The Spanish ArPodA

Humfrid is out and Bernard is in! Or maybe it's Bernard... or perhaps the other Bernard? Join us for the slow rolling disaster that is the ending of the Carolingian dynasty, complete with a council of Bernards in Count Bernard of Gothia's episode! Recommendations Squishy fidgets Murderbot on Apple TV+ Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Second time's the charm? Charles the Bald attempts to put another Eastern noble into the countyship of Barcelona with Humfrid. Come hear about allies, a bizarre heel turn, and... Zurich? in Count Humfrid of Barcelona's episode!   Recommendations Monkey47 gin "Food for Thought", by Alton Brown Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

We're back with a new Count of Barcelona: Odalric! Come hear about the new manager at the Applebee's, lots of letters, and a bad toupee with Odalric!   Recommendations Monkey47 gin "Food for Thought", by Alton Brown Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Bernard of Septimania is no more, and so in 844 Sunifred takes over the countyship of Barcelona! Come hear about intrigue, feudalism, and the return of the Room of Knives and Poison in Count Sunifred I's episode! Note: there are no recommendations this week because I thought this episode was going to be shorter than it ended up being.   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

It has been a minute, hasn't it? Let's do a quick recap of where we are on the Iberian Peninsula before we forge ahead! Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Back to the south we go, where Muhammed is now emir! Come learn about the perils of suggestion boxes, the joys of accounting, and the okayest of kings in Muhammed I's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org  Recommendations The Irishman (audiobook version) Firefox browser with language translation

Ramiro has died after a short reign, and his son Ordoño has taken the throne! Come hear about the downfall of Musa ibn Musa, a surfeit of something tasty, and God's perfect C student in Ordoño I's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org  Recommendations Baldur's Gate 3 (but this time talk to animals) If Books Could Kill

Back to the North with Ramiro I! He's the son of the guy who forgot he was a deacon, and he is willing to fight for his throne. Come hear about taking the weapons for a walk through the woods, Vikings, and a disturbing penchant for poking people's eyes out in this episode on King Ramiro I!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org  Recommendations Baldur's Gate 3 Wordle Global

After Rampó is removed as Count of Barcelona, Louis the Pious installs Bernard of Septimania. Come hear about instruction manuals for a 4-year-old, being bad at court politics, and the luckiest guy alive when we review Count Bernard!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org  Recommendations Hartwall Long Drink The Botanist Gin

Let's catch up with the Spanish Marches and see how the new Count of Barcelona is getting on: it's Rampó! Come hear about monasteries, a battle that got swept under the rug, and... well, not much else. (Note: our next episode will be released on Thursday).   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

It's our first Basque king: Iñigo Arista! Come hear about monasteries, half-brothers, and a dude called García the Bad as we rate and review King Iñigo Arista.   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org  Recommendations The Drops app Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy

It's time to learn about the Basques - who are they, where did they come from, and how will they shape the development of Modern Spain? Come hear about an engraved hand, the interaction between highland and lowland, and the rise of Iñigo Arista in our introduction to the Basques!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Back to the south we go with King Abd al-Rahman II! Come hear about a naval fleet, more children than you can shake a stick at, and the sad lack of Viking cheesemakers in Seville in his episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org  Recommendations Tarte Tatin and Poire Williams The Scholomance Series, by Naomi Novik

Baby Alfonso is finally on the throne, and boy is his reign a doozy! Come hear about the creation of the Camino de Santiago, lots of Scrabble games, and Peter not knowing where the Pacific Ocean is in King Alfonso II's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 A Perfect Manhattan

Psst, new kingdom just dropped! Welcome to the Spanish Marches, where you'll hear about sieges, peace treaties, and a trial by combat in the first count of Barcelona's episode: it's Count Bera!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations Lucky Hank, on AMC Babel, by R. F. Kuang

The succession carries on mostly peacefully in the south, with Al Hakam I taking over from his father Hisham I. Come hear about vampire rules, eye twitches, and the many layers of King Al Hakam I in his episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The Good Lord Bird, by James McBride The Murderbot Diaries, by Martha Wells

After the chaos of the Asturians, we return to the south where Al-Andalus has an orderly succession to Hisham I. Come hear about rainy mosque attendance, personal piety, and literally moving the earth in our second emir episode: King Hisham I!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations Dorfromantik Poker Face

And so we come to the last of the 3rd generation of Asturian kings: Bermudo I. Come hear about a horrific battle, something that's just nagging at you in the back of your head, and a very sad puppy in King Bermudo I's episode! Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The Habitat for Humanity Restore "Knighty Knight, Bugs"

