Unsubscribe Podcast Episode 219: Medieval History, War Tactics & The Best Ancient Weapons

Release Date: June 29, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 219 of the Unsubscribe Podcast, hosts Eli Doubletap, Brandon Herrera, Donut Operator (Nick), Fat Electrician, and Administrative Results delve deep into the intricacies of medieval warfare, exploring historical battle tactics, the evolution of ancient weaponry, and the enduring legacy of these practices in modern times. The episode seamlessly blends historical analysis with personal anecdotes and engaging banter, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of medieval combat.

Medieval Warfare and Weaponry

War Bows and Archery Techniques

The discussion kicks off with an in-depth exploration of medieval archery, focusing on the formidable war bows used by English archers. Donut Operator shares his passion for replicating historical archery techniques, aiming to match the prowess of ancient bowmen.

Donut Operator [26:10]: "I shoot super heavy-duty warbows. I've trained my life to get up to like a 160-pound bow. There's not a lot of people that do that."

He elaborates on the challenges of handling such powerful bows, emphasizing the physical toll and the specialized training required to master them.

Sling Warfare and Historical Significance

The conversation shifts to the use of slings in ancient warfare, highlighting their effectiveness and the skill involved in wielding them. Donut Operator recounts his experience teaching a child actor the art of sling usage for a movie role, illustrating the practical applications of historical weaponry today.

Donut Operator [31:12]: "I do a lot of stuff with the sling, the shepherd sling. So that's the thing that, like, David used, right?"

Comparative Analysis: Bows vs. Slings vs. Crossbows

The hosts engage in a comparative analysis of different ancient weapons, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of bows, slings, and crossbows. They examine how technological advancements, such as the introduction of gunpowder, influenced the decline of traditional archery and sling warfare.

Donut Operator [35:56]: "It's very hard...compared to just like a pin-point accurate shot."

Historical Battle Tactics and Formations

Phalanx vs. Heretical Warfare Views

Donut Operator introduces the concept of differing warfare philosophies in ancient Greece, contrasting the orthodox phalanx formation with more fluid, individualistic combat approaches.

Donut Operator [69:11]: "The orthodox view is that the phalanx... it's just a pushing match."

Impact of Archers on Cavalry Charges

The hosts discuss how skilled archers could disrupt traditional cavalry charges, emphasizing the strategic advantage gained by targeting horses to destabilize armored knights.

Donut Operator [97:22]: "They can swarmed... If they're in the melee and the craziness they can pin him down."

Historical Anecdotes and Military Units

The 442nd Infantry Division

Administrative Results shares a compelling narrative about the 442nd Infantry Division, the most decorated U.S. military unit in history, composed primarily of Japanese American soldiers. The story highlights their valor and the racial prejudices they overcame.

Fat Electrician [53:02]: "He never got in...soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's like, whoa, what's going on?"

Parachute Jumps in WWII

Brandon Herrera and Fat Electrician delve into the perilous experiences of airborne soldiers during World War II, discussing the technical challenges and the extreme risks associated with low-altitude jumps.

Eli Double Tap [66:06]: "They had to do some of those jumps at like, I want to say the lowest was like 300ft, which is not safe."

Modern Reflections on Ancient Tactics

Adapting Ancient Skills Today

Donut Operator reflects on how ancient combat skills, like archery and sling usage, can inform modern training and personal development. He draws parallels between historical discipline and contemporary physical training regimes.

Donut Operator [34:05]: "If you've ever seen, it's like MMA with, like, conditioning."

Pop Culture Influences

The hosts touch upon the representation of medieval warfare in modern media, critiquing shows like The Last of Us for their historical inaccuracies and discussing the importance of authentic portrayals of ancient combat.

Donut Operator [14:42]: "Have you done any of that yet? No, no, no."

Personal Anecdotes and Engaging Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts intersperse their technical discussions with personal stories and humorous exchanges, adding a relatable and entertaining dimension to the podcast.

Donut Operator [25:24]: "Holy. Settle in."

Eli Double Tap [83:09]: "All my slingers hate Goliath."

Conclusion

Episode 219 of the Unsubscribe Podcast offers a rich tapestry of historical insights, practical demonstrations, and lively discussions centered on medieval warfare and ancient weaponry. By blending expertise with engaging storytelling, the hosts provide listeners with both educational value and entertaining content, making complex historical topics accessible and enjoyable.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Donut Operator [26:10]: "I shoot super heavy-duty warbows. I've trained my life to get up to like a 160-pound bow. There's not a lot of people that do that."

• Donut Operator [35:56]: "It's very hard...compared to just like a pin-point accurate shot."

• Donut Operator [69:11]: "The orthodox view is that the phalanx... it's just a pushing match."

• Donut Operator [97:22]: "They can swarm... If they're in the melee and the craziness they can pin him down."

• Eli Double Tap [66:06]: "They had to do some of those jumps at like, I want to say the lowest was like 300ft, which is not safe."

• Brandon Herrera [53:02]: "He never got in...soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's like, whoa, what's going on?"

These quotes encapsulate key moments of the discussion, highlighting the depth and passion with which the hosts approach medieval history and warfare.