Best Muhammad Harris Podcasts (2025)

1
Medieval Winter Ghosts 1:01:30

Play Pause

2d ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Come closer, warm yourself by the fire, and don't look too closely at the shadows playing at the edges of the room. Dr. Eleanor Janega explores eerie medieval ghost tales with Dr. Michael Carter, of knights with blood-stained souls and transforming ravens, fleeing monks and night walkers. Together they explore how winter hauntings reflected beliefs…

1
Lady Godiva 52:04

6d ago52:04

52:04

Did Lady Godiva ride naked through Coventry? Matt Lewis welcomes Annie Whitehead to delve into the legendary tale of Lady Godiva, uncovering the true historical figure behind the myth. They explore primary sources, the political landscape of 11th-century Mercia, and Godiva's significant role as a landholder and patron, as one of many independent an…

1
The Jews of Norwich 53:39

10d ago53:39

53:39

The chilling discovery of a medieval well in Norwich, filled with the remains of 17 Jewish adults and children, opened a window into the lived reality of historical antisemitism. What do these findings tell us about the forces that shaped Jewish life and loss in medieval England? Dr. Eleanor Janega and Matt Lewis continue their exploration of Norwi…

1
Norwich Castle 48:13

14d ago48:13

48:13

Medieval Norwich comes alive as Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega visit Norwich Castle, once a hulking Norman fortress, royal palace and later a Victorian jail. Matt tours the huge Keep with archaeologist Dr Tim Pestell, exploring fire-scarred vaults from medieval sieges and exquisite high-status finds unearthed in recent excavations. Matt also get…

1
St. Francis & the First Nativity Play 1:04:31

17d ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Christmas would not be complete without a nativity play: Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, all watched over by an ox, a donkey and assorted bystanders in the stable. St Francis of Assisi staged the very first nativity play way back in 1223, so like all the best things in life; it's medieval! Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Professor Tim Larsen to uncove…

1
Medieval Roots of The Modern Alphabet 49:57

21d ago49:57

49:57

How did the alphabet we use today take shape? Matt Lewis welcomes Danny Bate to explore how the medieval period shaped the alphabet we use today. They discuss the transformation of Egyptian hieroglyphs, the significant impact of the Norman Conquest of 1066, and the eventual disappearance of medieval letters like thorn (þ) and ash (æ). This is a jou…

1
Medieval Europe's Encounter with Islam 52:44

24d ago52:44

52:44

What if the Renaissance was powered by Arabic science? Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Drayson to uncover how figures like Constantine the African and Fibonacci transformed European learning and commerce by channelling Islamic knowledge into Latin Christendom. They dive into records from multicultural Spain and Sicily, where Islamic s…

1
When the Vikings met the Slavs 52:51

28d ago52:51

52:51

Journey east with Matt Lewis and Martyn Whittock to uncover how the Vikings came face to face with the Slavs. Using clues like the Ingvar Rune Stones, Matt and Martyn discover how the Vikings reshaped Northeastern Europe, with Norse trade, warfare, and cultural exchange, as well as their role in the Byzantine Empire and Islamic Caliphates, and how …

1
Trial of Joan of Arc 1:08:54

1M ago1:08:54

1:08:54

How did a teenage girl stand up to armies, theologians, and kings? Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Professor Anne Curry to trace Joan of Arc’s astonishing rise and tragic fall. From leading French forces to facing a ruthless 1431 heresy trial, they uncover the politics, pressure, and defiance that shaped her fate. Joan's defiance, the relentless ef…

1
Scotland's Stone of Scone 1:01:00

1M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

How did a medieval Scottish stone become the centre of a daring heist in the 1950's? This is the extraordinary saga of the Stone of Scone, aka the Stone of Destiny, a relic that created the kings of Scotland, is shrouded in myth and legend and was taken by the English. Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Dauvit Broun to unravel the truth behind the t…

1
How the Wind Blew Up The Middle Ages 1:03:17

1M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

From the tactical nautical decisions of the Normans and Vikings to medieval monks' meticulous wind records, medieval civilisations have always harnessed and feared the wind. Dr. Eleanor Janega and Simon Winchester explore the intimate relationship medieval people had with the wind, from it's role in agriculture and health, to its perceived divine a…

1
The Birth of the Medieval World 47:35

1M ago47:35

47:35

Matt Lewis pays a visit to Gone Medieval's sister podcast The Ancients for a lively debate with Tristan Hughes about the blurred boundary between the ancient and medieval worlds. Can Tristan champion Roman Emperor Justinian as an Ancient? What about Charlemagne? Which period can lay claim to the worst year in history? And was there a single moment …

