The Medieval Podcast on Steno.fm

The Medieval Podcast

All about the Middle Ages from Medievalists.net. Join Danièle Cybulskie and her guests as they talk about the medieval world, from Byzantium to the Vikings.

Thu, April 17, 2025
The Rise of Henry Tudor with Nathen Amin
Though he’s remembered as the man who united the two royal houses of England, Henry Tudor was more than just the red rose of Lancaster: he was also the red dragon of Wales. This week, Danièle speaks with Nathen Amin about Henry Tudor's Welsh ancestry, how generations of royals and rebels shaped him, and how he managed to claim the English throne despite desperately long odds.
Thu, April 10, 2025
Medieval Hospitals with Sarah Loose Guerrero
When we think about the joys of modernity, perhaps one of the images that comes to mind is hospitals. But, believe it or not, hospitals were also a fundamental part of the medieval world. Catering to the sick, the poor, and the needy, hospitals were institutions many medieval people could rely on in their most desperate moments. This week, Danièle speaks with Sarah Loose Guerrero about what to expect at a medieval hospital, how institutions like the Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala supported citizens from infancy to adulthood, and what hospital support looked like for both urban and rural communities. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, April 03, 2025
The Medieval Writings of Jean Bodel with Lynn Ramey
When it comes to influential writers of the Middle Ages, there are big names that are probably familiar to a lot of us. But who was it who influenced them? It’s time to get to the deep cut of medieval literature, and look at a writer whose worked crossed genres from epic, to drama, to heartfelt notes, to raunchy humour. This week, Danièle speaks with Lynn Ramey about the incredible Jean Bodel, his massive influence on other medieval writers, and some of his unforgettable works. Support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, March 27, 2025
Medieval Africa with Luke Pepera
Although it’s the cradle of our species, and a land as rich in culture as it is legendarily rich in resources, retellings of African history often place their focus heavily on the transatlantic slave trade. While this is valuable, too narrow a focus can make it easy to lose sight of how incredibly powerful, interconnected, and respected African people have been within the fabric of global history. This week, Danièle speaks with Luke Pepera about medieval Africa, what it would’ve been like to find yourself in one of the most powerful empires of the Middle Ages, and the famous pilgrimage of Mansa Musa. You can support this podcast on Medievalists.net Patreon page, which sells this digital map of medieval Africa: https://www.patreon.com/medievalists/shop/map-of-medieval-africa-36747?source=storefront
Thu, March 20, 2025
Ladies-in-Waiting with Caroline Dunn
Although they’re often presented as a sort of living, breathing set decoration, the women at aristocratic courts in the Middle Ages served many different functions, from the practical to the ceremonial. Educated and influential, these women served as ambassadors not only of their gender, but often of their families, and places of origin, as well. So, what was it like to be a daily companion to the elites of the medieval world? This week, Danièle speaks with Caroline Dunn about the lives of ladies in waiting. You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, March 13, 2025
Global Ships with Amanda Respess
When it comes to intercontinental trade in the Middle Ages, the Silk Road seems to get all the love. But the movement of people and goods between kingdoms and continents was made possible in large part by water. This week, Danièle speaks with Amanda Respess about ships and shipbuilding in the medieval world, what we know about early global trade routes, and the fascinating bits of archaeology we’re still finding under the sea. Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, March 06, 2025
Buddhist Poet-Monks in Medieval China with Thomas J. Mazanec
Last week was all about Christian monks, but naturally, there were a whole lot of monks in different traditions across the medieval world. And some of them were even poets. This week, Danièle speaks with Thomas J. Mazanec about the Buddhist poet-monks of medieval China, why they chose to write poetry, and why their art was so controversial. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, February 27, 2025
How to Live Like a Monk in Stressful Times
It's safe to say that this moment in history is proving to be a stressful one, leaving many of us feeling anxious and unsettled. This week, Danièle revisits some of the science-backed tools and strategies medieval monks used to help them stay mentally healthy in tough times. Check out Danièle's book How to Live Like a Monk: Medieval Wisdom for Modern Life at https://www.danielecybulskie.com/monk
Thu, February 20, 2025
Henry III with David Carpenter
Although he’s one of the longest-reigning monarchs in English history, he tends to be largely forgotten when it comes to top ten lists. He’s not even in the top three most popular Henrys. Sandwiched between his father, Bad King John, and his son, the “great and terrible” Edward I, Henry III was a pious, peaceful, family man – for better and for worse. This week, Danièle speaks with David Carpenter about what people loved and loathed about Henry, how he managed to survive the rockiest moments of his reign, and the incredible architectural legacy he left behind. You can listen to these epispdes ad-free on our Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/medievalists
Thu, February 13, 2025
Sexy Medieval Songs with Elizabeth Eva Leach
It's almost Valentine's Day, which means that sexy playlists are being created all over the world to help people communicate their steamiest and most heartfelt emotions - just like they did in the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Elizabeth Eva Leach about sexy medieval songs, who was singing them, and how they served as inspiration in the bedroom. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, February 06, 2025
Muslims in the Kingdom of Jerusalem with Ann Zimo
