The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War

The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War Podcast is the creation of Seth Paridon and Bill Toti. Seth is a World War II historian with over 20 years experience who's many roles also was serving as a chief historian for The National WWII Museum for 15 years. Bill is not a historian, but is a retired submarine commodore and military planner with a special interest in the Pacific War. Bill has a unique perspective to offer as one who spent more than a decade sailing those same waters where the action in “The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War” took place.Each week, Bill and Seth dive deep into topics pertaining to the Pacific War during World War II. We dissect the battles, tactics, strategies, and personalities that drove the United States' victory on the largest battlefront in human history.Seth and Bill bring out the hard facts about the war that resonates deeply today, some 80 years after the war was fought. New episodes are released on this channel every Tuesday, and the audio versions of each episode are released at the same time everywhere you receive your podcasts. Make sure you subscribe to get notifications of every fresh upload and new show!If you prefer an audio-only version of “The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War,” it can be heard here: And for those of you interested in the transition from active duty to industry, Bill’s book “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership” is available in hardback at Amazon and other resellers, in eBook format on Kindle and Apple, and in audiobook format on Audible.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Cyclonesupporter

College level stuff

This podcast would be ideal for a college level class on World War 2. Not only do they provide facts, but they give excellent interpretation. They do a lot prepping and go into details that provide a human element that is nowhere else to be found. Their details on the surrender ceremony and ending with Mac’s radio address was classic. They have gone great justice for the Greatest Generation.
colbyhiggs

Amazing podcast!

If you are remotely interested in World War 2, or American history, you have to check this podcast out! Every single episode is a history lesson with top notch hosts and amazing guests hosts. You will learn the ins and outs of navel warfare from every perspective. Thank you to the amazing hosts and guests for putting this show together!!!
Catlord 6

Great history podcast about the Pacific in World War II

So far listened to episodes on the New Guinea, Marianas, Peleliu, Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Japan. One thing I was surprised about the Iwo episode was that Doc Bradley also didn’t raise the first flag either. I remembered hearing Seth when he first hosted World War II Service on Celluiod. Hope they cover Borneo though it was largely an Australian operation with US Navy and Air Force support.
Hhawkman1974

Fantastic

Excellent, excellent job with an very difficult subject. Highly recommended.
USAFCCF

Another great episode!

Yes! Do an episode on Chick Parsons or at least include him in the episode on Philippine guerrillas. I believe his son is still alive.
Dadiraptor

The Best

I’m a history nerd extraordinaire, my podcast feed is full of one history podcast after another, and if this isn’t the best of them, I don’t know what is. To finally know what our forefathers couldn’t talk about and to know what they went through is priceless.
dickydipper

INCREDIBLY EXCELLENT!!

Very informative and well presented. Hosts are deeply knowledgeable and great story tellers. Very much enjoyed by this old USAF guy!! Thank you!
John Bonbright

Best history podcast there is

These guys are awesome. This is a wonderful podcast.
Bedsurfer

The Most Riveting WW2 Podcast Available

I can't speak highly enough of this show. As a former Marine Corps infantry officer and avid reader of history, I can't get enough of this show. One episode in, and it was impossible to stop listening. The hosts and guests are fantastic, the topics discussed are incredibly well-described in detail. Have been listening (and watching on YouTube) to this show since the 4th-5th episode, and it never fails to disappoint. The only thing that disappoints me is when the end credits roll. It is the highlight of my podcast week when I get the notification that a new episode has been released. Also, I highly, *highly* recommend checking out the books that the hosts & guests mention during almost every episode. They don't recommend books without very good reason. So far I can barely keep up with their "reading assignments", and I have yet to be disappointed in their literary suggestions. Give the show a chance. Betcha can't try just one. ;)
WoodlanderSlack

Many Thanks

Gentlemen, I am on my second time thru the Podcast. My uncle, aunt, and father were in the Navy in WWll. Uncle in the Pacific. Your podcast is the best! Dave S
Donthun

Emotional and cerebral connection to this show

I connected to all episodes of this show. I especially connected to the show the Legendary Duo-Mush Morton and USS Wahoo. When it ended I had a lump in my throat and my eyes were watery. Mush Morton was the kind of person who was much like myself. I could see me walking around the sub in civvies, taking huge risks in sinking Japanese ship. I was a supervisor in Los Angeles County Data Processing Department, Computer Operations on weekend swing shift (2 eight hour shifts 15:30-midnight on Monday-Tuesday and 2 twelve hour shifts on Saturday-Sunday midnight to noon) with an all female staff. Once the ladies were fully trained, I Ieft them alone to run the large IBM main frames. I remained close by in case there were emergencies like two earthquakes and one individual falling and breaking her leg. Fantastic show. Thank you.
BPUOW

Authentic and compelling

I listen to lots of podcasts, specifically history podcasts and the narrative, structure and detail that Seth and Bill bring to every episode is truly remarkable. The amount of reverence for the individuals is striking and brings the greatest conflict in human history into an incredibly personal narrative. I appreciate all the work that you all put into creating such an in-depth and great podcast. Thank you!
glu5myers

Most Informative Podcast I’ve ever Heard!

