Best Fwpodcasts Podcasts (2025)

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183: Chapter 1: Roussel de Balliol 47:49

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2d ago47:49

47:49

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 ups…

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182: Book of Alexios: Prologue 37:53

5d ago37:53

37:53

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 th…

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181: The Papacy of Pope Alexander II 28:33

10d ago28:33

28:33

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 reve…

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180: Poland Remains 33:40

13d ago33:40

33:40

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. No…

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179: The Worthy Brother 26:12

17d ago26:12

26:12

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 …

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178: But It's Not Too Heavy 39:34

20d ago39:34

39:34

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 …

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177: Heavy Is the Crown 27:01

24d ago27:01

27:01

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 b…

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176: The Many Wars of Boleslaw 40:00

27d ago40:00

40:00

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 …

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175: A Foundation to Build Upon 43:37

1M ago43:37

43:37

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 f…

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Who's Who Review #10 2:20:57

1M ago2:20:57

2:20:57

It's the tenth titanic episode of WHO'S WHO REVIEW! Shag and Rob take a fresh look at classic entries from Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe, featuring Animal Man, Captain Boomerang, Elasti-Girl, The Global Guardians, Power Girl, Weather Wizard and more! Plus we cover YOUR feedback! Have a question or comment? Looking for more …

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174: King of the North 31:21

1M ago31:21

31:21

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 wit…

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173: Eadric the Wild 30:54

1M ago30:54

30:54

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. An…

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172: Flanders In Crisis 34:24

1M ago34:24

34:24

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…

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171: Was Matilda Really A Monster? 21:04

1M ago21:04

21:04

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 …

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170: Forsaken Son 44:03

2M ago44:03

44:03

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, a…

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169: Ireland After Clontarf 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

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 …

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168: A Pisan Delegation 20:57

2M ago20:57

20:57

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…

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167: Duke Bonifacio of Canossa 53:40

2M ago53:40

53:40

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-…

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Podcast Update - July 2025 9:21

2M ago9:21

9:21

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 Firs…

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166: The Council of Piacenza, Pt. 3 39:30

2M ago39:30

39:30

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. N…

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PHIL005: Plato's Triad: Soul, Society & Virtue 38:25

2M ago38:25

38:25

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…

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165: The Council of Piacenza, Pt. 2 46:35

2M ago46:35

46:35

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 h…

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Let's Roll: Traveller 1:16:49

3M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

On this episode of Let's Roll!, Siskoid welcomes the Irredeemable Shag and his GameMaster Patrick Pence to talk about the granddaddy of science fiction games, Traveller! Plus, GameMaster Advice on how to use (or not use) any given RPG's big Meta-Arc! Relevant images and credits in the Let's Roll Supplemental. This podcast is a proud member of the F…

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164: The Council of Piacenza, Pt. 1 44:30

3M ago44:30

44:30

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 cent…

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163: Exorcising Her Demons 38:41

3M ago38:41

38:41

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 i…

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Who's Who Review #9 2:25:48

3M ago2:25:48

2:25:48

It's the ninth nifty episode of WHO'S WHO REVIEW! Shag and Rob take a fresh look at classic entries from Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe, featuring the Post-Crisis Superman, Professor Hugo Strange, the Manhunters, Gypsy, Tarantula, Brain Wave, Captain Fear, Balloon Buster, and more! Plus we cover YOUR feedback! Have a questio…

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162: Henry IV Strikes Back! 51:35

3M ago51:35

51:35

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 yea…

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PHIL004: Plato: The Shape of Reality 41:16

4M ago41:16

41:16

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 G…

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161: Rise of Pope Urban II 46:36

4M ago46:36

46:36

SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont Miniseries: Popes, Emperors, Kings & A Countess EPISODE 161: Rise of Pope Urban II Pope Urban II’s story begins long before he was pope, when he was simply Odo of Chatillon, but this episode will focus on his impressive ascendancy through the Catholic ranks to be the answer to what the Christian world was lookin…

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160: Pope Victor III 49:20

4M ago49:20

49:20

SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont Miniseries: Popes, Emperors, Kings & A Countess EPISODE 160: Pope Victor III Conrad the Younger, Matilda of Tuscany, and Desiderius of Monte Cassino…these are the foci of our next thread leading up to the First Crusade! Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying st…

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159: Rebellions & Conquests: Hauteville Edition, Pt. 2 1:01:00

4M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont Miniseries: Southern Italy and Sicily, 1085 - 1095 EPISODE 159: Rebellions & Conquests: Hauteville Edition, Pt2 Roger Borsa and Bohemond hold onto a tenuous peace, while their uncle Count Roger faces challenges back in Sicily. Maybe a little vacay to the island of Malta could do the trick… Members-Only Series on…

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158: Rebellions & Conquests: Hauteville Edition, Pt1 46:40

5M ago46:40

46:40

SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont Miniseries: Southern Italy and Sicily, 1085 - 1095 EPISODE 158: Rebellions & Conquests: Hauteville Edition, Pt1 Roger Borsa may have inherited dad’s domains, but Bohemond wasn’t going to sit idly by and be left with nothing. The Balkans should’ve been his, so if they would one day be under his control he would h…

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157: Catholic Corridors to the East 38:50

5M ago38:50

38:50

SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont EPISODE 157: Catholic Corridors to the East Venice and Hungary don’t seem to have much in common, but they would pave the way for crusaders to make the long, treacherous journey to the Holy Land, whether by land or by sea. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying…

