Ancient Office Hours

Lexie Henning
  • 5.0 (43)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Join Lexie Henning as she chats with thought leaders in academia and the entertainment industry about how they got into their field, their current work, and how they connect with the past. Together they strive to connect modern societies to ancient worlds, explore antiquity via contemporary storytelling, and introduce a wider audience to the various ways history and mythology influences popular culture around the world. Tune in for intimate conversations with established top scholars, current postgrads, early career academics, and professionals in their respective fields as their wisdom and advice has never been more accessible! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Special Release - Beyond Outlander: Creating Sassenach Historian Tours for Scottish History & Popular Fiction with Hailey Beaupre

    9H AGO

    Special Release - Beyond Outlander: Creating Sassenach Historian Tours for Scottish History & Popular Fiction with Hailey Beaupre

    Hailey Beaupre, also known as The Sassenach Historian, is an American who moved to Scotland to become a historical and pop culture tour guide. She recounts her journey from a small-town Connecticut upbringing to becoming a Scottish history tour guide, inspired by a childhood fascination with the Titanic and a pivotal visit to Scotland. She discusses the intricacies of juggling an education career, a passion for history, the impact of Outlander on Scottish tourism, and the challenges of starting her own tour company. Additionally, she delves into her upcoming book project about a historical witch in Scotland, blending fictional storytelling with historical context. The conversation touches on the importance of preserving heritage sites amid increased tourism, the practicalities of moving abroad, the economics of the tourism industry, and the personal fulfilment found in guiding others through Scotland's rich history. Originally recorded December 19, 2025. Learn more about Hailey and her tours: https://sassenachhistorian.com/  Follow her FB page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sassenach-Historian-Tours-100089200463277/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassenachhistorian/?hl=en Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday.  Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 9m
  2. Episode 134 - Dr. Naomi Weiss

    FEB 18

    Episode 134 - Dr. Naomi Weiss

    Dr. Naomi Weiss, a Professor of Classics at Harvard, joins Lexie to discuss the nuances and wonders of Greek tragedies, especially works by Euripides and Aeschylus, the complexities of modern adaptations, narrative vs. performance elements, and the potential of transforming these ancient stories into contemporary performances, like a musical adaptation of Greek tragedies. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com!  Originally recorded May 28, 2025.  Learn more about Dr. Weiss: https://classics.fas.harvard.edu/people/naomi-weiss-0  Check out her publications on Academia: https://harvard.academia.edu/NaomiWeiss  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday.  Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  3. Episode 133 - Dr. Lindsey Mazurek

    FEB 4

    Episode 133 - Dr. Lindsey Mazurek

    Dr. Lindsey Mazurek, an Associate Professor of Classics at Indiana University Bloomington, joins Lexie to discuss her evolving interests from Greek civilization to Roman provincial archaeology, the complexities of ancient migration, and the implications of migration on social and political dynamics in ancient civilizations. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com!  Originally recorded May 28, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Mazurek: https://classics.indiana.edu/about/core-faculty/mazurek-lindsey.html Find more of her work on her website: https://www.lindseyamazurek.com/ Check out her publications on Academia: https://indiana.academia.edu/LindseyMazurek Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday.  Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  4. Episode 132 - Dr. David Parnell

    JAN 21

    Episode 132 - Dr. David Parnell

    Dr. David Parnell, a professor of history at Indiana University Northwest, joins Lexie to discuss the challenges and gaps in academic offerings in late antiquity, his work on significant Byzantine figures like Justinian, Theodora, and Belisarius, the potential for more historical media content, and the impact of digital records on future historical studies. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com!  Originally recorded May 16, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Parnell: https://profiles.iu.edu/northwest/parnell-david.html  Check out his publications on Academia: https://iun.academia.edu/DavidParnell  Follow him on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/byzantineprof.bsky.social Check out the Epic History YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EpichistoryTv  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday.  Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m
  5. Episode 131 - Dr. Eduardo García-Molina

    JAN 7

    Episode 131 - Dr. Eduardo García-Molina

    Dr. Eduardo García-Molina, an Assistant Professor of Classics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, joins Lexie to discuss his journey from being inspired by the video game 'Rome Total War' to specializing in the Seleucid Empire in his academic career, insights from his research, including the challenges of working with limited historical records, and his course on the intersection of gaming and ancient history. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com!  Originally recorded May 12, 2025.  Learn more about Dr. García-Molina: https://classics.illinois.edu/directory/profile/emg24 Follow him on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/egarcmol.bsky.social  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday.  Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 10m
  6. Special Release - Inside the Art of Casting: From Historical Dramas to Fantasy Epics with Suzanne Smith

    12/31/2025 · BONUS

    Special Release - Inside the Art of Casting: From Historical Dramas to Fantasy Epics with Suzanne Smith

    Emmy Award winning casting director Suzanne Smith discusses the intricacies of casting for film and television, particularly in historical and period dramas. She shares her unplanned journey into casting, experiences with projects like Band of Brothers, Outlander, and Reign, and the unique challenges of casting roles that span different time periods. The episode explores the importance of historical accuracy, chemistry reads, and the impact of modern technology on the casting process. The conversation delves into the essence of an actor, the nuances of today's casting requirements, and personal anecdotes from her numerous casting endeavors. The episode culminates in a discussion on the significance of story adaptation across different media and a revelation of a dream casting project: The Hobbit by Peter Jackson.  Originally recorded November 11, 2025.  Check out all of her projects on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0189792/  For professional inquires check out her website: http://www.suzannesmithcasting.com/  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  7. Episode 130 - Dr. Alyson Melzer

    12/24/2025

    Episode 130 - Dr. Alyson Melzer

    Dr. Alyson Melzer, an Assistant Professor of Classics at Indiana University Bloomington, joins Lexie to discuss the emotional resonance of Greek tragedies and specific elements that make these ancient works distinctively Greek, the challenges of interpreting and performing these plays in modern times, balancing authenticity and modern adaptation, and the timeless themes found in Greek tragedies and their relevance today. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com!  Originally recorded May 5, 2025.  Learn more about Dr. Melzer: https://classics.indiana.edu/about/core-faculty/Melzer_Alyson.html  Check out her publications on Academia: https://indiana.academia.edu/AlysonMelzer  Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday.  Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  8. Episode 129 - Dr. Christopher Baron

    12/10/2025

    Episode 129 - Dr. Christopher Baron

    Dr. Christopher Baron, an Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Notre Dame, joins Lexie to discuss his interest in both Roman and Greek history, particularly focusing on the historiography of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic period, how information spread in Alexander’s time, the significance of classical education, and the modern portrayal of ancient history in media. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com!  Originally recorded May 5, 2025.  Learn more about Dr. Baron: https://classics.nd.edu/people/christopher-baron/  Check out his publications on Academia: https://nd.academia.edu/ChristopherBaron  Find his book Timaeus of Tauromenium: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/timaeus-of-tauromenium-and-hellenistic-historiography/timaeus-of-tauromenium-and-hellenistic-historiography/99CD5F068F4278E40B9D5A59BE1F6689 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday.  Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 20m
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out of 5
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About

Join Lexie Henning as she chats with thought leaders in academia and the entertainment industry about how they got into their field, their current work, and how they connect with the past. Together they strive to connect modern societies to ancient worlds, explore antiquity via contemporary storytelling, and introduce a wider audience to the various ways history and mythology influences popular culture around the world. Tune in for intimate conversations with established top scholars, current postgrads, early career academics, and professionals in their respective fields as their wisdom and advice has never been more accessible! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Lexie Henning
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Ozymandias Project
  • Show Website
    Ancient Office Hours