Classical Stuff You Should Know
A.J., Graeme, and Thomas discuss everything having to do with the classical world. Their aim is to help both educators and laypeople enjoy the classical world as much as they enjoy fine ales and good tales.
Episodes
304: Kierkegaard's "The Sickness Unto Death," Part One
In this episode, we discuss part one of the book, in which we find out that we're all despairing, even it you are pretty sure you're not. Rosy book, this one.
303: Planet Narnia: Jupiter and Mars
In this book, Graeme teaches us Michael Ward's theory about Narnia---how each book corresponds to one of the planets. Sounds like something Lewis would do. He's a nerd.
302: Of Mice and Men
In this episode, A.J. talks about George and Lennie and their unfortunate run-in with wannabe boxer.
301: Crime and Punishment Part 2: Electric Boogaloo
In this episode, Graeme finishes what he began in episode 299: a full retelling of Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment." Honestly, I would listen to more audiobooks if they were just Graeme telling me stories.
300: 300
COME BACK WITH YOUR SHIELD OR ON IT
299: Crime and Punishment: Raskolnikov the Edgelord
In this episode, we dive into Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment." We've never really done the whole book in an episode before, so this is (part 1) of a great little introduction for those thinking about reading the book or teaching it to a few edgelords of your own.
298: Federalist Papers #10
In this episode, Graeme walks us through the complicated world of factions. How do we make sure that everybody . . . and nobody . . . gets what they want?
297: Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death" and "The Fall of the House of Usher"
In this episode we cover a little of Poe's life, then two of his famous stories.
296: Coleridge's "Kubla Khan"
In this episode, we discuss how Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan" relates to the victory of Romanticism. That, and we giggle sometimes.
295: Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe
In this episode, we discuss ol' Robinson Crusoe, how he lived on the island, and escaped twenty-eight years later. It's . . . kinda good?
294: The Servile State, by Hilaire Belloc
In this episode, Graeme introduces us to "The Servile State," by Hilaire Belloc. All I know is that living in the woods has always been attractive to me, and now Graeme introduces fishing? Hot diggity, look for me near the trees, boys!
293: Cinderella
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!
292: Nominalism and William of Ockham
In this episode, we learn about William of Ockham's ridiculous notion that our words don't mean anything. Then why am I even writing this, WILLIAM. WHY DO WE EVEN TALK. You can tell that I (A.J.) am a big fan of this theory.
291: J.R.R. Tolkien's "Letters from Father Christmas"
Apparently Tolkien is a fabulous illustrator. Who knew? I've seriously looked up prints, and they are weirdly hard to find . . . but enchanting. Oh, this episode is about Christmas. Merry Christmas!
290: Civil Disobedience by David Henry Thoreau
In this episode, we learn how to---as Graeme would say---RIP THE SYSTEM. Well, at least until an aunt bails us out.
289: John Bunyan and Babe le bœuf bleu
In this episode, we talk about allegory and cattle. Oh, and Pilgrim's Progress
288: Macbeth Inverted
In this episode, Graeme talks us through a framework in which we can experience Macbeth (you know, that Scottish play). Turns out that when you kill a Scottish king, everything goes topsy turvy.
287: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving
Ever heard of the headless horseman? Did you know he was a Hessian Soldier? Do you know where the Jack-o-lantern comes from? FIND OUT IN THIS SPOOOOOOOKY EPISODE.
286: Prince Darling
Faeries. Stay away from them or you'll have your finger pricked all to heck.
285: The Democratic Man: Plato's Republic Revisited
In this episode, Graeme discusses the degradation of man as a reflection of the degradation of the state suggested in Plato's Republic, Book VIII. Apparently true freedom is bloodshed.
284: Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"
In this (far too long) episode, we play a quiz show with a cake as a prize. Because really, that's what every war is about: cake.
283: Beauty and the Beast
Thomas continues his series on children's books with the (an?) original Beauty and the Beast tale. It's pretty lovely. Is it bad if I want to be Thomas's kid?
282: Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen
In this episode, we discuss Jane Austen's "Sense & Sensibility," along with a bunch of doofy males. I mean we discuss them, we don't podcast with them.
281: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Evil deeds? Never. I would never do that. I mean, somebody else might. But I never would. Trample a child? Nah. Nope. Not me.
280: Raskolnikov and Narcissism
In this episode, Graeme tells us of the Narcissism of Raskolnikov. I mean, Graeme tells you, but A.J. had all the ideas (please give him validation).
279: Aesop's Fables
In this episode, we talk about ants, grasshoppers, scorpions, and a fish named Chris.
278: Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations"
Ever feel like reading the diary of a Roman emperor? Boy have I got the book for you.
