Hot Takes on the Classics

Emily Maeda & Tim McIntosh
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Hot Takes on the Classics

Hot Takes on the Classics is no dusty, academic approach to great books. It’s a gossipy, exciting discussion about the best literature ever written. Hosted by Tim and Emily, who are veteran teachers and long-time friends, Hot Takes is packed with playful debate, meaningful speculation, and hearty laughs.

Episodes

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Episode 8: The Art of War by Sun Tzu: Victory without Battle

    Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda analyze Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, a foundational text in strategic thought. Written during China’s Zhou Dynasty, the book offers timeless insights into warfare, leadership, and human conflict. The hosts discuss Sun Tzu’s emphasis on victory without battle, his Taoist perspective on war, and the text’s widespread influence—from military strategy to modern business. Tim’s hot take explores the ethical complexities of wars between unequal powers, where smaller forces often innovate and subvert traditional rules to challenge dominant forces. Show Guide 00:00 Opening Quote and Episode Introduction 01:12 Why The Art of War Belongs in a Western-Focused Series 03:00 Sun Tzu’s Enduring Influence in Sports, Business, and Culture 06:01 Key Aphorisms and Strategic Principles from The Art of War 10:13 Sun Tzu’s Historical Context and the Zhou Dynasty’s Decline 14:00 The Story of Sun Tzu and the King’s Concubines 16:50 The Evolution of Chivalry and Moral Codes in Warfare 25:20 Sun Tzu’s Taoist Philosophy and the Harmony of War 29:25 The Necessity of Deception and the Value of Swift Victory 31:30 Tim’s Hot Take: The Ethical Dilemmas of Unequal Powers in Warfare 34:28 Episode Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks Key Topics & Takeaways Victory Without Battle: Sun Tzu asserts that the highest form of victory is achieved through strategy and diplomacy, avoiding bloodshed.Deception as Strategy: Sun Tzu champions deception as central to warfare, challenging traditional notions of honor and morality in conflict.Unequal Powers and Subversion: Tim examines how smaller powers innovate and undermine established rules of war, raising moral and ethical questions.Sun Tzu’s Taoist Perspective: Rooted in Taoist principles, Sun Tzu views war as a disruption of natural harmony and advocates for its use only as a last resort.Modern Applications: From military tactics to corporate strategy, The Art of War continues to inspire leaders across disciplines.Questions & Discussion What does Sun Tzu mean by “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle”?Reflect on how Sun Tzu’s philosophy prioritizes diplomacy, strategy, and foresight over physical conflict.How does deception redefine traditional moral codes in warfare?Discuss Sun Tzu’s argument for deception as a core strategy and its ethical implications.Why do smaller powers subvert established rules in warfare?Explore Tim’s hot take on the challenges of asymmetrical warfare and its impact on the ethics of war.What makes The Art of War relevant beyond the battlefield?Analyze how its principles apply to leadership, business, and other competitive arenas.Suggested Reading The Art of War by Sun TzuThe Peloponnesian War by ThucydidesOn War by Carl von Clausewitz

    35 min

  2. DEC 10

    Episode 7: Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars: Genocidal Maniac or Great Hero?

    Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh examine Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars, an essential work of Latin literature that chronicles Caesar’s military campaigns in Gaul. The hosts discuss Caesar’s writing style, the strategic brilliance behind his conquests, and the controversies surrounding his actions, including accusations of genocide. Emily shares her hot take, defending the value of reading Gallic Wars despite its troubling content, highlighting its historical significance and the clarity of Caesar’s Latin prose. Show Guide 00:00 Opening Lines and Episode Introduction 01:06 Why Gallic Wars Is Central to Latin Studies 04:21 Julius Caesar’s Historical Context 06:44 Roman Values in Gallic Wars 09:23 Caesar’s Military Brilliance and Leadership Style 12:43 The Spartan Influence in Caesar’s Writing 17:00 Ethnography and Geography in Gallic Wars 20:34 Controversies: Genocide or Exaggeration? 28:42 Caesar’s Failed Expeditions to Britain 35:47 Emily’s Hot Take: Why We Should Still Read Gallic Wars 38:18 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview Key Topics & Takeaways Clarity and Precision in Caesar’s Writing: Caesar’s use of simple, direct Latin makes Gallic Wars a cornerstone of Latin studies, praised for its elegance and accessibility.Caesar as a Leader and Strategist: From sending away horses to fight alongside his men to his innovative military tactics, Caesar’s leadership remains legendary.Ethnography and Propaganda: The text blends cultural observations with self-promotion, portraying the Gauls as fierce adversaries to elevate Caesar’s achievements.Historical Controversy: The Gallic Wars faces criticism for glorifying violence and conquest, with modern scholars debating whether it constitutes an account of genocide.The Value of Reading Gallic Wars: Emily argues that studying the text helps us grapple with uncomfortable historical realities and appreciate its literary and rhetorical brilliance.Questions & Discussion How does Caesar’s writing style enhance the impact of Gallic Wars?Discuss the clarity and precision of Caesar’s Latin and why it has been central to Latin education for centuries.Is Caesar’s portrayal of the Gauls accurate or exaggerated?Explore how Caesar’s ethnographic descriptions may serve as propaganda to glorify his conquests.How do we reconcile the Gallic Wars with accusations of genocide?Examine whether the text reflects historical reality or inflates Caesar’s accomplishments to solidify his legacy.Why should modern readers engage with Caesar’s Gallic Wars?Consider the text’s literary significance and its value in confronting historical and moral complexities.Suggested Reading The Gallic Wars by Julius CaesarAsterix Comic SeriesTacitus’ Germania

    39 min

  3. DEC 3

    Episode 6: The Psychomachia: Was C.S. Lewis Wrong About Prudentius?

    Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore Prudentius’ Psychomachia (“The Battle of the Soul”). This groundbreaking Christian allegorical poem reimagines heroism as a spiritual struggle. Written in the late fourth century, the poem depicts virtues and vices as warriors battling within the human soul. Tim and Emily discuss Prudentius’ innovative use of epic poetry, his influence on later literature, and the striking portrayal of virtues as women. Emily’s hot take challenges C.S. Lewis’ critique, arguing that the Psychomachia deserves recognition for its imaginative and moral significance. Show Guide 00:00 Opening Quote from Psychomachia and Episode Overview 01:12 Emily’s Connection to Prudentius and the Poem’s Historical Context 05:33 Prudentius’ Life, Legacy, and Lesser-Known Works 08:15 Epic Structure and the Battle Within the Soul 10:01 Virtues vs. Vices: The Allegorical Battlefield 15:36 Allegory’s Challenges and Legacy in Western Literature 22:37 Highlights of Key Battles in Psychomachia 29:42 Tim’s Reflections on the Poem’s Continued Relevance 30:56 Emily’s Hot Take: Reassessing C.S. Lewis on Prudentius 36:15 The Role of Women as Virtues in the Psychomachia 36:36 Episode Wrap-Up and Teaser for the Next Discussion Key Topics & Takeaways Spiritual Heroism: Psychomachia redefines heroism, focusing on internal battles against sin rather than external conquests, aligning with Christian ideals.The Power of Allegory: By personifying virtues (e.g., Faith, Patience, Sobriety) and vices (e.g., Lust, Wrath, Pride) as warriors, Prudentius dramatizes the soul’s moral struggles in vivid detail.Prudentius’ Cultural Legacy: As the first major Christian poet, Prudentius fused classical epic traditions with Christian themes, influencing writers from Dante to John Bunyan.Virtues as Women: The Psychomachia portrays virtues as powerful female warriors, offering a bold reinterpretation of heroism.Reassessing Lewis’ Critique: Emily challenges C.S. Lewis’ dismissal of the poem as overly literal, asserting that its allegorical style and imaginative depth are foundational to Christian literature.Questions & Discussion How does Psychomachia redefine heroism for a Christian audience?Explore how the poem shifts the focus from external conquests to internal spiritual struggles, emphasizing moral virtue.What role does allegory play in Psychomachia?Discuss the effectiveness of personifying virtues and vices as warriors and how this approach impacts its resonance with modern audiences.Why did C.S. Lewis criticize Psychomachia, and is this critique fair?Analyze Lewis’ views on the poem’s allegorical nature and Emily’s counterargument about its lasting imaginative and moral power.How does Prudentius’ depiction of women as virtues challenge traditional notions of heroism?Reflect on the cultural and artistic significance of virtues being portrayed as strong, resilient women.Suggested Reading Psychomachia by PrudentiusThe Spirit of Early Christian Thought by Robert Louis WilkenThe Virtues and Vices in the Arts by Sean Tucker

