The End of the Beginning

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.