The Department No. 2 Podcast
by Derrick Lindow
The Western Theater in the Civil War's (WTCW) The Department No. 2 Podcast is the only show that focuses on the Civil War's most important theater. Derrick Lindow, Darryl Smith, and multiple guests discuss the battles and campaigns, generals and leaders, and the newest books. We have dozens of episodes planned on a variety of Western Theater topics. Please subscribe and leave us a rating as it helps others discover and find the podcast. Have a question for one of our guests? Let us know through our social media channels! Visit our website at westerntheatercivilwar.com for articles and event information.Follow us on X/Twitter @WesternTheaterFollow us on Instagram @KentuckyCivilWarJoin our Facebook group by searching "Western Theater in the Civil War."Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy-on-the-hillLicense code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD
Episodes
-
Episode 28: September Roundtable with Dave Powell and Dan Masters
In this episode, a long overdo one at that, Taylor Bishop helps co-host with Derrick while Darryl recovers from feeling under the weather. We were joined by Dave Powell, Dan Masters, and Lee White. We don't get to hear much from Lee due to tech difficulties, but we will have him on again. There…
more -
Episode 27: A Discussion with Sean Michael Chick
Darryl and Derrick have a nice long conversation with author and historian Sean Chick. We discuss several of his books and his upcoming project on the Battle of Shiloh. For Western Theater enthusiasts, there is a lot of new material in the pipeline! If you would like to support us, visit our...
-
Episode 26: Western Theater Logistics
Derrick runs solo this episode and talks with Greg Biggs on Western Theater Logistics. Railroads, steamboats, and then several other topics. Just two dudes enjoying a chat about the Civil War! If you would like to support us, visit our website and "Buy us a Coffee!" All proceeds go to the podcast...
-
Episode 25: The Western Theater in 2026
Join Derrick and Darryl for the first episode of 2026! Several Western Theater events will be taking place this year and the guys break all of them down and how you can prepare for each if you attend. You can find all of the events at the website, at westerntheatercivilwar.com If you would like…
more -
Western Theater Primary Voices: The 17th Kentucky (US) at Fort Donelson
This installment of the WTCW's Western Theater Primary Voices brings you the diary entries of Sam Cox of the 17th Kentucky Infantry (US) at the Battle of Fort Donelson in February 1862. You can find other portions of Sam's diary at our website. Be sure to like and subscribe here and wherever you...
-
Episode 24: Talking Braxton Bragg with Lee White
Derrick and Darryl are joined by Lee White to discuss the infamous Braxton Bragg, the general everyone loves to hate. What kind of commander was he, exactly? Lee helps busts some of the lingering myths and also discusses some things that might be true about the general. If you would like to…
more -
Episode 23: The Battle of Augusta
Derrick and Darryl discuss one of Darryl's projects, the Battle of Augusta. Fought on September 27, 1862, Basil Duke led a force against the home guards of Augusta and tangled with some gunboats. The resulting fight resulted in several burned buildings in the town itself, but a possible crossing…
more -
Episode 22: Talking Camp Nelson with Steve Phan
Darryl and Derrick have a conversation with Ranger Steve Phan of Camp Nelson National Monument. Though not a battlefield, the site had enormous implications for the war. The site not only tells the story of the thousands of soldiers that passed through, but the thousands of civilians as well. If...
-
Episode 21: Chatting with Dave Powell
Derrick and Darryl are joined by author and historian Dave Powell to discuss Chickamauga, Tullahoma, Atlanta, and so much more. Consider this an appetizer for some future deep dives! If you would like to support us, visit our website and "Buy us a Coffee!" All proceeds go to the podcast...
-
Episode 20: A Discussion with Stuart Sanders
Derrick and Darryl are joined by author and historian Stuart Sanders to discuss several topics. From Perryville to duels, Stuart brings the goods for another great talk. If you would like to support us, visit our website and "Buy us a Coffee!" All proceeds go to the podcast subscription service…
more -
Episode 19: Morgan Blunders at Tebbs Bend
Taylor Bishop joins Derrick and Darryl to discuss the Battle of Tebbs Bend situated in central Kentucky. Why did John H. Morgan choose to attack there, and what consequences did this action have on the rest of the "not so great" raid? If you would like to support us, visit our website and "Buy us…
more -
Episode 18: Army of the Cumberland Books!
Darryl and Derrick dive into the books you need to widen your knowledge on the Army of the Ohio and the Army of the Cumberland. If you would like to support us, visit our website and "Buy us a Coffee!" All proceeds go to the podcast subscription service and new microphones to bring you a better...
-
Episode 17: The German Boys of the 9th Ohio
Derrick and Darryl are joined by Andrew Houghtaling to discuss the 9th Ohio and their unique place in the Western Theater. Andrew talks to us about the Turner Societies, the culture and cuisine of the men, and how this group of men stand out from the average Federal regiment in the west. If you...
-
Episode 16: Western Theater Bull Session
Derrick and Darryl are joined by Dan Masters and Taylor Bishop for the first ever digital Bull Session. They carry on the tradition of an in-person Bull Session with the digital discussions about a variety of Western Theater topics including cavalry raids, comparing Western and Easter armies…
more -
Episode 15: "My Civil War Obsession" with Richard McCormick
Darryl and Derrick are joined by blogger, researcher, and book reviewer Richard McCormick to discuss some of the ins and outs of the trade. They also delve into some of the research Richard has been doing on individual Civil War soldiers. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western…
more -
Episode 14: Fort Donelson, Morgan, Guerrillas, Books, and Everything Else!