Seth and Bill aren’t just talking heads giving wild and often ignorant opinions about WWII in the Pacific. No! They are experts who freely welcome any challenge to the material and insight covered. Then they add expert guests who are some of the foremost historical experts in the world and it makes for a WWII buff’s perfect Christmas gift! If that wasn’t enough, the relationships Seth and Bill have with each other and their guests (especially Jon Parshall) make the conversation free flowing and casual making is so easy to not only listen but retain the information they have worked so hard to prepare. Thank you Seth and Bill! ( thanks to you too Jon 😁)
Ofons

6/5 stars

Incredible insight and color on war tales no one has ever heard of.
Daisymayhem812

Etiquette

Stop talking over each other. Love the pod👍👍
m444dave

Delivered with enthusiasm

Gentlemen with an obvious passion for the topics always exhibit deep explanations of each brick in the Pacific War mosaic. I deeply appreciate what you do.
prr4935

Battles in general

The color commentary on leaders, strategy and details of specific battles/campaigns is superb. The uneven personality of Halsey, troubled fighter aces fighting for supremacy on all levels is fascinating. The list goes on and I’m hooked! How about a summary of British/Commonwealth naval support in the Pacific? Successes and failures? German submarine and raider operations in the Pacific/Indian Ocean? Is there enough for a presentation on the rumored Japanese nuclear weapons program? Well done in any event!
django1936

Outstanding Discussions of the Pacific War

I’ve started out with the Race of Aces 2 episodes which were great, and John Bruning’s book Race of Aces is fantastic so it was great to hear him speak about the book and the history. From there I started at Episode 1 and while I have studied WWII for 45 years, there is still always more to learn. Well done gentlemen!
b_ray71

Great listen for any WW2 buff

Coming from a history nerd this show is very easy to listen to and follow. They take the overall campaigns in the pacific war and break them all the way down to, in some cases to individual stories from Sailors, Soldiers and Marines. They explain how and why decisions were made and their repercussions, lessons learned and how tactics evolved. My kindle is filled with WW2 history books and I think I’ve actually learned more from this podcast. I wish there was one of this caliber for the European campaign. If there is I haven’t found it yet. Keep it up fellas great show!
Mathew Baker

Best history podcast period

Forget Dan Carlin cuz he definitely doesn’t have anything that these guys don’t. Carlins series on the Rise and fall of Imperial Japan is very good and I will thank him for getting my interest back into the Pacific. I only wish I found Seth & Bill sooner. Been listening little over a year and they’re all great episodes. Before you go ask them to do a topic take the time and look they probably already did. Best guests in the history world too.. Thanks
Roc wheel

The Best

Hands down the best military podcast out there. The hosts and guests are of the highest caliber. I’ve read 40+ books on the PTO and thought I had a good idea of the events. But I learn something new every episode. Bravo gentleman!
Sam Thistleton

Amazing Show chop them into shorter episodes

As an active duty Naval Officer, I love the show and I have listened to every episode while doing a model or on the way to work. My one critique is if you could chop episodes from 2 plus hours to 25-35 minutes which can be digested. Same content but adding breaks would allow commuters to listen to 2 hours of content over 4 sessions. Keep up the amazing work.
GPSDO

Phenomenal podcast

Seth and Bill have become the voices of history for the veterans on both sides of the Pacific Theatre of Operations. Their foundational knowledge, conversations with survivors; and passion are second to none. Inclusion of subject experts enhances the spirited engagements between Seth and Bill.
MTDrydock

Tons of information and entertainment

As a WWII naval history buff this podcast fills in so much of the grey area for me between the naval battles, both on land and in the air and adds some details from behind the scenes. I held back on full 5 stars as some of the more technical details of the naval units involved sometimes have inaccuracies. Overall, a very good listen for almost everyone interested in the PTO.
Leatherneck74-76

Excellent

Would the broadcasters please consider not using Gods name so disrespectfully, so often!
Gomorrah Bon Vivant

