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Zachary Masek

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The Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe First True Crusaders: Spain’s Relentless War Against Islam and Al-AndalusIn this episode we discuss when the Crusades first started. Although it is a complicated concept, we dive into the intimate details of what prompted Christan peoples to take up the Cross and wage war against Islamic forces not just in the Holy Lands but really, all across the Mediterranean basin. Despite what historians claim the process of Crusading began as early as the mid 8th century and continued onward for hundreds of years.2025-07-1343 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Rise and Fall of the Umayyad Dynasty in Al AndalusIn this episode of the Dead Warrior Society podcast, we explore the remarkable yet brief rise and fall of the Umayyad Caliphate in Al-Andalus.Once centered in the magnificent city of Córdoba, the Caliphate was hailed by contemporaries as the crown jewel of the early medieval world—rivalling imperial centers such as Rome, Alexandria, and Baghdad. Historians often describe it as a beacon of cultural sophistication, economic vitality, and religious tolerance, particularly toward the Christian and Jewish communities living under Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.Yet, despite its grandeur, the Caliphate survived barely eig...2025-07-061h 34The Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietySHOCK AND AWE: The Islamic Invasion and Conquest of Visigothic-Roman SpainIn this first installment of our series on the Reconquest of Spain, we set the stage for one of the most defining struggles in European and World history—the fight to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula by the indigenous Catholic Hispanic-Roman peoples.We delve into who these people were before the invasion: a tapestry of Romanized Christian cultures rooted in centuries of Hispano-Roman tradition. Then, we examine the sudden and forceful Islamic incursion from North Africa in 711 AD—an invasion marked by speed, ferocity, and strategic brilliance. Within a decade, nearly the entire peninsula had fallen under Muslim cont...2025-06-2052 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyHow to Become a HistorianIn this episode of the Dead Warrior Society, I discuss how I went from being a piss poor student who barely graduated high school to eventually getting a degree in History from an Ivy League University. Throughout my journey I made numerous errors but eventually I figured out an algorithm that worked well and helped me not only learn the material but absorb it and come up with new creative arguments to push back against my professors, historians, and other intellectuals. Here I will teach you my approach from start to finish. If you are someone who r...2025-06-0921 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietySnake Eaters, Gunslingers & Outcasts: The Suppressed 73 Year History of Special Forces Green BeretsIn this episode, we explore 73 years of U.S. Army Special Forces from their inception in 1952 to modern-day operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.We start at the beginning, breaking down why the Green Berets were formed in the early Cold War era, initially as an elite unconventional warfare force. But as the threat of Soviet-sponsored communist insurgencies spread globally, the Green Berets shifted into the role of Counter Insurgency (COIN) specialists—a role that would define them for decades.We go deep into:• The Vietnam War, where Special Forces played pivotal roles in MACV-SOG, CIDG, MIKE Forc...2025-06-011h 39The Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyAre Green Berets the Masters of Unconventional Warfare? History says, no (Part I)In this episode of the Dead Warrior Society Podcast, we take a hard look at the roots of Unconventional Warfare (UW) in the annals of American military history and what it really meant in the post–World War II era and how its legacy has been shaped, stretched, and sometimes distorted over time.Green Berets have long claimed the title of “masters of UW”, pointing to missions in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and beyond as proof. But does the historical record back that up? Not exactly.We dive into the complicated and often misunderstood origins of UW, how U...2025-05-1730 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyWhat Are Special Operations?In this episode, I dive deep into the question: What exactly are Special Operations? To unpack this, I turn to one of the most influential voices on the subject—Admiral William H. McRaven (ret). Using his 1996 dissertation and his well-known book, Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice, I explore the six core principles McRaven outlines for successful special operations missions.Instead of relying on the case studies McRaven uses in his book, I apply his framework to my own selection of historical operations—some well-known, others less so—to test and better unders...2025-05-0746 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyCrisis in US Army Special Forces?The Green Berets—once the undisputed masters of Unconventional Warfare—are now facing a crossroads. Once revered for their deep cultural fluency, guerrilla warfare expertise, and behind-the-lines