What a Hell of a Way to Die
447 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 450 ratingsWhat a Hell of a Way to Die is a left-wing military and veteran podcast hosted by Nate and Francis, two extremely online combat veterans. Join us to hear discussion of veterans issues, defense news, and military culture — all from a lefty perspective.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Militia House with John Milas
April 15, 2024 05:00 - 52 minutes - 42.4 MBVeteran and Author John Milas joins Francis to discuss his debut horror Novel Militia House, set in 2010 Afghanistan and following a couple of bored Marines stuck in the middle of nowhere. John discusses his journey from Marine to author, his writing process, and what it is about horror that people love Pick up Militia house here or wherever you get books - https://www.amazon.com/Militia-House-Novel-John-Milas/dp/1250857066
DadChat with Greg from the Brigham Young Money Podcast
April 12, 2024 16:11 - 53 minutes - 42.6 MBThis week Francis talks with Greg of the Brigham Young Money Podcast about raising your kids around Religion. Greg is an ex Morman and Francis an ex Catholic and discuss how to talk about God and beliefs when you don't believe yourself Listen to his show about Utah Politics http://brighamyoungmoney.com/ His other podcast about the Utah Jazz - https://twitter.com/Unsalvageables Follow him on twitter - https://twitter.com/DadShammdad If you like what you're getting here, please cons...
Failing Upwards with Steve Beynon
April 04, 2024 16:26 - 51 minutes - 41.1 MBThis week Military.com reporter Steve Beynon stops by to update us on some of his more recent stories, such as a four star general greasing the wheels for a subordinate to be promoted, Special Forces once again getting caught with Nazi patches, and Chow Hall dining kiosks Special Forces - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/03/27/army-shared-image-of-special-forces-soldier-wearing-nazi-patch.html General Hamilton suspended - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/03/22/army-4-s...
The Zoo Crew goes to Man Camp *Preview*
April 02, 2024 13:20 - 10 minutes - 8.48 MBThis week the Zoo Crew is headed to Man Camp. We're dropping enough money to buy a new Toyota Corolla and instead of having a sensible car with low miles, we're getting slurs screamed at us by an angry Armenian guy Get the whole episode and more by signing up at Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/zoo-crew-goes-to-101486176
Broken Tracks with Davis Winkie
March 27, 2024 16:41 - 58 minutes - 46.6 MBContent warning: Suicide This week Davis Winkie comes on the show to talk about his deep dive into the suicide epidemic faced by Army Tank units Read more about it here - https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2024/03/11/broken-track-how-army-times-discovered-high-tank-unit-suicide-rates/ If you like what we do here, consider supporting us on Patreon. $5 a month gets you access to seven years of bonus interviews, movie reviews, and a lot in between - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofa...
Hell of a Way News Roundup: The Army's Navy
March 20, 2024 19:37 - 40 minutes - 46.2 MBThis week Francis discusses the Navy. But not the American Navy, the Army Navy. Also covered is the Thai Navy shooting itself (Because it's nice to know it's not just us) and the National Guard dicking around on their phones in the Subway stations. Instead of a madia section, we're back to reading from anti war zines of the 1970s. I've been running through a lot of Sharpe books and while they are fun, they are also hardly conversational Take 15% off in the store all month with the code '...
DadChat: Live from the Monkey House with Jack Forman
March 18, 2024 12:51 - 57 minutes - 46 MBThis week Francis brings Jack Forman, formerly of the Sirius XM station Kids Place Live on the show. Jack has run a kids call-in show for eleven years, taking thousands of calls from kids all around North America and now finds himself let go, but still continuing his vision. We talk about conversations with kids, 'kindie' music, and strange Italian songs Listen to Jack three times a week on his Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/jackforman Francis' Kindie spotify playlist - https://...
DadChat: Dreaming of a World with No Dodge Neons
March 16, 2024 01:37 - 58 minutes - 69.4 MBFor this week’s DadChat, Nate and Francis talk about their first cars… but also a discussion of what goes into sound production for podcasts, the roller-coaster of your child getting every germ on earth when they start nursery, and some discussions for fans of war-themed genre fiction. Hope you enjoy! Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: www.patreon.com/hellofawaytodie *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now h...
Into the Wild Blue Yonder
March 11, 2024 12:47 - 46 minutes - 37.3 MBThis week Francis talks with Emerson, a fellow Public Affairs troop, but for the Air Force. We discuss the fun of being in PAO, the differences in the branches, and how much better it is to be an airman than a soldier
DadChat: Making Drywall Exciting
March 11, 2024 00:03 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBIt’s DadChat, and we’ve got a spirited discussion about dealing with old houses and their old house problems, solid vs. hollow walls, the hobbies we picked up from our own dads, and the strange situation where British banks let landlords take out interest-only mortgages that were, of course, adjustable-rate mortgages. You can imagine how that went. Hope you enjoy? Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: www.patr...
