Shows
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story099: Still At ItSEASON 6 (OPENER): Still At ItEPISODE 99: Still At ItToday, we head south once again—back to the chaotic crossroads of southern Italy. The Normans aren't done yet. In fact, they're just getting started. This is the beginning of a new arc in our medieval epic: The Other Norman Conquest, where shifting alliances, ambition, and Mediterranean power plays take center stage.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more...
2023-08-1238 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story098: The Longest ShadowSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 98: The Longest ShadowWe bid farewell to the titan who changed the face of England forever. William the Conqueror—bastard, duke, king, and relentless force of will—meets his end. But even in death, his legacy casts a long and unyielding shadow over Europe. This is the final chapter in a life that reshaped the medieval world.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public w...
2023-06-2553 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story097: Always On The MoveSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 97: Always On the MoveWilliam the Conqueror buries the hatchet with an old rival, proving that even the most iron-fisted kings need allies now and then. Meanwhile, the Normans keep doing what Normans do best: moving, conquering, and reshaping the map of Europe. If there's one thing the 11th century teaches us, it’s that Norman ambition never sleeps.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the...
2023-06-2130 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story096: Everybody Hates Will: Bishops & BaronsSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 96: Everybody Hates Will: Bishops & BaronsToday, we dive into the land grabs, political chess, and ecclesiastical power struggles that defined post-Conquest England. When Bishop Odo of Bayeux—yes, William’s own half-brother—gets a bit too ambitious, it’s Archbishop Lanfranc who brings the hammer down. The result? A trial, a scandal, and a trip to the dungeon. Welcome to the new world, where not even family is off-limits.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our...
2023-05-1454 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story095: Everybody Hates Will: A Continental ConspiracySEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 95: Everybody Hates Will: A Continental ConspiracyThe continent stirs. As William works to secure his hold on England, enemies old and new emerge from the shadows—plotting not just rebellion, but coordinated resistance. France, Flanders, Anjou… even distant allies begin whispering. The 1070s are far from quiet, and William’s balancing act is about to become a high-wire performance with no safety net.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and...
2023-04-2535 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story094: Everybody Hates Will: The Revolt of the EarlsSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 94: Everybody Hates Will: The Revolt of the EarlsJust when things start settling down for William—Normandy squared away, England finally quieting—bam! Rebellion. Again. In this episode, a trio of high-ranking English earls decide they’ve had enough of Norman rule. What follows is equal parts drama, betrayal, and a reminder that crowns never sit easy on mortal heads.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to th...
2023-04-0843 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story093: Shifting WindsSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 93: Shifting WindsWe build the scaffolding for what’s to come. Between 1070 and 1075, the winds of power shift across England and Normandy. Old threats fade, new ones rise, and William finds himself playing both monarch and firefighter—stamping out sparks before they become infernos. It's the calm before the next storm… if you can call anything in the 11th century "calm."CORRECTION: I apologize for the confusion in this episode pertaining to Archbishop Stigand. I was on a roll and inserted the term "simony" for "plurality." To be...
2023-03-0633 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story092: The Siege of ElySEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 92: The Siege of ElyToday, we witness the final chapter in the legend of Hereward the Exile. From the swamps of Ely, the outlaw makes his last desperate stand against Norman rule. And in return? William responds with cold, calculating fury—the kind only a conqueror can deliver. The age of resistance is dying, but it’s going out swinging.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to...
2023-02-2747 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story091: The Sack of PeterboroughSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 91: The Sack of PeterboroughThe outlaw strikes again. In the second chapter of Hereward the Exile’s legend, the fight against Norman domination takes a darker turn. As East Anglia erupts and a sacred abbey falls to flame and fury, one message rings loud and clear: the English are not done resisting.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywal...
2023-02-1638 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story090: Hereward the ExileSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 90: Hereward the ExileWe begin the legend of Hereward the Wake—a rebellious spark left smoldering in the ashes of William’s brutal conquest. Outlawed, underestimated, and driven by fury, Hereward becomes something else entirely: a folk hero. This is the story of resistance born from ruin. NOTE: Please forgive my voice. It’ll heal and get back to normal in time, but I’ve been struggling with a bout of the 'rona recently, hence the delay in recording and publishing episodes. My apologies. Thanks for sticking...
2023-02-1445 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story089: A Scottish MarriageSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 89: A Scottish MarriageWe head north to Scotland, where King Malcolm III makes a move that will echo for generations: marrying Margaret, sister of the last true heir of the House of Wessex. In this union of sword and saint, we see not just political maneuvering—but the shaping of future kingdoms. It's 1070, and the ripples of William’s conquest are lapping at every shore.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life...
2023-01-1839 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story088: ReelingSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 88: ReelingAmidst war, rebellion, and scorched earth, tragedy strikes the royal house. William and Matilda’s son Richard, once a living symbol of their growing dynasty, dies suddenly in a hunting accident in the New Forest. In a world where legacy is everything, the loss of an heir casts a long, dark shadow over the crown.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with a...
