Épisodes

  • Harvesting the Salamander Wool

    Harvesting the Salamander Wool
    Jun 27 2026
    What does it mean for a cold, damp, thoroughly amphibious creature to become the defining symbol of elemental fire? In this episode, we explore the salamander, the fire-resistant (allegedly), asbestos-covered, love-poetry-inspiring, hellfire-embodying little amphibian that confused natural philosophers from Aristotle to Linnaeus.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    40 min
  • Proud as a Peacock

    Proud as a Peacock
    Jun 14 2026
    From Hildegard to the Habsburgs, we explore the European perspective on the most spectacular bird.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    43 min
  • Pharoah's mouse

    Pharoah's mouse
    Jun 1 2026
    We discuss the curious lore of the Egyptian mongoose or ichneumon and its habit of disemboweling crocodiles – from the inside.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    33 min
  • 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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    43 min
  • 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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    45 min
  • 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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    43 min
  • The Egotistical Eagle

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

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    46 min
  • 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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    49 min