    37 min

  4. NOV 26

    Introducing: Hot Takes on the Classics

    Hot Takes on the Classics is no dusty, academic approach to great books. It’s a gossipy, exciting discussion about the best literature ever written. Hosted by Tim and Emily, who are veteran teachers and long-time friends, Hot Takes is packed with playful debate, meaningful speculation, and hearty laughs. (You may also enjoy Tim's "The Play's the Thing" show with CiRCE.)

    4 min

  5. NOV 26

    Episode 5: Virgil, The Aeneid: Can Peace Be Built on War?

    Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda delve into Virgil’s Aeneid, a cornerstone of Roman literature. They discuss Aeneas as the embodiment of Roman virtue, the conflict between personal desires and duty, and the dual message of the epic as both a tribute to Roman greatness and a critique of its violent foundations. Tim's hot take centers on the final confrontation between Aeneas and Turnus, exploring whether the poem questions the viability of Rome’s ideals of peace and law when rooted in the ethos of war. Show Guide 00:00 Introduction to Virgil's Aeneid 00:33 Meet the Hosts: Emily and Tim 01:40 Virgil's Aeneid: An Overview 02:29 Historical Context and Virgil's Motivation 03:49 The Aeneid: Propaganda or Masterpiece? 05:32 The Story of Aeneas Begins 05:57 The Fall of Troy and Aeneas' Journey 09:24 Aeneas' Ancestry and Roman Virtues 16:24 Juno's Wrath and Aeneas' Trials 19:44 Carthage and the Plot Thickens 20:22 Aeneas and Queen Dido's Tragic Love Story 20:59 Juno's Plan and the Lovers' Downfall 22:07 Aeneas' Departure and Dido's Despair 23:42 The Aftermath of Dido's Death 27:03 Aeneas' Journey to Italy and the Underworld 28:46 The Prophecy and Rome's Future 34:10 The Final Battle and Virgil's Message 38:51 Conclusion and Reflections on the Aeneid Key Topics & Takeaways Aeneas as the Ideal Roman: Aeneas represents pietas, a virtue that embodies duty to family, gods, and country, yet this devotion demands great personal sacrifice.Love vs. Duty: The tragic love affair between Aeneas and Dido underscores the conflict between personal desire and the demands of destiny, highlighting the cost of loyalty to duty.Rome’s Ideals and Warrior Ethos: The epic’s final battle between Aeneas and Turnus exposes a paradox: the Roman claim to peace and law is rooted in relentless violence, as Aeneas’ actions fall short of his father’s vision of clemency.Virgil’s Critique: Although commissioned as imperial propaganda, the Aeneid transcends its origins, subtly challenging the moral contradictions of Roman greatness.Questions & Discussion How does Aeneas embody the Roman virtue of pietas?Explore how Aeneas’ unwavering commitment to duty shapes his character, even as it leads to personal and relational sacrifices.What does the relationship between Aeneas and Dido reveal about love and duty?Discuss how their ill-fated romance reflects the struggle between individual desires and larger responsibilities.How does Vergil address the contradictions of Roman ideals?Analyze the climactic battle between Aeneas and Turnus, questioning whether Rome’s ideals of peace can coexist with its reliance on violent conquest.Is the Aeneid propaganda or a critique?Examine whether Vergil’s masterpiece fulfills Augustus’ agenda or subtly questions the moral foundations of Rome’s power.Suggested Reading The Aeneid by Virgil (Consider exploring highly regarded translations for a richer experience)