After the Christian conquest of Jerusalem in 1099, scholarship tends to focus on the Muslim populations outside of the newly established crusader kingdoms. But what happened to the Muslim people who remained within? How did they interact with the new culture and laws imposed upon them? And how much of a dealbreaker was a person’s religion in real life, anyway? This week, Danièle speaks with Ann Zimo about the interactions between Muslims and Christians within the legal, political, and even spy networks of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. You can support The Medieval Podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, January 30, 2025
Medieval Iceland with Sverrir Jakobsson
It’s a storied island with a rich saga tradition. A land of ice and fire. But rarely do we hear of how Iceland went from being a stouthearted farming settlement to one of the most respected nations on Earth. This week, Danièle speaks with Sverrir Jakobsson about what life in Iceland was like in the early Middle Ages, how it became linked to the kingdom of Norway, and how Iceland’s interactions with Europe changed after the Black Death. You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, January 23, 2025
Dowager Queens of Korea with Alban Schmid
Though they're often overlooked, the dowager queens of Korea were the one of the most powerful legitimizing forces behind the throne. This week, Danièle speaks with Alban Schmid about how Korea was ruled in the late Middle Ages, its relationship to Ming China, and the power wielded by the women at the top. You can support The Medieval Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, January 16, 2025
Medieval Eastern Europe with Florin Curta
If you browse the shelves of your local bookstore, it may seem like Eastern Europe basically didn’t exist until the Soviet Union. Fortunately, Medieval Studies is slowly widening the lens to give us a bigger and better picture of what went on beyond the invisible borders of west versus east. This week, Danièle speaks with Florin Curta about why it’s taken the field so long to address Eastern Europe, why we need to look at enslavement as part of our understanding of the European Middle Ages broadly, and how we can all get started including Eastern Europe in our scholarship, is coming up right after this. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, January 09, 2025
Early English Queens with Matthew Firth
Most of us could probably come up with a few names of the kings who ruled in England in the centuries before the Norman Conquest, but the queens? Maybe not. We know they existed, but it can be hard to figure out much else about them – or whether later medieval notions of what queenship actually is even fit. This week, Danièle speaks with Matthew Firth about what early queenship looked like, the role queens played in legitimizing a king’s right to rule, and how three incredible women shaped English royal history. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, January 02, 2025
Fixing the Liturgy with CJ Jones
There’s a pretty common myth that medieval women had no agency in their lives; that they were quiet and subservient, and accepted the status quo without thinking too hard about it. The reality, of course, was much different - even for those with the strictest rules: nuns. This week, Danièle speaks with CJ Jones about Dominican nuns, their theological sophistication, and how they left their own unique mark on the Middle Ages. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists Check out the medieval online courses at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/
Thu, December 26, 2024
2024: The Medieval Year in Review
2024 has been another wild ride in politics and medieval studies. This week, continuing tradition, Danièle speaks with Peter Konieczny from Medievalists.net about what’s been happening in the world and in the field this year. You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, December 19, 2024
In Defense of Women with Margaret L. King
One of the favourite pastimes of certain thinkers throughout history has been to demonstrate the supposed inferiority of women, something both modern people and people of the past have resisted with spicy arguments of their own. These days, we tend to use science and statistics to help us lend weight to our positions. But what did people lean on in the past? This week, Danièle speaks with Margaret L. King about Renaissance man Pompeo Colonna, why he’s writing in defense of women, and how he crafts his argument. You can support this podcast and Medievalists.net on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/c/medievalists
Thu, December 12, 2024
Best Medieval Books of 2024
Medieval Studies has no shortage of amazing books coming out each year, but which ones are the best of the best? This week, Danièle continues the annual tradition of listing her top five book recommendations of 2024 alongside those of Peter Konieczny, editor of Medievalists.net. This year's list is: Beards and Baldness in the Middle Ages , translated by Joseph McAlhany Bad Chaucer, by Tison Pugh Crusader Criminals , by Steve Tibble The Broadview Anthology of Medieval Arthurian Literature , by Kathy Cawsey and Elizabeth Edwards The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV , by Helen Castor Rewriting the First Crusade , by Thomas W. Smith A Shattered Realm: Wars and Lives in Fourteenth-Century Japan , translated by Royall Tyler House of Lilies: The Dynasty that Made Medieval France , by Justine Firnhaber-Baker God’s Own Language: Architectural Drawing in the Twelfth Century , by Karl Kinsella The Illustrated Cairo Genizah , by Nick Posegay and Melonie Schmierer-Lee
Thu, December 05, 2024
The House of Condulmer with Alan Stahl
There’s a general impression of the Middle Ages that wherever you started out in life is where you ended up. But with a few business smarts, the right connections, and a willingness to play fast and loose with ethics, sometimes a person could rise to the very gates of heaven. This week, Danièle speaks with Alan Stahl about life in one of the richest cities in the medieval world, and the fate and fortunes a family who climbed the social ladder to the very top. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, November 28, 2024
A Holy Blueprint with Karl Kinsella
One of the clearest and most enduring legacies of the Middle Ages is the beautiful buildings left behind. Many of these buildings were devoted to God, using blueprints that no longer exist. But one of the most famous – and famously confusing – sets of architectural instructions was set out in the Bible, itself. This week, Danièle speaks with Karl Kinsella about the great twelfth-century scholar Richard of St. Victor, his efforts to make the vision of Ezekiel clear, and why this set of biblical blueprints is such an important contribution to the history of architecture. Enrol in one of Medievalists.net's online courses at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/ - use the coupon code 'BlackFriday' to save 25%
