Best Not So Chivalrous Podcasts (2024)

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Ep.22 (159) – The Rise to Imperial Power, Charles IV journey to Rome 34:32

5h ago34:32

34:32

This season has now gone on for 22 episodes. We started with the interregnum of largely absent rulers and after a brief renaissance under Rudolf von Habsburg the empire became a sort of oligarchy where 3 families, the Luxemburgs, the Wittelsbachs and the Habsburgs took turns on the throne. Succession usually involved some form of armed conflict bet…

1
Ep. 159 – The Rise to Imperial Power, Charles IV journey to Rome 34:32

1h ago34:32

34:32

This season has now gone on for 22 episodes. We started with the interregnum of largely absent rulers and after a brief renaissance under Rudolf von Habsburg the empire became a sort of oligarchy where 3 families, the Luxemburgs, the Wittelsbachs and the Habsburgs took turns on the throne. Succession usually involved some form of armed conflict bet…

1
Ep48 A Merry Karate Valentine's to You 21:34

1d ago21:34

21:34

Welcome to the first mini-episode of the gang's "hiatus." Instead of an hour of unhinged rambling, experience 20 minutes of quality nonsense! This week's tale is that of Niulang and Zhinu, a.k.a. the Cowherd and the Weaving Girl. These are two literally star-crossed lovers with enough influence to inspire a Chinese Valentine's festival. Craft a pas…

1
Ep. 21 (158) – Prague - A new Rome 32:51

5d ago32:51

32:51

“Karl, by the grace of God, King of the Romans, ever august, and King of Bohemia [ ] We have turned over in careful contemplation, and have been diligently pondering how our hereditary kingdom of Bohemia may flourish in all its beauty, thrive in peace, and not fear the loss of its riches to its enemies, and how the general good and benefit of the s…

1
Ep. 158 – Prague – The New Rome? Karl IV’s great plans for his capital city 32:51

5d ago32:51

32:51

“Karl, by the grace of God, King of the Romans, ever august, and King of Bohemia [ ] We have turned over in careful contemplation, and have been diligently pondering how our hereditary kingdom of Bohemia may flourish in all its beauty, thrive in peace, and not fear the loss of its riches to its enemies, and how the general good and benefit of the s…

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DDB Summer 2024 Announcement 6:16

8d ago6:16

6:16

Today the gang checks in with an unofficial doctor's note from the universe. Until at least October 2024, Dragons Drink Bourbon will be on a small "break." New episodes will still release periodically on Mondays at 5 AM EST, but they will be a lot shorter than the usual storytelling fiascos. So stay tuned for some quick tales and take a breather wi…

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Ep. 20 (157) Black Death and other Calamities 34:57

13d ago34:57

34:57

In around 1320 near the lake Issy-Kul in Kyrgysistan the rats started dying. Shortly after the inhabitants became affected with terrible diseases. Some started coughing up blood and all who did, died within 3 days. Others developed swellings of the lymph nodes, particularly in the groins and armpits. Roughly half of them died within five days. A sm…

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Ep. 19 (156) – What price a Crown 25:11

12d ago25:11

25:11

The year is 1346 and we have, yes, another succession crisis. Without checking through my 1500 pages of transcripts, I have counted a total of 14 contested imperial elections in the 427 years we have covered so far. Henry the Fowler, Herny II, Henry IV, Henry V, Lothar III, Konrad III, Philip of Swabia, Otto IV, Frederick II, Konrad IV, Richard of …

1
Ep. 157 – The Black Death and other Calamities 34:57

12d ago34:57

34:57

In around 1320 near the lake Issy-Kul in Kyrgysistan the rats started dying. Shortly after the inhabitants became affected with terrible diseases. Some started coughing up blood and all who did, died within 3 days. Others developed swellings of the lymph nodes, particularly in the groins and armpits. Roughly half of them died within five days. A sm…

1
Ep. 156 – What Price a Crown - Karl IV fight for the throne 25:11

19d ago25:11

25:11

The year is 1346 and we have, yes, another succession crisis. Without checking through my 1500 pages of transcripts, I have counted a total f 14 contested imperial elections in the 427 years we have covered so far. Henry the Fowler, Herny II, Henry IV, Henry V, Lothar III, Konrad III, Philip of Swabia, Otto IV, Frederick II, Konrad IV, Richard of C…

