Mat McLachlan Podcast

Your chance to walk the battlefields with Pete Smith! In this special episode, Mat McLachlan and Pete Smith discuss their new tour, Battle Tactics on the Western Front, which walks in the footsteps of the Anzacs on some of the most important battlefields in France and Belgium. Battle Tactics on the Western Front Tour: Departs Paris on October 11, 2…

On the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Mat is joined by historian and author Richard B. Frank to look at new aspects of the attack that have only recently come to light. Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4KzL8LwGGuE Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Richard B. Frank Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our battlefield …

It's November, and a time for reflection and remembrance. In this episode, Mat looks at the origins of Remembrance Day, and explores why this special day is still relevant more than a century after it was first commemorated. Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2DNHXDh6kBI Presenter: Mat McLachlan Producer: Jess Steb…

To commemorate the 160th anniversary of the 1862 battles of the American Civil War, Mat speaks to historian Dale Blair about the Battle of Antietam, the deadliest day of the war. Presenters: Mat McLachlan Guest: Dale Blair Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit www.battlefields.com.…

The final episode in our special series live from the battlefields! Mat and Pete are in the Somme, discussing their adventures exploring the 1916 and 1918 battlefields. Presenters: Mat McLachlan and Pete Smith Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit www.battlefields.com.au for more i…

Mat and Pete are still on the battlefields! Join them live from Ypres as they discuss three busy and rewarding days exploring the Salient! Presenters: Mat McLachlan and Pete Smith Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit www.battlefields.com.au for more information. For more great his…

For the first time in three years, Mat McLachlan and Pete Smith are exploring the battlefields of the Western Front! In the first of a special series of episodes, join them as they discuss their day exploring the Somme 1918 battlefields, live from Ypres! Presenters: Mat McLachlan and Pete Smith Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our battlefield t…

In the second special episode about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Mat shares his thoughts about this moment in history. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit www.battlefields.com.au for more information. For more great history content, visit www.Living…

In the first of a special series of episodes commemorating the life of Queen Elizabeth II, Mat revisits an episode from 2019, when he toured Kensington Palace, one of the most iconic royal palaces. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Dr Meredith Crosby Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! V…

Does history repeat itself in meaningful ways, or is each problem unique? How can a knowledge of Australian history enhance our understanding of the present and prepare us for the future? Mat speaks to Professor David Lowe about the compelling new book Lessons from History, and to hear how the challenges of the past are shaping our decisions for th…

It's well-known that Britain tested atomic weapons at Maralinga in South Australian in the 1950s, but history has virtually forgotten that weapons were also tested at the nearby Emu Field. In a shroud of secrecy, experimental and unstable atomic bombs were detonated in the outback, and a terrifying black mist spread across the landscape. Why were t…

Mat is joined by journalist and historian Tom Gilling to discuss the Sandakan Death March, and a controversial witness to Japanese atrocities, Warrant Officer Bill Sticpewich. Sticpewich was one of only six men to survive the Death March and was a key witness in the war crimes trials that brought the Japanese to justice. But was he a war hero or a …

Mat speaks to historian Dr Rachel Franks about 'Nosey Bob' Howard, the terrifying noseless hangman who executed 62 people in 19th-century Sydney. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Dr Rachel Franks Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit www.battlefields.com.au for more information. For…

In the second special episode to celebrate the launch of Mat McLachlan's new book, The Cowra Breakout, Mat is interviewed by historian Dan Snow from History Hit all about the Breakout, and its significance as the largest prison escape of World War II. Presenter: Dan Snow Guest: Mat McLachlan Order an autographed copy of The Cowra Breakout here: htt…

A special interview with Mat McLachlan about his new book, The Cowra Breakout. Hosts of Pete & Gary's Military History podcast, Peter Hart and Gary Bain, sat down with Mat to discuss the story of the largest prison escape of the Second World War, which took place in the town of Cowra in 1944. Presenters: Peter Hart and Gary Bain Guest: Mat McLachla…

