How Two Medieval

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Join your hosts as they discuss the highs and lows of medieval living history and re-enactment. Through their personal experiences, and with a help from expert guests and friends, they walk you through lessons learned in the hobby and set you on the right path to success.

Ari & Matt


    • Nov 24, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 58 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from How Two Medieval

    Bookend Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 40:53


    We may have been putting this off for a while, but it's only fair to do a semi-closing episode to explain why H2M has not been releasing new episodes. In addition, Matt interviews Ari about his new project: Dinthwaite Village. Time Jaunt - the new show Medieval Village Kickstarter

    Episode 55 - Different Combat Rulesets

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2022 63:23


    Join Ari and Matt as they give an overview of the most popular ways of fighting in medieval themed contexts, both for educational and competitive purposes. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Medieval Music

    combat medieval music
    Episode 54 - Cultural Appreciation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2022 53:19


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss some of the more sensitive topics of incorporating elements or entire impressions from other cultures. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Medieval Music

    cultural appreciation medieval music
    Episode 53 - Labels and Vocabulary

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2022 55:55


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss the words we use to discuss historical concepts and items, how they change, and how to employ them to their best effect. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Medieval Music

    labels vocabulary medieval music
    Episode 52 - Inventories

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2022 66:07


    Join Ari and Matt as they dig deeply into the use of inventories as part of constructing historical impressions. Show Notes: The medieval inventories of the Tower armouries 1320–1410 Paul Butler's Medieval Music

    tower inventories medieval music
    Episode 51 - Colors and Clothes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2022 56:41


    Listen as Ari and Matt discuss colors, their use, and their vibrancy in medieval clothing and how it can apply to your impression. Show Notes: Rosalie's Medieval Woman The Company of the Staple Ylva the Red Popula Urbanum Historic Enterprises Page on Motley Could be Worse Comic Paul Butler's Medieval Music

    clothes colors medieval music
    Episode 50 - Mini Episode Seven (Personas)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 8:45


    Join Matt as he gives some thoughts on personas in today's mini episode.

    Episode 49 - Dos and Don'ts of Newcomers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 55:55


    Ari and Matt discuss some tips and guidance for both the newcomer approaching a new group as well as how groups can help integrate newer members. Show Notes: Well Actually song As always, thank you to Paul Butler's Medieval Music.

    newcomers paul butler medieval music
    Episode 48 - Challenging Questions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 50:31


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss ways to understand and respond to a specific variety of challenging questions. As always, thank you to Paul Butler's Medieval Music.

    Episode 47 - Elements of Good Events

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 55:58


    Join Ari and Matt as they remark on the elements which contribute to organizing a quality event. As always, thank you to Paul Butler's Medieval Music.

    Episode 46 - Books Highlight

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 58:04


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss some of their favorite books related to the medieval era.

    Episode 45 - Burnout

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 49:58


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss reenactor burn out, specifically getting back in the groove as in person events begin to open up again. As always, thank you to Paul Butler's Medieval Music.

    burnout paul butler medieval music
    Episode 44 - Hunter Impression

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 60:50


    Join Ari and Matt as they explore developing an impression of a hunter.  Show notes:  Exploring the Medieval Hunt St. Hubert's Rangers The Forester's Guild (SCA) Paul Butler's Medieval Music

    impression hubert medieval music
    Episode 43 - New Year 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 59:54


    In this episode Ari and Matt discuss their highlights of 2021 and what they're looking forward to in 2022. Show Notes: Zach Evans Miss Joss (@missjoss) Roy Joksas (@plikbajoris_rojus) Three Hot and Spicy Medieval Sauces Patreon Support for The Turnip of Terror Art of Armor Conference Paul Butler's Music

    Episode 42 - Caveat Emptor

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021 51:18


    In this episode Ari and Matt discuss the vital issue of how to handle when an online order goes wrong. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Music

    Episode 41 - Sources

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2021 65:35


    In this episode Ari and Matt share their thoughts on sources, not just the types of them but also how to evaluate them and what their use can be. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Music Medieval Resources

    Episode 40 - Gifting

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 49:27


    In this episode Ari and Matt share their thoughts on what makes for good “stocking stuffer” type small gifts for the medieval living history person in your life. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Music

    Episode 39 - Imitations and its Limitations

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 43:55


    In this episode Ari and Matt discuss the delicate topic of when imitation goes too far, whether or not it strays into the realm of copying, and how to to avoid some of the dangers of using other reenactors' work as inspiration. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Music

    Episode 38 - Review of The Green Knight

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2021 69:04


    In this episode Ari and Matt review the medieval movie The Green Knight. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Music

    Episode 37 - Mini Episode Six (DoK 2021)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2021 1:54


    Ari invites you in and gives you a view into some of his thoughts about DoK.

