Classical Wisdom Speaks

Classical Wisdom
  • 4.8 (31)
  • History
  • Updated Biweekly

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

  1. 6d ago

    Life Lessons From the Odyssey: Strength, Resilience, and Purpose

    What can Homer's Odyssey teach us about resilience, trauma, grief, purpose, and living a meaningful life in the modern world? Clinical psychologist Dr. Sam Akbar joins Classical Wisdom Speaks to explore why The Odyssey remains one of the most powerful guides to human psychology ever written. Drawing on her work with trauma survivors and refugees, she reveals how Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus offer timeless lessons on resilience, emotional growth, identity, belonging, and finding your way home, both literally and psychologically. Whether you're interested in Greek mythology, psychology, mental health, personal growth, Stoicism, or Homer's epic poetry, this conversation will change how you read The Odyssey. KEY TOPICS COVERED The psychology of Homer's Odyssey Why Odysseus still resonates with modern readers Resilience, trauma, and post-traumatic growth What refugees can teach us about the meaning of home Why flawed heroes are more inspiring than perfect ones Penelope's hidden psychological strength Telemachus and the journey to adulthood Grief, loss, and personal transformation Ancient wisdom for modern mental health Community, loneliness, and the Greek concept of xenia Finding purpose and defining your own Ithaca TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introducing Dr. Sam Akbar & The Odyssey Mindset 01:40 Psychology meets Classics 05:06 What Homer understood about human nature 07:42 Why Odysseus still resonates today 12:18 Trauma, refugees & reading Homer differently 16:10 The Odyssey as a post-war story 20:00 Resilience, acceptance & psychological growth 22:07 Penelope and quiet resistance 24:00 What does “home” really mean? 30:00 Telemachus, mentorship & growing up 34:50 Grief, loss & personal odysseys 41:20 Community, loneliness & modern life 45:00 Catharsis, collective healing & ancient wisdom 50:10 Final reflections If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more discussions on Ancient Greece, philosophy, psychology, mythology, and the timeless lessons hidden in classical texts. Comment below: What is your personal “Ithaca”? What lesson from The Odyssey has stayed with you the most? 🔗 LINKS 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1 👉 Buy The Odyssey Mindset by Dr. Sam Akbar: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/dr-sam-akbar/the-odyssey-mindset/9781035090549 GUEST Dr. Sam Akbar is a clinical psychologist, a Classics graduate from University of Oxford, and author of The Odyssey Mindset: Seven Timeless Lessons on Resilience, Strength, and Purpose. Her work combines psychology, trauma research, resilience, and classical literature to uncover practical lessons from the ancient world. #TheOdyssey #GreekMythology #Psychology #AncientWisdom #PersonalGrowth

    52 min

  2. Jun 4

    The Secret Legacy of Rome's Scholar-Slaves

    Intellectual Slaves in Ancient Rome: The Hidden Minds Behind Roman Literature & Power What is an intellectual slave, and why did some of the most educated people in ancient Rome live in bondage? In this fascinating conversation, Princeton classics professor Harriet Flower reveals the overlooked world of learned slaves and educated freedmen in Republican Rome. Discover how enslaved scholars, poets, editors, teachers, and philosophers helped shape Roman culture, literature, politics, and intellectual life, and why some were worth fortunes to Rome’s elite. If you're interested in Roman history, slavery in the ancient world, classical literature, or the hidden figures behind great civilizations, this episode offers a completely new perspective on how knowledge, power, and status worked in ancient Rome. KEY TOPICS COVERED What an “intellectual slave” was in ancient Rome How educated slaves differed from common perceptions of slavery Why Roman elites invested heavily in slave education The connection between slavery, literature, and cultural prestige How scholars, poets, editors, and philosophers lived within elite households Famous intellectual slaves and freedmen of the Roman Republic The economics of highly educated slaves Why some learned slaves were worth enormous fortunes How freedmen influenced Roman politics and publishing The role of education, authorship, and intellectual labor in Roman society What these forgotten lives reveal about power and culture in the ancient world TIMESTAMPS 00:00 What is an intellectual slave? 00:55 Educated slaves & freedmen in Rome 02:50 How intellectuals became enslaved 06:43 Why Romans educated slaves 08:58 Philosophy, literature & elite culture 10:12 Educated slaves as luxury assets 13:07 Roman attitudes toward slavery 15:16 Jobs performed by intellectual slaves 18:35 The most expensive slave in Rome 21:18 Intellectuals as status symbols 22:23 Atticus and his scholarly household 25:13 Captured scholars as war prizes 27:00 Archimedes and the value of genius 30:05 Rome's intellectual ecosystem 33:22 Speechwriters, advisers & hidden influence 37:03 Which intellectual slave deserves a movie? 39:26 Final thoughts & closing If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more deep dives into ancient history, classical philosophy, and the hidden stories that shaped civilization. Comment below: Which aspect of Roman slavery surprised you most? Were intellectual slaves collaborators, status symbols, victims of circumstance... or all three? LINKS 👉 FULL EPISODE: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/p/the-price-of-knowledge-in-ancient  👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=b28f7da1  👉 Buy Harriet Flower's Book on Educated Slaves: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691266169/intellectual-property?srsltid=AfmBOor5mD_3-q-hH28k8MpgzGhPMS3qVKSFtkJwak5seb7ryczBzu8x 🎙️ GUEST Harriet Flower Andrew Fleming West Professor of Classics at Princeton University and author of Intellectual Property: Learned Slaves and Educated Freemen in Republican Rome. Her research explores Roman history, slavery, political culture, and the intellectual networks that shaped the ancient world. #AncientRome #RomanHistory #Classics #AncientHistory #SlaveryInRome

