It’s just past Halloween, and Media-eval has an episode with an unusual take on the thriller genre! Join Sarah and returning guest Morgan Morales for a discussion of Firebrand, a 2023 film about the harrowing end to the relationship between Henry VIII and Katherine Parr - or a version of it, at least. We get into Tudor portraiture, religion and pol…

Its 2004 and you are the biggest movie star on the planet but you can't get no respect, so what do you do?Easy! make a historical epic that stars an incredible cast and you will surely win an oscar! Just make sure there is no way anyone thinks your character is gay. Join Sarah and Ollie as they breakdown a movie that is somewhat hated by the common…

Is this truly an episode of Media-eval? Yes! Sarah and fellow medieval historian Mireille Pardon delve into identity, legal culture, and microhistories in the 1982 film The Return of Martin Guerre. Social Media:Twitter: x.com/mediaevalpodE-mail: media.evalpod@gmail.comFind Mireille on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@pardon_mi?lang=en) and Twitter (…

Sarah is back with a big announcement and a new episode about the movie that is oft requested- 2004's King Arthur starring Clive Owen and Kiera Knightley. A movie that questions whether all historians can agree on one thing and if its possible to tell the "true" story of something if your version is also made up! Ollie is back too.…

Media-eval is back with a bonus episode inspired by our discussion of 1935 film The Crusades! Did you want to hear more about Berengaria of Navarre and why she matters? Sarah brings on expert Dr. Gabrielle Storey, author of a new biography about Berengaria, to tell us more.We’ll be back with regular episodes every other week starting September 22nd…

Media-eval is going on a summer hiatus! New episodes will resume in September.In the meantime, check out our back catalog and the Media-eval facebook group!By Media-eval: A Medieval Pop Culture Podcast

Join Sarah and returning guest - and classic film correspondent - Morgan Morales for the 1935 film The Crusades. Is it kind of offensive? Yes. Is it good? Not particularly. Should you watch it? Probably not. But should you listen to this episode? Yes! Join Sarah and returning guest - and classic film correspondent - Morgan Morales for the 1935 film…

This week, Media-eval explores premodern China with anime series The Apothecary Diaries! Join Sarah and returning guest (and Media-eval anime correspondent) Peter Konieczny as we explore the lived experiences of women in medieval China, from servants to courtesans, concubines to apothecaries. CW: The series includes depictions of suicide/suicidal i…

Magic and mystery are part of their history … and now they’re featured on Media-eval! Join Sarah and returning guest Mabel Slattery as we tackle Disney animated series Adventures of the Gummi Bears. What you might expect: discussions about knightly culture and medievalism for children. What you might not expect: discussions about expulsions and ref…

Happy Passover! Media-eval celebrates by once again dunking on Ridley Scott. Join Sarah and her mother, Beth Greenfeld, as we talk about the biblical and historical inspirations behind 2014 film Exodus: Gods and Kings, and attempt to answer such questions as: Why is Moses now a military leader? What’s up with all the brownface? What happened to the…

If a movie is released and no-one is there to see it, does it make a sound....and lots of historical errors?James Purefoy is back and he is once again making a movie that is fun but not necessarily...good? Ollie has a good time and Sarah has a mild breakdown at just how many things this movie gets wrong!…

Join Sarah and returning Media-eval Doctor Who correspondent Lily Bonnemann for a trip into the late 17th century with New Series season 6 episode, The Curse of the Black Spot. We get to talk Mughal emperors, sirens, and, of course, pirates!Social Media:Twitter: twitter.com/mediaevalpodE-mail: media.evalpod@gmail.comFind Lily on Tumblr: www.tumblr.…

Media-eval this week is transported back to (sort of) Ancien Regime France. Join Sarah and returning guest Peter Konieczny for a discussion of anime series I’m in Love with the Villainess! We get into how we distinguish medieval from early modern (and whether we should), food history (ever wondered when they first invented crème brûlée?), and class…

