Ada Palmer, Renaissance historian and author of Terra Ignota series, discusses living in the Renaissance vs. Middle Ages, the underrated importance of clutter as historical records, analysis of the Spanish Inquisition, the Renaissance's emphasis on luxury fashion, and the Renaissance world's encounter with the ideas of Epicureanism.

In a captivating discussion, historian and sci-fi author Ada Palmer explores how speculative fiction can inspire governance and societal progress. She argues that our ability to imagine radically different futures empowers us to demand change. Ada highlights the power of pluralism as a solution to centralized governance and emphasizes learning from historical public health successes like malaria eradication. She also underscores the necessity of balancing good and bad news to combat despair, advocating for resilience and creative education for a better future.

Ada Palmer, a novelist, composer, and historian of ideas, takes listeners on an enlightening journey through the Renaissance. She challenges the notion of this period as a mere 'golden age,' exploring its dark undercurrents and societal struggles. From the rise of the Medici to the paradoxical advances in medicine amid rampant mortality, Palmer reveals riveting stories of power, loyalty, and sacrifice. She also discusses how her historical research informs her speculative fiction, blending captivating tales with the complex realities of history.

Guests Ada Palmer and Carolyne Larrington discuss the impact of Norse mythology on modern fantasy, the misinterpretation of Norse myths, the portrayal of Thor in pop culture, and the relevance of Viking values in our world. They also explore the depiction of Norse mythology in films and the reflection of fragility in ancient stories.

In this engaging discussion, Ada Palmer, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Chicago and noted novelist, dismantles the popular myths surrounding the Renaissance. She argues that the era was not a golden age but a complex period fraught with conflict and nostalgia for a lost Roman Empire. Palmer critiques how later historians shaped a romanticized view, revealing the diverse and fragile lives of Renaissance figures. The talk also touches on themes of nationalism and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in re-evaluating historical narratives.