Best John Polo Podcasts (2025)

1
The Conquistadors 55:50

Play Pause

31m ago55:50

55:50

From the end of the 15th century, the Conquistadors changed the face of the Americas. Invading first the Caribbean and Mexico, they then plunged on into the rest of the continent and plundered the Pacific seaboard. So what do we know of these Europeans and their quest to expand a burgeoning empire? And who were the indigenous people that resisted i…

1
2025: The Medieval Year in Review 37:41

1d ago37:41

37:41

If there’s one thing we can say about 2025 it’s that it was certainly full of surprises. From political bridge-burning to bridge-building, to the destruction and the restoration of priceless artifacts, there was never a dull moment this year. This week, in keeping with tradition, Danièle speaks with Peter Konieczny, editor of Medievalists.net, abou…

1
Cleopatra 57:07

7d ago57:07

57:07

The last of the Ptolemaic Pharoahs, the enduring legend of Cleopatra has captivated imaginations for centuries. Though some write her off as a manipulative femme fatale, her competence as a ruler restored her country to a world superpower. But what were the early experiences that shaped her? How did she form both political and personal alliances wi…

1
Robin Hood and the Christmastime Tradition with Alex Kaufman 48:03

8d ago48:03

48:03

He’s a hero. He’s an outlaw. And it turns out he’s also Christmastime favourite. Given his many incarnations, from a foxy cartoon heartthrob, to the gruff and grizzled Hugh Jackman that previewed this week, it’s hard not to fall in love with some version or other of Robin Hood. And as we’ll find out in this episode, even jolly old Saint Nick just h…

1
Ancient Greek Olympics: History, Events, & Training | Bedtime Sleep Stories about History 41:04

11d ago41:04

41:04

Access over 100+ Ad-Free episodes of Calm History by becoming a Silk+ Member (FREE for a limited time!). EPISODE SPONSORS Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/silk (#rulapod) Try MasterClass (up to 50% off with this l…

1
Sample | Christmas Memories on a Texas Ranch from 1888 to1906 | Bedtime Sleep Stories about History (Bonus Episode #58) 9:38

11d ago9:38

9:38

The full version of this episode (28 minutes & Ad-free) is available for Silk+ Members (FREE for a limited time!) and includes access to over 600 more episodes from these podcasts: Calm History (120+ episodes) History Showcase (25+ episodes) Sleep Whispers (430+ episodes) ASMR Sleep Station (50+ episodes) 1 & 8-Hour Nature Sounds (50+ episodes) 1 &…

1
Stonehenge 57:32

14d ago57:32

57:32

Older than the pyramids and just as cryptic, the prehistoric British site of Stonehenge has dominated its landscape for thousands of years. But what is Stonehenge? A celestial clock? An ancient computer to predict eclipses? Was it a temple, a cemetery, or a site of execution? And who were the people who lived and died to create this Stone Age maste…

1
Richard the Lionheart with Heather Blurton 50:23

15d ago50:23

50:23

Love him or hate him, it’s hard to take one step into the medieval world without running into the larger-than-life figure of Richard the Lionheart. Rebel, crusader, prisoner, castle-builder Richard is one of the most colourful and quotable kings of the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Heather Blurton about how Richard’s contemporaries sa…

1
Marco Polo 1:00:16

21d ago1:00:16

1:00:16

In the thirteenth century, Marco Polo spent decades travelling the world. His adventures took him from his home in Venice as far east as the Yellow Sea, where he was a valued courtier of the legendary Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. Later, in prison, he wrote the world’s first travel book. But how did his name become synonymous with adventure? What com…

1
The Medieval Order of Assassins with Steve Tibble 55:43

22d ago55:43

55:43

In the last twenty years, the shadowy Assassins of the medieval Middle East have seen a serious resurgence in popularity. And yet, like so many medieval people and groups, it’s still hard to tell the legend from the reality - and that’s just the way the Assassins wanted it. This week, Danièle speaks with Steve Tibble about who the Assassins were, w…

