Where Strategy Meets Comedy & Deadly Seriousness
In some ways, podcasts have become a modern-day war room for armchair generals and actual veterans alike. Whether you’re a history buff who can name every tank from WWII (and its optimal fuel mixture), a veteran who misses the camaraderie but not the MREs, or just someone who appreciates the strategic brilliance behind why soldiers don’t simply “shoot the bad guys and go home,” I’ve assembled the ultimate arsenal of military podcasts for your listening pleasure.
From geopolitical analysis to firsthand accounts that’ll have you thanking your lucky stars you chose a career path where “incoming fire” refers to your boss’s emails, this list promises to entertain, educate, and occasionally make you snort-laugh in public places.
SOFREP Radio
Elite tactical operations updates and candid discussions with members of the specialized forces community. Presented by veterans of high-level military units.
Mentors for Military Podcast
Listen to Mentors for Military Podcast
Pull up a seat, pour yourself a preferred drink, and become part of these fascinating conversations. The hosts have military backgrounds, and feature authentic individuals sharing meaningful perspectives. Genuine conversation. Authentic personalities.
General Talk
“General Talk” is a podcast produced by the Army Benevolent Fund showcasing discussions with current and former members of the British Army. These episodes provide professional perspectives on the armed forces’ evolving mission in contemporary society and highlight how our organization, as the national charity supporting the Army, enhances the wellbeing of active-duty personnel, veterans, and their loved ones.
The #BruteCat
The #BruteCast presents a sequence of presentations and dialogues organized by the Krulak Center located at Marine Corps University on Marine Corps Base Quantico. This series bridges the realm of combat professionals and military educational development with exceptional forward-thinking and imaginative concepts.
New Books in Military History
Listen to New Books in Military History
New Books in Military History highlights the Field of Armed Conflict Studies with the hosts discussing their recently released books.
Got Your Six with Tony Nash
Listen to Got Your Six with Tony Nash
Presented by Tony Nash, this podcast convenes active military personnel and accomplished former service members to discuss their techniques, approaches, and insights delivered in an educational format and, crucially, practical applications that will enhance your ability to guide yourself and others more effectively across all environments, from combat zones to corporate settings.
Lions Led By Donkeys
Listen to Lions Led By Donkeys
Lions Led By Donkeys is a war history program dedicated to finding humor in the most catastrophic battlefield blunders, incompetent leaders, and absurd tales from across the entire timeline of human warfare. Read our review of Lions Led By Donkeys and discover the best episodes of this podcast.
Cleared Hot
It is evident that he has traveled a diverse path. He has been a member of the armed forces, piloted various aircraft, parachuted from the majority of them, ascended peaks (he also descended them by jumping), instructed physical training, managed his own fitness facility, and has dedicated recent years to delivering presentations to companies and executives.
Combat Story
Authentic battlefield accounts from top-tier warriors. Features extraordinary and intense stories from veterans’ most challenging moments in combat. Conversations with elite personnel including JTACs, Delta operators, Special Forces members, fighter pilots, helicopter crews, ground troops, and Marines spanning five decades of conflict experience.
Ancient Warfare Podcast
Listen to Ancient Warfare Podcast
Conversations inspired by Ancient Warfare Magazine. What motivated prehistoric societies to engage in combat? Who commanded their military forces? How did the first warriors experience daily life? Ancient Warfare Magazine attempts to provide these historical insights. Military history examined from two millennia past.
Irregular Warfare Podcast
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The Irregular Warfare Podcast investigates a significant aspect of armed conflict throughout the ages. Asymmetric encounters, unmanned aerial attacks, elite tactical units, anti-extremist campaigns, surrogate forces, this audio series encompasses the complete spectrum of subjects connected to unconventional warfare and presents thorough discussions with participants from military service, university research, and governmental advisory circles.
The FORSCOM Frontline
Come along as the hosts speak with Soldiers from all over FORSCOM. They highlight their experiences and the impact they’re making on readiness and the future of combat.
Breaking Doctrine
Breaking Doctrine is the official podcast of the US Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate (CADD) based at Fort Leavenworth, KS. This podcast explores relevant and evolving issues concerning both current and developing Army and joint doctrine. Each episode features guests from across the Army and other military branches, seasoned professionals who bring extensive expertise and experience to conversations about a wide range of doctrine-related subjects.
The Cove Podcast
The Cove Podcast is dedicated to examining every facet of Professional Military Education in the Australian Army. Whether it’s quick advice, soldier’s fives, or in-depth interviews with Army personnel serving on operations, the podcast reveals how the men and women of today’s Australian Army strive for professional mastery.
The Unconventional Soldier
Listen to The Unconventional Soldier
This military podcast is hosted by two former soldiers from the British Army’s Long Range Surveillance and Reconnaissance Patrols unit. The first season explores the unit’s origins, the selection process, its distinct “stay behind” mission during the Cold War, and its various operational deployments over the past four decades. Future seasons feature firsthand stories from conflicts ranging from World War II to modern times. Each episode wraps up with reviews of books and films.
National Defense Magazine
Listen to National Defense Magazine
National Defense is a podcast that dives into military technology and defense industry developments, featuring insights and stories from the pages of National Defense Magazine.
