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The Bulgarian History Podcast
PodcastSociety & CultureEnglish

The Bulgarian History Podcast

New266 The Front and The KEVOctober 25, 2026 · 33 min
Episodes
273
Released
every two weeks
Latest episode
Oct 25, 2026

About the podcast

Podcast by Eric Halsey

Episodes 273

  1. 266 The Front and The KEV

    33 min

    As pressure on Bulgaria mounts, two organizations that will define its history in the coming years are formed. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to …

    Show notes
    As pressure on Bulgaria mounts, two organizations that will define its history in the coming years are formed. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/266-front-and-kev Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  2. 265 In The Shadows

    38 min

    Whether combating opposition from fascists and communists, implementing new anti-semitic policies, or avoiding wider involvement in the war, the Bulgarian government operates in the shadows. Supporters like you …

    Show notes
    Whether combating opposition from fascists and communists, implementing new anti-semitic policies, or avoiding wider involvement in the war, the Bulgarian government operates in the shadows. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/265-in-the-shadows Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  3. 264 The Widening War

    30 min

    As war officially comes to Bulgaria and much of the rest of the world, it becomes gradually more clear that this conflict is going to be larger and more dangerous than previously imagined. Supporters like you …

    Show notes
    As war officially comes to Bulgaria and much of the rest of the world, it becomes gradually more clear that this conflict is going to be larger and more dangerous than previously imagined. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/264-widening-war Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  4. 263 Escalation

    39 min

    Throughout the Balkans, partisan and resistance movements as well as the violence needed to keep them in check both escalate. The results are death and repression on a scale the region has not seen in decades …

    Show notes
    Throughout the Balkans, partisan and resistance movements as well as the violence needed to keep them in check both escalate. The results are death and repression on a scale the region has not seen in decades. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/263-escalation Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  5. 262 Barbarossa

    29 min

    The German invasion of the Soviet Union marks the end of the "perfect solution for Bulgaria." Now, the country faces a new partisan threat alongside the prospect of a wider and even more dangerous war …

    Show notes
    The German invasion of the Soviet Union marks the end of the "perfect solution for Bulgaria." Now, the country faces a new partisan threat alongside the prospect of a wider and even more dangerous war. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/262-barbarossa Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  6. Pareon Announcement

    1 min

    Letting you all know that Patreon will be switching to monthly billing starting on September 21st.

  7. 261 Harsh Realities

    35 min

    As Bulgaria begins to establish its occupation structures in its newly acquired territories, good intentions quickly evaporate and ugly harsh realities come to the forefront. Supporters like you make this …

    Show notes
    As Bulgaria begins to establish its occupation structures in its newly acquired territories, good intentions quickly evaporate and ugly harsh realities come to the forefront. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/261-harsh-realities Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  8. 260 A Dream Realized Again?

    34 min

    With the defeat of Greece and Yugoslavia, Bulgaria seemingly achieves its national goals with little sacrifice on its part. Tsar Boris is hailed as Tsar Unifier, and even opposition politicians are overjoyed …

    Show notes
    With the defeat of Greece and Yugoslavia, Bulgaria seemingly achieves its national goals with little sacrifice on its part. Tsar Boris is hailed as Tsar Unifier, and even opposition politicians are overjoyed. But all this success hides a growing darkness... Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/260-dream-realized-again Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  9. 259 The Destruction of Yugoslavia

    33 min

    In the aftermath of Bulgaria's signing of the Tripartite Pact, Yugoslavia follows suit. However, the outcome proves to be dramatically different. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out …

    Show notes
    In the aftermath of Bulgaria's signing of the Tripartite Pact, Yugoslavia follows suit. However, the outcome proves to be dramatically different. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/259-destruction-yugoslavia Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  10. 258 The Reaction

    30 min

    In the aftermath of Bulgaria's decision to sign the Tripartite Pact, it's worth looking at how this event is portrayed and how the major players, both internally and externally, reacted. You can find images for …

    Show notes
    In the aftermath of Bulgaria's decision to sign the Tripartite Pact, it's worth looking at how this event is portrayed and how the major players, both internally and externally, reacted. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/258-the-reaction Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  11. 257 The Tripartite Pact