1
Lizard Shampoo, Potions & Remedies 59:10

1M ago59:10

59:10

Can vultures eyes wrapped in fox pelt help heal sore skin? How important are leeches? Medieval people cared deeply about beauty, health and wellness; they were obsessed with remedies, beauty hacks and astrological predictions. Dr. Eleanor Janega hears about fascinating new research led by Professor James Palmer, from global ingredients and moon-bas…

1
200 Years' War - Michael Livingston 51:46

2M ago51:46

51:46

Was the Hundred Years War actually a two-century long conflict? Matt Lewis sits down with Professor Michael Livingston to re-examine the traditional concept of the Hundred Years War between France and England. From the murder that sparked the initial conflict, to the collapse of French resistance up until the rise of Joan of Arc, crises on both sid…

1
Ad Gefrin: Anglo-Saxon Palace 1:02:19

2M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Dr. Eleanor Janega is on a field trip to uncover the secrets of the Anglo-Saxon palace at Ad Gefrin, the summer residence of King Edwin of Northumbria. Joined on site by experts Chris Ferguson and Professor Sarah Semple, she explores recent archaeological discoveries that reveal grand halls, unique timber structures, and hints of mass Christian con…

1
Medieval Hallowe'en 1:01:02

2M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Come with us down the dark, damp woodland lane for Gone Medieval's Halloween Spooktacular. Matt Lewis is joined by Amy Boucher and Alix Chidley-Uttley to delve into the eerie world of medieval ghost stories, folklore, and superstitions. What is the ominous significance of yew trees in graveyards? What is a corpse road? Discover how medieval stories…

1
Owain Glyndwr, Welsh Rebel 53:36

2M ago53:36

53:36

Who was the self-proclaimed Prince of Wales, who was foretold in myth to free Wales from the tyrannical English and who was also a fabled wizard? Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Rhun Emlyn to find the real Owain Glyndwr. They discuss his legendary rebellion against English rule in 1400 and explore the transformation of 14th-century Wales, from …

1
Prophet Muhammad 44:34

2M ago44:34

44:34

Matt Lewis is joined by Dr. John Tolan to explore the profound impact of the appearance of the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century. Who was he? And what were the events that attended the birth of a new religion and a new empire? Together Matt and Dr Tolan explore the life of Muhammad, his revelations, and the enduring legacy of the Islamic fait…

1
St. Catherine & Autumnal Saints 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

**This episode contains graphic references to genitalia** Did you know that the Catherine Wheel firework takes its inspiration from St. Catherine of Alexandria? How did a 4th-century noblewoman convert fifty of the empire's greatest philosophers to Christianity before they were executed alongside her? Dr. Eleanor Janega is once again joined by hist…

1
Ragnarok & The End of the World 58:12

2M ago58:12

58:12

It's time. Winter has come, and the giant wolf has swallowed the sun. Today, Matt Lewis holds our hand as we experience the end of the world, known to the Norse people as Ragnarok. He's joined by Eleanor Barraclough to explore the intricate prophecies, mythic battles, and the ultimate destruction and rebirth of the nine realms. This is the final ep…

1
How to Reach Valhalla 1:05:48

2M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Gone Medieval is embarking on an epic journey through Norse Mythology; from the first creation myth to Ragnarok, Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega are joined by our Viking king for immersive storytelling, cinematic sound design, expert interviews, and thrilling discoveries about Odin and his magical offspring, Asgard, Valhalla, and more. So if you …

1
Thor and Loki 1:14:15

3M ago1:14:15

1:14:15

Has Thor always been considered an all-powerful but ridiculed deity? Is it possible to pin down Loki's complex nature as simply a trickster? Matt Lewis embarks on a mythical journey with Carolyne Larrington to get to know the legendary gods Thor and Loki. Together they uncover the origins and attributes of these iconic figures, their shifting relat…

1
Odin, Asgard & the Norse Gods 1:12:05

3M ago1:12:05

1:12:05

1
Norse Mythology: Creation Myths 1:05:51

3M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Across October Gone Medieval embarks on an epic journey through Norse Mythology in a new series. From the first creation myth to Ragnarok, hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Janega are joined by our Viking king for immersive storytelling, cinematic sound design, expert interviews, and thrilling discoveries about Odin, and his magical offspring, Asgar…

1
Ballads of Love and Death 1:01:33

3M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

In this enchanting episode, Dr. Eleanor Janega dissolves the boundaries between history, folklore, and music to explore the haunting world of medieval ballads. Joined by author Amy Jeffs, illustrator Gwen Burns and composer/singer Natalie Brice, Eleanor uncovers the timeless stories sung around firesides and passed from voice to voice for centuries…

