Best Legion Strength Podcasts (2025)

Moving into a phase of lower training volume as a competitor taking things less seriously can be a difficult transition. CrossFit demands a great deal, and when you’re accustomed to putting in the work to improve and progress, letting go of some of that progress, or even just slowing the rate of improvement, can feel like a big ask. Is it possible …

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#175: Changing The Wear And Appearance Of The Army Uniform, US Army Directive 670-1 - SMA Mike Weimer, SGM Laurin Nabors, SGM Alex Kupratty 1:01:00

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12h ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Standards set the foundation for any professional organization. The baseline for professionalism in the US Army is Army Regulation 670-1; Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. This regulation dictates the standard for every Soldier, regardless of rank or position. AR 670-1 has long been a hot topic of discussion among Soldiers and lead…

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AW374 - Which Battle Would You Witness? 42:39

26m ago42:39

42:39

In this episode, we explore the ultimate “time travel” question: if you could witness any battle in history, which one would you choose? We focus on a handful of iconic clashes, including Pharsalus, where Pompey surrendered unexpectedly, and Actium, exploring the real plan behind Antinous’ manoeuvres. We also dive into the Teutoburg Forest, one of …

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Episode 346- Physical, mental and emotional health and how they are all connected. 15:35

23h ago15:35

15:35

Understanding how the physical body and health affect our emotions and our mental health is essential to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

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AWA373 - Greek phalanx vs. Germanic shield wall: how different were they? 9:50

4d ago9:50

9:50

In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray tackles a question from Jörn: How different are an ancient Greek city-state’s hoplite phalanx and a Germanic shield wall? While separated by centuries and culture, both formations relied on close-order infantry and cohesion. Murray explores their tactical similarities and differences, the conte…

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AWA372 - Were ancient armies ever at full strength? 12:26

11d ago12:26

12:26

In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a question from Marc about the actual size of ancient military units. Modern sources often quote full-strength numbers for legions and cohorts, but were ancient armies ever truly at full capacity? Drawing on evidence such as the Vindolanda tablets, Murray discusses how understrength uni…

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Episode 345- The myth of hard work. 8:27

12d ago8:27

8:27

We are told that hard work is the secret to success. Just “work hard” and you’ll achieve. But is that the truth? I believe that is a little misleading and that there is something much more important than hard work.

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#174: Opportunity From Need - Green Beret Foundation President & CEO Charlie Iacono (SOF Week 2025) 44:29

22d ago44:29

44:29

Supporting the Special Forces Regiment isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle. For over 15 years Green Beret Foundation has placed empowering Green Berets of every generation at the forefront. Creating opportunities from the unique needs of our Special Operators is the mission. Charlie Iacono is the President and CEO of Green Beret Foundation; a role t…

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AWA371 - Do we know anything about ancient soldiers dice games? 12:22

18d ago12:22

12:22

In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a listener’s question about games of chance in the ancient world. Did soldiers pass the time with dice games or gambling, much like those in more recent conflicts? Drawing on historical sources and archaeological finds, Murray explores what kinds of games ancient soldiers played, how wi…

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#157 - Overused Coaching Cues 31:24

1M ago31:24

31:24

Hang around a CrossFit gym for ten minutes and you’ll probably hear some coaching of hip extension going on. It might be “popping the hips” during a kipping movement, “finish the pull” in a snatch or clean, or the old “squeeze your butt” at the top of a squat or deadlift. All coaching cues have a degree of truth behind them, but some are overused t…

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#E173: The Global SOF Imperative - Global Special Operations Forces Foundation President Stu Bradin (SOF Week 2025) 39:23

26d ago39:23

39:23

For over three decades, retired Colonel Stu Bradin served on the front lines of some of America’s most critical Special Operations missions from Central America and the Balkans to Northern Africa and Afghanistan. He led Special Forces teams under fire, built NATO’s Special Operations Headquarters from the ground up, and ran multi-national, interage…

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AW369 - Battles of the Bronze Age 30:45

1M ago30:45

30:45

'With the emergence of the first city-states came the first cases of organised warfare and campaigns of conquest, as well as developments in arms and armour.' In this episode, the team discusses issue 103, Battles of the Bronze Age: Unravelling the Origins of Warfare. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast…

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#172: The Message No One Wants To Give...or Receive - Major General Gil Ferguson & Gold Star Daughter Dalia Munoz 1:03:57