1
Ep. 18 (155): The Youth of the Emperor Karl IV 28:29

26d ago28:29

28:29

You have heard me complaining regularly over the last 154 episodes that what we report as political ambitions or strategic plans of the kings and emperors was pure conjecture derived from their actions and public statement. But we could never know what they were really thinking because none of them kept a diary, or if they did they did not survive …

1
Ep. 155: The Youth of the Emperor Karl IV 28:29

27d ago28:29

28:29

You have heard me complaining regularly over the last 154 episodes that what we report as political ambitions or strategic plans of the kings and emperors was pure conjecture derived from their actions and public statement. But we could never know what they were really thinking because none of them kept a diary, or if they did they did not survive …

1
Ep47 This Just In! Dying Isn't for Everyone 1:06:33

1M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Introducing Sentaro, a Japanese protagonist no one likes, including gods and other miscellaneous immortal beings! Follow his existential crisis to escape death. Meanwhile, Miles and Cletus continue not to listen, but maybe, just maybe, we'll can all learn what "continuous" actually means by the end of it all. Critics think it's just okay—which mean…

1
Ep. 154 - The Blind King John of Bohemia 40:06

1M ago40:06

40:06

The noble and gallant King of Bohemia, also known as John of Luxemburg because he was the son of the Emperor Henry of Luxemburg, was told by his people that the battle had begun. Although he was in full armour and equipped for combat, he could see nothing because he was blind. He asked his knights what the situation was and they described the rout …

1
Ep. 17 (154) - The Blind King John of Bohemia 40:06

1M ago40:06

40:06

The noble and gallant King of Bohemia, also known as John of Luxemburg because he was the son of the Emperor Henry of Luxemburg, was told by his people that the battle had begun. Although he was in full armour and equipped for combat, he could see nothing because he was blind. He asked his knights what the situation was and they described the rout …

1
Ep46 ChangeMe, ChangeYou, Changelings 1:16:11

1M ago1:16:11

1:16:11

This week's episode goes out to parents. Does your baby seem just a little too smart? Have they started demanding whisky more aggressively than usual? Worse yet, do they break out into song with hauntingly beautiful skills on par with Florence Welch? Well you might have a changeling on your hands. The good news is, we've got the solution! For 46 ea…

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Ep. 16 (153) – The rise of the city of Nürnberg 27:24

2M ago27:24

27:24

“In the same way that Jerusalem is the navel of the world, is Nurnberg the navel of Germany” is how Matthäus Dresser described the city in 1581. The astronomer Johannes Regiomontanus moved to Nurnberg in 1471 because there" ...one can easily associate with learned men wherever they live. Because of the cosmopolitanism of its merchants, this place i…

1
Ep. 153 – The Rise of the city of Nürnberg 27:24

2M ago27:24

27:24

“In the same way that Jerusalem is the navel of the world, is Nurnberg the navel of Germany” is how Matthäus Dresser described the city in 1581. The astronomer Johannes Regiomontanus moved to Nurnberg in 1471 because there" ...one can easily associate with learned men wherever they live. Because of the cosmopolitanism of its merchants, this place i…

1
Ep45 Godly Treasures for Mischief Victims 1:26:26

2M ago1:26:26

1:26:26

It may surprise you to learn that gods, even Norse ones, aren't born wielding their favorite shiny toys. To obtain real treasure, sometimes you need to let a homeless god-fellow prank your wife. Just take a seat and listen, it will all (mostly) make sense by the end. At least, as much as any tale involving Loki ever does. And don't forget your drin…

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Ep.152 - The (not so) Ugly Duchess Margarete Maultasch 35:00

2M ago35:00

35:00

“The twelve-year-old Margarete, Princess of Carinthia and Tyrol, was travelling from her seat near Meran to Innsbruck for her wedding with the ten-year old Prince Johann of Bohemia. [..] Still and serious she sat, in ceremonial pomp. Her bodice was so tight that she had had to be laced into it; her sleeves of heavy green satin, in the very extreme …

