x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story

Jonathon LaRosa

The Middle Ages—a time often dismissed, yet it is the crucible where the foundations of our modern world were forged. This era, full of brutal power struggles, explosive change, and unexpected alliances, laid the borders, cultures, and traditions we live by today. Through relentless research and gripping storytelling, this podcast resurrects the forgotten world of our medieval ancestors, unraveling the tangled web spanning innumerable stories. The modern world was never born in isolation—it was

history

All Episodes

00:31:32

185: Chapter 3: Alexios & the Erymanthian Boar

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/09/29

Patreon Series: Book of AlexiosEpisode 185: Chapter 3: Alexios & the Erymanthian BoarOn this episode, we employ a comparison used by Alexios Komnenos’s daughter when describing her father. There is absolutely no doubt that Anna Komnene revered her legendary father, but the comparison she makes in this episode some would say is a bit over the top. That said, I encourage everyone to consider it. More than that, I encourage everyone to try to find a way to disprove Anna Komnene’s mythical

en

00:43:06

184: Chapter 2: Bryennios's Rebellion

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/09/26

Patreon Series: The Book of AlexiosEpisode 184: Chapter 2: Bryennios's RebellionNOTE: This is a repeat of Episode 129, but in the interest of the flow of this series, I've decided to include it for continuity.Today, we watch Emperor Nikephoros III Botaneiates take the reins of a smoldering empire still reeling from the Bread Riots of 1078. But no sooner does he don the purple than the first coup slams into his rule like a battering ram. Who does he turn to? His golden boy, Alexios Komnenos

en

00:47:49

183: Chapter 1: Roussel de Balliol

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/09/22

Patreon Series: The Book of AlexiosEpisode 183: Chapter 1: Roussel de BalliolToday, we watch a young Alexios Komnenos do what Alexios Komnenos does best: survive and outmaneuver. The foe? A rogue Norman warlord named Roussel de Balliol, who decided to carve out his own little empire from Byzantine soil. It's the Komnenos kid versus the Norman upstart—and spoiler alert: the empire might just have found its next champion.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our

en

00:37:53

182: Book of Alexios: Prologue

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/09/19

Patreon Series: Book of AlexiosEpisode 182: PrologueToday, we crack open The Book of Alexios, a new mini-series chronicling the rise of one of Byzantium’s greatest emperors. But before we launch into the heart of his reign, we need to sweep up a few imperial messes. The chessboard is rearranged: emperors fall, others rise, and somewhere far to the east…a new threat stirs. No, not the Seljuks—someone else. Buckle up, it's going to get imperial.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s

en

00:28:33

181: The Papacy of Pope Alexander II

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/09/15

Patreon Series: Rise of the Crusading SpiritEpisode 181: The Papacy of Pope Alexander IIToday, we pause our sprint through imperial chaos to turn toward Rome—because while emperors rise and fall in the East, a powerhouse is at work in the West. We revisit the reign of Pope Alexander II, a quiet juggernaut of the 11th century, whose influence reverberated from papal chambers to battlefields. It’s time to connect a few dots—and maybe fill in some of the glaring gaps we’ve been skipping over.No More

en

00:33:40

180: Poland Remains

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/09/12

Patreon Series: Rise of PolandEpisode 180: Poland RemainsWhile kingdoms rose and crumbled all across Europe, Poland—battered, bruised, and often overlooked—managed to hold itself together through the chaos of the 11th century. How did this patchwork realm survive where others fell apart? It's a testament to the thousand-year-old Polish spirit.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

en

00:26:12

179: The Worthy Brother

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/09/08

Patreon Series: Rise of PolandEpisode 179: The Worthy BrotherToday, we dive into the wild, ruthless, and often misunderstood reign of Bolesław II—better known as Bolesław the Bold. He wasn’t just another medieval ruler jockeying for land and power. No, Bolesław was a king with ambition carved in steel and sealed in blood. He fought wars, crowned himself, and clashed with the Church… and let’s just say things didn’t end with a retirement party. This is the story of a man who burned hot, fast, and

en

00:39:34

178: But It's Not Too Heavy

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/09/05

Patreon Series: Rise of PolandEpisode 178: But It's Not Too HeavyToday, we trace the quiet but critical rise of Casimir the Restorer—a man who didn’t charge into history with a sword held high, but instead rebuilt a kingdom from the ground up. After Poland fell into disarray, it was Casimir who returned from exile, restored order, and stabilized the monarchy with a mix of diplomacy, grit, and just enough muscle to be taken seriously. He may not be the flashiest figure of the 11th century, but

en

00:27:01

177: Heavy Is the Crown

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/09/01

Patreon Series: Rise of PolandEpisode 177: Heavy Is the CrownToday, we dive into the brutal and chaotic reigns of Mieszko II Lambert and his charming brother Bezprym—if by “charming” you mean “sadistic, power-hungry nightmare.” After Bolesław the Brave left Poland strong and unified, his sons quickly reminded everyone just how fragile power can be. This is a story of exile, betrayal, torture, and the kind of sibling rivalry that makes Cain and Abel look like playground squabbles. Buckle up—Poland’s

en

00:40:00

176: The Many Wars of Boleslaw

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/08/29

Patreon Series: Rise of PolandEpisode 176: The Many Wars of BoleslawToday, we charge headlong into the bloody campaigns and calculated power plays of Bolesław I of Poland—known to some as “the Brave,” and to others as “the guy who never saw a war he didn’t like.” Whether it was the Holy Roman Empire, the Kievan Rus’, or internal rivals, Bolesław saw them all as opportunities for expansion—or revenge. His reign set the stage for Polish statehood…but not without some scorched earth and shattered

