Podcast
Classical Wisdom Speaks
Hosted by Classical Wisdom · EN
A Podcast dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. This podcast is provided by Classical Wisdom, to learn more check out www.classicalwisdom.com
22episodes
Episodes
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The Power of the Bull
1w ago00:47:52Tap to summarizeWhy Did Ancient Civilizations Worship Bulls?From the Minotaur to Taurus, explore how bull symbolism shaped mythology, religion, power, and identity across the ancient world.This episode is for anyone fascinated by ancient mythology, symbolism, religion, and the hidden meanings behind ancient cultures.Author and researcher Stephen Palmer explores the history of bull worship in the ancient world, from prehistoric cave art and fertility rituals to Greek mythology, and the enduring cultural power of the bull. The conversation dives into why bulls became such important symbols of strength, masculinity, divinity, sacrifice, and cosmic order across civilizations.You’ll also discover how ancient myths and symbols still influence modern culture today: from astrology and storytelling to politics, identity, and human psychology.If you’ve ever wondered why the bull appears everywhere in mythology and history, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into one of humanity’s oldest symbols.KEY TOPICS COVERED• Why bulls were worshipped in ancient civilizations • Bull symbolism in Greek mythology and religion • Taurus and the zodiac explained • The Minotaur and Minoan Crete • Bulls as symbols of masculinity, power, and fertility • Ancient rituals, sacrifice, and sacred animals • Mythology, storytelling, and oral cultures • Nature, stars, and symbolic thinking in prehistory • Shamanism and animal spirit symbolism • Why ancient myths still shape modern culture • The psychological power of symbols and stories • What mythology teaches us about human nature TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction & Stephen Palmer01:12 Why the bull became a sacred symbol03:45 Bull worship in prehistory06:18 Bulls in ancient mythology and religion09:52 Taurus and the zodiac explained13:40 The Minotaur and Minoan symbolism18:07 Bulls, kingship, and political power22:31 Fertility rituals and sacred sacrifice27:46 Why ancient cultures relied on symbols31:12 Myth, storytelling, and oral traditions35:25 Shamanism and animal spirit guides40:18 Nature as the source of ancient symbols41:53 Losing our connection with nature42:46 Why studying mythology still matters today43:01 Bull symbolism and modern culture45:20 Why storytelling shapes human identity46:29 The danger of symbols we don’t understand46:54 “Question everything”47:04 Final reflections & closing thoughtsIf you enjoy conversations about ancient mythology, history, symbolism, and philosophy, subscribe for more deep dives into the ancient world.Why do you think the bull became such a powerful symbol across so many civilizations? Let us know in the comments.LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1👉 Guest links: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Taurus-Stephen-Palmer-ebook/dp/B0CTJJGSCGGUESTStephen Palmer is the author of twenty genre novels, ranging from eco-SF through dark fantasy to steampunk. His short stories have been widely published, and he is the author of the book Tangerine Dream In The 1970sHASHTAGS#AncientHistory #GreekMythology #Taurus #Mythology #AncientCivilizations
Transcribe →Should We Teach Philosophy to Children?
2w ago00:25:15Tap to summarizeShould philosophy start in childhood?Discover how philosophy for children can improve critical thinking, empathy, communication, and emotional resilience in the modern world.This episode is for parents, teachers, students, and anyone interested in philosophy, education, psychology, and child development.Dr. Maria Kasmirli explores why philosophy should be introduced to children from an early age—not as abstract academic theory, but as a way of encouraging curiosity, dialogue, reasoning, and deeper thinking. The conversation looks at how philosophical discussion helps children develop confidence, communication skills, empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate disagreement constructively.The episode also examines the growing importance of these skills in an age shaped by social media, polarization, distraction, and shallow conversation. Rather than teaching children what to think, philosophy teaches them how to think: how to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and engage thoughtfully with other people.If you’ve ever wondered whether philosophy belongs in schools, or why critical thinking matters more than ever, this conversation offers a powerful and practical answer.KEY TOPICS COVEREDWhy philosophy should be taught to childrenPhilosophy for Children (P4C) explainedTeaching curiosity, questioning, and critical thinkingHow dialogue improves empathy and communicationPhilosophy and emotional resilienceLearning how to disagree respectfullyConfidence, vulnerability, and intellectual humilityThe role of parents and teachers as role modelsSocial media and the decline of meaningful conversationWhy philosophy matters in modern educationHelping children think independentlyPhilosophy as preparation for citizenship and lifeTIMESTAMPS00:00 Should we teach philosophy to children?00:31 Introduction to Dr. Maria Kasmirli00:51 Why philosophy for children matters01:17 What philosophy for children actually looks like01:51 Questioning, reasoning, and analysis skills02:12 Why children naturally enjoy philosophical thinking03:42 Building confidence through discussion05:11 Philosophy and emotional intelligence07:04 Why disagreement is valuable09:26 The importance of listening and dialogue11:48 Philosophy beyond the classroom14:17 Can philosophy make us better citizens?16:45 Social media, distraction, and modern communication18:56 Intellectual humility and vulnerability20:42 Teaching through example23:16 Why role models matter in education24:27 Final reflectionsIf you enjoy conversations about philosophy, education, psychology, and the big ideas shaping society, subscribe for more episodes exploring timeless questions and modern challenges.Do you think philosophy should be taught in schools from an early age? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Full podcast: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/from-plato-to-the-playground-whyGUESTDr. Maria Kasmirli – Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield specializing in philosophy, education, and Philosophy for Children (P4C). Her work focuses on helping young people develop critical thinking, dialogue, and reflective skills through philosophy.HASHTAGS#Philosophy #Education #CriticalThinking #PhilosophyForChildren #ChildDevelopment
Transcribe →Does Ancient History Have A Future?
