Episode 2

full
Published on:

21st Mar 2026

The Five Minutes That Changed the War: Midway

In June 1942, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a battle unfolded that would change the course of the Second World War.

At Midway, the United States Navy set a trap for the Imperial Japanese Navy. What followed was a chaotic carrier battle where timing, intelligence, and chance proved decisive.

In the space of just five minutes on the morning of June 4th, three Japanese aircraft carriers – veterans of Pearl Harbor – were fatally struck by American dive bombers.

In that moment, the balance of the Pacific War shifted.

In this episode, we explore the build-up to Midway, the battle itself, and why it marked a turning point – but not the end – of the war.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow EPOCH: American History Stories for more deep dives into the events, people, and moments that shaped history.

Show artwork for EPOCH: American History Stories

About the Podcast

EPOCH: American History Stories
The America we know today was shaped by moments of choice, chance, courage, and consequence.

EPOCH: American History Stories is a narrative history podcast about the people, events, and turning points that made the United States what it is. From revolution and ideology to inventions, conflict, and cultural change, each episode unpacks a single story and asks: why did this moment matter, and why does it still matter now?

The show is hosted by Nick Rogers, creator of Up Ship! The Airship History Podcast, and Liam Rogers, producer and curious non-historian. British by birth but unapologetically obsessed with the United States, they bring admiration, curiosity, and an outsider’s perspective to America’s past.

Expert historians and writers join the conversation for relaxed discussions that explore American history as it was lived and experienced.

Together, they challenge the idea that America “doesn’t have history”. It really does…

New episodes every two weeks.

About your host

Profile picture for Liam Rogers

Liam Rogers