Thu, November 21, 2024
Ibn Sina and Biruni with S. Frederick Starr
Experimenting, translating, and philosophizing about physics and metaphysics, biology and geology, two great thinkers from Central Asia stand out both for their achievements, and their completely opposite points of view. This week, Danièle speaks with S. Frederick Starr about the work and the lives of Ibn Sina (aka Avicenna) and Biruni, their contributions to science and culture, and the reason they outright despised each other. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists
Thu, November 14, 2024
The Otherworld with Lisa Bitel
A place of supernatural encounters both incredibly good and spectacularly bad, the Otherworld featured in stories and songs throughout the Middle Ages, especially on the storied isle of Ireland. This week, Danièle speaks with Lisa Bitel about what the Otherworld was like, why Otherworldly beings were interested in humankind, and where we find these enchanting stories. Sign up for the online course on The First Crusade at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/courses/first-crusade
Thu, October 31, 2024
Bad Chaucer with Tison Pugh
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
Thu, October 24, 2024
Medieval Riga with Kevin O'Connor
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
Thu, October 17, 2024
The Green Ages with Annette Kehnel
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
Thu, October 10, 2024
Henry V with Dan Jones
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/
Thu, October 03, 2024
The Eagle and the Hart with Helen Castor
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
Thu, September 26, 2024
Charlemagne with Cullen Chandler
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
Thu, September 19, 2024
September Book Roundup
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
Thu, September 12, 2024
Medieval Falconry with Yannis Hadjinicolaou
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
Thu, September 05, 2024
Forging a Kingdom in the 11th century with Simon Doubleday
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
Thu, August 29, 2024
Feminist Medievalisms with Usha Vishnuvajjala
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
Thu, August 22, 2024
Travel Through Medieval Eyes with Anthony Bale
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
Thu, August 08, 2024
Hunting Fake History with Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse
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
Thu, August 01, 2024
Medieval Beards and Baldness with Joseph McAlhany
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
Thu, July 18, 2024
Crusader Criminals with Steve Tibble
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/
Thu, July 11, 2024
Celebrating Episode 250: A Pot Pourri of Medieval Trivia
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
Thu, July 04, 2024
Divining the Future with Jo Edge
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
Thu, June 27, 2024
Cleaning Up Renaissance Italy with Jane Stevens Crawshaw
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
Thu, June 20, 2024
Bede and the Theory of Everything with Michelle Brown
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
Thu, June 13, 2024
A Year in Early Medieval England with Eleanor Parker
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
Thu, June 06, 2024
The Capetians with Justine Firnhaber-Baker
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
Thu, May 30, 2024
Medieval Corruption and Protection with Jonathan Lyon
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
Thu, May 23, 2024
Rewriting the First Crusade with Thomas Smith
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
Thu, May 16, 2024
A Catch-Up (And a Big Reveal) with Dan Jones
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
Thu, May 02, 2024
Medieval Arthurian Literature with Kathy Cawsey and Elizabeth Edwards
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
Thu, April 25, 2024
Medieval Coins with Rory Naismith
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
Thu, April 18, 2024
Medieval Fish with Richard Hoffmann
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
Thu, April 11, 2024
The Art of Medieval Anatomy with Taylor McCall
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
Thu, April 04, 2024
Mary of Egypt with Sonia Velazquez
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
Thu, March 28, 2024
How to Focus Like a Monk with Jamie Kreiner
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
Thu, March 21, 2024
Medieval Hair with Emanuele Lugli
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
Thu, March 14, 2024
Dirty Books with Kate Rudy
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
Thu, March 07, 2024
Introducing the Medieval Fox with Paul Wackers
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
Thu, February 29, 2024
Rome and the Papacy with Jessica Wärnberg
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
Thu, February 22, 2024
Medieval Charms with Katherine Storm Hindley
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
Thu, February 15, 2024
A Medieval Map of the World with Meredith Small
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
Thu, February 01, 2024
Medieval Monsters with Charity Urbanski
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
Thu, January 25, 2024
William of Auvergne with Lesley Smith
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
Thu, January 18, 2024
Carrying and Moving in the Middle Ages
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
Thu, January 11, 2024
Eleanor of Aquitaine with Karen Sullivan
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
Thu, January 04, 2024
Justice, Politics, and Death in Medieval Ireland with Joanna MacGugan
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
Thu, December 21, 2023
2023: The Year in Review
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
Thu, December 14, 2023
Saints and Feasts of the Holiday Season
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
Thu, December 07, 2023
Gender, Transgender and the Middle Ages with Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt
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
Thu, November 30, 2023
