
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

Apr 8, 2024 • 1h 31min
Episode 306 - The Battle of Brisbane
SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys
Joe and Nate talk about the time a bunch of drunken American soldiers caused a pitched battle between themselves and their allies while stationed in Australia during WWII
Correction: Indigenous Australians were given Australian citizenship at the same time other Australians (1949) however, the quality of that citizenship was not equal to that of non-indigenous Australians. This continued for decades and as many indigenous Australian activists have pointed out, continues in various forms to this day.
This included discrimination on enlistment. Some areas of Australia legally allowed indigenous people to enlist, but in practice, turned them away based on how they looked. Others were enlisted but not paid. Others were paid, but not equally and kept in segregated units and virtually none received benefits.
sources:
https://www.ozatwar.com/ozatwar/bob.htm
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E84830
https://www.9news.com.au/national/the-battle-of-brisbane-how-world-war-ii-mass-riot-startedg/78b4e1be-bd3d-4d35-aef0-8b196213f4e7
https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/culture-clash-americans-in-world-war-ii-south-pacific/
https://www.warhistoryonline.com/world-war-ii/battle-of-brisbane.html
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/brisbane-news/diggers-lay-into-yanks-in-brisbane-battle-20171122-p4yx5o.html
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/homefront/us_forces

Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 305 - The Boxer Rebellion Part 5: Legation Garden Party
Delve into the chaotic fallout of the Boxer Rebellion, where diplomats faced the absurdity of war. Enjoy lighthearted travel tales filled with UK mishaps and a dive into a perilous wrestling stunt gone wrong. Explore the consequences of the rebellion, including the Empress's flight and foreign looting. Laugh along as hosts reimagine iconic films with Muppets taking center stage. Plus, a fun look at tattoo history and engaging listener questions keeps the energy high!

Mar 26, 2024 • 9min
*PREVIEW* Sharpe's Regiment
This is a preview. For the entire episode support the show on patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/101087767?pr=true
Sharpe rejoins the British Army to root out corruption and the boys talk about the worst pizza party ever

Mar 25, 2024 • 1h 10min
Episode 304 - The Boxer Rebellion Part 4: The Rembrandt of Violence
Dive into the chaotic and humorous world of the Boxer Rebellion, where miscommunication among military leaders leads to absurd strategies and brutal realities. The hosts contrast the disunity of the Eight-Nation Alliance with quirky chiropractic tales and engaging debates about tobacco culture. Discover the fascinating interplay of war, nationalism, and media representations, along with reflections on the grim conditions faced by soldiers. All this is wrapped in a blend of satire, history, and a dash of lightheartedness.

Mar 19, 2024 • 10min
*PREVIEW* Lions Led By Robots 6: The Gundam Gimp
https://www.patreon.com/posts/100647949?pr=true
This is a preview. Full the full episode go support the show on Patreon!

Mar 18, 2024 • 1h 8min
Episode 303 - The Boxer Rebellion Part 3: Old Betsy
The Boxer Rebellion unfolds as the Eight Nation Alliance grapples with internal conflicts and bizarre diplomatic antics. Amid escalating chaos, the narrative blends dark humor and horror, illustrating the brutal realities faced by civilians and the absurdity of military maneuvers. Historical figures take on unsettling traits, while the clash of international forces raises questions about strategy and command. Dive into tales of desperation, camaraderie, and unexpected twists in this tumultuous chapter of history.

Mar 10, 2024 • 58min
Episode 302 - The Boxer Rebellion Part 2: Eunuch Fumes
Part 2/5
Support the show:
https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys

Mar 10, 2024 • 11min
*Preview* Operation Flipper
This is a preview. For the full episode become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/100085482?pr=true
Joe, tom, and Nate talk about the time British Commandos attempted to kill Erwin Rommel. It did not go great.

Mar 3, 2024 • 1h 10min
Episode 301 - The Boxer Rebellion Part 1: Unbeatable Army of Ultra Nerds
The Imperial powers of Europe and Japan humiliate China until they create an uprising of magical martial artists who are terrified of period blood.
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys
Sources:
David Silby. The Boxer Rebellion and The Great Game in China
Diana Preston. The Boxer Rebellion: The Dramatic History of China’s War Against Foreigners That Shook the World in the Summer of 1900
Henry Keown-Boyd. The Fists of Righteous Harmony
Joseph Esherick. The Origins of the Boxer Uprising

Feb 26, 2024 • 1h 31min
Episode 300 - Orde Wingate and the Chindits: Part 2
The conclusion to the story of a boy and his Chindits.
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys
BUY JOE'S BOOK:
https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-War-Military-Sci-Fi-Undying-ebook/dp/B0CQ6BH6BD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TQI3C0BO6I0B&keywords=joe+kassabian&qid=1707720101&sprefix=%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1
SOURCES:
John Diamond. British General Orde Wingate's Blurred Legacy
https://thestrategybridge.org/the-bridge/2015/2/13/orde-wingate-and-combat-leadership
David Rooney. Orde Wingate and the Chindits: Redressing the Balance.