The Medieval Podcast

Bad Chaucer with Tison Pugh Oct 31, 2024

When it comes to classics of literature, it can feel like there’s a lot of pressure to nod along with the crowd and say that some authors are just brilliant, full stop. But sometimes even great literature isn’t so great. This week, Danièle speaks with Tison Pugh about the good, the bad, and the downright ugly in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.
You can support this podcast on Patreon. Go to www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Riga with Kevin O'Connor Oct 24, 2024

Across the world, there’s no shortage of contested sites where local identities, national identities, and international politics clash, often with high stakes for the people who live there. One of these places is the storied capital of Latvia: Riga. This week, Danièle speaks with Kevin O’Connor about medieval Riga, its tumultuous place as a trading post between West and East – as well as war between bishops and crusaders – and how its medieval history plays out in today’s politics.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/medievalists

The Green Ages with Annette Kehnel Oct 17, 2024

New and high-tech solutions for a sustainable future are being proposed on the daily, but what if some of the best ideas actually reside in the past? This week, Danièle speaks with Annette Kehnel about the way medieval communities shared, recycled, and even upcycled.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Henry V with Dan Jones Oct 10, 2024

Last week, we looked at the story of Richard II and Henry IV, and the way these two cousins wielded the power of the English crown. This week, we round out the cycle that makes up the Hollow Crown by looking at Henry V, a man who many - including this week's guest, Dan Jones - have called England’s greatest warrior king.
Check out online courses in medieval studies at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/

The Eagle and the Hart with Helen Castor Oct 03, 2024

Richard II came to the throne as a young child, only to lose it to his cousin Henry IV in 1399. But why did Henry take such drastic action? And what became of the teenage boy who stood up to a crowd of angry peasants and held his own? This week, Danièle speaks with Helen Castor about these rival cousins, the events that shaped them, and how an anointed king could lose his hollow crown.
You can listen to this episode ad-free at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Charlemagne with Cullen Chandler Sep 26, 2024

What’s so great about Charlemagne? We’re about to find out. This week, Danièle speaks with Cullen Chandler about the reign of Charlemagne, how he ruled such a massive empire, and how he still took the time to care about font.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

September Book Roundup Sep 19, 2024

What's new and beautiful and hitting the medieval history section of the bookshop? This week, Danièle shares six new books spanning art, gunpowder, translation, and medicine in the Middle Ages.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Falconry with Yannis Hadjinicolaou Sep 12, 2024

In the Middle Ages, falconry was one of the most popular pastimes across the known world. More than just a pleasant diversion in the countryside, it was a way to show status, education, sophistication, and leadership. This week, Danièle speaks with Yannis Hadjinicolaou about why falconry was so widely beloved, and such a popular metaphor for both love and power.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Forging a Kingdom in the 11th century with Simon Doubleday Sep 05, 2024

In the eleventh-century, Iberia was in the process of evolving networks of tiny villages into the powerful kingdoms we recognize from the end of the medieval period – sometimes by any means necessary. This week, Danièle speaks with Simon Doubleday about the ways in which Queen Sancha and King Fernando I shaped northern Spain and Portugal.
Danièle's online course - Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century - begins on September 6th. Sign up at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

Feminist Medievalisms with Usha Vishnuvajjala Aug 29, 2024

When someone evokes the medieval – in conversation or in media – they’re looking for you to feel something. So, the question becomes what are they trying to get you to feel? And how are they accomplishing it? This week, Danièle speaks with Usha Vishnuvajjala about some of the surprising places the medieval world pops up in the modern world, and how it’s perfectly okay to love medieval fiction.
Sign up for Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

Travel Through Medieval Eyes with Anthony Bale Aug 22, 2024

As we wrap up another summer vacation season, it's a good time to take a look at the way medieval people travelled for business, pleasure, and their immortal souls. This week, Danièle speaks with Anthony Bale about the ins and outs of medieval travel, and some of the wild stories of journeys gone wrong.
Danièle's online course, Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century, starts Friday, September 6th. Sign up at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

Hunting Fake History with Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse Aug 08, 2024

Ever come across a really amazing historical fact on the internet or in school, and tell it to all your friends, only to find out that it actually isn’t true? This week, Danièle speaks with Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse (aka the Fake History Hunter) about things that never happened, what it’s like to hunt fake history, and what really grinds her gears.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Beards and Baldness with Joseph McAlhany Aug 01, 2024

If we need proof of how wonderful both baldness and beards are, we need only to cast our eyes back to the Middle Ages, where people were writing rhetorical arguments, alliterative poetry, and even learned sermons on the virtues of masculine hair. This week, Danièle speaks with Joseph McAlhany about these hilarious medieval texts, why people wrote them, and how seriously we're supposed to take them.
Learn more about Danièle's online course at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

Crusader Criminals with Steve Tibble Jul 18, 2024

People have lots of different words they use to describe crusaders, but for those living in the Holy Land during the crusades, "criminals" might just be the first word that came to mind. This week, Daniele speaks with Steve Tibble about why there was so much crime committed by men who were supposed to be holy warriors, and what people did about it.
You can enroll in online medieval studies courses, including one by Daniele, at Thinkific - go to https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/

Celebrating Episode 250: A Pot Pourri of Medieval Trivia Jul 11, 2024

In honour of the 250th episode of The Medieval Podcast, Danièle shares some fun and favourite trivia about the Middle Ages collected over five years of podcasting.
You can sign up for Danièle's course, Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

Divining the Future with Jo Edge Jul 04, 2024

Not knowing the future is an intensely uncomfortable experience, which is why humans invented a clever system to predict the future through numbers, called onomancy. This week, Danièle speaks with Jo Edge about how onomancy works, who used it, and how it fit in with medieval theology.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Cleaning Up Renaissance Italy with Jane Stevens Crawshaw Jun 27, 2024

Medieval citizens took steps to actively avoid living in filth. But how did they accomplish it? What were some of the ground rules? And how did this change when your city was also surrounded by water? This week, Danièle speaks with Jane Stevens Crawshaw about environmental policies in fourteenth and fifteenth-century Genoa and Venice.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Bede and the Theory of Everything with Michelle Brown Jun 20, 2024

Medieval writers were enthusiastic about sharing everything they knew about the world and how they made sense of it. One writer who was both a superstar in his day and hugely influential in our understanding of the past is the Venerable Bede. This week, Danièle speaks with Michelle Brown about Bede’s life, his contribution to a medieval understanding of everything, and how he shaped the way we think about the early Middle Ages.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

A Year in Early Medieval England with Eleanor Parker Jun 13, 2024

How did the people of the past think about the calendar year? And what were some of the events they looked forward to? This week, Danièle speaks with Eleanor Parker about some of the big feasts and festivals of early medieval England, how they were celebrated, and the exact date the universe was created.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Capetians with Justine Firnhaber-Baker Jun 06, 2024

As far as ruling houses go, France's Capetian dynasty easily gives the Plantagenets a run for their money in power, prestige, and scandal. This week, Danièle speaks with Justine Firnhaber-Baker about the fierce and fascinating Capetian dynasty, how they made medieval France, and how they changed the world.
You can support The Medieval Podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Corruption and Protection with Jonathan Lyon May 30, 2024

Sometimes the very people we trust to help us keep law and order are wolves in sheep’s clothing. This week, Danièle speaks with Jonathan Lyon about a powerful medieval position which could easily lend itself to violence and corruption: church advocate.
To learn more about Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the 14th Century, go to https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

Rewriting the First Crusade with Thomas Smith May 23, 2024

Medieval historians are faced with the daunting task of having to piece together around a thousand years of history without all that many written sources to speak of. But what happens if it turns out that some of the most important sources we’ve been using have been - let’s say - touched up a little? This week, Danièle speaks with Thomas Smith about letters from the First Crusade, which ones are either partially or completely invented, and what this discovery means to our understanding of the Crusades.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

A Catch-Up (And a Big Reveal) with Dan Jones May 16, 2024

Bestseller and broadcaster Dan Jones has been busy with a whole bunch of new projects since he was last on The Medieval Podcast. This week, Danièle catches up with Dan about his latest documentaries, novels, and hit podcast - and together they share some exciting news for medieval fans.
To listen to Danièle and Dan introduce The Iron King, go to https://listen.sonymusic-podcasts.link/i_QB7rbc

Medieval Arthurian Literature with Kathy Cawsey and Elizabeth Edwards May 02, 2024

For over a thousand years, people have been captivated by the tales of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. And each generation and culture has shaped the story of Arthur to meet their own aesthetic and political needs. This week, Danièle speaks with Kathy Cawsey and Elizabeth Edwards about the changing face of Arthur, the way his legend spread across the medieval world, and the ways in which storytellers adopted - and adapted - his myth.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Coins with Rory Naismith Apr 25, 2024

Because they’re so familiar, coins can sometimes seem to be a part of the natural order. But in the Early Middle Ages, just about everything to do with coins was in flux, from where they were sourced, to who was using them. This week, Danièle speaks with Rory Naismith about the complex world of medieval coins.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Fish with Richard Hoffmann Apr 18, 2024

Part of both faith and fashion, fish was an important ingredient in the medieval diet. And because of this, medieval fishing was much more sophisticated than just a rod, a line, and a worm. This week, Danièle speaks with Richard Hoffmann about what people were eating, how they caught it, and how fish farming evolved over time.
You can support this Podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Art of Medieval Anatomy with Taylor McCall Apr 11, 2024

These days, most of us have a good working knowledge of what’s going on with our internal organs. But in the Middle Ages, most people – even doctors – never got to see much of the inside of a human body. So, how did people conceive of our internal world? This week, Danièle speaks with Taylor McCall about what medieval people knew about internal medicine, where they learned it, and how they illustrated it.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Mary of Egypt with Sonia Velazquez Apr 04, 2024

Medieval people spent a lot of time thinking about saints. But what they thought about saints wasn’t always what we might expect. Women saints with promiscuous backstories were fan favourites in the Middle Ages, and one of the most popular was St. Mary of Egypt. This week, Danièle speaks with Sonia Velázquez about St. Mary of Egypt, why she caught the medieval imagination, and how her beauty, age, and holiness spoke to generations of artists and the faithful.
Consider supporting this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

How to Focus Like a Monk with Jamie Kreiner Mar 28, 2024

We live in a world full of constant notifications, interruptions, and complications. If only we could get away from it all, the peace and quiet would allow us to concentrate. Or would it? This week, Danièle speaks with Jamie Kreiner about some new old strategies for concentration, courtesy of ancient and medieval monks.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Hair with Emanuele Lugli Mar 21, 2024