Best Books of 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
Thu, November 23, 2023
English Royal Mysteries
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
Thu, November 16, 2023
The Deorhord with Hana Videen
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
Thu, November 09, 2023
The Well-Laden Ship: Medieval Proverbs
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
Thu, October 26, 2023
American Vikings with Martyn Whittock
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
Fri, October 20, 2023
Chivalry and Courtesy with Danièle Cybulskie
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
Fri, October 13, 2023
How to Be a Five-Minute Medievalist
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
Thu, October 05, 2023
How Often Do You Think About the Crusades?
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
Thu, September 28, 2023
Leading the Rebellion with Jason Kingsley
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/
Thu, September 21, 2023
Wonders and Rarities with Travis Zadeh
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
Thu, September 14, 2023
Trees and Religion in Early Medieval England with Michael Bintley
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
Thu, August 31, 2023
Gallows with Kenneth Duggan
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
Thu, August 24, 2023
The Templars in Britain with Steve Tibble
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
Thu, August 17, 2023
Medieval Advice from a Mother to a Son
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
Thu, August 03, 2023
Medieval Toys
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
Thu, July 27, 2023
Adventures in England
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.
Thu, July 20, 2023
Medieval Storytime: A Spicy Snack
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
Thu, July 06, 2023
The Medieval Podcast Live! with Eleanor Janega
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
Thu, June 22, 2023
How the Forbidden Fruit Became an Apple with Azzan Yadin-Israel
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
Thu, June 15, 2023
John Gower with Eve Salisbury and Georgiana Donavin
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
Thu, June 08, 2023
Thor with Declan Taggart
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 .
Fri, June 02, 2023
Episode 200: A Celebration
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
Thu, May 25, 2023
Gunpowder, Cannons, and Military History with Cliff Rogers
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
Thu, May 18, 2023
The International Congress on Medieval Studies 2023 edition
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
Thu, May 11, 2023
Introducing Chrétien de Troyes
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
Thu, May 04, 2023
A Who's Who of English Kings
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
Thu, April 27, 2023
Shakespeare and the Middle Ages
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.
Thu, April 13, 2023
Saint Colette with Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski
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
Thu, April 06, 2023
Balthazar with Bryan Keene
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
Thu, March 30, 2023
Medieval Storytime: Dogs
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
Thu, March 23, 2023
Medieval Women's Letters
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
Thu, March 16, 2023
The Once and Future Sex with Eleanor Janega
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
Thu, March 09, 2023
An ExtraMedieval Crossover
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
Thu, February 23, 2023
Women in the Crusades with Helen Nicholson
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
Thu, February 16, 2023
The Decline of Serfdom with Mark Bailey
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.
Thu, February 09, 2023
Women's Work in Catalonia with Sarah Ifft Decker
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
Thu, February 02, 2023
The Medieval Swan with Natalie Goodison
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
Thu, January 26, 2023
A Beginner's Guide to Medieval Saints
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
Thu, January 19, 2023
The Wife of Bath with Marion Turner
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.
Thu, January 12, 2023
New Year's Resolutions from the Middle Ages
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.
Thu, December 22, 2022
Best Medieval Books of 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
Thu, December 15, 2022
Two Houses, Two Kingdoms with Catherine Hanley
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.
Thu, December 08, 2022
Islamic Gardens in the Middle Ages with D. Fairchild Ruggles
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.
Thu, December 01, 2022
The Scottish Wars of Independence with Iain MacInnes
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.
Thu, November 24, 2022
A Gift Guide for Medievalists
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
Thu, November 17, 2022
The Queen and the Mistress with Gemma Hollman
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.
Thu, November 10, 2022
Cathedrals with Howard Bloch
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
Thu, October 27, 2022
The Mongol Storm with Nicholas Morton
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
Thu, October 20, 2022
Medieval Storytime, Knightly Edition
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
Thu, September 29, 2022
History in Three Dimensions - TEDx Revisited
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
Thu, September 22, 2022
Royal Funerals - Medieval and Modern
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
Thu, September 15, 2022
Embodying the Soul with Meg Leja
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
Thu, September 08, 2022
Danièle's Tale
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
Thu, September 01, 2022
Your Medieval Questions Answered
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/
Thu, August 25, 2022
The Deeds of Philip Augustus with Cecilia Gaposchkin and Sean Field
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
Thu, August 18, 2022
Manuscript Fragments with Lisa Fagin Davis
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
Thu, August 04, 2022
Going to Church in Medieval England with Nicholas Orme
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
Thu, July 28, 2022
Medieval Well Poisoning Accusations with Tzafrir Barzilay