Ollie returns to talk about a season of a tv show he enjoyed and simultaneously got really annoyed at.Sarah is very patient with him and they also have a really interesting discussion on what makes an adaptation good and what mistakes adaptations often make.By Media-eval: A Medieval Pop Culture Podcast

Sarah and returning Media-eval Doctor Who correspondent Lily Bonnemann return for New Series season 5 episode, The Vampires of Venice! Join us as we explore vampire lore, the history of Venice, and the real lives of powerful wealthy women (most of whom are NOT fish-aliens) in early modern Venice.Social Media:Twitter: twitter.com/mediaevalpodE-mail:…

Media-eval this week goes from 1500 to 2000 to 2500 in Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain. Join Sarah and guest Marisa Macias as we attempt (with moderate success) to make sense of this movie. Are all the Hugh Jackman’s and Rachel Weiszes the same person? What was Isabella I of Castile really like? And why on earth are filmmakers so dedicated to not k…

This week, Media-eval ventures a bit outside its usual chronology … as after all, Sarah can’t resist an opportunity to dunk on Ridley Scott. Join Sarah and guest Miranda Sachs, a historian of modern France, as we discuss Ridley Scott’s 2023 film Napoleon. What about Napoleon got left out of the film, and why does it matter? Was the French Revolutio…

This week we have something a little different, as medievalists Lucy Barnhouse and Winston Black join Sarah to talk about how medieval medicine is represented in popular culture. Lucy and Winston are the editors of the new volume Beyond Cadfael: Medieval Medicine and Medical Medievalism. Join us as we explore the most common tropes of medical medie…

Sarah and Media-eval’s Netflix Christmas Correspondent Meghan Griffin return to the Netflix Extended Christmas Universe to talk about medievalism in A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby. Yes, the film features a medieval treaty - and a medieval curse! - but more importantly, it raises all sorts of questions about the medieval past of these fake kingd…

He may be in decline but he still knows a good movie when he sees it so Ollie returns to argue with Sarah on the merits or lack thereof in the movie Apocalypto(2006).Is it hi-octane action? Yes!Does it have a paper thin plot? Absolutely!Does the politics it represents leave a bad taste in your mouth? Possibly!Sit back and enjoy as two friends discu…

Sarah and returning Media-eval Doctor Who correspondent Lily Bonnemann are back to tackle their first episode of the New Series, in honor of the 60th Anniversary! Join us for our discussion of The Shakespeare Code, where we explore race, medical practices, and architecture in Elizabethan England.Further Reading: April Fool’s! Love’s Labour’s Won at…

Sarah and returning guest Peter Konieczny return to the world of the Three Kingdoms with 2022 anime series Ya Boy Kongming! Join us as we discuss the life story of Zhuge Liang Kongming, premodern Chinese concepts of hell, and the challenges of time travel narratives.CW for reference to suicide attemptSocial Media:Twitter: twitter.com/mediaevalpodE-…

It's the spookiest time of the year and I'm not talking about Tax Season. Sarah want's to talk about a modern "Horror" movie that on the surface doesn't seem to be from the medieval period but when one of the major plot points is about the Spanish Inquisition and the movie seems to absolve certain people of guilt, you can bet they are going to have…

Sarah and returning guest Tracy Tanoff delve into the everyday lives of nuns in our conversation on Lauren Groff’s novel Matrix. Join us as we explore the work of Marie de France, illness and disability in monasteries, faith and mysticism, and the real stories of queer nuns through a discussion of Groff’s 2021 novel. CW for reference to sexual assa…

Sarah and fellow medievalist Ryan Szpiech take the podcast to Spain with 2012 Spanish-language miniseries Toledo, Cruce de Destinos. Join us as we explore the life of Alfonso X and his sons, the lived experience of Jews, Christians, and Muslims living in medieval Castile, and the popular understanding of the idea of convivencia in this soap opera-s…

