Rock, Paper, Swords! - the Historical Action and Adventure Podcast
by Matthew Harffy
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- 🇨🇦CA · Books#1735K to 30K
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2.5K to 15K🎙 ~2x weekly·137 episodes·Last published 1w ago - Monthly Reach
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5K to 30K🇨🇦100% - Active Followers
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2K to 12K
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On the show
Recent episodes
Conn Iggulden: Mud, Blood, and the Art of Historical Fiction
May 29, 2026
Unknown duration
How Publishing Works: The Life Cycle of a Novel
May 15, 2026
Unknown duration
Anne Easter Smith on Six Novels, a Lifetime of Research, Richard III, and the Changing Face of Publishing
May 1, 2026
Unknown duration
Elodie Harper | Boudicca's Daughter, The Wolf Den Trilogy & Writing Ancient Rome's Forgotten Women
Apr 17, 2026
Unknown duration
Self-Help from the Middle Ages: Medieval Wisdom for Modern Life (with Peter Jones)
Apr 3, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/29/26 | Conn Iggulden: Mud, Blood, and the Art of Historical Fiction | He's one of the most successful historical fiction writers of his generation — the first author ever to top the UK fiction and non-fiction bestseller charts simultaneously, and the man behind sweeping epics on Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, and the Wars of the Roses. After a long time trying to get him on the show, Matthew and Justin finally sit down with the brilliant Conn Iggulden.In this wide-ranging conversation, Conn talks about what drew him to Nero as a subject — a figure loved by the Roman people despite his cruelties, shaped by one of history's most fascinating and ruthless women, Agrippina. He reflects on the challenges of working with unreliable ancient sources, the missing texts he'd give anything to read (Agrippina's autobiography, the lost end of Tacitus), and how he navigates the gaps that historical fiction always has to fill.The conversation takes in Roman slavery, suicide and honour, why visiting a battlefield in person changes everything (including a story about the six-foot-wide exit ramp at Sandal Castle that explains a medieval defeat), and his upcoming novel about the Battle of Arnhem — a project with a deeply personal dimension, since his own father was there.There's also a joyful digression into Dungeons & Dragons, David Gemmell, the famous photo with Bernard Cornwell and George MacDonald Fraser, why fantasy is actually harder to write than historical fiction, and the title dispute between Conn and his brother that's been going on for decades.If you love historical fiction, this one is essential listening.Email the show: rockpaperswordspodcast@gmail.com Support the show and unlock exclusive bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RockPaperSwordsPodcastFind us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords | — | ||||||
| 5/15/26 | How Publishing Works: The Life Cycle of a Novel | Ever wondered what really happens between a writer's first flash of inspiration and the moment a book lands in your hands? In this episode, Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill pull back the curtain on the entire journey of getting a book published, and they don't hold back.With nearly 40 published books between them, across traditional publishing, self-publishing, and everything in between, Matthew and Justin walk through every stage of the process: the creative spark (and what happens when inspiration doesn't show up on schedule), the research rabbit holes, the difference between pantsers and plotters, pitching to agents and editors, navigating advances and royalties, structural edits vs. copy edits, cover design battles (stirrups in the wrong century!), title negotiations, publication day anticlimax, translation deals, and the bittersweet moment your book ends up remaindered — or spotted in a second-hand shop.They also dig into the financial realities of publishing that most authors don't talk about openly: what advances actually mean, why earning out matters more than a big payday, what the Society of Authors can do for you, and how PLR and ALCS quietly supplement an author's income year after year.Whether you're an aspiring writer, a published author, or simply a passionate reader curious about how the books you love are made, this is a conversation packed with insight, honesty, and the occasional laugh.Support the show and unlock exclusive bonus episodes on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cw/RockPaperSwordsPodcastFind us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords | — | ||||||