operations, many in the defense community are now asking: What went wrong?While Special Forces continue to fly the UW banner, the hard truth is that other units—often leaner, better-resourced, and more agile—have quietly taken over many of the missions SF was designed for. Is it a matter of doctrine? Leadership? Or has the world simply moved on?This episode dives headfirst into one of the most con...2025-04-2711 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Slow Death of US Army Special ForcesIn this episode we discuss the legacy of Robert Rogers within the frame work of modern Special Operations. We also leverage his history to highlight and provide insight on the slow and depressing decay and inevitable death of modern U.S. Army Special Forces as more proficient, skilled, and well funded Special Operations Units or "Special Mission Units" outpace their peers and monopolize all available Asymmetrical Warfare missions. 2025-04-2726 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyRobert Rogers: Hero or Villain?In this episode we briefly discuss the exfiltration out of Canada by the Rangers after the destruction of St. Francis. Unlike the other legs of the expedition, the exfil was an unmitigated disaster. However, the meat of the episode is focused on answering two major questions every Rogers historian seeks to answer. Was the Raid on St. Francis a success or failure and was it a legitimate military operation or massacre?2025-04-1935 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Rangers Raid on St. FrancisWelcome to this episode of the Dead Warrior Society Podcast, where we dive deep into the infamous Raid on St. Francis, led by Robert Rogers and his Rangers. While this event has been widely discussed in history, many accounts of the raid are riddled with inaccuracies and misinformation. In this episode, we explore how the common narrative is seriously flawed and take the time to scrutinize the historical record, digging into primary sources and lesser-known details to uncover the true events behind this pivotal moment in history.Join us as we challenge the myths and get down...2025-04-061h 07The Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Rangers Invade Canada and the Battle on SnowshoesIn this episode of the Dead Warrior Society Podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of Robert Rogers and his Ranger Task Force as they face unimaginable challenges during their mission across the wilderness of Lake Champlain, a treacherous spruce bog, and the St. Francis River en route to destroy the Abenaki Village of St. Francis. As they are relentlessly hunted by their French and Indian enemies, many Rangers lose their lives or are forced to return to base due to illness and injuries. We also take a closer look at the legendary Battle on Snowshoes, where Robert Rogers...2025-03-2758 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyTAKE YOUR REVENGE: The Rangers Prepare for the Raid Against St. FrancisIn this Episode of the Dead Warrior Society, we examine the events leading up to the St. Francis Raid and the volunteers who joined the Ranger's ranks for the near suicide mission. We also take a look at the various controversies surrounding the raid, particularly the reasons why the English felt the need to mobilize and deploy some 190 Rangers and Soldiers to destroy the Abenaki strong hold of St. Francis in New France. #historypodcast #history #militaryhistory #nativeamerican #specialoperations #army #military #frenchandindianwar #ranger #deltaforce2025-03-1950 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Most Formidable Tribe in the New WorldIn this episode we discuss the main fighting force of the French during the French and Indian War: The Abenaki. Often described as a peaceful people who were merely traders and recent Christian converts in the mid 17th century, the reality and truth of the matter is far more complex. The French used their religious fervor and propaganda to instill hatred in the hearts of the Abenaki against English Colonists. Furthermore, because of the aggressive Ulster-Irish migration into their traditional hunting grounds, the Abenaki were plagued by disease and war for nearly a century and weren't going to back...2025-03-1040 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyGuerrilla Warfare in North America: Robert Rogers Activates His RangersIn this episode, we dive deep into the complex history of the French and Indian War, framed within the larger context of the Seven Years' War. We break down the key players, strategies, and turning points of this critical conflict between colonial powers and how the theater of war in North America would determine which European Power would become dominant. In the second half of the episode, we shift focus to one of the most legendary military figures of the time—Robert Rogers. We explore his formation of the elite Rogers' Rangers and their daring missions deep beh...2025-03-0751 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietySparta's Revenge at Amphipolis: Brasidas's Legacy Part IIIWelcome 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 od...2025-02-1748 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Rise of European Asymmetrical Warfare in North AmericaIn 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 tr...2025-02-1726 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyHistory's First Tier 1 Unit: Robert Rogers and the Evolution of His RangersIn 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...2025-02-1732 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Rogue Spartan: Brasidas's Legacy Part IIn 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.2025-02-1730 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyCorruption, Betrayal, and Suicide - The Demise of King Cleomenes I of SpartaIn 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.2025-02-1747 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietySparta's Guerrilla War Against Athens: Brasidas's Legacy Part IIIn 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 #historypodcast2025-02-171h 03The Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Schizophrenic Sociopathic Spartan King - Cleomenes IIn 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.2025-02-161h 07The Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Spartan Agoge Pt. II - The Myth of Spartan PederastyIn this episode we explore one of the most pervasive modern myths about Sparta and their educational system, Spartan Pederasty.2025-02-161h 02The Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietySparta's Teenage Asymmetrical Warriors - The KrypteiaIn 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.2025-02-1629 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Spartan Agoge Part I - Fitness, Discipline, and ObedienceIn this episode of the Dead Warrior Society Podcast, we dive into how the Spartan's prepared their boys for war within the compulsory Spartan education system, the Agoge.2025-02-1639 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Spartan Conquest of MesseniaIn this episode of the Dead Warrior Society Podcast, we discuss who the people of Messenia were and why they went to War with the Spartans and how they became Helots.2025-02-1652 minThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Dead Warrior SocietyThe Return of the Heraclediae and the Laconian ConquestExploring the origins of where the Spartans came from and how they came to conquer the region of Laconia within the Peloponnese.2025-02-1620 minPlayStation ExperiencePlayStation ExperiencePlayStation XP Ep. 89 - Look at all these RumorsThis week the crew delves into the litany of rumors surrounding the possible resurgence of PSX as a summer games fest to replace their E3 show, rumors surrounding a new Ghost of Tshushima game as well as the rumored PS+ games for July, and of course or usual ridiculousness and tangents. This is the PlayStation Experience.Consider supporting the show at patreon.com/psvg Visit our discord at https://psvg.blog/discord Much thanks to our wonderful Patreon Producers - Delvin Cox, Hayley Nicole Miller, Justin Pickerd, Kyle Richards, LoboRican, Nick Metzger, Ryan Craig, Skinny Matt, Tony...2021-06-281h 36PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkNintendo Shack 182 - Switch Money Train Rolls OnGreetings Koopalings! This week in the SHACK featured a lot of technical difficulties on our live stream but we were still able to record a show locally for you all this week! We start this week’s show with our Pokemon Snap impressions before we jump into Nintendo’s latest financials & game garage announcements. We also answer a bunch of questions including our favorite sandwich. The Nintendo Shack is brought to you by our wonderful Patreon Producers - Delvin Cox, Hayley Nicole Miller, Justin Pickerd, Kyle Richards, LoboRican, Nick Metzger, Ryan Craig, Skinny Matt, Tony Harris, Michael Masek, Barry Cathcart, Edwi...2021-05-071h 26PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkXbox Empire - Boost Them FramesThis week on the Xbox Empire Donnie & Elaine chat about genetics, Returnal, should roguelikes have suspends and/or save points, rumors about IO interactive and The Coalition’s future projects, FPS Boosts & how the Apple vs. Epic battle could impact others in the future & A BUNCH MORE. Big episode yall, hope you like it! Follow Xbox Empire On Twitter Support PSVG on Patreon NEW MERCH now available! Xbox Empire is brought to you by our wonderful Patreon Producers - Delvin Cox, Hayley Nicole Miller, Justin Pickerd, Kyle Richards, LoboRican, Nick Metzger, Ryan Craig, Skinny Matt, Tony Harris, Michael Masek, Barry Cath...2021-05-061h 45PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkBoard With Video Games #185 - It Already IsWelcome back to Board With Video Games, covering all the things you play on your table and your television! This week Josh and Kyle share some topics and bring one of their own. First Josh and Kyle discuss what they have been playing and then pick what games they would bring to a desert island from the early 2000s. Josh brings up a new to the US expansion for Catan. Kyle chats about NFTs coming to Magic. They also make predictions, answer listener questions, and provide recommendations for a Well Rounded Life.  Consider supporting the show at patreon.com/psvg Vi...2021-05-041h 54PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkNintendo Shack 181 - Pokemon Snap EveGreetings Koopalings! This week in the SHACK we kick off with Rebecca’s most recent review for New Pokémon Snap. After we answer your Snap questions, we hop into the latest update to Super Mario Party & Monster Hunter before looking ahead to what Nintendo could bring with them to E3.   