Hell of a News Roundup: Air Force Blues
March 06, 2024 14:40 - 45 minutes - 51.6 MBThis week it's all about the Air Force as Francis discusses three stories from the branch we all love to hate. Take 15% off all orders in the store this month with the code 'march' - https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You can also get access to all our bonus content and interview episodes early on out patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie National Guard story - https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2024/03/01/guard-officials-probing-texas-generals-appearan...
DadChat: Aspirational Uncle Status
March 03, 2024 23:38 - 1 hour - 51.4 MBSorry for the delayed episode! For this week’s DadChat, Nate and Francis convene on the topic of whether America or Britain hates kids more, the milestone of leaving your kid at daycare, Francis’ recent experiences reading books about Navy SEALs, and an Ask A Dad question about how to be good at being an uncle. We hope you enjoy! Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: www.patreon.com/hellofawaytodie *SPEC...
What a Hell of a News Roundup: Jailing Jody
February 28, 2024 13:49 - 53 minutes - 61.5 MBThis week Francis discusses a Chinese Jody looking at 10 months in prison for doing Jody stuff. We also dive back into the 1943 Women's Home Companion and the sunsetting of yet another free benefit for troops that's being taken away. Get on the Patreon before the end of the month at the $10 level to get this quarter's care package - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie Jody - https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2024/02/22/chinese-jody-hit-with-jail-time-after-stea...
Deadliest Warrior: Gladiator vs Apache *Preview*
February 27, 2024 13:02 - 10 minutes - 8.28 MBOnce upon a time there was an incredible show called Deadliest Warrior which took stoned conversations guys had in the mid aughts about who would win a fight and put it to some of the goofiest tests you've ever seen. Francis is joined by KD to talk about the Gladiator vs Apache Warrior Get the whole episode at the $5 level on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/99234962?pr=true
Lefty get your gun: A Better Way 2A
February 26, 2024 12:54 - 52 minutes - 42.1 MBThis week Francis interviews Jordan from the Better Way 2A organization. We discuss gun rights, legislation, arming your queer friends, and handling all the latest at Shot Show 2024 Find out more about the organization here - https://www.abetterway2a.com/
DadChat: Don’t Hurt Your Own Feelings
February 25, 2024 19:32 - 57 minutes - 80.4 MBSorry for the delayed episode! For this week’s DadChat, Nate and Francis discuss relationships: what they’ve learned from previous ones, what they appreciate about their partners, how they’ve tried to improve upon years of making mistakes, and how fortunate they both feel to have met people who like them despite their (conspicuous) flaws. And you get a few stories about first meetings and weddings and so on. We very much hope you enjoy it Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get...
Hell of a News Roundup: Get those hands in your pocket, sailor!
February 21, 2024 15:23 - 1 hour - 69 MBThis week Francis talks mystery books, Ukraine, and why the HELL THE SAILORS GET TO PUT THEIR HANDS IN THEIR POCKETS NOW! Get seven years of bonus content when you sign up for $5 or more on the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie Take 20% off in the store with the code "podcast" Stories cited JD Vance - https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/02/18/republican-opponent-of-us-aid-ukraine-brings-his-case-international-conference.html Military Housing - https://taskan...
A Better Way 2A *Preview*
February 19, 2024 16:34 - 9 minutes - 7.73 MBThis week Francis interviews Jordan from the Better Way 2A organization. We discuss gun rights, legislation, arming your queer friends, and handling all the latest at Shot Show 2024. Find out more about the organization here - https://www.abetterway2a.com/ Get the full episode early at any dollar amount on the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie
DadChat: Future Kaaba of Indianapolis
February 16, 2024 00:50 - 1 hour - 49.8 MBIt’s another DadChat in which we discuss Francis’s catholic upbringing, making Indianapolis a site of religious pilgrimage (place the reliquary in Monument Circle), British actors doing extremely good American accents, and much more. We also field an ‘Ask A Dad’ question: how do you avoid making the same mistakes your parents did? Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: www.patreon.com/hellofawaytodie *SPECIAL...