It may be an ordinary body part, but medieval people definitely had strong opinions about hair and what it said about you. This week, Emanuele Lugli returns to talk about hair, how it was used as a form of control, how it spilled out onto artists’ canvasses, and what this all has to do with bodily excrement.
You can support The Medieval Podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Dirty Books with Kate Rudy Mar 14, 2024

Through grime, stains, and wax droplets, the filthiest, most well-loved manuscripts tell us the story of how medieval people used - and abused - their books. This week, Danièle speaks with Kate Rudy about what we can learn from the smudges the people of the Middle Ages left behind, how modern technology helps us figure it out, and why we should all appreciate a really dirty book.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Introducing the Medieval Fox with Paul Wackers Mar 07, 2024

Foxes were everywhere in the medieval world and the medieval imagination. But where do the ideas we have about foxes come from? This week, Danièle speaks with Paul Wackers about why foxes were loved and hated in the real world, in fables, and in the Christian imagination of the Middle Ages.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Rome and the Papacy with Jessica Wärnberg Feb 29, 2024

He’s one of the most powerful figures in all of Western history, with influence not only over life and death, but over the immortal souls of billions of people over thousands of years. This week, Danièle speaks with Jessica Wärnberg about the role of the pope, his influence on Rome, and what happens when the holiest of men isn’t quite so holy.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Charms with Katherine Storm Hindley Feb 22, 2024

Like many people today, medieval people used charms, personal talismans, and amulets to help smooth their way through life. But just who used them? How did they use them? And what did the church think about such things? This week, Danièle speaks with Katherine Storm Hindley about charms in the Middle Ages.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

A Medieval Map of the World with Meredith Small Feb 15, 2024

With a team of dedicated monks and lay brothers to help him, fifteenth-century Venetian Fra Mauro attempted to create the most accurate map of the world. This week, Danièle speaks with Meredith Small about this incredible mappamundi, what it contained, and how this landed Fra Mauro on the moon.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Monsters with Charity Urbanski Feb 01, 2024

They’re the things that go bump in the night, the creatures that storm your mead hall and eat your friends, the beings that wander restlessly from their graves. This week, Danièle speaks with Charity Urbanski about monsters in the medieval world.
You can support the podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

William of Auvergne with Lesley Smith Jan 25, 2024

Some of the most important and influential figures of the Middle Ages were the big city bishops who ministered to rich and poor alike. But how did they tend to such a large and diverse flock? This week, Danièle speaks with Lesley Smith about William of Auvergne, the thirteenth-century upstart bishop of Paris who shaped a royal saint, changed the university forever, and gently guided the lives of ordinary Parisians with wit and compassion.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Carrying and Moving in the Middle Ages Jan 18, 2024

In a time and place with a serious lack of pockets and built-in shelving, how and where did people carry and store their everyday stuff? This week, Danièle takes a look at carrying, packing, and moving in the Middle Ages.
You can support the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Eleanor of Aquitaine with Karen Sullivan Jan 11, 2024

She’s one of the most well-known figures in history: married to two kings, mother to three, and a powerful duchess in her own right. This week, Danièle speaks with Karen Sullivan about the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine, her famous - and infamous - relationships, and what makes her such a fascinating subject for historians and fiction writers alike.
Karen Sullivan's book, Eleanor of Aquitaine, as It Was Said: Truth and Tales about the Medieval Queen, is published by University of Chicago Press.
You can support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Justice, Politics, and Death in Medieval Ireland with Joanna MacGugan Jan 04, 2024

Often, the stories we tell about colonization focus on the takeovers themselves, and the circumstances that led up to them. But what happens to the people when the dust settles? How do they manage the clash of two cultures and often two law codes? And how do the stories they tell about themselves and each other help them navigate society? This week, Danièle speaks with Joanna MacGugan about how the justice system worked in Ireland under medieval English rule, how communities shaped justice, and what this meant when a person was faced with capital punishment.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

2023: The Year in Review Dec 21, 2023

This week, Danièle explores the big medieval news stories of 2023 in conversation with Peter Koniezcny, editor of Medievalists.net.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Saints and Feasts of the Holiday Season Dec 14, 2023

In the Middle Ages, December meant a celebration of jolly old St. Nicholas along with a host of other sainted figures and important moments in the Christian story. This week, Danièle presents a quick guide to medieval holiday saints and feasts.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Gender, Transgender and the Middle Ages with Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt Dec 07, 2023

In the past few years, trans and genderqueer issues have come to the forefront both in society and in the way scholars are approaching medieval studies. But what do these terms mean? And how do we apply them responsibly to the past? This week, Danièle speaks with Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt about trans and genderqueer scholarship in medieval studies.
You can read the open-access book, Trans and Genderqueer Subjects in Medieval Hagiography, edited by Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt, at https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/61200
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Best Books of 2023 Nov 30, 2023

This week, Danièle continues the annual tradition of sharing some of her favourite books of the year, along with the top picks of Peter Konieczny, editor and co-founder of Medievalists.net.
Danièle's list:
Temptation Transformed: The Story of How the Forbidden Fruit Became an Apple, by Azzan Yadin-Israel
Balthazar: A Black African King in Medieval and Renaissance Art, edited by Kristen Collins and Bryan C. Keene
Vox Clamantis, translation by Robert J. Meindl and Mark T. Riley
Women in the Crusades, by Helen Nicholson
How to Focus: A Monastic Guide for an Age of Distraction, by John Cassian, translation by Jamie Kreiner
Peter's list:
The Donkey and the Boat: Reinterpreting the Mediterranean Economy, 950-1180, by Chris Wickham
The Cosmography and Geography of Africa, by Johannes Leo Africanus, translation by Anthony Ossa-Richardson and Richard Oosterhoff
The Emperor and the Elephant: Christians and Muslims in the Age of Charlemagne, by Sam Ottewill-Soulsby
Inked: Tattooed Soldiers and the Song Empire's Penal-Military Complex, by Elad Alyagon
Meteorological Disasters in Medieval Britain (AD 1000‒1500), by Peter J. Brown

English Royal Mysteries Nov 23, 2023

In honour of the new discoveries around the Princes in the Tower, Danièle delves into some other mysterious deaths and disappearances in English royal history.
You can support The Medieval Podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Deorhord with Hana Videen Nov 16, 2023

Humans have always been fascinated by the birds and beasts of planet Earth, collecting and compiling information on their habits, habitats, and where they got their names. This week, Danièle speaks with Hana Videen about her contribution to the field: a brand new Old English bestiary.
The Deorhord: An Old English Bestiary, by Hana Videen is published by Princeton University Press - https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691260006/the-deorhord
You can support Medievalists.net and check out our shop at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Well-Laden Ship: Medieval Proverbs Nov 09, 2023

This week, Danièle and Peter Konieczny share profound - and profoundly odd - medieval proverbs from one of their favourite books of the Middle Ages: The Well-Laden Ship.
The Well-Laden Ship, by Egbert of Liège, was translated by Robert Gary Babcock as part of the Dumbarton Oaks Medieval Library. You can get details about the book at https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674051270
You can now buy digital maps from Medievalists.net's Patreon Shop - visit it at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists/shop

American Vikings with Martyn Whittock Oct 26, 2023

For a thousand years – and especially the last two hundred or so – people have had a love affair with Vikings. But what do we know about the Norse voyages to the Americas? Why are Vikings so fascinating at this historical distance? And how do they fit into modern people’s ideas of identity? This week, Danièle speaks with Martyn Whittock about Vikings and their influence on American culture.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Chivalry and Courtesy with Danièle Cybulskie Oct 20, 2023

This week, guest host Peter Konieczny interviews Danièle about her new book Chivalry and Courtesy: Medieval Manners for a Modern World.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

How to Be a Five-Minute Medievalist Oct 13, 2023

This week, in celebration of her first two books becoming available on Patreon, Danièle discusses five ways to become a better medievalist, five minutes at a time.
You can now buy two of Danièle's books on our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists/shop

How Often Do You Think About the Crusades? Oct 05, 2023

In light of the TikTok trend asking, "How often do you think about the Roman Empire?" Danièle discusses how to gently correct misguided assumptions about history in the people we love.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Leading the Rebellion with Jason Kingsley Sep 28, 2023

For the better part of a millennium, people have been applying the tenets of chivalry to their personal lives in order to give themselves moral and ethical targets to tilt at. But what does it look like to apply medieval ideals to the twenty-first century? And what does it mean to walk the walk of knighthood in a high-tech society? This week, Danièle speaks with CEO and YouTube sensation Jason Kingsley about living a chivalrous life in the modern world.
You can buy Danièle's book, The Five-Minute Medievalist, from Medievalists.net's Patreon Channel. Click here to buy it.
You can check out Les Reverdies de Montréal at https://www.reverdiesmontreal.org/

Wonders and Rarities with Travis Zadeh Sep 21, 2023

One of the favourite activities of medieval scholars was to write massive encyclopedias, distilling every last detail of the known world into book form to share with an insatiably curious public. This week, Danièle speaks with Travis Zadeh about a thirteenth-century bestseller written by a scholar named Qazwini, who brought together natural philosophy and what we might now call supernatural philosophy to reveal the workings of the world and the universe.
You can support The Medieval Podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Trees and Religion in Early Medieval England with Michael Bintley Sep 14, 2023

We know that trees were a fundamental part of early medieval society, technology, and culture, but how did pagan communities preserve and adapt their thinking about trees in the face of increasing Christian missionary activity? This week, Danièle speaks with Michael D.J. Bintley about the evolving role of trees in early medieval England.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Gallows with Kenneth Duggan Aug 31, 2023

This week, Danièle speaks with Kenneth Duggan about capital crime in medieval England, how the community was involved in the justice system, and some of the unexpected events that might happen at a gallows.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Templars in Britain with Steve Tibble Aug 24, 2023

Myths and conspiracies aside, the real medieval Templars were indeed a formidable fighting force, as well as being financially savvy diplomats at many of the major courts of the time. This week, Danièle speaks with Steve Tibble about the Templars' role in Britain and Ireland, their activities on and off the battlefield, and some of the major political events they were involved with.
Support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Advice from a Mother to a Son Aug 17, 2023

This week, Danièle catches us up on what's been happening lately, and reads some advice written by Dhuoda, a Carolingian woman, for her teenaged son.
You can learn more about the Patreon for Medievalists.net and The Medieval Podcast at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Toys Aug 03, 2023

In honour of the new Barbie movie, Danièle talks about the games medieval children played, and the toys they played with.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Adventures in England Jul 27, 2023

This week, Danièle catches up with Peter Konieczny to discuss the new research they came across at the International Medieval Congress at Leeds, as well as some of the amazing historical sites they each visited this summer.