    30 min

    As pressure mounts from all sides, Bulgaria finally concedes and signs a document that will seal its fate. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/257-tripartite-pact Supporters …

    Show notes
    As pressure mounts from all sides, Bulgaria finally concedes and signs a document that will seal its fate. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/257-tripartite-pact Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  12. 256 The Law for The Defense of The Nation

    31 min

    The Yugoslav communists work to strengthen their presence in Macedonia as the fascist Iron Guard leads a full scale revolt in Romania leading to their destruction. In Bulgaria, as the country moves closer to …

    Show notes
    The Yugoslav communists work to strengthen their presence in Macedonia as the fascist Iron Guard leads a full scale revolt in Romania leading to their destruction. In Bulgaria, as the country moves closer to signing the Tripartite Pact, the country implements the most shameful piece of legislation in its history. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/256-law-defense-nation Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. Check out the book here: a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  13. 255 Arm Twisting

    27 min

    The Axis Powers formalize their alliance with the creation of the Tripartite Pact. Then, just as the war in Europe begins to slow down, the Italian invasion of Greece puts new pressure on Bulgaria to join the …

    Show notes
    The Axis Powers formalize their alliance with the creation of the Tripartite Pact. Then, just as the war in Europe begins to slow down, the Italian invasion of Greece puts new pressure on Bulgaria to join the war. The question hanging in the air is just how long Bulgaria can resist Axis arm twisting. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/255-arm-twisting Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. Check out the book here: https://a.co/d/0iKfCu6f
  14. Book Announcement

    1 min

    Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/

  15. 254 A Romanian Feast

    28 min

    As yet more countries leap at the opportunity to extract territory from a Romanian state that can do little to stop them, the last true royal dictatorship in the Balkans falls. As a result, Bulgaria achieves a …

    Show notes
    As yet more countries leap at the opportunity to extract territory from a Romanian state that can do little to stop them, the last true royal dictatorship in the Balkans falls. As a result, Bulgaria achieves a cherished national goal and begins to fracture the uneasy alliance between the Communists and government. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/254-romanian-feast Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  16. 253 The Flow of The Tide

    31 min

    As Tsar Boris tightens his grip on Bulgaria internally, it becomes more and more clear that events in Europe are outpacing his efforts. While Bulgaria remains committed to neutrality, the tides of war seem …

    Show notes
    As Tsar Boris tightens his grip on Bulgaria internally, it becomes more and more clear that events in Europe are outpacing his efforts. While Bulgaria remains committed to neutrality, the tides of war seem poised to sweep the country in whichever direction they desire and there's very little Tsar Boris, or anyone, can do about it. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/253-flow-of-tide Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  17. 252 Darkness Descends

    37 min

    As the Second World War begins, Germany and the Soviet Union begin carving up eastern Europe between them. But for now, Bulgaria and its Balkan neighbors remain neutral. But what will it take to maintain that …

    Show notes
    As the Second World War begins, Germany and the Soviet Union begin carving up eastern Europe between them. But for now, Bulgaria and its Balkan neighbors remain neutral. But what will it take to maintain that neutrality as darkness descends upon the continent? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/252-darkness-descends Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  18. 251 A Deal Between Devils

    27 min

    As fascist powers continue to take land from their neighbors and take over new countries, an agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union shocks the word and gives Bulgaria an opportunity. Supporters like you …

    Show notes
    As fascist powers continue to take land from their neighbors and take over new countries, an agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union shocks the word and gives Bulgaria an opportunity. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/251-deal-between-devils Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  19. 250 A Tightening Grip

    34 min

    With war in Europe looming, leaders around the Balkans work to tighten their grip on power. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks …

    Show notes
    With war in Europe looming, leaders around the Balkans work to tighten their grip on power. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/250-tightening-grip Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  20. 249 The Death Knell of The Post-War Order

    34 min

    As Bulgaria begins seriously rearming and reequipping its military, the European map begins to change at a rapid pace as Germany annexes several key territories. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! …

    Show notes
    As Bulgaria begins seriously rearming and reequipping its military, the European map begins to change at a rapid pace as Germany annexes several key territories. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/249-death-knell Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  21. 248 A Tidy & Disciplined Democracy