1M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Memorial Day isn’t about a long weekend and BBQs. It’s about honoring those who gave their lives in defense of America…and it’s about supporting the families they left behind. Across US Army Special Operations Command remembering the legacy and impact of the fallen is a daily duty. This Memorial Day, Fran Racioppi sat down with Major General Gil Fe…

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AWA368 - What happened to the Hastati, Principes, and Triarii? 9:36

1M ago9:36

9:36

In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a question from @tadejtomic1943: Why and when did the distinctions between Hastati, Principes, and Triarii disappear from the Roman Republican army? He explores the evolution of Roman military organisation, the reasons behind the shift away from this tripartite structure, and what repla…

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#156 - Bootcamp to CrossFit Funnel 28:53

2M ago28:53

28:53

With hybrid training and events like Hyrox on the rise, more gyms are adapting—some diversifying their class offerings, others going as far as de-affiliating from CrossFit entirely. In this episode, we explore how the functional fitness landscape is shifting and what that means for gym owners. Todd draws a brilliant analogy between the spectrum of …

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AWA367 - How permanent were institutions like dux or comes? 11:39

2M ago11:39

11:39

In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray answers a question inspired by Finis Britanniae: Were Roman military commands permanent structures, or more ad hoc arrangements that changed with the situation? Drawing comparisons to modern military organisation, Murray examines what the ancient sources tell us about how Roman armies were stru…

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#171: World's Best Problem Solvers - Green Beret and PAM Jets CEO Ben Harrow 41:56

2M ago41:56

41:56

Green Berets are America’s best problem solvers. There’s no challenge too great and no solution that cannot be found. This mentality exists in service and beyond. Ben Harrow solved complex challenges as a West Point Lacrosse star, leading soldiers in Iraq, and as he joined Special Forces to be a Green Beret in the Army. Today he’s the President of …

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AWA366 - When did the classical Greek hoplite cease to exist? 12:16

2M ago12:16

12:16

In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Murray tackles a listener question from @tadejtomic1943: When did the classical Greek hoplite cease to exist? Drawing on historical sources and archaeological evidence, Murray explores how and when the iconic heavily armed infantryman faded from use—and what replaced him in the evolving landscape of a…

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#170: Negotiating With Terrorists - Special Presidential Envoy For Hostage Affairs Ambassador Roger Carstens 1:14:21

2M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

America maintains a promise to its citizens. A promise to never leave them behind and stop at nothing to return them to American soil. Over 200 Americans are wrongfully detained or taken hostage each year across the globe. The Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs is responsible for bringing them home. Ambassador Roger Carstens served as t…

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AW365 - Controversies of Roman Warfare 32:56

2M ago32:56

32:56

We're between issues of Ancient Warfare magazine, so in this episode the team takes the opportunity to discuss some of the major controversies in Roman warfare. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

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#155 - Standardisation with Competition Divisions 29:04

2M ago29:04

29:04

As a competitor moves up the ranks, the experience they get from different competitions can vary drastically. At some competitions, the standard of the division matches really well with prior expectations and the qualification process. Whereas in a different competition, divisions are named the same as others, but it's a notch or two up or down whe…

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AWA364 - Victories by missile-based armies 10:37

2M ago10:37

10:37

In this episode, Murray tackles a thoughtful listener question: were heavy, armoured troops consistently more effective than missile-armed light troops? Our listener reflects that European armies rarely seem to have been decimated by light forces—Carrhae being a rare exception—and wonders whether this is an accurate memory. Why did Persians, for in…

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AWA363 - Why do slingers go away? 10:59

2M ago10:59

10:59

In this episode, Murray takes on a question that's been asked before — but this time, he's invited to share his personal opinion: "OK... so it's been asked before in a general sense and the official answer is... we don't know! But Murray... in your own opinion, what's your best guess as to why slingers go away? Please speculate!" Join us on Patron …

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#169: The Green Beret Dagger - Stroup Knives Founder Chris Stroup 30:50

3M ago30:50

30:50

Since 2002, graduates of the U.S. Army Special Forces Qualification Course have been awarded the Yarborough Knife; an elite symbol of distinction, identity, and mission. Named after LTG William P. Yarborough, who was instrumental in solidifying President John F. Kennedy’s support of Special Forces, the blade was forged to mark the moment a soldier …

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AWA362 - What can you tell me about the Scythed Chariots at Gaugamela? 14:55

3M ago14:55

14:55

In this episode, Murray addresses a fascinating and complex listener question concerning the famous scythed chariots used at the Battle of Gaugamela: "Dear Murray, I have a question on the scythed chariots at Gaugamela. I developed and played a wargame scenario on it, and these things have become a true enigma. The problem is the number of chariots…