2023-01-1729 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story087: Analysis of a HarryingSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 87: Analysis of a HarryingI won’t pretend that I even came close to a definitive answer to my lingering questions regarding William’s actions in the North during the winter of 1069 - 1070, but these are my thoughts and how I tried to work some of it all out, trying to come to terms with how such a thing could have happened in the first place. I hope I did the general discourse on the subject at least a little justice; however, admittedly, this is hardly a conclusion on t...
2022-12-2254 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story086: The Harrying of the NorthSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 86: The Harrying of the NorthToday, we ride straight into the storm. The year is 1070, and in the smoldering wake of rebellion, King William unleashes a campaign of devastation the likes of which England has never seen. Villages are burned. Fields are salted. The dead go unburied. This is no mere suppression—it’s calculated annihilation. This is the Harrying of the North. And it will echo through English memory for centuries.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happ...
2022-12-2231 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story085: The Last StrawSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 85: The Last StrawToday, the Normans face their most humiliating defeat yet on English soil. But what follows isn’t retreat—it’s vengeance. William responds with unrelenting fury in what becomes one of the darkest chapters in England’s medieval story: the Harrying of the North.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-m...
2022-11-2329 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story084: A Deadly Game of Tug-of-WarSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 84: A Deadly Game of Tug-of-WarWith Edwin and Morcar’s rebellion snuffed out, William the Conqueror isn’t catching his breath anytime soon. In this episode, we follow the king-duke as he dashes between England and Normandy, stamping out unrest and managing a kingdom that seems ready to boil over at any moment. It’s a chaotic, backbreaking era for a ruler trying to hold everything together with grit and grit alone.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happen...
2022-11-2021 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story083: Edwin & Morcar's RebellionSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 83: Edwin & Morcar's RebellionBefore we charge forward in the story of the Norman Conquest, it’s time to regroup. In this episode, we lay the groundwork for one of the most important regional uprisings of the period—led by the earls Edwin and Morcar. Their rebellion in 1069 wasn’t just defiance; it was desperation. And what followed would shape England’s north for generations.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts...
2022-11-1427 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story082: 1069SEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 82: 1069Rebellions in the north. Foreign invasions. Smoldering resentment across the land he just conquered. William may have won the crown in 1066, but in 1069, he’s learning what it costs to keep it. This is the year everything could’ve unraveled.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/ap...
2022-10-2830 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story081: Causam et RemediumSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandStandalone Short StoryEPISODE 81: Causam et RemediumIn an original short story written by yours truly—based on fragments of medieval chronicles—we follow a young man haunted by guilt, grief, and something darker. After tragedy strikes, he flees into the storm, pursued by visions that blur the line between penance and madness. His road ends not with vengeance, but with grace. Or does it?No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history...
2022-10-2826 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story080: Behind Every Great Man, Pt. 3SEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandMiniseries: Matilda of FlandersEPISODE 80: Behind Every Great Man, Pt. 3William wins England—but Matilda gets the real prize: revenge. While her husband claims the throne across the Channel, Matilda proves she's far more than a passive consort. She handles old scores with chilling grace and sets the tone for what it means to be a duchess in full command. One wears the crown. The other wears the smirk.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here...
2022-10-1942 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story079: Behind Every Great Man, Pt. 2SEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandMiniseries: Matilda of FlandersEPISODE 79: Behind Every Great Man, Pt. 2Today, William and Matilda are not yet king and queen—but make no mistake, they’re building something seismic. Through family, loyalty, and careful consolidation of power, the Duke and Duchess of Normandy lay the groundwork for a legacy that will reshape England, France, and beyond. The dynasty begins not with a bang, but with a very deliberate blueprint.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here –...
2022-10-1337 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story078: Behind Every Great Man, Pt. 1SEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandMiniseries: Matilda of FlandersEPISODE 78: Behind Every Great Man, Pt. 1William - finally! - meets his match. In this first episode of a new miniseries, we meet Matilda of Flanders—not yet a queen, but already a force to be reckoned with. As a teenage noblewoman in the powerful House of Flanders, Matilda was well-positioned to make a prestigious marriage… just not to him. Today, we explore how a clever, ambitious young woman came to be courted by the illegitimate Duke of Normandy—and how that proposal may not...
2022-10-0638 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story077: The Ties That BindSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 77: The Ties That BindIn light of the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II of England, we trace the remarkable lineage of Matilda of Flanders—from her pivotal role as Queen of England beside William the Conqueror to her far-off royal descendant, Queen Elizabeth II. What connects these two formidable women across nearly a thousand years? More than you might think. Join us as we uncover the legacy of one of medieval Europe’s most influential women.No More Paywalls! How?If y...