3w ago01:18:51Tap to summarizeWhat Is the Future of Ancient History? In this deep, thought-provoking discussion, leading historians and philosophers explore what “ancient history” really means, how it’s taught today, and why it matters more than ever. If you’re interested in history, philosophy, education, or the future of the humanities, this episode will challenge how you think about the ancient world—and your place in it. KEY TOPICS COVERED • What ancient history actually means (and what it doesn’t) • Why it’s not just about Greece and Rome • The global vs. local debate in studying the ancient world • How ancient civilizations shaped modern society • The difference between “ancient history” and “classics” • Why academic institutions teach history the way they do • The decline of classics departments and what it means • How studying the past expands imagination and future possibilities • The importance of comparative history across cultures • The future of history, education, and universities If this changed how you think about history, hit subscribe for more deep conversations.Drop a comment: What does “ancient history” mean to you? LINKS 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1Buy Books by the Guests: 👉 Angie Hobbs’s “Why Plato Matters Now” https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/why-plato-matters-now-9781399403412/👉 Walter Scheidel's “What is Ancient History?” https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691236650/what-is-ancient-history👉 Barry Strauss’ “Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire” https://www.amazon.com/Jews-vs-Rome-Centuries-Rebellion/dp/1668009595GUESTS Walter Scheidel – Stanford professor, historian, and author of What Is Ancient History? Barry Strauss – Historian and bestselling author on ancient Rome and military history Angie Hobbs – Professor of Philosophy and expert on Plato and ancient thought HASHTAGS #AncientHistory #HistoryExplained #Classics #Philosophy #Humanities
Transcribe →The Ancients and the Afterlife: Mythology, Mourning, and Mummies
4w ago01:08:22Tap to summarizeWhat Did Ancient People Believe About Death and the Afterlife?Robert Garland explores how Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, and other ancient cultures understood death, grief, burial, and the afterlife. This episode is for anyone fascinated by ancient history, mythology, religion, and the human experience of death. Classicist Robert Garland discusses how ancient civilizations approached mortality: from Greek ideas of Hades and the afterlife to Egyptian burial practices, reincarnation, grief, cremation, and ritual. Drawing from his book What to Expect When You’re Dead, he reveals how ancient beliefs about death shaped culture, religion, and everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered how the ancient world dealt with life’s biggest mystery, this conversation offers a fascinating and surprisingly human exploration of death across civilizations. KEY TOPICS COVEREDAncient Greek beliefs about the afterlife Homer’s Odyssey and the underworld Egyptian burial rituals and mummification Reincarnation and Pythagoras Greek funeral customs and expressions of grief The Eleusinian Mysteries and salvation beliefs Roman views of death and punishment after death Ancient cremation and burial practices The psychology of grief in the ancient world What ancient cultures can teach us about mortality today.If you enjoy conversations about ancient history, mythology, and philosophy, subscribe for more deep dives into the ancient world. Which ancient belief about death or the afterlife surprised you most? Let us know in the comments. LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1👉 Buy Robert Garland's book "What To Expect When You're Dead": https://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-When-Youre-Dead/dp/0691266174GUEST Robert Garland is the Roy D. and Margaret B. Wooster Professor Emeritus of the Classics at Colgate University. He’s written extensively about ancient life and death in books like The Greek Way of Death, Wandering Greeks, and What to Expect When You're Dead: An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife. #AncientHistory #GreekMythology #Afterlife #RobertGarland #AncientGreece
Transcribe →The Man Who Tried to Save Athenian Democracy
Apr 3000:32:15Tap to summarizeThis episode is for anyone interested in ancient Greece, democracy, political history, and rhetoric, especially if you want to understand how the past connects to modern political challenges. You’ll learn who Demosthenes was, how he rose to power through oratory and persuasion, and why he became known as democracy’s defender during the rise of Macedon under Philip II. This conversation explores the fragility of democracy, the role of speech in politics, and the dangers of misinformation: issues that feel just as urgent today. If you want a deeper understanding of how **ancient political systems worked AND failed** this episode offers powerful insights.KEY IDEAS Who Demosthenes was and why he matters Ancient Athenian democracy explained The rise of Macedon and Philip II Democracy vs monarchy in ancient Greece The power of rhetoric and political persuasion Rivalry between Demosthenes and Aeschines The Battle of Chaeronea and Athens’ defeat How misinformation and emotional speech shaped politicsLessons from ancient democracy for today’s world Why Demosthenes remains a controversial figure TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & James Romm 00:50 Setting the stage: Athens in the 4th century BC 04:08 Rise of political oratory in Athens 05:20 Democracy and the power of speech 08:06 Rise of Philip II and Macedon 10:31 Democracy vs monarchy 12:07 Why Athens was treated differently 14:24 Demosthenes’ early life and speech training 19:08 Political rivals and propaganda 20:19 Fake news and attacks in ancient politics 22:30 Athens decides to fight Macedon 23:29 The Battle of Chaeronea 24:06 Did Demosthenes fail? 25:13 His legacy and historical debate 26:31 What we can learn from ancient democracy 27:05 Misinformation and political chaos 28:03 Trust, leadership, and public decision-making 29:32 Final reflections on democracyIf you’re fascinated by ancient history and its connection to modern politics, subscribe for more deep dives like this. What do you think: was Demosthenes a hero or a misguided idealist? Share your thoughts below. LINKS👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Watch the FULL episode: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/democracys-last-defender 👉 Buy Demosthenes: Democracy's https://www.amazon.com/Demosthenes-Democracys-Defender-Ancient-Lives/dp/0300269382 GUEST James Romm is Professor of Classics at Bard College and acclaimed author of multiple books on ancient Greece, specializing in Greek history, politics, and biography. He will also be speaking at our upcoming LIVE event "Why Myth Matters", as part of an incredible group of prestigious philosophers, preeminent professors and best-selling authors.Learn more and register to join us HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/why-myth-matters-tickets-1988334531107?aff=oddtdtcreator #AncientGreece #Demosthenes #GreekHistory #Democracy #PoliticalHistory
Transcribe →The Misunderstood Myth: Persephone, Hades & Demeter
Apr 2301:19:20Tap to summarizeWhat does the story of Demeter really tell us about loss, power, and the human experience? In this episode, renowned translator and classicist Diane Rayor unpacks the Homeric Hymn to Demeter: one of the most powerful and enduring myths from ancient Greece. Far more than just a story about gods, this hymn explores grief, motherhood, identity, and the fragile balance between life and death. Diane Rayor brings her deep expertise and fresh translation work to the conversation, revealing layers of meaning that are often missed in traditional readings. Together, we explore how this ancient text speaks to universal human emotions, and why it still resonates thousands of years later. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The core story of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and its significance How Demeter’s grief shapes the natural world and human experience The role of Persephone and what her story represents Why this hymn was central to ancient Greek religion and ritual How translation choices affect our understanding of ancient texts What this myth can (and can’t) tell us about life today TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Diane Rayor 01:30 What is the Homeric Hymn to Demeter? 04:10 The story of Demeter and Persephone 08:45 Themes of grief, loss, and motherhood 12:20 The Eleusinian Mysteries and religious context 16:00 Translation choices and interpretation 20:10 Why this myth still matters today If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about ancient texts and their meaning, subscribe for more episodes with leading scholars and translators. What does this myth mean to you? LINKS 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Diane's Translations of the Homeric Hymns: https://www.amazon.com/Homeric-Hymns-Translation-Introduction-Literature/dp/0520282116 👉 Audio Recordings of Sappho: A New Translation of the Complete Works: cambridge.org/sappho 👉 No Reply Press: https://www.noreplypress.com/ Featuring guest Diane Rayor: Diane J. Rayor, Professor Emerita of Classics, Grand Valley State University, Michigan and acclaimed translator known for her accessible and poetic translations of ancient Greek works, including Homer and Sappho. #AncientGreece #GreekMythology #Demeter #Persephone #Classics #DianeRayor
Transcribe →Mary Beard: Why You Should Argue With the Ancients
Apr 1700:27:15Tap to summarizeWhat is the point of studying Classics today? Mary Beard explains why the ancient world still shocks, challenges, and reshapes how we think. Discover how Greek and Roman history can change your perspective, without offering easy answers. In this conversation, renowned classicist Mary Beard explores how ancient Greece and Rome remain deeply relevant today, not as a guidebook for life, but as a way to see modern problems differently. You’ll learn how to approach classical history without intimidation, why “the shock of the old” still matters, and how anyone can join the conversation.If you’ve ever wondered how ancient history connects to today’s world, this episode will change how you think about the past and the present. KEY IDEAS: • Why studying Classics isn’t about finding “answers” • The idea of “The Shock of the Old” and why it still matters • How ancient texts like Medea continue to unsettle us • The danger of over-revering Greek and Roman history • How Classics helps challenge modern “presentism”• Can the ancient world teach us anything useful today? • How to get into Classics without knowing Latin or Greek • Why Classics has no single political agenda • How the past has been used by both left and right movements • Finding wonder (“thauma”) in ancient historyTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Mary Beard & Talking Classics 00:23 Why the Classics still matter 01:24 Why we should revere the ancient world less 02:39 The “shock” of ancient culture (Medea example) 04:48 Wonder and awe in the ancient world 05:44 The Egyptian bread story (first encounter with history) 07:29 Making Classics accessible to everyone 08:43 Do the Greeks and Romans offer life lessons? 