1
Ep. 15 (152) - The (not so) Ugly Duchess Margarete Maultasch 35:00

2M ago35:00

35:00

“The twelve-year-old Margarete, Princess of Carinthia and Tyrol, was travelling from her seat near Meran to Innsbruck for her wedding with the ten-year old Prince Johann of Bohemia. [..] Still and serious she sat, in ceremonial pomp. Her bodice was so tight that she had had to be laced into it; her sleeves of heavy green satin, in the very extreme …

1
Ep. 151 – The Kurverein zu Rhens – featuring William of Ockham 37:15

2M ago37:15

37:15

This week we look at the central intellectual debate of the 14th century, did Jesus own property? If yes, then it was right and proper that the church owned land, privileges, entire counties and duchies, yes that the pope was not just the spiritual but also the secular ruler of all of Christianity. And if not, then the pope as a successor to the ap…

1
Ep. 14 (151) – The Kurverein zu Rhens – featuring William of Ockham 37:15

2M ago37:15

37:15

This week we look at the central intellectual debate of the 14th century, did Jesus own property? If yes, then it was right and proper that the church owned land, privileges, entire counties and duchies, yes that the pope was not just the spiritual but also the secular ruler of all of Christianity. And if not, then the pope as a successor to the ap…

1
Ep. 150 – The Last Chivalric Battles – Morgarten and Mühldorf 38:25

3M ago38:25

38:25

The 14th century is a time of fundamental change in practically all areas of social, political and economic life. It is a time when the certainties of the Middle Ages are replaced by a process of trial and error, sometimes successful, but almost always violent. We see new frameworks of how society and in particular the religious authorities should …

1
Ep. 13 (150) – The Last Chivalric Battles – Morgarten and Mühldorf 38:25

3M ago38:25

38:25

The 14th century is a time of fundamental change in practically all areas of social, political and economic life. It is a time when the certainties of the Middle Ages are replaced by a process of trial and error, sometimes successful, but almost always violent. We see new frameworks of how society and in particular the religious authorities should …

1
Ep. 149 – The Real Ludwig of Bavaria 39:39

3M ago39:39

39:39

A few months after emperor Henry VII had died in the Tuscan village of Buonconvento and before a successor had been elected, a young man, Ludwig, second son of the duke of Upper Bavaria made his name defeating a much larger Habsburg force. This success could not have come at a more opportune time as it propelled him into contention for the title of…

1
Ep. 12 (149) – The Real Ludwig of Bavaria 39:39

3M ago39:39

39:39

A few months after emperor Henry VII had died in the Tuscan village of Buonconvento and before a successor had been elected, a young man, Ludwig, second son of the duke of Upper Bavaria made his name defeating a much larger Habsburg force. This success could not have come at a more opportune time as it propelled him into contention for the title of…

1
Ep. 11 (148) - Imperial Swansong – the End of Henry VII’s Campaign in Italy 37:14

3M ago37:14

37:14

The year is 1312 and Henry VII is finally embarking on his journey to Rome that will bring about the first imperial coronation in almost a century and hence the formal end to the Interregnum, the time without emperors. Becoming emperor is hard enough, but being emperor is even harder, as the first Luxemburger to ascend the throne of Charlemagne wil…

1
Ep. 148 - Imperial Swansong – the End of Henry VII’s Campaign in Italy 37:14

3M ago37:14

37:14

The year is 1312 and Henry VII is finally embarking on his journey to Rome that will bring about the first imperial coronation in almost a century and hence the formal end to the Interregnum, the time without emperors. Becoming emperor is hard enough, but being emperor is even harder, as the first Luxemburger to ascend the throne of Charlemagne wil…

1
Ep. 10 (147) - Brescia or Bust 34:43

3M ago34:43

34:43

Henry VII had gained control of most of Northern Italy in less than three months. It will take him 9 months to lose it all again. How did he go from bringer of peace and justice and all out savior of Italy to brutal conqueror and godless tyrant? Let’s find out. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel B…