2022-09-2229 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story076: The MatriarchSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 76: The MatriarchWith Harold Godwinson dead at Hastings and his brothers slain alongside him, the once-mighty House of Godwine teeters on the edge of ruin. In the shadows of defeat, it’s their mother—Gytha—who emerges as the family’s anchor. Today, we follow her desperate attempt to hold her shattered house together as they flee a kingdom no longer theirs.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, fre...
2022-09-2221 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story075: SparksSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 75: SparksNo sooner has William of Normandy become King of England than the realm begins to rise up against him. While William returns to Normandy to secure his continental holdings, England erupts in rebellion. From north to south, resistance spreads—and the Conquest faces its first real test.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating t...
2022-08-2334 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story074: The Coronation of King William ISEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 74: The Coronation of King William IAfter months of bloodshed, strategy, and political maneuvering, Duke William of Normandy finally claims the prize he crossed the Channel for—he becomes King William I of England. But this isn’t just about a crown. It’s the beginning of a seismic shift in English history. No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywal...
2022-08-1040 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story073: London CallingSEASON 5: The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 73: London CallingWith Harold dead and the English leadership fractured, Duke William begins his calculated march north from Hastings. His eyes are set on London—but rather than charge the city, he circles it like a hawk, testing its defenses and looking for an opening to claim the crown of England. The Conquest isn’t over. It’s only just begun.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free...
2022-08-0340 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story072: An English CatastropheSEASON 5 (OPENER): The Norman Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 72: An English CatastropheAfter the dust settled at Hastings, England stood stunned. King Harold was dead—but who, if anyone, would rise to resist Duke William? What did the battlefield look like the day after? Who had the authority, the strength, or even the courage to claim the crown in October 1066? Today, we explore the chaos, the questions, and the uncertain future of a conquered kingdom.Useful Links Mentioned in the Episode:Injuries From Medieval Arrows Just As Horrific As Gu...
2022-07-2835 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story071: El Cid, Pt. 5: ValenciaSEASON 4 (FINALE): The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 71: El Cid, Pt. 5: ValenciaRodrigo Díaz ends his story the only way he could—his way. Today, we ride into the unforgettable conclusion of Spain’s greatest hero, the legendary El Cid. Part history, part myth, all epic.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A...
2022-07-0654 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story070: El Cid, Pt. 4: The Road to ValenciaSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 70: El Cid, Pt. 4: The Road to ValenciaWe’re entering the final act of a story centuries in the making. From the heights of Córdoba to the dust of Zaragoza, the Iberian Peninsula is now a battleground of faith, power, and legacy. As the Reconquista surges forward, we begin the closing chapters in the life of Spain’s greatest legendary warrior—El Cid.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, fr...
2022-06-2929 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story069: El Cid, Pt. 3: The Battle of SagrajasSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 69: El Cid, Pt. 3: The Battle of SagrajasEl Cid rides again—this time in exile, defending Zaragoza against his former countrymen. As Alfonso VI tightens his grip on Iberia, word spreads of a looming storm in the south. In Algeciras, a dark tide rises that will reshape the peninsula—and it all begins here, a decade before the First Crusade.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the publ...
2022-06-2933 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story068: El Cid, Pt.2: The Fall of ToledoSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 68: El Cid, Pt. 2: The Fall of ToledoThe die is cast—Christian ambition crosses a new threshold as Toledo becomes the flashpoint between al-Andalus and the rising Christian kingdoms. Today, we mark the spark that ignites a century of conquest, conflict, and the forging of legends like El Cid. The battle for Spain begins here.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more p...
2022-05-3040 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story067: El Cid, Pt.1: MercenarySEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 67: El Cid, Pt. 1: MercenarySword in hand and loyalty in flux, Rodrigo Díaz steps onto the stage—part man, part myth, all momentum. In this first chapter of our series on El Cid, we meet him not as the polished hero of legend, but as the fierce and brilliant mercenary he truly was. The age of epic has arrived.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the pub...
2022-05-2836 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story066: Sancho II vs. Alfonso VISEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 66: Sancho II vs. Alfonso VIBefore legends rise, kingdoms fall apart. Today, we dive into the bitter sibling rivalry between Sancho II and Alfonso VI—a dynastic tug-of-war that sets the stage for one of Spain’s greatest heroes to step into the fray. The legend begins in the shadows. No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to m...
2022-05-1330 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story065: A Tale of Two EmpiresSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 65: A Tale of Two EmpiresToday, two powers rise—one from the burning sands of North Africa, the other from the highlands of Christian Iberia. The Almoravids bring zeal and unity to a fractured al-Andalus, while Fernando of León and Castile shapes a legacy that will echo far beyond his reign. But not all ascents end in glory.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public...
2022-04-2033 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story060: Iberia Has No End******This is a newly released (former Anchor Bonus) episode from the beginning of March, 2022. ENJOY!!! This was formerly Episode 60. Sorry for the mess up in the order of episodes, folks. Shouldn't happen again!SEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 60 (BONUS): Iberia Has No EndToday’s episode lays the groundwork. Before our next legendary figure steps onto the stage, we zoom out to understand the bigger picture in Iberia—who holds power, who’s on the rise, and what fault lines are just waiting to crack. It’s all about context—and it mat...
