
Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast
The Lions Led By Donkeys podcast is a military history podcast for laughing at the worst military failures, inept commanders, and crazy stories from throughout the history of human conflict.
Our podcast will always be free, but if you think what we do is worth a buck you can throw us one here:
https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2025 • 10min
*PREVIEW* Lions Led By Robots 17: Get in the Robot
this is a preview. To listen to the entire episode join us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/134249226?pr=true

Jul 13, 2025 • 56min
Episode 371 - The Siege of Tyre
SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys
Joe, Nate, and Tom discuss the time that Alexander the Great altered the geography of the planet in order to build a huge land bridge and punish Tyre for not letting him visit the ancient world's most instagrammable temple.
We've got merch available! Check out our store here: www.llbdpodcast.com/
sources:
https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/siege-of-tyre-alexander-the-greats-assault-on-the-persians/
https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/the-fall-of-tyre/
https://www.historynet.com/alexander-the-great-siege-of-tyre/
https://www.historyonthenet.com/engines-of-destruction-the-evolution-of-siege-warfare-alexander-the-great

Jul 9, 2025 • 12min
*PREVIEW* The Human Terrain System
In this episode, we revisit the 2000s warrior-scholar fixation of famously-unproblematic guys like David Petraeus with the advent of the Human Terrain System, or what you might politely call "military anthropology." Is it ethical? No. Did it work? No. Was it run by someone named Dr. Montgomery McFate? Yes.
Get the whole episode on Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-episode-133688496
We've got merch available! Check out our store here: llbdpodcast.com/

Jul 6, 2025 • 1h 12min
Episode 370 - Operation Frankton
Support the show on patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys
The British military, faced with the seemingly insurmountable problem of a heavily defended port, decide that there is nothing that methed out kayak-borne commandos on a suicide mission cannot handle.
Sources:
CE Lucas Phillips. The Cockleshell Heroes: The Most Courageous and Imaginative Commando Raid of WWII
Quentin Rees. Cockleshell Heroes: The Final Witness.
Robert Lyman. Operation Suicide: The Remarkable Story of the Cockleshell Raid
https://www.historyextra.com/period/second-world-war/cockleshell-heroes-who-what-operation-frankton-ww2/
https://www.historyisnowmagazine.com/blog/2024/10/2/operation-frankton-the-most-daring-raid-of-world-war-2
https://www.cwgc.org/our-work/blog/operation-frankton-the-true-story-of-the-cockleshell-heroes/

Jul 2, 2025 • 10min
*PREVIEW* The Christmas Bullet *LIVE IN LONDON*
This is a preview. To listen to the entire episode, click here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/133103053?pr=true

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 29min
Episode 369 - The Order: Part 4
A chaotic tale kicks off with humorous confrontations and absurdity at a car detailing shop. The discussion shifts to race and identity, blending pop culture with sharp insights on contemporary social issues. Alan Berg's controversial legacy sparks conversations on provocative media influences. Economic struggles in rural towns are linked to extremist ideologies, revealing the absurdity behind conspiracy theories. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu culture collides with extremist narratives, exposing chaotic criminal dynamics. The recklessness of violence and misguided motives of neo-Nazi groups add to the wild tapestry of stories.

Jun 26, 2025 • 10min
*PREVIEW* The Slow Death of the Armenian Quarter
This is a preview. For the entire episode support the show on patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/132329315?pr=true

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 28min
Episode 368 - The Order: Part 3
A print shop owner finds himself entangled with a dangerous underground network after an unexpected run-in with the FBI. The discussion mixes humor and satire to unravel the absurdities of extremist ideologies, while unconventional fundraising ideas bring a whimsical touch. Misguided criminal antics in 1980s Spokane showcase the chaos of petty crime. The speakers delve into the bizarre ties between extremism and life insurance, alongside criminal tactics that merge dark comedy with dysfunctional dynamics. A reflective take on law enforcement incompetence caps it all off.

Jun 18, 2025 • 11min
*PREVIEW* The Raid on IJmuden
This is a preview. For the entire episode support the show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/131734686?pr=true

12 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 29min
Episode 367 - The Order: Part 2
Dive into the comedic chaos of rival truck brands and the serious implications of far-right ideologies in the Pacific Northwest. Explore the life of Robert Matthews, uncovering the intersections of music, identity, and radical beliefs. A satirical take on race reveals the absurdities of the white nationalist movement, while bizarre advertisements add a quirky twist. From Scottish stereotypes to the influences of extremist literature, the hosts blend humor with critical insights, capturing America's complex cultural landscape.