Episodes

  • History's First Tier 1 Unit: Robert Rogers and the Evolution of His Rangers
    Feb 17 2025

    In this video, we dive deep into the fascinating history of Robert Rogers and the formation of his legendary Ranging Companies just before the outbreak of the French and Indian War. Known for their ruthless effectiveness and unique style of warfare, these companies became a crucial part of British military operations during the conflict.

    We explore the harsh wilderness of North America, where many of Rogers' men were raised, often in remote frontier settlements. These young soldiers learned survival skills from Native American tribes who had mastered the art of living off the land. Although some tribes were hostile, capturing, torturing, and killing many New England settlers, others taught these frontiersmen essential skills like tracking, hunting, and stealth tactics that would define the Rangers' unconventional approach to combat.

    We also take a closer look at their distinctive kit, which was radically different from their conventional British colonial peers. Equipped for survival in the wilderness rather than formal battlefields, Rogers' Rangers carried lighter, more versatile gear that allowed them to traverse dense forests and engage in hit-and-run tactics. Their green jackets, moccasins, and unique melee weapons became the hallmark of a new breed of soldier, one shaped by the land itself and the ruthless nature of frontier warfare.

    Join us as we uncover the origins of these iconic Rangers and the extraordinary skills they developed in the unforgiving wilderness, setting the stage for their legendary exploits during the French and Indian War.

    #RobertRoger #RogersRangers #FrenchAndIndianWar #FrontierWarfare #AmericanHistory #RangerTactics
    #ColonialAmerica #military #militaryhistory #history #historypodcast #specialforces #specialoperations #navyseals #ranger #army #usarmy


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    32 mins
  • The Rise of European Asymmetrical Warfare in North America
    Feb 17 2025

    In this episode of The Dead Warrior Society, we set the stage for a deep dive into one of history’s most intriguing military figures: Robert Rogers and his legendary Ranger Companies. Known for their brutal and effective use of asymmetrical warfare during the French and Indian War, Rogers and his men revolutionized the way small groups could fight larger, more organized forces.

    But before we jump into their story, we first explore the concepts of Unconventional Warfare and Irregular Warfare. What do these terms really mean, and why do they often fall short in capturing the true essence of these types of conflicts? In this prelude, we challenge the modern labels often slapped onto irregular conflicts throughout history, including the prehistoric period, and argue that they fail to fully explain the complexities of guerrilla tactics, ambushes, and survival-based strategies.

    Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we break down these terms and get ready to dive deeper into the world of Robert Rogers and the asymmetric strategies that forever changed warfare.

    #RobertRogers #AsymmetricalWarfare #IrregularWarfare #GuerrillaTactics #FrenchAndIndianWar #DeadWarriorSociety #MilitaryHistory #UnconventionalWarfare


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    27 mins
  • Sparta's Revenge at Amphipolis: Brasidas's Legacy Part III
    Feb 17 2025

    Welcome to The Dead Warrior Society, where we explore the most pivotal moments in history through the lens of warfare, strategy, and leadership. In this episode, we delve into the Final Battle of Amphipolis (422 BCE) — a decisive clash between the Spartan general Brasidas and his Athenian counterpart Cleon. This battle not only marked the end of one of the most significant military engagements of the Peloponnesian War, but also highlighted the intense rivalry and contrasting military philosophies of Athens and Sparta.

    We examine Brasidas' tactical genius and his ability to lead his forces to victory against the odds, as well as Cleon's fatal overconfidence. What went wrong for Athens, and how did Brasidas's strategy shape the outcome of the battle?

    Beyond the battle itself, we engage in a broader discussion about Sparta's reputation as the preeminent fighting force of the ancient world. Was Sparta truly the greatest military power of its time, or was its dominance more complex than it appeared? In this context, we explore the unique way Sparta utilized its allies, leveraging them as force multipliers much like modern special operations units. Could this be the key to Sparta’s enduring legacy on the battlefield?

    Join us as we break down the tactical brilliance and military doctrine that defined Sparta's war machine, and reflect on how their methods compare to modern combat strategies used by elite military units today.

    #DeadWarriorSociety #Sparta #PeloponnesianWar #Brasidas #Cleon #AncientGreece #MilitaryHistory #SpartanTactics #ForceMultipliers #SpecialOperations #HistoryPodcast


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    49 mins
  • Sparta's Guerrilla War Against Athens: Brasidas's Legacy Part II
    Feb 16 2025

    In this episode we discuss Brasida's asymmetrical war against the Athenians in Northern Greece. The Spartan General's campaign is so effective, that he is able to bring the Athenians to the negotiating table to talk terms and agree to an armistice. Meanwhile, the King of Macedonia is seeking revenge against his near-peer enemy in the region and demands the help of Brasidas and his mercenary army.

    #ancientwarriors #history #spartanwarriors #battles #ancientgreek #military #ancienthistory #historypodcast

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Rogue Spartan: Brasidas's Legacy Part I
    Feb 16 2025

    In this episode of the DWS podcast, we explore the military exploits of the Spartiate Brasidas. He was, without a doubt an absolute rebel and in some cases insubordinate. However, it was his rebellious nature that made him the most effective Spartan General to have ever lived.


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    31 mins
  • Corruption, Betrayal, and Suicide - The Demise of King Cleomenes I of Sparta
    Feb 16 2025

    In this episode we explore the second half of Cleomenes I career as a King of Sparta in the late 6th and early 5th century. His blatant corruption and wild betrayal against Sparta play a part in his downfall but ultimately during this time his mental health declines rapidly and the king spirals into madness.

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    47 mins
  • The Schizophrenic Sociopathic Spartan King - Cleomenes I
    Feb 16 2025

    In the is episode we explore the checkered history of King Cleomenes I of Sparta. He was both ruthless and sick and more than willing to destroy both his enemies and allies to keep a chokehold on the Spartan throne.


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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Sparta's Teenage Asymmetrical Warriors - The Krypteia
    Feb 16 2025

    In this episode we discuss the secret group of Spartan youths known as the Krypteia: an elite cohort of students from the Agoge who would deploy into Messenia to hunt down and assassinate problematic Helots.

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    30 mins