2022-04-0922 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story064: Trouble From WithinSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesMiniseries: Medieval West AfricaEPISODE 64: Trouble From WithinToday, we peel back the layers of early West African power to reveal the cracks forming in Wagadu—the empire we often call “proto-Ghana.” We also meet the Sanhaja, the Berber tribes who move between worlds, shaping the future of the Sahara and the Sahel. As Wagadu’s façade begins to splinter, new forces stir in the desert shadows.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared histor...
2022-04-0828 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story063: Wagadu UncoveredSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesMiniseries: Medieval West AfricaEPISODE 63: Wagadu UncoveredToday, we dive deeper into the splendor, wealth, and power of early and medieval West Africa—a region too often overlooked, yet absolutely central to the story of the medieval world. From the rise of powerful kingdoms to thriving centers of learning and trade, this episode explores the rich and complex legacy of a land that was anything but isolated.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared histor...
2022-03-3031 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story062: Across the SaharaSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesMiniseries: Medieval West AfricaEPISODE 62: Across the SaharaLong before GPS and bottled water, traders and pilgrims dared to cross one of the most unforgiving landscapes on Earth—the Sahara Desert. In this episode, we travel the sand-swept routes that linked sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean world. From gold and salt to stories and beliefs, these daring journeys shaped empires and changed the medieval world.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life...
2022-03-2843 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story061: The Tables Have TurnedSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 61: The Tables Have TurnedAs the fractured taifas simmer in the south, Christian Iberia begins to stir in the north. In this episode, we track shifting powers, rising ambitions, and the early rumblings that will give rise to one of the most legendary figures in Spanish history. The groundwork is being laid.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please con...
2022-03-0922 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story059: What Was GainedSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 59: What Was GainedBefore the fall, there was a flowering. Today, we pause to appreciate what Muslim rule in Córdoba gave the world—advances in science, medicine, architecture, philosophy, and poetry that would echo across continents and centuries. This isn’t just history—it’s legacy.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated...
2022-02-2134 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story058: What Was LostSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 58: What Was LostCórdoba wasn’t just a city—it was a library, a beacon, a living crossroads of ideas. In this episode, we reflect on what the world lost with its collapse in the early 11th century: the poetry, the philosophy, the science, and the spirit of a place that once stood at the very edge of the possible.Music:Music for this episode is called “Al Andalus” by the incredibly talented (as you’ll hear) Shane Ivers. Check him out at https...
2022-02-1631 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story057: Abd al-RahmanSEASON 4 (BONUS): The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 57: Abd al-RahmanBefore Córdoba fell, it rose—brilliantly. In this episode, we rewind the clock to trace the origins of Umayyad rule in Iberia. From the embers of a collapsed caliphate in Damascus to a bold new dynasty in exile, we explore how one of medieval Europe’s greatest cities was born—and why its foundations mattered centuries later.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the publ...
2022-01-1634 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story056: Of Taifas and BerbersSEASON 4: The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 56: Of Taifas and BerbersIn the wake of Córdoba’s collapse, al-Andalus doesn’t disappear—it fractures. In this episode, we explore the rise of the taifas, the patchwork kingdoms that sprang up like splinters from a fallen empire. And we meet the Berbers, fierce and often misunderstood, whose presence would reshape Iberian politics for generations to come.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with...
2022-01-0329 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story055: Scattered PearlsSEASON 4 (OPENER): The Mediterranean PreparesEPISODE 55: Scattered PearlsAfter centuries of brilliance, Córdoba falls. In this episode—Scattered Pearls—we reflect on the unraveling of a once-magnificent caliphate. Once the beacon of learning, art, and power in al-Andalus, the city’s collapse leaves behind echoes of poetry, shattered alliances, and a fractured future for Iberia.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donati...
2021-12-2324 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story054: Heresy in OrleansSEASON 3 -- EXTENDED: Heresy in OrleansStandalone: Christian HeresyEPISODE 54: Heresy in OrleansIn this episode, we explore one of the strangest and most mysterious moments of the early 11th century—the Orléans Heresy. Accusations fly, theology fractures, and royal politics stir the pot as a group of learned clerics question the foundations of the faith... and pay the price.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with ab...
2021-10-3152 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story053: The Greatest of HeroesSEASON 3 -- EXTENDED: North Sea CollapseStandalone: BeowulfEPISODE 53: The Greatest of HeroesThis episode is my love letter to Beowulf—the epic that defined a world of monsters, mead halls, and mortal glory. We explore what makes this story endure: the raw courage, the existential dread, the warrior code, and the poetic beauty that still echoes through time. Hwaet! Let’s dive in.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the pu...