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#168: Precision Aviation Support - 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment COL Steve Smith & CW5 Pete Sullivan 45:23

3M ago45:23

45:23

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is America’s most lethal and versatile projection of combat power. When our Special Operations Forces require precision insertion, extraction and fire support, the pilots of the 160th deliver. Born from the need to develop an aviation regiment capable of anything, anywhere, anytime, the 160th SOAR is t…

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AW361 - Helmets in the Ancient World 51:46

3M ago51:46

51:46

"From the simple cap to the most intricately-wrought and elaborately-decorated royal example, the humble helmet could do much more than just protect its bearer’s head." For this episode of the Ancient Warfare Magazine podcast, the team discusses helmets in the Ancient World, issue 102 of the magazine. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepod…

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#154 - Who's Cheating? 26:14

3M ago26:14

26:14

Cheating in CrossFit has been around since the early days of the Open and online qualifiers. From athletes looping videos to some competitors being exposed year after year at Regionals, it's a persistent undercurrent in the sport. But how widespread is cheating and does it always happen intentionally? At one end of the spectrum, you have blatant ru…

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#167: The Legion Has Spoken - 5th Special Forces Group COL Gabe Szody & CSM Travis Esterby 1:03:54

3M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

The Special Forces Groups are where America’s Green Berets get to work. 5th Special Forces Group has been involved in every conflict, known and unknown, across the Middle East since its inception. Doing hard things isn’t considered an ask; it’s the standard. To dig into the mission of The Legion, Fran Racioppi traveled to Fort Campbell, KY to sit d…

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AWA360 - Did the ancient Greeks have a padded garment under their armour? 11:32

3M ago11:32

11:32

In this episode, Murray tackles a listener question sent in by postcard from Damien in Tasmania: "Hi Murray, I love the magazine and the podcasts. My question is: Is there any evidence for a standard padded garment, worn under armour, in non-Roman armies (the equivalent of a subarmalis)? Or may it be assumed to be an individual choice? Cheers, Dami…

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AWA359 - Who are your go-to translators for your favourite texts? 8:53

3M ago8:53

8:53

In this episode, Murray Dahm tackles a listener question about the best translators for classical texts like Herodotus’s Histories. Are modern versions better? What’s the deal with Penguin’s Aubrey de Sélincourt vs. Tom Holland’s more recent take? Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

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#166: The Army Fitness Test; A Clear Set Of Standards - Sergeant Major of the Army Mike Weimer & SGM Chris Mullinax 42:44

4M ago42:44

42:44

The Army physical training test has long been a measure of a soldier’s fitness for duty and for combat. For decades it’s been used as the benchmark upon which all other physical fitness has been evaluated. And for decades it has been hotly debated, modified and enhanced to best represent the current mission of the US Army. SGM Chris Mullinax has be…

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AWA358 - What was an oblique phalanx? 14:04

4M ago14:04

14:04

Matt from North Carolina writes 'Can you explain and describe what an oblique phalanx is and how it was used in war by Alexander the Great?' Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

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#153 - How to Train? 25:44

4M ago25:44

25:44

One of the classic clichés often repeated by coaches is that the best programme in the world, executed poorly, is far less effective than the worst programme executed well. While it’s true that a poorly designed programme can still be ineffective, there is merit in the idea that how you train matters more than what’s on paper. Teaching athletes how…

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#165: America's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Threat - Retired US Army Inspector General Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith 44:24

4M ago44:24

44:24

The biggest threat to America today is too often the one we think about the least. Nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare has been around for decades and the effects of an NBC attack on the homeland or American interests abroad is a very real scenario. Retired Lt. Gen Leslie Smith spent a career in the Army as a Chemical Officer. He served as th…

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AWA357 - What was the least influential weapon on the ancient battlefield? 8:53

4M ago8:53

8:53

Ralph Kirby challenges Murray with an intriguing question: could the Polybolas be considered the least influential weapon on the ancient battlefield? Used by both the Successor Macedonian states and Rome, Kirby argues that the Polybolas might have even replaced the Scorpio as a legionary siege weapon. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepod…

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#164: By All Means Available - Former Undersecretary Of Defense For Intelligence Michael Vickers 1:36:37

4M ago1:36:37

1:36:37

The directive given to our Green Berets is to win by All Means Available. To do so, requires a combination of ingenuity, understanding the environment, a clear plan and precision execution. Mike Vickers built a career on winning America’s shadow wars by All Means Available. Mike started his career as both a non-commissioned and commissioned officer…

