Best Legion Strength Podcasts (2025)

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#160 - How does Coaching Competitors Benefit Coaching Gen Pop 28:07

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6d ago28:07

28:07

While the goals, training, and purpose of training between a competitor and the general population may differ greatly, there are many skills a coach can develop by working more with the other group. Most would assume that the focus and attention to detail shown by a competitor are what would be transferable, but in fact, the opposite is often true.…

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AWA381 - Did Ancient Soldiers Protect Their Feet? 7:43

2d ago7:43

7:43

A listener asks: with Greek and Roman soldiers well-armoured elsewhere, how did they protect the tops of their feet from injury? Murray Dahm explores what ancient sources and archaeology reveal about footwear, armour, and the realities of combat. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

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AWA380 - How Did the Greek Phalanx Keep Its Line? 14:20

9d ago14:20

14:20

A listener from Brisbane asks: how did the Greek hoplite phalanx maintain a cohesive front while advancing into battle over uneven terrain dotted with trees, bushes, and obstacles? Murray Dahm explains how ancient soldiers kept formation, reformed when disrupted, and adapted their tactics to the landscape. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarf…

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#159 - Getting Better for Stagnant Class Members 24:37

13d ago24:37

24:37

There are always a few class members who, after a while, begin to progress at a very slow rate or become stagnant in their performance. This is often met with frustration and sometimes inaction, which raises the question of whether some people actually want to improve or if they are content simply turning up. This week, we discuss how class members…

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AW379 - Commanding an Army in Antiquity 28:31

15d ago28:31

28:31

How do you get the right man to command your armies? Does he learn on the job, or from books, and what happens when something goes wrong? In this episode, the team discusses issue 104, Who Put You in Charge? Commanding an Army in Antiquity. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

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AWA378 - Did the Persians Really Use Cats at the Battle of Pelusium? 13:02

23d ago13:02

13:02

Augusto from Argentina asks: "How reliable is Polyaenus' account of the Persians using cats—or images of cats—against the Egyptians at Pelusium? Is there any truth to the story, or is it just legend?" Murray Dahm explores the evidence behind this curious tale. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast…

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AWA377 - How Much Do We Really Know About the Bacaudae? 20:55

1M ago20:55

20:55

A listener on YouTube asks: "How much do we really know about the Bacaudae, and how important were they in the collapse of the Western Roman Empire?" Murray takes a closer look at these enigmatic rebels of Late Antiquity. Join us on Patreon patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

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AWA376 - Are there any sources for the chariot driver actually exiting the chariot before contact? 11:34

1M ago11:34

11:34

In this episode, Murray Dahm revisits Alexander's encounter with scythed chariots and unpacks some of the practical and tactical issues surrounding their historical use. From wargaming figure ratios to the use of caltrops, shield-banging, and even Roman caligae, we explore how ancient armies may have neutralised these fearsome weapons. Were chariot…

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AWA375 - What was the relationship between Korybantic/Kouretic dances and ancient warfare? 15:44

1M ago15:44

15:44

In this episode of Ancient Warfare Answers, Murray Dahm explores the link between the Korybantic and Kouretic dances and the ancient warrior tradition. Unlike the more familiar Pyrrhic dance—used as military training—these ritual performances were deeply spiritual, involving ecstatic movement, clashing weapons, and the warding of evil. But could su…

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AW374 - Which Battle Would You Witness? 42:39

2M 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 347- Memento vivere. “Remember to live.” 22:18

2M ago22:18

22:18

This is a quote that spoke to me. Today we’ll discuss what it means and how to live with this in mind.By Scott Baumann

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

2M 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.By Scott Baumann

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

2M 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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#158 - Minimum Effective Dose for Former Competitors 30:53

2M ago30:53

30:53

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

2M 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

2M 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.By Scott Baumann

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

2M 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

3M 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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AW369 - Battles of the Bronze Age 30:45

3M 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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AWA368 - What happened to the Hastati, Principes, and Triarii? 9:36

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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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AWA366 - When did the classical Greek hoplite cease to exist? 12:16

4M 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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AW365 - Controversies of Roman Warfare 32:56

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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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AWA362 - What can you tell me about the Scythed Chariots at Gaugamela? 14:55

5M 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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AW361 - Helmets in the Ancient World 51:46

5M 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

5M 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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AWA360 - Did the ancient Greeks have a padded garment under their armour? 11:32

5M 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

5M 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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AWA358 - What was an oblique phalanx? 14:04

5M 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

6M 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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AWA357 - What was the least influential weapon on the ancient battlefield? 8:53

6M 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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AW356 - New discoveries in Ancient Warfare 2025 37:36

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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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AWA354 - Why did ancient armies have few ranged units compared to line infantry? 13:07

6M 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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AWA353 - Who were ancient scouts? 11:05

7M 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

7M 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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AWA351 - What would be your ideal military? 11:03

7M 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

7M 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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AWA349 - Were there any inspiring elites in ancient warfare? 11:37

8M ago11:37

11:37

Dylan Thomas, watching on YouTube, asked, 'I'm curious about the early life of Marcus Furius Camillus. He seems to pop up during the siege of Veii in Livy's work, with few mentions beforehand, and is then an important figure going forward. Are there any primary sources that recount his early life and career? The man's a legend, easily one of the to…

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Episode 344- Appreciation through hardship and loss. 32:18

8M ago32:18

32:18

Pain, hardship and loss are very difficult things and we all encounter them in one way or another throughout our lives. And while these things are generally unwelcome, I have found that often times, with a lot of work and the right outlook, I can sometimes find an upside.By Scott Baumann

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Episode 343- Doing the hard things. 9:38

8M ago9:38

9:38

It’s a wild irony. So many of the things that will make its happier, feel better, healthier, stronger, etc., are things that are hard and that we don’t really want to do. Let’s talk about it.By Scott Baumann

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AW348 - Greece in the fourth century BC 33:47

8M ago33:47

33:47

"The Peloponnesian War had ripped up the existing alliances in Greece — over the next decades, the main city-states looked for ways to regain money, power, and win battles." The team discuss the latest issue of the magazine City-States in an Arms Race: Greek innovation in the fourth century BC, issue 101. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfar…

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#150 - Arguing About Book Learning 27:55

8M ago27:55

27:55

Having a formal education in sports science, kinesiology, or a similar field may seem beneficial for a CrossFit coach. However, you might end up learning a lot of technical information without any context or knowledge of how to apply it. Conversely, you may develop extensive coaching experience and navigate situations in the moment with ease but la…

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AWA347 - Questions about Masada and Josephus (part II) 9:42

8M ago9:42

9:42

In the last episode, Murray expanded upon an article in the magazine in response to Chris's question. After recording that episode, Murray realised he had not answered the whole question. Join us on Patron patreon.com/ancientwarfarepodcast

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Episode 342- The two ways people can completely change their lives. 12:51

8M ago12:51

12:51

Over the years I’ve witnessed some absolutely incredible transformations, instances where people have completely changed their lives in a matter of a year or two. It has been incredible to watch and to experience. Upon speaking with and observing these folks, I’ve come to learn that there are basically two ways in which this happens and usually som…