    Episode 36 - Buying Swords

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 57:19


    In this episode Ari and Matt discuss things you should consider when buying your first (or fifteenth) sword. Show Notes: SWORDS video Paul Butler's Music

    Episode 35 - Contrasting Classical Reenactment

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2021 64:04


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss the differences between Classical and Medieval impressions with their friend Ben of The Missouri Order of Moderately Civilized Knight Guys. We do briefly discuss white supremacy and coopted historical symbolism. As always thanks to Paul Butler for allowing us the use of his music for our intro.

    Episode 35 - Authenticity Standards

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2021 59:24


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss the errant living history community and the standards, or lack there of, which they share among them. Show notes: Days of Knights Deconstructing History La Belle Compagnie Josh Davis The SCA

    Episode 34 - Mini Episode Five (Personas w/ Matt)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2021 8:45


    On today's bonus episode join Matt as he takes you down some of his thoughts expanding on the ideas of personas.

    Episode 33 - The Anthropology Perspective with Madeleine Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2021 50:06


    Join Ari and Matt as they talk to special guest Madeline Smith of the Actually Interesting History podcast about the insights anthropology can lend to the study of the past and by extension living history impressions. Madeleine Smith, Actually Interesting History https://www.actuallyinterestinghistory.com/ Instagram Podcast A special thanks to Paul Butler for allowing us to use his music. 

    Episode 32 - H2M Reacts to The Green Knight and Last Duel Trailers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 51:34


    Not only do Ari and Matt share their initial thoughts on these two films based only on their trailers, but they spend sometime discussing the complicated relationship between the medieval living history community and medieval themed movies produced by Hollywood. Show Notes: The Could Be Worse comic referenced. Paul Butler's Medieval Music

    Episode 31 - Event Cooking

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2021 60:08


    Join Ari and Matt as they provide an overview of cooking at events or when camping, which generally involves cooking over an open flame. Also a shout out to Mike Baker and his new podcast Deconstructing History. Thank you Paul Butler's Medieval Music for permission to use his music in our intro.

    Episode 30 - Reenactorisms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2021 66:54


    Join Ari and Matt as they tackle the touchy subject of reenactorisms and how they proliferate through the community. Thank you Paul Butler's Medieval Music for permission to use his music in our intro.

    paul butler medieval music
    Episode 29 - Pilgrim Progress Challenge 2021 Aftershow

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 50:46


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss their favorite events of the year: The Pilgrim Progress Challenge! They go into some of the work behind the scenes, as well as contrasting the evolution of the event from last year to this year, what went right, what can be improved upon, and a couple characteristic, charmingly roguish rabbit trails along the way. Paul Butler's Medieval Music

    Episode 28 - Medieval Urban Impressions Feat. Andrew of Popula Urbanum

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 56:32


    Join Ari and Matt as they talk to their special guest Andrew of Popula Urbanum and the Modern Medieval Man about his research into the urban culture of the high medieval. We discuss special considerations and terminology of the city, the realities of city life, and what one can really expect from the merchant class. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Music Andrew's YouTube Channel Popula Urbanum Modern Medieval Man on Instagram Modern Medieval Man on Facebook

    Episode 27 - Limited Resources

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 51:49


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss the difficult realities and circumstances involved when introducing elements of an impression which are supported by only a few source materials, pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for success. Show Notes: Paul Butler's Music

    Episode 26 - Archer vs. Man At Arms Impressions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 62:48


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss the equipment and status differences between the archers and the men at arms in English service during the high medieval period. They touch on some prevailing misconceptions, provide guidance, and tarry into thoroughly interesting, if only tangentially related topics as they meander through the subject. Et ils révèlent même pourquoi cette phrase particulière est écrite en français! Music by Paul Butler

