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.

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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Patreon Series: Rise of the Crusader Spirit

Episode 167: Duke Bonifacio of Canossa

Today, we begin unraveling the extraordinary story of Matilda of Canossa—one of the most powerful and complex women in medieval Europe. But before we get to the warrior-countess herself, we lay the foundation with her legendary father, Bonifacio of Canossa, a larger-than-life noble who ruled the heart of Italy like a man born in the wrong epic. This is where Matilda’s legacy begins, her origin story —among the castles, chaos, and clout of 11th-century Lombardy.

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:
Music for this episode is called “Fairytales” by Danijel Zambo. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/fairytalesLicense code: PAW9PSB9ZEMLQBLK

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

No More Paywalls! How?

If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with 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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SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont

Miniseries: Popes, Emperors, Kings & A Countess

EPISODE 166: The Council of Piacenza, Pt.3

We expand upon the Council of Piacenza’s agenda and its first four precedent-setting days, and we see on this episode days five, six and seven, along with Conrad III’s very interesting moves in the months after Piacenza.

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!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down any and all paywalls! 

Social Media:

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PHILOSOPHY SERIES 1: Foundations of Western Thought

EPISODE 005: Plato’s Triad: Soul, Society & Virtue

What does it mean to live a good life—and build a good society? In this episode, we dive into Plato’s grand design: the Tripartite Soul, the Tripartite City, and the cardinal virtues that bind them together. From the philosopher-king’s lofty perch to the tug-of-war inside your own psyche, we explore how Plato saw ethics, politics, and human nature as one tightly woven tapestry. You'll meet Reason, Spirit, and Appetite (your inner troublemakers), walk through Plato’s ideal republic, and confront the four virtues that keep everything from collapsing into chaos. Spoiler: It’s not democracy that saves the day—it’s justice. 

Major Ideas:

• Plato’s Tripartite Soul

• Plato’s Tripartite City

• Allegory of the Cave

• Plato’s Four Virtues

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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TOPICS / PEOPLE / PLACES

#ancientathens #plato #platonic #socrates #socratic #allegoryofthecave #formofthegood #platosdividedline #theoryofforms #tripartitesoul #tripartitecity #justice #philosopherking #philosopher-king #platosfourvirtues

SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont

EPISODE 165: The Council of Piacenza, Pt.2

Day Three focuses on a king and a heresy, but Day Four is an explosion of power plays and accusations of depravity of the worst kinds. I kept it as clean as I could, but…LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED ON THIS ONE, folks! 

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!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down of any paywalls! 

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SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont

EPISODE 164: The Council of Piacenza, Pt.1

The world is about to descend upon one mid-sized Tuscan city called Piacenza, and what comes out of this week-long event will not only set the stage for what’s to come (such as the First Crusade, for starters), but also set serious legal and doctrinal precedent for centuries.

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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SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont

Miniseries: Popes, Emperors, Kings, & A Countess

EPISODE 163: Exorcising Her Demons

The world turns its eyes to a single Tuscan city—Piacenza. Over the course of one monumental week, Church and state collide, grievances are aired, and the groundwork is laid for seismic shifts that will echo for centuries...and it's all thanks to one lady in particular: Matilda of Canossa.

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!

NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down of any paywalls! 

Social Media:

YouTube: Fortune’s Wheel Podcast

Meta: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 

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SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont

Miniseries: Popes, Emperors, Kings & A Countess

EPISODE 162: Henry IV Strikes Back!

Once again we find Henry IV attempting to take down Countess Matilda of Canossa, and this time he threw as much as he could at her. But will it work? Will he finally take down the one person who has stood in his way all these years?

Members-Only Series on Patreon:

For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century, including but not limited to the creation of the Kingdom of Poland, what’s happening on the Continent while Duke William is conquering England, and, currently, our series called “The Book of Alexios” detailing all those details of the monumental medieval emperor, Alexios Komnenos, that didn’t make it into the public podcast. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member!  Just follow this link to our Patreon page to peruse the right “subscription” for you: https://www.patreon.com/FortunesWheelPodcast. 

Social Media:

YouTube Page: Fortune’s Wheel Podcast

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 

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TOPICS / PEOPLE / PLACES

#matildaofcanossa #matildaofmantua #matilidaoftuscany #countessmatilda #duchyoftuscany #mantua #siegeofmantua #henryiv #holyromanemperorhenryiv #heinrichiv #emperorhenryiv #emperorheinrichiv #berthaofsavoy #prassede #eupraxiaofkiev #kiev #kievanrus #holyromanempire #11thcentury #popeurbanii #rome #catholicchurch #catholic #popevictorii #fortuneswheel #fortuneswheelpodcast #jonathonlarosa

PHILOSOPHY SERIES 1: Foundations of Western Thought

EPISODE 004: Plato: The Shape of Reality

After the death of Socrates in 399 BC, Plato steps out from his teacher’s shadow and tackles his first major contribution to Western philosophy: What is Truth?

Major Ideas:

• Plato’s Search for Truth

• “Theory of Forms”

• “Allegory of the Cave”

• “The Form of the Good”

• Plato’s “Divided Line”

• Plato’s (and Socrates’) “Theory of Recollection” 

Members-Only Series on Patreon:

For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century, including but not limited to the creation of the Kingdom of Poland, what’s happening on the Continent while Duke William is conquering England, and, currently, our series called “The Book of Alexios” detailing all those details of the monumental medieval emperor, Alexios Komnenos, that didn’t make it into the public podcast. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member!  Just follow this link to our Patreon page to peruse the right “subscription” for you: https://www.patreon.com/FortunesWheelPodcast. 

Social Media:

YouTube Page: Fortune’s Wheel Podcast

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 

Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcast

TOPICS / PEOPLE / PLACES

#ancientathens #plato #platonic #socrates #socratic #allegoryofthecave #formofthegood #platosdividedline #theoryofforms #realmofforms #worldofforms #realmofparticulars #worldofparticulars #meno #phaedo #therepublic #platosrepublic