Best Yanni Thomas Podcasts (2025)

1
Medieval Infancy with Julie Singer 47:42

2d ago47:42

47:42

One of the most celebrated moments in childhood is when a person utters their very first words, stepping over a brand new threshold of communication. And from that moment on, all bets are off. This week, Danièle speaks with Julie Singer about what medieval people thought about infancy in general, how literary children could be vehicles for truth an…

1
What Does "Be Fruitful and Multiply" Really Mean for the Childless? 9:28

10d ago9:28

9:28

Send us a text What does motherhood really mean when you don't have children of your own? I'm diving into this question from my personal perspective as a married woman without kids who's still figuring out if biological parenthood is part of my journey. The biblical instruction to "be fruitful and multiply" often gets brought up in conversations ab…

1
Prester John with Chris Taylor 43:52

10d ago43:52

43:52

A mysterious figure ruling at the fringes of the known world, Prester John might be the most famous person you've never heard of. Like a medieval Carmen Sandiego, Prester John was a man people searched the globe for, from Ethiopia, to Tibet, to the New World, never quite catching up to him in the end. So, who was Prester John and why were medieval …

1
Introducing: One by Willie - Conor Oberst on "Undo the Right" 40:12

12d ago40:12

40:12

On One by Willie, Texas Monthly’s John Spong hosts intimate conversations with a range of prominent guests about the Willie Nelson songs that mean the most to them. But this series isn’t just about the songs. It’s about what music really means to us—the ways it can change us, take care of us, and connect us all. Brilliant indie rock-pop-and-folk si…

1
When God Turns Your Pain Into Purpose 35:20

17d ago35:20

35:20

Send us a text What happens when a mother who was told she'd never conceive defies the odds, only to face the devastating loss of a pregnancy and spiral into addiction? In this heart-wrenching yet hopeful episode, guest April Morales bares her soul about her complex journey through motherhood. April's story begins with a PCOS diagnosis and doctors …

1
El Cid with Nora Berend 49:39

17d ago49:39

49:39

In the centuries since his death, the famous El Cid has been the star of plays, romances, feature films, and even propaganda campaigns. But how does history compare to the hype? This week, Danièle speaks with Nora Berend about the real Rodrigo Díaz, the astonishing way his legend grew and changed over time, and how El Cid is still being used as a p…

1
Finding Grace in the 48-96 Life 54:45

24d ago54:45

54:45

Send us a text When Savannah Woodward met her firefighter husband nine years ago, she never imagined how deeply his profession would shape their family life. From navigating 48-hour shifts to explaining daddy's absence to their curious 4-year-old son, the challenges of a first responder family require constant adaptation and unwavering faith. Savan…

1
Royal Women of Sweden with Caroline Wilhelmsson 48:30

25d ago48:30

48:30

To get a fuller picture of medieval queenship, it's time to head to the heart of Scandinavia to learn about the lives of the lesser-known medieval women who found themselves - intentionally or unintentionally - ruling a kingdom. This week, Danièle speaks with Caroline Wilhelmsson about the royal women of Sweden, how they became queens, and how they…

1
Motherhood Journeys: Finding Your Village 46:52

1M ago46:52

46:52

Send us a text The journey of motherhood doesn't come with an instruction manual, but it does come with guides along the way. In this heartwarming conversation, host Yanni welcomes her great-aunt Mari Spivey Willis to share wisdom gleaned from raising two daughters and now cherishing five grandchildren. Mari opens her heart about becoming a mother …

1
Frederick Barbarossa with Graham Loud 54:28

1M ago54:28

54:28

When we look back to medieval Europe, there are a handful legendary figures who stand out above the rest. Richard the Lionheart. Charlemagne. El Cid. And Frederick Barbarossa. A powerful emperor, focused crusader, and stubborn supporter in the middle of a papal schism, Barbarossa certainly made waves in the twelfth century, and left a lasting impre…

1
Every Child Deserves a Voice: Navigating Life on the Spectrum 58:41

1M ago58:41

58:41

Send us a text Autism doesn't come with a handbook. When Lexi first noticed her son Alexander spinning repetitively at six months old, she had no idea she was witnessing early signs of autism. Despite mentioning these behaviors to doctors, it would be months before medical professionals validated her concerns. Today, Lexi opens her heart about rais…

1
The Courage to Be Unapologetically You 35:28

2M ago35:28

35:28

Send us a text Aaron Thomas joins Yanni for a profoundly honest conversation about living authentically and protecting your mental health. The episode opens with Aaron sharing his unique perspective on motivation—acknowledging life's finite nature pushes him to maximize each day and fulfill his purpose. "My motivation comes from my fear of dying an…