| 5/1/26 | Anne Easter Smith on Six Novels, a Lifetime of Research, Richard III, and the Changing Face of Publishing | What does it take to spend 50 years championing history's most maligned king and turn that passion into six published novels?This week on Rock, Paper, Swords, hosts Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy are joined by Anne Easter Smith, author of a celebrated series of novels spanning the entire York dynasty. Born near Winchester, raised partly in Egypt watching Suez Canal convoys from her window, and a resident of the United States since 1968, Anne has one of the most extraordinary life stories we've heard on the show, and it's all filtered into the rich, meticulous historical fiction she writes.Anne tells us how Josephine Tey's The Daughter of Time converted her into a lifelong Ricardian at the age of 21, how a chance meeting at a New York City party led to a publishing deal with Simon & Schuster, and how she built her six-novel York dynasty series from the ground up, always insisting on visiting every location her characters walk through.We also dig into the realities of the publishing industry: the golden age of author tours and dedicated publicists, the impact of the 2008 recession on advances and promotion, and the surprisingly personal dynamics of the agent-author relationship.Anne also previews her upcoming panel at the Historical Novel Society Conference in Maynooth, where she'll join Margaret George and Leslie Carroll to make the case for history's supposed villains: Richard III, Nero, and Marie Antoinette.Before Anne joins us, Justin and Matthew check in on their own writing: Matthew is filling in the historical detail on his first Roman novel (a possible new series set in ancient Rome), while Justin is on deadline for his latest Warhammer novel and thinking ahead to a contemporary shipping story.A brilliant conversation about history, storytelling, the craft of writing, and the power of fiction to make us feel the past.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E0uAV2wuJg0Support the show on Patreon from just £1/month — bonus episodes, Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcasthttps://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords | — | ||||||
| 4/17/26 | Elodie Harper | Boudicca's Daughter, The Wolf Den Trilogy & Writing Ancient Rome's Forgotten Women | This week Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill are joined by Sunday Times bestselling author Elodie Harper — journalist, classicist, and one of the most exciting voices writing historical fiction today.Elodie's Wolf Den trilogy brought the women of Pompeii's infamous brothel roaring back to life, and her stunning new standalone Boudicca's Daughter follows Solina — the unnamed, overlooked daughter of Britain's most iconic warrior queen — from the chaos of the Boudiccan rebellion to the glittering, treacherous court of Nero's Rome.We talk about what it means to write from the perspective of history's silenced women, the surprisingly complex historical record behind the Iceni rebellion, and the fascinating question of what we can and can't know about Celtic Britain. Elodie also reveals why she chose Tacitus's single phrase — that the ancient Britons "made no distinction between the sexes when choosing commanders" — as a window into an entirely different world, and why she included human sacrifice despite her sympathies lying firmly with the Iceni.Plus: the spark for The Wolf Den (courtesy of historian Dan Jones), the emotional experience of visiting Pompeii's only surviving purpose-built brothel at dusk, the craft decision to write Solina's sections in first person present tense, and why even the villain of the piece — Roman general Paulinus — ended up being surprisingly sympathetic.Boudicca's Daughter is out in paperback on 23rd April.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcastAll episodes: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords | — | ||||||
| 4/3/26 | Self-Help from the Middle Ages: Medieval Wisdom for Modern Life (with Peter Jones) | Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy are joined by historian Peter Jones to explore the surprising world of medieval self-help. Drawing on his new book Self-Help from the Middle Ages, Peter reveals how people in the medieval period grappled with many of the same challenges we face today—stress, purpose, resilience, and how to live a good life.From monastic wisdom and practical moral guidance to the everyday advice literature that shaped medieval society, this episode uncovers a rich tradition of self-improvement that predates modern “self-help” by centuries. Along the way, the conversation ranges across history, philosophy, and storytelling, offering insights for writers and history lovers alike.If you’ve ever wondered what the Middle Ages can teach us about modern life, this is an episode not to miss.DELEDDA MASTER: Master in Creative Writing & Translation: https://deleddamaster.com/Buy the book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781529154863Podcast links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast | — | ||||||
| 3/20/26 | The Man Who Stopped the Sultan: Gabriele Tadino and the Siege of Rhodes – Edoardo Albert | In this episode of Rock Paper Swords, Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill are joined by historian and novelist Edoardo Albert to discuss his new book, The Man Who Stopped the Sultan.The book tells the dramatic story of Gabriele Tadino, a Renaissance military engineer whose expertise helped shape the defence of Rhodes during the Ottoman expansion under Suleiman the Magnificent. Along the way we discuss the Italian Wars, the revolution in gunpowder warfare, and the emergence of the professional military engineer. We also talk about Edoardo’s fiction writing and his 30-Second Histories YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@30-SecondHistoriesBuy the book:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781472869999Podcast links:https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsSupport the show on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast | — | ||||||