Medieval Storytime: A Spicy Snack Jul 20, 2023

This week, Danièle takes a quick moment out of summer vacation to bring you a (mildly) spicy story from medieval Italy about a jealous husband and his quick-witted wife.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Medieval Podcast Live! with Eleanor Janega Jul 06, 2023

This week, Danièle travels to the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds for a chat about life, history, and everything in between with podcast favourite Eleanor Janega in front of a live studio audience.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

How the Forbidden Fruit Became an Apple with Azzan Yadin-Israel Jun 22, 2023

Everyone knows that the fruit Eve was tempted to eat in the Garden of Eden was an apple - or was it? This week, Danièle speaks with Azzan Yadin-Israel about the original fruit of original sin, how written culture and art worked together to transform it, and why it took centuries to settle on the apple.
You can help support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

John Gower with Eve Salisbury and Georgiana Donavin Jun 15, 2023

Everyone’s heard of Geoffrey Chaucer, but he wasn’t the only poet writing powerful and political verse in fourteenth-century London. This week, Danièle speaks with Eve Salisbury and Georgiana Donavin about John Gower, his poetry, and why we should all get to know him.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Thor with Declan Taggart Jun 08, 2023

He’s a comic book hero. He’s a movie star. He’s Earth’s mightiest Avenger, and a day of the week. He’s the god of thunder… or is he? This week, Danièle speaks with Declan Taggart about Thor.
To listen to ExtraMedieval, please sign up on Medievalists.net's Patreon or through Danièle's website.

Episode 200: A Celebration Jun 02, 2023

This week, Danièle celebrates 200 episodes of The Medieval Podcast. Find out whose episodes listeners voted the most surprising, most entertaining, and most uplifting, as well as who had the best voice and best chemistry with Danièle. Which episode will reign supreme?
Want to get ExtraMedieval? Sign up on the Medievalists.net Patreon at the $3.99 US tier. Visit the Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Gunpowder, Cannons, and Military History with Cliff Rogers May 25, 2023

During the Late Middle Ages, warfare began to change with the rise of gunpowder weapons. But is every medieval gunpowder recipe actually effective? This week, Danièle speaks with Clifford J. Rogers about his gunpowder experiments at West Point Military Academy, how small variations might affect each recipe, and why a modern military academy needs a medievalist.
It would be great to have you vote and let Danièle know which were your favourite episodes: https://www.danielecybulskie.com/the-medieval-podcast

The International Congress on Medieval Studies 2023 edition May 18, 2023

This week, Danièle speaks with Peter Konieczny from Medievalists.net about the new research they learned about at the International Congress on Medieval Studies in Kalamazoo.
Danièle's course, Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century, begins on May 19th - sign up at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

Introducing Chrétien de Troyes May 11, 2023

This week, Danièle introduces Chrétien de Troyes, a thirteenth-century master of Arthurian literature and one of the most influential writers of all time.
Sign up for Danièle's course at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

A Who's Who of English Kings May 04, 2023

In anticipation of the coronation of King Charles III, this week, Danièle goes through all of the medieval English kings in sequence from 1066 to 1509, highlighting some of their best and worst moments.
Sign up for Danièle's course, Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century, at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change

Shakespeare and the Middle Ages Apr 27, 2023

This week, Danièle discusses the medieval stories that informed some of the world's most famous plays, as well as the influence William Shakespeare has had on our collective memory of the Middle Ages.
Danièle's class on 'Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century' begins May 19th - please visit https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/calamity-and-change to sign up.

Saint Colette with Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski Apr 13, 2023

Not every saint gets a contemporary biography, let alone two, but fifteenth-century French saint Colette is among them. This week, Danièle speaks with Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski about Saint Colette, her two very different biographies, and her remarkable life as a reformer on the road.
You can sign up for ExtraMedieal with Danièle Cybulskie at https://www.danielecybulskie.com/extramedieval

Balthazar with Bryan Keene Apr 06, 2023

During the Middle Ages, one figure began to consistently symbolize the renowned wealth and wisdom of African kingdoms in European art: Balthazar. This week, Danièle speaks with Bryan Keene about this wise king, his evolution in medieval art, and his continuing impact in modern culture.
You can support this Podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Storytime: Dogs Mar 30, 2023

They've been our helpers, protectors, and best friends for thousands of years, but what did people in the Middle Ages think about our canine companions? This week, Danièle shares some medieval writers' thoughts about dogs.
You can support this podcast and sign up for ExtraMedieval on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Women's Letters Mar 23, 2023

This week, Danièle shares letters written by some of the most iconic women of the Middle Ages, including Empress Matilda, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Christine de Pizan.
To subscribe and listen to ExtraMedieval, please visit https://www.danielecybulskie.com/extramedieval

The Once and Future Sex with Eleanor Janega Mar 16, 2023

This week, Danièle speaks with Eleanor Janega about medieval womanhood, the ideal feminine body in the Middle Ages, and how past perceptions of women’s roles are still affecting society today.
You can learn more about the conference Easter in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages at https://www.afterconstantine.com/post/easter-in-late-antiquity-and-the-middle-ages-conference-program

An ExtraMedieval Crossover Mar 09, 2023

This week, Danièle previews her new podcast ExtraMedieval in a crossover episode covering The Feast of the Swan, medieval guide dogs, and how modern research on animals can help us think more deeply about the Middle Ages.
You can sign up to get ExtraMedieval on the Medievalists.net Patreon at the $3.99 tier - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Women in the Crusades with Helen Nicholson Feb 23, 2023

From supplying food and medical treatment, to lending emotional and financial support, to occasionally engaging in combat, women were to be found in and around every major conflict of the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Helen J. Nicholson about the role of women in the most famous clashes of the medieval period: the crusades.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Decline of Serfdom with Mark Bailey Feb 16, 2023

We know that many people were unfree serfs in the Middle Ages, but what does serfdom actually mean? This week, Danièle speaks with Mark Bailey about medieval serfs, their place in society, and the true catalyst for the decline and fall of serfdom in England.

Women's Work in Catalonia with Sarah Ifft Decker Feb 09, 2023

We know that women in the Middle Ages worked and contributed in vital ways to their families and communities, but where do we find the evidence? And what can it tell us? This week, Danièle speaks with Sarah Ifft Decker about women’s work in medieval Catalonia, how we can trace it, and how it differed from city to city and faith to faith.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Medieval Swan with Natalie Goodison Feb 02, 2023

In the Middle Ages, swans could be found everywhere from ponds, lakes, and moats, to shields, tombs, and stories. This week, Danièle speaks with Natalie Goodison about how these beautiful birds have made a lasting impact on Western culture in wide-ranging and unexpected ways.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

A Beginner's Guide to Medieval Saints Jan 26, 2023

This week, Danièle (with the help of her new puppy) introduces some of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages, along with their iconography, so you can spot them in medieval art.
You can also support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Wife of Bath with Marion Turner Jan 19, 2023

Unfiltered, opinionated, and joyful, the Wife of Bath stands out from Chaucer's Canterbury crowd, interjecting, interrupting, and endearing herself to readers for over six centuries. This week, Danièle speaks with Marion Turner about the literary life and legacy of this unforgettable character.
The creator and host of The Medieval Podcast is Danièle Cybulskie. Click here to visit her website at www.danielecybulskie.com or follow her on Twitter @5MinMedievalist
You can also help support the podcast and Medievalists.net through our Patreon – go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

New Year's Resolutions from the Middle Ages Jan 12, 2023

On January 1, 1404, a Florentine named Gregorio Dati wrote down his good intentions in his "secret ledger" to keep himself accountable. This week, Danièle revisits Dati's New Year's resolutions and the life of this colourful medieval silk merchant.
You can also help support the podcast and Medievalists.net through our Patreon – go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

Best Medieval Books of 2022 Dec 22, 2022

This week, Peter Konieczny from Medievalists.net joins Danièle to talk about their favourite medieval books of 2022.
Danièle has updated her website - check it out at https://www.danielecybulskie.com/
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Two Houses, Two Kingdoms with Catherine Hanley Dec 15, 2022

To see the tangled knots of medieval interpersonal and international relationships, we need look no further than two of the most powerful, long-lasting, and entwined dynasties of the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Catherine Hanley about two hundred years of rule by the houses of Plantagenet and Capet.

Islamic Gardens in the Middle Ages with D. Fairchild Ruggles Dec 08, 2022

The Middle Ages was a time in which people were closely tied to plants and their environment, deeply aware of their potential as a source of food, healing and beauty. Islamic gardens were especially known for their creativity and innovation. This week, Danièle speaks with D. Fairchild Ruggles about their cultural significance and the ingenious ways they were cultivated.

The Scottish Wars of Independence with Iain MacInnes Dec 01, 2022

In the mid-1990s, a little movie called Braveheart introduced a whole new generation to Scotland's fight for freedom in the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Iain MacInnes about Scotland's Wars of Independence, why a sovereign kingdom had to fight for independence in the first place, and why the story doesn't end with the Battle of Bannockburn.

A Gift Guide for Medievalists Nov 24, 2022

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for gifts for the history lovers in our lives, or worthy historical causes to donate to. This week, Danièle shares some ideas for the medieval history enthusiasts on your list, no matter what your budget.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Queen and the Mistress with Gemma Hollman Nov 17, 2022

It’s not that easy being queen, especially when one of your ladies-in-waiting catches the eye of your husband. This week, Danièle speaks with Gemma Hollman about Philippa of Hainault and Alice Perrers, the wife and the mistress of Edward III.
To become a patron, please visit patreon.com/medievalists.