1
King Arthur 58:44

3M ago58:44

58:44

How have tales of King Arthur evolved over centuries and why have they exerted such an enduring cultural appeal on countless generations? Matt Lewis delves into the legend of King Arthur, guided by Dr. Mary Bateman. Together they explore the evolution of Arthur's myth from ancient folklore to the romanticised figure and a robust literary tradition,…

1
Prophecies of Merlin 57:44

3M ago57:44

57:44

Step into the mist-shrouded world of medieval magic, forbidden love, and forgotten prophecies. In this episode of Gone Medieval, Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by renowned Arthurian expert John Matthews to explore The Prophecies of Merlin — a long-lost medieval text finally translated into English after more than 500 years. This extraordinary book, f…

1
Æthelstan: The Birth of England 49:41

3M ago49:41

49:41

Matt Lewis shifts the Gone Medieval spotlight from well-known Viking raiders and celebrated Anglo-Saxon kings to consider Æthelstan, an often overlooked yet crucial figure in British history. Æthelstan was the first monarch to unite the region that resembles modern England and to call himself King of the English. Matt is joined by David Woodman - a…

1
The Real Eleanor of Aquitaine 1:00:16

3M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a queen who defied expectations, a duchess who outmanoeuvred kings, and a mother whose dynasty shaped the future of Europe. She is often remembered through myth, gossip, and legend—but the truth is far more fascinating. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Professor Lindy Grant, to uncover the real story of Eleanor. From her ear…

1
After 1066: The Domesday Book 55:26

3M ago55:26

55:26

Matt Lewis and Levi Roach uncover the importance and intricacies of the Domesday Book, a monumental survey commissioned by William the Conqueror to consolidate his power following the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and the infamous Harrying of the North. The Domesday Book's astonishing level of detail is unpacked, revealing insights into landholding chan…

1
After 1066: The Harrying of the North 51:47

4M ago51:47

51:47

Dr. Eleanor Janega unravels the blood-soaked aftermath of the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England. Joined by Professor Levi Roach, Eleanor delves into the harrowing campaign, known as the Harrying of the North, where William the Conqueror brutally suppressed the north of England through widespread destruction and terror tactics. T…

1
William Wallace, Scottish Rebel 1:02:22

4M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Unmasking the Myth: The Real Story of William Wallace Matt Lewis and Dr. Fiona Watson get to know the true life of William Wallace, challenging the myths popularised by the film Braveheart. From Wallace's background and family origins to his role in Scotland’s fight for independence and ultimate demise, Matt and Fiona unravel the stunning real hist…

1
The Medieval Moon 53:13

4M ago53:13

53:13

When medieval people gazed at the moon, they saw more than just a glowing orb in the night sky. For them, the moon was a powerful yet fragile presence—both distant and intimate, symbolising not only love and beauty, but also exile, loss, and mystery. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Ayoush Lazikani, author of The Medieval Moon: A History of Haun…

1
King Edward I: Hammer of the Scots 1:20:22

4M ago1:20:22

1:20:22

From his early years marked by an assassination attempt on his father that coincided with Edward's conception, to his brutal campaigns against the Welsh and Scots, Edward I's reign is completely thrilling. Matt Lewis and Dr. Andrew Spencer delve into the life and legacy of this medieval warrior, reformer and conqueror, who threw himself into a Crus…

1
Women of the Crusades 36:33

4M ago36:33

36:33

The image we usually associate with a Crusader - of a dashing nobleman on a mighty steed heading out for Holy War - often obscures all of the other medieval people who went to the Holy Land, especially the countless women. In this edition of Gone Medieval, Dr. Eleanor Janega talks to Dr. Natasha Hodgson about the women who went everywhere that men …

1
The Battle of Bosworth 1:12:28

4M ago1:12:28

1:12:28

A King clinging to his right to rule. A young Tudor ready to snatch the crown and begin a new dynasty. With immersive sound design and cinematic story-telling; Matt Lewis brings to life one of the pivotal moments in English history—the Battle of Bosworth. On August 22, 1485, Richard III faced off against Henry Tudor, a clash that culminated in the …

1
Medieval Obscenity 46:26

4M ago46:26

46:26

This episode contains obscene and sexual language throughout The medieval world was far from prudish, it was positively bawdy. Writers, preachers, and even everyday neighbours used blunt, often hilarious language to talk about sex and the body—not just for laughs, but to make sharp points about morality, hypocrisy, and power. Dr. Eleanor Janega is …

1
The Paston Letters with Helen Castor 1:05:02

4M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Matt Lewis and Helen Castor uncover the romantic entanglements and perilous struggles of the 15th-century Paston family, whose personal correspondences reveal intimate details of love, ambition, and survival during the Wars of the Roses. Through the incredible archive of letters we meet the indomitable matriarch Margaret and her sons John II and Jo…

