Episodes

  • How fantastic is burning poop?

    How fantastic is burning poop?
    May 16 2026
    Guest expert Christine Cooper-Rompato regales us with the most excremental of all animals, the bonnacon, which defends itself by ejecting burning poo.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    43 mins
  • In which we swan with swans

    In which we swan with swans
    Mar 9 2026
    From the OG bird of the soul to the medieval dining table, we explore the long fascination with swans and their (mostly nonexistent) song.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    45 mins
  • The sheep hath paid for all

    The sheep hath paid for all
    Jan 25 2026
    We're back with our 50th episode on the truly fantastic sheep of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, from the Lamb of God to environmental justice, animal rights, and the lubricants that made the industrial revolution possible.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    43 mins
  • The Egotistical Eagle

    The Egotistical Eagle
    Aug 19 2025
    The quintessential imperial attention whore.

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    46 mins
  • Leave it to the beaver

    Leave it to the beaver
    Jul 12 2025
    We journey from the clever self-castrating beaver of the Middle Ages to the near extinction of the North American beaver for the sake of European hats.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    49 mins
  • So. Many. Snakes.

    So. Many. Snakes.
    Jun 22 2025
    We explore the many versions of the Hydra.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    44 mins
  • Carp e diem: Fish of the Day

    Carp e diem: Fish of the Day
    May 24 2025
    For 400 years, the carp was the most popular fish in Europe. What made it so fantastic?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    49 mins
  • The real dog man

    The real dog man
    May 12 2025
    Are dog-headed creatures people or beasts? Find out in this live podcast done at the Kalamazoo Medieval Congress. Our guest, Karl Steel, regales us with tales of the Cynocephalus.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    48 mins