| 3/6/26 | Sophie Perinot on building a historical fiction career across two countries — and how publishing has changed along the way | In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy are joined by historical novelist Sophie Perinot for a wide-ranging conversation about writing, research, and the realities of the modern book industry.We discuss:Moving from the United States to the United KingdomAdapting to life in Britain, including experiences with the NHSThe importance of the Historical Novel Society conferencesHow historical research has evolved in the digital ageChanging trends in historical fictionWhat’s shifted in traditional publishing over the past decadeNavigating today’s historical fiction marketThis is an honest and thoughtful look at writing as a profession — community, craft, career longevity, and the changing landscape of historical publishing.🎧 Discover more episodes:https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords❤️ Support the podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast#HistoricalFiction #PublishingIndustry #WritingLife #HistoricalNovelSociety | — | ||||||
| 2/20/26 | Massacre, Resistance, and Love: Carolyn O’Brien on Peterloo and 1930s Britain | In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy talk with historical novelist Carolyn O’Brien about protest, power, and forgotten voices in British history.From the Peterloo Massacre to the rise of fascism in 1930s Britain, Carolyn explores how radical politics, women’s lives, and working-class resistance shape her fiction. We discuss writing politically engaged historical novels, the responsibilities of historical storytellers, and why history’s margins often hold its most urgent truths.🎧 Listen now and discover how history, fiction, and resistance collide.📚 The Song of Peterloo:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781789550757🔗 More episodes & links:https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords❤️ Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast | — | ||||||
| 2/6/26 | Sharon Bennett Connolly on Medieval Princesses, Power & the Norman Conquest | In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy speak with historian Sharon Bennett Connolly about medieval princesses, royal daughters, and women’s power in the Early Middle Ages.Drawing on Princesses of the Early Middle Ages, Sharon explores how women shaped dynasties through marriage, diplomacy, and inheritance, and why their influence has often been overlooked in traditional histories of the Norman Conquest.A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in medieval history, women’s history, and the realities behind popular myths.🔗 https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsBuy the book, Princesses of the Early Middle Ages: Royal Daughters of the Conquest: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781399091022 | — | ||||||
| 1/23/26 | Vaseem Khan on Crime Fiction, Empire & Writing Action in The Edge of Darkness | In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy are joined by bestselling author Vaseem Khan to discuss historical crime fiction, empire, and his novel The Edge of Darkness.Vaseem talks about writing crime stories set in post-colonial India, the challenges of research and authenticity, and how history, setting, and action combine to create gripping fiction. The conversation explores violence, pacing, power, and the responsibility of writing about the British Empire with honesty and nuance.A must-listen for fans of historical fiction, crime novels, and action-driven storytelling.🔗 https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords | — | ||||||
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| 1/9/26 | Essie Fox on Retelling Wuthering Heights, Gothic Fiction & Writing from a Ghost’s POV | In this episode of Rock Paper Swords, Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill speak with novelist Essie Fox about her latest book, Catherine – a Gothic retelling of Wuthering Heights told from Catherine Earnshaw’s perspective.Essie explores the enduring power of Emily Brontë’s novel, the risks and rewards of retelling a literary classic, and why writing Catherine as a ghost opened up new emotional and thematic depth. The conversation also dives into unreliable narrators, Gothic tradition, historical language, and how writers balance authenticity with accessibility.A must-listen for fans of Gothic fiction, classic literature, and historical storytelling.🔗 https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsBuy the book, Catherine: A Retelling of Wuthering Heights: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781917764421Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcastEssie Fox's website: www.essiefox.com | — | ||||||
| 12/26/25 | Historical Fiction Writers Reflect on 2025 & What Comes Next | In this end-of-year bonus episode, Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill reflect on the past year of reading, writing, and podcasting — and look ahead to what’s coming next.They discuss the books that shaped their thinking, Bernard Cornwell’s The Winter King, Tolkien, Roman history, Churchill biographies, audiobooks, and the reality of trying to finish novels before Christmas.A thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation for readers, writers, and anyone who loves historical fiction and historical adventure.🔗 Follow & support the podcast:https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords | — | ||||||