10:06 Using Classics to rethink modern problems 11:37 Presentism vs learning from the past 13:22 How to start engaging with Classics 15:04 Podcasts, media, and entry points into history 16:20 Seeing the classical world all around us 19:08 Technology (VR) and experiencing the past 21:05 Is Classics political? 22:25 How different ideologies use ancient history 24:48 Classics and democracy, revolution, and reform 25:38 Who “owns” the past? 26:18 Final thoughts If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe for more deep dives into history and ideas. Learn More! Check out these LINKS 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Watch the full episode: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/mary-beard-why-you-should-argue-with 👉 Mary Beard's "Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old:: https://profilebooks.com/work/talking-classics/What do you think: can the ancient world still teach us something today? Let me know in the comments. GUEST Mary Beard – One of the world’s most influential classicists, Professor Emerita at Cambridge, and bestselling author of SPQR and Twelve Caesars. Known for making ancient history accessible, relevant, and thought-provoking. #Classics #AncientHistory #MaryBeard #GreekHistory #RomanHistory
Transcribe →Rebellions Against Rome: The Jewish Revolts
Apr 900:36:59Tap to summarizeAn age of apocalyptic thinking, a clash of empires, and a legacy that still shapes the world today... Today Anya is joined by Professor Barry Strauss to discuss the Jewish Revolts against the Roman Empire. Discover what fueled these uprisings, and how their dramatic outcome has shaped centuries. Barry Strauss is the Corliss Page Dean Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University as well as the Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor in Humanistic Studies Emeritus at Cornell University, where he is the former Chair of the Department of History as well as Professor of History and Classics. He is the author of many bestselling books, including most recently Jews Vs Rome, which you can buy HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Jews-vs-Rome-Centuries-Rebellion/dp/1668009595 Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/ An extended version of this podcast is available to Members of Classical Wisdom. Become a Member HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 And access the extended version of this episode HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/jews-vs-rome
Transcribe →Natalie Haynes on Medea: Greek Tragedy's Most Shocking Heroine
Apr 200:54:03Tap to summarizeBarbarian, witch, murderer… and mother.Today Anya is joined by author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes to discuss one of Greek mythology’s most famous and dramatic characters, Medea. Discover the complex legends and legacy of Medea, from her daring love story with Jason to its dark aftermath… and how the Greek tragedian Euripides transformed her how her story is told, forever.Natalie Haynes is the author of several acclaimed books about women in Greek mythology, including Divine Might, Stone Blind, and most recently No Friend to This House, her own much-anticipated retelling of the myth of Medea. You can buy a copy HERE: https://www.amazon.com/No-Friend-This-House-Novel/dp/0063258447 Natalie Haynes is an author and comedian as well as a broadcaster for the BBC, and she has written for The Times, The Independent, The Guardian, and The Observer. Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/
Transcribe →The Roman Guide to War
Mar 2600:38:21Tap to summarizeWhat were the secrets of Roman warfare?What is the best way to defeat an enemy… and what does all this have to do with aqueducts?Today Anya is joined by George Thomas to discuss the life of Frontinus, an ancient Roman general and governor of Roman Britain. In particular, they’re looking at Stratagems, his manual for war, which looked to ancient history to distil key lessons in military strategy and leadership. George Thomas, also known by his pen name, Quintus Curtius, is an acclaimed translator of ancient texts, including those by Cicero, Sallust, and Cornelius Nepos.He is an MIT graduate, a former officer in the US Marine Corps, a founding partner of the law firm, Phillips and Thomas.His most recent work is a translation Frontius' Stratagems, of which we speak about today.You can buy it HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Stratagems-Translation-Sextus-Julius-Frontinus/dp/B0FPBTNCY5Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/ An extended version of this podcast is available to Members of Classical Wisdom. Become a Member HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribeAnd access the extended version HERE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/a-forgotten-roman-masterclass-in
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