The End of the Beginning is the International Churchill Society’s new podcast exploring leadership and decision-making based on Winston Churchill’s enduring legacy. The series looks both at the man and the values he defended—democracy, courage, integrity, and perseverance. Each episode features historians, policymakers, and thought leaders who connect Churchill’s ideas and principles to the challenges facing today’s leaders in business, government, and public life. By showing how the past can guide the present, The End of the Beginning reveals why Churchill’s example and ideals remain essentia
ICS on location at Chartwell Booksellers with owner and author Barry Singer.
ICS on location at Chartwell Booksellers with owner and author Barry Singer.
10 Jul 2026
ICS & Truman Library Institute panel - 80th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech
Hosted by the International Churchill Society and the Truman Library Institute at George Washington University’s National Churchill Leadership Center, this panel marked the 80th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s landmark “Iron Curtain” speech. Historians Gregory Daddis, Jason Parker, Arie Dubnov, and Adam Howard explored the origins of the Cold War, the global impact of Churchill’s 1946 address, and its enduring relevance in today’s world.
10 Jul 2026
National Churchill Leadership Center hosts, "The Three Declarations" with Michael Auslin.
The National Churchill Leadership Center the annual GW History Department 2026 lecture, "The Three Declarations" Michael Auslin.
10 Jul 2026
George Washington with Professor Denver Brunsman
Discussion about George Washington and leadership with Professor Denver Brunsman, Chair of the Department of History at George Washington University.
10 Jul 2026
Operation Catapult with author Bill Whiteside
In this episode of The End of the Beginning, the podcast of the International Churchill Society, we are joined by author Bill Whiteside to discuss his compelling new book, Operation Catapult.This conversation explores one of the most difficult and consequential episodes of the Second World War: Britain’s decision in July 1940 to neutralize the French fleet after the fall of France. Bill Whiteside examines the strategic pressures, political calculations, and moral complexity surrounding Operation Catapult, and reflects on what the episode reveals about Winston Churchill’s leadership in a moment of extreme peril.Join us for a fascinating discussion of wartime decision-making, alliance tensions, and the burdens of command in one of the war’s most controversial chapters.Subscribe to the International Churchill Society for more conversations on history, leadership, and Winston Churchill’s enduring legacy.#WinstonChurchill #OperationCatapult #BillWhiteside #WWIIHistory #Churchill #MilitaryHistory #InternationalChurchillSociety #Leadership #SecondWorldWar
13 Apr 2026
Richard Vinen : The Last Titans: How Churchill and de Gaulle Saved Their Nations and Transformed the World
Richard Vinen joins the International Churchill Society podcast to discuss The Last Titans: How Churchill and de Gaulle Saved Their Nations and Transformed the World, a new dual biography that reexamines two of the defining leaders of the twentieth century. The book explores not only their wartime roles, but also the tension, mutual respect, and lasting impact that shaped Britain, France, and the modern world. Vinen, a professor of history at King’s College London and winner of the Wolfson Prize, brings fresh perspective to the parallel lives, personalities, and legacies of Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle.
For listeners interested in leadership, allied history, and the difficult relationships that shape great events, this is a rich and timely conversation. Published by Simon & Schuster on March 17, 2026, The Last Titans has already drawn strong praise for its research, insight, and narrative force.
27 Mar 2026
Vice Admiral Michael Franken (Ret)
International Churchill Society Executive Director Adam Howard sits down with Vice Admiral Michael Franken (Ret.) to explore the lessons in leadership he drew from a distinguished career in the United States Navy. Reflecting on decades of service at the highest levels of command, Franken discusses decision-making under pressure, the cultivation of resilient teams, and the enduring relevance of principled leadership in moments of crisis.
25 Feb 2026
General Stanley McChrystal (Retired)
Retired four-star U.S. Army General Stanley McChrystal brings his unparalleled leadership experience to this compelling conversation with ICS Executive Director Dr. Adam Howard. Drawing on decades commanding elite forces and advising leaders across sectors, McChrystal digs into the core ideas from his latest book— On Character: Choices That Define a Life.
22 Jan 2026
James Goldgeier - Leaders and hard choices in challenging times
We are pleased to welcome James Goldgeier on The End of the Beginning, the International Churchill Society podcast.A leading scholar of international relations and global order, Goldgeier brings deep insight into the forces shaping today’s geopolitical landscape, from alliance politics and democratic resilience to the long-term consequences of strategic decisions made under pressure.In this conversation, we explore how leaders navigate uncertainty, how institutions adapt or fail in moments of stress, and why historical perspective remains essential for understanding power, conflict, and cooperation in the modern world.Listen to the full episode and follow The End of the Beginning for thoughtful conversations at the intersection of history, leadership, and strategy.
12 Jan 2026
Frank Gavin at ICS The End of the Beginning
Francis J. Gavin is an American historian currently serving as the Giovanni Agnelli Distinguished Professor and inaugural Director of the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C.
23 Dec 2025
Representative Chris Gibson & The Spirit of Philadelphia
In this episode of The End of the Beginning, we welcome former U.S. Representative, Army veteran, and historian Chris Gibson to discuss his book The Spirit of Philadelphia and the enduring principles that shaped the American republic.
Our conversation explores civic responsibility, leadership in divided times, and how historical understanding can inform contemporary governance. Gibson reflects on the Founding era, the responsibilities of public service, and the role of history in sustaining democratic institutions.
A thoughtful discussion on leadership, citizenship, and why the lessons of the past remain essential today.
18 Dec 2025
James Holland, WW2, leadership & Churchill
In this episode of The End of the Beginning, we sit down with renowned historian and bestselling author James Holland to explore Winston Churchill’s leadership in war, the realities behind the myths, and why history still matters in moments of global uncertainty.
From the strategy rooms of the Second World War to the long shadow of Churchill’s decisions today, Holland brings clarity, context, and candor to one of history’s most consequential figures. The conversation ranges from military command and political judgment to how popular memory often simplifies what was, in reality, far more complex.
This is not nostalgia. It is applied history.
A thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion for anyone interested in leadership under pressure, the craft of history, and why Churchill continues to provoke debate decades later.
It is splendidly Churchillian!! www.winstonchurchill.org
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