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.
Thu, July 21, 2022
The Black Middle Ages with Matthew Vernon
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
Wed, July 13, 2022
Medieval Horses with Anastasija Ropa and Timothy Dawson
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.
Wed, July 06, 2022
Biocodicology and Birth Girdles with Sarah Fiddyment
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
Wed, June 29, 2022
Persian Poetry with Shahzad Bashir
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
Thu, June 23, 2022
Oceania 800-1800 with James Flexner
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
Thu, June 16, 2022
The Hidden Hands Behind Medieval Manuscripts with Mary Wellesley
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
Thu, June 09, 2022
Deception in Medieval Warfare with James Titterton
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.
Thu, June 02, 2022
The Wordhord with Hana Videen
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.
Thu, May 26, 2022
Medieval Beauty Tips
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.
Thu, May 19, 2022
Field Report: Kalamazoom 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.
Thu, May 12, 2022
Body Language and the Modern Medieval Courtroom
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.
Thu, May 05, 2022
Household Goods in Medieval London with Katherine French
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/
Thu, April 28, 2022
The Northman
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/
Thu, April 21, 2022
Episode 150! Your Top Ten Favourites
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/
Thu, April 07, 2022
The Permeable Self with Barbara Newman
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)
Thu, March 31, 2022
New Book Recommendations
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.
Thu, March 24, 2022
Medieval Storytime: Animals
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
Thu, March 10, 2022
The Distaff Gospels
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
Thu, March 03, 2022
The Strange Case of Ermine de Reims
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
Thu, February 24, 2022
Fun Facts About Monks
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.
Thu, February 17, 2022
Sanitation in Medieval Paris with Emily Hutchison
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
Thu, February 10, 2022
Storyland with Amy Jeffs
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.
Thu, February 03, 2022
The Medieval Ass with Kathryn Smithies
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.
Thu, January 27, 2022
The Jacquerie Revolt with Justine Firnhaber-Baker
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
Thu, January 20, 2022
Paper in the Middle Ages with Orietta Da Rold
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
Thu, January 13, 2022
Going Medieval in Dungeons & Dragons
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
Thu, December 23, 2021
2021: The Medieval Year in Review
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 .
Thu, December 16, 2021
The Best Medieval Books of 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
Thu, December 09, 2021
The Bright Ages, with Matthew Gabriele and David M. Perry
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
Thu, December 02, 2021
John Trevisa and Medieval Information, with Emily Steiner
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.
Thu, November 25, 2021
Powers and Thrones with Dan Jones
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.
Thu, November 18, 2021
How to live like a monk, with Danièle Cybulskie
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
Thu, November 11, 2021
Medieval Badges with Ann Marie Rasmussen
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
Thu, November 04, 2021
The Tudors and Courtly Love with Sarah Gristwood
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
Thu, October 28, 2021
Treason in the Middle Ages, with Amanda McVitty
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/
Thu, October 21, 2021
The Last Duel: A Movie Review
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.
Thu, October 07, 2021
The Last Duel with Eric Jager
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
Thu, September 30, 2021
Medieval Partytime!
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
Thu, September 23, 2021
Christians and Jews in 13th-century England, with Adrienne Williams Boyarin
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
Thu, September 16, 2021
Wacky theories from the Middle Ages
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/
Thu, September 09, 2021
Alice Chaucer with Michèle Schindler
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/
Thu, September 02, 2021
The Medieval University
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
Thu, August 19, 2021
The Women in Medieval Armored Combat
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.
Thu, August 12, 2021
Medieval Storytime: Sir Orfeo
It’s medieval storytime! This week, a story from the ancient world is translated into the Middle Ages in the tale of Sir Orfeo.
Thu, August 05, 2021
The Green Knight and Sir Gawain
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
Thu, July 29, 2021
The Beginnings of England with Marc Morris
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
Thu, July 15, 2021
What would you bring back to medieval England?
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
Thu, July 01, 2021
St. Francis, Disability, and Illness, with Donna Trembinski
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/
Thu, June 24, 2021
Medieval Contraception with Eleanor Janega
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
Thu, June 17, 2021
The Horde with Marie Favereau
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.
Thu, June 10, 2021
Reynard the Fox with Anne Louise Avery
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
Thu, June 03, 2021
The Trotula with Monica Green
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
Thu, May 27, 2021
Having a medieval dinner party - who should we invite?
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
Thu, May 20, 2021
Ethiopia and Europe in the Middle Ages, with Verena Krebs
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
Tue, May 18, 2021
Kzoo by Zoom: The 2021 International Congress on Medieval Studies
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
Thu, May 06, 2021
Nine medieval poems