1
Ep. 147 – Brescia or Bust – Henry VII’s Big Mistake(s) 34:43

3M ago34:43

34:43

Henry VII had gained control of most of Northern Italy in less than three months. It will take him 9 months to lose it all again. How did he go from bringer of peace and justice and all out saviour of Italy to brutal conqueror and godless tyrant? Let’s find out. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel …

1
Ep44 Brer Rabbit Tries to Not Get Canceled 1:05:39

3M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Everyone loves a clever underdog story. That's why we're re-introducing your favorite African trickster! No, not Anansi. Think African American. And Southern. Yeah, that's right. Brer Rabbit takes the spotlight this week. While he treads carefully around a hungry fox, the gang crashes through brambles forged from Southern dialect, folklore traditio…

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Ep. 146 – The Return of the King – Henry VII’s Journey to Rome 33:49

4M ago33:49

33:49

In the winter of 1310 the emperor elect Henry VII not yet 40 years of age and every inch a king appears in Italy. An Italy torn apart by incessant violence, between and within the cities. Allegedly it is a struggle between the pro-imperial Ghibellines and the pro-papal Guelphs, but 60 years after the last emperor had set foot on Italian soil and se…

1
Ep. 9 (146) – The Return of the King – Henry VII’s Journey to Rome 33:49

3M ago33:49

33:49

In the winter of 1310 the emperor elect Henry VII not yet 40 years of age and every inch a king appears in Italy. An Italy torn apart by incessant violence, between and within the cities. Allegedly it is a struggle between the pro-imperial Ghibellines and the pro-papal Guelphs, but 60 years after the last emperor had set foot on Italian soil and se…

1
Not Leaving Port(o) - History of the Germans 7:11

4M ago7:11

7:11

Hello and welcome to, well an absence of an episode of the History of the Germans. This is just a short message to let you know that unfortunately there will not be an episode of the History of the Germans this week. It is all the fault of a guy called Rafael Miranda who runs the worlds best wine tasting at the Quinta de San Tiago over in Rede in t…

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Ep. 8 (145) - How to make Friends and Influence People – The Luxemburgs become Kings of Bohemia 29:46

4M ago29:46

29:46

Henry, the new king of the Romans, just 30 years of age, tall and blond, every inch his forebearer the great Charlemagne had a one track mind. There was one thing he wanted and that was the imperial crown. It is now 60 years since there last had been a crowned emperor. We had such an interregnum before, in the 10th century between the death of empe…

1
Ep. 145 - How to make Friends and Influence People – The Luxemburgs become Kings of Bohemia 29:46

4M ago29:46

29:46

Henry, the new king of the Romans, just 30 years of age, tall and blond, every inch his forebearer the great Charlemagne had a one track mind. There was one thing he wanted and that was the imperial crown. It is now 60 years since there last had been a crowned emperor. We had such an interregnum before, in the 10th century between the death of empe…

1
Ep43 Alcoholic Androgyny: The Dionysus Story 1:02:32

4M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

You may have already heard of the Greek god of wine and madness. But the DDB trio asks the real questions this episode, questions that have the potential to define our understanding of humankind. Dionysus: Is he Jack Black? Or is he Bugs Bunny in an androgynous lion disguise? The world may never know. Oh, and drink mulled wine.…

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Ep. 7 (144) – The Rise of the House of Luxembourg - The election of Emperor Henry VII 23:35

4M ago23:35

23:35

On November 27th, 1308 the prince electors chose Henry VII, count of Luxemburg to be their new king of the Romans and future emperor. Little did they know that this decision will give rise to a dynasty that will rule the empire for as many decades as the Ottonian, the Salian and the Hohenstaufen had. A dynasty that featured such emblems of chivalri…

1
Ep. 144 - The Rise of the House of Luxembourg - The election of Emperor Henry VII 23:35

4M ago23:35

23:35

On November 27th, 1308 the prince electors chose Henry VII, count of Luxemburg to be their new king of the Romans and future emperor. Little did they know that this decision will give rise to a dynasty that will rule the empire for as many decades as the Ottonian, the Salian and the Hohenstaufen had. A dynasty that featured such emblems of chivalri…