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AW356 - New discoveries in Ancient Warfare 2025 37:36

4M ago37:36

37:36

In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Magazine Podcast, the team explores groundbreaking archaeological discoveries from 2025 that are reshaping our understanding of ancient conflicts. From mass graves to reinterpreted royal tombs, these finds illuminate the strategies, societies, and struggles of the past. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwar…

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#152 - Are You Actually Getting Better? 27:18

4M ago27:18

27:18

One of the challenges in a highly varied sport like CrossFit is determining whether we’re actually improving. Once an athlete has accumulated a significant amount of training volume, the classic test-retest approach on isolated elements of the sport becomes less effective. We can spend weeks or even months working on a particular movement, only to …

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AWA355 - Did small built-up areas play a role in ancient battlefields? 8:43

4M ago8:43

8:43

In more modern battles, small farm compounds like La Haye Sainte and Hougoumont played pivotal roles in the fighting. But in ancient warfare, we rarely see small villas or farmsteads having a similar impact on battles. Why is that? Were these features less significant in ancient combat, or are there examples where small built-up areas shaped the co…

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#163: America's Only Special Forces - Green Beret Foundation Chairman Ken Tovo & Board Member Chris Robinette 18:26

5M ago18:26

18:26

Green Berets solve complex challenges in service because they’re informed. Yet when they transition out, the civilian world often leaves them looking for answers. The Green Beret Foundation stands ready to ensure our nation's most elite soldiers continue to succeed post service. From the sidelines of the Stars and Stripes Classic, the first ever la…

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AWA354 - Why did ancient armies have few ranged units compared to line infantry? 13:07

5M ago13:07

13:07

Long-time listener Uygar sent this in. "why did ancient armies, especially Greek phalanx-heavy ones, have relatively few ranged units like archers and slingers compared to line infantry? How did an ancient army determine the right number of ranged units for their army? And did the ranged units fight in a scattered manner in between the formations o…

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#162: Break The System - Representative Jake Ellzey (TX-6) 47:28

5M ago47:28

47:28

Congress holds the power of the purse. The United States Government is the largest business in the world, but to conduct business - and national security - Congress has to approve the funds and the money. Representative Jake Ellzey is now a 3-term Congressman representing Texas’s 6th District. He’s a Naval Academy graduate, a helicopter and fighter…

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AWA353 - Who were ancient scouts? 11:05

5M ago11:05

11:05

'I was curious as to how exactly the scouting process worked in ancient armies, although I'm sure it varied widely throughout different cultures and time periods. Additionally, was there every a commonly accepted type of soldier selected for scouting, or did ancient commanders simply send whoever was available? Thanks to Demetri for this question. …

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AW352 - Tiberius 1:22:45

5M ago1:22:45

1:22:45

In this episode of the Ancient Warfare Podcast, Marc De Santis talks to historian and author Lindsay Powell about his latest book, Tiberius: From Masterly Commander to Masterful Emperor of Rome, published by Pen and Sword. Often overshadowed by his predecessor Augustus and his notorious successor Caligula, Tiberius is one of Rome’s most enigmatic e…

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#161: Don't Bet Against America - Representative Don Davis (NC-1) 44:11

5M ago44:11

44:11

Veterans are once again dominating Congress. The start of the 119th Congress has 100 Veterans across both sides of the aisle. Veterans by and large focus on teamwork and getting results. To kick off the excitement behind the new Congress, Fran Racioppi spent a few snowy days on Capitol Hill with the members of the For Country Caucus; a bi-partisan …

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AWA351 - What would be your ideal military? 11:03

5M ago11:03

11:03

What would be your ideal ancient military? Would it be a semi-nomadic people with skilled cavalry and infantry, and how would you structure this military? Murray gives us his ideas and explains what his historical inspirations for this thought experiment are. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast…

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#151 - Big Changes to Training 30:06

6M ago30:06

30:06

Have you ever felt the urge to flip the table and completely change your training or someone else's programme? Maybe a few small competition experiences have made you feel like your training is heading in the wrong direction. Perhaps you're getting tired of working on the same things. Or maybe you want to change your training goal entirely. Whether…

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#160: Is The US Army Ready? 15th Sergeant Major Of The Army Dan Dailey 1:15:44

6M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Readiness is the ability to close with and destroy any enemy, anywhere, anytime. The role of the Sergeant Major of the Army is to ensure readiness. Command Sergeant Major Dan Dailey was the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army and the youngest Soldier to ever hold the position. Today, he is the Vice President of Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Progr…