| 12/19/25 | GARETH RUBIN: Murder at Christmas, AI in Publishing, and The Joy of Structure | A Christmas Mystery with a Twist! 🎄In this festive episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy sit down with author Gareth Rubin to discuss his unique "You Solve the Crime" novel, Murder at Christmas!Gareth dives into what it’s like to write a modern-day, Poirot-style mystery where the reader is tasked with solving the case. He also reveals the fascinating structural challenges behind his novel The Waterfall (a story within a story within a story) and shares his thoughts on the significant impact of AI on authors and the publishing world.Plus, hear the hosts' latest writing updates (first drafts, word counts, and editor emails) and their festive plans, including Christmas menus (goose and suckling pig!).Episode Highlights:Gareth Rubin on his "You Solve the Crime" murder mystery.The discussion on job losses for translators and illustrators due to AI.The secret behind the magician's disappearing box murder mystery.Matthew Harffy's experience at the Hans Zimmer and Gladiator live orchestra concerts.Links:Buy Gareth Rubin's book, Murder at Christmas: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781398543485All Rock, Paper, Swords! Links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsSupport the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcastLeave a Tip on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswordsKeywords & Hashtags:#GarethRubin #MurderAtChristmas #YouSolveTheCrime #RockPaperSwords #HistoricalFiction #JustinHill #MatthewHarffy #WritingTips #AIMurderMystery #ChristmasBooks #NewRelease #HistoricalPodcast #AuthorInterview | — | ||||||
| 12/5/25 | Decoding The Book of Kells — Dr Victoria Whitworth on Art, Faith & Mystery | Rock, Paper, Swords! | In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill welcome writer and academic Dr Victoria Whitworth to discuss her new book:The Book of Kells: Unlocking the EnigmaVictoria takes us deep into the world of early medieval art, manuscript culture, monastic life, and the enduring mystery behind one of the most iconic artefacts of the British Isles.From pigments and parchment to spiritual symbolism, cultural context, and the sheer strangeness of medieval creativity, this conversation blends history, art, storytelling, and humour.We also explore her research process, her time living in Orkney, how she approaches writing for academic and general audiences, and why The Book of Kells continues to fascinate historians, artists, and readers alike.🔍 In this episode:What makes The Book of Kells so uniqueThe strange, spiritual & playful imagery hidden in the manuscriptHow monks created vibrant art with natural materialsWhy early medieval art still captivates usVictoria’s research journey & artistic insightsHer experience living in Orkney and writing about landscape, faith & identityThe challenges of writing accessible yet rigorous historyThe ongoing mystery: who made the Book of Kells and why?Rock, Paper, Swords links ➜ https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsBuy The Book of Kells: Unlocking the Enigma: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781788541800 | — | ||||||
| 11/21/25 | Michael Jecks on Medieval Murder, Writing 40+ Novels, and the Secrets of Historical Crime | Join hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill for a captivating chat with Michael Jecks — master of medieval murder, creator of the Templar and Bloody Mary series, and author of over 40 historical mysteries.From co-founding the Medieval Murderers to exploring how the publishing world has transformed over three decades, Michael shares his insights into plotting crimes, juggling multiple series, and keeping history alive through fiction.Discover how he builds stories that blend fact, intrigue, and murder, what it’s like writing for publishers like Boldwood and Severn House, and why he’s still passionate about his craft after 30 years.📚 Books Mentioned:The Piazza MurdersAshes of RebellionFields of GloryDeath Comes in ThreesSwords in the Snow (by Matthew Harffy & Steven A. McKay)☕ Support Rock, Paper, Swords:Patreon: https://patreon.com/rockpaperswordspodcastBuy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords | — | ||||||
| 11/7/25 | Inside Literary Festivals: What Authors Really Think | Rock, Paper, Swords! with Matthew Harffy & Justin Hill | What really happens at literary festivals?In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, historical fiction authors Matthew Harffy (Bernicia Chronicles, A Time for Swords) and Justin Hill (Shieldwall, Viking Fire) sit down to talk about the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of literary festivals — from meeting readers and other writers to book signings, panels, and the chaos of travel and deadlines.They share their experiences of festivals big and small across the UK and Europe, offer tips for authors attending their first event, and discuss what makes these gatherings so important for connecting books, writers, and audiences.📲 All Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordshttps://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast🔥 In this episode:✍️ What authors love (and dread!) about festivals🎤 Behind-the-scenes stories from panels and signings📚 Why literary festivals matter for writers and readers✈️ How travel, networking, and book promotion all collide🎭 The fun — and fatigue — of the literary life#RockPaperSwordsPodcast #HistoricalFiction #WritingCommunity #LiteraryFestivals #AuthorLife #BookEvents #MatthewHarffy #JustinHill #WritersOnWriting #BookPodcast | — | ||||||