In July 1962 the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) deployed to Vietnam, the first Australian troops to set foot in South Vietnam during the war. To mark the 60th anniversary of that historic deployment, Mat is joined by veteran and historian Gary McKay MC to discuss the extraordinary accomplishments of 'The Team', which included some of…

To celebrate the release of his new book, Burning Steel: A Tank Regiment at War 1939-1945, Mat is joined by historian Peter Hart to discuss interviewing veterans, the changing nature of military history and the courage of tank crews in the Second World War. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Peter Hart Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our battlefi…

In the second part of our special series about Australians on the Somme, Mat is joined by historian and battlefield guide Jo Hook to discuss the Battle of Pozieres in July and August 1916. In six weeks of brutal fighting, Australia lost 23,000 men, making this the most costly battle in Australian military history. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Jo…

Mat is joined by historian Jo Hook to discuss the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, Australia's darkest day on the battlefield. In 20 hours of fighting, 5533 men were killed, wounded or captured, and the echoes of this disastrous attack are still being felt today. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Jo Hook Producer: Jess Stebnicki Join one of our batt…

To celebrate the release of the final movie in the Jurassic Park franchise, Mat is joined by palaeontologist Dave Hone to discuss the real science behind dinosaur hunting. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Dr David Hone Producer: Jess Stebnicki Check out Dave's full range of work at www.davehone.co.uk For more great history content, visit www.LivingH…

Mat speaks to Shane Casey, a curator at the Australian War Memorial, about how we can interpret the Japanese midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour via the relics that remain. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Shane Casey Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at …

Mat is joined by Australian War Memorial historian Dr Lachlan Grant to discuss the vital, yet often overlooked, role played by Australian airmen during the Normandy Campaign. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Dr Lachlan Grant Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at…

Living History is back! In this first episode to kick off Season 6, Mat is joined by former US Navy fighter pilot and Top Gun instructor Vince "Jell-O" Aiello to discuss the new Top Gun: Maverick movie. ***SPOILER ALERT***: We discuss the plot in detail, so please watch the movie before listening to the podcast! For more great history content, visi…

We are pleased to announce the launch of Gary McKay's new book, After the Blood Cools: The Warrior's Dilemma. This gripping account tells the story of Gary's service in Vietnam, his wounding in the last major battle of the war, his return to Australia and the difficult journey back to his old life. Join Mat for a special interview with Gary about t…

Mat McLachlan previews our full range of battlefield tours for 2022. Walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs in Gallipoli, France, Vietnam, Thailand, Kokoda and many more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Oleh Mat McLachlan

A special update from Mat about exciting developments in the world of Living History. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Oleh Mat McLachlan

Mat is joined by historian Pete Smith to discuss the world of collecting militaria. What is it, why do we do it, and how can you do it too? Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Pete Smith Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/LivingHistoryTV Don't …

Mat speaks to Dr Lachlan Grant from the Australian War Memorial about the vital role played by Australian airmen who served in Bomber Command in the Second World War. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Dr Lachlan Grant Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.you…

A special bonus episode of our new podcast series, BattleWalks, which explores the great battlefields of Europe. This episode features the Sunken Road sector of the Somme battlefield. Subscribe to BattleWalks on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify, or on your favourite podcast app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Mat reviews the classic Australian film 'Gallipoli', starring Mel Gibson and directed by Peter Weir. How does it rate for both entertainment value and historical accuracy, and has it stood the test of time? Presenter: Mat McLachlan Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube ch…

Mat speaks to author Kathy Mexted about her new book, Australian Women Pilots, and the incredible tales of daring and adventure that define Australia's female aviators. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Kathy Mexted Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtu…

Mat visits the Australian National Library to examine the maps of Charles Kingsford-Smith, that tell the story of his epic first flight across the Pacific in 1928. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Martin Woods Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.co…