    40 min

  3. May 28

    The Power of the Bull

    Why 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  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Stephen Palmer 01:12 Why the bull became a sacred symbol 03:45 Bull worship in prehistory 06:18 Bulls in ancient mythology and religion 09:52 Taurus and the zodiac explained 13:40 The Minotaur and Minoan symbolism 18:07 Bulls, kingship, and political power 22:31 Fertility rituals and sacred sacrifice 27:46 Why ancient cultures relied on symbols 31:12 Myth, storytelling, and oral traditions 35:25 Shamanism and animal spirit guides 40:18 Nature as the source of ancient symbols 41:53 Losing our connection with nature 42:46 Why studying mythology still matters today 43:01 Bull symbolism and modern culture 45:20 Why storytelling shapes human identity 46:29 The danger of symbols we don’t understand 46:54 “Question everything” 47:04 Final reflections & closing thoughts If 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/B0CTJJGSCG GUEST Stephen 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 1970s HASHTAGS #AncientHistory #GreekMythology #Taurus #Mythology #AncientCivilizations

    48 min

  4. May 21

    Should We Teach Philosophy to Children?

    Should 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 COVERED Why philosophy should be taught to children Philosophy for Children (P4C) explained Teaching curiosity, questioning, and critical thinking How dialogue improves empathy and communication Philosophy and emotional resilience Learning how to disagree respectfully Confidence, vulnerability, and intellectual humility The role of parents and teachers as role models Social media and the decline of meaningful conversation Why philosophy matters in modern education Helping children think independently Philosophy as preparation for citizenship and life TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Should we teach philosophy to children? 00:31 Introduction to Dr. Maria Kasmirli 00:51 Why philosophy for children matters 01:17 What philosophy for children actually looks like 01:51 Questioning, reasoning, and analysis skills 02:12 Why children naturally enjoy philosophical thinking 03:42 Building confidence through discussion 05:11 Philosophy and emotional intelligence 07:04 Why disagreement is valuable 09:26 The importance of listening and dialogue 11:48 Philosophy beyond the classroom 14:17 Can philosophy make us better citizens? 16:45 Social media, distraction, and modern communication 18:56 Intellectual humility and vulnerability 20:42 Teaching through example 23:16 Why role models matter in education 24:27 Final reflections If 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-why GUEST Dr. 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

    25 min

  5. May 14

    Does Ancient History Have A Future?

    What 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=b28f7da1 Buy 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/1668009595 GUESTS  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

    1h 19m

  6. May 7

    The Ancients and the Afterlife: Mythology, Mourning, and Mummies

    What 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 COVERED Ancient 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/0691266174 GUEST  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

    1h 8m

  7. Apr 30

    The Man Who Tried to Save Athenian Democracy

    This 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 politics Lessons 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 democracy If 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

    32 min

  8. Apr 23

    The Misunderstood Myth: Persephone, Hades & Demeter

    What 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

    1h 19m
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4.8
out of 5
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Classical Wisdom
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Classical Wisdom Speaks
  • Show Website
    Classical Wisdom Speaks

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