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/
Thu, April 29, 2021
The Art of Courtly Love
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
Thu, April 22, 2021
Canossa, 1077: Emperor vs Pope, with Blair Apgar
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/
Thu, April 15, 2021
John of Gaunt with Helen Carr
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
Thu, April 08, 2021
Random Medieval Questions Answered
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.
Thu, March 25, 2021
Medieval Warfare with Kelly DeVries and Michael Livingston
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
Thu, March 18, 2021
Travel in the Middle Ages, with John F. Romano
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
Thu, March 11, 2021
Medieval Beer with Noëlle Phillips
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
Thu, March 04, 2021
100 Episodes: A Celebration
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
Thu, February 25, 2021
Miracle Stories
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 /
Thu, February 18, 2021
Forgeries in the Middle Ages with Levi Roach
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
Thu, February 11, 2021
The Medieval Knight with Christopher Gravett
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
Thu, February 04, 2021
Middle Ages for Educators
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.
Thu, January 28, 2021
King Richard III with Chris Skidmore
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
Thu, January 21, 2021
Medieval Science with Seb Falk
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.
Wed, January 13, 2021
The Humble Medieval Pig, with Jamie Kreiner
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.
Wed, January 06, 2021
Medieval clothing and clothiers with John S. Lee
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
Thu, December 31, 2020
The Feast of Fools, with Max Harris
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
Wed, December 23, 2020
The Best Books about the Middle Ages from 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.
Thu, December 17, 2020
Gunpowder in Medieval Europe with Dan Spencer
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
Tue, December 08, 2020
The White Ship Disaster, with Charles Spencer
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.
Fri, November 20, 2020
The Merchant of Prato
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
Thu, November 12, 2020
The Three Caskets
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.
Fri, November 06, 2020
The Fourth Crusade
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
Sun, November 01, 2020
Medieval Eels with John Wyatt Greenlee
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.
Wed, October 21, 2020
Medieval Medicine: Does it work? with Joe Alcock
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.
Thu, October 15, 2020
Marriage, Adultery and Divorce in the Middle Ages with Bridget Wells-Furby
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.
Thu, October 08, 2020
Murders in Medieval London
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.
Wed, September 30, 2020
Medieval Princesses, with Kelcey Wilson-Lee
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.
Fri, September 25, 2020
Medieval Bodies with Jack Hartnell
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.
Thu, September 17, 2020
Preventing the Misuse of the Medieval Past with Amy Kaufman and Paul Sturtevant
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.
Fri, September 11, 2020
The Monks of Bury St Edmunds
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.
Thu, September 03, 2020
Books about the Middle Ages - Favourite Series
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.
Fri, August 28, 2020
Medieval Inventions
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.
Thu, August 20, 2020
Margery Kempe
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/
Thu, August 13, 2020
Medieval Monks: A Beginner's Guide
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.
Fri, August 07, 2020
The Murder of Charles the Good
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.
Thu, July 30, 2020
Rose versus Violet
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.
Thu, July 16, 2020
The Ghost Knight
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.
Fri, July 10, 2020
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
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.
Wed, July 01, 2020
King Henry VI with Lauren Johnson
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.
Thu, June 25, 2020
Byzantium with Anthony Kaldellis
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.
Thu, June 18, 2020
The Year 1000
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.
Thu, June 11, 2020
Medieval Graffiti with Matthew Champion
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.
Wed, June 03, 2020
Reflections on Racism in Medieval Studies
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.
Thu, May 28, 2020
Jousting in the Middle Ages with Emma Levitt
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.
Thu, May 21, 2020
Isabella of France, Queen of England
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.
Thu, May 14, 2020
Five Myths about Medieval Peasants
This week, Danièle takes on five common myths about medieval peasants.
Thu, April 30, 2020
Castles in the Middle Ages
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.
Thu, April 23, 2020
Three funny tales from the 14th century
This week Danièle shares three funny tales by Franco Sacchetti, written to entertain Italians during the tough times they experienced in the fourteenth century.
Thu, April 16, 2020
When were the Middle Ages?
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.
Thu, April 09, 2020
Favourite Medieval Movies
This week Peter Konieczny joins Danièle to talk about medieval movies, bringing you some classic favourites to help you escape to the medieval world.
Wed, April 01, 2020
Medieval Video Games with Alicia McKenzie
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.
Wed, March 25, 2020
The Black Death and COVID-19 with Winston Black
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.
Wed, March 18, 2020
Anchorites: Life in Spiritual Self-Isolation
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.
Wed, March 11, 2020
Medieval Drama
This week, Danièle gets dramatic with a look at medieval drama, how it changed and evolved, and how it influenced later forms of theatre.
Wed, March 04, 2020
Beguines with Tanya Stabler Miller