Cathedrals with Howard Bloch Nov 10, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with R. Howard Bloch about medieval cathedrals, those magnificent “total works of art” where people have gathered, worshipped, and offered their talents and prayers since the Middle Ages.
Check out Danièle's website at http://www.danielecybulskie.com/
You can support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists and Danièle directly at https://ko-fi.com/5MinMedievalist

The Mongol Storm with Nicholas Morton Oct 27, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with Nicholas Morton about the one hundred year rise of the Mongol Empire in the Near East, why they were so effective, and why they pursued global domination.
You can sign up for online courses from Medievalists.net at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/
You can support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Storytime, Knightly Edition Oct 20, 2022

This week, Danièle reads stories from the biographies of two of the Middle Ages' greatest knights, William Marshal and Boucicaut, as well as revisiting the famous Combat of the Thirty.
You can help support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
You can get Danièle's digital downloads at http://www.danielecybulskie.com/shop

History in Three Dimensions - TEDx Revisited Sep 29, 2022

This week, Danièle revisits her TEDx talk, History in Three Dimensions, five years later to reflect on what's changed in the field, to give you some of the footnotes, and to explore what couldn't be squeezed into eighteen nerve-wracking minutes.
You can find out about Medievalists.net at https://linktr.ee/medievalists.net

Royal Funerals - Medieval and Modern Sep 22, 2022

This week, Danièle reflects on the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, how it relates back to medieval royal funerals, and what traditional elements may be left behind in the future.
You can join the online course Medieval Gender and Sexuality at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/medieval-gender-sexuality

Embodying the Soul with Meg Leja Sep 15, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with Meg Leja about the relationship between bodies and souls in medical thought in the early Middle Ages, why people were meant to care deeply for both, and where medieval people believed the soul to be located in the body.
You can support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Danièle's Tale Sep 08, 2022

It's September: a time for fresh starts, as well as a time when every career and educational decision may seem large and looming. This week, Danièle shares the story of how her many false starts, successes, and failures led to her career as an indie medievalist.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting it on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Your Medieval Questions Answered Sep 01, 2022

This week, Danièle answers your burning medieval questions from social media and Patreon, covering everything from diapers, to sleep, to the mysterious Green Man.
To learn more about the online courses from Medievalists.net, please visit https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/

The Deeds of Philip Augustus with Cecilia Gaposchkin and Sean Field Aug 25, 2022

As a teenage king, a crusader, and a bigamist, Philip Augustus' life story is filled with enough saintliness and scandal to satisfy the appetites of any medieval chronicler. This week, Danièle speaks with Cecilia Gaposchkin and Sean Field about the life of Philip II Augustus, as recorded by a contemporary monk.
Check out the online course The Viking Age at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/
Get Danièle's digital downloads at http://www.danielecybulskie.com/shop

Manuscript Fragments with Lisa Fagin Davis Aug 18, 2022

Manuscript fragments, the lone survivors of medieval books which have been dismembered or destroyed, can be found in collections all over the world, and it takes some serious detective work to bring them back together. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Lisa Fagin Davis about how fragments are tracked down and reassembled, and what we can learn from these forgotten treasures of the Middle Ages.
You can sign up for The Viking Age online course at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/viking-age
To get your copy of Danièle's new digital download - 300+ Dirty, Sexy Words for Historical Writers - please visit http://www.danielecybulskie.com/shop/300-dirty-sexy-words-for-historical-writers

Going to Church in Medieval England with Nicholas Orme Aug 04, 2022

During the Middle Ages, the church was at the very heart of European society, but how did ordinary people interact with it in their daily lives? This week, Danièle speaks with Nicholas Orme about the churchgoing experience of everyday medieval people, how it changed over time, and what it was like to attend a medieval mass.
To get your copy of Danièle's new digital download - 300+ Dirty, Sexy Words for Historical Writers - please visit http://www.danielecybulskie.com/shop/300-dirty-sexy-words-for-historical-writers

Medieval Well Poisoning Accusations with Tzafrir Barzilay Jul 28, 2022

Medieval antisemitism flared up most famously and tragically during the Black Death when Jews were accused of deliberately poisoning wells, and thousands were executed for this wholly imagined crime. This week, Danièle speaks with Tzafrir Barzliay about what made well poisoning conspiracy theories so powerful, and how they started.

The Black Middle Ages with Matthew Vernon Jul 21, 2022

Ever since the medieval period ended, people have been looking to the Middle Ages to find inspiration and a sense of cultural roots. This week, Danièle speaks with Matthew Vernon about the commonalities and kinship felt by African-American writers as they look back to the medieval past.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Horses with Anastasija Ropa and Timothy Dawson Jul 13, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with Anastasija Ropa and Timothy Dawson about one of the most important figures of the Middle Ages: the horse. From a knight's trusty steed to the lowliest packhorse, these creatures were an integral part of medieval life and legend.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

Biocodicology and Birth Girdles with Sarah Fiddyment Jul 06, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Sarah Fiddyment about a mind-blowingly simple way of collecting biological information from parchment, what it can tell us, and what it reveals about how a late medieval birth girdle was used.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Persian Poetry with Shahzad Bashir Jun 29, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with Shahzad Bashir about the absolutely massive tradition of medieval Persian poetry, what it has in common with modern hip-hop, and its impact on Persian culture from the Middle Ages to today.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Oceania 800-1800 with James Flexner Jun 23, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with James Flexner about how, why, and just how far Oceanic peoples explored in the Middle Ages, as well as the ways in which we can learn about the rich history of this region.
Thank-you to all of Medievalists.net’s patrons on Patreon.com for your support each month. You can also join by going to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Hidden Hands Behind Medieval Manuscripts with Mary Wellesley Jun 16, 2022

Survivors of time, neglect, and sometimes disasters, medieval manuscripts are the work of countless authors, scribes, artists, and craftspeople, many of whom remain anonymous. This week, Mary Wellesley shares the stories behind some of the most famous manuscripts of the Middle Ages and the hidden hands behind them.
Thank-you to all of Medievalists.net’s patrons on Patreon.com for your support each month. To get in on all the action, please visit patreon.com/medievalists

Deception in Medieval Warfare with James Titterton Jun 09, 2022

In the Middle Ages, warfare meant tactics, strategy, and a hefty dose of cunning. This week, Danièle speaks with James Titterton about the place of deception in medieval warfare and the morality of tricking your enemies.

The Wordhord with Hana Videen Jun 02, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with Hana Videen, an author who introduces Old English to new audiences through the lens of everyday life. Find out what makes Old English different, what makes it beautiful, and which words really deserve a comeback.

Medieval Beauty Tips May 26, 2022

Just like us, medieval people wanted to step out looking (and smelling) their best. This week, Danièle shares some hygiene and beauty advice from the Middle Ages.

Field Report: Kalamazoom 2022 May 19, 2022

This week, Danièle and Peter Konieczny report back on the 57th International Congress on Medieval Studies, affectionately known this year as "Kalamazoom". Here are some favourite papers, some of the exciting new research going on in medieval studies and how the field is changing for the better.

Body Language and the Modern Medieval Courtroom May 12, 2022

This week, Danièle reflects on medieval court cases, body language, and the ways in which both have shaped today's modern trials - including the celebrity ones.

Household Goods in Medieval London with Katherine French May 05, 2022

Material goods are a rich and fascinating source for finding out more about the ordinary lives of the people of the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Katherine French about what Londoners’ homes were like both before and after the Black Death, what they filled them with, and how we know.
Sign up for Danièle Cybulskie's Medieval Masterclass at https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/

The Northman Apr 28, 2022

This week, Danièle and Peter Konieczny give their takes on Hollywood's latest foray into medieval movie-making: The Northman.
Sign up for Danièle's Medieval Masterclass at https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/

Episode 150! Your Top Ten Favourites Apr 21, 2022

This week, Danièle celebrates 150 episodes of The Medieval Podcast by looking back at the top ten episodes, as chosen by you.
Join Danièle's Masterclass at https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/

The Permeable Self with Barbara Newman Apr 07, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with Barbara Newman about the self in the Middle Ages, how others could shape and transform a person inside and out, and how a medieval person's idea of self reflected their relationship to other people and the world around them, both physical and spiritual.
(TW: infant death)

New Book Recommendations Mar 31, 2022

This week, Danièle recommends some newly-released books on the Middle Ages, covering essay collections, a standout new sourcebook, some primary sources, and a biography of one of her favourite medieval writers.

Medieval Storytime: Animals Mar 24, 2022

For this week's medieval storytime, Danièle reads a collection of descriptions, fables, and poems all featuring animals. From venomous toads to proud peacocks and malicious whales, the Middle Ages shares its moral worldview through the animal kingdom.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Distaff Gospels Mar 10, 2022

This week, Danièle speaks with Peter Konieczny about one of her favourite medieval books: The Distaff Gospels. Full to the brim with wit and wild advice for timeless problems, this is a book that reminds us of the full picture of life in the Middle Ages.
You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Strange Case of Ermine de Reims Mar 03, 2022

In the Middle Ages, demons were a well-known threat to even the most devout Christians. This week, Danièle speaks with Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski about the strange case of Ermine de Reims, a late medieval woman plagued by demonic visitations.
You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Fun Facts About Monks Feb 24, 2022

This week, Danièle dishes on some of the ways medieval monks could be silly, petty, clever and compassionate. Here are some of the fun facts that made it - and didn't make it - into her new book, How to Live Like a Monk.

Sanitation in Medieval Paris with Emily Hutchison Feb 17, 2022

Just how dirty was medieval Paris? And what did people do with their waste? This week, Danièle speaks with Emily Hutchison about sanitation in the Middle Ages.
You can visit Emily's story map at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7abaf1f956d541cd8834a292efd6edb5
You can find Danièle's Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzW-ZEw6ByC25m3nD6vko1Q
And you can support the podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Storyland with Amy Jeffs Feb 10, 2022

There’s one thing that seems common to humankind across time and space: we love a good origin story. This week, Danièle speaks with Amy Jeffs about some of the medieval origin myths and legends surrounding the British Isles and its peoples, and how she's retold them for a modern audience.

The Medieval Ass with Kathryn Smithies Feb 03, 2022

Although you'd find them in cities and on farms, serving in wars and taking part in religious services, we're not talking about people (or bottoms). This week, Danièle speaks with Kathryn L. Smithies about one of the medieval world's most hardworking creatures and symbols: the donkey.

The Jacquerie Revolt with Justine Firnhaber-Baker Jan 27, 2022

A decade after The Black Death, French peasants rose up suddenly against the nobility in an unprecedented and remarkably coordinated revolt. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Justine Firnhäber-Baker about the rebellion that shocked the elites of Europe: the Jacquerie. You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Paper in the Middle Ages with Orietta Da Rold Jan 20, 2022

Although it tends to be thought of as a time when people rejected technology, there were many new inventions met with enthusiasm in the Middle Ages, including one we might not be able to imagine living without: paper. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Orietta Da Rold about the many uses of medieval paper. You can support The Medieval Podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Going Medieval in Dungeons & Dragons Jan 13, 2022

This week, Danièle starts the new year with a fun episode exploring how real history can be used to add challenges to your Dungeons & Dragons games. (If you’re not into D&D, don’t worry - there’s lots of quirky information for history lovers of all stripes!) You can support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

2021: The Medieval Year in Review Dec 23, 2021

As the new year approaches, it’s time to take a look back at the best parts of 2021: the medieval stuff. This week, Peter Konieczny returns for the third annual Medieval Podcast Year in Review, covering everything from new discoveries to movies to video games to our own adventures in 2021. You can support the podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists You can get a 20% discount on How to Live Like a Monk by using the code BENEDICT at checkout when visiting www.abbeville.com.