The Zoo Crew presents: Battle Los Angeles *Preview*
February 15, 2024 15:28 - 11 minutes - 9.22 MBVoted on by our Patreons, The Zoo crew watches the very forgettable Battle Los Angeles. We mourn the first casualties of the war effort (Coasties) and marvel at Aaron Ekhart's jawline. You can get this episode and more at the $5 level of the Patreon, and have the opportunity to vote on the next movie
DadChat: School of Dad Rock
February 08, 2024 03:19 - 1 hour - 51.3 MBNate and Francis discuss learning to play music. Well, really it’s more an episode where Francis asks Nate about why he plays music and how he got back into it starting at age 35. And we also discuss Francis’s new goal of learning to paint, and the idea that you can stave off a midlife crisis by deciding to pursue new interests (so long as they’re not self-destructive ones! Don’t do that!) Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the w...
Hell of a News Roundup: The Second Amendment now covers nuclear capable ballistics
February 07, 2024 14:46 - 55 minutes - 63.4 MBThis week on the show, Francis covers the privitization of Army Barracks, Lt Colonels who need to be fired into the sun (all of them), and the second amendment allowing a man to keep a cold war era, Nuclear capable rocket For the media, we're talking Underwater action thrillers and Attack on Titan Interview with Taylor regarding the crushed submersible - https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/podcast/episode/4407e758/06839453-leagues-under-the-sea If you like this, you can get seven years o...
DadChat: Operation Yuck Mouth
February 02, 2024 02:11 - 1 hour - 51.8 MBFor this week’s episode, Nate and Francis discuss the travails of having (or not having) dental insurance in America, how it’s different in the United Kingdom, and why Nate is still dealing with the consequences of an unfortunate game of basketball in 2007. The conversation also somehow touches on the subject of P-1/P-2 visas for Afghans who helped the U.S. military. No one can claim we don’t have range. Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus conte...
Hell of a Way News Roundup: Getting stupid at twenty paces
January 31, 2024 14:54 - 49 minutes - 56.8 MBThis week Francis dives into some local politics as a Missouri state senator is trying to bring back dueling. Also covered is the Drone attack on Tower 22, specifically how a drone managed to follow another drone into the area of attacks For media, we cover Masters of the Air and the book Storm of Steel Remember: take 20% off your order all week with the code 'podcast Get your new Carlton Gustaf pins here - https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/product-page/carlton-gustaf-pin Sign up for t...
Hots & Cots, the Junior Enlisted Yelp
January 29, 2024 06:00 - 43 minutes - 34.8 MBThis week Francis speaks with Rob, the creator of the app Hots and Cots. From moldy barracks and closed dining facilities to palatial living quarters and snow crab chow, it's the place for your troops to show off the good, bad, and ugly of military bases Download the app here - https://www.hotscots.app/
DadChat: Redwall Woodland Creature Epistemology
January 26, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 51 MBThis week’s free episode is another DadChat in which Francis discusses his experience reading Brian Jacques’ “Redwall” to his daughter, a long discussion to form indisputable proof that the Redwall badgers are Scottish, and much more. Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: www.patreon.com/hellofawaytodie *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also ...
The South Africa charges of Genocide w/ Joe Kassabian
January 22, 2024 13:40 - 59 minutes - 47.8 MBJoe Kassabian stops by to discuss the current charges of genocide against Gaza and the Palestinian people. This episode was recorded Jan 10, 2024 so we're working with the knowledge we had at the time. Namely that the Dersh was going to be way more involved than he actually is
DadChat: You’ll Miss Your Sewer When It’s Gone
January 18, 2024 05:01 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBFor this week’s free episode, it’s a DadChat in which Nate and Francis discuss the calamity of having your sewer stop working, what it’s like to watch your kid get immunized and know it’s for the better good (but also internally freak out at them being in pain), how to subtly but steadfastly encourage your kid to not want to become a cop, and much more. Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: www.patreon.com/hel...
Hell of a Way News Roundup: Fixing the Sassy tanks of PS Magazine
January 17, 2024 13:56 - 41 minutes - 47.8 MBThis week Francis discusses the final folding of PS Magazine, the only cool graphic novel the military ever funded. We also talk about Top Gun, Redwall, and pulling a Dante to put all the people we don't like in Hell. If you like this, get even more on our Patreon. Your money makes it so we don't have to try to sell you mail order mattresses - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie
DadChat: Dispatches from the Fatherhood Trenches
January 12, 2024 00:30 - 48 minutes - 40.5 MBNate is back on the show and recounts to Francis his story of becoming a father… and some unexpected events that took place later. It’s a fun and heartwarming episode that also contains a lot of descriptions of what you might call medical malpractice related trauma. So, just be advised. But there are also laughs! Like Hell of a Way? Check out our Patreon and get hundreds of hours of bonus content dating all the way back to 2017: www.patreon.com/hellofawaytodie *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEME...
