'Tis But A Scratch Podcast: Fact And Fiction About the Middle Ages

 I think that podcasting is a communications medium designed perfectly for relating history as a subject. If done correctly, relating historical narratives appeals more to the ears than the eyes. I don't need to see Genghis Khan to know that he spread his seed over a significant portion of Europe and Asia.

Some podcasts dabble in history, scraping the surface of historical events due to the nature of the podcast. It may be a short-form show, or, in the case of some shows, linking history with persistent attempts at humor during the historical tale. I think Everything Everywhere Daily with Gary Arndt does the best job of short-form history.

If you are searching for a detailed investigation into a specific period of history, I recommend 'Tis But A Scratch: Fact and Fiction About the Middle Ages.

The show focuses on the Middle Ages for those who are fascinated in that era. If you attend Renaissance Fairs or simulated jousts, this podcast is for you.

 The show has completed 49 episodes so far and is created and hosted by Richard Abels, who taught medieval history for 35 years at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Talk about being qualified. Professor Abels has that teaching gene and is skilled at disseminating historical knowledge that kickstarts the brain rather than put you asleep.

Professor Abels, now retired, explains his entry into independent podcasting this way: "I had never done a podcast before, and only began this one because an old friend who is a journalism professor heard me speak at the Smithsonian and thought I would be good at podcasting. She is my co-host for the first couple of episodes."

Like many independent podcasters the journey is a winding road instead of a straight path. Professor Abels tells us about that journey: "That Journalism professor was my co-host for the first couple of episodes. The third episode is a solo effort. Nineteen are with my wife Ellen as co-host. Now, I interview colleagues in the field who have expertise on that particular topic."

 Professor Abels approached the podcast this way: "I think of it as a form of teaching, though I try to make the learning entertaining."

 
Sometimes your podcast surprises even you, the creator. In this case, Professor Abels, admitted, "I ended up doing a surprising number of episodes on the crusades with three historians of the crusades who also could use the show to talk about their books."
 
What type of content can listeners expect on 'Tis But A Scratch: Fact and Fiction About the Middle Ages?
 I know this is naughty of me, but my recent favorite episodes were multipart shows that dealt with adultery in the Middle Ages. You remember Guinevere and Sir Lancelot? 

Professor Abels takes his time on this topic, with Dr. Larissa 'Kat' Tracy, focusing on the evolution of the Lancelot and Guinevere story, and how it relates to societal and clerical attitudes toward adultery. The second part dealt with Tristan and Isolde, and how medieval adultery has been dealt with in movies.

There's an interesting episode on how Christmas, as well as Hanukkah was celebrated in the Middle Ages, and a two-parter about the legendary medieval outlaw Robin Hood.

Did you know that the Puritans actually banned the celebration of Christmas in the 17th Century? Talk about your Grinches and Scrooges!

In the first episode about the famed archer, Abels' and co-host Dr. Jennifer Paxton discussed the evidence for a historical basis for the legend. In part two, they looked at how Robin Hood has been portrayed in film and television from the silent era to the present--and how each generation has gotten (in Dr. Paxton's words) "the Robin Hood that you need in your particular time." 

Professor Abels has just released
a new episode  --  the first of a two part series -- about the fall of the Roman Republic with co-host Jennifer Paxton.

If you love history, especially history of the Middle Ages, Professor Richard Abels is a highly capable tour guide with 35 years of teaching knowledge and experience stored in his brain that is fighting to reach out to his listeners.

 

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