1
Legend of William Tell 58:53

5M ago58:53

58:53

What happened when tyranny came face to face with an imperturbable crossbow sharp-shooter? Dr. Eleanor Janega explores the myth of Switzerland’s most iconic medieval folk hero with Dr. Marc Lerner. They revisit Altdorf in 1307 where William Tell - allegedly - defied a tyrant with a single, legendary shot and launched a legacy of freedom, resistance…

1
How to Survive the 15th Century 1:04:24

5M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

As a summertime treat, Dr. Eleanor Janega is let out of the Gone Medieval dungeon to join Matt Lewis to delve into the complexities of the 15th century, focusing on England's tumultuous history. From the political upheavals following the deposition of Richard II to the Wars of the Roses, they explore significant figures including Henry V, Joan of A…

1
Medieval Beauty Standards with Kate Lister 43:58

5M ago43:58

43:58

How did the 14th-century Black Death influenced fashion trends? And were medieval bald men considered 'hot' because their hair burned off due to their masculinity? From clear skin and youthful appearance to the controversial make-up practices of the period Dr. Eleanor Janega and Dr. Kate Lister explore this fascinating, ever-changing concept. MORE …

1
Battle of Winchelsea with Dan Jones 47:31

5M ago47:31

47:31

Matt Lewis explores Edward III's daring naval gamble at the Battle of Winchelsea in 1350 with Dan Jones. Together they unravel the dramatic events of the Battle and the real history behind Edward III's desperate scheme against the Castilian fleet, all of which are covered in Dan's new novel 'Lionhearts'. Matt and Dan discuss the tumultuous alliance…

1
Dragons: From Eden to Middle Earth 1:02:57

5M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

Step into a torch-lit world where dragons weren’t just monsters—they were symbols of power, chaos, faith and fear. Dr. Eleanor Janega explores the fire-breathing creatures that haunted the imagination of the Middle Ages. From the serpentine wyrms lurking beneath castles to the crowned basilisks whose gaze could kill, dragons shaped medieval mytholo…

1
Medieval England's Top 5 Sites 52:00

5M ago52:00

52:00

Here on Gone Medieval we love to share the historical nuggets you won't commonly find. We are the insider's guide to Medieval times. and today Matt Lewis is taken on a whistle-stop tour of Medieval England by Julian Humphrys, to explore five noteworthy locations that might just be round the corner from your campsite or ferry stop this summer. From …

1
The Republic of Venice 46:38

5M ago46:38

46:38

Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by historian Roger Crowley to unravel the captivating history of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. How did this city, born from a lagoon, ride the changing tides of trade in the 15th century to evolve into a formidable maritime empire? From its unique social structures to its role in the Fourth Crusade, Eleanor and Rog…

1
Monsters of the Medieval World 50:01

5M ago50:01

50:01

Welcome to Monsterland. The Medieval world is a realm of dragons, demons and beasts. Matt Lewis and Nick Jubber step into this murky world to tell the magical tales of the Bavarian Dragon's fire-breathing spectacle, the dark allure of Japan's mischievous Oni, and the hauntingly beautiful legend of Orkney's Selkies. An adventure into the rich tapest…

1
Childbirth in Medieval Times with Kate Lister 37:08

5M ago37:08

37:08

This episode contains explicit language and graphic descriptions of birth Today we're delving into historical childbirth's stark realities, facing the medieval attitudes toward childbirth, its dangers, and grizzly details. Dr. Eleanor Janega pays a visit to our sister podcast Betwixt the Sheets to be the guest of its presenter Dr. Kate Lister, and …

1
Canterbury Tales: Pilgrims' Professions 45:23

6M ago45:23

45:23

Do you know what a Squire did? Was a Merchant as fancy as he sounds? Gone Medieval continues our week of pilgrimage as Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Robert Mayer Lee to explore the diverse jobs and social status' of the pilgrims in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. They discuss how Chaucer's work reflects the fluidity and complexities of soc…

1
Chaucer's Wife of Bath: Medieval Feminist 56:02

6M ago56:02

56:02

This episode contains explicit language and themes We're revelling in the Canterbury Tales this week; who else to kick things off with a bang than the scandalous Wife of Bath? Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Hetta Howes to celebrate Chaucer's scandalous and witty Wife of Bath, as they explore her five marriages, defiance of medieval norms, and …

1
St. Christopher & Summertime Saints 47:21

6M ago47:21

47:21

Ever worn a St. Christopher medallion and wondered about the man carrying the Christ child across a river? Or heard of St. Uncumber, the bearded female saint invoked by women desperate to escape unwanted marriages? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis is once again joined by historian and storyteller Amy Jeffs, this time to uncover the fasc…