| 10/24/25 | Sir Tony Robinson on House of Wolf, King Alfred & Finding New Purpose at 79 | Actor, writer, historian, and national treasure Sir Tony Robinson joins Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill on Rock, Paper, Swords! to talk about his first adult novel, House of Wolf — the opening volume in a bold new Anglo-Saxon trilogy.From his fascination with King Alfred the Great to how a tragic loss reshaped his creative life, Sir Tony discusses storytelling, optimism, and finding new purpose in his late seventies.📚 Buy House of Wolf: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781408731536🔥 In this episode:⚔️ Why King Alfred still captures our imagination📖 How Tony lost — and rewrote — an entire novel by hand❤️ Turning grief into creativity and renewal🎭 Reflections on Blackadder, Time Team, and storytelling🖋️ The joy of starting something new at 79🎙️ Hosted by Matthew Harffy & Justin Hill🔗 All podcast links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords#TonyRobinson #HouseOfWolf #KingAlfred #AngloSaxonHistory #HistoricalFiction #Blackadder #TimeTeam #RockPaperSwordsPodcast #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterview #HistoryPodcast | — | ||||||
| 10/10/25 | Harry Sidebottom on Gladiators, Rome, and Those Who Are About To Die | What did it really mean to face death in the Roman arena? 🏛️In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill talk with historian and bestselling author Dr Harry Sidebottom about his new nonfiction book, Those Who Are About To Die: Gladiators and the Roman Mind.Drawing on archaeology, ancient texts, and years of research, Harry reveals the brutal truth behind the Roman obsession with violence — and what gladiatorial combat tells us about their society, politics, and psyche.🔥 In this episode:⚔️ Who the gladiators really were — and what drove them to fight.🏛️ How Rome’s arenas shaped identity, power, and the idea of civilisation.📖 The difference between myth and reality in our understanding of gladiators.🗡️ What modern audiences can learn from Rome’s fascination with death and spectacle.If you’re fascinated by ancient Rome, gladiators, or the mindset of empire, this episode is essential listening.📚 Get the book Those Who Are About To Die here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781529154009🔗 All podcast links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords | — | ||||||
| 9/26/25 | Beth + Boyd Morrison: Medieval Thrills, Templars & The Tales of the Lawless Land | Rock Paper Swords | What happens when a medieval manuscripts scholar teams up with a bestselling thriller writer? You get The Tales of the Lawless Land — a gripping historical adventure series set in the chaos of the 14th century.In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill sit down with Beth and Boyd Morrison, the brother–sister duo behind the swashbuckling adventures of Gerard Fox and Willa.We talk about:⚔️ Writing medieval action with thriller pacing📜 The impact of the Black Death & the Hundred Years’ War⛪ Excommunication, faith, and survival in the Middle Ages🔎 Researching manuscripts, relics, and real historical locations🗡️ Why Gerard Fox is like a “medieval Jack Reacher”If you love historical adventure, medieval history, or the thrill of Templar secrets, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen & subscribe everywhere: Rock, Paper, Swords Podcast LinksSupport the podcast:https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswordshttps://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast | — | ||||||
| 9/12/25 | Tacfarinas: African Rebel Against Rome | Dr Joanne Ball on Roman History & Rebellion | 🔥 Meet Tacfarinas — the forgotten African rebel who defied Rome under Emperor Tiberius.⚔️ Archaeologist Dr Joanne Ball reveals how his guerrilla war shook the empire and rivals Arminius and Spartacus.https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast🍺 Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswordsWas Tacfarinas Rome’s forgotten rebel? In this episode of Rock Paper Swords, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill are joined by Dr Joanne Ball (archaeologist, historian, and author of Tacfarinas: An African Rebel Against Rome).We explore the extraordinary story of Tacfarinas, a Numidian soldier-turned-rebel who defied the Roman Empire under Emperor Tiberius. From guerrilla warfare in North Africa to comparisons with figures like Arminius and Spartacus, Tacfarinas nearly destabilised Rome’s control of the region for nearly a decade.Dr Ball reveals how archaeology, ancient sources, and modern research bring his story to life — and how Rome underestimated this desert fighter again and again.🔹 Topics covered:Tacfarinas and his revolt against RomeRoman North Africa under TiberiusComparisons with Arminius, Verus, and SpartacusGuerrilla tactics vs Roman legionsFolk memory and the legacy of Tacfarinas todayIf you love Roman history, rebellions, and the untold stories of Rome’s enemies, this episode is for you.📚 Guest: Dr Joanne Ball – archaeologist, Roman battlefield specialist, author of Tacfarinas: An African Rebel Against Rome🎙 Hosts: Matthew Harffy (Bernicia Chronicles) & Justin Hill (Shieldwall, Viking Fire)👉 Subscribe for more on Rome, Vikings, medieval warfare, and historical fiction. Support us on Patreon for bonus episodes!#Tacfarinas #RomanHistory #AncientRome #JoanneBall #Arminius #Tiberius #Spartacus #RomanEmpire #NorthAfrica #RockPaperSwords | — | ||||||