The Best Medieval Books of 2021 Dec 16, 2021

One of the great things about 2021 drawing to a close is that we can take a moment to think about all of the really amazing books we’ve read over the past twelve months. This week, Danièle speaks with Peter Konieczny about ten of our favourite books of the last year. You can find these books on the Medievalists.net Amazon shop at https://www.amazon.com/shop/medievalists

The Bright Ages, with Matthew Gabriele and David M. Perry Dec 09, 2021

For medieval historians, a large part of the job tends to be working against common myths, using research to push back especially against narratives that erase people or that oversimplify complex issues. This week, Danièle speaks with Matthew Gabriele and David M. Perry, who have teamed up to write a new history of the Middle Ages in counterpoint to these old ideas: The Bright Ages. You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

John Trevisa and Medieval Information, with Emily Steiner Dec 02, 2021

Many medieval people were hugely invested in finding ways to organize and share what they knew about the world, including one influential translator from England. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Emily Steiner about John Trevisa and how his work on medieval compendia influenced history. You can get Danièle's book How to Live Like a Monk with a 20% discount - use the code BENEDICT at checkout at Abbeville Press.

Powers and Thrones with Dan Jones Nov 25, 2021

In the last decade or so, there’s been a rising tide of history books and articles that are written to meet the people where they are; public histories of the Middle Ages full of life and energy, that hook even more people and bring them into our world. This week, Danièle speaks with a writer who does it better than maybe anyone else in the world today: Dan Jones. You can get Danièle's book How to Live Like a Monk with a 20% discount - use the code use BENEDICT at checkout at Abbeville Press.

How to live like a monk, with Danièle Cybulskie Nov 18, 2021

Can medieval monastic practices, with their emphasis on a healthy soul, mind, and body, inspire us to live fuller lives today? This week, Danièle is the guest as she talks about her new book How to Live Like a Monk: Medieval Wisdom for Modern Life. You can find Danièle's new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nrUGHH

Medieval Badges with Ann Marie Rasmussen Nov 11, 2021

If you were suddenly transported back into Northern Europe in the latter part of the Middle Ages, a lot of the people you came across would be sporting something shiny on their clothes or hats. This week, Danièle speaks with Ann Marie Rasmussen about medieval badges, how they were made and used, and who was wearing them. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Tudors and Courtly Love with Sarah Gristwood Nov 04, 2021

The Tudors are a fascinating and turbulent dynasty, but how were they shaped by medieval culture? In this episode, Danièle speaks with Sarah Gristwood about the courtly love traditions that heavily influenced the Tudors. To learn more about Danièle's Medieval Masterclass, please visit http://medievalmasterclass.com/ You can support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Treason in the Middle Ages, with Amanda McVitty Oct 28, 2021

Traitors were the ones who suffered the most grisly executions in medieval Europe, but treason is in the eye of the beholder, changing over time along with culture, language, and ideas of nation. This week, Danièle speaks with Amanda McVitty about the changing face of treason in medieval England. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists Learn about Danièle's Masterclass at http://medievalmasterclass.com/

The Last Duel: A Movie Review Oct 21, 2021

The latest medieval movie has just dropped into theatres, and that means that Danièle was first in line with Peter Konieczny to bring you the goods. This week, they discuss Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel, starring Jodie Comer, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Adam Driver. You can support The Medieval Podcast on Patreon - go to www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

The Last Duel with Eric Jager Oct 07, 2021

Trial by combat has captured people’s imaginations for centuries, which is exactly why it’s the focus Hollywood’s latest medieval film: The Last Duel. This week, Danièle speaks with Eric Jager, author of the non-fiction book that inspired the film. You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - check it out at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Partytime! Sep 30, 2021

Want to party like it's 1399? This week, Peter Konieczny joins Danièle to walk back through the centuries to the medieval world of parties, from crashing a celebration in early medieval Baghdad to trying to impress your dining partner in late medieval England. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Christians and Jews in 13th-century England, with Adrienne Williams Boyarin Sep 23, 2021

One of the things that’s unfortunately true about the Middle Ages is that there was a mistrust of difference, especially when it came to religion. But what caused a lot of anxiety, mistrust, and tension wasn’t always the differences: it was the similarities. This week, Danièle speaks with Adrienne Williams Boyarin about the ways in which Christians and Jews dealt with similarity and difference in thirteenth-century England. You can support this podcast at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Wacky theories from the Middle Ages Sep 16, 2021

Tight hose caused the Black Death, licking a bear into existence, and the Ordeal of Water. In this episode, Danièle tells us about some of the stranger ideas that came up in the Middle Ages. To sign up for Danièle's masterclass, go to https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/ You can listen to the first episode of Bow and Blade at https://www.medievalists.net/2021/09/battle-hastings-bow-blade/

Alice Chaucer with Michèle Schindler Sep 09, 2021

Much ink has been spilled on Geoffrey Chaucer, but there’s another Chaucer that should be showing up on our radar, as well. This week, Danièle speaks with Michèle Schindler about the life and times of Alice Chaucer. Join up with Danièle's Masterclass at https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/

The Medieval University Sep 02, 2021

It’s back to school time. This week, Danièle tells us about life in the medieval university. What did students learn, what was expected of them, and how they really behaved. You can help support this podcast on our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Women in Medieval Armored Combat Aug 19, 2021

A new documentary follows the lives of women who fight in an extreme and full-contact sport, Medieval Armored Combat. This week, Danièle talks with filmmaker Adrian Cicerone about his new film Steel Song. You can watch the documentary on iTunes and AppleTV starting August 31st. Click here to learn more.

Medieval Storytime: Sir Orfeo Aug 12, 2021

It’s medieval storytime! This week, a story from the ancient world is translated into the Middle Ages in the tale of Sir Orfeo.

The Green Knight and Sir Gawain Aug 05, 2021

The Green Knight has just been released in the cinemas. Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about the film and how it compares to the 14th-century story Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Beginnings of England with Marc Morris Jul 29, 2021

The roots of some important English traditions and political institutions began in one of those historical pockets of huge change but scarce written material in the centuries after the Romans left and the Normans arrived, making it challenging to find answers. Enter Dr. Marc Morris. You can support this podcast through Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

What would you bring back to medieval England? Jul 15, 2021

Imagine yourself going on a one-way trip to medieval England. What items would you bring back with you? In this episode of The Medieval Podcast, Danièle prepares to go to the 14th century and has a list of modern things she would take back into the Middle Ages. You can support The Medieval Podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

St. Francis, Disability, and Illness, with Donna Trembinski Jul 01, 2021

One of the world’s most well-known and beloved medieval saints is, of course, St. Francis, a man who faced many tribulations in the form of physical illness and disability. This week, Danièle speaks with Donna Trembinski about what we can learn about the person behind the saint by studying how his physical life affected his spiritual life. You can sign up for Danièle's Medieval Masterclass at https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/

Medieval Contraception with Eleanor Janega Jun 24, 2021

One of the things medieval and modern people definitely have in common is an interest in preventing unwanted pregnancies. This week, Danièle speaks with Eleanor Janega to get all the details on medieval contraception. You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Horde with Marie Favereau Jun 17, 2021

This week, Danièle speaks with Marie Favereau about the myths and truths surrounding the Golden Horde, how nomadic people tend to be misunderstood, and how the Mongols changed the world. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

Reynard the Fox with Anne Louise Avery Jun 10, 2021

Among the most popular folk heroes of the Middle Ages is one who hails not from a traditional kingdom, but from the animal kingdom. This week, Danièle speaks with Anne Louise Avery about the charming, troubling, and evergreen trickster, Reynard the Fox. You can support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Trotula with Monica Green Jun 03, 2021

In honour of the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Trotula, Danièle speaks with editor and translator Dr. Monica Green about this astonishing collection of medieval medical and cosmetic advice for women. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Having a medieval dinner party - who should we invite? May 27, 2021

It’s a fun episode for this week’s edition of The Medieval Podcast. Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about which three people we would invite for a dinner party. If you enjoy the podcast, and would like to support it, you can do so at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Ethiopia and Europe in the Middle Ages, with Verena Krebs May 20, 2021

Among the most powerful kingdoms in the medieval period was Solomonic Ethiopia, a Christian kingdom that sought out contact with Western Europe in the Late Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Verena Krebs about contact between Solomonic Ethiopia and Western Europe, how historians have misconstrued Ethiopian interests in the past, and what we can learn when we dig into primary sources. Please visit Verena Krebs' website at https://www.verenakrebs.com/ You can support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Kzoo by Zoom: The 2021 International Congress on Medieval Studies May 18, 2021

This year's version of the International Congress on Medieval Studies was held online. This week, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to discuss their highlights from the conference. You can learn more about the congress at https://wmich.edu/medievalcongress To learn more about our Patreon, please go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Nine medieval poems May 06, 2021

An uplifting episode of fun medieval poetry! This week, Danièle reads nine of her favorites poems, which tell of a student who wants to enjoy the day, a priest and a wolf, pet peeves about courtly love, a goliard's feast, and more. If you want to support this podcast and Medievalists.net, you can do so at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists Sign up for Danièle's Medieval Masterclass at https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/

The Art of Courtly Love Apr 29, 2021

The Art of Courtly Love by Andreas Capellanus is a twelfth-century guide to the ins and outs of medieval love affairs, from how to find love to how to keep it - and why maybe it’s best to avoid it altogether. This week, Danièle speaks with Peter Konieczny about this fascinating book, and why it’s probably time to ditch some of its outdated dating advice. If you want to support this podcast and Medievalists.net, join our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Canossa, 1077: Emperor vs Pope, with Blair Apgar Apr 22, 2021

When it came to power in medieval Europe, much of it rested in the hands of kings and popes. But what happened when they decided not to share it? This week, Danièle speaks with Blair Apgar about the dramatic clash of emperor versus pope at Canossa in 1077. To learn more about our Patreon, please visit https://www.patreon.com/medievalists To learn more about Danièle's Medieval Masterclass, please visit http://medievalmasterclass.com/

