
Cost of Glory
The most influential biographies ever written, admired by leaders, creators, soldiers, and thinkers for nearly 2,000 years: Plutarch’s Parallel lives. Essential listening for anyone striving after greatness. Alex Petkas, former professor of ancient philosophy and history, revives and dramatically retells these unforgettable stories for modern audiences. The subjects are statesmen, generals, orators, and founders; pious and profane, stoics and hedonists. The stakes bear on the future of Western civilization. The cost of glory is always great. Visit costofglory.com to find out more.
Latest episodes

7 snips
Mar 15, 2023 • 47min
57 - Xenophon: Anabasis IV
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Xenophon's Anabasis 4: The best parts of all, with analysis for action.In this Episode:-How to cross a guarded river-The mindset of people who push through massive stress and pain-Distinguishing yourself as middle management-The Sea, The Sea-Lawrence of Arabia, Xenophon admirer-Psychedelic Bees

Mar 8, 2023 • 32min
56 - CoG in Conversation - w/ Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the World
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Apply for the Rome Retreat: https://ancientlifecoach.com/retreatAnnouncing a new partnership!Alex gets interviewed by Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the WorldIn this episode: -What's in store-What Alex is listening to-Why Cost of Glory exists-Why biography is energizing-What the greats, ancient and modern, have in common-The true meaning of Zeal

6 snips
Mar 1, 2023 • 56min
55 - Xenophon, Anabasis III
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Xenophon's Anabasis Book 3 - The best highlights, the Power Highlights. For Power Listeners.In this Episode:-The power of public speaking-What Socrates told Xenophon before he left-Xenophon's inner monologue in GREEK-Motivating your managers-Finding resources you didn't know you had-Lost cities of Mesopotamia-Goat and donkey balloons-The Original Kurds?Amazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!)David Allen, Getting Things Donehttps://amzn.to/3kIRpoHJocko's Extreme Ownership:https://amzn.to/3SCmnLXLandmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://amzn.to/3HLGAegOld Penguin Anabasis:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegLoeb Edition:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegKey CharactersXenophonProxenus (+)CheirisophusMithradatesSome Hater from BoeotiaA Rhodian Balloon smithThe CarduchiansPlaces: NimrudNineveh (Mosul)Tigris River

8 snips
Feb 15, 2023 • 54min
54 - Xenophon, Anabasis II
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 2. Featuring:-Deciding who won a battle-How to deceive the wise-The noble and the base among Greek leaders-The hazards of date palm wineAmazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!)Landmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://amzn.to/3HLGAegOld Penguin Anabasis:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegLoeb Edition:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegCharactersCyrus The Younger (RIP)AriaeusPhalinus of PersiaCtesias of CnidosClearchus of Laconia/SpartaXenophon of AthensProxenus of Thebes/BoeotiaMenon of ThessalyTissaphernesAtaxerxes, King of Kings

7 snips
Feb 1, 2023 • 45min
53 - Xenophon, Anabasis I - Power Highlights
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 1. Featuring:-How to get people to take real risks on your behalf-How ancient army logistics worked-Love affairs with foreign queens-Hunting the Ostrich-Qualities of good leaders, in Xenophon's opinionAmazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!)Landmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://amzn.to/3HLGAegOld Penguin Anabasis:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegLoeb Edition:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegKey People:Prince CyrusKing ArtaxerxesTissaphernes (satrap)Epyaxa (Queen of Cilicia)XenophonClearchusTissaphernessacred fishbustardswild assesostrichesKey PlacesCiliciaTarsusCunaxa (Battle of)Euphrates RiverPhrygiaLydiaThrace

Jan 17, 2023 • 19min
52 - When it Clicks that You can Do This
Xenophon, a renowned writer and leader, reflects on a puzzling dream and the lack of preparation among his comrades. He rallies the troops and becomes the leader of 10,000 Greek soldiers, emphasizing the importance of great leaders facing adversity and embracing leadership.

Dec 21, 2022 • 14min
51 - Win like the Santa of Power (Christmas Special)
Dive into the inspiring life of Saint Basil of Caesarea, a lesser-known Christmas figure who symbolizes perseverance and generosity. Discover how he transformed from a promising secular leader to a champion of Nicene theology, leaving a powerful legacy in Christian doctrine. The reflections on his gift-giving philosophy reveal essential lessons in leadership and charity that resonate during the festive season. Embrace the spirit of Christmas by learning from his remarkable journey!

Dec 7, 2022 • 13min
50 - How to Botch a Conspiracy
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.A Spartan story about a conspiracy. Whether it's a hostile corporate takeover, a plot to overthrow a president, or a school board coup, how do you make sure your conspiracy doesn't fail? Learn this lesson or be sorry later. Also featuring commentary from Aristotle's Politics.

Nov 16, 2022 • 12min
49 - Prosper and Succeed with Spartan Realpietik
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.How do you buy yourself some time when you can't afford to tell people the reason why? A strategy used by a Spartan commander, Dercylidas. Brought to you by the Greek philosopher-historian-warrior Xenophon.

7 snips
Nov 2, 2022 • 29min
48 - Comparison: Lysander and Sulla
CoG in Greece - costofglory.com/retreat to apply.How should we look at the lives of “problematic” great figures? Join us as we join the ancient philosopher Plutarch, in sizing up two incredible men of action. Who wins? Shout out to sources and inspirations: Ancient: Plutarch, life of SullaPlutarch, life of MariusPlutarch, life of SertoriusPlutarch, life of PompeyPlutarch, life of LucullusAppian, Civil WarsAppian, Mithridatic WarsCicero, pro Sexto RoscioSallust, Jugurtha Secondary:Arthur Keaveney (R.I.P.), Sulla, The Last RepublicanTheodor Mommsen, History of RomeGareth Sampson, Collapse of RomeCatherine Steel, The End of the Roman Republic; “Sulla the Orator”Adrienne Mayor, The Poison King
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