Media-eval is back and this time we are tackling one of the most famous movies that can come under our remit- Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.This movie won all the oscars and is a beloved fan favourite BUT did Sarah like it? She has brought Ollie back to argue the merits or lack thereof for this popular movie.Is Russel Crowe any good? Does Joaq…

The podcast will be going on hiatus til September so Sarah can spend the summer focusing on research for her new book project! See you in a few months!By Media-eval: A Medieval Pop Culture Podcast

Sarah brings Ollie back to the pod to talk about the second season of The Legend of Vox Machina. At the end of the first season our heroes seemed to be in a lot of peril so join us as we see if they can escape and defy the odds yet again to win the day and save the realm. One thing we do know is that if they do they'll have a great sweary time doin…

Sarah and fellow medievalist Dr. Raissa von Doetinchem de Rande explore medieval al-Andalus and the life of philosopher ibn Rushd in 1997 film Destiny! Join us as we discuss medieval philosophy, translation, and why this film is inexplicably about how the caliph’s son just wants to dance.Social Media:Twitter: twitter.com/mediaevalpodE-mail: media.e…

Sarah and returning guest Lily Bonnemann are back at Doctor Who with 2002 audio drama - and loose Three Musketeers adaptation - The Church and the Crown. Join us as we explore the Paris sewage system and do a deep dive into George Villiers, the First Duke of Buckingham!Social Media:Twitter: twitter.com/mediaevalpodE-mail: media.evalpod@gmail.comFin…

Chris Pine has a new movie out that is inside our wheelhouse so that means our special Pine Correspondent, Tracy Tanoff, is back to talk about her favourite guy. And she brought Ollie with her!Join us as we discuss this new movie that is currently in cinemas. Is it good? Yes. Does it make us happy? YES!…

Sarah and guest Erika Harlitz-Kern turn to Bohemia and the life of Jan Žižka as we tackle the 2022 film that is, generically, just called Medieval. Join us as we explore the doctrine of Jan Hus, the complex politics of the Holy Roman Empire, and how modern Czech nationalism uses the medieval past - and as Sarah literally splutters with rage over th…

Sarah and returning guest Peter Koniezcny of Medievalists.net explore medievalism in the anime Naruto! Join us as we discuss how Masashi Kishimoto blends medieval and modern elements in his world-building. We get into the history and legend surrounding ninja, the folkloric history of the nine-tailed fox, the use of technology, and whether ramen wou…

Sarah and returning guest Morgan Morales delve into 2021 film The Tragedy of Macbeth - and award Ralph Ineson the official Media-eval MVP. Join us as we explore magic, gender, why Shakespeare is bad at history, and the historical Macbeth and Gruoch, aka Lady Macbeth. By the way, Macbeth does NOT pass the Ifft Decker.CW: we make several mentions of …

Media-eval tackles another book this week! Join Sarah and guest Ben Paul as we discuss Lapvona, a 2022 novel by Ottessa Moshfegh. This intense and wide-ranging novel allows us to explore medieval disability studies, miraculous lactation, and why everyone is so insistent on making medieval people eat potatoes. CW: the novel includes depictions of se…

Media-eval is back this week with another new (ish) release as Sarah and returning guest Lily Bonnemann tackle the first season of the Willow TV series. We’ve definitely got a difference of opinion on this one, so whether you loved the show, hated it, or haven’t watched it (but don’t mind being spoiled!) come and check out our conversation. Join us…

Join Sarah and fellow medieval historian Abbey Agresta as we tackle 2022 release Catherine Called Birdy! We talk about our own history with the book as young wannabe medievalists, menageries for exotic animals, the 1290 expulsion of the Jews from England, and medieval European marriage practices. Spoiler alert: we're ... not that into Lena Dunham's…

Sarah brings Ollie back from exile to talk about the Amazon series "Rings of Power". Did the show nail the feeling of Tolkien? Did the actors make you believe in them? Should an elf be thinking about making love to a perfectly normal human man? Find out all of this and more in the latest episode of Media-eval!…

