Campion Conversations

The latest episode of Campion Conversations dives into three of the films in idiosyncratic director Paul Verhoeven's canon: Robocop, Total Recall and Starship Troopers.  Do these shlocky sci-fi action romps really explore themes from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Plato's Republic?  Would You Like To Know More? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Everyone has heard of at least one Greek myth, even if they're not aware of it. Whether it's Perseus slaying the snake-haired Gorgon Medusa or Theseus pursued by the Minotaur in the Labyrinth or Icarus attempting to fly, Greek myths are part of our cultural fabric. But if you want to actually familiarise yourself with these tales of old, where do you start? Classics lecturer Thomas Flynn discusses this question with literature lecturer and host Dr Colin Dray in this episode of Campion Conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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With the recent Star Wars trilogy wrapping up and the release of The Mandalorian, the franchise seems to be getting a makeover under Disney. This episode of  Campion Conversations takes a frank look at Star Wars under Disney's mantle. What did they get wrong? What worked well? Why was there so much angst over the final trilogy and what is the big deal about The Mandalorian? We answer all these questions and more in your latest edition of Campion Conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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What defines Doctor Who? What has shaped its storytelling? And what has its legacy been upon genre narratives and television at large? Dr Colin Dray and Dr Jeremy Bell discuss the franchise that has spanned more than half a century with over a dozen iterations of the title character in this episode of Campion Conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this miniature episode of Campion Conversations, literature lecturer Dr Colin Dray and classics lecturer Thomas Flynn discuss some lesser-known works by the father of modern fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien.These texts are particularly useful for those interested in learning more about the liberal arts (as well as Tolkien fans). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Campion takes on the classic trilogy that many of us grew up watching in this episode of Campion Conversations.Host Dr Colin Dray and co discuss their love for the trilogy and examine it in light of the burgeoning potential of science in the 1980s, while considering other questions like:Is the plot plausible?Does the time-travel timeline hold up?Which film is the strongest of the three? Which is the weakest?We discuss all this and more! Listen and enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The four quirky anti-heroes who starred in one of the most defining television shows of the '90s take centre stage in this episode of Campion Conversations.What is Seinfeld actually about? Is it a show about nothing, as it meta-textually suggests in Season 4? Are the characters simply just high-functioning sociopaths? And does the humour still hold up 20 years on? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Cardinal John Henry Newman died 129 years ago on 11 August 1890. A renowned writer, the (soon-to-be-canonised) prelate wrote numerous books, essays and letters throughout his life both as an Anglican and, later, a Catholic. Perhaps the most famous of these was his autobiographic Apologia. In this episode of Campion Conversations, our lecturers discuss Newman, his defining work and how best to read it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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We looked at Jane Austen's novels, now we discuss the various adaptations. Austen's works have been adapted, re-adapted, modified and caricaturised in countless ways. We dive into these and discuss which ones worked, which didn't and what remain today as the gold standard of Austen book-to-film adaptations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Another miniature episode of suggested books to read before studying at Campion. This episode tackles St Augustine's famous autobiographical work, Confessions. Campion's lecturers discuss this work and the saint behind it in this episode of Campion Conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this episode we dive into one of the best-loved authors in English literature, Jane Austen. Why is she so beloved? What are her standout novels and characters? We discuss this and more in this episode of Campion Conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Classics lecturer Thomas Flynn and podcast host and literature lecturer Dr Colin Dray recommend the best of Livy's works for those interested in learning more about classical literature and the Liberal Arts in this mini episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australia's iconic dystopian action series Mad Max is the theme of this episode of Campion Conversations. Lecturers Thomas Flynn and Colin Dray discuss each film in detail, from the original 1979 classic starring Mel Gibson to 2015's Fury Road. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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LOST is possibly one of the most divisive television shows ever created. From its endless mysteries, strange occurrences and flashbacks, the show remains an endless source of intrigue and frustration to viewers, even nearly a decade after its final episode aired. Dr Colin Dray and Anna Hitchings get stuck into the show they both love and hate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Matrix trilogy is one of the most divisive and discussed series of films ever made. In this episode of Campion Conversations, Drs Luciano Boschiero and Colin Dray unpack the concepts introduced in the first film and discuss the pros and cons of the polarising sequels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Take a dive into your childhood and relive the love you had for classic Japanese animated series from the 80s and 90s like He-Man, Astro Boy and The Mysterious Cities of Gold, with our lecturers Dr Colin Dray and Dr Jeremy Bell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Can video games depict sophisticated narratives, and how do they compare to major motion pictures? How are games evolving in the wake of technological advancements? Find out what we thought in this episode of Campion Conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Dr Colin Dray and Thomas Flynn dive into the original 1982 science fiction thriller Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford. Does it still have relevance today? Does it stand up alongside other science fiction blockbusters? Campion's academics discuss this and more in this episode of Campion Conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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From Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes to Anton Chekhov many works, short story fiction has taken many forms since its rise to popularity in the 18th Century. Campion's academics Thomas Flynn and Colin Dray come together to discuss what makes a short story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shakespeare's The Tempest is the subject of some debate. Is it a comedy? A romance? A revenge play? Campion's literature academics, Dr Colin Dray and Dr Jeremy Bell, unpack this beloved Shakespearean play, thought to be the last he penned solo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Post-apocalyptic fantasy cartoon Adventure Time finished up this year after 283 episodes, aired over eight years. Campion lecturers Colin Dray and Thomas Flynn reflect on this zany and imaginative series in this episode of Campion Conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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James Bond is a silver screen icon, but is there more to him outside the impeccable suits, crisp martinis and attractive young women? Four of Campion's academics come together to discuss this, while dissecting the performances of each actor who has played the titular role. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Disney is in the process of making a swath of live action film remakes of their classic cartoon animations, as well as undergoing a reinvention of sorts in general. To discuss this, literature lecturer and Campion Conversations host Dr Colin Dray is joined by Campion graduate and podcast producer Anna Hitchings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this episode, literature lecturer Dr Colin Dray and history and science lecturer Dr Luciano Boschiero discuss the formation of the Royal Society of London, famously satirised as the Grand Academy of Lagado in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. Listen below. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The third episode of Campion Conversations explores the films created by celebrated Japanese animation director, Hayao Miyazaki. Academics Colin Dray and Thomas Flynn discuss the various Studio Ghibli films created by Miyazaki and what makes each one remarkable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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