Cost of Glory
The most influential biographies ever written, admired by leaders, creators, soldiers, and thinkers for nearly 2,000 years: Plutarch’s Parallel lives. Essential listening for anyone striving after greatness. Alex Petkas, former professor of ancient philosophy and history, revives and dramatically retells these unforgettable stories for modern audiences. The subjects are statesmen, generals, orators, and founders; pious and profane, stoics and hedonists. The stakes bear on the future of Western civilization.
Episodes
121 - Plutarch and Shakespeare, w/ The Base Creates
A conversation with Morgan Watkins of TheBaseCreates and George Carter from Old Sovereign Publishing about the importance of re-enchanting the world through theatre and the tradition of the classics, specifically focusing on a new drama competition called "The Great Panathenaea". Links: TheBaseCreates YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBaseCreates TheBaseCreates X: https://x.com/thebase
120 - The Modern Roman Legion? w/ "Monastery of the Damned" author Nicholas Tobias
My conversation with author, soldier, and scholar, Nicholas Tobias.This is the first public interview with Nicholas, and he agreed to speak on condition that we'd preserve his alias and therefore his anonymity. Hence there is no video of him, and the sound quality from his undisclosed location was not perfect. But this was a fascinating conversation that I'm going to be thinking about for
119 - Sparta vs. Stoicism
On how the Spartans achieved emotional mastery, long before Stoicism was invented.
118 - Is Julius Caesar in Heaven?
-Lessons both personal and political from the life of Caesar. -The Net Worth of Caesar's Estate-Also, could he be in heaven? What should a Christian's, or any modern man's attitude be toward Caesar?-Thanks to sponsors Shokworks and Dr. Richard Johnson!-Shout out to Ward Farnsworth, author of The Practical Stoic, Classical English Rhetoric, and more!
Find out more about The Classical Soci
117 - Alexander's Sack of Thebes, w/ Victor Davis Hanson
A conversation with American classicist, military historian, and conservative political commentator Victor Davis Hanson.We discuss:Why Epaminondas remains one of the most underrated commanders in Greek history, and how the loss of Plutarch's Life of Epaminondas has obscured his legacyThe pivotal liberation of Thebes in 378 BC: how a small band of conspirators overthrew the Spartan-backed
116 - Caesar 3: Divus Julius
Part 3 of 3 of the Life of Julius Caesar. Did Caesar want to be a King? A god? What was his vision for Rome? Was there a way he could have prevented his assassination? In this episode:Caesar returns to Rome His TriumphsHis Reforms His Clemency His Final War in Spain; the Batle of MundaThe Octavius QuestionThe Plots, Dreams, Portents, The men he trusted; the men who betrayed him
Thanks to
115 - Aristotle, Thiel Fellowship, and Human Greatness w/ Michael Gibson
In this episode:Michael Gibson's origin storyMeeting Peter Thiel and launching the Thiel FellowshipThe importance of AristotleAristotle on "The Gigachad"Is intelligence enough?Failure of philosophy is present in Plato's work...not Aristotle'sAlexander the Great's major influenceInspiration from the immortalsWhy victory is better than happinessFriends as a second self
114 - Julius Caesar and the Jews, w/ Barry Strauss
A conversation with the bestselling author, classicist and the military and naval historian Barry Strauss about his latest book Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire.We explore:Why Julius Caesar became a key patron of the Jews and how his support shaped Jewish life in the Roman EmpireThe pivotal moment when Antipater (Herod's father) saved Caesar i
113 - Cato and his Stoicism: w/ Johnathan Bi
A conversation with Johnathan Bi (Cosmos Institute, The Great Books podcast) for a deep dive into Stoicism through the life and philosophy of Cato the Younger.We explore:Why Stoicism continues to attract modern audiencesJonathan’s personal journey with Stoicism—and why he ultimately turned to other philosophiesNietzsche’s critique of Stoicism as a coping mechanismHow Cato embodied Stoic p
