If you love *Lions Led By Donkeys* for its deep dives into history’s most absurd military disasters, dark humor, and sharp commentary, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re craving more tales of strategic blunders, bizarre battles, or just enjoy hearing about history with a side of sarcasm, we’ve got you covered.
We’re rounding up the best podcasts that capture the same mix of wit, research, and outright disbelief at humanity’s worst decision-makers. Get ready to load up your queue with history’s most spectacular failures—told by people who know how to make them entertaining.
When Diplomacy Fails
Listen to When Diplomacy Fails
Step into the world of conflict with tales of how battles began, ended, and changed history. From diplomatic schemes to power plays, memorable figures to pivotal moments – Dr Zack Twamley breaks down warfare’s most gripping stories.
History of the Second World War
Listen to History of the Second World War
Journey through World War 2 in this weekly series, starting from the turbulent aftermath of WW1, exploring the path to conflict in the 1930s, examining the wartime period, and following through to its lasting impact.
Friendly Fire
Three guys walk into a war movie… Join John Roderick, Adam Pranica, and Benjamin Ahr Harrison as they armchair-general their way through military films, nitpicking everything from historically inaccurate buttons to suspiciously modern helicopters. Warning: contains excessive uniform pedantry, questionable battle tactics, and absolutely zero respect for Steven Seagal’s martial arts prowess.
The Dead Prussian Podcast
Listen to The Dead Prussian Podcast
Examine conflict and combat through a scholarly lens as this podcast delves into military philosophy, historic battles, modern warfare, and conversations with field specialists.
Timesuck with Dan Cummins
Listen to Timesuck with Dan Cummins
Let comedian Dan Cummins drag you through history’s weirdest wormholes – where serial killers meet conspiracy theories and everything is deeply researched yet somehow still hilarious. Like Wikipedia after three energy drinks.
Revolutions
Track the upheavals that shaped our world in this deep dive through major political revolts. Each season unfolds a different transformative era, examining the leaders, philosophies, and events that brought down old orders and built new systems across three centuries.
Battlecast
Discover warfare’s profound influence on society with Dr. Luke Wolf’s monthly analysis of history’s decisive conflicts. Going beyond standard textbook narratives, this show examines crucial battles with an independent, balanced perspective – grab a drink and explore how combat shaped civilization.
Ancient Warfare Podcast
Listen to Ancient Warfare Podcast
Conversations inspired by “Ancient Warfare Magazine”. Explore why early civilizations went to war, the leaders who commanded them, and the experiences of the first soldiers. Delving into battles from thousands of years ago, we uncover the strategies, stories, and realities of ancient warfare.
We’re Not So Different
Listen to We’re Not So Different
A podcast exploring medieval history—and the countless ways humans have always been a bit foolish.
History Hit: Warfare
Listen to History Hit: Warfare
From Napoleonic battles to the Cold War, D-Day to 9/11, this podcast explores how warfare has shaped the modern world. Twice a week, historian and broadcaster James Rogers joins veterans, experts, and fellow historians to uncover untold stories of leadership, innovation, and pivotal battles. With fresh insights and gripping accounts, step into the realities and lasting impacts of global conflict.
Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
Listen to Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
Where there’s oppression, there’s always been someone flipping the bird to authority. This weekly podcast digs up history’s most rebellious troublemakers, the wildest uprisings, and all the folks who refused to sit down and shut up. It’s a deep dive into resistance, full of lessons, inspiration, and a whole lot of badassery. Read our review of Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff.
History Unplugged
For history nerds who love a good podcast, *History Unplugged* has it all—expert interviews, audience Q&As, and bizarre deep dives. Host Scott Rank, PhD, answers your burning questions (like how to kill Hitler if you time-traveled) and chats with authors about WWII generals on bombing raids, a war horse who made sergeant, and presidents who slurred their speeches while tipsy.
The Dollop
Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds take a deep dive into a historical topic, unraveling the absurd, bizarre, and hilarious details along the way. Read our review of The Dollop.
Behind The Bastards
There’s a reason Hitler gets endless documentaries while Eisenhower gets, like, three. Villains are just more interesting. *Behind the Bastards* goes beyond the headlines to dig up the weirdest, darkest, and most absurd details about history’s worst people—like Hitler’s YA book obsession, Blackwater’s founder trying to start his own Air Force, and Saddam Hussein moonlighting as a romance novelist. Read our review of Behind the Bastards.
Blowback
A podcast exploring all of America’s ever-so-exciting empire expanding endeavours.
Warriors In Their Own Words | First Person War Stories
Listen to Warriors In Their Own Words
The raw, unfiltered reality of what it means to serve. From century-old recordings of WWI soldiers to candid talks with today’s warriors, this podcast brings you their stories—told in their own words.
The Strategy Bridge
The Strategy Bridge podcast explores strategic affairs through in-depth interviews on military and diplomatic history.
Veterans Chronicles
Veterans Chronicles shares the firsthand stories of America’s most heroic service members.
Well There’s Your Problem
Listen to Well There’s Your Problem
Welcome to the podcast where we dissect engineering disasters and systemic failures—because nothing screams “fun” like watching humanity’s best-laid plans crumble into chaos. And don’t worry, we’ll sprinkle in some leftist hot takes and jokes, because apparently, even societal collapse deserves a punchline.
The Principles of War
Listen to The Principles of War
Welcome to “Military Madness in 30 Minutes or Less!” Dive into the chaos of historic battles, dissected with today’s doctrine, so you can learn from the epic wins and facepalms of the past. No boring after-action reports here—just juicy nuggets of strategy, tactics, and leadership wisdom, served up faster than a private can misplace their rifle.
Angry Planet
Chats about chaos on a furious globe. Brought to life, crafted, and steered by Matthew Gault and Jason Fields.
Pete & Gary’s Military History
Listen to Pete & Gary’s Military History
For over 40 years, historian Peter Hart has talked to thousands of veterans about war. Join him and pal Gary Bain as they dive into military history—from ancient times to WWII—using the vivid stories of those who lived it. History, but make it real!
War Studies
Welcome to the *War Studies Podcast*—where the hosts turn global chaos into your next coffee break obsession! Brought to you by the brainiacs at King’s College London’s School of Security Studies (aka the Avengers of conflict research), this podcast unpacks the messy world of security, defense, and international relations.
History on Fire
Where the past and grand narratives meet, “History on Fire” is a podcast created by writer and academic Daniele Bolelli.
New Books in Military History
Listen to New Books in Military History
Conversations with Military History Experts on Their Latest Publications.
Read our review of Lions Led By Donkeys
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