The Troubadour Podcast
"It is the honourable characteristic of Poetry that its materials are to be found in every subject which can interest the human mind." William Wordsworth The Troubadour Podcast invites you into a world where art is conversation and conversation is art. The conversations on this show will be with some living people and some dead writers of our past. I aim to make both equally entertaining and educational.In 1798 William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge published Lyrical Ballads, which Wordsworth called an experiment to discover how far the language of everyday conversation is adapted to the purpose of poetic pleasure. With this publication, he set in motion the formal movement called "Romanticism." 220 years later the experiment is continued on this podcast. This podcast seeks to reach those of us who wish to improve our inner world, increase our stores of happiness, and yet not succumb to the mystical or the subjective.Here, in this place of the imagination, you will find many conversation with those humans creating things that interest the human mind.
Latest episodes
Jul 7, 2019 • 1h 8min
SMP #10 THE LUCY POEMS by William Wordsworth
Exploring the context of romantic poetry in Lyrical Ballads, the impact of changing writing styles, and the radical shift in poetic themes. Analyzing the emotional depth of Wordsworth's Lucy poems, focusing on love, death, and nature. Reflecting on the necessity of classical literature in modern times and the essence of poetic creation.
Jul 4, 2019 • 33min
4th of July Special: "The Building of the Ship" by Longfellow
Explore the patriotic and American themes in Longfellow's poem 'The Building of the Ship' as it symbolizes nation-building and unity. Reflect on the democratic foundations of shipbuilding and its parallels to democracy. Follow the craftsmanship and dedication in building the ship, likened to a bride awaiting union with the sea. Delve into reflections on America's founding, Longfellow's vision, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom. Understand building the ship as a metaphor for societal progress, patriotism, and the younger generation's role in shaping a brighter future.
Jun 30, 2019 • 31min
SMP #9 I wandered lonely as a cloud by William Wordsworth
Exploring the transformative power of poetry through a comparison of Keats and Wordsworth's works. Recommendations on poetry resources and the beauty of solitude in nature. Delving into eternal beauty in nature and the power of metaphorical thinking in poetry.
Jun 23, 2019 • 58min
SMP #9 Three Years She Grew in Sun and Shower by William Wordsworth
Exploring William Wordsworth's 'Three Years She Grew in Sun and Shower', the podcast delves into themes of death, nature, and the internal world of humans. The analysis highlights the relationship between man and nature, love, and mythological transformations. Through Wordsworth's poetry, the podcast reflects on aging, loss, joy, and the profound impact of nature's imagery on characters.
Jun 16, 2019 • 52min
SMP #8: "Strange fits of passion I have known" by William Wordsworth.
Exploring intense emotions of love and passion in Wordsworth's poem. Delving into fear and loss in relationships, isolation, and creative process. Analyzing rhythmic patterns in blank verse poetry. Reflecting on moonlit journey to love's embrace. Contemplating mystery of the universe in relation to human experiences.
Jun 9, 2019 • 39min
Sunday Morning Poetry #7: I Travelled Among Unknown Men - Wordsworth
Exploring the emotional depths of Wordsworth's poetry, delving into themes of love and loss. Contrasting Wordsworth with Browning's poetry styles. Analyzing the connections between homesickness, love for England, and introspection in poetry.
Jun 2, 2019 • 55min
Sunday Morning Poetry #6 'She Dwelt Among The Untrodden Ways' - William Wordsworth
Explore the enchanting Lucy poems by Wordsworth, uncovering the connection between poetry, life, and Ayn Rand's philosophy. Delve into the emotional universe of Wordsworth, his profound insight into passion, emotion, and the enigmatic figure of Lucy. Discover the interplay between reality and imagination in art, and the universal appeal of simple lives portrayed in poetry.
May 29, 2019 • 1h 14min
Making Art Personal with Linda Cordair
Linda Cordair from a fine art gallery discusses personal art pieces that can change lives. They showcase over 100 pieces for Objectivist event. Topics include making art personal, exploring romantic realism, tactile art experience, cultural immersions, art selection process, artisan wineries, transformative power of art, short stories, and embracing beauty.
May 26, 2019 • 58min
Sunday Morning Poetry #5: Nutting by William Wordsworth.
Send us a textFor those familiar with Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead, imagine for a moment what Roark's childhood might have been like. He talked a great deal about his love of the material world and, equally, his love of his own ability to transform that material as he saw fit.I believe some of Wordsworth's poetry, particularly Nutting, illustrates a similar view.In this simple poem, a young boy enters an unvisited nook in the woods. After appreciating and reveling in his own power, he suddenly and maniacally tears, rips and sullies the hazel nut bower. In this discussion, I explain the importance of this poem, how it is emblematic of Romanticism and, most importantly, how the essential interest of Wordsworth was the development of consciousness--our faculty of awareness.
May 22, 2019 • 54min
Objectivist Conference 2019 and Art W/Anu Seppala
Send us a textThis year is a very special Objectivist Conference. It's the 50th anniversary of Ayn Rand's The Romantic Manifesto!This work of nonfiction has not had the loud cultural impact of her political and economic work, but I believe it has impacted many artists in very personal ways.More importantly, it has impacted many individuals in helping to bring to life the art around them.This is a conference not to be missed. And I was able to chat with Anu Seppala of the Ayn Rand Institute to discuss the value of art in our lives and the value of OCON 2019.Oh and be prepared for some recommendations on courses, books, articles and plays that will change your whole existence!
