December 16, 2025

By ADAM HOWARD

The International Churchill Society’s new podcast marks an exciting evolution in how ICS brings Churchill’s leadership, thought, and example into contemporary conversations. With this series, ICS moves beyond traditional lectures and print publications into the dynamic medium of audio, providing richer access for global audiences, especially younger listeners who engage naturally through podcasts. The inaugural episode, featuring historian James Holland, set a high standard for the series: rigorous historical analysis, contemporary relevance, and compelling storytelling.

James Holland, a distinguished scholar of the Second World War, brought deep expertise and a compelling presence to the conversation. Together, we explored Churchill not only as a towering figure of the past but also as a model for leadership, strategy, and civic responsibility today. The discussion encouraged listeners to reflect on the value of historical understanding for modern leadership across diplomacy, business, governance, and civil society.

Our conversation highlighted pivotal moments in Churchill’s career—his wartime leadership, his alliances, and his views on democracy and freedom—and connected them to present-day challenges. Too often, Churchill is framed solely as a hero of the past; here, his example emerged as meaningfully relevant in leadership crises, debates about democratic fragility, and questions of civic responsibility. This embodies ICS’s mission: not only preserving Churchill’s memory but making his leadership meaningful for fostering informed citizens and principled leaders.

Accessibility was also a central goal. While historically substantive, the tone remained conversational so that those unfamiliar with Churchill or the Second World War could follow, while still offering depth for seasoned enthusiasts. Striking this balance demonstrates ICS’s commitment to both broad reach and intellectual rigor.

The podcast underscores why these lessons matter today. We live in a world defined by rapid change, geopolitical uncertainty, and serious challenges to democratic norms. Churchill’s leadership—his strategic thinking, alliance building, resilience, and moral clarity—offers enduring lessons. By framing historical insights with forward-looking applications, the podcast demonstrates how Churchill’s example informs modern leadership challenges, including coalition management, strategic vision, and allied cooperation.

The initiative aligns with ICS’s broader aims. Traditionally focused on publications, conferences, and fellowships, ICS now reaches global audiences on YouTube, podcast apps, and its own platforms. This digital expansion addresses a key challenge for educational organizations: broadening engagement, democratizing access, and offering flexible formats for lifelong learning. The first episode serves as a statement of intent: ICS is adapting to new media, leveraging technology, and meeting younger audiences where they are.

For donors and supporters, the podcast provides tangible impact. Each episode becomes a resource for educators, students, leadership trainers, and civic organizations. It can be integrated into classrooms, used in discussion groups, referenced in leadership workshops, and shared across social media. Supporting ICS through the podcast extends beyond preserving history; it creates tools for modern leadership development. Featuring world-class scholars in an accessible format, the first episode makes this impact visible.

Partnerships and institutional positioning remain central. Featuring scholars like Holland signals ICS’s commitment to quality and intellectual reach. ICS is connected to a network of historians, public thinkers, leadership experts, and educational institutions, enhancing credibility and demonstrating its capacity for high-impact programming.

In sum, the launch of ICS’s podcast and its inaugural episode represents a milestone for the organization. The series embodies ICS’s mission in a modern, dynamic, and accessible format: preserving Churchill’s legacy, educating new generations, and cultivating leadership grounded in history and principle. For supporters, it offers a platform that amplifies ICS’s reach, strengthens its educational impact, and reinforces the relevance of Churchillian leadership today.

The podcast provides more than content—it offers opportunity: to engage citizens and leaders, connect history with present responsibilities, and inspire action rooted in principle. The first episode reminds us of Churchill’s enduring influence, its contemporary relevance, and our shared responsibility to carry that example forward.

Subscribe, Share, & Watch ICS “The End of the Beginning” podcast!