Classical Stuff You Should Know

Ever feel like reading the diary of a Roman emperor? Boy have I got the book for you.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

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."

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

I would love to give you a summary of the episode, but I prefer not to.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

"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?"

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

Aristotle and Plato have very different approaches to epistemology. In this episode, we discuss the implications of each.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2024

In this episode, we talk about how the American dream will leave you dead in your swimming pool.

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2024

Uh, yeah, we're obviously big fans of good ol' Tudor. Just come this way. No cops.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024

In this episode, the Khan sees his most cherished relationships deteriorate. Anda? Nah. More like dead.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2024

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!

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2024

Where does the Pooh part come from? A swan. That's all the explanation you'll get.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2024

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..

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2024

In this episode, Thomas walks us through the storied life of Beatrix Potter. We also discuss a bully rabbit.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2024

Graeme continues the saga of the War of the Roses. Let me encourage you to receive the caresses of fortune with mild endurance.

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2023

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!

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2023

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."

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2023

Graeme is back with everybody's favorite historical saga. This time featuring: bro king, a secret marriage, and angry advisors.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2023

Aristophanes is a hoot. GET IT!? A HOOT.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2023

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023

This is the last bit of Aristotle's De Anima. I think we've finally got it cracked. Sort of.

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2023

In this episode , Thomas walks us through "The Frogs," by Aristophanes. We also make animal noises.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2023

In this episode, we revamp an old episode and discuss dogma. Typing with only my left hand is hard.

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2023

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2023

In this episode, Graeme walks us through Bible reading strategies. My hand is injured. This is short.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2023

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2023

Donaldson regales us with tales of Edward IV, the "Bro King." He loves the ladies. He loves the cash. He loves his bros.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2023

"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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2023

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?

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2023

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2023

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/

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2023

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).

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2023

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2023

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2023

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2023