What a Hell of a News Roundup: Sorry Mr. President, I have medical
January 10, 2024 15:19 - 52 minutes - 60.2 MBThis week Francis discusses some changes to the Patreon, fun times at the Costco Business center, Iraq finally kicking us out, and the disappearence of our Sec Def Support us on patreon! Five bucks a month gets you early access to interview episodes, the discord, and seven years of bonus episodes - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie
Hell of a New Years Roundup: Sign on the dotted line if you smell what The Rock is cooking
January 04, 2024 14:04 - 52 minutes - 62.6 MBWe're back with another news roundup with Francis. This year we're getting Nate back, making changes to the Patreon, and finding new ways to get content into your ears Sign up for the Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie
Deadwood Episode 7: Bullock Returns *Preview*
January 02, 2024 18:42 - 10 minutes - 8.77 MBIn this episode, Seth Bullock decided braining a native american with a rock was enough killing for him and sends the killer of Wild Bill to the cops for prosecution. He's...a complicated man
Dads in a Blender (Free Bonus)
December 26, 2023 06:05 - 56 minutes - 45 MBIt's the Holiday and as a present to you, here's the interview Francis did with Max from Eve6 about being a middle aged, alt rock dad
The Battle at Lake Changjin (Feat: KD from War_Takes)
December 22, 2023 17:54 - 1 hour - 49.8 MBIt's that special time of year where you gather around the fire with your loved ones, cozy in with some hot cocoa, and watch your favorite Christmas movie. And while a Chinese move full of propaganda about the time they beat back the US Army at Lake Changjin (The Chosin Resevoir for you America heads) isn't really a Christmas movie, the battle took place about the same time so we're gonna count it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cheer when two tanks go head to head and one shoots the oth...
Hell of a News Roundup: Recruited by the algorithm
December 20, 2023 04:01 - 49 minutes - 114 MBThis week on the news update we have some War Crimes News (Not the ones you're thinking of), some West Point conversation (Not the kind you're thinking of) and some Hey Dad Questions. This week's bonus episode is about Godzilla Minus One. We open our hearts to a nuclear monster - https://www.patreon.com/posts/godzilla-minus-94938921 Modern Warfare Institute winning essay - https://mwi.westpoint.edu/sustaining-the-all-volunteer-force-means-streamlining-army-recruitment/ Soldier F murder...
Not your Dad's Depeche Mode: Featuring Dusty from Vision Video
December 14, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MB**NOTE: We are aware Francis' audio is a bit wonky in the first 15 seconds. It's evened out after that** This week Francis is joined by Dusty from the band Vision Video. He is also known for having a great TikTok presence as your favorite goth dad. We discuss our times in war, the military to goth band pipeline, and how there's more weird Soldiers in the Army than you think. Keep up with Vision Video for tour dates and music here - https://visionvideoband.com/ Check out you favorite G...
Hell of a News Roundup: Hey Dad
December 13, 2023 04:00 - 46 minutes - 105 MBArmy news has been pretty slow this week, so answer dad questions from the discord. Don't worry, we're all in this together Discord is available to all Patreon members at every level. Sign up and get access - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie This is the final week for orders to arrive before Christmas, so get them in by Friday - https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop
Hell of a News Roundup: Have a Drink on Me
December 07, 2023 14:05 - 1 hour - 53 MBThis week Francis is discussing an app to rate your favorite barracks, how half of the US would suggest the military to someone they love (hate), and Armed Forces Brewing Company being denied a location due to them being complete dicks If you like this, find more on our bonus feed. Five dollars gets you seven years of back content - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie Hots and Cots app - https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/10/05/stuck-in-shoddy-barracks-soldiers-made-an-a...
Mr. Biden, let our troops smoke (Feat Tom Novelly)
December 01, 2023 13:53 - 49 minutes - 39.8 MBThis week Francis is joined by Tom Novelly from Military.com. We discuss getting stoned in the military, secret airplanes we all know about, and whoopsies with nuclear capable devices Read Tom's stories here - https://www.military.com/author/thoma... Follow Tom on the X bird app - https://twitter.com/TomNovelly If you like this and need more, we have bonus episodes, interviews, and other content on the patreon. Five dollars a month gets you access to seven years of bonus content - http...
