Before Berlin had its famous bear emblem, there was Albert the Bear—a medieval margrave, territorial conqueror, and the man who laid the foundation for Brandenburg. In this episode, we dive into his rise to power, his role in the Wendish Crusade, and why his legacy still lingers today—from Berlin’s coat of arms to a centuries-old house order that still exists.

History, medieval politics, and a surprisingly (centuries later) enduring bear—what more could you ask for?