1
The Spartans 50:12

28d ago50:12

50:12

In 480BC, the Spartans secured their place in history when 300 of their soldiers fought to the death against the mighty Persian army at Thermopylae. Their reputation for brutal decisiveness and simple living have been admired for thousands of years. But what about the darker side of Spartan ideology, a society that culled weak babies, forced childr…

1
Best Medieval Books of 2025 42:24

28d ago42:24

42:24

It's the most wonderful time of the year: time to celebrate the best medieval books of 2025. This week, Danièle speaks with Peter Konieczny, editor of Medievalists.net, about their favourite reads this year - and she announces some exciting news about the future of The Medieval Podcast.By Medievalists.net

1
Canned Dead Camera – "Sleep No More" & "Four to Doomsday" 59:59

1M ago59:59

59:59

We open on... a spaceship. SMASH CUT TO POV of a podcaster. He watched a Doctor Who episode he's not yet seen. It's weird. He reviews it with his friend.By Porter Mason

1
History of Vaseline, Petroleum Jelly, Oil Wells, & Oil Torpedoes | Bedtime Sleep Stories about History 43:33

1M ago43:33

43:33

Access over 100+ Ad-Free episodes of Calm History by becoming a Silk+ Member (FREE for a limited time!). EPISODE SPONSORS & PROMOS: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/silk (#rulapod) Try MasterClass (up to 50% off w…

1
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail 55:57

1M ago55:57

55:57

Covering thousands of miles in the Andes, the Inca Trail was the backbone of the ancient empire, connecting the millions of people who lived under its rule. The jewel in its crown, Machu Picchu, was recently named one of the seven wonders of the modern world. But who were the Incas? What was the purpose of their complex road system? And why did the…

1
The Medieval Moon with Ayoush Lazikani 48:22

1M ago48:22

48:22

In the last century we’ve witnessed people set foot on the moon, and seen even the dark side in high-res images, and yet the moon still evokes a sense of romance and mystery, just as it did in the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Ayoush Lazikani about what – and who – medieval people across the world believed the moon to be. Support this…

1
Let Zygons Be Zygons – "The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion" & "The Android Invasion" 57:06

1M ago57:06

57:06

Who's who in Who? Hard to say, as duplicates abound across these new and classic stories.By Porter Mason

1
The Knights Templar 54:41

1M ago54:41

54:41

For almost two hundred years, the Knights Templar were one of the most fearsome military forces in the world. Despite their strict vows of individual poverty, the Order was a global financial powerhouse, with valuable holdings across Europe and the Middle East. Even today, the myth of the Templars endures. But who were the men who devoted themselve…

1
The Language of Heresy with Erin Wagner 49:59

1M ago49:59

49:59

With just one word, we can evoke a world of assumptions, stereotypes, and even accusations, clearly marking the difference between who’s in and who’s out. And when it comes to legal terminology, the stakes are even higher. This week, Danièle speaks with Erin Wagner about what late medieval people meant when they used the word heresy, how the usage …

1
The Pirate Queen 45:57

2M ago45:57

45:57

It’s November 28th, 1809. The Imperial fleet in Tung Chung Bay is aflame. But the crew of Zheng I Sao’s ship watch on and cheer. This is the greatest victory of the Pirate Queen, scourge of the South China Sea. At its peak, her fleet was more than twice the size of the Spanish Armada. But who was Zheng I Sao? How did she become one of the most succ…

1
Balthild of Francia with Isabel Moreira 54:12

2M ago54:12

54:12

This year, we’ve spent some good quality time with early medieval queens, digging into their mysterious and spectacular lives and reigns. And when it comes to the spectacular, it’s hard to compete with the star of this week’s episode, a woman who arrived in Francia a slave, rose to become a queen, and then ascended to the heavens as a saint. This w…

1
Pearl Divers & Shark Charmers: A Bizarre Moment in History | Bedtime Sleep Stories about History 34:37

2M ago34:37

34:37

Access over 100+ Ad-Free episodes of Calm History by becoming a Silk+ Member (FREE for a limited time!). Try MasterClass (15% off with this link) To enter the Giveaway for a free 1-Year Silk+ Membership (ends Nov 20, 2025): The first step is to become a Silk+ Member (the first 7 days are free), and then you will receive the details for how to enter…

