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

Patreon Series: The Book of Alexios

Episode 183: Chapter 1: Roussel de Balliol

Today, we watch a young Alexios Komnenos do what Alexios Komnenos does best: survive and outmaneuver. The foe? A rogue Norman warlord named Roussel de Balliol, who decided to carve out his own little empire from Byzantine soil. It's the Komnenos kid versus the Norman upstart—and spoiler alert: the empire might just have found its next champion.
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Patreon Series: Book of Alexios

Episode 182: Prologue

Today, we crack open The Book of Alexios, a new mini-series chronicling the rise of one of Byzantium’s greatest emperors. But before we launch into the heart of his reign, we need to sweep up a few imperial messes. The chessboard is rearranged: emperors fall, others rise, and somewhere far to the east…a new threat stirs. No, not the Seljuks—someone else. Buckle up, it's going to get imperial.

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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!

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

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Patreon Series: Rise of the Crusading Spirit

Episode 181: The Papacy of Pope Alexander II

Today, we pause our sprint through imperial chaos to turn toward Rome—because while emperors rise and fall in the East, a powerhouse is at work in the West. We revisit the reign of Pope Alexander II, a quiet juggernaut of the 11th century, whose influence reverberated from papal chambers to battlefields. It’s time to connect a few dots—and maybe fill in some of the glaring gaps we’ve been skipping over.

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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: Rise of Poland

Episode 180: Poland Remains

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

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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-time

License code: 8TGHY8YXD5D73OVH

Patreon Series: Rise of Poland

Episode 179: The Worthy Brother

Today, we dive into the wild, ruthless, and often misunderstood reign of Bolesław II—better known as Bolesław the Bold. He wasn’t just another medieval ruler jockeying for land and power. No, Bolesław was a king with ambition carved in steel and sealed in blood. He fought wars, crowned himself, and clashed with the Church… and let’s just say things didn’t end with a retirement party. This is the story of a man who burned hot, fast, and left a mark on Polish history few could match.

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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:

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Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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License code: 8TGHY8YXD5D73OVH

Patreon Series: Rise of Poland

Episode 178: But It's Not Too Heavy

Today, we trace the quiet but critical rise of Casimir the Restorer—a man who didn’t charge into history with a sword held high, but instead rebuilt a kingdom from the ground up. After Poland fell into disarray, it was Casimir who returned from exile, restored order, and stabilized the monarchy with a mix of diplomacy, grit, and just enough muscle to be taken seriously. He may not be the flashiest figure of the 11th century, but without him, Poland might have disappeared entirely from the map.

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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-time

License code: 8TGHY8YXD5D73OVH

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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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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YouTube: Fortune’s Wheel Podcast

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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 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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YouTube: Fortune’s Wheel Podcast

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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 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.

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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YouTube: Fortune’s Wheel Podcast

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

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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: 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!

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!

Social Media:

YouTube: Fortune’s Wheel Podcast

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

X: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcast

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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