Classical Stuff You Should Know
Episodes
291: J.R.R. Tolkien's "Letters from Father Christmas"
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Apparently Tolkien is a fabulous illustrator. Who knew? I've seriously looked up prints, and they are weirdly hard to find . . . but enchanting. Oh, t...
290: Civil Disobedience by David Henry Thoreau
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we learn how to---as Graeme would say---RIP THE SYSTEM. Well, at least until an aunt bails us out.
289: John Bunyan and Babe le bœuf bleu
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about allegory and cattle. Oh, and Pilgrim's Progress
288: Macbeth Inverted
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Graeme talks us through a framework in which we can experience Macbeth (you know, that Scottish play). Turns out that when you kill a...
287: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever heard of the headless horseman? Did you know he was a Hessian Soldier? Do you know where the Jack-o-lantern comes from? FIND OUT IN THIS SPOOOOOO...
286: Prince Darling
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Faeries. Stay away from them or you'll have your finger pricked all to heck.
285: The Democratic Man: Plato's Republic Revisited
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Graeme discusses the degradation of man as a reflection of the degradation of the state suggested in Plato's Republic, Book VIII. App...
284: Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this (far too long) episode, we play a quiz show with a cake as a prize. Because really, that's what every war is about: cake.
283: Beauty and the Beast
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas continues his series on children's books with the (an?) original Beauty and the Beast tale. It's pretty lovely. Is it bad if I want to be Thoma...
282: Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Jane Austen's "Sense & Sensibility," along with a bunch of doofy males. I mean we discuss them, we don't podcast with them...
281: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Evil deeds? Never. I would never do that. I mean, somebody else might. But I never would. Trample a child? Nah. Nope. Not me.
280: Raskolnikov and Narcissism
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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).
279: Aesop's Fables
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about ants, grasshoppers, scorpions, and a fish named Chris.
278: Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations"
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel like reading the diary of a Roman emperor? Boy have I got the book for you.
277: "Emma," by Jane Austen
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
276: Dyskolos (my favorite DJ)
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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."
275: Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener"
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I would love to give you a summary of the episode, but I prefer not to.
274: The Lord of the Flies
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
273: Against Christian Civilization
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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? Y...
272: Sir Thomas More
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"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?"
271: The Socratic Method
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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.
270: Phaedo
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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.
269: Plato v. Aristotle
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aristotle and Plato have very different approaches to epistemology. In this episode, we discuss the implications of each.
268: Hamlet and Socrates and Death
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ov...
267: Plato's Dialogues: Meno
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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.
266: A Parley with Youth
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 mov...
265: The Great Gatsby
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about how the American dream will leave you dead in your swimming pool.
264: An interview with Davies Owens and Keith McCurdy
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
263: The Ballad of the White Horse and Some Dudes Who Sing
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
262: The Wrath of Khan
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!
261: Montessori
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
260: The Plantagenets 13: A Fairytale
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Uh, yeah, we're obviously big fans of good ol' Tudor. Just come this way. No cops.
259: Genghis Khan 4: Anda Undone!
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the Khan sees his most cherished relationships deteriorate. Anda? Nah. More like dead.
258: Plantagenets 12: Three Kings in Three Months
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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.
257: Plantagenets 11: Bleeding to Death from a Broken Heart
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 bludgeon...
256: Genghis Khan 3: Loki and the Frat Battle
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we see the slow degradation of brotherhood, the lamentable breakdown of relationship. Also in this episode: spine cracking wrestling;...
255: Winnie the Pooh
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Where does the Pooh part come from? A swan. That's all the explanation you'll get.
254: Kristin Lavransdatter 2: "I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL"
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 co...
253: Beatrix Potter
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Thomas walks us through the storied life of Beatrix Potter. We also discuss a bully rabbit.
252: Genghis Khan 2: The Coat Khan and a Wife Named Borte
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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.
