Best Jonathon LaRosa Podcasts (2024)

1
124: Dictatus Papae 40:10

13d ago40:10

40:10

This podcast loves historical documents, so when one comes along that requires a full episode, we dive in. Pope Gregory VII is about to change the ecclesiastical and political landscapes of Europe forever. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th centur…

1
123: The Holy Satan's First Year, Part II 32:13

19d ago32:13

32:13

We conclude Pope Gregory VII’s first year, a man Peter Damian called “the Holy Satan” – a deceiver within the holiest halls of Western Christendom — for how he manipulated and orchestrated his way to the top of the Catholic Church. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so f…

1
122: The Holy Satan's First Year, Part I 39:14

25d ago39:14

39:14

From Hildebrand to Gregory VII -- or what monk Peter Damian called him, "The Holy Satan" -- Matilda’s choice of personal savior is in for one helluva first year. This is the first part of that story. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Eve…

1
121: The Fire Brand & the Reluctant Wife 56:20

1M ago56:20

56:20

A man who was unable to be stopped and a woman who refused to give in — the subjects of this episode are two incredible figures in medieval Italy in the mid- to late-11th century, and would do their level best to change the papal-imperial game going forward. This is their origin story. Oh, and, uh, about Roger Borsa's new role as duke... Members-On…

1
120: Two Brothers, Two Paths 47:38

1M ago47:38

47:38

After Palermo, the Hauteville brothers begin to part ways. And it’s doubtful that they were even aware of the time’s historic legacies, much like Christendom at-large wasn’t fully aware of the East-West Schism that occurred in 1054. It just...sorta...happened. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can join the many listen…

1
119: Palermo: Take Two 49:58

2M ago49:58

49:58

Palermo once again is in Duke Robert’s crosshairs. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member! Just follow this link to our Patreon page …

1
118: The Siege of Bari 53:00

2M ago53:00

53:00

The Siege of Bari begins and ends in this episode, but it’s not a simple, open-and-shut story. There’s intrigue and emperors and naval battles and trash-talk. This one has it all! Most importantly, though, it has the cunning Duke Robert Guiscard establishing firm control over his long-held but pain in the neck duchy. Members-Only Series on Patreon:…

1
117: A Ship Becalmed 44:43

2M ago44:43

44:43

Having rewritten this one and broken it up into two episodes (Episode 116 and this one), including re-recording them both…I really feel like this one works! I’m proud of the revisions (and extremely grateful I never posted the first version) and I hope you enjoy the new-and-improved Episodes 116 and 117! I’d love to hear your thoughts on them. As f…

1
116: The Siege of Palermo, 1064 30:32

2M ago30:32

30:32

Having rewritten this one and broken it up into two episodes (Episodes 116 and 117), including re-recording them both…I really feel like this one works! I’m proud of the revisions (and extremely grateful I never posted the first version) and I hope you enjoy the new-and-improved Episodes 116 and 117! I’d love to hear your thoughts on them. Robert G…

1
Off the Cuff: Podcast Update (Feb 2024) 22:33

2M ago22:33

22:33

We break from our history narrative for this episode (which I have purposely not numbered so as to keep the flow of the narrative), and I hope you all make it to the end. I use this time to go off-script and share with you all some of my thoughts about the podcast so far -- where it's been, where it currently is, and where it might go in the future…

1
115: The Battle of Cerami 33:16

3M ago33:16

33:16

This is one of those episodes that creates a benchmark for all the military leaders to come after it. And Roger sets a high benchmark in what amounts to the Thermopylae of the Norman Conquest of Sicily. However, we remember such battles not only for their brilliant military acumen or displays of courage and daring, but for their enduring impacts on…

1
114: Locking Down Troina 42:53

3M ago42:53

42:53

1063 was a make-or-break year for Roger’s aspirations in Sicily. On this episode, we will look at how he saved his wife from revolt, survived a devastating siege, and even managed to push further into Sicily than he’d ever done before. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylin…

1
113: All Over A Girl 49:13

3M ago49:13

49:13

An entire civil war…over a girl? What was this, ancient Troy? Nope, this is what happens when two Hauteville brothers have a disagreement. Just another day in Norman Italy! Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will be …

1
112: Conquering the Val Demone 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

It’s all about moving forward when it comes to conquests and life, so that’s what both Robert and Roger do. They move further and further along one of the more important valleys on the mountainous island, a valley that would serve as the Normans’ first proving ground in the larger land-based conquest of Sicily. Roger, needless to say, would learn q…