112 - The Psychology of Envy and the Fall of Caesar: w/ Rob Henderson
A conversation with Rob Henderson — Air Force veteran, psychologist, and author of the bestselling "Troubled". In this episode:Rob's journey from foster care to Cambridge and lessons about status, envy, and human natureThe psychology of envy and jealousy - from Julius Caesar's assassination to modern politicsDifference between dominance and prestige in human behaviorWhy envy is one of the
111 - Caesar's Civil War III: Came Saw Conquered
Part 3 of 3 of Caesar's Civil War series. From triumph to near-disaster. Caesar's Egyptian entanglement transforms him from a glorious victor to a desperate challenger. In this episode:Pompey's assassination in Egypt and Caesar's unexpected grief over his former ally's deathCleopatra's legendary entrance in a bed-sack and her political seduction of CaesarThe brutal urban warfare trapping
110 - Caesar's Civil War II: Bloody Pharsalia
Part 2 of 3 of Caesar's Civil War series. After his lightning conquest of Italy, Caesar faces his greatest challenge yet as Pompey masses a vast army in Greece. In this episode:Caesar's second dictatorship and revolutionary reforms in Rome—citizenship grants, debt relief, and restoration of the proscribedThe dangerous winter crossing of the Adriatic, splitting his forces against Pompey's
109 - Caesar's Civil War I: Breakdown
Part 1 of 3 of Caesar's Civil War series. The die is cast—Caesar crosses the Rubicon and plunges Rome into civil war. In this episode:The political crisis of 51-50 BCE as Caesar's enemies demand his recall from GaulCurio's shocking defection and proposal that both Caesar and Pompey lay down armsThe breakdown of negotiations and Pompey's fateful acceptance of command against CaesarHis ligh
108 - Caesar 2: Law and Nature
Part 2 of 3 of the Life of Julius Caesar. In this episode:Caesar forms the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, uniting Rome's most powerful menHis revolutionary consulship of 59 BCE bypasses Senate opposition through popular assembliesThe brilliant staging of the Gallic conquest, using allies and tribal conflicts as pretexts for expansionHis management of Rome through letters while
107 - Caesar 1: Man of Destiny
The much awaited series on Julius Caesar begins, with the inaugural episode: "Man of Destiny".In this episode:Caesar's formative years in the shadow of Sulla's dictatorshipHis early political boldness and refusal to divorce CorneliaThe capture by pirates and his merciless revengeCaesar's rise through the ranks of Roman politics as Quaestor and AedileThe Catilinarian conspiracy and Caesar'
106 - The New Indiana Jones - w/ Dr. Brent Seales
A conversation with Dr. Brent Seales, professor of computer science at the University of Kentucky and a modern day Indiana Jones who has been using advanced technology to restore and redeem cultural and historical artifacts from the ravages of time.In this episode:The 'virtual unwrapping' of the Vesuvius scrollsUnearthing an entire new RenaissanceBrent's encounters with Silicon Valley and
105 - Breeding Future Statesmen: Interview w/ Kevin Dolan on the EXIT podcast
A conversation w/ Kevin Dolan on Kings of Sparta, Anti-Natalist Roman Aristocrats, and whether Christianity destroyed or saved Rome.Join me at the Natal Conference, March 28-29, 2025, in Austin, TX! https://natalism.orgFind Kevin on X at https://x.com/extradeadjcb
104 - Heroic Struggles in Vietnam, w/ Doyle Glass
A conversation with Doyle Glass, author of Swift Sword, The True Story of the Marines of MIKE 3/5 in Vietnam, 4 September 1967. Intro Story featuring BlackJack Mulligan.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackjack_Mulligan)In this episode:Mastering Fear in CombatA lawyer's journey to becoming an artist and an authorThe ambush begins: "The tree line stood up"Clear headed leadership of Lieuten
103 - The Immortal Cato