Mauregato the Usurper takes the throne! Unfortunately, it's like a carjacking followed by putting around the neighborhood very lawfully. But come listen anyway, won't you?   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Baby Alfonso still isn't old enough yet, so we have yet another in-between king: Silo! Come hear about cool word puzzles, a Galician uprising, and the succession plan that (almost) everyone agrees on in Silo's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations Lake Michigan Monster, available on Amazon A VERY COLD martini

The sleeve of saltines himself, it's King Aurelio! Come hear about... well, not much. But he did have a good set of paintings!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Alfonso I passes the Asturian throne to his son, Fruela. Come hear about beheadings, the emergence of the Banu Qasi, and just how crazy you can get when you become a new parent in King Fruela I's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The Midnight Society, on Twitter Glass Onion, directed by Rian Johnson, on Netflix

New Year, New Emirate! Welcome to Abd al-Rahman I's episode, where we learn how many hero narratives can fit into one man's life, the Franks show up again, and Peter finally gets his mosque. It's King Abd al-Rahman I!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations Las Crónicas del Taco, on Netflix Welcome to Chippendales, on Hulu

We end the year here at the Spanish Arpoda with the final governor of Al-Andalus: Yusuf. Hear about his seemingly endless stream of "ibn"s, the broken postal system, and president John Tyler when we review Governor Yusuf!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations Fairy Tale, by Stephen King Your local TNR program

The man with the badge - it's Abu al-Khattar! Hear about askew turbans, political rivalries, and hiding under a millstone in Governor Abu al-Khattar's episode.   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The Great British Bake Off on the Roku channel Rolo treats

Back to Al-Andalus to find out how that civil war turned out! Come listen for a Daffy Duck head, an auction to the lowest bidder, and an interesting food recommendation in Governor Balj's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations Chaotic Neutral: How the Democrats Lost Their Soul in the Center, by Ed Burmila A peanut butter hamburger

Fávila has been nommed by a bear, so his brother-in-law Alfonso takes the Asturian throne! Hear about the Desert of the Duero, a really cool pilgrimage site, and what happens when you have too many cousins in Alfonso I's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations We Are Legion (We Are Bob), by Dennis E. Taylor Tidelands, by Philippa Gregory  

Welcome back to the north of Spain, where Pelayo's son Fávila is now king! Hear about the Asturian court, the Church of the Holy Cross, and... is that a bear?!?!? All this in Fávila's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Jump back in time with us to find out: what the heck happened between Ibn Katan's two reigns? We go into the origins of the Berber Revolt, as well as investigate the patronage system of the Middle East, and Charles Martel shows up again in Governor Uqba's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The National Museum of the American Latino (Smithsonian Latino Center) Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World's Most Notorious Diaries, by Rick Emerson

The man who ruled twice: it's Ibn Katan! Join us to hear about pomegranates in August, cruel and unforgiving punishments, and Sarah messing up a Star Trek series for the third time in a row in Ibn Katan's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations Pod Meets World podcast Star Trek: Lower Decks

Abd al-Rahman has finally returned from vacation, and he's ready to revenge himself on Duke Odo, 10 years later. Come hear about golden legs, an awkward marriage, and the beardiest portrait when we review Governor Abd al-Rahman!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations Star Trek: Strange New Worlds 100 Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez.

Chickens are coming home to roost during Governor Al Haytham's reign. Join us for rebellions, Leovigildian punishments, and the ever-lovable Muhammed the Saracen in Al Haytham's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations Story Graph reading tracker A Room with a View Anti- Recommendations Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Uthman sneaked over from Ifrikiya to rule Spain - not a great start, but surely he couldn't be worse than Hudhaifa, right? Hear about the chain of command, the lack of high speed communications, and the interminability of short-term governors in Uthman's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

New governor of Ifrikiya, new governor of Al-Andalus. Just beware of the welcoming party! Hear about tribal loyalty, Inspector Clouseau in the ball-bearing factory, and immediate regret in Governor Hudhaifa's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The Nobelesse Oblige podcast

Yahya benefited from being a member of the same clan as the governor of Ifrikiya and it got him the governorship of Al-Andalus. But how will he do? Join us for New Jersey Compliments, social justice, and inter-tribe struggles in Governor Yahya's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

He's here! The hero of the Reconquista! Pelayo doesn't want to pay taxes, but he also doesn't want his sister to marry the Muslim prefect, and then he also has to save the Church! Come hear about the man of a thousand statues, an iffy genealogy, and a great pre-battle speech in Pelayo's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations A Penicillin cocktail Gary Marcus's Substack Newsletter The Road to AI We Can Trust