The Nintendo Shack is brought to you by our wonderful Patreon Producers - Delvin Cox, Hayley Nicole Miller, Justin Pickerd, Kyle Richards, LoboRican, Nick Metzger, Ryan Craig, Skinny Matt, Tony Harris, Michael Masek, Barry Cathcart, Edwin Calo, Steven Keller, Nick Creature, Rudedays93, Ben Moxham, Rob Emanuel, Nick Faulhaber, Paul Call...2021-04-301h 26PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkXbox Empire - Forza en MéxicoThis week on the Xbox Empire Donnie & Elaine played some games this week! We talk about our latest impressions with Xbox cloud streaming, Nier Replicant, Second Extinction, Judgement, and Lost Words Beyond the Page. After that we jump into the FPS boost news from last week, upcoming Xbox Game Pass announcements, rumors that Forza is in Mexico & Xbox potentially making a Star Wars game & more! Follow Xbox Empire On Twitter Support PSVG on Patreon NEW MERCH now available! Xbox Empire is brought to you by our wonderful Patreon Producers - Delvin Cox, Hayley Nicole Miller, Justin Pickerd, Kyle Richards, LoboRican, Ni...2021-04-291h 33PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkBoard With Video Games #184 - BreakdownWelcome back to Board With Video Games, covering all the things you play on your table and your television! This week Josh and Kyle each bring three topics to the show. Josh discusses a monstrous new Kickstarter, how much say gamers should have, and a new battle royale entering the fray. Kyle chats about the Gamezenter, plans the Square Enix E3 press conference, and helps devise PlayStation's PC strategy. They also report on homework, answer listener questions, and provide recommendations for a Well Rounded Life.  Consider supporting the show at patreon.com/psvg Visit our discord at https://psvg.blog/dis...2021-04-271h 35PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkNintendo Shack 180 - The Bottom of the BarrellGreetings Koopalings! This week in the SHACK its a SLOW news week but happy for us YOU came through with a bunch of excellent questions! We also chat a little about that printer that works with your switch screenshots, a new game on Switch this week called Effie, and someone grabbed a Super NT. The Nintendo Shack is brought to you by our wonderful Patreon Producers - Delvin Cox, Hayley Nicole Miller, Justin Pickerd, Kyle Richards, LoboRican, Nick Metzger, Ryan Craig, Skinny Matt, Tony Harris, Michael Masek, Barry Cathcart, Edwin Calo, Steven Keller, Nick Creature, Rudedays93, Ben Moxham, Rob Emanuel...2021-04-231h 40PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkXbox Empire - Xbox Takes on BrowsersThis week on the Xbox Empire Donnie & Elaine catch up on life before getting into what they think about MLB The Show day one debut on Xbox Game Pass. We also get into the recent Game Stack Live updates, Free to Play actually being free now, and Xbox Cloud Streaming coming to browsers and a bunch more. Follow Xbox Empire On Twitter Support PSVG on Patreon NEW MERCH now available! Xbox Empire is brought to you by our wonderful Patreon Producers - Delvin Cox, Hayley Nicole Miller, Justin Pickerd, Kyle Richards, LoboRican, Nick Metzger, Ryan Craig, Skinny Matt, Tony Harris, Mi...2021-04-221h 33PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkBoard With Video Games #183 - CessnaWelcome back to Board With Video Games, covering all the things you play on your table and your television! This week Josh and Kyle each bring three topics to the show. Josh discusses lifestyle gateway games, Core on the Epic Game Store, and wonders are there two cancelled Metal Gear board games? Kyle brings up a new Metacritic for board games, recounts the Indie World presentation, and helps to plan Ubisofts E3 presentation. They also make predictions, answer listener questions, and provide recommendations for a Well Rounded Life.  Consider supporting the show at patreon.com/psvg Visit our discord at htt...2021-04-201h 31PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkNintendo Shack 179 - Indie World April 2021Greetings Koopalings! This week in the SHACK the team discusses all the games Nintendo showed during Indie World showcase this week & that new “blue” Nintendo Switch lite coming out in May. The Nintendo Shack is brought to you by our wonderful Patreon Producers - Delvin Cox, Hayley Nicole Miller, Justin Pickerd, Kyle Richards, LoboRican, Nick Metzger, Ryan Craig, Skinny Matt, Tony Harris, Michael Masek, Barry Cathcart, Edwin Calo, Steven Keller, Nick Creature, Rudedays93, Ben Moxham, Rob Emanuel, Nick Faulhaber, Paul Callicoat, Kyle Haiman, Grrouchie Serge, Devin Tyus, Josh Borbone, RJ Kern, HorseGirl69 & & Zachary Adams Consider supporting the show at patreon.com/p...2021-04-161h 12PSVG Podcast NetworkPSVG Podcast NetworkXbox Empire - Xbox & Nintendo Teaming Up?This week on the Xbox Empire put on your tinfoil hats people because we’re diving down the rumor mill rabbit hole. Donnie & Elaine are joined by Rebecca over from the Nintendo Shack to discuss all these recent rumors of a budding Nintendo & Xbox partnership and what that could look like for us gamers in the future. Follow Xbox Empire On Twitter Support PSVG on Patreon NEW MERCH now available! Xbox Empire is brought to you by our wonderful Patreon Producers - Delvin Cox, Hayley Nicole Miller, Justin Pickerd, Kyle Richards, LoboRican, Nick Metzger, Ryan Craig, Skinny Matt, Tony Harris, Mich...2021-04-151h 41