Cato's Afterlife, Takeaways, Sources.Some Modern Sources:Rome's Last Citizen, by Goodman and SoniUncommon Wrath, by OsgoodCato the Younger by Drogula
102 - Cato III: The Senate's Ashes
The Finale, of the life of Cato the Younger. In this episode:The burning of the Senate house after Clodius' murder in 52 BCECato's failed bid for consulship and his hardline stance against CaesarThe outbreak of civil war and Caesar's crossing of the RubiconCato's final days and dramatic suicideA tale of principle and paradox, Cato's resolute stand for Republican values helped precipitate
101 - Cato II: Seducers of Rome
Part 2 of 3 of the Life of Cato the Younger. In this episode:Cato confronts the rising power of Caesar and Pompey in the SenateThe scandalous note from Servilia that backfired on CatoHis principled handling of the Cyprus annexation missionThe formation of the First Triumvirate and Cato's resistanceHis memorable year as Praetor and battles against corruptionThe death of Julia and Crassus s
100 - Cato I: A Strange Boy
Episode 1 of the Life of Cato the Younger, Rome's great Stoic statesman.In this episode:Cato's earliest years and the murder of his uncleHis first encounter with Sulla as a precocious youthCato establishes his reputation: in military service and as QuaestorA Principled stand against Julius CaesarOn this centennial episode, I'd like to thank all of my listeners and patrons. On to the next
99 - On Progress - Against Stoicism
How to make progress, and know it. Featuring a few of Plutarch's critiques of some Stoics of his day - whether fairly or unfairly, you can decide.Also featuring: Diogenes the Cynic, Aeschylus the Poet, Brasidas the Spartan Commander. Also featuring: ZEAL
98 - Gallic Wars 8: Finale
Caesar ties all loose ends in his Gallic Campaign, in part 8, the final episode of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later a
97 - Gallic Wars 7: Vercingetorix and the Great Revolt
Caesar faces the Gallic Grande Armée through fire and snow, in part 7, the climax of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later
96 - Gallic Wars 6: Manhunt
Caesar fights through enemy tribes and orders a Purge in his manhunt for Ambiorix, in part 6 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 y
95 - Gallic Wars 5: Uprisings
The mighty Caesar returns to Britain, and faces uprisings and deadly skirmishes in Gaul, in part 5 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He return
94 - Gallic Wars 4: Amphibious Assault
Caesar crosses two major bodies of water (and he hasn’t even gotten to the Rubicon yet), in part 4 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He return
93 - Gallic Wars 3: Caesar At Sea
Caesar faces enemies at home and on sea, in part 3 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy o
92 - Gallic Wars 2: Conspiracy
Caesar almost loses it all, in part 2 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state.
91 - Gallic Wars 1: Caesar's Chance
The beginning of a new series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic Wars (De Bello Gallico). It’s a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happ
90 - Heroes are Dangerous: Rousseau & Nietzsche with Johnathan Bi
Johnathan Bi left success in the startup world to focus on researching the deep ideas that power the world, and has recently launched his series on the Great Books of the West, starting with his lecture on Nietzsche.In this episode:What is Rousseau’s impact on the world?Johnathan’s Journey towards the Great Thinkers and their BooksThe Duality of Heroism & Rousseau as Hero WorshipperRo
89 - A Manual for Greatness — with Johnny Burtka
An interview with Johnny Burtka, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He is a graduate of Hillsdale College, and his most recent book is titled “Gateway to Statesmanship—Selections from Xenophon to Churchill”.In this episode:The Mirrors for Princes traditionObstacles as a Ladder to GreatnessThe Potency of Xenophon’s ‘Education of Cyrus’The Le
88 - Mysteries of the Scrolls — with Nat Friedman