Al-Samh's humiliation by the Franks doesn't stop Governor Anbasa from wanting to take a crack at Septimania, and even Burgundy! But . . . what's that in the mountains of Asturias? Come hear about company men, wild honey eating, and a studious avoidance of Toulouse in Anbasa's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The Battle Royale podcast

Al-Hurr couldn't manage it, but Al-Samh is ready to take a crack at the Franks and make Septimania his own. Will he succeed? Come hear about censuses, a bridge, and William Henry Harrison in Governor Al-Samh's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations China in Disintegration, by James E. Sheridan A Midwinter's Tale, directed by Kenneth Branagh

Al-Hurr inherits a mess on the Iberian Peninsula, but he's determined to make the most of it. Come hear about taxes, pocket protectors, and cleaning house in Governor Al-Hurr's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The La Portada Podcast (@LaPortadaPod) My Favorite Year, directed by Richard Benjamin

Musa's son takes the reins from his father and becomes the second governor of Al Andalus! Hear about peace treaties, awkward marriages, and the return of the room of knives and poison in Abd al-Aziz's episode!   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org    Recommendations The Dark Queens, by Shelly Puhak The Imposters, directed by Stanley Tucci

Dive right in with us as we cover the life and rule of Spain's first Muslim governor: Musa ibn Nusayr! Hear about Mua's humble origins, breaking the chain of command, and a mysterious table in Musa's episode!   Recommendations The History of Georgia podcast (https://twitter.com/History_Georgia)   Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

We have a changeover of rulers - time for the Muslim governors. After a brief whirlwind tour of Islamic history, learn about Arabic naming conventions, names for the peoples of Spain, and what Al-Andalus means in this introduction episode.   Tracks used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

At last we come to the end. Roderic is on the throne when the caliphate shows up, but how does he acquit himself? Hear about turban-wearing statues, treachery, and the almost-certainly-made-up figure of Ilyan and Florinda de la Cava in Roderic's episode!   Recommendations Everything Everywhere All At Once (https://a24films.com/films/everything-everywhere-all-at-once) A Fernet Fizz cocktail.   Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

The petulant child is now an adult and ruling a country - but what actually happened during Witiza's reign? Hear about the 18th Council of Toledo - or not -, the Great Portrait Switcheroo, and bishops getting laid in Witiza's episode!   Recommendations A Bird of Paradise cocktail. The History of China Podcast's Twitter Feed (https://twitter.com/thocpodcast)   Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Égica is on the throne, and we know one thing: Boy, does he hate his in-laws. Hear about how many people is not enough to put into boiling water, the first instance of PLAGUE, and why the Byzantines are over in the West again in Égica's episode! Note: Witiza's episode ended up being longer than we anticipated, so it will be released next week! Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Wamba has been packed off to a monastery, so it's time for Julian to claim the throne. I mean, Ervig! Join us for supervillian origin stories, grammatical corrections, and an ill-fated marriage as we rate and review King Ervig! Recommendations "Our Flag Means Death" (https://www.hbomax.com/series/urn:hbo:series:GYf3LzwJV98JifQEAAAAO) A Peanut Flip cocktail.   Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Everyone's at the villa when Reccesuinth dies, so what better time to choose a new king! Join us for Pin the Tail on the Wamba, the lamest rebel name ever, what punishment awaits rapists, and who actually mixed that drink in Wamba's episode!   Recommendations The Vulgar History Podcast (http://vulgarhistory.com/)   Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

After co-ruling with his father for a few years, Reccesuinth is king! Come hear about celebrity baby names, saying "up yours" to some bishops, and dying in a villa when we review Reccesuinth.   Recommendations A Witch Hunt cocktail The 1950 Census (https://www.archives.gov/research/census/1950)   Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

Chindasuinth, the oldest noble alive, has taken the throne! How will he fare against a restless church and nobility? Come hear about edicts against treason, a revised law code, and a killer epitaph when we review King Chindasuinth!   Recommendations A Corpse Reviver 2 cocktail The author Mark Kurlansky   Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

You already know how this one is going to turn out, but have a listen to learn about the many hairstyles of Tulga, the boy king, and his nemesis Chindasuinth, literally the oldest noble alive.   Recommendations A Paper Plane cocktail Evan Dahm's Twitch stream, "The Ambiguity Program" (https://www.twitch.tv/evandahm)   Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org 

The nobles have spoken: Chintila is king! But . . . what's that hiding in the bushes? A Hispano-Roman uprising? Find out what happens when you have to say what goes without saying, why only 22 bishops showed up for Chintila's party, and who the heck Tulga is in Chintila's episode!   Tracks Used "Castanets, Multi, A (H4n).wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "acoustic_flamenco_imitation.wav" by Noise Collector of Freesound.org