Chivalry Today Podcast

Scott examines the design, construction, function and symbolism of swords of the Middle Ages (and other historical periods) with guest Mike Loades, noted historical interpreter and author of Swords And Swordsmen. Also: A conversation with teacher Amy Burvall, whose video series History For Music Lovers has become an internet sensation; and an invitation to Chivalry Today’s new historical combat workshops. Quicklinks — Learn more about the books and authors mentioned in this podcast with the links below: * Buy Swords And Swordsmen by Mike Loades; * View the History for Music Lovers music video series on YouTube!; * Sign up for Chivalry Today’s Knight School historical combat workshops at the Team Touche Fencing Center Segment 1: Swords, Swordsmen and Chivalry Scott interviews noted historical interpreter and fight arranger Mike Loades about his new book, Swords And Swordsmen. Mike shares his thoughts on the design, construction and use of swords in the medieval world (and throughout history) as well as how the sword is a unique reflection of the noble (if sometimes distorted) image of the chivalrous warrior. Visit Mike Loades’ website to learn more about his work in “hands on” study of historical warriors and their arms and practices. Below: Watch as Mike Loades hosts the acclaimed television show Weapons That Made Britain, and examines swords and their use in medieval battles. Weapons That Made Britain: The Sword (45 Minutes) Music Videos for Chivalry Lovers Scott is joined by Amy Burvall, co-creator of the on-line music video series History For Music Lovers. Her music videos parody the early stylings of MTV, and some of the most popular videos have been viewed by nearly 200,000 history students (and music buffs) all over the world. She talks about her project to use pop tunes to create toe-tapping lessons about historical personalities, events and literature, like King Arthur, the Crusades, Charlemagne – and the ideals of chivalry. Below: Watch I’m A Knight and King Arthur from the YouTube! History For Music Lovers series. I’m A Knight King Arthur Segment 3: Join Chivalry Today’s Historical Combat Program Calling knights in shining armor … of all shapes, ages and genders! We invite you to come to the Chivalry Today Knight School and have a clashing good time learning the historical art of medieval sword combat (sometimes called “Western martial arts”) under the guidance of program director Scott Farrell. Courses are open to adults and children alike (ages 10 and up, please) and are held at San Diego’s marvelous Team Touche Fencing Center in Sorrento Valley (that’s just south of Del Mar – “freeway close” from nearly anywhere in Southern California). Classes are held weekly – check the Team Touche website for times, costs and other details.

Scott considers the language of chivalry and King Arthur as he is joined by Dorsey Armstrong, Associate Professor of English and Medieval Literature at Purdue University, and editor/translator of the book Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte Darthur: A New Modern English Translation of the Winchester Manuscript. Prof. Armstrong talks about the language of Arthurian legend (from the 15th to the 21st centuries) and what this classic tale has to say about living by the code of chivalry. Plus: A discussion of the code of a different kind of knight as we consider The Jedi Path with author Daniel Wallace; and a line of chivalry from the words of one of Shakespeare’s most famous characters. Quicklinks — Learn more about the books and authors mentioned in this podcast with the links below: * Buy a copy of Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte Darthur by Prof. Dorsey Armstrong; * Have a copy of The Jedi Path delivered from a galaxy far, far away. * Join our 50 By 50 support drive. Segment 1: Lines Of Chivalry This month’s line of chivalry comes from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. When Hamlet tells his steward Polonius to welcome a band of players into the castle, Polonius replies, essentially, “Sure, I’ll give ’em as good as they deserve.” (Not much of a promise, since actors and performers in Shakespeare’s time were notorious for being rogues and pickpockets.) In response, Hamlet says: God’s bodykins, man, much better: use every man after his desert, and who should ‘scape whipping? Use them after your own honor and dignity: the less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty. If you would like to suggest your own “line of chivalry” from a play, movie, book, TV show, song or poem, just visit our Listener Challenger page and send us an e-mail. Every month we’ll draw one of the entries to win a prize, and we’ll read some of the more memorable lines on upcoming editions of the podcast.   Segment 2: A Modern Morte Darthur And The Code Of Chivalry Scott speaks with Prof. Dorsey Armstrong, editor and translator of Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte Darthur: A New Modern English Translation Based on the Winchester Manuscript , published by Parlor Press, about the work of updating the language of this 15th century book, and about how the fantastic adventures of Arthur’s knights in Morte Darthur reflects the real-world values and practices of the code of chivalry — in Malory’s time, and in the 21st century. Segment 3: The Jedi Path And The Code Of Chivalry The Jedi Knights of Star Wars are arguably the most common and recognized icon of the concept of knighthood in today’s society – and characters like Luke Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi exemplify how a knightly code might be put to use in a time of high-technology and galactic commerce, rather than castles and Crusades. Daniel Wallace, a New York Times bestselling author and Star Wars guru, has written a new manual of knighthood for the Jedi order:

Podcast 47: Chivalry And A Modern Morte Darthur

Scott speaks with Prof. Damon Young, philosopher and senior editor of the book Martial Arts And Philosophy (part of the Pop Culture & Philosophy series from Open Court Books) about the chapter Sir Aristotle And The Code Of Chivalry (written and contributed by Scott himself) as the two compare notes about their respective combative disciplines (Prof. Young is a karate enthusiast; Scott practices and teaches Western martial arts) and the philosophical and moral codes behind them. Plus: A conversation with author, performer and human-rights activist Helie Lee about her six-month experiment living as a man and what she discovered about “gentlemanly behavior” and the practices of chivalry; and more of your Lines Of Chivalry in our listener challenge. Quicklinks — Learn more about the books and programs mentioned in this episode of the podcast with the following links: * Buy a copy of the book Martial Arts And Philosophy; * Visit the official website of Macho Like Me and buy tickets to the live multimedia performance, which runs from Jan. 15 to Feb. 13, 2011; * Join our 50 By 50 Drive and keep the Chivalry Today Podcast on-line. Segment 1: Help Us Meet Our 50 By 50 Supporter Goal The Chivalry Today Podcast is made possible solely by the voluntary support of our listeners. But we can’t continue to provide the show without your help, so we’re calling on all listeners to contribute to the program to keep the podcast going. We need 50 supporters (at any contribution level) before our 50th episode – or show number 50 will be the last Chivalry Today Podcast. Will you help us? It doesn’t matter what amount you contribute – anything from $1 to $200 (or more) will help us meet our goal. However, there are some outstanding appreciation gifts offered at certain levels of contribution. For a contribution of $25, you can: * Choose either a T-shirt (pictured at right) or a travel mug with the Chivalry Today logo; For a $45 contribution, you get: * Both the T-shirt and the travel mug; For a $100 contribution*, you’ll receive: * Malory’s Morte D’Arthur: A New Modern English Translation by Prof. Dorsey Armstrong, from Parlor Press, * DVD: German Medieval Martial Arts Vol. 1 – The Poleaxe from Freelance Academy Press, * A Norman Short Sword limited edition wooden waster (practice sword) from Purpleheart Armoury For a $150 contribution*, you’ll receive all three of the above items, plus: * Martial Arts And Philosophy: Beating and Nothingness from Open Court Books, (signed by contributing editor Scott Farrell), * A T-shirt with the Chivalry Today Logo, * A Chivalry Today logo travel mug. And if you join our Royal Circle and make a $200 contribution*, you’ll get all of the items above, plus: * The album Along The Enchanted Way from the Celtic/Renaissance duo Glancing Love, * A $20 merchandise gift certificate from Historic Enterprises. Use the red Piggy Bank button above to make your contribution of these (or any) amount, and the appropriate thank-you gift will be sent directly to yo...