1
The Rise of Henry Tudor with Nathen Amin 1:03:07

2M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Though he’s remembered as the man who united the two royal houses of England, Henry Tudor was more than just the red rose of Lancaster: he was also the red dragon of Wales. This week, Danièle speaks with Nathen Amin about Henry Tudor's Welsh ancestry, how generations of royals and rebels shaped him, and how he managed to claim the English throne de…

1
The Power of No Pasa Nada: Embracing God's Plan Through Life's Challenges 39:27

2M ago39:27

39:27

Send us a text "No pasa nada" – a simple Spanish phrase that means "nothing is happening" or "it's going to be okay" serves as the powerful life motto for our guest, Nidia Soriano. This philosophy has carried her through life's most challenging moments, transforming what initially appeared as devastating setbacks into divine redirections. Nidia ope…

1
Medieval Hospitals with Sarah Loose Guerrero 48:12

2M ago48:12

48:12

When we think about the joys of modernity, perhaps one of the images that comes to mind is hospitals. But, believe it or not, hospitals were also a fundamental part of the medieval world. Catering to the sick, the poor, and the needy, hospitals were institutions many medieval people could rely on in their most desperate moments. This week, Danièle …

1
How Learning to Think Bigger Can Transform Your Life and Relationships 55:23

2M ago55:23

55:23

Send us a text What happens when you stop trying to fix everyone and everything around you? In this deeply personal conversation, Cinda shares her transformative journey from an 18-year-old mother with limited horizons to becoming a respected community leader who's found her purpose in serving others. "You can only do your part" – these six simple …

1
The Medieval Writings of Jean Bodel with Lynn Ramey 44:15

2M ago44:15

44:15

When it comes to influential writers of the Middle Ages, there are big names that are probably familiar to a lot of us. But who was it who influenced them? It’s time to get to the deep cut of medieval literature, and look at a writer whose worked crossed genres from epic, to drama, to heartfelt notes, to raunchy humour. This week, Danièle speaks wi…

1
The Life-Changing Power of Choosing Your Battles 51:54

2M ago51:54

51:54

Send us a text When faced with life's challenges, knowing which battles to fight can transform everything. In this deeply personal conversation, Esmeralda—a single mother of two teenagers and owner of HMS Fitness—shares how learning to pick her battles became her guiding life philosophy. "You don't have to fight with everything you don't agree with…

1
Medieval Africa with Luke Pepera 41:52

2M ago41:52

41:52

Although it’s the cradle of our species, and a land as rich in culture as it is legendarily rich in resources, retellings of African history often place their focus heavily on the transatlantic slave trade. While this is valuable, too narrow a focus can make it easy to lose sight of how incredibly powerful, interconnected, and respected African peo…

1
Progress Over Perfection: How Shifting Your Mindset Changes Everything 28:45

2M ago28:45

28:45

Send us a text Reagan Saffel from Odessa College joins host Yanni for a heartfelt conversation about navigating life's disappointments and finding unexpected blessings along the way. What begins as a casual chat quickly evolves into a profound exploration of purpose, perspective, and personal growth. When rejection hit Reagan hard—missing out on pr…

1
Ladies-in-Waiting with Caroline Dunn 49:35

2M ago49:35

49:35

Although they’re often presented as a sort of living, breathing set decoration, the women at aristocratic courts in the Middle Ages served many different functions, from the practical to the ceremonial. Educated and influential, these women served as ambassadors not only of their gender, but often of their families, and places of origin, as well. S…

1
Don't Complain About What You Won't Change: A Conversation on Personal Growth 59:09

3M ago59:09

59:09

Send us a text Andy Gutierrez drops wisdom bombs about personal accountability and growth in this transformative episode. A business owner, pastor, and ultra-marathon runner (yes, he's completed 100-mile races!), Andy shares his powerful life philosophy: "Don't complain about something you aren't willing to fix." Throughout our conversation, Andy u…

1
Global Ships with Amanda Respess 44:43

3M ago44:43

44:43

When it comes to intercontinental trade in the Middle Ages, the Silk Road seems to get all the love. But the movement of people and goods between kingdoms and continents was made possible in large part by water. This week, Danièle speaks with Amanda Respess about ships and shipbuilding in the medieval world, what we know about early global trade ro…

1
You're a light that can't be hidden, so stop trying to dim yourself. 17:01

3M ago17:01

17:01

Send us a text The freedom that comes from realizing "You're not meant for everyone" can be utterly life-changing. Returning for Season 4 of Standing in Your Truth, newly-married host Yanni Thomas explores this powerful life motto that liberated her from the prison of people-pleasing. Yanni vulnerably shares how she would shrink her naturally bubbl…

1
Buddhist Poet-Monks in Medieval China with Thomas J. Mazanec 44:55

3M ago44:55

44:55

Last week was all about Christian monks, but naturally, there were a whole lot of monks in different traditions across the medieval world. And some of them were even poets. This week, Danièle speaks with Thomas J. Mazanec about the Buddhist poet-monks of medieval China, why they chose to write poetry, and why their art was so controversial. You can…