251: Kristin Lavransdatter 1
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kristin Lavransdatter is a three-volume story by Sigrid Undset. This episode covers volume one. And oh, so much happens. Vows are given. Babies concei...
250: Genghis Khan 1
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
249: War of the Roses 10:
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Graeme continues the saga of the War of the Roses. Let me encourage you to receive the caresses of fortune with mild endurance.
248: An interview with Pastor C. R. Wiley about his book, "In the House of Tom Bombadil"
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
247: Heart of Darkness
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
246: The War of the Roses 9: A Secret Marriage
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Graeme is back with everybody's favorite historical saga. This time featuring: bro king, a secret marriage, and angry advisors.
245: The Birds, by Aristophanes
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Aristophanes is a hoot. GET IT!? A HOOT.
244: Verbs
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
243: De Anima, part 3
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last bit of Aristotle's De Anima. I think we've finally got it cracked. Sort of.
242: The Frogs, by Aristophanes
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode , Thomas walks us through "The Frogs," by Aristophanes. We also make animal noises.
241: Dogma and the Tripartite Soul
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we revamp an old episode and discuss dogma. Typing with only my left hand is hard.
240: De Anima 2
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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.
239: Hermeneutics
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Graeme walks us through Bible reading strategies. My hand is injured. This is short.
238: De Anima 1: A Number that Moves Itself
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
237: War of the Roses 8: The King of Bling
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Donaldson regales us with tales of Edward IV, the "Bro King." He loves the ladies. He loves the cash. He loves his bros.
236: "The Clouds," by Aristophanes
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"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 ...
235: Human Rights
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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?
234: The War of the Roses 7: Everybody Loses Their Lead
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest installment of Graeme's historical episodes on the War of the Roses, we have several battles, bloodthirsty children, and beheadings. Add...
233: Love What Lasts: An Interview with Josh Gibbs
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. L...
232: The Fed
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
231: The Plague
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss a central question in "The Plague" by Camus. Luckily, we avoid the central tenets of existentialism which now apparently r...
230: The Gold Standard
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
229: Thought Experiments
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss a few of the famous thought experiments and their purpose in general. Also, it's totally not the same boat.
228: The Pomposity of ChatGPT
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we review some common writing errors . . . errors that robots commit. Darn Robits are stealin' our jerbs.
227: The final Kantdown
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last of the four part series on Kant's "Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals." While I don't feel like I nailed the first bit, I think...
226: War of the Roses 6: Wormwood
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Graeme continues his series on the War of the Roses. The catatonic king finally wakes up, a guy fights the king in order to save him,...
225: Festschrift
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the collection of essays written in honor of Andrew Kern, "Liber Amicorum."
224: Kant IV: Get them endsssss
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we continue with chapter two of Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, by Immanuel Kant. Our Hackles. They are raised.
223: The War of the Roses 5: The Mad King
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Graeme continues his series on the War of the Roses. New this week: a dude who fights without armor on, a military parade, and the mad king. It's like...
222: Leaf by Niggle by Tolkien
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tolkien once wrote a story that totally isn't an allegory. Not even one bit. We discuss that story (totally an allegory) in this episode. Also, Hortic...
221: The Discarded Image
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In C.S. Lewis's "The Discarded Image," he discusses the complex medieval notion of the cosmos. So . . . we do it too in this episode. Boom.
220: I Kant Stop: "Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals" pt. DEUX
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we continue to journey through a small work by Kant that he thought had great potential for popularity. I DOUBT IT.
219: War of the Roses 4: The Bookish King Lands a Hottie
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about the exploits of Henry VI, the bookish king. He gets a best friend, a lady, and he gives away some land. Things get craz...
218: I just Kant: "Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals"
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever have trouble deciding the right course of action!? LUCKILY, Kant is here to help with a handy tool!
217: The Nicomachean Ethics on why children are bad
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Graeme walks us through how our happiness is a rational thing, and since kids can't be rational . . . they bad.
