
Latest example: www.writerdeck.org
writerDeck.org
Information about dedicated writing devices, digital typewriters, or modern word processors.
www.writerdeck.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:41 PM
One of my favorite types of online content is Anti-Productivity Hack Productivity Hacks. Things where people think if they do X it will make it easier to accomplish their goals, but really doing X is really just an excuse to not have to do the thing.
Latest example: www.writerdeck.org
Latest example: www.writerdeck.org
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
Conducting a very unscientific study via bluesky--please help me out! What motivates you to subscribe/donate/join/pay for an online publication (website or newsletter, doesn't matter). Desire to support? Fun giveaways? Paywalled content? Something else?
November 13, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Conducting a very unscientific study via bluesky--please help me out! What motivates you to subscribe/donate/join/pay for an online publication (website or newsletter, doesn't matter). Desire to support? Fun giveaways? Paywalled content? Something else?
At some point in time, I did something to make every dynamic podcast ad server think I speak Spanish.
I'm not sure what I did, but I am generally okay with a bunch of marketing money being wasted on me hearing ads I cannot understand.
I'm not sure what I did, but I am generally okay with a bunch of marketing money being wasted on me hearing ads I cannot understand.
November 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
At some point in time, I did something to make every dynamic podcast ad server think I speak Spanish.
I'm not sure what I did, but I am generally okay with a bunch of marketing money being wasted on me hearing ads I cannot understand.
I'm not sure what I did, but I am generally okay with a bunch of marketing money being wasted on me hearing ads I cannot understand.
I thought this was a good bit of investigation into how well LLMs do on a few common use cases. LLMs can be useful tools in some scenarios, but only when their limitations and challenges are well understood. And those limitations change every few months when a new one is released, in weird ways.
Happy to share a recent publication in the @jdighist.bsky.social exploring how historians are applying generative AI. I argue that LLMs can be considered a new form of historical source, and source criticism can inform our critiques of these techs.
journalofdigitalhistory.org/en/article/J...
1/8
journalofdigitalhistory.org/en/article/J...
1/8
Mapping the Latent Past: Assessing Large Language Models as Digital Tools through Source Criticism
This article examines how digital historians can use large language models (LLMs) as research tools while critically assessing their limitations through source criticism of their underlying training d...
journalofdigitalhistory.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:33 PM
I thought this was a good bit of investigation into how well LLMs do on a few common use cases. LLMs can be useful tools in some scenarios, but only when their limitations and challenges are well understood. And those limitations change every few months when a new one is released, in weird ways.
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
I'm cited in this piece in the Toronto Star today about the spread of generative AI, the challenges it poses for historians & history education, and the need for digital literacy.
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
How fake AI history is threatening Remembrance Day — with endless YouTube videos glamorizing Nazis
A search for any historical topic is sure to be met with a torrent of fake AI-generated garbage — at real cost to our history.
www.thestar.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I'm cited in this piece in the Toronto Star today about the spread of generative AI, the challenges it poses for historians & history education, and the need for digital literacy.
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
www.thestar.com/news/how-fak...
I wish that I have updated the code for the somafm-cli package years ago to track listening statistics across sessions. For a very long time almost every moment of podcast work has been powered by deepspaceone.
November 11, 2025 at 2:05 AM
I wish that I have updated the code for the somafm-cli package years ago to track listening statistics across sessions. For a very long time almost every moment of podcast work has been powered by deepspaceone.
K-Pop Demon Hunters still going strong in our household. Every time I hear "fit check for my napalm era" this is all I think about:
November 11, 2025 at 1:04 AM
K-Pop Demon Hunters still going strong in our household. Every time I hear "fit check for my napalm era" this is all I think about:
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
Bracketing that they absolutely failed here. And bracketing that such a failure reflects a dearth of discipline, understanding, and acumen...
They just don't got the juice, man. Absolutely sauceless leadership.
They just don't got the juice, man. Absolutely sauceless leadership.
CNN: Was the shutdown worth it?
HAKEEM JEFFRIES: We have waged a battle on behalf of the American people.
CNN: But you didn't get what you want.
JEFFRIES: At the end of the day, the fight lives on.
HAKEEM JEFFRIES: We have waged a battle on behalf of the American people.
CNN: But you didn't get what you want.
JEFFRIES: At the end of the day, the fight lives on.
November 11, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Bracketing that they absolutely failed here. And bracketing that such a failure reflects a dearth of discipline, understanding, and acumen...
They just don't got the juice, man. Absolutely sauceless leadership.
They just don't got the juice, man. Absolutely sauceless leadership.
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
Excerpt from #AdvanceBritannia which is now available in the UK! North American release January 6. uk.bookshop.org/p/books/brit...
November 10, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Excerpt from #AdvanceBritannia which is now available in the UK! North American release January 6. uk.bookshop.org/p/books/brit...
I read a lot for the podcast and not for the podcast. Hundreds and thousands of pages every month. Been doing it for years.
I think I have encountered the word "insouciant" for the first time.
I think I have encountered the word "insouciant" for the first time.
November 9, 2025 at 9:10 PM
I read a lot for the podcast and not for the podcast. Hundreds and thousands of pages every month. Been doing it for years.
I think I have encountered the word "insouciant" for the first time.
I think I have encountered the word "insouciant" for the first time.
Do I have any graphic designers following me that are open for a bit of freelance work for an upcoming project? My artistic abilities are less than zero. General scope would be an icon, header image, and maybe 1-2 utility images all on the same theme/idea.
Timeframe: by end of year
Timeframe: by end of year
November 7, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Do I have any graphic designers following me that are open for a bit of freelance work for an upcoming project? My artistic abilities are less than zero. General scope would be an icon, header image, and maybe 1-2 utility images all on the same theme/idea.
Timeframe: by end of year
Timeframe: by end of year
Reposted by Wesley Livesay
Publication day in 🇬🇧 #AdvanceBritannia
November 6, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Publication day in 🇬🇧 #AdvanceBritannia