An interview with Nat Friedman, former CEO of GitHub and creator of the Vesuvius Challenge, which aims to crack the riddles of the Herculaneum Papyri.In this episode:The Genesis of the Vesuvius ChallengeEarly Attempts to Open the ScrollsUsing a Particle Accelerator to Scan the Scrolls!Partnering with Daniel Gross and Brent SealesNat’s Childhood experience with Open-source CommunitiesHow t
87 - Pursuing Greatness — with Pano Kanelos
An interview with Pano Kanelos, the founding president of the University of Austin and the former President of St. John’s College, Annapolis.In this episode:How founding a university is like running a dinerThe flourishing of American universities in the 19th centuryHow old philosophers were men of actionThe Intellectual Foundations Program at UATXHow The Brothers Karamazov explains our cu
86 - Pompey: Aftermath, Comparison w/ Spartan King Agesilaus
In which we follow the lead of Plutarch and study Pompey's character and analyze what we can learn from the life of Pompey the Great, by comparing him to King Agesilaus of Sparta, whom Plutarch paired him with. Sources and Further Reading for the Life of Pompey: John Leach, Pompey the Great: https://amzn.to/3UxOsW8 Robin Seager, Pompey: a Political Biography: https://amzn.to/3UPpeUg Gare
85 - Pompey III: Fields of Pharsalus
Life of Pompey Part 3 of 3: Pompey's final rise to the heights of Roman power, his war with his friend Julius Caesar, and his final downfall. People:(M. Tullius) Cicero (Titus Pomponius) Atticus C. Julius Caesar Cn. Pompeius Magnus (Pompey) Julia, Caesar's Daughter (M. Licinius) Crassus (L. Domitius) Ahenobarbus - Optimate Stalwart (Cos. 54) (M. Porcius) Cato "The Younger" - the Stoic (M
84 - Pompey II: Empire of Venus
Pompey becomes Rome’s greatest conqueror, and empire builder, but faces even greater trials back home in Rome. People Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, "Pompey the Great"Sulla Felix, the Dictator Pompey The Pirates Posidonius the Stoic Mithridates VI Eupator, King of Pontus Lucius Licinius Lucullus Cicero, the Orator Manilius, the Tribune Julius Caesar Theophanes of Mytilene Queen Monime Tigranes
83 - Pompey I: Kid Butcher
Pompey, the Great. Part 1 of 3. Pompey's rise to become one of Rome's greatest generals - before he's even old enough to hold office. How he got the nickname of "Kid Butcher" or "The Butcher Boy".Thanks to our Sponsor, Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.orgKey Names: Agesilaus of Sparta Julius Caesar Alexander the Great Pompeius STRABO (father) Social War Gaius MARIUS (populist
82 - How to Tell a Flatterer From a Friend
Check out Ralston College's FUNDED MA program: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma !...Plutarch offers some advice on how to choose your friends, and how to be a good one. Examples include Alexander the Great, Cato, Carneades, Plato, Dionysius the Tyrant, and more.(Here depicted: the monument of Philopappus in Athens, to whom Plutarch's essay is dedicated)
81 - Spartacus — with Barry Strauss
An interview with Barry Strauss, Spartacus expert, and author of The Spartacus WarIn this episode: -How Spartacus' Slave revolt almost failed in its early stages-Overcoming short term thinking as a leader-Spartacus' influence on modern leaders
80 - The Best Stoic Sentences
A method for reading that can transform your life.W/ help from Dana Gioia, California Poet Laureate, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts 2003-2009.Get his new book Sentences from Seneca, here!Some Sources:https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_108 https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Sallust/Bellum_Jugurthinum/3*.htmlhttps://penelope.uchicago.e
79 - Spencer Klavan: Why Achilles Plays the Lyre
Why does Achilles, slaughterer of men, play the lyre? A conversation with Spencer Klavan of the Young Heretics podcast. Check out the Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Retreat: costofglory.com/retreat !Spencer on Twitter: @spencerklavanIn this conversation, we discuss:-Spencer & Alex's common ground training as classicists-How one gets into these ancient books in the first place-The theo