Hell of a News Roundup: Pogie Bait Pockets
December 01, 2023 13:48 - 56 minutes - 130 MB*This episode is being reuploaded* This week Francis wrestles with an article about VA benefits from The Hill, watches First Blood, and goes over the most important part of body armor: The Groin Flap If you like the show you can get more on our Patreon. Five dollars a month gets you access to seven years of bonus episodes - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie How Runaway disability compensation is straining Veterans Affairs - https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/4304058-h...
What a Hell of a News Roundup: The Officer Aristocracy
November 29, 2023 01:59 - 1 hour - 147 MBThis week Francis is mad online because of a tweet, we read from the Woman's Home Companion, and we open some Desert Storm trading cards (and you can get some too!) Sign up for the Patreon to get bonus episodes. If you join at the $10 level before December you will also get the Christmas Care Package sent out to you! - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie Get your own pack of Gulf War trading cards for five dollars a pack. Quantities are limited - https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/prod...
Dear Zoo Crew *Preview*
November 21, 2023 19:37 - 5 minutes - 4.92 MBOn Patreon this week, Francis and Carey answer questions. Everything from gun range team building to polycule etiquette. Listen to the whole episode here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/dear-zoo-crew-93289245
Davy Crockett: King of the Atomic Frontier (Feat Martin Pfeiffer)
November 17, 2023 21:41 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBNuclear Anthropogist Martin Pfeiffer joins Francis to talk about one of the more insane weapons the Americans developed during the Cold War: The Davy Crockett. Support Martin's research and get regular updates on his Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/nuclearanthro https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nuclearanthro Follow Martin here https://twitter.com/NuclearAnthro https://bsky.app/profile/nuclearanthro.bsky.social Support our show https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie
Dispatches from Kurdistan (Feat. James Stout)
November 10, 2023 06:00 - 59 minutes - 47.7 MBWriter and conflict journalist James Stout is back on the show to talk about his recent trip around the Kurdish regions of Iraq and Syria. Kurdish allies are still on the front lines against ISIS, but often find themselves hung out to dry by the American Government time and time again. Support James - https://www.patreon.com/Jamesstout/ Follow James on Twitter - https://twitter.com/jamesstout Check out the latest store items - https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop
Hell of a News Roundup: Veterans Day Special
November 08, 2023 15:23 - 44 minutes - 102 MBIt's a time of Anniversaries. Three years since Francis left the Army, Seven years of Podcasting, and sixteen years of free entrees for veterans at your Neighborhood Applebees Links: Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie Curated Pins - https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop-2 A-10 article - https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2023/11/-10-and-f-35-competed-close-air-support-tests-years-ago-report-just-surfaced/391754/ Recruiter crisis - https://www.military.com/daily...
What a Hell of a News Roundup: Getting kicked out of the Group Chat
November 04, 2023 16:05 - 52 minutes - 120 MBThis week Francis discusses Army base renaming, and we read about a Navy guy getting in trouble for doing Navy guy stuff. We also cover a story about about rural Missouri and the immigrants who found home here. Noel, Missouri Article - https://missouriindependent.com/2023/... Navy Chat group - https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-n... Shop the sale - https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/sale-1 Patreon - / hellofawaytodie
Yes, you still have to do PMCS (Feat. Davis Winkie)
November 02, 2023 15:50 - 50 minutes - 40.2 MBDavis Winkie of Army Times joins Francis to talk about how the Peacetime Army is taking a big step back and trying to figure out if you really need to do all these oil changes on trucks that never move. Find Davis on Twitter - https://twitter.com/davis_winkie BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/winkie.bsky.social Army Times - https://www.armytimes.com/author/davis.winkie Support the podcast! Seven years of bonus episodes await you at the $5 a month level on the Patreon - https:...
Hell of a Way News Roundup: TikTok True Crime Confessions
October 25, 2023 15:18 - 43 minutes - 99.5 MBThis week we're doing something a little different. This is the audio from the weekly videos Francis has been putting up on Youtube. The series discusses military news, updates and changes in the shop, and features readins from various anti war publications put out during Vietnam. While these episodes are more for a visual medium, I do describe the graphics I am using in detail. The hope is to put these up every week as a suppliment to the regular (and bonus) episodes. More content for the...
A History of Dueling *Unlocked*
October 19, 2023 14:45 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBThis week we're unlocking an episode from the Patreon Archives about dueling, and the many ways people have sought to kill each other like gentlemen. Sometimes you're in a balloon. Sometimes you're fighting a dog. Either way, someone is dying in the dumbest way possible. If you like this episode and want more, we have seven years of archives waiting for you for just five dollars a month at https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie. We appreciate your support in whatever way you can give it ...