277: "Emma," by Jane Austen
In this episode, Graeme tells us the story of Emma, a meddler, someone who doesn't know as much as she thinks she does. Join us, listener, as we take a journey with a socialite.
276: Dyskolos (my favorite DJ)
In this episode, A.J. is a grouch and falls in a well, Graeme is lovestruck, and Thomas talks us through Menander's play "Dyskolos."
275: Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener"
I would love to give you a summary of the episode, but I prefer not to.
274: The Lord of the Flies
So I MAY have missed that Satan is sometimes called the Lord of the Flies. I see that now. I admit I make mistakes. But hey, at least I caught on to the rest of the biblical imagery.
273: Against Christian Civilization
In this episode, we discuss Paul Kingsnorth's lecture about Christian civilization. Some are for it. Some against it. Settle it with a boxing match? Yes please.
272: Sir Thomas More
"Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat?"
271: The Socratic Method
In this episode, you get a semi-faithful reproduction of the talk AJ did on the Socratic Method. TLDR: just ask questions and try not to be obnoxious.
270: Phaedo
Ever wonder what Socrates discussed with his buds before he drank the poison? Well, it was the soul. Now you know. You can skip the episode I guess.
269: Plato v. Aristotle
Aristotle and Plato have very different approaches to epistemology. In this episode, we discuss the implications of each.
268: Hamlet and Socrates and Death
In this episode, we discuss the views of two famous dudes on Death. One is old and makes everyone else overthink everything. The other is young and overthinks everything himself.
267: Plato's Dialogues: Meno
In this episode, you'll recall (not learn) how Socrates and Meno try to figure out if Virtue can be taught. You'll remember that it can't.
266: A Parley with Youth
In this episode, Thomas talks us through the new book by Josh Gibbs: A Parley with Youth. If I remember anything from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, "Parley" means something about booty.
265: The Great Gatsby
In this episode, we talk about how the American dream will leave you dead in your swimming pool.
264: An interview with Davies Owens and Keith McCurdy
Thomas interviews Davies Owens and Keith McCurdy. Davies is the current host of Basecamp Live, and Keith is the founder of Live Sturdy, LLC. Both have various other credentials. Oh heck, just listen to the episode already.
263: The Ballad of the White Horse and Some Dudes Who Sing
We revisit a book we've done an episode on already. But here's the thing, folks: the book is so dang good, and Graeme walks us through the intricacies of a specific scene in this one. And it's good. Soooooo good. In my humble opinion.
262: The Wrath of Khan
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!
261: Montessori
In this episode we play the game of Life, explore notions on education, and interact with each other. But we do these things in a carefully cultivated environment designed to guide our inclinations toward growth and improvement.
260: The Plantagenets 13: A Fairytale
Uh, yeah, we're obviously big fans of good ol' Tudor. Just come this way. No cops.
259: Genghis Khan 4: Anda Undone!
In this episode, the Khan sees his most cherished relationships deteriorate. Anda? Nah. More like dead.
258: Plantagenets 12: Three Kings in Three Months
This is the penultimate episode of Graeme's series on the war of the roses. There's only one more. It's the end of an era. I, for one, grieve.
257: Plantagenets 11: Bleeding to Death from a Broken Heart
Turns out that a king who is good at war sometimes wins wars. Sometimes that means kids beg for their lives. Sometimes that mean someone gets bludgeoned. BUT WE JUST HAVE TO LET THE KING LIVE HIS LIFE OKAY
256: Genghis Khan 3: Loki and the Frat Battle
In this episode, we see the slow degradation of brotherhood, the lamentable breakdown of relationship. Also in this episode: spine cracking wrestling; young love; beating people up with sticks; and knucklebones, the game!
255: Winnie the Pooh
Where does the Pooh part come from? A swan. That's all the explanation you'll get.
254: Kristin Lavransdatter 2: "I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL"
In this episode, I admit that while I, Graeme, have some good points, A.J. is ultimately right. He's convinced me with the gravity of his intellect couched in both wit and charm. What a great guy, that A.J..
253: Beatrix Potter
In this episode, Thomas walks us through the storied life of Beatrix Potter. We also discuss a bully rabbit.
252: Genghis Khan 2: The Coat Khan and a Wife Named Borte
In this episode, we cover the origins and a chunk of the childhood of Temujin; that's Genghis Khan for all you noobs out there.
251: Kristin Lavransdatter 1
Kristin Lavransdatter is a three-volume story by Sigrid Undset. This episode covers volume one. And oh, so much happens. Vows are given. Babies conceived. Fathers hoodwinked. We've got fires. Vagabonds. Poison. Oh, it's good.