Podcast 46: Philosophy of Martial Arts and Chivalry

Scott takes a visit to the Ozark Medieval Fortress, an authentic replica of a 13th century French castle, being built in northern Arkansas for a tour with volunteer coordinator Bryan Douglas to see how this 20-year project is keeping the ideals of chivalry alive. Plus: An interview with Kyle Van Dolah, who served as the Lady Of Honor (the ultimate judge of chivalry) at the 2010 Tournament Of The Phoenix; and more of your “lines of chivalry” in our Listener Challenge. Quicklinks — Learn more about the events and programs featured in this podcast with the following links: * Visit the Ozark Medieval Fortress (Link no longer available) – A Castle In The Making; * The official website of the World Joust, Tournament Of The Phoenix; * Buy a copy of Martial Arts And Philosophy, which includes Scott Farrell’s chapter, “Sir Aristotle and the Code of Chivalry.” Segment 1: Chivalry In An American Castle — A Trip To The Ozark Medieval Fortress The Ozark Medieval Fortress is an authentic replica of a 13th century medieval castle from the age of Louis IX being built in northern Arkansas in the town of Lead Hill. In our first segment, Scott Farrell takes a visit to the fortress for a tour of the site with Bryan Douglas, volunteer coordinator and expert on medieval military technology, to talk about the construction and the ideals of knighthood and chivalry represented by the image of a castle. * Read the article Building A Medieval Castle In Arkansas from NPR; * Visit the Ozark Medieval Fortress website (Link no longer available) to learn about visiting and volunteering at the castle, and to enjoy an interactive display of the castle in various stages of completion; * Want to check on the castle progress? Keep tabs on how they’re doing with the castle blog (Link no longer available); * Visit the website of Guedelon castle, the Ozark Fortress’s sister site in Burgundy, to witness the construction there, including several excellent video presentations. Segment 2: Interview with Kyle Van Dolah, 2010’s Tournament Of The Phoenix’s Lady Of Honor Kyle Van Dolah served as the Lady Of Honor at the 2010 Tournament Of The Phoenix, a real, competitive jousting match held annually in San Diego, California. Kyle had the difficult job of observing the seven competitors and, at the event’s conclusion, choosing one to be awarded the coveted Chivalry Prize. She shares her thoughts after spending a whole weekend judging chivalry, and provides some interesting insights on chivalry’s place in today’s society. (Kyle’s photo appears courtesy of Julia Butcha-Davies Photography.) The award for chivalry was given to German competitor Andreas Wenzel at the conclusion of the weekend’s competition. (Photo of Andreas receiving his prize courtesy of Julia Butcha-Davies Photography.) * Read a preview piece on the World Joust Tournament Of The Phoenix competition in the Poway Patch, (Link no longer available) a local news service, as well as the final report on all the weekend’s events and competitions (Link no longer available). Jousting maybe the highlight of the weekend at the Tournament Of The Phoenix, but there’s much more to the event than that. The Festival Of History gives attendees a chance to interact with historical interpreters from every era – from Rome to the Renaissance – for a hands-on opportunity to explore history ...

Podcast 45: Chivalry In An American Castle

Scott is joined by actor Steven Walters, who plays the part of Prince Hal in a production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, on-stage at the Dallas Theater Center, to talk about the performance, its three “knightly” characters (Hotspur, Falstaff and Hal) and what we can learn about modern chivalry from William Shakespeare. Plus: Christopher Burns gives chivalry a workout in his Fight Like A Knight exercise program, and we hear some “lines of chivalry” from our listeners. Quicklinks – Learn more about the books and programs featured in this podcast episode by using the following links: * Tickets and show times for Henry IV, on stage at the Dallas Theater Center Sept. 10 to Oct. 10, 2010 * Learn more about the Fight Like A Knight fitness and training program.   Segment 1: Lines of Chivalry: Captain American and Robin Hood Our listeners step up with a great selection of lines of chivalry in our Listener Challenge. You can take the Listener Challenge by suggesting your own line of chivalry for the November podcast. All entries will be entered into a drawing for a copy of the book Swords, An Artist’s Devotion by illustrator Ben Boos. Segment 2: Interview with Steven Walters — Shakespearean Chivalry from Falstaff to Prince Hal A new production of Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, staged at the Dallas Theater Center is garnering rave reviews — and giving audiences a new and exciting look at what may be Shakespeare’s most chivalric work. The play features an intriguing trio of knightly characters, Henry “Hotspur” Percy, Sir John Falstaff, and Prince Hal, and each of them has a very different take on the notion of knighthood and chivalry. Actor Steven Walters, who plays Prince Hal, talks about the history of this play, his role and his own view of chivalry from the stage of Shakespeare. * Read a review of the Dallas Theater Center’s production of Henry IV in the Dallas Morning News; * Teachers: Download a study guide for Henry IV, provided courtesy of the Dallas Theater Center; * Listen to an interview with Prof. Kathryne McDorman and director Kevin Moriarty on KERA’s Think talk show. Below: Watch a video that features the unique staging and exciting fight choreography from Henry IV (the play contains four battles!) on Good Morning Texas: VIDEO LINK NO LONGER AVAILABLE Segment 3: Chivalry Gets A Workout Fight choreographer and martial arts enthusiast Christopher Burns talks about his Fight Like A Knight workout/training program. Mr. Burns’ program calls upon his experience as a martial arts practitioner, film director, fight choreographer and kinesthetic analyst to provide students with a grounding in practical sword-fighting technique and a rigorous “high intensity, low impact” full-body workout. Classes are held regularly in Southern California; information and Christopher’s blog can be found at the program website.