John of Gaunt with Helen Carr Apr 15, 2021

Diplomat, soldier, prince, adulterer. This week, Danièle speaks with Helen Carr about one of the most colourful and powerful figures of the late Middle Ages: John of Gaunt. To learn more about our Patreon, go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Random Medieval Questions Answered Apr 08, 2021

This week, Danièle reveals the answers to some questions asked by authors taking her Medieval Masterclass for Creators, including such varied topics as breastfeeding, shaving in the army, and how long it takes to make an arrowhead. You can join Danièle’s Medieval Masterclass at www.medievalmasterclass.com You can also help support the podcast and Medievalists.net through our Patreon – go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

Medieval Warfare with Kelly DeVries and Michael Livingston Mar 25, 2021

If there’s one thing the medieval period is known for, it’s warfare. But to get the full picture, it’s important that we push past stereotypical ideas and listen to the words that medieval people left behind. This week Danièle speaks with Michael Livingston and Kelly DeVries about medieval warfare and how it was seen by the people who actually lived through it. You can find their book on our Amazon page - go to https://www.amazon.com/shop/medievalists?listId=9H1PB0M4X6A3

Travel in the Middle Ages, with John F. Romano Mar 18, 2021

A common myth about the medieval period is that no one traveled anywhere, but stayed in the place they were born until they died. This week, Danièle speaks with John F. Romano to find out what travel was really like in the Middle Ages. Check out our Amazon storefront at https://www.amazon.com/shop/medievalists

Medieval Beer with Noëlle Phillips Mar 11, 2021

Beer: it’s delicious, it’s nutritious, and it’s inseparable from ideas of the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Noëlle Phillips about medieval beer: who was making it, who was drinking it, and how the brewing industry leans on the medieval world for its marketing today. See our Amazon shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/medievalists

100 Episodes: A Celebration Mar 04, 2021

In celebration of the 100th episode of The Medieval Podcast, it’s a podcast party with all sorts of special guests from the first 100 episodes stopping in to tell us what they’ve been up to, and what they’ve learned since we last heard from them. Check out our bookshop at https://www.amazon.com/shop/medievalists

Miracle Stories Feb 25, 2021

It’s medieval storytime! This week, Danièle reads from Caesarius of Heisterbach’s Dialogue on Miracles, including the story of a sinful student, and the woman who took the baby Jesus hostage, as well as a few other fun tales from this thirteenth-century book for monastic novices. To sign up for Danièle's Medieval Masterclass, go to https://medievalmasterclass.com/

Forgeries in the Middle Ages with Levi Roach Feb 18, 2021

Over the past few years, the world has regularly been abuzz with claims of forgery and fake news. At some points in the Middle Ages, forgery was disturbingly common, often committed by the people we might least expect. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Levi Roach about medieval forgery, and how to spot it. You can help support the podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Medieval Knight with Christopher Gravett Feb 11, 2021

Knights in the Middle Ages were expert horsemen, pious defenders of the church, property managers, courteous entertainers, reciters of poetry, military leaders, and stone-cold killers. This week, Danièle speaks with Christopher Gravett on what was knighthood, how one became a knight, and knights in the modern media. You can join Danièle’s Medieval Masterclass at www.medievalmasterclass.com

Middle Ages for Educators Feb 04, 2021

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world are having to come up with new ways to teach and to learn in virtual environments, but it can be hard to find resources while still trying to run your own circus at home. This week, Danièle speaks with the creators of Middle Ages for Educators, a website that makes learning and teaching medieval history a whole lot easier.

King Richard III with Chris Skidmore Jan 28, 2021

Love him or hate him, Richard III is a king that has captured people’s imaginations ever since his death on the battlefield at Bosworth. This week, Danièle speaks with Chris Skidmore about the man he calls England’s most controversial king. If you like the podcast and Medievalists.net, you can support us on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

Medieval Science with Seb Falk Jan 21, 2021

One of the most persistent myths about the Middle Ages is that this was a time when science slept, deliberately suppressed by the medieval church. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. This week, Danièle speaks with Seb Falk about the amazing story of medieval science. You can help support this podcast and Medievalists.net through Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

The Humble Medieval Pig, with Jamie Kreiner Jan 13, 2021

One of the most influential animals of the medieval world, both in the barnyard and on the table, was also one of the most troublesome: the pig. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Jamie Kreiner about how the humble pig influenced everything from culture to theology.

Medieval clothing and clothiers with John S. Lee Jan 06, 2021

Clothing is a vital part of both our identities and our economies. So, how was cloth made and distributed in the Middle Ages? This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. John S. Lee about medieval cloth-making, and the role of the medieval clothier. To learn more about Danièle’s Medieval Masterclass for Creators go to https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/courses/medieval-masterclass-for-creators

The Feast of Fools, with Max Harris Dec 31, 2020

January 1st is the Feast of Fools, notoriously a time of drunkenness and debauchery in the medieval church. But was it really? This week, Dr. Max Harris debunks the myths behind the madness of one of history’s most misunderstood celebrations. To learn more about Danièle Cybulskie’s Medieval Masterclass for Creators, please go to https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/courses/medieval-masterclass-for-creators

The Best Books about the Middle Ages from 2020 Dec 23, 2020

Maybe unlike other years, 2020 is not one that we want to reflect on, particularly, and yet there were a few good things to come out of this year – namely books. This week, Danièle speaks with Peter Konieczny about some of the year’s best books.

Gunpowder in Medieval Europe with Dan Spencer Dec 17, 2020

How did the arrival of gunpowder in medieval Europe change warfare? This week, Danièle speaks with Dan Spencer about this technology, and the changes it brought not only on to battlefield but in other aspects of medieval society. To learn more about Danièle Cybulskie’s Medieval Masterclass for Creators, go to https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/courses/medieval-masterclass-for-creators

The White Ship Disaster, with Charles Spencer Dec 08, 2020

It can be startling sometimes to look back at history and realize that some of the most monumental shifts occurred as a result of a single moment or event. This week, Danièle speaks with Charles Spencer about the 900th anniversary of one of those pivotal moments that sent shockwaves through history: the White Ship disaster.

The Merchant of Prato Nov 20, 2020

This week, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to discuss The Merchant of Prato and the lives of Francesco and Margherita Datini. Their story from 14th century Italy comes from one of the richest document finds ever made! You can help support this podcast and Medievalists.net on our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Three Caskets Nov 12, 2020

This week, Danièle tells the medieval story of The Three Caskets from the Gesta Romanorum, a tale more familiar to theatre and literature fans all over the world as a central plot device in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. You can also help support the podcast and Medievalists.net through our Patreon – go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

The Fourth Crusade Nov 06, 2020

The Fourth Crusade is best known for being the campaign that attacked the Byzantine Empire in 1204. In this episode, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about Robert de Clari, who wrote one of the accounts of this unusual crusade. What did this French knight say about how the crusaders went from wanting to attack the Holy Land to conquering Constantinople? You can find Danièle's Medieval Masterclass for Creators at https://medievalmasterclass.thinkific.com/courses/medieval-masterclass-for-creators

Medieval Eels with John Wyatt Greenlee Nov 01, 2020

Medieval historians can sometimes study quirky things. For John Wyatt Greenlee it is researching eels in the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Surprised Eel Historian about the impact of this fish on the medieval world - who was eating them, how they were eating them, and why they were sometimes a great way to pay the rent.

Medieval Medicine: Does it work? with Joe Alcock Oct 21, 2020

There’s talk in the news from time to time about the surprising efficacy of medieval medicine. Does it actually work? This week, Danièle speaks with emergency physician and wilderness medicine expert Dr. Joe Alcock about which medieval remedies really could work in a pinch, and why.

Marriage, Adultery and Divorce in the Middle Ages with Bridget Wells-Furby Oct 15, 2020

Marriage was an important part of many medieval women’s lives, but not all marriages followed the neat path that the church had laid out for them. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Bridget Wells-Furby about fourteenth-century heiress Lucy de Thweng and what her story can tell us about medieval marriage, adultery, and even annulment.

Murders in Medieval London Oct 08, 2020

What happens when someone was murdered in the Middle Ages? This week, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to take a look at the Coroner's Rolls from 14th century London. These records offer many insights into violent deaths, detailing the who, what, where, when and sometimes why of murders that took place within the city.

Medieval Princesses, with Kelcey Wilson-Lee Sep 30, 2020

Did medieval princesses live that typical fairy-tale role? This week, Danièle talks with Kelcey Wilson-Lee, author of Daughters of Chivalry: The Forgotten Children of Edward I, to learn about how these English princesses actually lived during the Middle Ages.

Medieval Bodies with Jack Hartnell Sep 25, 2020

From manuscripts to wash basins, medieval objects can tell us a lot about how people conceived of the world. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Jack Hartnell about what objects can tell us about the Middle Ages, medicine, and especially medieval bodies.

Preventing the Misuse of the Medieval Past with Amy Kaufman and Paul Sturtevant Sep 17, 2020

There are those who abuse the medieval past in order to promote ideas of racism, white supremacism, and other toxic ideologies. To counter these views, Amy S. Kaufman and Paul B. Sturtevant have written The Devil’s Historians: How Modern Extremists Abuse the Medieval Past. They join Danièle to talk about their work and how the Middle Ages was more diverse, compelling, and complex than is often portrayed in mass media.

The Monks of Bury St Edmunds Sep 11, 2020

What was life really like within a medieval monastery? This week we take a look at the Chronicle of the Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds, by Jocelin of Brakelond, which tells the tale of an English abbey at the turn of the thirteenth century. It's a surprising story of money, power and gossip.

Books about the Middle Ages - Favourite Series Sep 03, 2020

This week, Danièle recommends her favourite series of primary sources for those people who want to read the voices of the Middle Ages in friendly editions. From Latin sources, to Middle English, to modern English translations, these recommended series bring medieval writers to modern readers.

Medieval Inventions Aug 28, 2020

Many people seem to have the misguided idea that the medieval era was a time in which science and technology were all but forgotten. For the 75th episode of the podcast, Danièle talks with Peter Konieczny about ten medieval inventions that changed the world.

Margery Kempe Aug 20, 2020

This week, Danièle explores the life of Margery Kempe: a 15th-century mystic said to be the first female autobiographer in English, and one of medieval Europe’s most colourful - and memorable - figures. Check out the other podcasts hosted by Medievalists.net Byzantium & Friends - https://www.medievalists.net/tag/byzantium-friends/ Scotichronicast - https://www.medievalists.net/tag/scotichronicast/

Medieval Monks: A Beginner's Guide Aug 13, 2020

Can you tell your Benedictines from your Franciscans and Dominicans? This week, Danièle gives a brief overview of the the backstory of some of the major monastic traditions, and how you can tell them apart.

