A.J., Graeme, and Thomas discuss everything having to do with the classical world. Our aim is to help both educators and laypeople enjoy the classical world as much as they enjoy fine ales and good tales.
A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee
Listeners of Classical Stuff You Should Know that love the show mention: classical education, classic literature, make learning, paradise, intellect, classics, english, introduction, appreciation, teachers, quarantine, routine, students, taught, christian, easy to understand, school, makes me feel, love you guys, what's.
The Classical Stuff You Should Know podcast is a hidden gem that I stumbled upon and I am so grateful that I did. As someone who was homeschooled, I appreciate their emphasis on classical education and the way they make complex topics accessible through their conversational style. The three hosts have a great rapport and their pop culture references add to the enjoyable experience. This podcast has truly expanded my knowledge of classical subjects.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is how the hosts are able to discuss topics that are often seen as unattainable by the average person in an engaging and relatable manner. They make Aristotle, Dante, rhetoric, and the Homeric epics accessible to anyone and everyone. Their ability to break down complex ideas and present them in a conversational manner is commendable. Additionally, their extensive knowledge on classical subjects and their willingness to share it with listeners is admirable.
However, one of the worst aspects of this podcast is that there are times when the hosts may not have a firm grasp on certain political terms or concepts. This can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations of certain ideologies or theories. It would be beneficial for them to research specific topics more thoroughly if they are unsure about them in order to provide accurate information to their listeners.
In conclusion, The Classical Stuff You Should Know podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in classical education or those who simply want to learn more about classical subjects in an accessible way. The hosts' ability to make complex topics relatable and engaging is commendable, and despite some areas of improvement in terms of researching specific topics more thoroughly, this podcast provides valuable knowledge in an enjoyable format. I highly recommend giving it a listen!
In this episode, Graeme tells us of the Narcissism of Raskolnikov. I mean, Graeme tells you, but A.J. had all the ideas (please give him validation).
In this episode, we talk about ants, grasshoppers, scorpions, and a fish named Chris.
Ever feel like reading the diary of a Roman emperor? Boy have I got the book for you.
In this episode, Graeme tells us the story of Emma, a meddler, someone who doesn't know as much as she thinks she does. Join us, listener, as we take a journey with a socialite.
In this episode, A.J. is a grouch and falls in a well, Graeme is lovestruck, and Thomas talks us through Menander's play "Dyskolos."
I would love to give you a summary of the episode, but I prefer not to.
So I MAY have missed that Satan is sometimes called the Lord of the Flies. I see that now. I admit I make mistakes. But hey, at least I caught on to the rest of the biblical imagery.
In this episode, we discuss Paul Kingsnorth's lecture about Christian civilization. Some are for it. Some against it. Settle it with a boxing match? Yes please.
"Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat?"
In this episode, you get a semi-faithful reproduction of the talk AJ did on the Socratic Method. TLDR: just ask questions and try not to be obnoxious.
Ever wonder what Socrates discussed with his buds before he drank the poison? Well, it was the soul. Now you know. You can skip the episode I guess.
Aristotle and Plato have very different approaches to epistemology. In this episode, we discuss the implications of each.
In this episode, we discuss the views of two famous dudes on Death. One is old and makes everyone else overthink everything. The other is young and overthinks everything himself.
In this episode, you'll recall (not learn) how Socrates and Meno try to figure out if Virtue can be taught. You'll remember that it can't.
In this episode, Thomas talks us through the new book by Josh Gibbs: A Parley with Youth. If I remember anything from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, "Parley" means something about booty.
In this episode, we talk about how the American dream will leave you dead in your swimming pool.
Thomas interviews Davies Owens and Keith McCurdy. Davies is the current host of Basecamp Live, and Keith is the founder of Live Sturdy, LLC. Both have various other credentials. Oh heck, just listen to the episode already.
We revisit a book we've done an episode on already. But here's the thing, folks: the book is so dang good, and Graeme walks us through the intricacies of a specific scene in this one. And it's good. Soooooo good. In my humble opinion.
In this episode we play the game of Life, explore notions on education, and interact with each other. But we do these things in a carefully cultivated environment designed to guide our inclinations toward growth and improvement.
Uh, yeah, we're obviously big fans of good ol' Tudor. Just come this way. No cops.
In this episode, the Khan sees his most cherished relationships deteriorate. Anda? Nah. More like dead.
