I’m launching a podcast on June 22, 2022. And I invite you to join me.

Beyond Barbarossa will explore the largest side of the Second World War in Europe, the clash between Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. It’s a subject that I learned a lot about researching The Eastern Front Trilogy (Army of Worn Soles, Under the Nazi Heel and Walking Out of War), and since.

And it’s a subject that doesn’t get much attention in the English-speaking world. There are lots of books, movies, podcasts and other media about the Second World War. There are stories about the Battle of Britain, the evacuation of Dunkirk, D-Day and more.

And yes, there are podcasts about the Eastern Front—but not in English.

So I’m going to try to change that. Beyond Barbarossa will follow the progress of the war in eastern Europe from June 22, 1941 to May 9, 1945, with some detours for context, and some deep dives into significant events and issues.

As you can imagine, a weekly podcast requires devotion of some resources. I appreciate any support you could offer. That’s why I’m starting with a Kickstarter campaign, to raise $2,000 to pay for some professional audio equipment, hosting on a podcasting server, graphic design and promotion.

In return, I’m offering some rewards:

• For $10 US and more: a one-year subscription to the podcast, which includes the bonus episodes, AND a shout-out in the first episode.
• $25 US and up: the three volumes of The Eastern Front Trilogy in the e-book format of your choice: Army of Worn Soles, Under the Nazi Heel and Walking Out of War, plus the subscription and bonus episodes.
• $50 and up: a personalized, signed paperback copy of The Eastern Front Trilogy, plus the subscription and bonus episodes.
• $75 and up: a commemorative coffee mug, plus the e-books, subscription and bonus episodes.
• $150 or more: all the above, PLUS a special commemorative t-shirt.

The Kickstarter campaign starts on May 15 and ends on June 20, 2022. One week later, the podcast itself launches. Listeners will be able to continue to support the podcast through subscriptions, donations and memberships—and to get cool swag.

Take a look at the Kickstarter campaign page. And if you feel like it, contribute what you want. And tell your history buff friends about it, too.

And after that, keep up with the progress of the podcast on the Beyond Barbarossa podcast page, and on the new Beyond Barbarossa page on Facebook. You can also follow my Twitter and Instagram feeds for updates.

Come on! Let’s travel back in time—and eastward in space!