250: Genghis Khan 1
This is the first episode of a series on "The Secret History of the Mongols," the primary source for a big chunk of our knowledge about Genghis Khan. This episode lays the groundwork for the actual book.
249: War of the Roses 10:
Graeme continues the saga of the War of the Roses. Let me encourage you to receive the caresses of fortune with mild endurance.
248: An interview with Pastor C. R. Wiley about his book, "In the House of Tom Bombadil"
This is an excerpt from Thomas's recent interview with Pastor C. R. Wiley about his book, "In the House of Tom Bombadil." The full interview is on our Patreon! We'll have another new episode next week!
247: Heart of Darkness
Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" is better than you might think. Just as depressing, but probably better. Also, I feel bad for calling Graeme out on "Aprehensious."
246: The War of the Roses 9: A Secret Marriage
Graeme is back with everybody's favorite historical saga. This time featuring: bro king, a secret marriage, and angry advisors.
245: The Birds, by Aristophanes
Aristophanes is a hoot. GET IT!? A HOOT.
244: Verbs
In this episode, we discuss how using the right verbs can elevate your writing. It is something useful. You should be a person who uses active verbs. They are great things.
243: De Anima, part 3
This is the last bit of Aristotle's De Anima. I think we've finally got it cracked. Sort of.
242: The Frogs, by Aristophanes
In this episode , Thomas walks us through "The Frogs," by Aristophanes. We also make animal noises.
241: Dogma and the Tripartite Soul
In this episode, we revamp an old episode and discuss dogma. Typing with only my left hand is hard.
240: De Anima 2
In this episode, we discuss Aristotle's definition of a soul. Only one more book to go and we'll pretty much have the soul solved.
239: Hermeneutics
In this episode, Graeme walks us through Bible reading strategies. My hand is injured. This is short.
238: De Anima 1: A Number that Moves Itself
In this episode (recorded live at Paideia!), we discuss book one of Aristotle's "On the Soul," where he dismantles all the other theories about what a soul is before he provides his answer in book two.
237: War of the Roses 8: The King of Bling
Donaldson regales us with tales of Edward IV, the "Bro King." He loves the ladies. He loves the cash. He loves his bros.
236: "The Clouds," by Aristophanes
"The Clouds" is the famous play that helped doom poor Socrates. Thomas leads us through the bawdy ancient comedy. By the way, this episode includes a little content that may not be appropriate for all ages. We did edit a little of it out with some jaunty music in the middle, but if you're listening with small children, you were warned.
235: Human Rights
Human rights are oft trumpeted, but who really knows what they are? Where do they come from? How do they exist? Who gets them? Can I have one?
234: The War of the Roses 7: Everybody Loses Their Lead
In the latest installment of Graeme's historical episodes on the War of the Roses, we have several battles, bloodthirsty children, and beheadings. Add Nicolas Cage and you've got yourself a stew going.
233: Love What Lasts: An Interview with Josh Gibbs
Can you believe Josh came back on the podcast? Neither can we. Thomas and Josh discuss Josh’s newest book (Love What Lasts), music, and Die Hard.
Links discussed in this episode:
To buy a copy of the book: https://circeinstitute.org/product/love-what-lasts/
To sign up for Josh’s summer conference: https://www.gibbsclassical.com/conference
For all things Gibbs: https://www.gibbsclassical.com/
232: The Fed
Graeme explains why the central bank is generally not a scary thing via the historical Knickerbocker Panic. I always thought that's what it's called when you realized you don't have any clean pants for work. Apparently not (Badum-tisssssss).
231: The Plague
In this episode, we discuss a central question in "The Plague" by Camus. Luckily, we avoid the central tenets of existentialism which now apparently raise the hackles of both Graeme AND Thomas. A.J. still likes it, though, and since he's writing this description, he gets to say that the other guys are ninnies, and he's right.
230: The Gold Standard
In this episode, we discuss how the different monetary paradigms have affected history. Turns out, it's kinda hard to make things run if you are just trading shoes back and forth.
229: Thought Experiments
In this episode we discuss a few of the famous thought experiments and their purpose in general. Also, it's totally not the same boat.
228: The Pomposity of ChatGPT
In this episode, we review some common writing errors . . . errors that robots commit. Darn Robits are stealin' our jerbs.
227: The final Kantdown
This is the last of the four part series on Kant's "Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals." While I don't feel like I nailed the first bit, I think we ended in a good place.
226: War of the Roses 6: Wormwood
In this episode, Graeme continues his series on the War of the Roses. The catatonic king finally wakes up, a guy fights the king in order to save him, and Clifford doesn't make an appearance.
225: Festschrift
In this episode, we discuss the collection of essays written in honor of Andrew Kern, "Liber Amicorum."