2021-10-2033 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story052: The Woman of a Thousand Summers BackSEASON 3 - EXTENDED: North Sea CollapseStandalone: A New Take on an Old StoryEPISODE 52: The Woman of a Thousand Summers BackIn this special episode, I retell the legendary story of Lady Godiva—noblewoman, protester, and symbol of bold defiance. Stripping away the myth from the woman, we explore what her famous ride may have meant to the people of her time—and why her story still echoes today.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life...
2021-10-1431 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story051: A New AgeSEASON 3 FINALE: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 51: A New AgeOctober 1066. The Battle of Hastings. This is it. King Harold II of England faces Duke William of Normandy in one of the most pivotal showdowns in all of Western history. Shields will break, kings will fall, and the world will never be the same. This isn’t just a battle—it’s the end of Anglo-Saxon England and the dawn of a Norman age.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to...
2021-09-0137 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story050: Death of a Legend, Death of an AgeSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 50: Death of a Legend, Death of an AgeThe Battle of Stamford Bridge marked the end of an era. In this episode, King Harold Godwinson crushes the legendary Harald Hardrada, ending the Viking Age with one final, brutal victory. But triumph comes at a cost—and Anglo-Saxon England may have just spent its last breath.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more p...
2021-09-0148 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story049: The Last Anglo-Saxon KingSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 49: The Last Anglo-Saxon KingIt’s the summer of 1066, and all eyes are on the southern coast. In this episode, King Harold Godwinson braces for the Norman invasion. With spies, fleets, and tensions building, we explore how England’s final Anglo-Saxon king prepares for the greatest threat his kingdom has ever faced.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consi...
2021-08-2557 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story048: Northumbria EruptsSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 48: Northumbria EruptsBefore 1066 turned England upside down, Northumbria was already in flames. In this episode, we head north to explore how Earl Tostig Godwinson’s rule ignited rebellion, shattered loyalties, and ended in exile. It’s a prelude to catastrophe—and the fuse has been lit.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and w...
2021-08-2153 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story047: The Distant Beat of DrumsSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 47: The Distant Beat of DrumsToday’s episode has it all: exiles, obstinate earls, and more dead kings than you can count. We start in Hungary, detour through England, glance at Wales, and end up in Scotland—because why not? The 11th century doesn’t slow down, so neither do we.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donat...
2021-07-2939 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story046: HardradaSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseStandalone: A Legend Earns His NicknameEPISODE 46: HardradaHe’s older, wiser, and more dangerous than ever. After years abroad, Harald Sigurdsson—better known to history as Harald Hardrada—returns to the north. In today’s episode, we bring the Varangian legend back into the story and trace how this seasoned warrior-king becomes one of the most consequential figures of the 11th century.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, fre...
2021-07-2634 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval StoryO45: The Bastard vs. the HammerSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseStandalone: Duke William Establishes HimselfEPISODE 45: The Bastard vs. the HammerIn this episode, young Duke William of Normandy—the boy they called the Bastard—faces off against his seasoned rival, Geoffrey Martel, the Count of Anjou, known as the Hammer. It’s a clash of ambition, strategy, and raw force as Normandy’s rising star tries to carve out his place in a hostile world.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts...
2021-07-2348 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story044: Great Schism of 1054SEASON 3: North Sea CollapseStandalone: Christianity Splits!EPISODE 44: Great Schism of 1054In 1054, the Christian world split down the middle. In today’s episode, we explore the Great Schism—the deepening rift between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. From theology to politics, ritual to culture, we break down the beliefs and tensions that led to one of the most defining moments in medieval Christianity.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to...
2021-07-1455 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story043: Godwine, Pt. 2A quick heads-up: the audio quality on this episode isn’t where I want it to be. I tried a new setup in GarageBand, and unfortunately, it didn’t turn out the way I expected. It’s frustrating because I’m really proud of the content in this one. Thanks so much for your patience and support while I sort it out—I’m already working on a fix!******** SEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 43: Godwine, Pt. 2Earl Godwine is back—not just in England, but at the heart of power. In this episode, w...
2021-07-0843 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story042: An Unstoppable ForceSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 42: An Unstoppable ForceExiled but not broken, Earl Godwine returns to England with a fleet and a score to settle. In today’s episode, we witness the dramatic standoff between a newly assertive King Edward and the most powerful earl in the land—one who refuses to stay in exile quietly.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider don...
2021-06-2840 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story041: An Immovable ObjectSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 41: An Immovable ObjectKing Edward the Confessor has had it. No longer content to be a puppet, he finally pushes back against the power of Earl Godwine. Today’s episode explores Edward’s transformation from passive monarch to purposeful ruler—and the shockwaves it sends through the English court.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine...
2021-06-2229 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story040: A King Finds His LegsSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 40: A King Finds His LegsA fool makes his move, a Norwegian hottie steals the spotlight, and one very tired king decides he’s done being pushed around. Court politics just got spicy in 11th-century England.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! Wi...