1
The Pyramids 55:29

2M ago55:29

55:29

Sakkara, Egypt, 2,630BC. A man stands atop a structure of dizzying height as the final block grinds into place. For Imhotep, it is the culmination of his life’s work: a mountain made by man. He checks the joint while his workers wait in silence. Then, he gives a barely perceptible nod. It is done. Imhotep’s pyramid is the first, but more will come.…

1
Medieval Vampire Epidemics with John Blair 49:15

2M ago49:15

49:15

As the nights get longer and spookier, there's one thing that's guaranteed to make our hair stand on end: corpses that just won’t stay dead. Especially the ones interested in eating us. This week, Danièle speaks with John Blair about who refused to rest in peace in the Middle Ages, how medieval people attempted to keep the dead buried, and why some…

1
The Samurai 54:00

2M ago54:00

54:00

After a bloody battle on September 22nd, 1877, Saigo Takamori and his loyal warriors pause on a hillside overlooking Kagoshima. They’ll never surrender, but they’re wounded, exhausted, and massively outnumbered, and Saigo already knows how this will end. Because his noble Samurai army aren’t just fighting the Emperor’s gun-wielding forces. They’re …

1
The Two Hundred Years' War with Michael Livingston 44:59

2M ago44:59

44:59

Although a lot of medieval history is murky, the whys and wherefores – not to mention the timeline – of the Hundred Years’ War are firmly nailed down. Or are they? This week, Danièle speaks with Michael Livingston about why the Hundred Years’ War should actually be called the Two Hundred Years’ War, what actually touched off the conflict, and why w…

1
Medieval Animal Names with Ben Parsons 44:19

2M ago44:19

44:19

Since time immemorial, we've given animals names, from the sublime to the utterly ridiculous. For everyone who’s looked at a puppy or a kitten and wondered what it should be called – and then called it an embarrassingly silly nickname anyway – this episode is for you. This week, Danièle speaks with Ben Parsons about what medieval people named their…

1
Rubber: 1910 Visit to a Rubber Plantation | Relax & Sleep with History 39:03

2M ago39:03

39:03

Access over 100+ Ad-Free episodes of Calm History by becoming a Silk+ Member (FREE for a limited time!) Try MasterClass (15% off with this link) To enter the Giveaway for a free 1-Year Silk+ Membership (ends Nov 20, 2025): The first step is to become a Silk+ Member (the first 7 days are free), and then you will receive the details for how to enter …

1
Medieval Wolves with Elizabeth Marshall 39:26

3M ago39:26

39:26

In the dark forests of the Middle Ages – and the modern stories we tell about it – lurks a powerful, beautiful predator. Sometimes big and bad, sometimes a figure of admiration, the medieval wolf was such a big part of English culture, that it found its way not just into stories, but into the language itself. This week, Danièle speaks with Elizabet…

1
Speaking Different Truths: Messaging, Empathy, and the Art of Political Translation with Kevin Perez-Allen 45:15

3M ago45:15

45:15

In this episode of The Luminary Lens, host Rebecca Kaykas-Wolff sits down with Kevin Perez-Allen, Senior Vice President at Signal Group, for a revealing conversation on political communication, emotional intelligence, and the nuance of narrative-building in polarized environments. From his early fascination with politics to advising foreign embassi…

1
Lighting The Fuse : How IGNITE Transformed A Friday Night Halftime with Sebastian Ruiz, Bennett Veele, Nathan Boschaert & Chris Janowiak of the West Ottawa Marching Band 50:39

3M ago50:39

50:39

The lights drop, the crowd gasps, and the drumline hits the tunnel—suddenly halftime isn’t a break anymore. We invited band director Chris Janowiak and three juniors to share how West Ottawa’s Ignite show turned Friday nights into a must-see, must-hear spectacle without losing the musical heart that drives a great band. We talk through the why and …

