Send us a text*Talk given at Third Thursday in Austin.In this in-depth lecture, we examine the timeless wisdom in Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote and Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. Learn how literary heroes—and antiheroes—can help us stay grounded while pursuing lofty ambitions. We’ll discuss Peter Keating, Howard Roark, and Don Quixote as models for introspection, exploring how to balance big dreams with real-world constraints.

Send us a textJoin us for a thought-provoking discussion on Ayn Rand's The Romantic Manifesto and the profound role of art in human life.In this group conversation, we explore key ideas from Rand's groundbreaking work, including:The purpose of art and how it shapes our consciousnessWhy literature, movies, and other art forms resonate differently with each individualThe role of empathy, judgment, and self-discovery in experiencing artWe also discuss how Rand’s ideas on art relate to personal values, self-reflection, and understanding the world around us. Whether you're an Objectivist, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the connection between philosophy and creativity, this discussion offers unique insights and perspectives.Key topics covered include:What makes art essential to human lifeThe concept of “sense of life” and its reflection in artistic expressionWhy introspection through art is crucial to personal growthWe’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favorite works of art or your take on Rand’s philosophy in the comments below.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the conversation for more explorations of art, literature, and philosophy.

Send us a textRead Don Quixote with me and a community of readers by joining the Literary Canon Club https://www.troubadour.studio/reading... In this video, we explore the famous (and surprisingly humorous) book-burning scene in Don Quixote—and how Miguel de Cervantes used satire to critique censorship, champion storytelling, and essentially invent the modern novel. Discover how Don Quixote’s clash between medieval ideals and the realities of a sprawling empire remains relevant in our own time of book bans and cultural shifts. Join me in uncovering the timeless lessons of this literary masterpiece!Topics Covered:The hilarious yet thought-provoking “book-burning” sceneCervantes’ life and disillusionment with chivalric idealsThe birth of the modern novel formWhy Don Quixote still matters in our era of censorshipHow stories shape personal identity and cultural valuesSubscribe for more discussions on classic literature, modern insights, and the power of great storytelling.

Send us a textJoin host Kirk Barbera and Denver filmmaker Rob Shearer as they explore how Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote still resonates in today’s film and media landscape. From the balance between imagination and reality to the impact of AI on creativity, this lively conversation weaves together classic literature, modern media trends, and the art of storytelling.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Troubadour Show, host Kirk Barbera welcomes teacher, literature coach, and art educator Luc Travers to explore Homer’s Iliad—the ancient Greek epic that helped shape Western civilization. Discover why The Iliad remains timeless: from Achilles’ legendary rage and Hector’s humanizing struggles, to the eternal questions of honor, glory, and empathy. Kirk and Luc dive deep into the epic’s most poignant moments, revealing how its lessons on life and death still resonate with readers today.Join Kirk’s Literary Canon Club:https://www.troubadour.studio/literary-canon-club(A vibrant community dedicated to reading and discussing the greatest works of literature.)Connect with Luc Travers:Website: LiteratureAtOurHouse.comArt Book: Touching the Art – A unique guide to understanding and appreciating paintings and sculpture.

Send us a textJoin me on a journey that blends literary analysis with interactive history! In this video, I use the immersive world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey as a backdrop to re-experience John Keats’s famous Romantic poem, “Ode on a Grecian Urn.” By imagining the vibrant art and culture of ancient Greece—just as the game brings it to life—we’ll uncover the poem’s timeless themes, from eternal youth and beauty to the nature of truth and art. Whether you’re a fan of classical literature, historical games, or simply curious about how these worlds connect, this guided exploration will give you a richer understanding of Keats’s masterpiece.

Send us a textJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Professor Tara Smith, a University of Texas philosopher and an expert on Ayn Rand’s Objectivism, as we delve deep into the First Amendment and the imperative of intellectual freedom.You can buy Tara's book, which includes essays and contributions by Onkar Ghate, Greg Salmieri, and Elan. Journo https://a.co/d/hG4VZqKTara Smith is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. Specializing in moral, legal, and political philosophy, she is a prominent scholar on Ayn Rand’s Objectivism. Her latest book, The First Amendment: Essays on the Imperative of Intellectual Freedom, explores the critical importance of free speech and intellectual freedom in today’s society.

