
Classical Stuff You Should Know
A.J., Graeme, and Thomas discuss everything having to do with the classical world. Our aim is to help both educators and laypeople enjoy the classical world as much as they enjoy fine ales and good tales.
Latest episodes

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 2min
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.

Mar 11, 2025 • 58min
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."

12 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 4min
275: Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener"
Dive into the intriguing life of Herman Melville and the origins of 'Bartleby the Scrivener.' Discover how Melville's whaling adventures shaped his literary voice and relationships. Explore the rise of 19th-century psychological novels and their cultural impacts. Uncover the complexities of office dynamics through characters like Turkey and Bartleby, reflecting on themes of isolation and passive resistance. The podcast presents a humorous yet insightful look into Melville's struggles and the enigma of human existence.

Feb 11, 2025 • 56min
274: The Lord of the Flies
The discussion kicks off with amusing insights into classical education before diving into the dark themes of survival and societal collapse in a classic literary work. The hosts critically analyze the boys' descent into savagery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining societal norms. They explore leadership dynamics, contrasting the responsibility of one leader with the chaos unleashed by another. Additionally, parallels are drawn between historical cult behavior and the breakdown of order, ultimately reflecting on humanity's innate darkness and the fragile balance of civilization.

21 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 59min
273: Against Christian Civilization
Delve into a provocative lecture by Paul Kingsnorth on the implications of Christian civilization. Discover the journey from atheism to exploring spiritual beliefs and its relevance today. Engage in discussions about the historical decline of civilizations and the role of Christianity in countering moral decay. Reflect on the tension between spiritual integrity and worldly power, emphasizing community's vital role in nurturing faith. Finally, explore how localized Christian engagement can prepare future generations in tackling modern challenges.

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
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?"

5 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 59min
271: The Socratic Method
Discover the intricacies of the Socratic Method, a powerful approach to learning that prioritizes questions over answers. The hosts tackle common misconceptions and share personal stories that illustrate its impact in education. They explore the emotional nuances teachers face when challenging students while balancing support and rigor. Moral relativism is examined, along with its effects on understanding truth. Finally, enjoy a discussion on blending traditional lectures with interactive dialogues to create a robust learning environment.

35 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 55min
270: Phaedo
Discover the profound thoughts of Socrates in his last moments, where he reflects humorously on death and the nature of existence. Dive into the relationship between courage and fear, questioning the essence of bravery. Explore whimsical ideas of reincarnation as one imagines life as different animals, adding a touch of delight to profound themes. Unravel philosophical discussions on the soul's immortality, comparing it to musical harmony. The episode navigates ancient wisdom while showcasing its relevance to contemporary beliefs.

11 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 1min
269: Plato v. Aristotle
Dive into the lively debate between Plato and Aristotle! They explore their contrasting views on knowledge and reality, with Plato dreaming of higher realms and Aristotle grounding us in the tangible world. Their philosophies even extend to sports, examining how theoretical ideals clash with practical applications. Join in as they traverse personal anecdotes of travel mishaps in Rome, and reflect on how cultural approaches influence learning and coaching styles. A playful yet profound discourse on ancient philosophies and their modern implications!

Oct 8, 2024 • 60min
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.
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