1
A New History of the Fourteenth Century with Helen Carr 37:46

3M ago37:46

37:46

The fourteenth-century is one of the most turbulent periods in European history. Famine, war, plague, royal depositions – you name it, this century’s got it. This week, Danièle speaks with Helen Carr about how England fared in these wild times, what her take is on some famous Plantagenets, and why we need to take a fresh look at this calamitous cen…

1
Easter Island: The Strange Statues & Birdman Cults of Rapa Nui | Relax & Sleep with History 37:36

3M ago37:36

37:36

To enter the Giveaway for a free 1-Year Silk+ Membership (ends Nov 20, 2025): The first step is to become a Silk+ Member (the first 7 days are free), and then you will receive the details for how to enter the Giveaway in your Silk+ Member welcome email! Join here: Silk+ Member (FREE for a limited time!) Access over 100+ Ad-Free episodes of Calm His…

1
"What It's Supposed To Be" : A Lifetime Perspective Of Athletics With West Ottawa Superintendent Tim Bearden 48:13

3M ago48:13

48:13

What makes a high school athletic experience truly special? For West Ottawa Superintendent Tim Bearden, it's that magical Friday night feeling – middle schoolers creating "white noise" in one section, the high school "Black Hole" roaring in another, dozens of cheerleaders, 120 marching band members, football players giving their all, and youth play…

1
Medieval Wills and Testaments with Robert A. Wood 28:38

3M ago28:38

28:38

One of the difficult truths of life in the Middle Ages is that death was never far away. While the vast majority of medieval people owned far fewer possessions than we do today, they were just as concerned with making sure everything was taken care of according to their wishes before they passed. This week, Danièle speaks with Robert A. Wood about …

1
Forensic Medicine and Death Investigation with Sara Butler 49:24

3M ago49:24

49:24

Everyone loves a good medieval whodunit, but how did real people investigate homicides in the Middle Ages? What did they look for? And how did they decide if a person’s death was an unfortunate accident or foul play? This week, Danièle speaks with Sara Butler about forensic medicine, and how death investigation was conducted in medieval England. Yo…

1
Marco Polo: Silk Road Adventures & Historical Controversies | Relax & Sleep with History 43:55

3M ago43:55

43:55

EPISODE SPONSORS & PROMOS: Try MasterClass (15% off with this link) Try the podcast, How to Change the World Try the podcast, Sips, Suds, and Smokes ********************** Access over 100+ Ad-Free episodes of Calm History by becoming a Silk+ Member (FREE for a limited time!) and enjoy over 600 total episodes from these relaxing podcasts: Calm Histo…

1
Beneath the Surface : Varsity Water Polo with Liam Tuinstra, Grady Armstrong, Noah Williams & Coach Alex Wuerfel 1:03:18

3M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

Water Polo is often overlooked in the high school sports landscape. Yet for the athletes of West Ottawa High School's Water Polo team, it's a daily passion requiring exceptional physical and mental fortitude. We sit down with team members Liam Tuinstra, Grady Armstrong, Noah Williams, and Coach Alex Wuerfel to explore the demanding world of this un…

1
History in Flames with Robert Bartlett 46:08

4M ago46:08

46:08

Part of the reason a lot of people figure nothing much went on during the Middle Ages is because we’ve lost a whole lot of sources telling us what actually did happen. Through malice and misfortune, medieval manuscripts have been destroyed in their thousands. So, how do we know what may have gone up in smoke? And what can we do to keep our beloved …

1
Living His Dream : Professional Hoops Overseas with Peristeri Basketball Club Forward Jake Van Tubbergen 1:12:06

4M ago1:12:06

1:12:06

From the high school gyms of West Ottawa to the professional arenas of Europe, Jake Van Tubbergen’s basketball journey embodies the power of persistence, hardwork and community. As a 2017 West Ottawa graduate who led the Panthers to their first-ever boys basketball district title, Jake reflects on the unbreakable bonds formed with teammates who did…

