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Artwork for A Matter of Conscience: GI Resistance During the Vietnam War

A Matter of Conscience: GI Resistance During the Vietnam War

Willa Seidenberg | Bill Short
Vietnam War
U.S. Foreign Policy
My Lai Massacre
Anti-War Movement
Tet Offensive
GI Resistance
Cold War Politics
Protests
Gaza War
Saigon
Free Speech
Viral Violence
Canada
American Exceptionalism
Conscientious Objectors
Sweden
American Veterans
Censorship
Student Journalism
University Of Texas Dallas

A Matter of Conscience is the story of the Vietnam War that the U.S. government and military don't want you to know. Hosts Bill Short and Willa Seidenberg reveal a hidden history of the war born out of personal experience. As an Army infantry platoon sergeant, Bill was serving in heavy combat in South Vietnam in 1969 when he refused to keep fighting. He was imprisoned in South Vietnam by the U.S.... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes20Foundeda year ago
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Artwork for A Matter of Conscience: GI Resistance During the Vietnam War

Latest Episodes

In this powerful episode of A Matter of Conscience, veterans of the Vietnam War bear witness to the unthinkable — and reveal the moral courage it took to refuse complicity. From infantry soldiers surviving ambushes, to a military intelligence officer... more

In this episode, we take you to the battlefields of Vietnam, where many young soldiers faced a moral conflict while just trying to stay alive. This is the first part of our look at resistance on the battlefield. GIs, like George Silver and Roy Barrin... more

In 1969 Peter Hagerty, Navy ROTC instructor, inspected a destroyer the way he was supposed to.

He followed the rules. The ship was in bad shape. He told his superior that the hairline crack on the barrels of the guns could cause an explosion. He sai... more

Resistance among military officers takes courage. Most officers have earned their promotion from following orders. To say “No” an officer might be risking their career. In this episode, we showcase the stories of two officers, also pilots, who disobe... more

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Recent Guests

Ha Thi Quy
Survivor of the My Lai Massacre
survivor, My Lai Massacre interviewee
Episode: War is Hell: In Country Resistance, Part 2
Truong Thi Ly
Survivor from a different hamlet in My Lai area
survivor, My Lai context interviewee
Episode: War is Hell: In Country Resistance, Part 2
Ron Haverly
Army photographer in 1968
Army
Episode: War is Hell: In Country Resistance, Part 2
Dennis Stout
Army veteran, whistleblower on war crimes
US Army veteran
Episode: War is Hell: In Country Resistance, Part 2
John Tuma
Army intelligence officer, objected to torture and coercive interrogations
US Army
Episode: War is Hell: In Country Resistance, Part 2
Peter Hagerty
Legal aid worker who helped GI resistors in Vietnam
Peace Fleece / Legal advocacy
Episode: BONUS EPISODE: First person with Peter Hagerty
Charlie Clements
Former officer who became a conscientious objector and activist
Episode: Breaking the Chain of Command
John Kent
Former officer and anti-war activist
Episode: Breaking the Chain of Command
John Boyko
Canadian historian and author of The Devil's Trick, How Canada Fought the Vietnam War
Author
Episode: BONUS EPISODE: Interview with John Boyko

Hosts

Bill Short
Co-host of A Matter of Conscience
Willa Seidenberg
Co-host of A Matter of Conscience

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 20 ratings
  • Powerful and inspiring

    We just finished listening to episode two. This is such a powerful story told through Bill’s memories and those of his contemporaries. Superb work by Bill and Willa and the rest of their team! The message of resisting brutal and unjust policies is more relevant now than ever. Thank you so much for doing this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Che’s parents
    United Statesa year ago
  • Historical and Personal

    The personal stories bring the history to life. The courage it took for these young men to resist, when such expectations were placed on them by nation and family, is to be remembered and honored.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nat Ben LA
    United Statesa year ago
  • A must listen for the full story of Nam

    We just finished listening to the first two episodes—absolutely incredible. There aren’t enough positive adjectives to do it justice. The storytelling is compelling and masterfully done, and the production quality is outstanding. From Bill’s personal account of not stepping forward after the pledge to the powerful firsthand experiences shared by the other men—just wow. It’s so important that you’re shedding light on parts of the story that have long gone untold.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mamajudy73
    United Statesa year ago
  • Outstanding!

    This is an incredibly good look at the Vietnam War from the point of view of the American GIs who fought it and realized it was an unjust and murderous war for empire against a peasant population defending their homeland. American troops had to be pulled out of Vietnam because they were refusing to fight. Must listen

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    NothingDoing
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Historical and Personal: personal stories bring history to life and honor courage to resist.
Outstanding!: offers an intense look at the Vietnam War from the GI perspective and the resistance to fight.
A must listen for the full story of Nam: masterful storytelling and high production quality; sheds light on untold parts of the story.
Powerful and inspiring: a powerful story told through memories and contemporaries; resists unjust policies.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

BONUS EPISODE: Interview with John Boyko
Q: Could you talk a little bit about the Underground Railroad?
The Underground Railroad saw about 40,000 fugitive slaves move north, similar to how draft dodgers did during the Vietnam War, seeking freedom in Canada.
BONUS EPISODE: Free Speech Today
Q: What challenges do student journalists face regarding free speech?
Student journalists face significant pressure and often self-censor due to fear of administrative retaliation and legal implications.
BONUS EPISODE: Free Speech Today
Q: How did the university administration react to the protests?
The university administration called in state troopers to violently dismantle the student protest encampment and imposed restrictions on The Mercury, leading to the paper's shutdown.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A riveting history podcast that centers on the Vietnam War from the perspective of GIs who resisted, spoke out, or took action while in uniform. Episodes thread personal testimonies with historical context—featuring desertion, AWOL, underground GI press, legal battles, and acts of conscience against a controversial conflict. Notable strengths include intimate storytelling, archival feels, and a clear through-line about free speech, patriotism, and moral responsibility, making it a compelling listen for history buffs, veterans, legal and civil-liberties audiences, and anyone curious about dissent within the military. A standout element is its willingness to profile both individual courage and broader social movements, often weaving in expert... more

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1. The Rest Is Classified
2. Undisclosed: Toward Justice
3. The Rest Is History
4. This American Life
5. The Daily

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this podcast launched a year ago and published 20 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Ha Thi Quy
2. Truong Thi Ly
3. Ron Haverly
4. Dennis Stout
5. John Tuma
6. Peter Hagerty
7. Charlie Clements
8. John Kent

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