Bloody Heart of Europe - History Podcast

An immersive, long-format documentary series about the 15th-century Kingdom of Bohemia and the explosive Hussite Wars that reshaped it.

We produce two kinds of content. The main episodes are carefully scripted and tell a dramatic, structured story - free for everyone to enjoy. Then there are the bonus episodes: a more relaxed, conversational format where we explore extra details, historical context, and stories that didn’t make it into the main episode.
A shortened version of each bonus episode is available on our channel, but if you’d like to hear the full version, you can find it on our Patreon, along with maps, pictures, recommendations, and other good stuff.


Bloody Heart of Europe - History Podcast

We’ve just published a new episode - and this time, it’s all about what led directly to the Hussite Wars.

We dive into the famous Defenestration of Prague: what really caused it, why it happened, and what came immediately after. It’s a turning point in Bohemian history, and things only get more intense from here.

We also introduce two key figures who will shape the revolution going forward:
- Čeněk of Wartenberg, a complex and crucial (but often overlooked) player in the Hussite movement
- And Jan Želivský, the fiery preacher known as the Bloody Priest, whose influence will only grow from here

It’s the spark before the fire. The real storm is about to begin.

1 year ago | [YT] | 5

Bloody Heart of Europe - History Podcast

Ahoj, everyone! Our bonus episode on Jan Hus is now available. In this episode, we discuss why Hus was so significant for Czech history—not only immediately after his death but also through a lasting legacy that resonated deeply with generations. His figure was often used by various movements, from the fight for independence from Austria-Hungary to being co-opted as propaganda by the Communist regime. Yet, at the same time, his legacy also inspired resistance against oppression and authoritarian rule.

The full version of this bonus episode is available exclusively on our Patreon. In it, we also talk about the remarkable Jerome of Prague, who was quite different from the scholarly Hus, yet met the same tragic fate at the stake just one year later. Additionally, we delve deeper into the chaos of the Council of Constance and explore the outrageous antics of the popes involved. Subscribe now to enjoy an extra 30 minutes of in-depth content!

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Bloody Heart of Europe - History Podcast

Classic King Sigismund! According to him, the safe conduct he issued for Jan Hus only applied for the journey to the council. Not for the stay. Apparently, Jan Hus should have read the fine print! Listen to the incredible story of this Czech heretic who stood up to both the Church and the Empire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYIC8...

1 year ago | [YT] | 15

Bloody Heart of Europe - History Podcast

How long did the Papal Schism (when there were multiple popes at once) last?
You can listen about the Western Schism, aka the “wait, how many popes do we have now?” era in our Episode 3 here: https://youtu.be/xYIC8vgxazw

1 year ago | [YT] | 5

Bloody Heart of Europe - History Podcast

Episode 3 is finally out!
Sorry it took a bit longer this time - but we're back in full force!
This one is all about Jan Hus - the Czech reformer whose words were powerful enough to shake the Church, long before Martin Luther ever nailed anything to a door.
We follow his rise from student to preacher, his battle with Church authorities, and his eventual trial and execution. But his death didn’t silence him- it lit the fire that would lead to the Hussite Wars.
You can listen now here on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

If you support us on Patreon, you’ll also get access to the bonus episode, where we talk about:
* The complicated relationship between Czechs and the German population in Bohemia
* What Jan Hus was really like, in his own letters
* And of course, Jerome of Prague, coolest dude of his time
Thanks for sticking with us! More soon.

1 year ago | [YT] | 8

Bloody Heart of Europe - History Podcast

Ahoj, everyone! Unfortunately I got sick - I thought it's gonna get better, so far it's getting slowly worse. It's nothing serious, just a stupid flu probably - but I am in bed unable to do any work. Since Vašek is away, that means we won't be able to deliver Episode 3 on time :( I wanted to publish at least some bonus material that doesn't require that much editing but I am still pretty under the weather to do even that. Really sorry about this, please be patient 🙏
- Alžběta

1 year ago | [YT] | 15