Our new podcast series, Battle Walks, which takes you across the great battlefields of Europe, is launching on November 4! In this episode, Mat speaks to co-host Peter Smith about exploring military history by walking the ground. Subscribe to Battle Walks on your favourite podcast app. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Peter Smith Producer: Jess Steb…

Mat travels to the UK National Archives to examine the original document signed by Guy Fawkes confessing his role in the attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605. The date of the 'Gunpowder Plot', November 5, is still celebrated in Britain as Guy Fawkes Night. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.…

Mat speaks to historian Dr Aaron Pegram about the fascinating items relating to the Red Baron featured in the collection of the Australian War Memorial. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Dr Aaron Pegram Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/Livi…

In the 1830s British woman Dorothy English Paty moved to Newcastle, NSW, with her husband and young family. There she began painting watercolours of the strange and intriguing native plants and flowers she encountered. Today her watercolours are part of the collection of the Australian National Library, and they tell more than just a story of botan…

Mat speaks to historian Alexandra Churchill about the Great War Group, her new online community that aims to give new perspectives on the First World War. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Alexandra Churchill Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/…

This week marks the 49th anniversary of the Battle of Nui Le, Australia's last major battle of the Vietnam War. To commemorate the anniversary, here is a special replay of the interview Mat conducted with veteran Gary McKay, who was a platoon commander in 4RAR in Vietnam. Gary was badly wounded during the battle, and was awarded the Military Cross …

Mat speaks to author and historian Richard van Emden about the 270 Great War veterans he interviewed in the 1980s and 1990s, and how their words and photographs have influenced his understanding of the First World War. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Richard van Emden Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryT…

Mat speaks to battlefield historian John Anderson about British soldiers trapped behind German lines in the First World War, who were sheltered at great risk by French and Belgian families. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: John Anderson Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTub…

Mat visits the State Library of NSW to examine an extraordinary collection of century-old photographs, which tells the story of one of Sydney's earliest and most significant burial grounds. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Elise Edmonds Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTub…

Mat speaks to historian and battlefield tour guide Jo Hook about the Battle of Mont St Quentin, claimed to be one of the 'finest Australian feats' of the First World War. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Jo Hook Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.…

In the latest in our series of walks across the battlefields of the First World War, Mat takes us to Passchendaele, scene of one of the most horrific battles of the war. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/LivingHist…

This week Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for an act of valour that occurred in 1942. In this episode, Mat speaks to historian David Howell about this unique decision, and the actions that led to Teddy losing his life, but winning our greatest gallantry award. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: David Howell Produce…

On the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Mat speaks to historian Richard B. Frank about new evidence that exposes just why America dropped the bombs. Were the Japanese ready to surrender before the bombings? How was the Soviet Union involved in ending the war? What role did code-breaking play in revealing Japan's fi…

Mat speaks to music producer and former Capital Records CEO Andrew Slater about his new documentary, 'Echo in the Canyon', which tells the story of the music scene in Los Angeles' Laurel Canyon in the mid-1960s. The music of the Byrds, the Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Papas, Buffalo Springfield and more is brought to life through interviews with o…

Mat is joined by WW2 historian James Holland to discuss 'Greyhound', the new Tom Hanks movie that tells the story of an American destroyer doing battle with U-Boats in the mid-Atlantic in 1942. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: James Holland Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our Yo…

Battlefield historian Peter Smith joins Mat to discuss the Battle of Fromelles, the most costly 24 hours in Australian military history. On this terrible day, 5533 Australians were killed, wounded or captured. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Peter Smith Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subsc…

In this special episode, Mat is interviewed by Adam Blum about the Battle of Pozieres, which was fought as part of the Somme campaign in July and August 1916. In six weeks of brutal fighting, more than 23,000 Australians were killed or wounded, making it the most costly battle in Australian history. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Mat McLachlan Produce…

Mat speaks to historian Michael Tyquin about the role of animals on the battlefields of the First World War, and the bonds they formed with their human comrades. Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Michael Tyquin Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.co…