14th Colony – Wait…FOURteen?
Most Americans know the story of the thirteen colonies that declared independence.  But what of the 14th (and 15th) ones? Listen Now ...

4th of July- The Real Story of Declaration of Independence
This episode delves into the history of the Declaration of Independence, with little known details about each signer, Listen Now ...

Appomattox - Did the Fighting End with Lee's Surrender?
This conversation explores the events surrounding the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, on April 9, 1865. Listen Now ...

Arlington National Cemetery - Did the US Confiscate the Land?
Historian Tim Frank discusses Arlington National Cemetery, from its origins as a private estate Listen Now ...

Blue Angels - The Flight Demonstration Top Guns
This episode delves into the rich history of the Blue Angels, the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron. From their inception in 1946 Listen Now ...

Civil War - Seven Days to Understanding
Mike Bates interviews authors Dennis and Peter Gaffney about their book, 'The Seven-Day Scholar: Exploring History One Week at a Time, The Civil War. Listen Now ...

Fort Pickens – The Union-Held Florida Fort During the US Civil War
Explore the rich history of Fort Pickens, located in the Florida panhandle. Park Ranger Kaz Rozeki Listen Now ...

Fort Sumter - The Shots Heard Across the States
This conversation explores the events leading up to the Civil War, focusing on the significance of Fort Sumter. Listen Now ...

H L Hunley – The Mysteries of Its Loss and Recovery
The conversation delves into the fascinating history of the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine to successfully sink an enemy ship during the Civil War. Listen Now ...

Johnny Cash - Songs for the People
Michael Stewart Foley, author of 'Citizen Cash', discusses Cash's evolution as an artist and a person, Listen Now ...

USS Astoria - The Kamikaze Avenger
This episode discusses World War II and the unique story of the USS Astoria with author Brent E. Jones. Listen Now ...

God Rush - Gold Gold Gold in the Klondike
Klondike Gold Rush National Park Ranger Chris Gibbs talks about the Klondike Gold Rush, Listen Now ...

Gold Rush - The Journey to Wealth
This episode explores the journey of prospectors to Dawson City, the challenges they faced, Listen Now ...

Las Vegas - Before Sin City
Mike Bates interviews Mark Hall-Patton, a historian and retired administrator of the Clark County Museum System, Listen Now ...

Las Vegas - The City and The Mob

This conversation explores the rich history of Las Vegas, focusing on the influence of organized crime, particularly the mob, Listen Now ...

Las Vegas, New Mexico - The First Famous One of the West
Lesser known is the Las Vegas that pre-dates Nevada's Sin City by 70 years.  Established in 1835, Listen Now ...

Mardi Gras World - The Floats, The Finery, the Laissez le Rouler
Barry Kern, CEO of Mardi Gras World, discusses the origins of Mardi Gras, its significance as a cultural celebration, Listen Now ...

MLK Jr. - A Legacy of Non-Violence
The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with Senior Park Ranger Marty Smith, who has been at the MLK Jr National, Listen Now ...

Memorial Day - It's Not About Picnics and Parties
In this special Memorial Day episode, host Mike Bates reflects on the significance of Memorial Day, honoring, Listen Now ...

Monticello+Mike

Monticello - Thomas Jefferson's Treasured Home
Explore the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson, focusing on his architectural innovations at Monticello, Listen Now ...

Mount Vernon - George Washington Begins
This conversation explores the life and legacy of George Washington, focusing on his early life, military career. Listen Now ...

Mount Vernon - The Presidency and Beyond
This episode of the Mike Bates Show explores the life and legacy of George Washington, focusing on his presidency, Listen Now ...

Naval Air Museum - Onboard NAS Pensacola
Hear Hill Goodspeed, the Deputy Director of the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida shares, Listen Now ...

Sam Adams - Beyond the Brew
Stacey Schiff discusses her book, ‘The Revolutionary Samuel Adams,' shedding light on the often-overlooked Listen Now ...

Thanksgiving - The Gratitude of the Pilgrims
This conversation explores the rich history and significance of Thanksgiving in America, beginning with the Pilgrims', Listen Now ...

Tuskegee Airmen - America's First Black Military Pilots
This conversation takes off into the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, as discussed by author Daniel Hallman, Listen Now ...

Udvar-Hazy Center - The OTHER Air and Space Museum
This conversation explores the rich history of aviation and space exploration at the Smithsonian's other Air and Space, Listen Now ...

USS Cowpens - Do You KNow "The Mighty Moo?"
Mike Bates interviews Nathan Canastero, author of 'The Mighty Moo,' which chronicles the history of the USS Cowpens, Listen Now ...

USS+Midway+Mike+pic

USS Midway - From WWII to Vietnam to San Diego
Ship historian Carl Zingheim shares insights into the construction, design, and historical significance of the Midway, Listen Now ...

USS+Yorktown

USS Yorktown - The Aircraft Carrier
The conversation explores the history and significance of the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier that served in World War II, Listen Now ...

Vietnam War - Hindsight is Always 20/20
Interviewing author Phillip Jennings, this conversation discusses the complexities of the Vietnam War, exploring, Listen Now ...

Yorktown Battlefield - The Last Major Battlefield of Independence
Host Mike Bates and Park Ranger Robbie Smith discuss the strategic importance of Yorktown, the collaboration, Listen Now ...

SEAL Team 6 -  Bin Ladin Raid

In this episode Will Chesney, a retired Navy SEAL, shares his experiences serving in the military, particularly, Listen Now ...