
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

10 snips
Apr 4, 2023 • 1h 26min
59 - Agesilaus II: The Spartan Supremacy
Sparta's greatest king, from his grandest moments, to his most challenging setbacks. 394-371 BC.In this episode:-Isolating your enemies-Working through intermediaries-The power of culture-Democracy vs. Oligarchy-personal integrity vs state integrityThanks to our Sponsor, Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/register-greek/Here's a nice map of ancient Greece Places: Thebes Corinth Athens (in Attica) Argos Sparta/Lacedaemon (in Laconia) AcrocorinthPeloponnese Cadmeia Olynthus Piraeus (Port city of Athens) ElisArcadiaMantinea Olympia Thespiae (in Boeotia) Plataea (in Boeotia) Leuctra (in Boeotia) People: Agesilaus Xenophon Antalcidas (of Sparta) Cynisca (of Sparta) Leontiades (of Thebes) Ismenias (of Thebes) Phoebidas - Spartan Commander Agesipolis - King of Sparta Pelopidas (of Thebes) Epaminondas (of Thebes) Sphodrias - Spartan Commander Cleonymus - son of Sphodrias Archidamus - son of Agesilaus Cleombrotus - King of Sparta

17 snips
Mar 28, 2023 • 1h 28min
58 - Agesilaus I: Persian Expedition
The story of Sparta's greatest king. Sponsors: -The Excellent How To Take Over The World Podcast; -Ancient Life Coach Rome Retreat In This Episode:-Inspiration from a rough childhood-The Spartan youth training system-The Spartan art of consensus building-The Iliadic vision of a Panhellenic King-Getting enemies to finance your war effort-War and Friendship among Greeks and PersiansPeople:AgesilausPompeyKing Archidamus (of Sparta)King Agis (of Sparta)King Leonidas (of Sparta)LysanderAlcibiadesPrince CyrusKing Artaxerxes (of Persia)Xenophon of AthensTissaphernesPlaces:Sparta Peloponnese (Peloponnesus)Athens Mt TaygetosMantineiaThebes (in Boeotia)Aulis (in Boeotia)BoeotiaAsia (Minor) Ephesus Lydia Sardis Phrygia CorinthArgosHaliartus (in Boeotia)HellespontThermopylae Orchomenus (in Boeotia)Cnidus (Knidos)Coroneia (in Boeotia)

7 snips
Mar 15, 2023 • 45min
57 - Xenophon: Anabasis IV
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 • 30min
56 - CoG in Conversation - w/ Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the World
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

7 snips
Mar 1, 2023 • 54min
55 - Xenophon, Anabasis III
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

9 snips
Feb 15, 2023 • 52min
54 - Xenophon, Anabasis II
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

18 snips
Feb 1, 2023 • 43min
53 - Xenophon, Anabasis I - Power Highlights
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 • 17min
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 • 12min
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 • 11min
50 - How to Botch a Conspiracy
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.