Here’s What Accountability Buddies do Instead

What do they do? They make a podcast. Okay, I’m going to give it 5 stars because they work hard, they’re earnest, and it’s not easy for regular Joes to go up against some big money productions. However, there’s a few criticisms to keep in mind as you listen. I’m not sure what they mean by “unauthorized” I’m aware of no group or agency that can decree legitimacy upon history shows, but if there were one I find it difficult to imagine a couple of guys going into deep detail on pretty much the official history of the Pacific War, if one were to be published by the American DoD. This is a very US centric podcast. Granted, if any part of the Second World War was particularly American it would definitely be The Pacific War, but don’t expect to hear much in the way of criticism. This is the war strictly from our American perspective. For example, recently, while discussing Japanese war crimes in the Philippines, the dungeons in an old castle were described as something the US was above using while the Japanese relished in making use of them. Look, I’m not going to defend anything the Japanese did in the P.I. It’s not possible, but the way they said The Americans don’t go for the dungeons but the Japanese do felt so myopic and almost a childish John Wayne view of our history. We have an ugly history in the Philippines and you can’t look at Bagram or Guantanamo and say we don’t go for dungeons. I know that seems kind of petty but it’s just an example of what kind of history you’re going to get. It’s a good podcast but keep in mind the perspective
Fakejedimaster

one of the best out there

It’s great and the subject knowledge is awesome. But the amount of times Seth says “literally” in every episode is about 85 and I find it distracting. It’s a throw-away word and one that chicks overuse and often inappropriately. You could make a drinking game out of it and you’d be stumbling at the end of each episode. But these guys go into detail on strategy and methods that military and naval history nerds will love.
AnthonySCorona

My favorite WW2 podcast

So grateful for the Pacific War getting such an in depth look. Seth and the guest are so knowledgeable on history and I love the Captain’s very unique insight from real world experience. So happy I found this podcast. Thank you gentleman
Great Detailed Podcast

Kind of like listening in on guys in on guys talking at a bar…

I’m not sure how I stumbled into thin show but I’ve listened to seasons 2 and 3 and am half way through season 1 and they are all great. The hosts go into great detail on the smaller events of the pacific war and give lots of new information to me; I love the detail and the discussion of individual valor. The stories of Medal of Honor recipients is super interesting. If you are a fan of world war 2 history, you will love this podcast. And it goes into more “unknown” parts of the war and discusses them in great detail and puts them in context. Great work guys!
Runner709

Best History Podcast You'll Find

I've been a WW2 buff my entire life. I just found this podcast two weeks ago and I'm obsessed with it. Joe Brewer Fishers, IN
David S 55

Outstanding show

I was fortunate to find this podcast and I have thoroughly enjoyed the content. I’ve recommended it to my friends who love war history as I do. Bill, Seth and quite often a guest, talk and discuss the pacific war in another dimension of knowledge, sensibility and experience than I have received before. I highly recommend this podcast. Thank you, guys for all you do!
NickMogielnicki

Simply the best

Thank you guys. RLTW!
Dbouwmeester

Educational and Epic

Love this podcast. Seth and Captain are excellent at sharing the details, which includes acts of heroism during the pacific war in WW2. Some of the episodes have left me on the edge of my seat. Anyone interested in WW2 or who wants to know more would do well to listen to these gentlemen and their outstanding guests in this podcast
Bespectacled Ape

Best Of Podcasts, YouTube, and America!

These guys and their guests give us a rational, reasonable and moral perspective on war. So sad that it has to be fought. So glad there are still soldiers out there that are doing the right thing for humanity, even making the "ultimate sacrifice" so that others may live free and carefree lives.
Skinny Kangaroo

Thumbs up for the Unauthorized History of the Pacific War

Most Histories of the Pacific war during World War Two paint the war with some large and some smaller brush strokes. Giving a good picture of what happened with a few anecdotes to try in highlight what happened. The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War goes straight for the weeds. No detail is to small or large. They give you real insight into the decisions that were made by the actors of that time, more than I’ve ever heard. There analysis has caused me to change opinions about some of history’s biggest actors. So much of the History of that time is spent on the ETO, not enough of the life and death struggle fought all over the largest body of water on earth. The Bubble Head and Historian do a masterful job of covering it all.
*meric*

Catnip for history buffs

Insightful, detailed, fresh. The inside story of a war hallowed in memory but shrouded in myth. Surprisingly timely due to the wealth of recent scholarly re-evaluations, as well as relevance to US grand strategy. Just in season one don’t miss the epic takedown of MacArthur (episode 3) and the deep dive on Midway with Jonathan Parshall.
Ben from Durham

Want to help an active duty person transition to civilian industry?

