This is an example of how exciting history content can be turned into track by a supercilious, arrogant, and extremely judge mental host. You won’t make it through a few episodes, unless you are a woke warrior, without nausea. The positive reviews are, I have no doubt, for many woke individuals. For those hungry after real historical continent, you will die of starvation here
I just caught up on all episodes and I LOVE it. Ben shares some very in-depth history is a fun relatable way. I honestly don’t know what to do with myself now that I’m caught up.
This podcast isn’t about the 30 years war or the wars of the reformation. It’s a long and detailed history of Western Europe, with special focus on Italy, Germany, and France. It’s good if what you want is a deep dive into the petty lords that rose up in the wake of the fall of the western Roman Empire but absolutely useless if you became interested based on the title. It’s been eight years and we’ve only just gotten to the Salian dynasty, so at this rate, there’s no way he’ll ever get to even the 95 thesis, let alone the resolution at Westphalia. That being said, it’s well sourced, which keeps the score from being one star.
I love podcasts about history and this is one of the best! Well explained and researched. Up there with British history podcast, Irish history podcast and The history of Egypt podcast. Highly recommend!
A history podcasts with an emphasis on social history. Not great-men history here. The author has an opinion, but is open about it. Lots and lots of background. It has been years now and he isn to really very close to the reformation yet, but its worth the wait. Check it out.
It is often impossibe to say when a story begins. To qute Sr Pratchett
"There are very few starts. Oh, some things seem to be beginnings. The curtain goes up, the first pawn moves, the first shot is fired* — but that’s not the start. The play, the game, the war is just a little ribbon of events that may extend back thousands of years. The point is, there’s always something before. It’s always a case of Now Read On.
*Probably at the first pawn."
Benjamin takes this advice to heart.
If you are interested in the causes and dynamics that caused the 30 years war. look no further.
I have listened to many history podcasts. This is the best.
Overeducated underpaid millennial American Jew telling the history of the Middle Ages (he swears it will be a podcast about the early modern, any decade now) with the best research, wit, and humour around.
The First 5 episodes, a walking tour of Europe, just drag along. The narration is just dry. The introductions feature annoying music. The podcaster, Mr. Jacobs, needs to understand that we don't care about his taste in music. I made it to episode 7. There the guest didn't even have a cusory knowledge of theology. Just move it along. You're not Gibbon.
barely perceptible lounge jazz piano music tinkling at the edge of one’s awareness. so irritating and distracting. just cannot focus on what they’re saying. arghs. stop it.
This is a fun and generally well researched podcast, but Ben cast a very wide net and it’s been like 6 years and he hasn’t gotten to the reformation yet. I don’t mind the infrequent schedule (the episodes are long, he has a separate job and doing just a podcast at all seems like a huge task) There’s also a stretch of episodes in the middle where he asks for money at the beginning, which should’ve probably just been little updates instead of parts of the episodes themselves.
Intelligent, balanced, thoughtful, thorough, and entertaining history podcast. For example, the episode on the fate of Charlemagne’s empire cleared up a lot of vague ideas and myths I’d heard previously.
If you’re reading this review, you’re probably wondering if this is a show yould be interested in listening to. If you enjoy history at all, the answer is an emphatic yes. thoroughly researched, the host Ben (who seems like a real mensch) manages to strike a balance between exposing the broad historical trends that shaped the medieval and early modern world and the everyday life of the people who lived in it. Well worth a listen
I'm really liking this. Not since I read Fernand Braudel's "Mediterranean in the Time of Phillip II" have I seen a history that is so rooted in the geography and climate of the region before delving into the political economy and conflicts of religion.
This podcast is such a gem. So much good information in a delightful format. The host has so much humility too. This makes for such an enjoyable experience. Keep it up!!
Benjamin takes a light hearted approach to serious history and doesn't hurry in the process. This podcast seems grounded on solid research but is presented with wit an a human touch. This is a real person sharing knowledge not a scholar delivering dry facts and concepts in a monotone.
The show is great, if you haven’t listened to it start from the beginning. Take your time catching up though. Seriously. We’ll still be right here when you listen to the back catalog. Frankly the pace of new episodes makes this show an after thought for me. Dan Carlin releases almost as many episodes a year, but his are 5 hours long. I wondered for the last couple months if he was quitting. If Benjamin would commit to releasing at least 1 episode per month I would absolutely up this to a 5 star review.
TL:DR - Great content, but to rarely and inconsistently updated. Enjoy the back catalog however, it’s good stuff.