Podcast 44: Three Knights Of Shakespeare: Chivalry Takes The Stage

Scott’s guest is Prof. Amy Sturgis, editor of the new illustrated edition of The Magic Ring, a classic 19th century novel of chivalry and adventure that redefined our image of knighthood and the code of chivalry, and helped establish the literary genre of “high fantasy.” Plus: An exploration of dignity, nobility and sports mascots; and you’re invited to take Chivalry Today’s new listener challenge, Lines Of Chivalry. Quicklinks – Learn more about the books and programs featured in this podcast episode by using the following links: The Magic Ring Deluxe Illustrated Edition by Baron de la Motte Fouqué, edited by Prof. Amy Sturgis and illustrated by fantasy artist Jef Murray. Take the Lines of Chivalry listener challenge.   Segment 1: A New Season, A New Challenge – Lines Of Chivalry Welcome to the fifth season of the Chivalry Today Podcast. What exactly is “chivalry today”? In this segment, host Scott Farrell takes a few minutes to examine the concept for new listeners of the show, then introduces the season’s listener challenge, Lines Of Chivalry. You’re invited to share your favorite line – from a movie, play, poem or song – that represents (in your mind, at least) the essence of what chivalry is all about. Each episode a select few lines will be read on the podcast, and every month one entry will get a great prize from our prize locker – on Episode 44, that will be a copy of the book The Economics Of Integrity, by Anna Bernasek. You can enter using the reader forum below, or by sending an email with the words “listener challenge” in the subject line. See our Listener Challenge page for full details and rules. Segment 2: Interview with Prof. Amy Sturgis, editor of The Magic Ring The Magic Ring is a groundbreaking fantasy-Gothic-mythology-adventure novel first published in 1813, that established a new image of knights and chivalry that would prevail in art and literature throughout much of the 19th century. Although this book is largely unknown to English speaking readers (the last translation of the book was produced in 1925), a new illustrated edition of the story, edited by Prof. Amy Sturgis, is now available from Valancourt Books. Learn more about Prof. Strugis’ work in both fantasy literature and Native American studies at her website, AmySturgis.com. Also enjoy some of the artwork from this edition by acclaimed fantasy artist Jef Murray. Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com. Segment 3: Dignity, Nobility And School Mascots A new law challenging the use of Native American imagery in school logos and mascots brings to mind the aspects of dignity and nobility – one of the Knightly Virtues of the code of chivalry. Are mascots like Braves, Chieftains or Comanches respectful tributes to native peoples? Or do these cartoonish images perpetuate racial stereotypes? And can this issue teach us something about the importance of nobility? Learn more about this issue in these news story links: * New Law May Change Indian School Mascots (from the Wisconsin Journal Times); *