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.
Wed, February 26, 2020
Doing Laundry in the Middle Ages
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?
Wed, February 12, 2020
Arthurian Literature
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.
Thu, January 30, 2020
Yonec: A tale of courtly love
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.
Wed, January 22, 2020
Sanctuary with Shannon McSheffrey
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.
Wed, January 15, 2020
A Quest for Medieval Romance Novelists
This week, Danièle reaches out to romance writers, giving both information and resources for those who want to write their very own medieval novels.
Wed, January 08, 2020
Queens of Infamy with Anne Thériault
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.
Sun, December 29, 2019
Year in Review
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.
Thu, December 19, 2019
Favourite Medieval Books from 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.
Wed, December 04, 2019
Christine de Pizan
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.
Wed, November 27, 2019
Lanval: a tale of a Knight of the Round Table
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.
Wed, November 20, 2019
Medieval Medicine with Winston E. Black
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.
Wed, November 13, 2019
Questions and Answers about the Middle Ages
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?
Tue, November 05, 2019
Crusaders with Dan Jones
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.
Thu, October 31, 2019
Medieval witches with Gemma Hollman
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.
Wed, October 23, 2019
Talking History with Natalie Zemon Davis
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
Wed, October 09, 2019
Chatting with Medievalists.net
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.
Wed, October 02, 2019
Measuring in the Middle Ages with Emanuele Lugli
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.
Wed, September 25, 2019
Medieval Africa at the Aga Khan Museum
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.
Wed, September 18, 2019
Publishing about the Middle Ages with Richard Barber
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.
Wed, September 11, 2019
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
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.
Wed, September 04, 2019
Education in the Middle Ages
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.
Wed, August 28, 2019
The Beowulf Manuscript
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.
Wed, August 07, 2019
Why Is English So Weird?
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.
Wed, July 31, 2019
Where to get your medieval fix - travel recommendations for medievalists
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.
Wed, July 24, 2019
Merging history and the fantastic with Guy Gavriel Kay
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.
Wed, July 17, 2019
Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse (The Medieval Way)
This week, Danièle shows how useful medieval history can be in helping us survive the imminent zombie apocalypse.
Wed, July 10, 2019
Medieval Storytime
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.
Wed, June 26, 2019
Books about the Middle Ages that are great reads
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.
Wed, June 12, 2019
Myths about the Middle Ages that are so very, very wrong!
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.
Wed, June 05, 2019
Honey and medicine: the sweeter side of medieval warfare
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.
Wed, May 29, 2019
Learning about the Middle Ages through games with Kyle Lincoln
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.
Wed, May 22, 2019
And now our watch has ended: A look back at Game of Thrones
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.
Wed, May 15, 2019
Understanding medieval chronicles with Lane Sobehrad
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.
Wed, May 08, 2019
Medieval Sexuality with Eleanor Janega
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.
Wed, April 24, 2019
She-Wolves: Medieval Queens with Helen Castor
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.
Wed, April 17, 2019
Medieval torture with Larissa ‘Kat’ Tracy
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.
Tue, April 16, 2019
Fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
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.
Wed, April 10, 2019
Saving Souls and Cracking Skulls: Warrior Clerics with Craig Nakashian
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.
Wed, April 03, 2019
Melusine, Mary, and Making it as a Historian with Christine Morgan
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.
Wed, March 27, 2019
Viking warrior women with Leszek Gardela
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.
Wed, March 20, 2019
Avicenna in Ireland: A manuscript discovery with Padraig O'Machain
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.
Wed, March 13, 2019
Medieval mystery novels with Candace Robb
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.
Wed, March 06, 2019
Bastards and Priests in the Middle Ages with Sara McDougall
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.
Wed, February 27, 2019
Disabilities in the Middle Ages with Kisha Tracy
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.
Wed, February 20, 2019
The Battle of Agincourt with Michael Livingston
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.
Wed, February 13, 2019
Medieval Marriage with Ruth Mazo Karras
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.
Wed, February 06, 2019
Juggling the Middle Ages with Jan Ziolkowski
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.
Wed, January 30, 2019
The nun with blue teeth: a medieval mystery
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.
Wed, January 23, 2019
The Crusades with Andrew Latham
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.
Wed, January 16, 2019
The Hundred Years' War with David Green
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
Mon, January 07, 2019
Books in the Middle Ages with Erik Kwakkel
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
Wed, January 02, 2019
Medieval Coconuts with Kathleen Kennedy
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
Mon, December 31, 2018
Welcome to The Medieval Podcast
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.