1
Æthelstan, First King of England with David Woodman 48:31

4M ago48:31

48:31

On September 4, 925 – 1100 years to the day this episode is released – King Æthelstan was crowned at Kingston-upon-Thames. Æthelstan is most often talked about in the context of the famous Battle of Brunanburh, but maybe we should remember him instead as the first king of England. This week, Danièle speaks with David Woodman about Æthelstan’s life,…

1
"You're Gonna Be On The Wall Now" : With The 4X800 State Championship Team Of Ella Wierks, Ava Porras, Emma Gunnett & Collette Wierks 1:02:06

4M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

When dedication, talent, coaching and friendship come together, championships follow. That's the story of Ella Wierks, Ava Porras, Emma Gunnett, and Collette Wierks, four remarkable student-athletes, who along with many others, are part of a West Ottawa XC and Track & Field Team powerhouse. These extraordinary runners take us behind the scenes of t…

1
True Crime: 1894 Home Invasion of the Millionaire, John Jacob Astor (a Titanic passenger in 1912) | Relax & Sleep with History 41:01

4M ago41:01

41:01

Try the podcast, Ghost Town Try the podcast, Mindful in Minutes ********************** Access over 100+ Ad-Free episodes of Calm History by becoming a Silk+ Member (FREE for a limited time!) and enjoy over 600 total episodes from these relaxing podcasts: Calm History (100+ episodes) Sleep Whispers (430+ episodes) ASMR Sleep Station (50+ episodes) 1…

1
Robert DeVere, Royal Favourite with James Ross 50:00

4M ago50:00

50:00

When the power of an entire kingdom rests in the hands of just one man, it’s both incredibly valuable and incredibly dangerous to be that man’s bestie - and the legacies of royal favourites tend to retain the taint of contemporary snark. So, maybe it’s about time we take a second look. This week, Danièle speaks with James Ross about the life of Rob…

1
Joan of Arc with Deborah McGrady 59:54

4M ago59:54

59:54

Maid, hero, heretic, saint - Joan of Arc is one of the most fascinating figures of the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Deborah McGrady about Joan’s incredible life and death, her voice, and her complex and enduring legacy. You can enrol in Danièle's online course Calamity and Change: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Century at https://…

1
UFO History: Phantom Airship Invasion of the 1800s | Relax & Sleep with History 45:49

4M ago45:49

45:49

Try the podcast, For the Love of History: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SjwlXC5e8uvPxXE8siyEZ ********************** Access over 100+ Ad-Free episodes of Calm History by becoming a Silk+ Member (FREE for a limited time!) and enjoy over 600 total episodes from these relaxing podcasts: Calm History (100+ episodes) Sleep Whispers (430+ episodes) ASMR…

1
Medieval Love Letters with Ad Putter and Myra Stokes 42:30

4M ago42:30

42:30

The people of the Middle Ages were no strangers to Cupid’s arrows, and just like us, they loved a good love letter. But in a world where literacy rates were far below what they are today, who was writing their most heartfelt feelings down? And how do we know? This week, Danièle speaks with Myra Stokes and Ad Putter about where we find love letters,…

1
Marco Polo and his World with Sharon Kinoshita 48:04

5M ago48:04

48:04

He's one of the most popular figures in all of medieval history, and his book was a bestseller for literally centuries. So what do we know about the life and times of Marco Polo? This week, Danièle speaks with Sharon Kinoshita about why Marco travelled so far, what sort of detail he wanted to share with his readers, and what was going on in the wor…

1
Saddles, Strategy, and the Spirit of Polo with Megan Judge 16:38

5M ago16:38

16:38

Welcome to The Luminary Lens, where heart meets strategy and stories spark transformation. In this episode, host Rebecca Kaykas-Wolff speaks with Megan Judge—Owner of Central Coast Polo and Head Coach of Cal Poly Polo, one of the most successful collegiate programs in the U.S. In this episode, Rebecca and Megan explore how polo goes far beyond hors…

1
Episode 300! 48:20

5M ago48:20

48:20

This week, in celebration of Episode 300, Danièle answers your questions on everything from Hastings to hose, with a couple of surprises along the way. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists And join on This is History's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/thisishistory and use the code 'glassking' to ge…