While W2W is, perhaps, a bit misnamed - even if he will eventually get to the reformation - every episode is researched with the sort of rigor you’d never expect in a history podcast. Plus it’s delivered with just enough wit and snark to make what could have been dry history into fun and engaging.
Perhaps not for everyone, but it’s a great show for someone looking to hear intellectually engaging historical material. And a lot of tangents. Very fun tangents I should add.
I’ve been patient waiting for this podcast to actually get to the Reformation topic. We are stuck in the early Middle Ages and the last episode was on a French historian. I think he will never get to the Reformation.
In addition, episode 60 displayed that the host and the “Catholic Expert” guest, know about as much about the Catholic faith as someone who showed up to mass for Christmas and Easter. Try a little research before recording.
An enchanting, rambling, insightful, extensive tour of pre-modern Europe told in a humble, humorous way backed by extensive research. Highly recommend.
Actually, I believe that this is the most rigorously researched istory podact available, and one of the very few from whom it is possible to not merely listen to history, but learn history and the methodalogy of historilans. Brilliant.
W2W does a great job of uncovering lesser known aspects of European history, and setting the record straight on things we thought we knew about. Not only is this podcast extremely informative, Ben’s wry (dry?) sense of humor makes it fun to listen to. More than once, I’ve found myself smiling or nodding during an episode. I am a big fan.
I am happy with the detailed preparations leading up to Wittenberg. However, I have to agree with one 1 star review, I loathe the intro song. I am hoping this might influence its swift and immediate departure into the sunset.
This is a great history podcast. Benjamin does a thorough job of research setting the stage for the period he describes in the title. Interestingly, this podcast has been produced for 3 years but has not yet gotten to Wittenberg. Has been 3 years setting the stage but each episode is a great survey on a different aspect of European history.
Podcast sounded like it could have been interesting, but I couldn’t make it past that unforgivably atrocious intro song. I did not consent. My ears have been molested and I feel sick.
Wittenberg's most important historical date was October 31,1517 when Luther posted his 95 thesis which kickstarted the Protestors Reformations. One hundred and thirty one years later in 1648 this all culminated in the Peace Treaty of Westphalia. This is the historical era that I tuned in for. After 40+ episodes the author here has yet to arrive at doors of Wittenberg. A very misleading title.
OK it moves (chronologically speaking) a bit slow but the subject matter is presented in an engaging manner with quite high production values. A worthwhile addition for any listener interested in western history.
Ben is a great podcast host and obviously knows his stuff. He organizes it well -- more by theme than by date/place -- and I've enjoyed everything from the walking tours of Europe to warrior bishops and Lombard families. This has been a delightful podcast discovery for me this year and I look forward to continuing to learn more about this period of European history (which, from listening to this, I realized I don't know that much about at all!).
Just found this podcast and I’m digging the Guys!!! Finally understanding carolingians a bit and laughing/crying at all the antics. Come for the history and stay for the antics. Makes today look calm and reasonable, sometimes at least 👍🏼🤪
Wealth of material, well organized, good balance of detail and big picture. And a very articulate podcaster. Nice quiet sense of humor. A great podcast!
This is the sort of thing the history channel used to be about but like most other TV channels has put BS over content. Indepth history with the fun background stories that tie it all together. After listening you will be able to truely impress your pub trivia partners because he makes the topic memorable. My only issue is the fact that Ben seems to live nextdoor to a fire station as you can hear sirens in the backgroud occationally, but it isn't terribly loud or distracting. Keep up the good work!
I've listened to 18 episodes of rambling background, discussion of odd facts and obession of a tiny european state.
It's hard for me to see the relevance of this to the podcasters stated goal of explaininf the relgious wars of Europe. Whatever part is relevent will be long forgotten as he is up to episode 30 and seemingly no closer to getting on with the topic.
I would be happy with a brief "this is how Europe is" at the beginning and then lets get on with the show.
Some one please let me know what episode starts Mr Jacobs history of the religious wars, maybe i can rekindle some interest
I have developed the habit of listening to this podcast while I wash the dishes. I am getting a thorough education of European history and greatly admire Benjamin Jacobs for the dilligent research he put into this project. It makes washing the dishes a much more enjoyable experience.
I really enjoy Benjamin Jacobs' sense of humor. This is a very well done podcast. I just signed on to it and binge listened to the first several episodes and each one is a treat. This is an area of history that is not well covered anywhere and is especially not well covered so far in the podcast arena. Ben Jacobs is changing that thank goodness!
An entertaining and informative explorationa of some of the most pivotal decades in western history. I'm only about a third of the way into the series, but I love Benjamin's style and approach.