The Murder of Charles the Good Aug 07, 2020

Looking for a medieval chronicle that is a page-turning read? The 12th century account known as The Murder of Charles the Good is an action-packed tale of assassination, revenge and war. In this episode of The Medieval Podcast, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about this riveting chronicle.

Rose versus Violet Jul 30, 2020

What’s better - a Rose or a Violet? That is the question written about by Jean Froissart in the 14th century. This debate between plants - each with their own lawyer - tells us a lot about medieval culture and how writers from this period created allegorical poems.

The Ghost Knight Jul 16, 2020

This week, it’s medieval story time, with a tale that crosses over between fabliau and courtly love: The Ghost Knight. Danièle shares the story of how a knight manages to win his lady with a little supernatural sleight-of-hand.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms Jul 10, 2020

Written in 14th century China, Romance of the Three Kingdoms can best be described as a historical novel. This week, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about this famous work of warriors, generals and rulers.

King Henry VI with Lauren Johnson Jul 01, 2020

Although people love to read and learn about The Wars of the Roses, there’s one historical figure who is rarely found in the limelight: Henry VI. This week, Danièle speaks with Lauren Johnson about the somewhat forgotten “shadow king” Henry, his life, his illness, and his quiet but important legacy. The sponsor for this week’s episode is Skillshare – you sign up for a two-month free trial by going to www.medievalists.net/skillshare You can also help support the podcast and Medievalists.net through our Patreon – go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

Byzantium with Anthony Kaldellis Jun 25, 2020

This week, Danièle speaks with the host of the Byzantium and Friends podcast, Dr. Anthony Kaldellis, about Byzantium, its place in history and in academic departments, and why it’s an area of study that is definitely worth our time.

The Year 1000 Jun 18, 2020

This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Valerie Hansen to get a global perspective on the Middle Ages at the turn of the millennium, including how cultures were connecting in the year 1000, what goods people were trading, and just how far the trade routes went. Dr. Hanson's new book is The Year 1000: When Explorers Connected the World and Globalization Began. The sponsor for this week’s episode is Skillshare – you sign up for a two-month free trial by going to www.medievalists.net/skillshare You can also help support the podcast and Medievalists.net through our Patreon – go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

Medieval Graffiti with Matthew Champion Jun 11, 2020

This week’s episode is about one of the places where art and memory, serious messages and playful doodles intersect: graffiti. Danièle interviews Matthew Champion to find out about what sort of images you can find on the walls of a medieval church, just who was tagging, and a little bit about pandemic graffiti. You can learn more about Matthew's work by visiting his website http://www.mjc-associates.co.uk/ or follow him on Twitter @mjc_associates The sponsor for this week’s episode is Skillshare – you sign up for a two-month free trial by going to www.medievalists.net/skillshare You can also help support the podcast and Medievalists.net through our Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists to learn more.

Reflections on Racism in Medieval Studies Jun 03, 2020

We know for a fact that the medieval world was diverse, we know for a fact that civilizations outside of the major European nations were interesting, but at the moment, Medieval Studies is still a very white field. So why does this matter, especially in the current moment? Because black history matters. Black scholarship matters. And black lives matter.

Jousting in the Middle Ages with Emma Levitt May 28, 2020

This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Emma Levitt about tournaments and the joust in the Middle Ages. Dr. Levitt tells us all about how to score a joust, how the tournament changed over time, and how jousting was used to mend fences during the Wars of the Roses.

Isabella of France, Queen of England May 21, 2020

This week, Danièle tells the story of one of her favourite queens, Isabella of France, who went from being a child bride to storming England and toppling an anointed king.

Five Myths about Medieval Peasants May 14, 2020

This week, Danièle takes on five common myths about medieval peasants.

Castles in the Middle Ages Apr 30, 2020

This week Danièle talks about castles: what they were like, what they were for, and where we get some of the everyday words we use to describe them.

Three funny tales from the 14th century Apr 23, 2020

This week Danièle shares three funny tales by Franco Sacchetti, written to entertain Italians during the tough times they experienced in the fourteenth century.

When were the Middle Ages? Apr 16, 2020

This week Peter Konieczny joins Danièle to talk about some dates and events that historians have used to define the beginning and the end of the Middle Ages, and the mysterious few centuries that some people actually believe didn’t exist.

Favourite Medieval Movies Apr 09, 2020

This week Peter Konieczny joins Danièle to talk about medieval movies, bringing you some classic favourites to help you escape to the medieval world.

Medieval Video Games with Alicia McKenzie Apr 01, 2020

This week, it’s game on with Dr. Alicia McKenzie. Danièle and Alicia talk about the world’s love affair with medieval-themed video games, what some of the ups and downs are, and which games Alicia recommends for medieval fans staying at home.

The Black Death and COVID-19 with Winston Black Mar 25, 2020

This week, with headlines turning once again to stories of the plague, Danièle catches up with Winston Black to talk about The Black Death and COVID-19, what’s different about them, and what we can learn today from looking back on the biggest pandemic in human history.

Anchorites: Life in Spiritual Self-Isolation Mar 18, 2020

This week, Danièle talks about anchorites, men and women who enclosed themselves for life to contemplate their religious beliefs. She also explores some of the work of Julian of Norwich, perhaps the most famous anchorite of the Middle Ages.

Medieval Drama Mar 11, 2020

This week, Danièle gets dramatic with a look at medieval drama, how it changed and evolved, and how it influenced later forms of theatre.

Beguines with Tanya Stabler Miller Mar 04, 2020

Often, people think of the women of medieval Europe as either wives or nuns: women whose lives and property were under the control of someone else. But what tends to be forgotten is that for some women there was a third option: to become a beguine. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Tanya Stabler Miller about who the beguines were, and what medieval society thought of them.

Doing Laundry in the Middle Ages Feb 26, 2020

This week, Danièle gets down and dirty on medieval laundry. Who washed the clothes in the Middle Ages? How did they do it? And why was it so dangerous?

Arthurian Literature Feb 12, 2020

This week is all about King Arthur and his Knights - Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to discuss their favourite tales from Arthurian literature and how the story has changed over time.

Yonec: A tale of courtly love Jan 30, 2020

We’re going back to the Lais of Marie de France, as Danièle tells the story of Yonec. It has all the hallmarks of a classic medieval romance: adultery, magic, spying, revenge, and women being blamed for wrecking everything.

Sanctuary with Shannon McSheffrey Jan 22, 2020

In the Middle Ages, a person could claim sanctuary to delay or avoid punishment for a serious crime. But what were the rules? This week, Danièle interviews Dr. Shannon McSheffrey to find out how and why medieval people sought sanctuary, and whether or not a convicted heretic could expect the church to save his life.

A Quest for Medieval Romance Novelists Jan 15, 2020

This week, Danièle reaches out to romance writers, giving both information and resources for those who want to write their very own medieval novels.

Queens of Infamy with Anne Thériault Jan 08, 2020

In this first episode of 2020, Danièle connects with Anne Thériault, author of Longreads’ Queens of Infamy series, to talk about some of her favourite queens, saints, and foxes, and what it’s like to write infamous history on the internet in 2020.

Year in Review Dec 29, 2019

For the final episode of 2019, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about the some of the top medieval-related news stories and their personal highlights from the last year.

Favourite Medieval Books from 2019 Dec 19, 2019

This week, Danièle is joined by Peter Konieczny to talk about their favourite books on the Middle Ages that were published in 2019. It take us from Viking Greenland to manuscripts to the Crusades, with books for all types of readers.

Christine de Pizan Dec 04, 2019

She’s said to be the first professional female author, a champion of women, and the builder of The City of Ladies. She was also one of the most popular writers of the fifteenth century, despite virtually disappearing until the twentieth. This week, Danièle explores the life and writings of one of the most outspoken women of the Middle Ages: Christine de Pizan.

Lanval: a tale of a Knight of the Round Table Nov 27, 2019

This week, Danièle invites you to get cozy and listen to the story of Lanval, a knight of the Round Table who is loved by a mysterious lady of the Otherworld - for better and for worse. The story is one of the lais of another mysterious woman: 12th-century author Marie de France.

Medieval Medicine with Winston E. Black Nov 20, 2019

What happened when someone got sick in the Middle Ages? Medieval medicine and healthcare might be two of the most misunderstood aspects of the whole era. This week Danièle speaks with Winston E. Black about some of the myths we have about medicine in the Middle Ages.

Questions and Answers about the Middle Ages Nov 13, 2019

This week, Danièle answers questions sent to The Medieval Podcast by our listeners, including how did people get rid of human waste in the Middle Ages? How were medieval cities planned? What was it like to be a seamstress? And who is Danièle’s favourite knight?

Crusaders with Dan Jones Nov 05, 2019

Who were the men and women who took up the cross and journeyed to Holy Lands? Danièle speaks with Dan Jones about his latest book on crusaders and on why it’s important for historians to talk about the crusades today.

Medieval witches with Gemma Hollman Oct 31, 2019

It’s the spookiest season, which means it’s the perfect time to investigate medieval witches. This week, Danièle speaks with Gemma Hollman, author of Royal Witches, about some of the fifteenth century’s most high profile accusations of witchcraft.

Talking History with Natalie Zemon Davis Oct 23, 2019

When it comes to stories of reinvention and forging new paths, there’s one historian whose body of work stands out. This week, Danièle sat down with Dr. Natalie Zemon Davis over a cup of tea and talked about some of her favourite trailblazers, how she sees Medieval Studies today, and how historians can use their work to bring people together across cultures

Chatting with Medievalists.net Oct 09, 2019

This week, Sandra Alvarez, cofounder of Medievalists.net was back in Toronto, so Danièle sat down with Sandra and Peter Konieczny to talk about how the website got started, and how the field has changed in the decade since.

Measuring in the Middle Ages with Emanuele Lugli Oct 02, 2019

It often seems it’s the things that we take for granted that have the biggest impact. One of these things is the way we measure. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Emanuele Lugli about the way people used measurement for business, for justice, and for devotion.

Medieval Africa at the Aga Khan Museum Sep 25, 2019

The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada has unveiled a new exhibition: Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: Art, Culture, and Exchange Across Medieval Saharan Africa. Danièle took in the exhibition and spoke with Michael Chagnon, the Curator of the museum. They talk about medieval Africa, its connections with the wider world, and what you can see at the Aga Khan Museum.