Derrick and Darryl preview the Fort Donelson Symposium coming up in February. They also discuss some things about irregulars in Kentucky, Adam R. Johnson, Morgan, and *gasp* Burbridge. They also throw some things in there about books and the writing process. Join us for the discussion! Join our...
-
Episode 13: General George D. Wagner at Franklin (Part Two)
Joseph Ricci returns to discuss one of the more controversial aspects of the Civil War--George D. Wagner's position in front of the main works at the Battle of Franklin. Several charges against Wagner found their way into later tellings of the battle, but are they correct? Join us for Part Two of...
-
Episode 12: General George D. Wagner at Franklin (Part One)
Joseph Ricci returns to discuss one of the more controversial aspects of the Civil War--George D. Wagner's position in front of the main works at the Battle of Franklin. Several charges against Wagner found their way into later tellings of the battle, but are they correct? Join us for Part One of…
more -
Episode 11: The Mill Springs Campaign (Part Two)
Andrew Miller of Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument joins Derrick to continue the discussion on Mill Springs. In this episode, Andrew dissects the battle itself, along with the consequences the Union victory had on the war. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in…
more -
Episode 10: Perryville Preview
A Darryl-less Derrick is joined by Dan Masters, Taylor Bishop, and Jamie Gillum to discuss the upcoming Symposium at Perryville on October 18-20. Details on each tour were discussed, so make sure you RSVP at westerntheatercivilwar.com! Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater…
more -
Episode 9: The Mill Springs Campaign with Andrew Miller (Part One)
Derrick and Darryl return to the mics to talk with NPS Ranger Andrew Miller on the Mill Springs Campaign. In this episode Andrew sets up the campaign and how the two armies eventually clashed at Mill Springs., which brought the Union its first major victory of the war. The eastern part of…
more -
Episode 8: Cincinnati in the Civil War with David Mowery
Darryl talks with Dave Mowery, author of Cincinnati in the Civil War: The Union's Queen City. Cincinnati was the largest producer of goods for the Union Army west of the Appalachian Mountains, and the third largest in the United States. The old saying of “amateurs talk about tactics, but...
-
Episode 7: The Battle of Franklin with Joseph Ricci
Derrick and Darryl have a long conversation (one that remains unfinished) with Joseph Ricci of the Battle of Franklin Trust. Myths are tackled along with some of the more difficult details of the battle. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we...
-
Episode 6: A "Mostly" Western Theater Conversation
After a hiatus due to schedules and sickness, Derrick and Darryl return for another discussion on the Western Theater...well mostly. The guys talk about what actually constitutes the Western Theater, and more information on the Symposium on the Field at Perryville. Join our group on Facebook by...
-
Episode 5: Fort Donelson Books
Derrick and Darryl discuss the books you need for your Western Theater library when it comes to the Fort Henry and Fort Donelson Campaign. The guys talk the heavy hitters, but also some of the more obscure ones that you might not know about. Click the link for Darryl's blog post on the subject...
-
The Battle of Stones River with Dan Masters (Part Three)
Derrick and Darryl discuss the Stones River Campaign with author and historian Dan Masters. Dan is the author of the forthcoming book on Stones River entitled, Hell by the Acre: A Narrative History of the Stones River Campaign, November 1862-January 1863, published by Savas Beatie. Check out…
more -
The Battle of Stones River with Dan Masters (Part Two)
Derrick and Darryl discuss the Stones River Campaign with author and historian Dan Masters. Dan is the author of the forthcoming book on Stones River entitled, Hell by the Acre: A Narrative History of the Stones River Campaign, November 1862-January 1863, published by Savas Beatie. Check out…
more -
The Battle of Stones River with Dan Masters (Part One)
Derrick and Darryl discuss the Stones River Campaign with author and historian Dan Masters. Dan is the author of the forthcoming book on Stones River entitled, Hell by the Acre: A Narrative History of the Stones River Campaign, November 1862-January 1863, published by Savas Beatie. Check out…
more -
Episode 1: Introduction to the Department No. 2 Podcast
Hello and welcome to WTCW's The Department No. 2 Podcast! Join us in this introductory episode to get to know the hosts and all about the show. Derrick and Darryl discuss the beginnings of WTCW, events, future episodes, and where our love for Civil War history began. Be sure to subscribe, leave a...
About this show
The Western Theater in the Civil War's (WTCW) The Department No. 2 Podcast is the only show that focuses on the Civil War's most important theater. Derrick Lindow, Darryl Smith, and multiple guests discuss the battles and campaigns, generals and leaders, and the newest books. We have dozens of episodes planned on a variety of Western Theater topics. Please subscribe and leave us a rating as it helps others discover and find the podcast. Have a question for one of our guests? Let us know through our social media channels! Visit our website at westerntheatercivilwar.com for articles and event information.Follow us on X/Twitter @WesternTheaterFollow us on Instagram @KentuckyCivilWarJoin our Facebook group by searching "Western Theater in the Civil War."Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy-on-the-hillLicense code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD
Hosted by
Derrick Lindow
Categories