Happy Holidays from Media-eval! Join Sarah and her dad Richard as we stretch the definition of medieval to talk about Ghostbusters II, featuring the imaginary early modern dictator Vigo the Carpathian. Check out the perhaps surprising medieval content of the film, including traditions of portraiture, references to Vlad the Impaler, and the concept …

Join Sarah and guests Clio and Mireille, of Clio/Mireille: A Fanfiction Podcast as we discuss the ultimate work of Shakespeare fanfiction: 1998 Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love! We talk literary analysis, the canonicity of Shakespeare, Elizabethan dental hygiene, and all the queer overtones that this film is desperate for its audience not to …

The “King Arthur Babies” miniseries continues (and ends), as Sarah’s mom Beth Greenfeld comes on to discuss 2019 film The Kid Who Would Be King! Join Sarah and Beth as they grapple with the challenges of importing chivalry into the 21st century, do a deep dive on the Lady of the Lake, and have a classic Media-eval Latin grammar lesson.Social Media:…

Jessica Bluemke Greiff of Friendly Atheist Podcast is back to discuss A Kid in King Arthur’s Court! Join Sarah and Jessica for some 90s childhood nostalgia—in a film that might not totally hold up to adult viewing. Come for our in-depth review of the film, stay for our discussion of the use of “mutton” as an insult and an excellent medieval recipe …

Happy Halloween from Media-eval! Sarah and guest Elizabeth Bonnemann discuss the first two seasons of animated series Castlevania. Join us as we talk vampires and demons (the reason for the season), as well as the recent discovery of a real Romanian medieval library, the historical Vlad Tepes Dracula and how he became connected with vampire lore, a…

Buy The Medievalist now! https://www.lulu.com/shop/phil-adamo/the-medievalist/paperback/product-7mvp64.html?q=Phil+adamo&page=1&pageSize=4Sarah is joined by medievalist and author Phil Adamo for a conversation about his new book, The Medievalist. We explore the white supremacist uses and misuses of the medieval past and some of the challenges facin…

Sarah is once again joined by guest Elizabeth Bonnemann as we dive back into Doctor Who with our first audio drama! Join us as we tackle 2000 audio serial “The Marian Conspiracy” and explore Catholic-Protestant conflicts, ale and beer in Early Modern English taverns, and the not-quite-medieval history of the cardigan. Social Media:Twitter @mediaeva…

Ollie said he would return for DnD....Sarah just didn't tell him which DnD it would be!Join us as we discuss season 1 of the Amazon Prime adaptation of Critical Roles Vox Machina campaign. Can some voice actors improv a better story with more pathos and drama than most highly paid hollywood screenwriters? you bet your sweet butts they can!…

Media-eval is back this week with something a little different! Join Sarah and guest Erika Harlitz-Kern, of The Boomerang, as we discuss what it means to be public medievalists - and discuss Erika's future appearance to discuss the upcoming film Medieval! Social Media:Twitter @mediaevalpodE-mail: media.evalpod@gmail.comFind Erika on Twitter @eh_ker…

Sarah is once again joined by guest Elizabeth Bonnemann—but for once NOT talking about Doctor Who! Join us as we delve into the medievalism of 1988 fantasy film Willow. Were there really possums in medieval Europe? Were criminals left to die in hanging cages? And did women like Bavmorda, Sorsha, and Elora reign as queens? Social Media:Twitter @medi…

Damned former host Ollie returns to talk about a movie that is far better than it's reputation(or lack thereof) would suggest.Turns out if the devil wants your soul, you don't have a lot of options left!By Media-eval: A Medieval Pop Culture Podcast

Sarah's mom, Beth Greenfeld, is back to talk about 1955 film The Court Jester! Join us as we delve into the history of fools and jesters, the political challenges of infant monarchs, and how this film has better-developed women characters than many movies released in the 21st-century. CW: Discussion of some potential issues of ableism in the filmLe…