Publishing about the Middle Ages with Richard Barber Sep 18, 2019

This week, Danièle speaks with Boydell and Brewer’s Richard Barber about how the field has changed over the last fifty years, current trends in medieval publishing, and what Richard’s best tips are for up-and-coming authors.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail Sep 11, 2019

It may be the most famous medieval movie of all time. This week, Danièle talks with Peter Konieczny about Monty Python and the Holy Grail, its legacy, and some of their favourite moments.

Education in the Middle Ages Sep 04, 2019

It’s the most wonderful time of the year - time to go back to school! This week, Danièle takes a quick look at medieval education.

The Beowulf Manuscript Aug 28, 2019

Beowulf may be one of the world’s most famous poems, but there’s a lot more to its manuscript than this poem alone. This week, Danièle looks into the other content of the Beowulf manuscript, its history, and what makes it both unique and special.

Why Is English So Weird? Aug 07, 2019

The English language is notoriously difficult to learn and to spell. In this episode, Danièle talks about the medieval roots of English and how it got to be so weird.

Where to get your medieval fix - travel recommendations for medievalists Jul 31, 2019

It's vacation time and people are looking for places to visit. Danièle is joined by Peter to offer their picks for travel destinations to experience the Middle Ages. We have places in Denmark, England, France, Iceland, Poland and Scotland to tell you about.

Merging history and the fantastic with Guy Gavriel Kay Jul 24, 2019

International bestselling author Guy Gavriel Kay is well known for creating literary worlds that often look like the medieval world. It's been called history with a quarter turn to the fantastic. In this episode he talks with Danièle about his latest novel, A Brightness Long Ago.

Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse (The Medieval Way) Jul 17, 2019

This week, Danièle shows how useful medieval history can be in helping us survive the imminent zombie apocalypse.

Medieval Storytime Jul 10, 2019

The Middle Ages are full of amazing tales, both fictional and true. This week, Peter Konieczny joins Danièle to talk about three of their favourite medieval stories.

Books about the Middle Ages that are great reads Jun 26, 2019

Looking for a book to read about the medieval world? Danièle offers her picks for which books about the Middle Ages you should read. It includes ones by Dan Jones, Helen Castor, Peter Frankopan and Ruth Mazo Karras, plus Danièle's choices for primary sources and medieval fiction.

Myths about the Middle Ages that are so very, very wrong! Jun 12, 2019

This week, Danièle asked her listeners which myths about the Middle Ages really drive them crazy. From the Flat Earth to daily hygiene, here is our attempt to shed light on some of the most common (but wrong!) ideas we have about the Middle Ages.

Honey and medicine: the sweeter side of medieval warfare Jun 05, 2019

The medieval period is routinely slammed as a time in which people had little to no medical knowledge, but the people of the Middle Ages had a much better understanding of how to heal themselves than modern popular culture would suggest. In this episode, Danièle speaks with Dr. Ilana Krug about the use of honey in medieval military medicine and the time Henry V got an arrow in the face.

Learning about the Middle Ages through games with Kyle Lincoln May 29, 2019

One of the buzzwords in education is gamification - using games to get people more engaged with what they are learning. Those studying history might be using the immersive games from Reacting to the Past, which gets students to work with primary sources and with each other. Danièle is joined by Kyle Lincoln to discuss his work with Reacting to the Past, how he is developing a game based on the Fourth Crusade.

And now our watch has ended: A look back at Game of Thrones May 22, 2019

Love it or hate it, Game of Thrones has had a major impact on people’s perceptions of the Middle Ages. In this episode, Danièle talks with Peter Konieczny about the finale, the future, and saying farewell to this fan favourite.

Understanding medieval chronicles with Lane Sobehrad May 15, 2019

During the medieval period, there was a lot of interest in writing down what was going on in the world for the sake of future generations, but there’s one massive problem with medieval chronicles: people didn’t approach history in the Middle Ages the way we do today. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Lane Sobehrad about how medieval people wrote history, and how historians today can do their part to help future generations through outreach.

Medieval Sexuality with Eleanor Janega May 08, 2019

Sexuality was a huge part of medieval culture, from the rules about how and when to have sex, to the dirty jokes that found their way into religious art. This week, Danièle speaks with Dr. Eleanor Janega about getting medieval in the bedroom.

She-Wolves: Medieval Queens with Helen Castor Apr 24, 2019

From the submissive to the scandalous, medieval queens held a huge amount of influence over the politics of the day. In this episode, Danièle speaks with Dr. Helen Castor about queenship, the challenges of studying even the most prominent medieval women, and how their stories still resonate today.

Medieval torture with Larissa ‘Kat’ Tracy Apr 17, 2019

What was torture really like in the Middle Ages? Everyone knows, or thinks they know, that torture was an integral part of medieval life, but many of our beliefs are really myths. Larissa ‘Kat’ Tracy joins Danièle to talk about iron maidens, dungeons, executions and more.

Fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris Apr 16, 2019

A special episode of The Medieval Podcast to discuss the tragic fire that has left much of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris destroyed. Danièle talks with Peter Konieczny, Editor of Medievalists.net, to recount what we know about the fire, and our own reactions to this sad disaster.

Saving Souls and Cracking Skulls: Warrior Clerics with Craig Nakashian Apr 10, 2019

Although it seems to be a fundamental contradiction, some medieval conflicts saw bishops braving the battlefield. To find out more about these military men of the cloth, Danièle speaks with Craig Nakashian, author of Warrior Churchmen of Medieval England, 1000-1250: Theory and Reality.

Melusine, Mary, and Making it as a Historian with Christine Morgan Apr 03, 2019

These days, there are many different ways to be a historian outside of academia. In this episode, Danièle speaks with Christine Morgan, creator of Untitled History Project, about her latest work on the famous fairy Mélusine, Mary Boleyn, and making it as a historian off the tenure track.

Viking warrior women with Leszek Gardela Mar 27, 2019

The recent (re)confirmation that the prestigious medieval warrior buried in Birka, Sweden was female has gotten people talking once again about the role of women in the Viking world. This week, Danièle interviews archaeologist Leszek Gardeła to learn more about women, warriors, and when a weapon is more than just a weapon.

Avicenna in Ireland: A manuscript discovery with Padraig O'Machain Mar 20, 2019

This month, an exciting connection was made between Islamic and Irish medicine through the discovery of a medieval fragment of Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine bound in a sixteenth-century printed book. In this episode, Danièle speaks with Pádraig O’Macháin about his discovery of the very first physical evidence that Avicenna was translated and shared in Gaelic.

Medieval mystery novels with Candace Robb Mar 13, 2019

Everyone loves a medieval mystery novel, but just how does an author go about creating one that’s true to the period? To find out, Danièle speaks with Candace Robb, author of the Owen Archer and Kate Clifford mystery series to learn about how to create compelling and intriguing historical fiction.

Bastards and Priests in the Middle Ages with Sara McDougall Mar 06, 2019

What was it like to be a bastard in medieval Europe? Were you excluded from one of the most important institutions of the time: the priesthood? Danièle is joined by Sara McDougall to talk about bastards, priests, and if you could be both at that same time.

Disabilities in the Middle Ages with Kisha Tracy Feb 27, 2019

How did medieval people deal with physical and mental challenges? Danièle speaks with Kisha Tracy of Fitchburg State University on why its important to talk about disabilities in the Middle Ages and what evidence we have for how people cared for each other when there was physical or mental disabilities.

The Battle of Agincourt with Michael Livingston Feb 20, 2019

It was one of the most famous battles of the Middle Ages, and one that has been studied by many historians. Yet, we do not know exactly where the battle was fought. Danièle speaks with Michael Livingston about his latest research on where the battlefield might be.

Medieval Marriage with Ruth Mazo Karras Feb 13, 2019

What was marriage in the Middle Ages really like? Danièle is joined by Ruth Mazo Karras, Lecky Professor Of History at Trinity College Dublin, a leading expert on medieval relationships, especially marriage. They discuss love, weddings and partnerships in medieval society.

Juggling the Middle Ages with Jan Ziolkowski Feb 06, 2019

The medieval tale Le Jongleur de Notre Dame or Our Lady’s Tumbler had been forgotten for centuries, but then was rediscovered in the 19th century. It rapidly became a very popular story, recreated in books, plays and films. Dumbarton Oaks Museum in Washington D.C. has opened the “Juggling the Middle Ages” exhibition to look at the medieval tale and its modern reinterpretation. Danièle is joined by Jan Ziolkowski, Director of Dumbarton Oaks, to talk about the exhibit.

The nun with blue teeth: a medieval mystery Jan 30, 2019

Researchers examining the remains of a medieval nun in Germany have discovered the mineral Lapus Lazuli in her teeth. Danièle talks with two of the team members behind this fascinating find, Christina Warinner and Alison Beach, about how her blue teeth tells us she was an artist.

The Crusades with Andrew Latham Jan 23, 2019

The Crusades were a phenomenon that had profound consequences for Europe and the Middle East. Why did they begin and how did they evolve? Danièle is joined by Andrew Latham of Macalester College, author of Theorizing Medieval Geopolitics, to talk about the Crusades, including Richard the Lionheart's strategy during the Third Crusade.

The Hundred Years' War with David Green Jan 16, 2019

The Hundred Years' War would see England and France fighting for much the 14th and 15th centuries. It was one of the most important conflicts of the Middle Ages. Danièle speaks with Dr. David Green of Harlaxton College, the author of The Hundred Years War: A People’s History. They talk about the causes of the war, and how the conflict impacted peasants, the Church, soldiers and women. You can follow David on Twitter @David1356

Books in the Middle Ages with Erik Kwakkel Jan 07, 2019

How were books made and used in the Middle Ages? Danièle is joined by Professor Erik Kwakkel from the University of British Columbia, a 'rockstar' of the Book History world. Learn about the process of making manuscripts, including why medieval scribes made doodles in their works. You can follow Erik on Twitter @erik_kwakkel

Medieval Coconuts with Kathleen Kennedy Jan 02, 2019

Could you really find coconuts in medieval England? Danièle talks with Kathleen E. Kennedy, Associate Professor of English at Penn State-Brandywine, about medieval trade, Monty Python, goblets and more. You can follow Kathleen on Twitter @TheMedievalDrK

Welcome to The Medieval Podcast Dec 31, 2018

We introduce you to The Medieval Podcast. Danièle Cybulskie talks with Peter Konieczny, the editor of Medievalists.net, about why we are starting a podcast and what to expect in future episodes.

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