1
Ep. 6 (143) – The Murder of a King - Albrecht I von Habsburg 34:45

4M ago34:45

34:45

The late 13th century was the sniper’s alley for many a powerful family. The disappearance of great dynasties, the Arpads of Hungary, the Premyslids of Bohemia, the Zaehringer, Babenbergs, the counts of Holland to name just a few wasn’t down to lack of fertility but down to violence. Murder became so common, even those who did not have swords stick…

1
Ep. 143 – The Murder of a King - Albrecht I von Habsburg. 34:45

4M ago34:45

34:45

The late 13th century was the sniper’s alley for many a powerful family. The disappearance of great dynasties, the Arpads of Hungary, the Premyslids of Bohemia, the Zaehringer, Babenbergs, the counts of Holland to name just a few wasn’t down to lack of fertility but down to violence. Murder became so common, even those who did not have swords stick…

1
Ep42 (Gawain Learns) Green is Not a Chivalrous Color 1:32:13

5M ago1:32:13

1:32:13

It's time to bring knightly virtues back in vogue with a tale straight from Camelot! "Gawain and the Green Knight" put your holiday traditions to shame. But one mustn't forget to preserve the virtues of friendship, generosity, courtesy, chastity, and piety. And no matter what, be forever wary of your host's thirsty wife. This episode's themed cockt…

1
Ep. 5 (142) - Adolf von Nassau – A Shadow of a King 30:05

5M ago30:05

30:05

After the death of Rudolf von Habsburg the electors chose another, now truly impecunious count, Adolf von Nassau to be king. They chose him over Rudolf’s son Albrecht and over the overwhelmingly most powerful prince in the empire, King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia. This cultured and competent man became known to German history as a Schattenkönig, a sha…

1
Ep. 142 - Adolf von Nassau - A Shadow of a King 30:05

5M ago30:05

30:05

After the death of Rudolf von Habsburg the Prince Electors chose another, now truly impecunious count, Adolf von Nassau to be king. They chose him over Rudolf’s son Albrecht and over the overwhelmingly most powerful prince in the empire, King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia. This cultured and competent man became known to German history as a Schattenkönig…

1
Ep. 4 (141) - Rudolf von Habsburg Semper Augustus - Allezeit Mehrer des Reiches 32:59

5M ago32:59

32:59

Martin Rady in his highly amusing and exceptionally well written book on the Habsburg said “The remainder of Rudolf’s reign up to his death in 1291 was a failure. He did not manage to have himself crowned emperor by the pope and had to make do with the title of king…it was a false dawn, both for the Holy Roman empire and for the Habsburgs” I most h…

1
Ep. 141 - Rudolf von Habsburg Semper Augustus - Allezeit Mehrer des Reiches 32:59

5M ago32:59

32:59

Martin Rady in his highly amusing and exceptionally well written book on the Habsburg said: “The remainder of Rudolf’s reign up to his death in 1291 was a failure. He did not manage to have himself crowned emperor by the pope and had to make do with the title of king…it was a false dawn, both for the Holy Roman empire and for the Habsburgs” I most …

1
Ep41 Tales of an Irish Thief, BFF to Princes Everywhere 1:11:08

5M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

You best believe the gang didn't forget it's Irish American Heritage Month. Take a seat, pour a couple ounces of 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey, and hear the tale of "The Black Thief and the Knight of the Glen." This fairytale's got it all: secret children, dumb royalty, nonsensical but sassy witches, and moral lessons. The biggest of which is: horses wit…

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Ep. 3 (140) – Rudolf von Habsburg and the Golden King Ottokar II of Bohemia 34:48

5M ago34:48

34:48

This week we will look at what the poor count Rudolf of Habsburg does once he had been elected King of the Romans. This is not the first time the electors have chosen a man of much more modest means than themselves. William of Holland and Hermann von Salm had failed to leverage their elevated status into tangible gains. But Rudolf is different. Thr…

1
Ep. 140 – Rudolf von Habsburg and the Golden King Ottokar II of Bohemia 34:48

5M ago34:48

34:48

This week we will look at what the poor count Rudolf of Habsburg does once he had been elected King of the Romans. This is not the first time the electors have chosen a man of much more modest means than themselves. William of Holland and Hermann von Salm had failed to leverage their elevated status into tangible gains. But Rudolf is different. Thr…

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