Podcast 43: The Magic Ring and Chivalry

Prof. Phillip Adamo, director of the Medieval Minnesota summer camp program sponsored by Augsburg College, talks about discoveries in chivalry and medieval history as he guides students on a week-long journey into the Middle Ages. Plus: William Gurstelle, author of The Art of the Catapult and Absinthe & Flamethrowers, talks about trebuchets, chivalry and the art of living dangerously; and we wrap up our listener challenge with final thoughts on the Nine Worthies of Chivalry Today. Correction: In the introduction, Scott incorrectly cites the title of William Gurstelle’s latest book. The book is Absinthe & Flamethrowers: Projects and Ruminations on the Art of Living Dangerously. Whoosh, Boom, Splat is one of William’s earlier books. We apologize for the mistake. Quicklinks – Learn more about the books and programs featured in this podcast episode by using the following links: • Medieval Minnesota Summer Camp; • Absinthe & Flamethrowers and The Art of the Catapult by William Gurstelle Segment 1: Chivalry In A Worthy Cause – Final Entries And Thoughts On Our Listener Challenge We take one last look at our listeners’ nominations of the Nine Worthies of Chivalry Today, and reflect on what we’ve learned about chivalry in today’s world as a result of the many suggestions we’ve received this season as to who embodies the code of chivalry in the 21st century. Segment 2: Interview: Prof. Phillip Adamo, Director of Medieval Minnesota Summer Camp Augsburg College sponsors Medieval Minnesota, a college preparatory program that gives a group of high school students the opportunity to spend a whole week studying and living in the Age of Chivalry. Program director Phillip Adamo (pictured, right) joins us to talk about the program, and to discuss the important lessons in chivalry that students (and instructors too) have learned by surrounding themselves with medieval culture. • Learn more at the Medieval Minnesota Summer Camp website. • Below, watch a short movie about the Battle Of Hastings created by one of the students at Medieval Minnesota. Segment 3: Catapults, Chivalry and the Art of Living Dangerously Author William Gurstelle (pictured, right) is famous for his books full of exciting backyard projects and activities, from potato guns to knife throwing, including all manner of improvised munitions. He is the science teacher most of us wish we’d had in middle school, and his books and videos encourage his fans to release their “inner MacGyver.” But his most recent book, Absinthe & Flamethrowers, looks at this penchant for (slightly) hair-raising projects not just as an instruction manual, but also as a philosophical treatise. (It is subtitled, “Ruminations on the Art of Living Dangerously.”) In this interview, William talks with Scott about the “artful” approach to risky living and the surprising connections to the ideals of chivalry. And, as a special medieval bonus, he gives some tips on how to make your own backyard catapult – a great summer project! • Buy William Gurstelle’s books Absinthe & Flamethrowers and

Podcast 42: Summer Of Chivalry

Prof. Stephen Knight, author of Robin Hood: A Mythic Biography, is a guest on the show to discuss the medieval roots of the legends of the “noble outlaw of Sherwood,” and to explain how this infamous yeoman became an icon of chivalry, liberty and justice. Plus: A visit with Dr. Bohdi Sanders, martial arts instructor and author of the Warrior Wisdom series; and music from the Gypsy/Celtic fusion duo Glancing Love. Quicklinks — Learn more about the books and programs featured in this podcast episode by using the following links: • Robin Hood: A Mythic Biography by Prof. Stephen Knight; • Warrior Wisdom: The Warrior’s Path by Dr. Bohdi Sanders and Loren Christensen • Along The Enchanted Way from Glancing Love Segment 1: Women Exercise Their Chivalry Does a woman have to be a powerless spectator to live by the customs of chivalry? The advice website Ask Men offered some suggestions as to how women can be chivalrous (and still ladylike) in the age of gender equality: • Is Chivalry Still Alive? (And if so, do women play a part in it in today’s society?) • Guys, see how you rate with Ask Men’s Top 10 Gentlemanly Gestures. Segment 2: Robin Hood And Chivalry Robin Hood is one of the most enduring legends of the Middle Ages, and these stories have evolved throughout the centuries to reflect the changing ideals of society. Prof. Stephen Knight joins Scott to talk about Robin Hood, from the first written legends of the 14th century, to the new movie version of the story (directed by Ridley Scott) which will give audiences a first depiction of the “hero-outlaw” in the post 9/11 world. • Buy Robin Hood: A Mythic Biography by Prof. Stephen Knight; • Read Prof. Knight’s translation (with Thomas Ohlgren) of one of the earliest Robin Hood tales, Robin Hood and the Potter, originally published in Robin Hood and Other Outlaw Tales; • The Robin Hood Project (hosted by the Univ. of Rochester) presents many original texts of Robin Hood literature, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century; • Allan Wright’s website Bold Outlaw offers many interviews and articles by Robin Hood specialists, including a photo gallery of the real Sherwood Forest, an interview with Prof. Stephen Knight, and a Beginner’s Guide to Robin Hood; • Visit the website of Robin Hood The Movie with more details about the film, cast and crew; • Below: Watch the trailer for Robin Hood, which opens in the U.S. on May 14, 2010. Segment 3: Chivalry In Warrior Wisdom • Buy The Warrior’s Path, the third and final installment in the Warrior Wisdom series by martial arts instructor Dr. Bohdi Sanders; • Read more thoughts on chivalry and honor in Dr. Sanders’ blog,

Podcast 41: Robin Hood And Chivalry