2021-06-1530 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story039: "First" Norman Conquest of England?SEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 39: "First" Norman Conquest of England?Harthacnut is dead, Edward the Confessor takes the throne… and Norway’s Magnus Olavsson wants his piece of the pie. Today, we unravel the mess left in Harthacnut’s wake and watch as Edward’s reign begins under the shadow of a foreign claim.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-m...
2021-06-0531 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story038: The Reluctant KingSEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 38: The Reluctant KingFrom Bavaria to Scotland to England, Europe in the 11th century is in constant motion. In this episode, we follow the winding road of royal ambition, where Harthacnut’s questionable decisions catch up with him—and shift the future of the English crown.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and...
2021-06-0137 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story037: Pivot!SEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 37: Pivot!Godwine wasn’t just powerful—he was adaptable. Today, we follow his political high-wire act as he serves two very different English kings, keeping himself at the center of power in a kingdom that’s anything but stable.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffe...
2021-05-2443 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story036: Godwine, Pt. 1SEASON 3: North Sea CollapseEPISODE 36: Godwine, Pt. 1A new season begins—this time in England. Before Edward the Confessor takes the throne, before Hastings, before Normandy casts its shadow, there was Godwine. From humble beginnings, he would rise to become the most powerful man in England—kingmaker, power broker, and father to a legacy that would shake the realm.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls...
2021-05-1742 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story035: PODCAST UPDATE - A Look AheadToday, we step back and answer a few questions:
Where in the world has Jonathon been?
What have we learned so far on the podcast?
Where are we going next (and beyond)?!
Please keep sharing the podcast with those you know and on your social media accounts. Don’t forget to tag us, too, if you share us on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), or drop a quick line about the latest episode on Facebook (Search: Wheel Podcast). I would love to hear from you, so email the show at fortuneswheelpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if you are so inclined, pl...
2021-05-1218 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story034: Pope P.O.W. the FirstSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 34: Pope P.O.W. the FirstToday, the two most powerful forces in 11th-century Italy face off: the papacy and the Normans. At the Battle of Civitate (1053), Pope Leo IX meets the Hauteville brothers—Humphrey and a rising Robert Guiscard—on the field. It’s not just a clash of armies; it’s a turning point in the struggle for the soul of the Italian peninsula.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, war...
2021-05-111h 07
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story033: The Rise of GuiscardSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 33: The Rise of GuiscardIn the 1040s and 1050s, the Holy Roman Empire played constant catch-up—from rebellions in the north to Norman ambition in the south. This episode follows the empire’s pendulum swing across the Adriatic and introduces a rising force that will soon shake the Mediterranean to its core: a cunning upstart named Robert Guiscard.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public w...
2021-02-0932 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story032: In Which Harald Serves a Foreign Emperor, Pt. 2SEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!Miniseries: A Legend in the MakingEPISODE 32: In Which Harald Serves A Foreign Emperor, Pt. 2Harald’s southern adventure is coming to an end. In this episode, we watch him close the book on his time in Constantinople and prepare for the long road home—older, richer, and far more dangerous than when he left.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolute...
2021-02-0249 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story031: In Which Harald Serves A Foreign Emperor, Pt. 1SEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!Miniseries: A Legend in the MakingEPISODE 31: In Which Harald Serves A Foreign Emperor, Pt. 1It’s 1035, and Harald Sigurdsson is everywhere. From Varangian strongholds to imperial courts, we explore his rise in Constantinople, the warrior code that drives him, and the empire that’s starting to take notice. Harald isn't just surviving—he’s thriving.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolut...
2021-01-2554 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story030: In Which Harald Enters MiklegardSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!Miniseries: A Legend in the MakingEPISODE 30: In Which Harald Enters MiklegardToday, we follow Harald down the legendary riverine trade routes from Kievan Rus to Constantinople—through the Black Sea, the Bosporus, and into the heart of Miklagard itself. This episode captures the awe, color, and complexity of the medieval world before Harald takes his next bold step.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the...
2021-01-2050 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story029: In Which Harald LearnsSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!Miniseries: A Legend in the MakingEPISODE 29: In Which Harald LearnsTeenage exile. Aspiring warrior. Trusted commander. In this episode, we follow young Harald Sigurdsson as he begins his rise from political outcast to battlefield hero—driven by tales of distant lands and aided by a powerful friend with plans of his own. Adventure, ambition, and a taste of empire await.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, f...
2021-01-1130 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story028: In Which Harald FleesSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!Miniseries: A Legend in the MakingEPISODE 28: In Which Harald FleesBefore he was Hardrada, he was Harald Sigurdsson—a teenager with royal blood and a sword in his hand. In this episode, we begin the saga of one of the Viking Age’s most legendary figures, tracing his roots through the chaos of the Battle of Stiklestad and the ashes of Norway’s old order.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to...
2021-01-0431 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story027: The Kievan RusSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 27: The Kievan RusToday, we head east to explore the rise of the Kievan Rus—a powerful yet often overlooked force in medieval Europe. From Viking roots to princely courts, we set the stage for a region that will play a major role in the centuries to come.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caff...