78 - Lucullus III: Betrayal
The fall and political struggles of the great Lucullus, rival of Pompey and Caesar.Cost of Glory Men's Retreat 2024 application open! - costofglory.com/retreat Thanks to our sponsor Ancient Language Institute - Tutoring now available:Latin: https://ancientlanguage.com/latin-tutorials/ Ancient Greek: https://ancientlanguage.com/ancient-greek-tutorials/ Cicero's Pro Archiahttps://www.attalu
77 - Lucullus II: Armenia
Lucullus drives Mithridates out of Pontus, and war escalatesIn this episode:-The power of concentration-Nothing is more important than sleep-Bold Barbarian Queens-The value of bad news-Battle of TigranocertaBook Rec - Gareth Sampson, Rome's Great Eastern War
76 - Lucullus I: Starvation
Lucullus, Conqueror of Armenia. Highlights from Plutarch's biography of the great foe of PompeyThanks to our sponsor Ancient Language Institute - Tutoring now available: Latin: https://ancientlanguage.com/latin-tutorials/ Ancient Greek: https://ancientlanguage.com/ancient-greek-tutorials/ In this episode: -How to get noticed early on in your career -Seducing your way to warlord status -T
75 - How to Turn People Down (or, "On Cringe")
The vice of "dysopia" brings down even the strongest. Plutarch gives some advice on how to fortify ourselves against it. Reach out to alex@ancientlifecoach.com for more info on the 2024 Cost of Glory Men's retreat in Rome!Link to a translation of Plutarch's text : https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Moralia/De_vitioso_pudore*.html
74 - Crassus Aftermath, Takeaways, Sources
What happened to Crassus' captured soldiers? To his family? What can we learn from his successes and his world-historic failure? ANNOUNCEMENT! Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Retreat in Rome - July 2024. Reach out to alex@ancientlifecoach.com if you're interested.Buy the books:-Penguin edition of Plutarch including Life of Crassus -Sallust's war with Catiline -Tom Holland's Rubicon-Bar
73 - Crassus III: Battle of Carrhae
Crassus' famous campaign against the Parthians - what motivated it? What happened at Carrhae? What can we learn from it?Thanks to our Sponsor!Ancient Language Institute:https://ancientlanguage.comKey FiguresMarcus Licinius Crassus - The Protagonist Gaius Pompeius Magnus - Pompey, the Rival Lucius Licinius Crassus - the Orator Publius Licinius Crassus - Crassus' father Publius Licinius C
72 - Crassus II: Puppet Master
Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest Man in Rome. The plot thickens in the contest with Pompey, and Crassus takes on new allies: Catiline and Julius Caesar.In this episode:-How to defuse the resentment of opponents you've beaten-The power of debt at Rome-Fighting for the hardest prizes, but playing it like a game-Cicero's mortgage and homeowner headachesThanks to Sponsors:Ancient Language In
71 - Crassus I: Richest Man in Rome
The story of Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest man in Rome.In this episode: -The Real Spartacus-How to make a fortune, ancient style -Why Crassus was a better spender than modern billionairesThanks to our Sponsor!Copythat, learn copywriting from the classics:https://copythat.com/For a discount (and to let them know I sent you), use this code: glory Some Sources:Barry Strauss, The Spartacus
70 - How to Praise Oneself Inoffensively - Part 2
Plutarch gives more examples of how to get it right, from Great Leaders of Greece & Rome-Phocion, -Agathocles, -Pericles, -Sulla, -Themistocles,
69 - How to Praise Oneself Inoffensively
You know you want to do it. But how? Plutarch offers a few key examples.
68 - Catiline III: The Last Stand
Highlights from Rome's Deadliest Conspiracy, the Catilinarian conspiracy.Featuring speeches by Julius Caesar and Cato the Younger.
67 - Catiline II: Cicero's Moment
Get into one of the great moments of history - highlights from Cicero's speech Against Catiline. Featuring a quote or two from the original Latin.
