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Leadership History You Were Never Taught

Leadership History You Were Never Taught

Written by: Nathan Pali
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About this listen

Leadership History You Were Never Taught is a podcast about the leadership stories history class skipped.

This show uncovers the forgotten failures, quiet disasters, and uncomfortable leadership decisions that shaped the world—but rarely make it into textbooks or motivational speeches. These are real moments from history when leaders made the wrong call, followed bad advice, ignored reality, or doubled down when they should have stopped.

Each episode explores leadership mistakes from history, failed decision-making, power dynamics, organizational collapse, and the human cost of authority used poorly. From political and military leadership to religious, corporate, and cultural power, the podcast examines how bad leadership hides in plain sight—and why it’s often remembered incorrectly.

This is not a podcast about heroic founders or polished success stories. It’s about what actually happened, why leaders failed, and how those failures were later softened, reframed, or erased.

If you’re fascinated by leadership history, why organizations fail, how power distorts judgment, and the lessons history only teaches if you’re willing to look past the myths—this podcast is for you.

Leadership History You Were Never Taught Because the most important leadership lessons are usually the ones left out.

© 2026 Leadership History You Were Never Taught All rights reserved. World
Episodes
  • Edward III and the Hundred Years' War

    Edward III and the Hundred Years' War
    Feb 27 2026

    In this episode, we explore how King Edward III's interpretation of a centuries-old treaty and his refusal to accept a political loss led to the devastating Hundred Years' War. We discuss the complexities of medieval succession laws, the political maneuvering between England and France, and the long-lasting consequences of Edward's strategic decisions.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Hundred Years' War

    01:04 Medieval Succession Laws

    01:44 The French Throne Succession Dispute

    05:02 Edward III's Claim and Escalation

    11:58 The War Drags On

    18:03 Edward's Leadership Failure
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    14 mins
  • Edward III and the Hundred Years' War

    Edward III and the Hundred Years' War
    Feb 27 2026

    In this episode, we explore how King Edward III's claim to the French throne ignited the Hundred Years' War, a conflict driven by a refusal to accept a loss and an unachievable strategic objective. We also examine the complex medieval succession laws and the devastating consequences of this protracted conflict on both England and France.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Hundred Years' War

    01:04 Medieval Succession Laws and the French Throne

    03:20 Edward III's Claim and Early Acceptance

    07:05 Escalation and the War's Beginning

    11:51 Edward's Leadership Failures

    16:50 War's End and Lasting Impact
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    14 mins
  • The President Who Watched the Union Collapse

    The President Who Watched the Union Collapse
    Jan 17 2026

    From Dred Scott to Fort Sumter, James Buchanan watched America tear itself apart—and insisted the presidency had no authority to intervene. This narrative-driven episode reveals how inaction at the top can shape history just as powerfully as bold decisions.
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    10 mins
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