1
How to Live Like a Monk in Stressful Times 31:46

3M ago31:46

31:46

It's safe to say that this moment in history is proving to be a stressful one, leaving many of us feeling anxious and unsettled. This week, Danièle revisits some of the science-backed tools and strategies medieval monks used to help them stay mentally healthy in tough times. Check out Danièle's book How to Live Like a Monk: Medieval Wisdom for Mode…

1
Henry III with David Carpenter 1:06:42

3M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Although he’s one of the longest-reigning monarchs in English history, he tends to be largely forgotten when it comes to top ten lists. He’s not even in the top three most popular Henrys. Sandwiched between his father, Bad King John, and his son, the “great and terrible” Edward I, Henry III was a pious, peaceful, family man – for better and for wor…

1
Sexy Medieval Songs with Elizabeth Eva Leach 46:08

4M ago46:08

46:08

It's almost Valentine's Day, which means that sexy playlists are being created all over the world to help people communicate their steamiest and most heartfelt emotions - just like they did in the Middle Ages. This week, Danièle speaks with Elizabeth Eva Leach about sexy medieval songs, who was singing them, and how they served as inspiration in th…

1
Muslims in the Kingdom of Jerusalem with Ann Zimo 43:59

4M ago43:59

43:59

After the Christian conquest of Jerusalem in 1099, scholarship tends to focus on the Muslim populations outside of the newly established crusader kingdoms. But what happened to the Muslim people who remained within? How did they interact with the new culture and laws imposed upon them? And how much of a dealbreaker was a person’s religion in real l…

1
Medieval Iceland with Sverrir Jakobsson 48:35

4M ago48:35

48:35

It’s a storied island with a rich saga tradition. A land of ice and fire. But rarely do we hear of how Iceland went from being a stouthearted farming settlement to one of the most respected nations on Earth. This week, Danièle speaks with Sverrir Jakobsson about what life in Iceland was like in the early Middle Ages, how it became linked to the kin…

1
Dowager Queens of Korea with Alban Schmid 46:38

4M ago46:38

46:38

Though they're often overlooked, the dowager queens of Korea were the one of the most powerful legitimizing forces behind the throne. This week, Danièle speaks with Alban Schmid about how Korea was ruled in the late Middle Ages, its relationship to Ming China, and the power wielded by the women at the top. You can support The Medieval Podcast on Pa…

1
Medieval Eastern Europe with Florin Curta 45:05

5M ago45:05

45:05

If you browse the shelves of your local bookstore, it may seem like Eastern Europe basically didn’t exist until the Soviet Union. Fortunately, Medieval Studies is slowly widening the lens to give us a bigger and better picture of what went on beyond the invisible borders of west versus east. This week, Danièle speaks with Florin Curta about why it’…

1
Early English Queens with Matthew Firth 49:09

5M ago49:09

49:09

Most of us could probably come up with a few names of the kings who ruled in England in the centuries before the Norman Conquest, but the queens? Maybe not. We know they existed, but it can be hard to figure out much else about them – or whether later medieval notions of what queenship actually is even fit. This week, Danièle speaks with Matthew Fi…

1
American Railroad - Ep 2 New York 43:08

5M ago43:08

43:08

Embark on American Railroad, a five-episode podcast hosted by Rhiannon Giddens that seeks to right historical wrongs by highlighting the untold stories and unheard voices from the diverse communities that built America’s railway systems. Next stop: Hell’s Kitchen, a New York City neighborhood historian Miriam Nyhan describes as transformed by immig…

1
Introducing: American Railroad - Ep 1 North Carolina 36:42

5M ago36:42

36:42

Embark on American Railroad, a five-episode podcast that seeks to right historical wrongs by highlighting the untold stories and unheard voices from the diverse communities that built America’s railway systems. Hosted by Grammy Award-winner Rhiannon Giddens, American Railroad is produced in partnership with PRX. The first stop on the American Railr…

1
Fixing the Liturgy with CJ Jones 44:18

5M ago44:18

44:18

There’s a pretty common myth that medieval women had no agency in their lives; that they were quiet and subservient, and accepted the status quo without thinking too hard about it. The reality, of course, was much different - even for those with the strictest rules: nuns. This week, Danièle speaks with CJ Jones about Dominican nuns, their theologic…

1
2024: The Medieval Year in Review 40:18

5M ago40:18

40:18

2024 has been another wild ride in politics and medieval studies. This week, continuing tradition, Danièle speaks with Peter Konieczny from Medievalists.net about what’s been happening in the world and in the field this year. You can support this podcast on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/medievalists…

