The Alternate History Show
The Alternate History Show
Ben Kearns
Ben Kearns and guests imagine what might have been-had things in history proceeded a little differently. Also, get the very latest news on various alternate history websites, novels and our AH picks of the week-and in each episode, Ben reviews an example of AH literature/media in 60 seconds.
The Alternate History Show-an Interview With Dan Bensen
In this special interview, we hear from a returning guest, AH author Dan Bensen-about his latest work, 'The World's Other Side'. Dan tells us about the trip that inspired the story in the first place, the cultural backdrop behind the AH and lots more! It was fascinating to chat to him-so listen if you can.
Jan 29, 2024
17 min
The Alternate History Show Interview-With John A. Hopkins
In this interview, Alternate History author John Hopkins discusses his new book, 'Atomic Secrets', set in the late 1940's in a world where World War II ends early, in an uneasy stalemate not too dissimilar in some ways to our world's Cold War. John talks about what motivated him to write the book, how Sealion Press picked up the story and published it, about the main characters and how they attempt to thwart the Nazis from developing an Atomic bomb and why he tried to minimise discussion in the book of the point of departure-and how the situation unfolded as it did from there.
Sep 15, 2023
19 min
The Alternate History Show-Episode12-1066... and All That!
In this episode, David Flin takes us through the travails/turbulence of 1066 and attempts to answer questions regarding how much more... interesting that year could've been in England/Europe. In particular, Ever wondered what would have happened if Edward The Confessor had lived longer? Could William the Conqueror have become King of England without Conquering anything? If Harald Hardrada had won at Stanford Bridge? And of course-what if Harold Godwinson had beaten William at Hastings? Imagine all that and more, in this addition of the AH Show!
Feb 24, 2023
1 hr
David Flin Interview
In this special interview, author and publisher David Flin discusses his interest in (and relationship with) Alternate History over the last 20 years, how he set up his own publishing company-and why he is so eager to be part of the next full episode of this podcast, on 1066. Plus, Building a Better Future-the sequel will be out soon-David explains what to expect from it.
Jan 15, 2023
20 min
The Alternate History Show-Episode11-European Diplomacy From 1870 To 1914
In this episode, Sean Hazlett and Daniel Bensen discuss the complex world of European diplomacy from the Franco-Prussian war of the early 1870's until the start of World War I. Amongst other scenarios, we'll discuss what the implications of France winning the Franco-Prussian war would have been-as well as Germany (and Europe) without Bismarck. Later on, we'll ponder a scenario where Russia is victorious in their war with Japan-and could world war I have been prevented even after June 1914? Plus in the Feedback Hub, AH author Carlos Arturo Serrano talks about his novel, 'To Climates Unknown', depicting a world without the Mayflower-and minus the American idea.
Dec 13, 2022
1 hr 3 min
The Alternate History Show Feedback Hub Special-With Kevin Ikenberry
In this special addition of 'The Feedback Hub', Ben chats to Sci-fi and AH author Kevin Ikenberry. Kevin has details of his new novel, 'The Crossing', involving US military cadets from 2008 being transported back in time to consult with none other than George Washington. We discuss the story in general-how the cadets knowledge of what happened in real life helped Washington-and how Kevin's past experience as a Military officer shaped the novel.
Aug 15, 2022
13 min
Alternate History Show Feedback Hub Special-A chat with Bruno Lombardi
In this special standalone addition of 'The Feedback Hub', Ben speaks to author Bruno Lombardi about his interest in Alternate History, his story entitled 'The Road Was Lit With Moon and Star' (focusing on an alternate Apollo12 in the aftermath of an unsuccessful apollo11 moonlanding) and how he came to be nominated for an award alongside Harry Turtledove. Plus, the story where Bruno envisaged a bar specifically catering for time travellers who try and fail to change history.
Jul 2, 2022
20 min
Episode10-Outter Space
In this episode, award winning author Matthew Kresal joins Ben Kearns to talk about the alternate history of space exploration! Everything from the Rocket fever of the 1920's to the advanced space exploration of the 2010's is covered. Plus, Ben reviews the Alternate History story 'The road was lit with Moon and star' written by Science Fiction author Bruno Lombardi, within 60 seconds-and in the Feedback Hub, you'll hear from author and publisher David Flin and friends about the latest Anthology, exploring the Alternate History of Ukraine, proceeds of which are going to the Disaster Emergencies committee, to support those affected by the war.
May 5, 2022
1 hr 29 min
Episode9-Raging Militant, Seething Social Democrats and The Struggle For The Heart Of Labour In The 80's
In this episode, Ben Kearns is joined by Alternate Historian Ewan Hodson, who lends his opinion to alternate scenarios involving the UK Labour party from the late 70's to the mid 90's. In particular, Ben and Ewan attempt to answer what would have happened if Callaghan had called a 78 election and won, the idea of a foot-free early 80's and Kinnock actually becoming Prime Minister in 1992. In addition, in part3, Ben talks to Alex Wallace and accompanying authors, who until recently were working ridiculous hours on their AH anthology, AlloAmericana: Myths and legends from other Americas. Prepare for the hard sell-but it'll totally be worth it!
Mar 18, 2022
1 hr 32 min
The Alternate History Show-Episode8-Rhodesia and Zimbabwe
In this episode, I am joined by Charlton Cussans, who is an expert on all things Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, so much so that he's written a dissertation on it! In part1, we discuss the 1922 Rhodesian unification with South Africa that never was and the Unification of the North and the South. In part2, we touch on the runup to UDI (along with the declaration itself) and in the third part, we imagine alternate scenarios surrounding the Lancaster House agreement and ask, did Zimbabwe need a Mandela? Plus there's Alex Wallace with all the AH news you should know about in the Feedback Hub.
May 13, 2021
1 hr 11 min
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