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.

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

Buy Me A Coffee!

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 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

Buy Me A Coffee!

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.

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

Buy Me A Coffee!

Music:

“Beyond Time” by Danijel Zambo

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/beyond-time

License code: 8TGHY8YXD5D73OVH