Episodes by Circa

Michael Scot translated Aristotle and Islamic commentaries, carrying recovered knowledge from Toledo to European universities and enabling the Renaissance.

This is the story of Francis-seeker, beggar, brother to all creation-whose life redefined what it means to be rich, holy, and free

This episode explores the life of Ibn ʿArabī, a poet, mystic, and philosopher shaped by the open intellectual culture of Islamic Spain.

his episode follows the quiet clarity of Moses ben Maimon-known as Maimonides-who lived in exile, healed with science, led with compassion, and wrote as if truth could be trusted.

Ibn Rushd defended the harmony of faith and reason in twelfth-century Córdoba, preserving philosophy for Europe through his commentaries on Aristotle.

Zhu Xi synthesized competing Chinese philosophical traditions, creating a framework that shaped East Asian thought for centuries and offers insight for our fragmented modern world.

Gerard of Cremona translated eighty-seven Arabic texts into Latin, but his work was only possible because Christian rulers chose preservation over destruction.

Ibn Tufayl's philosophical novel about a child raised alone sparked the nature vs. nurture debate that still shapes education, AI research, and how we see human potential.

Basavanna taught that the sacred lives in ordinary work and every human body --- a 12th-century vision that still speaks directly to modern life.

Akka Mahadevi, 12th century Kannada mystic-poet, renounced everything to follow her devotion to Shiva, leaving behind 430 vachanas and an enduring claim on women's spiritual sovereignty.

This episode explores how Volmar’s steadfast support preserved Hildegard of Bingen’s visions, showing how quiet devotion and patient listening can shape spiritual history just as powerfully as visionary brilliance.

Hermann of Carinthia traveled to the Islamic world to learn astronomy directly from Arab masters, bringing back living knowledge that couldn't be transmitted through texts alone.

Robert of Ketton translated the Qur'an into Latin in 1143, creating an unexpected bridge between Christian and Islamic thought through patient understanding.

Al-Ghazālī's journey from intellectual mastery to spiritual crisis shows us that reason and faith were always meant to work together.

A reflection on Saint Bernard of Menthon and how organized care, hospitality, and preparedness quietly shape civilization.

Al-Biruni's journey from conqueror to student reveals how genuine curiosity across cultural divides can build bridges in a fractured world.

Lubna of Córdoba rose from enslavement to lead a world-class library, showing how education, dignity, and the stewardship of knowledge can change civilization.

An intimate journey into how Caliph al-Hakam II's devotion to preserving knowledge quietly shaped the modern world we live in today.

The untold story of how Islamic Spain preserved and transmitted the knowledge that made the European Renaissance possible---featuring libraries, translators, and surprisingly, sheep.

A gentle story of Hasdai ibn Shaprut and how quiet bridge-building across cultures helps civilization grow.

An exploration of Kumudendu Muni and the quiet discipline of preserving meaning beyond words.

Harmonia visits ninth-century Baghdad and the physician who believed that knowledge was a form of care --- and that care was owed to everyone.

The story of how Islam, translation, and durable materials preserved ancient knowledge and carried it across centuries of collapse.

Harmonia guides you to medieval Fez, where Fatima al-Fihri-legendary founder of the Qarawiyyin Mosque and University-transformed her inheritance into a living gift for generations.

Through turmoil, exile, and the fierce storms of authority, Photios guarded the fragile flame of faith and learning.