1
111: Securing Messina 37:14

3M ago37:14

37:14

Roger learned a lot in the last episode and it was now time to put those lessons to work. Securing Messina was the key to establishing a foothold in Sicily; however, Muslim powers in Sicily flew to Messina’s aid as the Norman threat became real. How did Roger overcome the Muslim challenge to his invasion? Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a …

1
110: Roger's First Steps 1:00:24

3M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

It’s all about Roger, the baby of the Hauteville brood, as he takes his first real steps into world of international politics and legend-building. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the…

1
109: The Norman-Papal Alliance 50:09

4M ago50:09

50:09

We begin by catching up with our old friend, Robert Guiscard, before ending it with some serious moves made by a rising power within the Catholic Church. No joke. Major changes occur in this one, so tune in! Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a buck per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th centur…

1
108: Cracks in the Bulwark 26:54

5M ago26:54

26:54

For centuries, Constantinople served as the frontline bulwark against Muslim expansion. After Manzikert, cracks began forming in those formidable walls, walls that served Christian Europe far more than it ever got credit for. Today, we take a look at the immediate effects of Manzikert. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month,…

1
107: Manzikert! 40:12

5M ago40:12

40:12

Manzikert! The battle that signaled a wind change for the Eastern Roman Empire. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a single dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member! Just f…

1
106: Eudokia's Vow 41:49

5M ago41:49

41:49

For young Michael Doukas, everything was going great...until mom stepped in and ruined everything! Members-Only Series on Patreon: For a dollar per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member!…

1
105: Machiavellian Moves 30:40

6M ago30:40

30:40

This episode shows the rare peaceful transition of power in the Middle Ages. However, peaceful though it was, even peace has its drama… Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I…

1
104: Isaac I Komnenos 29:56

6M ago29:56

29:56

On this episode, the reign of Isaac I Komnenos. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider becoming a Patreon member! Just follow this link to our Patreon page …

1
103: The Reluctant Emperor 50:09

7M ago50:09

50:09

On this episode, Constantinople stands on the brink of either great things or absolute collapse. Which will it be? Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will be put directly back into the show, so I hope you consider be…

1
102: The Reluctant Rebel 34:56

7M ago34:56

34:56

No ads on this one. It's the least I can do to repay you all for your incredible patience lately. THANK YOU. On this episode, from Theodora to Michael IV, Constantinople is still looking for a foothold on stability. Can Michael VI do it? Or will it take someone else? Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month, you can hear multi…

1
101: The Rudderless Empire 33:58

8M ago33:58

33:58

On this episode, Constantinople needs some context before continuing our storyline, before we can fully understand the coming dynasty of emperors, before we can grasp exactly what the Normans ran up against during the 1080’s and 1090’s. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storyli…

1
100: Popes, Kings, Sailors & One Really Important Road 32:50

8M ago32:50

32:50

WE'VE HIT DOUBLE DIGITS IN OUR EPISODE COUNT!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! On this episode, Constantinople needs some context before continuing our storyline. Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per month, you can hear multiple varying stories and storylines so far through the 11th century. Every dime donated will b…

1
099: Still At It 38:54

9M ago38:54

38:54

On this episode, we head back south where we remind ourselves about the Normans in southern Italy and their new, ever-shifting role and place in Mediterranean politics and culture. This is the first episode in a new bend in our medieval narrative we’re calling “The Other Norman Conquest.” Members-Only Series on Patreon: For only a few bucks per mon…

1
098: The Longest Shadow 53:41

10M ago53:41

53:41

Today, we come to the end of an era, an era that would begin to define one of the most dominant cultures in history. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per…

1
097: Always On The Move 30:20

10M ago30:20

30:20

William makes amends with a longtime adversary, and an 11th century lession for all: Normans are always on the move. Always. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few b…

1
096: Everybody Hates Will: Bishops & Barons 54:36

12M ago54:36

54:36

Today, we learn more about how land ownership during the Norman Conquest upended ancient traditions, and how William was forced to step in and establish precedent, reprimanding his own brother-in-law in the process. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening …

1
095: Everybody Hates Will: A Continental Conspiracy 35:50

1y ago35:50

35:50

Today, William’s haters come out of the woodwork. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these fascinating tales of how seemingly uncon…

1
094: Everybody Hates Will: The Revolt of the Earls 43:06

1y ago43:06

43:06

Just when William had Normandy’s control over Maine situated and England was coming to rest into a nice, easy routine…the guy just can’t catch a break. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Recent Patreon Episodes: P12: Was Matilda Really A Monster? P13: Forsaken Son Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the wha…

