Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast

The hosts dive into the intriguing world of Studio Gainax, discussing its decline and the alleged financial misconduct following the success of Evangelion. They analyze Shinji's moral dilemmas and the complex dynamics of pilot treatment. There's a fresh take on Tokyo-3 as a potentially artificial city, and a discussion on the growth of Rei's character and agency. Listeners can expect dense narrative layers in upcoming installments, along with thoughts on scarce merchandise and disappointing commentary. Buckle up for a deep dive into the mind-bending lore!

A wild bar fight ignites a chaotic war, led by a madman nicknamed after a mental asylum. The discussion dives into Amin's brutal purges, shifting alliances, and corruption fueled by Soviet support. Tactical blunders abound as rebels fail spectacularly in their assault on Entebbe. The SRB wreaks terror with unforgiving tactics, and the economy collapses amid rampant smuggling. Tensions escalate at the border as the Ugandan incursion triggers regional conflict. All this madness sets the stage for further turmoil.

Dive into the wild tale of Gary Brooks Faulkner, who embarked on an outrageous mission to hunt down Osama Bin Laden. From comical hang-gliding mishaps to a multi-year obsession, the story reveals family support that turned dangerous. Discover how his reckless pursuits endangered locals while showcasing his unshakeable conviction driven by emotion. With surprising weapons and absurd comparisons, this darkly humorous narrative keeps you entertained while highlighting the surreal lengths some will go for their beliefs.

Idi Amin's rise to power in Uganda is a tale of paranoia and violence. The hosts explore his brutal military career and the cultural influences shaping his rule. They delve into Amin’s early life and the controversial practices of his mother. Corruption and covert dealings with Israel add complexity to his leadership. As tensions with Tanzania mount, the podcast examines how Amin's ambition led to a disastrous invasion. A gripping narrative reveals the intricate dynamics of power, loyalty, and military history in Africa.

Dive into the turbulent life of Lord Byron as he heads to Greece with grand ambitions and a theatrical wardrobe. Discover the dramatic reality faced by European volunteers amid the chaos of the Greek War of Independence. Hear accounts of shocking atrocities and the disillusionment that follows those who joined the fight. Explore how Byron's death became a rallying point for Philhellenism, and reflect on his complex legacy, both literary and personal. Enjoy amusing side anecdotes that illustrate the era's quirks.

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys In this week's episode, we begin part one of a 2-part series describing the life and times of George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron, the famous Romantic poet of the early 19th century who went to Greece in hopes of fighting for independence against the Ottomans, and immediately died. But, who was this man? And is describing something as "Byronic" a good thing? Spoiler: uh-oh. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bostridge, Mark. “On the Trail of the Real Lord Byron.” The Independent, November 4, 2002. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/books/features/on-the-trail-of-the-real-lord-byron-126324.html. Brand, Emily. The Fall of the House of Byron: Scandal and Seduction in Georgian England. Paperback edition. John Murray, 2021. Brewer, David. The Greek War of Independence: The Struggle for Freedom from Ottoman Oppression and the Birth of the Modern Greek Nation. Woodstock, N.Y. : Overlook Press, 2001. http://archive.org/details/greekwarofindepe0000brew. Burton, Danielle. “Lord Byron and His Pet Bear.” Derbyshire Record Office, October 22, 2024. https://recordoffice.wordpress.com/2024/10/22/lord-byron-and-his-pet-bear/. Byron, George Gordon, Ernest Hartley Coleridge, and Rowland Edmund Prothero Ernle. The Words of Lord Byron. London : J. Murray; New York, C. Scribner’s sons, 1898. http://archive.org/details/worksoflordbyron11byro. Byron, William Byron. The trial of William Lord Byron, Baron Byron of Rochdale, for the murder of William Chaworth, Esq; before the Right Honourable the House of Peers, ... On Tuesday the 16th, and Wednesday the 17th of April, 1765: on the last of which days the said William Lord Byron was acquitted of murder, but found guilty of manslaughter. ... 1765. 1765. http://archive.org/details/bim_eighteenth-century_the-trial-of-william-lor_byron-william-byron-ba_1765. “Edward Blaquiere, British Officer, Founding Member of the Philhellenic Committee of London.” Εταιρεία Για Τον Ελληνισμό Και Τον Φιλελληνισμό, October 27, 2020. https://www.eefshp.org/en/edward-blaquiere-british-officer-founding-member-of-the-philhellenic-committee-of-london/. Jones, Thomas. “On Top of Everything.” Review of Byron: Child of Passion, Fool of Fame, by Benita Eisler. London Review of Books, September 16, 1999. https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v21/n18/thomas-jones/on-top-of-everything. Kunst Museum Winterthur. “Bildtext: Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer.” Accessed December 9, 2025. https://www.kmw.ch/ausstellungen/friedrich/digital/wanderer/. Marchand, Leslie A. Byron: A Portrait. The University of Chicago Press, 1979. MacCarthy, Fiona. Byron: Life and Legend. London: John Murray, 2014. Patanè, Vincenzo, James Schwarten, and John Francis Phillimore. The Sour Fruit: Lord Byron, Love & Sex. John Cabot university press Copublished by the Rowman & Littlefield, 2019. Rizzoli, G. B. “Byron’s Unacknowledged Armenian Grammar and a New Poem.” Keats-Shelley Journal 64 (2015): 43–71.

The Italian military suffers its first combat casualties since WWII while engaged in a stupid, quixotic, and self-sabotaging "peacekeeping mission" in Somalia c. 1993. And the battle took place in an abandoned Barilla pasta factory. Yes. Get the whole episode on Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/posts/146061189 30% off all merch on our site until January 1! Check it out here: https://www.llbdpodcast.com/ BIBLIOGRAPHY: Biddle, Stephen "The Somali National Alliance in Somalia, 1992–94". Nonstate Warfare: The Military Methods of Guerillas, Warlords, and Militia Tripodi, Paolo (2 August 1999). The Colonial Legacy in Somalia: Rome and Mogadishu: from Colonial Administration to Operation Restore Hope. https://www.repubblica.it/esteri/2013/07/05/news/somalia_anniversario_battaglia_check-point_pasta-62413996/ https://brigatafolgore.net/en/2-july-1993-the-battle-of-the-check-point-pasta/ https://www.ilfaroonline.it/2018/07/02/2-luglio-1993-attacco-mogadiscio-ceckpoint-pasta/228435/ https://www.military.com/history/battle-of-checkpoint-pasta-italys-black-hawk-down-moment-somalia.html

Discover the dramatic 1602 siege of Geneva where citizens armed themselves in an unconventional way, famously using a cauldron of soup! Explore Calvin's influence on Geneva, from strict moral codes to economic growth. Dive into the tactics of the Duchy of Savoy and their ambitious plot to reclaim the city. The chaos of the night assault unfolds as defenders thwart an invasion, leading to a memorable celebration of this historic event, complete with annual commemorations and tales of bravery!

USE CODE DEC25 TO GET 50% OFF Patreon subscriptions until the end of December! https://www.patreon.com/posts/145506417

In this discussion, Dr. Patrick Wyman, a historian and podcast host known for Past Lives and Tides of History, dives into the intriguing world of the US Navy's attempt to create flying aircraft carriers. He shares the story of the ill-fated Akron and Macon airships, highlighting the challenges of airborne operations and fantastical design concepts. Listeners will learn about helium hazards and tragic outcomes, along with the cultural phenomenon of airships in the 1930s. Ultimately, Wyman explains why these colossal airships became a cautionary tale in military history.