Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast

Francis, a regular guest known for his engaging commentary, joins Joe to dive into the gripping conclusion of the Polar Bear Expedition. They explore the chaotic involvement of Japanese forces in Russia and share humorous recountings of sampling Armenian and Russian energy drinks. The discussion takes a serious turn as they reflect on soldier disillusionment and mutinies, questioning loyalty and purpose amid wartime chaos. They also tackle the stark realities of military morale and the tragic outcomes of the expedition, blending dark humor with poignant insights.

The bewildering journeys of Detroit's soldiers during the Polar Bear Expedition are humorously recalled, showcasing the absurdity of their mission. The discussion shifts to post-pandemic health attitudes, emphasizing vaccination challenges. A light-hearted comparison of vaccines to sampler platters adds humor, while cultural marketing blunders spark critique. The harsh realities faced by troops in frigid conditions reveal both chaos and camaraderie, highlighting the grim, surreal nature of war and the psychological toll on soldiers.

Join a wild ride through the chaos of the Polar Bear Expedition as American soldiers land in a disease-ridden Russia. The hosts share humorous misadventures with quirky energy drinks and the confusing packaging of 'Boom'. They navigate miscommunication and tragicomic incidents amidst the absurdity of warfare, battling not just the enemy but also their own powers of leadership. Tales of swamp struggles and military blunders reveal the darkly funny side of war while exploring deeper themes of identity, race, and survival.

Joe chats with Francis Horton, co-host of 'What a Hell of a Way to Die' and military history enthusiast. They dive into the obscure Polar Bear Expedition, revealing the bizarre US invasion of Russia during WWI. Horton shares insights on the tragicomic failures of military leaders and the unique experiences of Detroit's Own soldiers. Their challenges with the Mosin-Nagant rifle highlight the chaos and absurdity faced by troops, who grappled with a hostile environment and scarce supplies, all while navigating the complex political turmoil of the time.

The soviets launch their killing blow against the nazi army, ending the Battle of Kursk Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys

SS units arrive at the battle of Kursk cheering "Lunch in Kursk!" They would not, in fact, have lunch in Kursk. support the show: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys

Hitler edges the idea of starting one of the most disastrous battles of all time while the Soviets build Fortress Kursk. Correction: Panzer V - Panther Panzer VI - Tiger Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys

The USSR baits Nazis Germany into bleeding their army to death on 200 miles of death traps. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys Sources for all related episodes: Showalter, Dennis. (2013) Armor and Blood: The Battle of Kursk: The Turning Point of World War II. Guderian, Heinz (1937). Achtung – Panzer! Nipe, George (2011). Blood, Steel, and Myth: The II. SS-Panzer-Korps and the Road to Prochorowka, July 1943. https://web.archive.org/web/20140912164146/http://www.uni.edu/~licari/citadel.htm Hill, Alexander (2017), The Red Army and the Second World War,

Joe is joined by Alice Caldwell-Kelly to discuss the time the US Navy murdered 47 of its sailors via incompetence and then decided to try to pin the blame on gay people. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys Sources: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/04/19/uss-iowa-first-came-explosion-then-cover.html https://taskandpurpose.com/news/iowa-explosion/ A Glimpse of Hell: The Explosion on the USS Iowa and Its Cover-Up

Once upon a time a Royal Navy mutiny created an island of sex crimes and incest. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/lionsledbydonkeys Sources: The Bounty: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/the-real-story-behind-infamous-mutiny-hms-bounty LOST PARADISE: FROM MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY TO A MODERN-DAY LEGACY OF SEXUAL MAYHEM, THE DARK SECRETS OF PITCAIRN ISLAND REVEALED