66 - Catiline I: Rome's Deadliest Conspiracy
The Conspiracy to overthrow the Roman Republic at the height of its power. Catiline and his associates challenge Cicero and Cato. Rumors were that Crassus and Caesar were involved... Part I: Highlights from Sallust's War with Catiline.ANNOUNCING - New Megaseries: Visions of Caesar. I am beginning an arc on the biographies of all the most prominent of the era of Caesar, including The Ma
65 - Seneca, The Madness of Hercules
The Greatest hero of all, Hercules - told by Seneca: Billionaire, Politician, Stoic Philosopher, and... Tragic Playwright.Highlights and power quotes from Seneca's "The Madness of Hercules": in a new, brilliant, poetic translation by one of America's great poets, Dana GioiaGet a copy here: https://amzn.to/42TEUqJ(and support the show thereby)More about Dana Gioia and his work here:https:
64 - Xenophon, Anabasis VII
The Finale: Xenophon's Anabasis, book 7 of 7. Highlights for the High Life. In this episode:-Sailing to Byzantium -How to Tame a Mob -Spartan Indecision-Drinking more wine from big horns with dangerous men -Raiding with Thracians -Fire attack at night -How to lose a good friend for good -What all gyms should aspire to be like -The importance of keeping your horse
63 - Xenophon, Anabasis VI
Highlights from Book 6 of Xenophon's AnabasisIn this episode:-Drinking parties, War Dances -Why every modern gentleman should sacrifice to the gods-How to gracefully decline a promotion -Hercules in Hell-On keeping the Fellowship together-Isolated sheep rustling incident threatens to start an international war -The value of a cool head
62 - Xenophon, Anabasis V
Xenophon, Anabasis 5. #1 Highlights for Life Success. In this episode: -Fending off chaos in all its forms -Dealing with a power vacuum -The Source of the Golden Fleece -The BEST way to spend Sacred Funds (Hint: Real Estate) -Artemis and her 7 wonders Temple at Ephesus (cult statue here)-Sampling Local Delicacies (as always) -Pale white children as wide as they are tall-Dreams of city f
61 - Agesilaus: Takeaways & Next Actions
Top 4 takeaways from the life of Agesilaus. Also, further reading:Plutarch, "On Sparta": https://amzn.to/3Ni3RaO-Cornelius Nepos, Lives of the Great Commanders (trans. Quintus Curtius): https://amzn.to/3AtrqpO-Xenophon, Hellenica: https://amzn.to/41YXmOx -Steven Pressfield, Gates of Fire (historical novel): https://amzn.to/3V0gCsH-Paul Cartledge, Agesilaos and the Crisis of Sparta: http
60 - Agesilaus III: The Fire Breathers
Agesilaus, old King of Sparta, faces his final enemy, and greatest foe of all: the Theban commander Epaminondas.MapKey People: Agesilaus, king of Sparta Demaratus, king of Sparta Artaxerxes, King of Persia Epaminondas, Theban Statesman Pelopidas, Theban Statesman Antalcidas Xenophon, the Philosopher-warrior Gryllus, son of Xenophon Nectanebo, Pharaoh of Egypt Menelaus, king of Sparta Key
59 - Agesilaus II: The Spartan Supremacy
Sparta's greatest king, from his grandest moments, to his most challenging setbacks. 394-371 BC.In this episode:-Isolating your enemies-Working through intermediaries-The power of culture-Democracy vs. Oligarchy-personal integrity vs state integrityThanks to our Sponsor, Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/register-greek/Here's a nice map of ancient Greece Places: Th
58 - Agesilaus I: Persian Expedition
The story of Sparta's greatest king. Sponsors: -The Excellent How To Take Over The World Podcast; -Ancient Life Coach Rome Retreat In This Episode:-Inspiration from a rough childhood-The Spartan youth training system-The Spartan art of consensus building-The Iliadic vision of a Panhellenic King-Getting enemies to finance your war effort-War and Friendship among Greeks and PersiansPeople:
57 - Xenophon: Anabasis IV
Xenophon's Anabasis 4: The best parts of all, with analysis for action.In this Episode:-How to cross a guarded river-The mindset of people who push through massive stress and pain-Distinguishing yourself as middle management-The Sea, The Sea-Lawrence of Arabia, Xenophon admirer-Psychedelic Bees
56 - CoG in Conversation - w/ Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the World
Apply for the Rome Retreat: https://ancientlifecoach.com/retreatAnnouncing a new partnership!Alex gets interviewed by Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the WorldIn this episode: -What's in store-What Alex is listening to-Why Cost of Glory exists-Why biography is energizing-What the greats, ancient and modern, have in common-The true meaning of Zeal
55 - Xenophon, Anabasis III
Xenophon's Anabasis Book 3 - The best highlights, the Power Highlights. For Power Listeners.In this Episode:-The power of public speaking-What Socrates told Xenophon before he left-Xenophon's inner monologue in GREEK-Motivating your managers-Finding resources you didn't know you had-Lost cities of Mesopotamia-Goat and donkey balloons-The Original Kurds?Amazon links (Click, Buy -> Suppo
54 - Xenophon, Anabasis II
Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 2. Featuring:-Deciding who won a battle-How to deceive the wise-The noble and the base among Greek leaders-The hazards of date palm wineAmazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!)Landmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://amzn.to/3HLGAegOld Penguin Anabasis:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegLoeb Ed
53 - Xenophon, Anabasis I - Power Highlights
Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 1. Featuring:-How to get people to take real risks on your behalf-How ancient army logistics worked-Love affairs with foreign queens-Hunting the Ostrich-Qualities of good leaders, in Xenophon's opinionAmazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!)Landmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://a
52 - When it Clicks that You can Do This
The moment when someone obscure and untested realizes, in a crisis, that they can handle this. An autobiographical story from someone who was both a great writer and great leader, Xenophon.
