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California Frontier

California Frontier

De : Damian Bacich Ph.D.
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Prof. Damian Bacich shares the history you didn't learn in school. Each episode is a deep dive into the fascinating early history of California and the West. Listen to stories and interviews with scholars, experts, and people who are passionate about a time when California was the frontier of empire and imagination.

© 2026 The California Frontier Project
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    Épisodes
    • 086: The Missions of Baja California with Author David Kier Part 1
      Feb 3 2026

      In this episode, host Damian Bacich talks with David Kier about his lifelong interest in Baja California and its missions.

      Kier explains how family trips he took as a child sparked a passion that later led him to make maps, write guidebooks, and become an expert on mission history. He describes when and why the Jesuit, Franciscan, and Dominican missions were founded in Baja California between 1697 and 1849, clears up myths about “lost missions,” and explains how disease and Spanish colonization affected Native peoples.

      The episode also looks at how the name “California” originally referred to Baja California before spreading north, how control of the region changed from Spain to Mexico, and why Kier believes it is important to study history carefully while staying open to new discoveries.

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      Contact:
      damian@californiafrontier.net

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      36 min
    • 085: A Gold Rush Family Saga with author Craig S. Harwood
      Nov 20 2025

      Today, I'm honored to speak with Craig S. Harwood, author of Bridget's Gambit, a captivating saga of family enterprise during the California Gold Rush. This really interesting book, coming out soon, tells a fascinating story of early California and its impact on American history. Craig shares insights about the gold mining and gold hunting in the region, his personal connection to the narrative, and what he discovered while writing this important piece of history.
      We explore the life of Bridget Evoy, a remarkable figure in California's Gold Rush history.
      The discussion highlights Bridget's leadership and resilience, as well as the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society during the Victorian era. We also cover Bridget's role in the development of the city of Oakland during the Gold Rush era, her resilience in the face of personal tragedy, her family's legacy, and the impact of their Catholic faith. The conversation also highlights the challenges and triumphs of women during this period, the writing process behind documenting Bridget's story, and the misconceptions surrounding women's roles in the Gold Rush. Craig also shares insights from his research and the importance of storytelling in preserving history.

      Pre-order Bridget's Gambit today

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to California History and Bridget's Gambit
      03:00 The Author's Background and Connection to Bridget
      05:51 Bridget Evoy's Early Life in Ireland
      08:40 Bridget's Journey to America and Challenges Faced
      11:41 The Gold Rush Catalyst and Family Decisions
      14:41 The Overland Journey and Leadership in Crisis
      18:54 Exploiting Opportunities During the Gold Rush
      22:11 The Family's Strategic Business Moves
      25:40 Navigating Dangers in a Male-Dominated Society
      31:52 Facing Tragedy with Resilience
      35:12 Legacy of Tenacity and Business Acumen
      38:30 Faith and Philanthropy in the Family
      42:08 Researching the Past: A Detective Story
      42:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication
      43:33 Crafting a Compelling Narrative

      Send a Comment.

      Support the show

      Give a one-time donation

      Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

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      Contact:
      damian@californiafrontier.net

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      58 min
    • 084: San Diego's Lost City with Author Richard Carrico Part 2
      Nov 6 2025

      In Part 2 of my interview with archaeologist Richard Carrico, our conversation delves into the significant archaeological findings at the Presidio, revealing insights into its history, architecture, and the lives of its inhabitants.

      Richard comments on the culinary practices of the time, leisure activities, and the transition from the Presidio to Old Town San Diego. The discussion also covers crime and punishment within the Presidio, the legal rights of Native Americans, and the broader implications of these historical narratives for contemporary readers.

      Purchase Richard's book: El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California's Lost City

      00:00 Introduction to Richard Carrico and His Work
      01:08 Excavation Discoveries and Archaeological Insights
      07:33 Culinary Traditions at the Presidio
      09:28 Authentic Culinary Traditions
      12:09 Leisure and Games in Historical Context
      15:43 The Evolution of Old Town
      21:00 Crime and Punishment at the Presidio
      32:53 Understanding the Reader's Perspective

      Send a Comment.

      Support the show

      Give a one-time donation

      Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

      • Website
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      Contact:
      damian@californiafrontier.net

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      44 min
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