1
093: Shifting Winds 33:13

1y ago33:13

33:13

CORRECTION: I apologize for the confusion in this episode pertaining to Archbishop Stigand. I was on a roll and inserted the term "simony" for "plurality." To be clear: Archbishop Stigand was guilty of pluralism due to his simultaneous holding of both Canterbury and Winchester. Today, we build some context for the next episode focusing on the shift…

1
092: The Siege of Ely 47:02

1y ago47:02

47:02

Today, the last part in the tale of an outlaw, one created in the wake of William’s disastrous policies in England. Hereward heads to Ely for what would be, unbeknownst to him, his last stand. William responds in a very William-y way. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on th…

1
091: The Sack of Peterborough 38:00

1y ago38:00

38:00

Today, the second part in the tale of an outlaw, one created in the wake of William’s disastrous policies in England. This one culminates in the sack of a major abbey in East Anglia, equating to a serious threat to William’s rule there and a shout across the kingdom that rebellion was still alive and well among the English. Members-Only Series on P…

1
090: Hereward the Exile 45:37

1y ago45:37

45:37

Today, the first part in the tale of an outlaw, one created in the wake of William’s disastrous policies in England. NOTE: Please forgive my voice. It’ll heal and get back to normal in time, but I’ve been struggling with a bout of covid recently hence the delay in recording and publishing episodes. My apologies. Thanks for sticking around. You all …

1
089 / P11: A Scottish Marriage 39:09

1+ y ago39:09

39:09

Episode 89 / Patreon Episode 11: A Scottish Marriage Something a little special on this one. This is a joint-Patreon Members Only / public podcast episode! We’re taking a look at “circa 1070 Scotland” and how it informs the overall narrative of William’s conquest of England, including Malcolm’s inexpressibly important marriage to Margaret of the Ho…

1
088: Reeling 29:42

1+ y ago29:42

29:42

Today, another part of the aftermath of the Harrying of the North. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these fascinating tales of ho…

1
087: Analysis of a Harrying 54:35

1+ y ago54:35

54:35

I won’t pretend that I even came close to a definitive answer to my lingering questions regarding William’s actions in the North during the winter of 1069 - 1070, but these are my thoughts and how I tried to work some of it all out, trying to come to terms with how such a thing could have happened in the first place. I hope I did the general discou…

1
086: The Harrying of the North 31:45

1+ y ago31:45

31:45

Today, it’s a tough day to be a Northumbrian. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these fascinating tales of how seemingly unconnect…

1
085: The Last Straw 29:10

1+ y ago29:10

29:10

Today, the Normans’ worst defeat in the entire conquest. However, it sets up one of humankind’s worst atrocities. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per mo…

1
084: A Deadly Game of Tug-of-War 21:49

1+ y ago21:49

21:49

Today, tensions die out and then begin to flare…once again! Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these fascinating tales of how seemi…

1
083: Edwin & Morcar's Rebellion 27:50

1+ y ago27:50

27:50

Closing Today…before we continue with our story of the Norman Conquest of England, let’s regroup and build some context for what’s about to happen. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of l…

1
082: 1069 30:55

1+ y ago30:55

30:55

Today…the year that William was most tested. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these fascinating tales of how seemingly unconnecte…

1
081: Causam et Remedium 26:17

1+ y ago26:17

26:17

Today…a little Halloween special. Enjoy! Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these fascinating tales of how seemingly unconnected ev…

1
080: Behind Every Great Man, Part III 42:54

1+ y ago42:54

42:54

Today…Matilda fulfills her destiny and one-ups an old “friend.” Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these fascinating tales of how s…

1
079: Behind Every Great Man, Part II 37:33

1+ y ago37:33

37:33

Today…William and Matilda change the whole game, while building a dynasty that will last a thousand years and counting. NEW PATREON MEMBER! Thank you so much to "Look It's Grandma" for becoming a new Supporting Listener of the podcast. I am very humbled for any generosity I receive, and our Patreon Members and fans are absolutely the best! THANK YO…

1
078: Behind Every Great Man, Part 1 38:37

1+ y ago38:37

38:37

Today…William - finally! - meets his match. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on the what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these fascinating tales of how seemingly unconnected…

1
077: The Ties That Bind 29:04

1+ y ago29:04

29:04

Today, the ties that bind…over a millennia. This one’s a doozy. I hope you stay ‘til the end. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these …

1
076: The Matriarch 21:52

1+ y ago21:52

21:52

Today…the House of Godwine. Members-Only Series on Patreon: Don’t forget to head over to Patreon, as well, to hear an entirely new series on what’s happening around England and Normandy while William becomes the conqueror of legend! For only a few bucks per month, you can hear these fascinating tales of how seemingly unconnected events and decision…

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