Best Fwpodcasts Podcasts (2026)

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201: The Secret Drama of Treachery 50:36

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2h ago50:36

50:36

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 201: The Secret Drama of Treachery Nicaea. May – June, 1097. Anna Komnene writes about “the secret drama of treachery,” a hint as to how this formidable Seljuk capital of the new Sultanate of Rum would return to Roman hands. Would it fall by Western efforts…or by some other way? It’s a fascinating story about the…

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200: God's Mercs, Pt2 54:05

2h ago54:05

54:05

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 200: God’s Mercs, Pt. 2 Last time, we introduced (or reintroduced) ourselves to Hugh of Vermandois, Godfrey of Bouillon, Baldwin of Boulogne, and, of course, the incomparable Bohemond and his lightning bolt of a nephew, Tancred. This time, we round out these introductions and end right at the beginning, the momen…

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199: God's Mercs, Pt1 47:15

3h ago47:15

47:15

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 199: God’s Mercs, Pt. 1 On this episode, we begin a two-parter laying out the principle leaders of the First Crusade. Who were they? What were their stories? What connections did they share? I can’t wait to unpack this part of the series. No More Paywalls! How? If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing o…

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198: Poor People's Crusade 43:45

24d ago43:45

43:45

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 198: Poor People’s Crusade A tidal wave of zealots, doomsday preachers, and broke knights surges across Europe in the so-called Poor People’s Crusade—burning bright, burning fast, and mostly burning down. From Emicho’s disastrous rampage along the Rhine to the ragged march of Walter Sans Avoir straight into the j…

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Who's Who Review #11 2:23:04

1M ago2:23:04

2:23:04

It's the eleventh electrifying 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 Bizarro World, Deadman, Green Arrow from Earth-1, Speedy from Earth-2, Kanjar Ro, The Trigger Twins, and more! Plus we cover YOUR feedback! Have a question or comment? L…

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197: The Fez Massacre 27:37

1M ago27:37

27:37

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 197: The Fez Massacre This is an older Patreon episode about another Jewish pogrom taking place in Fez in modern Morocco decades before the Rhineland massacres during the Poor People's Crusade. This serves as a bonus episode and not a direct part of my research into the First Crusade.A new episode will be release…

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196: Blood on the Rhine 46:50

1M ago46:50

46:50

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 196: Blood on the Rhine The First Crusade hadn’t even started yet, so why was the Rhine flowing red? 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…

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195: Did God Will It? 40:50

2M ago40:50

40:50

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 195: Did God Will It? Where does a pope get off telling thousands of armed men to march across the known world with a promise of eternal salvation? This wasn’t a whim. It was centuries in the making. Welcome to the origin story of Christian holy war. No More Paywalls! How? If you believe in what’s happening here …

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Hero Points: The World at War 1:35:27

2M ago1:35:27

1:35:27

Hero Points is back! Siskoid and Shag present a Hero Points/JSA Podcast crossover by covering "The World at War", a sourcebook covering the World War II era, all its homefront heroes AND the stars of war comics like Sgt. Rock. It's the most requested DC Heroes RPG book in the catalog, so we can safely say "because YOU demanded it!" Relevant images …

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194: Deus Vult! 46:45

2M ago46:45

46:45

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 194: Deus Vult! Clermont., France. November 27, 1095. Pope Urban II lit the match that set Europe ablaze. This episode dives into the conflicting accounts of that speech—where “Deus Vult” became both a prayer and a war cry. No More Paywalls! How? If you believe in what’s happening here – bringing our shared histo…

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193: Eastern Rome on the Eve of Crusade 53:10

2M ago53:10

53:10

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 193: Eastern Rome on the Eve of Crusade On this episode, we hear from Dr. Warren Treadgold -- retired professor, historian, and author -- who has spent a decades-long career studying Byzantine history. In the show's first interview, we discuss Alexios Komnenos, differences between the Christian East and the Latin…

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192: The World of the First Crusade 30:59

2M ago30:59

30:59

SEASON 8: The First Crusade EPISODE 192: The World(view) Behind the First Crusade Let’s take a moment to survey Europe by 1095. What was the world like on the Eve of the First Crusade? What were the various political and economic ideas that flooded out of Western Europe and into the Holy Land? What kinds of technology were these westerners skilled …

