Paul English on Thomas Goodrich, The Indian Wars, and Hard History

Broadcasts live every Wednesday at 7:00p.m. uk time on Radio Soapbox: http://radiosoapbox.comIn this lively episode of The Shelley Tasker Show, Mr Scott and I catch up on winter woes, northern lights over Cornwall, and the joys and perils of gardening and vinyl, before welcoming the always engaging Paul English. We dive into Thomas Goodrich’s Scalp Dance, exploring the stark, first-hand accounts of the Indian Wars and how they contrast with Hollywood myths. Paul shares context around the post–Civil War period, the diversity of tribes and intertribal conflicts, the brutal realities on all sides, and how legends like Buffalo Bill and battles such as Little Bighorn fit into the broader, grimmer tapestry of nineteenth-century America. We also reflect on Goodrich’s style and legacy, the South after the Civil War, and how narratives shape our understanding of history—then pivot to the near future with a brief musing on AI’s potential to upend everything from healthcare to daily life. A sweeping, candid conversation with humour, grit, and plenty to ponder. Resources mentioned (non-sponsored): - Book: Scalp Dance by Thomas Goodrich - Book: Hellstorm by Thomas Goodrich - Book: The Day Dixie Died (Thomas Goodrich, with co-author) - Author: Francis Parkman (series on Anglo-French wars in North America) - Music references: Elephant Revival cover of Schism (Tool), Champion the Wonder Horse theme