en

00:43:37

175: A Foundation to Build Upon

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/08/25

Patreon Series: Rise of PolandEpisode 175: A Foundation to Build UponToday, we stand at the crossroads of dynastic transition in Poland. Mieszko I, the man who carved out the foundation of a Christian Polish state through diplomacy, war, and strategic marriage, breathes his last. But before the dust settles, his son—Bolesław—steps forward, eyes fixed on expansion and glory. The age of consolidation gives way to the age of conquest. A peaceful succession? Hardly. The 11th century doesn't do

en

00:31:21

174: King of the North

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/08/22

Patreon Series: Rise of PolandEpisode 174: King of the NorthToday, we begin a brand-new arc: the rise of Poland. And like all good origin stories, it starts with a decision that changed everything. Mieszko I, the first ruler of Poland we can name with confidence, takes a leap into the unknown—converting to Christianity and aligning his people with the rising power of Latin Christendom. It wasn’t just a baptism; it was a geopolitical masterstroke that reshaped the fate of Central Europe.QUICK NOTE

en

00:30:54

173: Eadric the Wild

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/08/18

Patreon Series: Context of a ConquestEpisode 173: Eadric the WildThis tale is one of alliance, defiance, and no small amount of grit. We’re headed to the borderlands in this episode. Eadric of Herefordshire and Shropshire teams up with Welsh princes in a last-ditch effort to push back the Norman tide. Anglo-Saxon resistance isn’t dead—not yet. And in the shadowy woods and rugged hills, a fragile hope still flickers.[Fits nicely between public Episodes 76 and 77.]NOTE: Any mispronunciation of Welsh

en

00:34:24

172: Flanders In Crisis

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/08/15

Patreon Series: Context of a ConquestEpisode 172: Flanders In CrisisLosses abound in this chapter of our story. But before we get swept away in the grief and fallout, we finally pause to give the County of Flanders its due. A key player in the game of 11th-century thrones, Flanders is about to show us just how much sway it holds over the fortunes (and misfortunes) of Europe’s rising powers. It’s time to zoom in on a region too important to ignore.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s

en

00:21:04

171: Was Matilda Really A Monster?

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/08/11

Patreon Series: Context of a ConquestEpisode 171: Was Matilda Really A Monster?Today, we dive into one of the most powerful couples of the Middle Ages—William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders. History tells us theirs was a loyal and respectful union...but was it really? We’ll look at what the chronicles say, what they don’t say, and explore just how faithful the marriage may have been behind the polished façade of royal partnership. Love, power, ambition—it’s all on the table.No More Paywalls

en

00:44:03

170: Forsaken Son

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/08/08

Patreon Series: Context of a ConquestEpisode 170: Forsaken SonToday, we crack open the long-simmering drama between William the Conqueror and his eldest son, Robert Curthose. Spoiler alert: Norman family dinners were not warm and fuzzy affairs. This episode dives into the rocky relationship between father and son—misunderstandings, power plays, and one very bruised ego. William may have conquered England, but he couldn’t conquer his own household.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s

en

00:28:59

169: Ireland After Clontarf

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/08/04

Patreon SeriesEpisode 169: Ireland After ClontarfIreland: 1014 and beyond...Let’s explore the towering legacy of Brian Boru—High King of Ireland, unifier, reformer, warrior. His rise reshaped the island’s political landscape, but his sudden, violent end at Clontarf left a power vacuum that would echo for generations. What did his brief moment of near-total control mean for Ireland’s future? Let’s dive into the legend and the fallout.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening here –

en

00:20:57

168: A Pisan Delegation

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/08/01

Patreon Series: Rise of the Crusader SpiritEpisode 168: A Pisan DelegationToday, we follow Roger de Hauteville as he stands at a crossroads—offered one of the greatest opportunities any military commander could dream of. It’s a chance to etch his name into the bedrock of history… but only if he has the nerve to seize it. Will he take the leap, or walk away from destiny? Grab your sword (and your headphones), because the stakes are enormous.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what’s happening

en

00:53:40

167: Duke Bonifacio of Canossa

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/07/28

Patreon Series: Rise of the Crusader SpiritEpisode 167: Duke Bonifacio of CanossaToday, we begin unraveling the extraordinary story of Matilda of Canossa—one of the most powerful and complex women in medieval Europe. But before we get to the warrior-countess herself, we lay the foundation with her legendary father, Bonifacio of Canossa, a larger-than-life noble who ruled the heart of Italy like a man born in the wrong epic. This is where Matilda’s legacy begins, her origin story —among the castles,

en

00:09:21

Podcast Update - July 2025

Fortune"s Wheel: A Podcast History of Our Medieval Story ·

2025/07/22

In this short update episode, we get a sneak peak at some changes to the show. Specifically, it’s ditching paywalls, what that means for listeners, and how listeners can help the podcast grow. Expect more episodes, more access, and a whole lot more medieval mayhem — plus, a glimpse of what’s coming next as we build toward the epic story of 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 public with

en

213 results

Similar Podcasts

The Old Front Line

Paul Reed

Today In History with The Retrospectors

The Retrospectors

جنود خلدهم التاريخ

ALSUMOOD PODCAST

Film History - Daily

Inception Point Ai

Madonna - Biography Flash

Inception Point Ai