Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast

Summary

Lions Led By Donkeys is a deep dive into the history of human conflict, but with a focus on everything that went wrong. If you are tired of dry, academic textbooks that sanitize the past, this is the show for you. Each episode peels back the layers of infamous military disasters, strategic blunders, and the sheer incompetence of the leaders who oversaw them. From the catastrophic Athenian failure in Sicily and the chaotic logistics of the First Crusade to bizarre, forgotten missions like the WWII attempt to weaponize remote-controlled flying bombs, no catastrophe is too strange for investigation. The show excels at humanizing history by highlighting the tension between grand, often delusional ambition and the grim reality of the battlefield. You will find episodes that trace major geopolitical shifts, such as the tactical evolution of artillery during the Hundred Years War, alongside deep dives into the lives of eccentric figures like the man who thought he could conquer Everest by crashing a plane into it. Whether they are dissecting the intricate politics of the French Wars of Religion or even exploring the dark thematic undercurrents of popular media like Fullmetal Alchemist, the hosts maintain a sharp, humorous, and critical perspective. Join us as we explore how poor decision-making, systemic corruption, and human folly have shaped the course of history, one military disaster at a time.

Updated Jul 8, 2026