2020-12-3158 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story026: William the DukeSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 26: William the DukeOut of fear, fire. In this episode, we explore how William of Normandy turned childhood trauma into unshakable resolve—building both his legitimacy and his legend. The boy no one expected to survive is fast becoming the man no one dares to cross.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-m...
2020-12-2830 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story025: William the BastardSEASON 2: Here Comes the Normans!EPISODE 25: William the BastardIn the chaos of 11th-century Norman politics, a frightened boy becomes a fearless leader. In this episode, we follow young William of Normandy as he survives betrayal, assassination attempts, and civil war to begin forging his legacy. It all starts—with a leap.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-m...
2020-12-2037 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story024: William the IllegitimateSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 24: William the IllegitimateNormandy’s got an inferiority complex—and a future conqueror in training. In this episode, we explore early feudalism, noble upbringing, and the first steps of young William the Illegitimate on his journey to power. Also: horses, last names, and a couple well-earned tangents.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine...
2020-12-0751 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story023: The FIRST First Crusade?SEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 23: The "First" First Crusade?We take a sharp turn west—into al-Andalus. In this episode, we follow Roger of Tosny, a Norman knight who took his sword (and his ego) into Muslim Spain. It’s a bold, brutal, and unexpected chapter in the Norman story—and it’s one you don’t want to miss.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with ab...
2020-11-3043 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story022: Of Empires & Mercenaries, Pt. 2SEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 22: Of Empires & Mercenaries, Pt. 2Norman ambition meets Byzantine fire. In this episode, we follow William de Hauteville and the legendary general George Maniakes as they shape the fate of southern Italy. Alliances shift, swords clash, and the balance of power teeters—with plenty of political intrigue to keep things spicy.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider d...
2020-11-2331 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story021: Of Empires & Mercenaries, Pt.1SEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 21: Of Empires & Mercenaries, Pt.1Before they carved out kingdoms, the Normans served—often for gold, always for glory. In this episode, we travel to medieval Sicily, where Norman adventurers fight as mercenaries for the Byzantines. Among them rises a bold new figure: William Iron Arm, the first of a southern Norman legend.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…ple...
2020-11-1746 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story020: Tancred the FertileSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 20: Tancred the FertileSeason 2 begins! We head south to Normandy, where a new power is rising. In Here Comes the Normans, we follow a hungry, ambitious family as they launch a conquest-fueled saga across medieval Europe. Wealth, land, legacy—it all begins here.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing thr...
2020-11-0931 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story019: A Church For A TombIn the final episode of our medieval horror series, we travel to the haunted borderlands between the Holy Roman Empire and the Slavic frontier—where even death couldn’t stop the fight. Based on Bishop Thietmar’s chilling account (with a creative twist), this ghost story is perfect for Halloween!⚠️ Content warning: Contains graphic and unsettling material.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caff...
2020-10-2922 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story018: So the Dead Shall Not RiseZombies aren’t new—not by a long shot. Long before modern horror, medieval Europe harbored its own tales of the restless dead: rotting, cursed, and hungry for the living. In this episode, we explore how the undead haunted the medieval imagination… centuries before Hollywood caught up.⚠️ Content warning: Includes disturbing themes not suited for younger or sensitive listeners.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider don...
2020-10-2821 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story017: The Edge of the CoinWhat can a 12th-century English monk teach us about ghosts? That they’re real—and part of everyday life. In this episode, we explore chilling medieval accounts where the spiritual and secular worlds collide, and the dead are never too far from the living.⚠️ Content warning: Some spooky material may not be for the faint of heart.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my ca...
2020-10-2732 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story016: The Wild HuntWelcome to the darker corners of the Middle Ages. In this special series, we explore the myths, fears, and supernatural forces that haunted medieval minds. Today’s tale takes us to the frozen north, where winter nights brought more than cold—some believed they brought the dead, riding with Odin’s ghostly host.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing throug...
2020-10-2615 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story015: Normandy StirsSEASON 2: Here Come the Normans!EPISODE 15: Normandy StirsNormandy has been dismissed, mocked, and underestimated—until now. In this episode, we explore how Robert of Normandy steps out of the long shadow of his Viking past to demand respect among the great powers of Europe. The age of Norman hesitation is over.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-m...
2020-10-2635 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story014: Emma of England...AgainSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 14: Emma of England...AgainEmma of Normandy doesn’t break—she adapts. In this episode, we watch her become queen again, this time to a Danish conqueror ruling the same kingdom her late husband once did. She is power in motion—always forward, always surviving. Keep your eye on Emma.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider...
2020-10-1924 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story013: Emma of EnglandSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 13: Emma of EnglandEmma of Normandy steps onto the English throne—and into the storm. In this episode, we follow her journey from duke’s sister to queen consort of a fractured kingdom, watching the chaos of the 1000s and 1010s unfold through her sharp and steady eyes.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to...
