Patreon Series: Rise of Poland

Episode 177: Heavy Is the Crown

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

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Patreon Series: Rise of Poland

Episode 176: The Many Wars of Boleslaw

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

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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“Beyond Time” by Danijel Zambo

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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Patreon Series: Rise of Poland

Episode 175: A Foundation to Build Upon

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

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/beyond-timeLicense code: 8TGHY8YXD5D73OVH

Patreon Series: Rise of Poland

Episode 174: King of the North

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

QUICK NOTE ABOUT TODAY'S AUDIO: The quality was off and I didn't catch it until it was too late. If you can forgive me here, future episodes will be back to normal audio quality. Thank you for understanding!

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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Music:

“Beyond Time” by Danijel Zambo

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/beyond-timeLicense code: 8TGHY8YXD5D73OVH

Patreon Series: Context of a Conquest

Episode 173: Eadric the Wild

This tale is one of alliance, defiance, and no small amount of grit. We’re headed to the borderlands in this episode. Eadric of Herefordshire and Shropshire teams up with Welsh princes in a last-ditch effort to push back the Norman tide. Anglo-Saxon resistance isn’t dead—not yet. And in the shadowy woods and rugged hills, a fragile hope still flickers.

[Fits nicely between public Episodes 76 and 77.]

NOTE: Any mispronunciation of Welsh names is entirely due to my Midwestern 'Merican accent. I hope I can bring respect through the attempt, but I'm afraid my attempts may be so bad it's in fact disrespectful. Forgive me. :)

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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“Beyond Time” by Danijel Zambo

Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/beyond-time

License code: 8TGHY8YXD5D73OVH

Patreon Series: Context of a Conquest

Episode 172: Flanders In Crisis

Losses abound in this chapter of our story. But before we get swept away in the grief and fallout, we finally pause to give the County of Flanders its due. A key player in the game of 11th-century thrones, Flanders is about to show us just how much sway it holds over the fortunes (and misfortunes) of Europe’s rising powers. It’s time to zoom in on a region too important to ignore.

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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Patreon Series: Context of a Conquest

Episode 171: Was Matilda Really A Monster?

Today, we dive into one of the most powerful couples of the Middle Ages—William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders. History tells us theirs was a loyal and respectful union...but was it really? We’ll look at what the chronicles say, what they don’t say, and explore just how faithful the marriage may have been behind the polished façade of royal partnership. Love, power, ambition—it’s all on the table.

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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Patreon Series: Context of a Conquest

Episode 170: Forsaken Son

Today, we crack open the long-simmering drama between William the Conqueror and his eldest son, Robert Curthose. Spoiler alert: Norman family dinners were not warm and fuzzy affairs. This episode dives into the rocky relationship between father and son—misunderstandings, power plays, and one very bruised ego. William may have conquered England, but he couldn’t conquer his own household.

No More Paywalls! How?

If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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Music:

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Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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License code: 8TGHY8YXD5D73OVH

Patreon Series

Episode 169: Ireland After Clontarf

Ireland: 1014 and beyond...Let’s explore the towering legacy of Brian Boru—High King of Ireland, unifier, reformer, warrior. His rise reshaped the island’s political landscape, but his sudden, violent end at Clontarf left a power vacuum that would echo for generations. What did his brief moment of near-total control mean for Ireland’s future? Let’s dive into the legend and the fallout.

No More Paywalls! How?

If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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Music:

“Beyond Time” by Danijel Zambo

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/beyond-time

License code: 8TGHY8YXD5D73OVH

Patreon Series: Rise of the Crusader Spirit

Episode 168: A Pisan Delegation

Today, we follow Roger de Hauteville as he stands at a crossroads—offered one of the greatest opportunities any military commander could dream of. It’s a chance to etch his name into the bedrock of history… but only if he has the nerve to seize it. Will he take the leap, or walk away from destiny? Grab your sword (and your headphones), because the stakes are enormous.

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If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!

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