This is the penultimate episode of Graeme's series on the war of the roses. There's only one more. It's the end of an era. I, for one, grieve.
Turns out that a king who is good at war sometimes wins wars. Sometimes that means kids beg for their lives. Sometimes that mean someone gets bludgeoned. BUT WE JUST HAVE TO LET THE KING LIVE HIS LIFE OKAY
In this episode, we see the slow degradation of brotherhood, the lamentable breakdown of relationship. Also in this episode: spine cracking wrestling; young love; beating people up with sticks; and knucklebones, the game!
Where does the Pooh part come from? A swan. That's all the explanation you'll get.
In this episode, I admit that while I, Graeme, have some good points, A.J. is ultimately right. He's convinced me with the gravity of his intellect couched in both wit and charm. What a great guy, that A.J..
In this episode, Thomas walks us through the storied life of Beatrix Potter. We also discuss a bully rabbit.
In this episode, we cover the origins and a chunk of the childhood of Temujin; that's Genghis Khan for all you noobs out there.
Kristin Lavransdatter is a three-volume story by Sigrid Undset. This episode covers volume one. And oh, so much happens. Vows are given. Babies conceived. Fathers hoodwinked. We've got fires. Vagabonds. Poison. Oh, it's good.
This is the first episode of a series on "The Secret History of the Mongols," the primary source for a big chunk of our knowledge about Genghis Khan. This episode lays the groundwork for the actual book.
Graeme continues the saga of the War of the Roses. Let me encourage you to receive the caresses of fortune with mild endurance.
This is an excerpt from Thomas's recent interview with Pastor C. R. Wiley about his book, "In the House of Tom Bombadil." The full interview is on our Patreon! We'll have another new episode next week!
Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" is better than you might think. Just as depressing, but probably better. Also, I feel bad for calling Graeme out on "Aprehensious."
Graeme is back with everybody's favorite historical saga. This time featuring: bro king, a secret marriage, and angry advisors.
In this episode, we discuss how using the right verbs can elevate your writing. It is something useful. You should be a person who uses active verbs. They are great things.
This is the last bit of Aristotle's De Anima. I think we've finally got it cracked. Sort of.
In this episode , Thomas walks us through "The Frogs," by Aristophanes. We also make animal noises.
In this episode, we revamp an old episode and discuss dogma. Typing with only my left hand is hard.
In this episode, we discuss Aristotle's definition of a soul. Only one more book to go and we'll pretty much have the soul solved.
In this episode, Graeme walks us through Bible reading strategies. My hand is injured. This is short.
In this episode (recorded live at Paideia!), we discuss book one of Aristotle's "On the Soul," where he dismantles all the other theories about what a soul is before he provides his answer in book two.
Donaldson regales us with tales of Edward IV, the "Bro King." He loves the ladies. He loves the cash. He loves his bros.
"The Clouds" is the famous play that helped doom poor Socrates. Thomas leads us through the bawdy ancient comedy. By the way, this episode includes a little content that may not be appropriate for all ages. We did edit a little of it out with some jaunty music in the middle, but if you're listening with small children, you were warned.
Human rights are oft trumpeted, but who really knows what they are? Where do they come from? How do they exist? Who gets them? Can I have one?
In the latest installment of Graeme's historical episodes on the War of the Roses, we have several battles, bloodthirsty children, and beheadings. Add Nicolas Cage and you've got yourself a stew going.
Can you believe Josh came back on the podcast? Neither can we. Thomas and Josh discuss Josh's newest book (Love What Lasts), music, and Die Hard. Links discussed in this episode: To buy a copy of the book: https://circeinstitute.org/product/love-what-lasts/ To sign up for Josh's summer conference: https://www.gibbsclassical.com/conference For all things Gibbs: https://www.gibbsclassical.com/
Graeme explains why the central bank is generally not a scary thing via the historical Knickerbocker Panic. I always thought that's what it's called when you realized you don't have any clean pants for work. Apparently not (Badum-tisssssss).
In this episode, we discuss a central question in "The Plague" by Camus. Luckily, we avoid the central tenets of existentialism which now apparently raise the hackles of both Graeme AND Thomas. A.J. still likes it, though, and since he's writing this description, he gets to say that the other guys are ninnies, and he's right.
In this episode, we discuss how the different monetary paradigms have affected history. Turns out, it's kinda hard to make things run if you are just trading shoes back and forth.
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