51 - Win like the Santa of Power (Christmas Special)
Persevere when you are surrounded by enemies, like the other Santa Claus, Saint Basil of Caesarea. A Christmas special, from the Cost of Glory.
50 - How to Botch a Conspiracy
A Spartan story about a conspiracy. Whether it's a hostile corporate takeover, a plot to overthrow a president, or a school board coup, how do you make sure your conspiracy doesn't fail? Learn this lesson or be sorry later. Also featuring commentary from Aristotle's Politics.
49 - Prosper and Succeed with Spartan Realpietik
How do you buy yourself some time when you can't afford to tell people the reason why? A strategy used by a Spartan commander, Dercylidas. Brought to you by the Greek philosopher-historian-warrior Xenophon.
48 - Comparison: Lysander and Sulla
How should we look at the lives of “problematic” great figures? Join us as we join the ancient philosopher Plutarch, in sizing up two incredible men of action. Who wins? Shout out to sources and inspirations: Ancient: Plutarch, life of SullaPlutarch, life of MariusPlutarch, life of SertoriusPlutarch, life of PompeyPlutarch, life of LucullusAppian, Civil WarsAppian, Mithridatic WarsC
47 - Sulla: Five Takeaways. And Aftermath.
Mass murderer or brilliant patriot? Whatever your take on Sulla, it's worth analyzing the qualities that made him a joy to his friends, and a terror to his enemies.
46 - Sulla III: Vengeance
How do you keep your team together in a civil conflict? Can a country right itself by warring with itself? What are the limits to which one man will go to punish his enemies? In this episode, Sulla’s most famous, or rather infamous, acts as a leader. —People—SullaPlutarchKing Pyrrhus CinnaMetellus PiusMarcus Licinius CrassusCarboGaius NorbanusLucius Cornelius Scipio (Asiaticus)Sert
45 - Sulla 2: Rogue Commander
How does a great commander handle being undermined by his government back home? How should we treat opponents we defeat? And how do we negotiate the best deal when our backs are against the wall and our counterparts know it? In this episode: Sulla goes to Greece, to war against Rome’s arch rival Mithridates of Pontus. Can he hold out against a vastly superior enemy army? And can he we
44 - Sulla 1: The Lucky
How do we get Fortune on our side? What are the qualities necessary for daring unthinkable, unspeakable acts? When is it justifiable to massacre your enemies? Sulla: A man of contradictions. Enjoyer of dramas and hedonistic pleasures; most successful general of his generation, and one of the greatest of all time. Patriot and champion of the ancient constitution; the Roman responsible
43 - An uncommon strategy for mastering fear
A principle for building exercises to control your anxiety or fear. Favorinus, a philosopher from the time of Plutarch, offers some deft observations about Socrates.
42 - Get Friendships with Powerful People
Plutarch offers insight on relating to people above your station
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15 MINS OF FAME
15 Minute Mysteries: The Deep Dive
15 minutes de grâce et de vérité
15 Minutes of Infamy