The Medieval Podcast

The Rise of Henry Tudor with Nathen Amin

Medieval Hospitals with Sarah Loose Guerrero

The Medieval Writings of Jean Bodel with Lynn Ramey

Medieval Africa with Luke Pepera

Ladies-in-Waiting with Caroline Dunn

Global Ships with Amanda Respess

Buddhist Poet-Monks in Medieval China with Thomas J. Mazanec

How to Live Like a Monk in Stressful Times

Henry III with David Carpenter

Sexy Medieval Songs with Elizabeth Eva Leach

Muslims in the Kingdom of Jerusalem with Ann Zimo

Medieval Iceland with Sverrir Jakobsson

Dowager Queens of Korea with Alban Schmid

Medieval Eastern Europe with Florin Curta

Early English Queens with Matthew Firth

Fixing the Liturgy with CJ Jones

2024: The Medieval Year in Review

In Defense of Women with Margaret L. King

Best Medieval Books of 2024

The House of Condulmer with Alan Stahl

A Holy Blueprint with Karl Kinsella

Ibn Sina and Biruni with S. Frederick Starr

The Otherworld with Lisa Bitel

Bad Chaucer with Tison Pugh

Medieval Riga with Kevin O'Connor

The Green Ages with Annette Kehnel

Henry V with Dan Jones

The Eagle and the Hart with Helen Castor

Charlemagne with Cullen Chandler

September Book Roundup

Medieval Falconry with Yannis Hadjinicolaou

Forging a Kingdom in the 11th century with Simon Doubleday

Feminist Medievalisms with Usha Vishnuvajjala

Travel Through Medieval Eyes with Anthony Bale

Hunting Fake History with Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse

Medieval Beards and Baldness with Joseph McAlhany

Crusader Criminals with Steve Tibble

Celebrating Episode 250: A Pot Pourri of Medieval Trivia

Divining the Future with Jo Edge

Cleaning Up Renaissance Italy with Jane Stevens Crawshaw

Bede and the Theory of Everything with Michelle Brown

A Year in Early Medieval England with Eleanor Parker

The Capetians with Justine Firnhaber-Baker

Medieval Corruption and Protection with Jonathan Lyon

Rewriting the First Crusade with Thomas Smith

A Catch-Up (And a Big Reveal) with Dan Jones

Medieval Arthurian Literature with Kathy Cawsey and Elizabeth Edwards

Medieval Coins with Rory Naismith

Medieval Fish with Richard Hoffmann

The Art of Medieval Anatomy with Taylor McCall

Mary of Egypt with Sonia Velazquez

How to Focus Like a Monk with Jamie Kreiner

Medieval Hair with Emanuele Lugli

Dirty Books with Kate Rudy

Introducing the Medieval Fox with Paul Wackers

Rome and the Papacy with Jessica Wärnberg

Medieval Charms with Katherine Storm Hindley

A Medieval Map of the World with Meredith Small

Medieval Monsters with Charity Urbanski

William of Auvergne with Lesley Smith

Carrying and Moving in the Middle Ages

Eleanor of Aquitaine with Karen Sullivan

Justice, Politics, and Death in Medieval Ireland with Joanna MacGugan

2023: The Year in Review

Saints and Feasts of the Holiday Season

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

Best Books of 2023

English Royal Mysteries

The Deorhord with Hana Videen

The Well-Laden Ship: Medieval Proverbs

American Vikings with Martyn Whittock

Chivalry and Courtesy with Danièle Cybulskie

How to Be a Five-Minute Medievalist

How Often Do You Think About the Crusades?

Leading the Rebellion with Jason Kingsley

Wonders and Rarities with Travis Zadeh

Trees and Religion in Early Medieval England with Michael Bintley

Gallows with Kenneth Duggan

The Templars in Britain with Steve Tibble