2020-10-1336 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story012: Emma of NormandySEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 12: Emma of NormandyWe rewind to the chaotic year of 1002 to meet a teenage girl thrown into the storm of Aethelred’s England—Emma of Normandy. In this episode, we begin the story of one of the most extraordinary women of the Middle Ages… a queen who outlasted kings, chaos, and conquest.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…e...
2020-10-0928 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story011: Cnut (Not Quite) the GreatSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 11: Cnut (Not Quite) the GreatEdmund Ironside is dead. Long live King Cnut. In this episode, we witness the brutal, brilliant rise of England’s new ruler—a man who once mutilated his enemies but now shows surprising skill as king. It’s the start of something unexpected… and maybe even beautiful.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…eve...
2020-08-2433 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story010: Because AethelredSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 10: Because AethelredAethelred gets a second chance to rule—so naturally, he does the most Aethelred thing possible: he listens to Eadric Streona. Again. In this episode, we explore the tragically on-brand decisions of England’s least-ready king and the chaos that follows.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing th...
2020-08-1036 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story009: A Snake in the GrassSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 9: A Snake in the GrassMeet Eadric Streona—the ultimate medieval backstabber. In this episode, we dive into the life of the man known as Aethelred II’s treacherous right hand… and one of the most reviled figures in English history.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the we...
2020-07-2338 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story008: Sermo Lupi ad AnglosSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 8: Sermo Lupi ad AnglosAs Vikings tighten their grip on England, one fiery voice rises from the chaos—Wulfstan, Archbishop of York. In this episode, we unpack his legendary sermon, a rare Anglo-Saxon document that blames England’s collapse not just on the Danes... but on the English themselves.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider don...
2020-07-2135 minFortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story007: BONUS - Man Under the MountainI'd like offer a little mid-week BONUS episode! What's it about? Well, it's a BONUS episode, so I guess you're just going to have to download and listen. Seriously, I'm really excited about this one as it just ties so much..."background information"...into our larger narrative so far.
As always, please continue to Download (and Subscribe) on your favorite podcast app or site, such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, Podcast Addict, Breaker, and so on. Also, search for us on Facebook (Fortune's Wheel Podcast), on Twitter (@WheelPodcast), and Instagram (@fortunes_wheel_podcast).
Finally, this...
2020-07-1751 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story006: Imperator ScottorumSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandMiniseries: 11th Century IrelandEPISODE 6: Imparator ScottorumBrian Boru’s story comes to a close—but not quietly. In this episode, we follow Ireland’s legendary High King to his final stand and ask a deeper question: What does true revolution look like in the medieval world?No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my...
2020-07-1353 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story005: The Rise of Brian BoruSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandMiniseries: 11th Century IrelandEPISODE 5: The Rise of Brian BoruVikings came to Ireland—but the real drama was already there. In this episode, we explore how Norse traders reshaped the coasts while the Irish clashed endlessly inland. Enter Brian Boru, the rising warlord who aimed for nothing less than the High Kingship of all Ireland… Vikings included.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the p...
2020-07-0632 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story004: Off the MapSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandStandalone: Viking ExplorationEPISODE 4: Off the MapWhile England thrashes in chaos, we head west—aboard Viking longships. In this episode, we explore how Norse explorers settled Iceland and Greenland, and how Leif Eriksson reached the New World centuries before Columbus. Meet legends like Erik the Red and discover the wild, windswept edge of medieval history.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public...
2020-06-2947 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story003: A Storm In Every PortSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 3: A Storm In Every PortBetween 991 and 1012, England enters a slow-burning crisis. As King Aethelred II fights to hold his throne and Sweyn Forkbeard presses his claim from across the sea, the stage is set for a clash that will upend the Anglo-Saxon world. We explore the military, political, and personal threads that define this era—including the introduction of Emma of Normandy, one of the most consequential women of medieval Europe.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s ha...
2020-06-2242 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story002: The Battle of Maldon, 991SEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 2: The Battle of Maldon, 991It’s 991 in the marshes of Maldon. Ealdorman Byrhtnoth faces a brutal Viking force—likely led by the future king of Norway, Olaf Tryggvason—gathered on Northey Island. Undermanned but undeterred, Byrhtnoth has a plan. A brilliant one. But will it be enough to drive the raiders back into the sea?No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywa...
2020-06-1533 min
Fortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story001: The Saxon & the VikingSEASON 1: The Danish Conquest of EnglandEPISODE 1: The Saxon & the VikingIn 991, as Vikings ravage Europe and empires clash from Iberia to Anatolia, a band of Norse raiders land on England’s southeastern coast. In a small Essex village near the North Sea, one Saxon noble rallies his countrymen for a battle that—quietly but profoundly—shifts the course of English and Western history.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely...
2020-06-0834 minFortune's Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story000: The First Spin of the WheelTHANK YOU so much for joining us!Let this stand as a re-booted introductory episode for the podcast! No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternall...
2020-06-0813 min