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191: Chapter 9: The Pecheneg Problem 44:55

3M ago44:55

44:55

Patreon Series: Book of Alexios Episode 191: The Pecheneg Problem NOTE: This is the last episode in our Patreon episodes covering the rise and early reign of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos! But his story continues well into the First Crusade...and beyond, so stay tuned, my friends! Alexios Komnenos' story is only beginning! Guiscard is dead, and the By…

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190: Chapter 8: The Wolf's Mouth 43:50

3M ago43:50

43:50

Patreon Series: Book of Alexios Episode 190: Chapter 8: The Wolf's Mouth Today, two future legends meet. Bohemond of Taranto meets the Byzantine living legend Emperor Alexios I—a moment that will ignite a complicated and world-shaping rivalry. It’s a tense encounter, but not all is war and scheming: somewhere nearby, a child is born. A girl who is …

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189: Chapter 7: Appointments, Penance, Delegation & Threats 37:46

3M ago37:46

37:46

Patreon Series: Book of Alexios Episode 189: Chapter 7: Appointments, Penance, Delegation & Threats The purple robes are his, but the work has only begun. In his first month on the throne, Emperor Alexios I Komnenos must navigate a Byzantine Empire under siege—externally and internally. A divided capital, looming threats across the Bosporus, and gu…

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188: Chapter 6: April 4, 1081 54:20

3M ago54:20

54:20

Patreon Series: Book of Alexios Episode 188: Chapter 6: April 4, 1081 NOTE: This is a repeat of Episode 132, but in the interest of the flow of this series, I've decided to include it for continuity. The empire is on fire—figuratively and nearly literally—as Alexios Komnenos makes his bold play for the throne. With the capital in chaos, loyalties s…

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187: Chapter 5: Cheese Week 50:30

3M ago50:30

50:30

Patreon Series: Book of Alexios Episode 187: Chapter 5: Cheese Week NOTE: This is a repeat of Episode 131, but in the interest of the flow of this series, I've decided to include it for continuity. In this episode, we explore the dangerously creamy days leading up to the rise of Alexios Komnenos—because nothing says imperial coup like dairy. Before…

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186: Chapter 4: The Writing on the Wall 1:03:05

3M ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Patreon Series: Book of Alexios Episode 186: Chapter 4: The Writing on the Wall NOTE: This is a repeat of Episode 130, but in the interest of the flow of this series, I've decided to include it for continuity. Emperor Nikephoros III watches his empire crumble like dry parchment. With rebellion brewing and a once-loyal general rising in fame, the ol…

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185: Chapter 3: Alexios & the Erymanthian Boar 31:32

3M ago31:32

31:32

Patreon Series: Book of Alexios Episode 185: Chapter 3: Alexios & the Erymanthian Boar On this episode, we employ a comparison used by Alexios Komnenos’s daughter when describing her father. There is absolutely no doubt that Anna Komnene revered her legendary father, but the comparison she makes in this episode some would say is a bit over the top.…

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FW Presents: Avengers Fantasy Draft 2025 1:12:10

3M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

You asked for it - you got it! Another all-star fantasy draft special - this time starring The Avengers! Join the Irredeemable Shag, Brett Young, Sean Ross, Ryan Daly, Tim Price, and Paul Kien as they select superheroes from the Marvel Universe to form their own Avengers team. Reminder of the rules: 7 member teams Snake draft format First round pic…

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184: Chapter 2: Bryennios's Rebellion 43:06

3M ago43:06

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Patreon Series: The Book of Alexios Episode 184: Chapter 2: Bryennios's Rebellion NOTE: This is a repeat of Episode 129, but in the interest of the flow of this series, I've decided to include it for continuity. Today, we watch Emperor Nikephoros III Botaneiates take the reins of a smoldering empire still reeling from the Bread Riots of 1078. But n…

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183: Chapter 1: Roussel de Balliol 47:49

4M 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

4M 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

4M ago28:33

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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 reve…

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180: Poland Remains 33:40

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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…