| 8/29/25 | Simon Tolkien: Spanish Civil War Novels, Rings of Power & J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legacy | Author Simon Tolkien (grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien) joins the Rock, Paper, Swords! podcast to talk about his powerful historical novels, his research into the Spanish Civil War, and his work with Amazon’s Rings of Power.https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast🍺 Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswordsIn this interview, Simon shares how he moved from courtroom thrillers to sweeping historical fiction, why the 1930s still matter today, and how his grandfather’s influence shaped his own writing journey.Highlights:Writing The Palace at the End of the Sea & The Room of Lost StepsResearching the Spanish Civil War and 1930s New YorkInsights on J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, and the First World WarSimon’s involvement in Amazon’s Rings of PowerWhy history, memory, and storytelling still resonate todayIf you love history, Tolkien, or epic storytelling, don’t miss this episode!Buy the books from our bookshop.org store:📚The Palace at the End of the Sea - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781662528644📚The Room of Lost Steps - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781662528668#SimonTolkien #SpanishCivilWar #Tolkien #LordOfTheRings #RingsOfPower #HistoricalFiction #Podcast | — | ||||||
| 8/15/25 | Angus Donald talks about his novel, Templar Traitor - Mongols, falling off horses, Conan the Barbarian and more! | Our guest today is Angus Donald, author of the Outlaw Chronicles, about a medieval gangster called Robin Hood, a 17th-century series about an unusual but rather brilliant chap called Holcroft Blood. And writing as Angus Macallan, he has also tried his hand at fantasy with the Gates of Stone.We previously had Angus on the podcast to talk about his Fire Born series, set in 8th century Europe. His newest book, out at the end of August, is Templar Traitor, the first in a trilogy based on the true story of an Englishman who fought with the Mongols on the side of Genghis Khan.Welcome to RPS, Angus.https://angusdonaldbooks.com/Buy Templar Traitor from the RPS Bookshop (affiliate link): https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781835980903Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords Tips for Writing, Publishing and Marketing Your Novel: How we sold over 750,000 books!https://mybook.to/RPSTipsForWriting | — | ||||||
| 8/1/25 | J. C. Duncan talks Vikings, Bladesmithing, Publishing and more! | Today’s guest is author, J.C. Duncan. He is the author of The Last Viking Series of novels about Harald Hardrada and the The Light of the North saga, a historical fantasy series set in a world where the Vikings clash with Christian Crusaders. As well as writing, J.C. Duncan is also a bladesmith and there can’t be much cooler than forging blades!Justin of course had a novel about Harald Hardrada, so I think this is going to be a very interesting chat!Welcome to RPS, J.C. Duncan.https://jcduncan.co.uk/https://lorescape.gg/get/Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords Tips for Writing, Publishing and Marketing Your Novel: How we sold over 750,000 books!https://mybook.to/RPSTipsForWriting | — | ||||||
| 7/18/25 | Adam Lofthouse talks all about Ancient Rome | https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords Adam Lofthouse is the author of action-packed historical fiction set in ancient Rome, such as The Path of Nemesis trilogy, and The Enemy of the Empire books. His latest series, The Shadow of Rome, starts with Eagle and the Flame, which is out soon.Welcome to RPS, Adam Lofthouse!Buy Adam's books: https://www.adamlofthouse.com/ Other books mentioned:The Complete Roman Army by Adrian Goldsworthy:https://amzn.eu/d/6B3ABys24 Hours in Ancient Rome: A Day in the Life of the People Who Lived There by Dr Philip Matyszak: https://amzn.eu/d/5UI6O7oSex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome by L.J. Trafford: https://amzn.eu/d/9pX9Aew | — | ||||||
| 7/4/25 | Three Year Anniversary Episode! | Rock, Paper, Swords is three years old!In this episode, Matthew and Steven take a look back at some of the highlights of the last three years and then turn to the future with a very big announcement!Don't miss this one!Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords | — | ||||||
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1 placement across 1 market.
Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.