216: Plato's Crito
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We finish out the saga of Socrates's trial and death. In this one, Socrates defends why he's sticking around to guzzle some hemlock.
215: Learning in Wartime
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 1939, C.S. Lewis gave a sermon to some Oxford boys about whether it's okay to study books when there are Nazis to fight.
214: Plato's Apology
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
He's God's gift to Athens, so punish him with free meals.
213: Coleridge and the Rime of the Ancient Mariner
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode: zombies, insane children, opium addicts, constipation, and A.J.'s awful mariner accent
212: Plato's Dialogue, "Euthyphro"
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As Socrates waits in line for his own trial, he chats up a fellow named Euthyphro who plans to denounce his own father. They end up discussing the def...
211: War of the Roses 3: The Romantic Queen and the Monkish King
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we follow the aftermath of the death of Henry V. His son, Henry VI, likes hiking, and his widow, Catherine, likes dudes.
210: Children's Lit - Live at Paideia!
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was recorded live at the Paideia conference at Veritas Academy in 2022. In this episode, we roast a critic who hates fun things.
209: The Social Contract: Rousseau goes ham all over Christianity
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Christians are bad for government, I guess.
208: War of the roses: The Battle of Agincourt
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is the continuation of the War of the Roses, and it tells the story of Henry V and The Battle of Agincourt.
207: Nietzsche, Leopardi, and the Meaning of Meaning
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we complete our series on "The Genealogy of Morals." We talk about the heritage of Schopenhauer and how that has affected Freddy's ph...
206: War of the Roses: The Roots
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The long awaiting continuance of the Plantagenets series finally arrives! Graeme plunges us back into a little UK history.
205: The Social Contract 2: Electric Boogaloo
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is part two of the short series on Jean Jacques Rousseau's "The Social Contract." Just one more!
204: Frederick Douglass on the 5th of July
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Thomas walks us through the context and performance of Frederick Douglass's speech given to the ladies of the "Rochester Anti-Slavery...
203: Bronowski's "The Origins of Knowledge and Imagination"
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"WHAT IS MATH!?" hollers the girl on TikTok. Turns out she's right. Any system requires reference to an external system to make itself consistent, but...
202: Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "The Social Contract" (Compact?)
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "The Social Contract" laid the political ground for the French Revolution and probably the American Revolution too. This is ju...
201: On the Genealogy of Morality
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss Nietzsche's work, "On the Genealogy of Morality," in which he discusses the history of morality through tracing the words ...
200: What are Wordsworth?
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we track Wordsworth's view of how to stay happy in life, specifically through two poems: "Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbe...
199: The Master and Margarita
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
During Stalin's regime in Russia there was one author daring enough to write a Satire . . . one that I can't quite nail down. I ask Graeme to help me....
198: The Proslogion
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Proslogion contains Anselm of Canterbury's Ontological Argument, which is still argued about in philosophical circles today. It's not really convi...
197: Sympathy and Satan
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the romantic movement and how they interpret Paradise Lost to be other than what it really is. Also, we get cranky about bad guys.
196: Giacomo Leopardi
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This one is about an Italian hunchback who lives with his mom and writes nihilistic poetry about women he can't get. You can't make this stuff up.
195: Isaac Asimov's "Foundation"
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Asimov's excellent sci-fi trilogy is worth a read. Plus, space capitalism!
194: Ulysses, by James Joyce
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I have finally tackled the (rumored) most difficult book in the English language. Feel free to send me any money you've got for the service I just ren...
An Interview with Joshua Gibbs
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas was kind enough to reach out to Joshua Gibbs for an interview, and the results speak for themselves. Joshua is a renowned figure in the classic...
193: So Your Parents are Thinking of Sending You to a Classical Christian School
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Josh Gibbs decided to write a pamphlet to kids trembling at the notion of going to a classical school. We, clearly a bunch of children, decided to rea...