    33 min

    Tsar Boris seeks to strengthen his position with both the first parliamentary elections in 7 years and the long-awaited birth of an heir. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out …

    Show notes
    Tsar Boris seeks to strengthen his position with both the first parliamentary elections in 7 years and the long-awaited birth of an heir. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/248-tidy-democracy Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  22. 247 The First Test

    32 min

    As fascist revisionist powers make bold moves on the European stage and upset the post-war status quo, Tsar Boris' non-party government faces its first real test. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! …

    Show notes
    As fascist revisionist powers make bold moves on the European stage and upset the post-war status quo, Tsar Boris' non-party government faces its first real test. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/247-first-test Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  23. History of The Lev

    38 min

    To commemorate Bulgaria's transition to the Euro on January 1st 2026, this special episode looks back on the 145 year history of the Bulgarian Lev as a currency. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! …

    Show notes
    To commemorate Bulgaria's transition to the Euro on January 1st 2026, this special episode looks back on the 145 year history of the Bulgarian Lev as a currency. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/history-of-lev Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  24. 246 The Adversary in The House

    30 min

    The new government spearheaded by Tsar Boris himself struggles to overcome internal divisions, political opposition, and an assassination plot as world events make the situation for the country more dangerous …

    Show notes
    The new government spearheaded by Tsar Boris himself struggles to overcome internal divisions, political opposition, and an assassination plot as world events make the situation for the country more dangerous by the day. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/246-adversary-in-the-house Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  25. 245 To Reign and Govern

    32 min

    In Greece, the triumph of the monarchist faction has brought about a return of the King alongside a military dictatorship. Meanwhile, the old guard faction of the Bulgarian communists is triumphant as well …

    Show notes
    In Greece, the triumph of the monarchist faction has brought about a return of the King alongside a military dictatorship. Meanwhile, the old guard faction of the Bulgarian communists is triumphant as well, liquidating the left-sectarian faction and taking full control of the organization. But at home, Tsar Boris outplays the opposition to take further control of the government. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/245-reign-govern Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  26. 244 Checkmate

    26 min

    As the Zveno and Military League government focuses on implementing its reforms, it suddenly finds that it has been outplayed by an unlikely opponent. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out …

    Show notes
    As the Zveno and Military League government focuses on implementing its reforms, it suddenly finds that it has been outplayed by an unlikely opponent. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/244-checkmate Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  27. 243 By Decree

    36 min

    After the May 19th coup, the new government quick sets about abolishing the constitution and ruling by decree. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to …

    Show notes
    After the May 19th coup, the new government quick sets about abolishing the constitution and ruling by decree. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/243-by-decree Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/
  28. 242 Zveno's Strike

    34 min

    As the Mushanov government falls prey to infighting and corruption, forces within the military, political establishment, and even the palace make plans to end the malaise and remake the state. Supporters like …

    Show notes
    As the Mushanov government falls prey to infighting and corruption, forces within the military, political establishment, and even the palace make plans to end the malaise and remake the state. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/242-zvenos-strike Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/State-Builders-Steppe-History-Bulgarian/dp/6197814110/
  29. 241 Storm Clouds Gather

    31 min

    Yugoslavia gets a new constitution, the VMRO takes its violence to a new level, and Bulgaria gets brought ever closer to an increasingly authoritarian Germany. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! …

    Show notes
    Yugoslavia gets a new constitution, the VMRO takes its violence to a new level, and Bulgaria gets brought ever closer to an increasingly authoritarian Germany. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/241-storm-clouds-gather Learn more about the book and sign up for updates here: thisisbulgaria.org/state-suilders-from-the-steppe/
  30. 240 Another Shot at Democracy

    34 min

    After 5 years, the Lyapchev government finally falls. But while it's replaced by another coalition committed to democracy, fascist movements proliferate as the challenges of the Great Depression continue to …

    Show notes
    After 5 years, the Lyapchev government finally falls. But while it's replaced by another coalition committed to democracy, fascist movements proliferate as the challenges of the Great Depression continue to batter Bulgaria. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/240-another-shot Learn more about the book and sign up for updates here: thisisbulgaria.org/state-suilders-from-the-steppe/

These are the latest 40 of 273 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.

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