1
In Defense of Women with Margaret L. King 49:51

5M ago49:51

49:51

One of the favourite pastimes of certain thinkers throughout history has been to demonstrate the supposed inferiority of women, something both modern people and people of the past have resisted with spicy arguments of their own. These days, we tend to use science and statistics to help us lend weight to our positions. But what did people lean on in…

1
Best Medieval Books of 2024 54:21

6M ago54:21

54:21

Medieval Studies has no shortage of amazing books coming out each year, but which ones are the best of the best? This week, Danièle continues the annual tradition of listing her top five book recommendations of 2024 alongside those of Peter Konieczny, editor of Medievalists.net. This year's list is: Beards and Baldness in the Middle Ages, translate…

1
The House of Condulmer with Alan Stahl 52:30

6M ago52:30

52:30

There’s a general impression of the Middle Ages that wherever you started out in life is where you ended up. But with a few business smarts, the right connections, and a willingness to play fast and loose with ethics, sometimes a person could rise to the very gates of heaven. This week, Danièle speaks with Alan Stahl about life in one of the riches…

1
A Holy Blueprint with Karl Kinsella 44:29

6M ago44:29

44:29

One of the clearest and most enduring legacies of the Middle Ages is the beautiful buildings left behind. Many of these buildings were devoted to God, using blueprints that no longer exist. But one of the most famous – and famously confusing – sets of architectural instructions was set out in the Bible, itself. This week, Danièle speaks with Karl K…

1
Ibn Sina and Biruni with S. Frederick Starr 47:44

6M ago47:44

47:44

Experimenting, translating, and philosophizing about physics and metaphysics, biology and geology, two great thinkers from Central Asia stand out both for their achievements, and their completely opposite points of view. This week, Danièle speaks with S. Frederick Starr about the work and the lives of Ibn Sina (aka Avicenna) and Biruni, their contr…

1
The Otherworld with Lisa Bitel 47:27

7M ago47:27

47:27

A place of supernatural encounters both incredibly good and spectacularly bad, the Otherworld featured in stories and songs throughout the Middle Ages, especially on the storied isle of Ireland. This week, Danièle speaks with Lisa Bitel about what the Otherworld was like, why Otherworldly beings were interested in humankind, and where we find these…

1
Bad Chaucer with Tison Pugh 47:56

7M ago47:56

47:56

When it comes to classics of literature, it can feel like there’s a lot of pressure to nod along with the crowd and say that some authors are just brilliant, full stop. But sometimes even great literature isn’t so great. This week, Danièle speaks with Tison Pugh about the good, the bad, and the downright ugly in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Ta…

1
Medieval Riga with Kevin O'Connor 52:16

7M ago52:16

52:16

Across the world, there’s no shortage of contested sites where local identities, national identities, and international politics clash, often with high stakes for the people who live there. One of these places is the storied capital of Latvia: Riga. This week, Danièle speaks with Kevin O’Connor about medieval Riga, its tumultuous place as a trading…

1
The Green Ages with Annette Kehnel 46:12

8M ago46:12

46:12

New and high-tech solutions for a sustainable future are being proposed on the daily, but what if some of the best ideas actually reside in the past? This week, Danièle speaks with Annette Kehnel about the way medieval communities shared, recycled, and even upcycled. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalis…

1
Henry V with Dan Jones 53:46

8M ago53:46

53:46

Last week, we looked at the story of Richard II and Henry IV, and the way these two cousins wielded the power of the English crown. This week, we round out the cycle that makes up the Hollow Crown by looking at Henry V, a man who many - including this week's guest, Dan Jones - have called England’s greatest warrior king. Check out online courses in…

1
The Eagle and the Hart with Helen Castor 56:12

8M ago56:12

56:12

Richard II came to the throne as a young child, only to lose it to his cousin Henry IV in 1399. But why did Henry take such drastic action? And what became of the teenage boy who stood up to a crowd of angry peasants and held his own? This week, Danièle speaks with Helen Castor about these rival cousins, the events that shaped them, and how an anoi…

1
Finding Positivity Through Family and Scholarship Success 15:54

8M ago15:54

15:54

Send us a text What if reconnecting with family could change your life? This episode is a warm journey through my recent experiences, from an uplifting return to school at Odessa Community College to the heartwarming joy of a family reunion. Hear about the unique benefits of the Presidential Positive OC Scholarship and how its emphasis on community…

1
Charlemagne with Cullen Chandler 46:50

8M ago46:50

46:50

What’s so great about Charlemagne? We’re about to find out. This week, Danièle speaks with Cullen Chandler about the reign of Charlemagne, how he ruled such a massive empire, and how he still took the time to care about font. You can support this podcast on Patreon - go to https://www.patreon.com/medievalists…

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Yanni Thomas Podcasts

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