Send us a text"I Saw a Man This Morning" is more than just a poem; it’s a profound reflection on war, mortality, and the enduring power of the Western canon. Written by WWI soldier and poet Patrick Shaw-Stewart, this haunting piece draws a poignant parallel between the trench warfare of the 20th century and the heroism of Homer’s Achilles. In this episode, we explore the depth of Shaw-Stewart’s poem, its historical context, and its connection to The Iliad.Join me as I read and analyze the poem, uncovering its layered meanings and how it captures the senseless tragedy of WWI. We’ll delve into the life of Shaw-Stewart, a classically trained British soldier who fought in the brutal Gallipoli campaign, and the timeless themes he draws from Achilles’ flame-capped shout in Homer’s epic. I’ll also read a passage from my modern English verse translation of The Iliad, bringing to life the moment Achilles returns to battle to inspire his troops.By the end of this episode, you’ll not only gain a deeper appreciation for this lesser-known WWI poem but also see how the study of the Western literary canon continues to offer profound insights into human history and experience.Key Topics:Patrick Shaw-Stewart’s life and literary educationThe historical backdrop of WWI and the Gallipoli campaignThe influence of The Iliad on Shaw-Stewart’s poetryA reading and analysis of “I Saw a Man This Morning”A modern verse translation of Achilles’ return to battle in Book 18 of The IliadWhether you're a lover of poetry, a student of history, or a fan of the classics, this episode invites you to reflect on the enduring power of literature in shaping how we understand the past—and ourselves. Tune in now and let’s journey from the trenches of WWI to the fields of ancient Troy.

Send us a textRyan Pazicki joins us to reimagine the future of Austin, Texas as a leading urban center. What if Austin could surpass New York and Los Angeles? We explore this ambitious vision, focusing on the influx of Californians and New Yorkers and the sentiment of "Don't California, my Texas." We delve into how fostering human connection, commerce, education, and culture is essential for Austin's growth, highlighting exciting upcoming developments like new universities and cultural institutions.We shift gears to discuss how Austin can build a more connected and vibrant urban environment. Emphasizing vertical growth over horizontal expansion, we unravel the importance of urban connectivity, robust arts scenes, and cultural activities that cities uniquely offer. We address the balance between personal transportation preferences and broader urban planning needs, advocating for fewer land use restrictions and improved road infrastructure. The potential of the Austin-San Antonio corridor to become a super-connected metroplex with high-speed transportation also takes center stage.Our conversation ventures into the cultural contrasts between urban and rural values, drawing historical parallels and reflecting on the significance of spontaneous social interactions. We discuss how zoning laws and political ideologies shape urban growth, highlighting successful redevelopment projects like the Mueller Airport. We conclude by emphasizing the role of local activism in fostering thriving communities and the profound impact of architecture on society. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how intentional urban development can create diverse, vibrant, and connected cities.

Send us a textCan artificial intelligence truly replicate human consciousness and creativity? Join us on the Troubadour channel as we sit down with Peter Voss, a trailblazer in the field of artificial intelligence, to explore this profound question. Peter takes us through his captivating journey from electronics engineering to becoming a key figure in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), revealing the crucial lessons learned from the early days of AI research. We dissect the nuances between narrow AI and AGI, shedding light on the formidable challenges AI pioneers faced and the visionary potential of AGI to transform industries and human life.We uncover the current limitations of AI and the tantalizing prospects for AGI. From the impressive yet constrained capabilities of large language models like ChatGPT to the dream of AGI with human-like autonomy and learning, Peter offers a candid assessment of where we stand and where we could go. Imagine AGI not just as a tool, but as an entity capable of revolutionizing fields such as biomedical research and space travel, driving progress with reasoning and efficiency that surpass human limits. We also ponder the implications of AGI on employment, governance, and the very nature of human creativity and consciousness.Finally, we envision a future where AGI might create art akin to human geniuses and foster human flourishing on an unprecedented scale. Peter shares his company's ambitious goal of achieving AGI within five years, emphasizing the critical role of cognitive science. We conclude with a creative twist, discussing AGI's potential to compose poetry in the style of Wordsworth. With Peter's insights and a hopeful outlook, this episode is a deep dive into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that promises to leave you both informed and inspired about the future of AI.