    Episode 25 - Mini Events

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 54:03


    Join Ari and Matt as they talk about their ideas of what constitutes a mini event, how they differ from meetings or large events, and some considerations involved in any event big or small. Show Notes: Reenactors Insurance Pilgrim Progress Challenge Music by Paul Butler

    Episode 24 - Backstories to Personas and Impressions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 52:25


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss the benefits of generating a detailed backstory for your impression, when a backstory crosses over into the territory of creating a character and not a personal, and at what point backstory may have diminishing returns for one's living history experience. The intro music for this episode is an arrangement of a cantigas on citole by Paul Butler. His music and a copy of his album can be found at Paul Butler's Music.

    Episode 23 - Mini Episode Four (Impressions)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 8:31


    In this mini episode Ari gives his thoughts on the specificity of impressions, and how they should (or rather shouldn't) necessarily interact with each other.

    Episode 22 - Martial vs. Civilian Impressions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 56:38


    Come join Ari and Matt as they discuss the various nuances and differences in approaching and executing martial and civilian living history impressions. Mentioned in today's episode: Exploring the medieval farmer Exploring the medieval hunt

    Episode 21 - Art of the Sword Conference (Before and After)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 58:01


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss the Art of the Sword Conference both a few days before the event, and in the cathartic afterglow a week later. Sword Conference Recordings - Pilgrim Progress Challenge Homepage The Turnip of Terror Facebook History Live North East Facebook The Turnip of Terror Instagram History Live Northeast Instagram

    Episode 20 - Justifications

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 54:44


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss the various ways in which people use justifications to incorporate elements into their impressions and whether or not they are always the best way to go about making these decisions.

    Episode 19 - Digital Groups

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 65:55


    Join Ari and Matt as they discuss digital group activities and how forming online living history groups differ from creating in person ones. The Swordsman Guild of Kansas City Archery Group Conversation on Facebook in the Medieval Soldiers group Armored Turnip Video Reenactment Rik's Video

    Episode 18 - Mini Episode Three (Pass the Torch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 7:36


    In this episode Ari discusses his thoughts on embracing the new and empowering the next generation.

    Episode 17 - Camping Part 2: Glamping

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2021 66:49


    Join your hosts as they reprise the concept of medieval camping and explore, instead of the survival basics, some of the methods of camping in the most artistic and comfortable of ways. Host: Ari, The Turnip of Teror Host: Matt, Executive Director of History Live North East

    Episode 16 - Mini Episode Two (Cold Hike)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2021 13:26


    Matt takes us along with him on a hike in cold weather to reflect on the conversation we had last week about tips for medieval clothing in cold weather.

    Episode 15 - Cold Weather

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 55:58


    Ari and Matt discuss the unique considerations when wearing medieval clothing while doing outside activities, such as hiking or camping. Find more from Ari at The Turnip of Terror Find more from Matt at History Live North East

    Episode 14 - Mini Episode One (Gifts!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2020 16:55


    In their debut mini-episode Ari and Matt take a moment to share with you the gifts they received over the holidays, talk a bit about the future, and announce a new contest for those musically inclined!

    Episode 13: WWII Crossover featuring The Reenactor's Corner

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 83:30


    Today we are joined by the good folk over at The Reenactor's Corner where we compare and contrast WWII reenactment and medieval reenactment. Hosted by: Todd of the Black Spear and Ari, The Turnip Of Terror Also debuting a super special guest and incoming host Matt Blazek of History Live North East.

    Episode 12: little Q and A

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 70:26


    Ari and I take some time to answer a few question submitted by some listeners. We give our thoughts from selecting our periods to how we pack for an event. Thanks again to everyone listening, its been a fun project and we look forward to many more episodes. Todd of the Black Spear Ari, The Turnip Of Terror Toby's Harness Post Burnadette's Scammed Dress Video Mentions: Ian Pursuing the Knightly Arts History Live North East

    Episode 11: Camping part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 69:27


