

Classical Stuff You Should Know
A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

7 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 58min
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.

Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 6min
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.

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 9min
265: The Great Gatsby
Delve into the moral complexities of wealth and the emotional detachment in 'The Great Gatsby'. Explore the turbulent dynamics of love and illusion in a revealing tea gathering. Discover the allure and decay of the Roaring Twenties, where characters reflect disillusionment amidst opulence. Unpack the chaos in relationships marked by betrayal and tragedy, leading to a gripping confrontation. Finally, witness Gatsby's obsessive reunion with Daisy, highlighting the hollowness of dreams against the stark reality of their desires.

Aug 9, 2024 • 36min
264: An interview with Davies Owens and Keith McCurdy
Davies Owens, host of Basecamp Live, and Keith McCurdy, founder of Live Sturdy, LLC, dive into the world of classical education and parenting. They share insights from the Pidea conference, highlighting the importance of community in navigating modern challenges. The duo discusses the significance of resilience in child-rearing, emphasizing character development over fleeting happiness. They also address the evolving role of parents in education, the need for school-home collaboration, and introduce ZipCast as a resource for practical parenting insights.

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 4min
263: The Ballad of the White Horse and Some Dudes Who Sing
Graeme, an insightful commentator on literature, dives into the depth of GK Chesterton's poem 'The Ballad of the White Horse.' He intricately analyzes themes like the clash between traditional values and modern philosophies against the backdrop of Viking invasions. The discussion spans youthful exuberance in hip hop culture, the philosophical exploration of sadness, and the complexities of identity as characters grapple with their faith amid chaos. It's a rich journey through history and emotion, revealing how literature reflects our struggles with meaning.

Jul 9, 2024 • 57min
262: The Wrath of Khan
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 3min
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.