I thought Robert Burke already got a job…:
Adtucker

A new favorite

These two know how to share a passion. They feed excellent off of each other and I throughly enjoy listening. My only complaint is that my drive ends before the show. lol Keep it up guys! Your knowledge and ability to share is second to none. Cheers,
Joey Zeeee

Casual yet thorough account of the PTO

I listen to this podcast every night before I sleep so hardly ever catch an entire episode! It’s been highly influential in my ww2 reading and I’ve almost exclusively been focused on the pacific lately. I like how dense with information the episodes are and the context provided by the historians speaking casually. I learn a lot of subtle details about the research & debates that reading alone can’t easily capture. I wonder what will happen to the show after the atom bomb but I’m sure it’ll be appropriate.
Christian Gaillard

Captain Toti is a treasure

The first podcast I’ve felt compelled to leave a review on. Hosts are great and they consistently bring on great guests.
The Dadster1967

The Gold Standard of Podcasts

Anyone who feels history is boring should listen to this series for 10 minutes. Not only is this well researched and well presented, the conversations drew me in and made me want to know more about these events. Honestly, the hosts could talk about the history of the styrofoam cup and make it interesting!
Akutan Zero

Historic Treasures for an Overlooked Theater www

Outstanding podcast by Seth Paridon & CAPT Toti dedicated to honoring the overlooked Pacific theater of operations. They create history that is down to earth and accessible to all. My family lost a service member in the overlooked battle for Biak in June 1944. Thank you for bringing a voice to our veterans who endured so much in the Pacific Theater. These gentleman provide a great service to our veterans and warriors in largest battle space in history.
Okdokey57

Amazing podcast

Each episode is an in depth discussion with passionate WWII historians and enthusiasts. Highly recommended
Copernicious the wise

Great Podcast

This is the most informative and interesting Podcast I’ve listened to on WWII in the Pacific. I have listened to every episode and can’t wait for the next one. These guys are very knowledgeable and feed off of each other. The guests that are invited on the show are also very well versed with the subject being discussed. They tell the real story and go through get lengths to insure their facts are correct. This is my favorite podcast. You guys are awesome keep up the excellent job!!
Mk.IXc

The way it should be done.

Engaging, Accurate, knowledgeable, fun, true experts, technical, Perfect.
r1340snow

Two thumbs up

I thoroughly enjoy your podcasts because you both are well prepared, articulate, and passionate about teaching history truthfully. Like you, I believe that the study of unadulterated history is essential for our present and future success as individuals and as a nation. Though the raw truth of world history that you present is replete with human shortcomings and failure, you wonderfully highlight the extra-human, too. Man is inherently flawed, but I join with you to celebrate the efforts of those who go above and beyond the norm. These men and women portray the heroism to which every person should aspire, or at the very least, admire. This, I feel, is the thrust of your broadcasts and why I return again and again to listen, to learn, and to enjoy. Thank you!
Johnlaurino

McArthur’s meeting FDR in Hawaii

It was Admiral Leahy and not FDR who admonished McArthur on his inform when arriving at the Baltimore to greet FDR
bkfogdog

To improve

I love the show and re-listening for 2nd time . The one suggestion to make show better is a system so there will be less interruptions. It has got better because as I go back to pods from 2022 it’s pretty bad . More J Patshall please
Broc K

Outstanding

This is an absolutely outstanding podcast, one I’ve been waiting for (unknown to me) for decades. For over 40 plus years I’ve been sucking up as much information as I can get on the Pacific Theater of Operations during WW2. This fascination started in 1st grade when I discovered picture books in my school's library from Life Magazine covering WW2, particularly carrier operations. My passion was cemented a few years later when I came across “The Big E” in 6th grade, and that kicked off a never ending desire to understand more about that incredible period of history. As I grew older, I tried to learn and understand more about the greater conflict. Things like specific campaigns, submarine operations, cultural impacts on strategy and so on. More than anything, I wanted to understand the people and humanity involved. Seth and Bill do such a great job of walking listeners through the key points of battles and moments in history, with a slant towards a human side of things that does not often come through in traditional mediums. They provide enough detail to satisfy a history junkie like myself and I’ve learned many new things. However, they do so at a pace which does not bog down. I also greatly admire Bill sharing his experiences and slants as a leader in the U.S. Navy, particularly as a submarine commander. The Silent Service in the Pacific Theater was an incredible period of time with even more incredible people. Thanks for sharing your passion.
Freerangemink

Ongoing excellence.

"Not a documentary" is no excuse to play fast and loose with biographical details about real people, in particular our veterans and national heroes. I like that this was brought up. It's just as easy to get those things right.