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PHIL003: Socrates: Ideas Worth Dying For 1:07:16

5M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

PHILOSOPHY SERIES 1: Foundations of Western Thought EPISODE 003: Socrates: Ideas Worth Dying For After taking a look at the world of Socrates on the last episode — the Athenian Golden Age, Pericles, the Plague of Athens, the Peloponnesian War — we dive into Socrates’ philosophy! Using a handful of Plato’s Dialogues — Euthyphro, Meno, Gorgias, Theae…

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PHIL002: Socrates In Context 26:09

6M ago26:09

26:09

PHILOSOPHY SERIES 1: Foundations of Western Thought EPISODE 001: Socrates In Context On this episode, we take a few minutes to outline why Socrates was the way he was and why his life ended the way it did. Philosophy, to some degree, is a reflection on one’s world, one’s circumstances, and if I try to preach anything it’s context matters. We won’t …

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Let's Roll: Torg Eternity 1:32:45

6M ago1:32:45

1:32:45

On this episode of Let's Roll!, Siskoid welcomes back Daniel "Pout" Ouellet to cover Torg Eternity, the genre mash-up cinematic game they've been playing together for the past three years. Plus, GameMaster Advice on how the GameMaster's voice might change with the game's genre! Relevant images and credits in the Let's Roll Supplemental. This podcas…

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PHIL 001: Foundations: The Pre-Socratics 48:23

6M ago48:23

48:23

PHILOSOPHY SERIES 1: Foundations of Western Thought EPISODE 001: Foundations: The Pre-Socratics On this episode, we begin, well, at the beginning…all of those amazing thinkers and tinkerers before Socrates. We call them the Pre-Socratics. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylin…

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156: The Beginning of the Reconquista 29:34

6M ago29:34

29:34

Closing SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont Miniseries: Iberia on the Eve of Crusade EPISODE 156: Beginning of the Reconquista King Alfonso VI of Leon-Castile, leading up to the pivotal year of 1095, needed to change the face of the Almoravid Conquest happening in Iberia. The Almoravid War Machine was formidable, but that wouldn't draw people to I…

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Who's Who Review #8 2:10:03

6M ago2:10:03

2:10:03

It's the eighth excellent episode of WHO'S WHO REVIEW! Shag and Rob take a fresh look at classic entries from Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe, featuring Batgirl, Raven, Mad Hatter, Blackfire, Blackjack, Dr. Tzin-Tzin, Mantis, Red Bee, and more! Plus we cover YOUR feedback! As promised in the episode, below are links to downlo…

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155: End of the Taifa Era 30:20

6M ago30:20

30:20

SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont Miniseries: Iberia on the Eve of Crusade EPISODE 155: End of the Taifa Era When eras end and kingdoms fall, one would be entirely justified in assuming that said “end” would come from some external source. But that’s not always the case. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can hear m…

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Let's Roll: GM Advice - A Good Start 26:23

7M ago26:23

26:23

Siskoid doles out GameMaster advice in this special "column" episode, focusing on how to start gaming. How do you get your kids involved in the hobby? How do you massage expectations based on your new group's past experiences? And how do you make playing small or low-level parties exciting? This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCA…

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154: Fingers in the Dam 43:34

7M ago43:34

43:34

SEASON 7: All Roads Lead to Clermont Miniseries: A Tale of Three Brothers EPISODE 154: Fingers In the Dam Things have been going pretty great in England for a few years, but that may have only been people’s wishful thinking. As 1093 drew to an end, the king had been growing ever more unpredictable and volatile, and no one, not even Archbishop Ansel…

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153: The Henry Factor 33:26

7M ago33:26

33:26

SEASON 7: Miniseries: A Tale of Three Brothers EPISODE 153: The Henry Factor Some people have it — whatever it is. William Rufus was a force of personality, a courageous warrior, and an effective ruler. Robert Curthose was generous and also a courageous warrior. But Henry…? What did Henry have to offer? Well, they didn’t call him Beauclerc for noth…

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152: Rufus's New Archbishop 51:19

8M ago51:19

51:19

SEASON 7: Miniseries: A Tale of Three Brothers EPISODE 152: Rufus’s New Archbishop On his deathbed, William Rufus has a change of heart regarding England’s Church. 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 creati…

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FW Presents: Justice League Draft 2025 1:41:10

8M ago1:41:10

1:41:10

The Fire and Water Network celebrates its ninth anniversary with an all-star fantasy draft special. Join the Irredeemable Shag, Chris Franklin, Paul Kien, Brett Young, Sean Ross, and Ryan Daly as they select superheroes from the DC Universe to build their own ultimate Justice League lineup. Who will be drafted first? Which signature hero of the Fir…

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151: Rufus & The Northern Border 33:35

8M ago33:35

33:35

This episode outlines one of William Rufus’s most enduring contributions to England’s long and storied past: the border with the kingdom’s northern neighbor, Scotland. SEASON 7: Miniseries: A Tale of Three Brothers EPISODE 151: Rufus & The Northern Border Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying sto…

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150: A Brother Rejected 57:58

9M ago57:58

57:58

SEASON 7: Miniseries: A Tale of Three Brothers EPISODE 150: A Brother Rejected This episode spans the entire duchy of Normandy, from one end to the other, and, symbolically, is the first shot in a decade-long struggle between the brothers that will see but one winner when it’s all said and done. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per…