The Spear
The Spear is a podcast produced by the Modern War Institute at West Point, focused on uncovering the realities of combat. Each episode features a guest who shares a personal and in-depth account, offering insights into moments of high-stakes decision-making and the emotional experience of being in battle.
Fighter Pilot Podcast
Listen to Fighter Pilot Podcast
The Fighter Pilot Podcast dives into the world of air combat, covering aircraft, weapons, and the people behind them. Guests break down topics from ejection seats to carrier operations perfect for anyone who loves fast jets and military aviation.
Women of the Military
Listen to Women of the Military
Women of the Military is a platform dedicated to sharing the voices and experiences of women veterans. By telling these stories, we aim to educate others about military service and encourage young women to explore this path. The podcast discusses a range of topics, from enlistment and transition to civilian life, to the unique challenges women face, including military sexual trauma and beyond.
Pete & Gary’s Military History
Listen to Peter & Gary’s Military History
For over 40 years, bestselling author and historian Peter Hart has spoken with thousands of veterans about their wartime experiences. In this podcast, he teams up with his friend Gary Bain to delve into military history, from ancient battles to World War II. Pete and Gary go beyond recounting events; they bring history alive through the voices of those who lived it.
School of War
This podcast, hosted by Aaron MacLean, explores what war teaches through interviews on military and diplomatic history. Guests include figures like Mike Pompeo and John Lewis Gaddis, with episodes covering battles, strategy, and the decisions of key leaders from ancient times to today.
Modern War Institute
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The Modern War Institute Podcast, made possible by the generous support of the West Point Class of 1974, is the premier podcast of the Modern War Institute at West Point. It features conversations with senior military leaders, scholars, and other experts on key topics surrounding contemporary military conflict.
Jocko Podcast
Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink and Director Echo Charles talk about discipline and leadership as they apply to business, combat, personal relationships, and daily life. Read our review of the Jocko Podcast and discover the best episodes of the Jocko Podcast.
Veterans Chronicles
“Veterans Chronicles” shares the firsthand accounts of America’s bravest heroes, as told by the veterans themselves.
The WW2 Podcast
This is a military history podcast dedicated to exploring every angle of WWII. As the Second World War drifts beyond living memory, the goal of this show is to explore its varied historical dimensions.
The Principles of War
Listen to The Principle of War
This podcast delivers Professional Military Education in digestible 30-minute sessions. The show analyzes historic battles through modern doctrine to extract timeless lessons. Covering tactics, strategy, combined arms, and military leadership, our format fits seamlessly into Unit PME programs. By studying legendary battles, we uncover critical insights on strategy, tactics, and command, giving you key takeaways upfront, without waiting for an After-Action Review.
Friendly Fire
Friendly Fire, a distinctive history podcast hosted by John Roderick, Adam Pranica, and Benjamin Ahr Harrison, takes an unconventional route into the study of warfare. By examining war films, they not only explore historical conflicts but also illuminate the evolving societal perspectives on them. Throughout their engaging discussions, the hosts analyze cinematic productions, offer meticulous observations on details like attire and aircraft, and consistently deliver humorous insights.
Warriors In Their Own Words | First Person War Stories
Listen to Warriors In Their Own Words | First Person War Stories
Gain direct insight into the lives of those who have defended this nation, presented without embellishment. Through historical recordings of World War I veterans and candid conversations with modern-day service members, this podcast shares their individual stories, exactly as they lived them.
Great Big Podcast
Get to know Fort Cavazos (“The Great Place”) with the Great Big Podcast! Designed for Soldiers, families, civilians, and contractors, it offers information and weekly entertainment. Look forward to “Book & Movie of the Month,” “Traveling Soldier,” Soldier features, and insights into the installation.
Leader Up
Leader Up, from the Army Management Staff College (AMSC), explores various leadership and leader development subjects, specifically focusing on the Army Civilian Professional.
Team Never Quit
Join Marcus Luttrell, the Retired Navy SEAL and author of Lone Survivor, Melanie Luttrell, and Producer Hunter Juneau each week for their podcast. They invite fascinating individuals into their “briefing room” to recount their most inspiring tales of overcoming adversity. This podcast, known for its humor, heart, and entertainment, is transforming lives and serving as a source of hope and resilience for those tackling seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
SOGCast: Untold Stories of MAC V SOG
Listen to SOGCast: Untold Stories of MAC V SOG
Step into the clandestine world of MAC-V SOG operations in Vietnam with John Stryker Meyer, known as Tilt. This podcast unveils the hidden narratives of the Secret War.
War on the Rocks
Get informed insights on security, defense, and foreign policy from knowledgeable insiders and experts in relaxed discussions over drinks. This is the original podcast series from War on the Rocks.
Covert
Embark on a thrilling exploration of history’s most dangerous military endeavors with Covert. Each episode delves into gripping accounts, such as the assassination of Osama Bin Laden, the Israeli sniper operation against Syria’s nuclear program, the real story of Black Hawk Down, and a British Major’s incredible escape from overwhelming enemy forces. Experience the intensity of history’s greatest special forces missions.
The Team House
Tune in weekly as Jack, a veteran of the Ranger Regiment and Special Forces, and Dave, with a background as a Ranger and paramilitary contractor, interview professionals from the Special Operations and intelligence community on their livestream/podcast, offering firsthand accounts of their service.
Do you know of another military podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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