    In this episode Ari and I discuss what are the essentials to camping at a weekend event. We share lessons learned on tents, equipment and resources that you will need to survive a medieval weekend. This is only part 1, as there is so much more to talk about. Sorry for the long delay, we hope to get cracking at more episodes on a regular basis. Cheers and keep on re-enacting! Host: Todd of the Black Spear (https://www.facebook.com/thecompanyoftheblackspear/) Host: Ari, The Turnip of Terror (https://theturnipofterror.com/) Link to our post for a Q/A: https://tinyurl.com/y84uerol

    Episode 10: Getting involved with your local education system

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 73:11


    We invite Matt Blazek to join us as we discus how one can get involved with your local school system and more. Matt is the founder of "The Agincourt Soldier", a hand s on traveling history display. He travels around New England schools give hands on history seminars to 6-12th grades. Matt is also in the works on various other digital products with like minded people, to bring history to people who don't have direct access to museums. So fill your cup and enjoy our 10th episode! Todd Cornell- The Company of the Black Spears https://www.facebook.com/thecompanyoftheblackspear/ Ari- https: The turnip of terror //www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=the%20turnip%20of%20terror&epa=SEARCH_BOX Matt Blazek- The Agincourt Soldier https://www.facebook.com/theagincourtsoldier/ History live north east- http://historylivenortheast.org/?fbclid=IwAR1A-VmZElnyPuaM37UJVq23NYWFWtYtf2Dgy9UIY02DCesH3gV4RRXsLhU

    Episode 9: Interacting with the public

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2020 55:54


    So how do I talk to the public at open events? Join Ari and I as we discuss interacting with the public and the benefits of public events. Does one assume the a role entirely and interact in 1st person? Do you take a 3rd person approach or possibly combine the two? Interacting with the public is very rewarding. You can even benefit by attracting other to your group. Sit back and enjoy. Host: Todd of the Black Spear (https://www.facebook.com/thecompanyoftheblackspear/) Host: Ari, The Turnip of Terror (https://theturnipofterror.com/) Bill Nye (https://www.billnye.com/) Ian laspina of Knyght Errant (https://knyghterrant.com/ Matt Blazek of The Agincourt Soldier (https://theagincourtsoldier.org/) Tobias Capwell (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobias_Capwell) Medieval Woman (https://www.rosaliegilbert.com/) Camlann Village (http://camlann.org/) Colonial Williamsburg (https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org) Ocean institute (https://www.ocean-institute.org/) Days of Knights (https://thedaysofknights.com/) Trevor of the Medieval Swordsman's Guild of Kansas City (https://www.kcsword.org/)

    Episode 8: Women and Living History

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2020 50:19


    Living History isn't just for the guys. Join us as we invite Ann Asplund on the show to give her point of view on Women in living history. She is a 22 year veteran of living History and talented craftswoman. We discuss some of the hurtles a woman faces joining the hobby as well as ways to find your persona. Sorry for the long delay, hope to get back on schedule. Hope everyone is safe out there ands washing your hands. Cheers! Notes from the Show: Ann's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/297014904222779/ Turnip of terror: https://www.facebook.com/TheTurnipOfTerror/ Company of the Black Spears: https://www.facebook.com/thecompanyoftheblackspear/

    Episode 7: Tips on how to start your own group

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 55:52


    Don't have a local group to join? Well start one! We invited long time Medieval enthusiast, Trevor Clemons to discuss just how to do that. Founder of the Medieval Swordsman Guild based in Kansas City, Trevor has over 30 years experience in Medieval activities. Together we discuss building up a group, setting goals, standards and mentoring new folks. So wash your hands, grab a drink and relax. Links to topics covered: Todd Cornell and the Company of the Black Spear (https://www.facebook.com/thecompanyoftheblackspear/) Ari, The Turnip of Terror (https://theturnipofterror.com/) Kansas City Swordsman Guild of Kansas City (https://www.kcsword.org/) Christian Tobler Author Page (https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Henry-Tobler/e/B001K81474%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share) Kansas City Renaissance Festival (http://www.kcrenfest.com/) La Belle Compagnie (http://www.peelaffinity.net/) Historic Enterprises (https://historicenterprises.com/) How to Win Friends and Influence People (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People) The Five Love Languages (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five_Love_Languages) The Days of Knights (https://thedaysofknights.com/) Medieval Swordsman Guild of KC Discussion group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/403994301180/) Die Schlachtschule (http://www.schlachtschule.org/)

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