    40 min

  6. NOV 26

    Episode 4: Thucydides, Pericles' Funeral Oration: The Greatest Speech to Read

    Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda dive into Pericles’ Funeral Oration as recorded by Thucydides in The Peloponnesian War. They discuss the speech's celebration of Athenian democracy, its striking contrast to Spartan culture, and its lessons on leadership and sacrifice. Tim delivers his hot take, claiming that Pericles' Funeral Oration is better read than heard, drawing from his extensive experience as a speechwriter. The episode also explores Athenian values and reflects on the legacy of play as a distinctive Greek contribution. Show Guide 00:00 Introduction and Opening Quote 01:53 Background on Pericles and the Peloponnesian War 03:42 The Magnificence of Athens and Pericles' Legacy 09:16 The Spartan Ideal: Life and Values 16:55 Comparing Athenian and Spartan Lifestyles 17:48 What Makes an Ideal Warrior 18:12 Pericles’ Funeral Oration: Athenian vs. Spartan Perspectives 19:02 Democracy and the Role of Individual Responsibility in Athens 21:34 The Athenian Admiration for Heroes and Great Leaders 22:30 The Story of Greek Mercenaries and Their Leadership Model 26:57 Greece's Legacy of Play and Its Cultural Significance 30:39 Tim's Hot Take: The Funeral Oration Is Best Read 34:15 Conclusion and Farewell Key Topics & Takeaways Pericles’ Vision of Athens: A focus on Athenian democracy, civic duty, and the harmonious blend of personal freedom with responsibility to the state.Athens vs. Sparta: Highlighting the stark differences between Athens' cultural achievements and Sparta's austere way of life, with Pericles making a compelling case for Athenian superiority.Leadership and Vision: Pericles presents Athens as a beacon of greatness, encouraging Athenians to aspire to heroic deeds for the good of the city-state.The Power of Written Speeches: Tim argues that the depth and philosophical insights of Pericles’ oration are more impactful when read, as the speech prioritizes vision and principle over rhetorical flourish.Greek Contribution to Play: The Greeks’ invention of play reflects a unique aspect of their worldview, setting them apart from other ancient cultures. Questions & Discussion What makes Pericles’ Funeral Oration a timeless reflection on democracy and sacrifice?Reflect on how Pericles’ speech captures enduring themes of democratic values and the noble sacrifice made by citizens for the greater good.How does Pericles inspire Athenians by connecting individual action to the city's greater good?Discuss how Pericles links personal contributions to the overarching success and vision of Athens, motivating citizens to aspire to greatness.What are the philosophical contrasts between Athenian democracy and Spartan oligarchy?Explore the differences in governance, cultural values, and societal structures between Athens and Sparta as articulated by Pericles.Why does Tim claim that the oration is more powerful as written text than as spoken rhetoric?Analyze Tim’s perspective on the unique impact of reading Pericles' speech, emphasizing the philosophical and reflective nature of the text.How does the concept of play underscore the Greek view of life and human potential?Examine the cultural importance of play in Greek society and how it reflects their ideals of human flourishing and creativity.Suggested Reading The Peloponnesian War by ThucydidesThe Greek Way by Edith HamiltonThe Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer

    35 min

  7. NOV 26

    Episode 3: Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War: Not a Modern Historian, but a Participatory Chronicler

    Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, hosts Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore Thucydides' The Peloponnesian War, examining the legendary conflict between Athens and Sparta. They delve into Thucydides’ historical methodology, the moral lessons embedded in his accounts, and his views on leadership and power. Key topics include the differences between Athens and Sparta, the catastrophic Athenian plague, and pivotal speeches that reveal the complexities of war and governance. The episode concludes with a debate on Thucydides’ legacy as a historian and his relevance to modern political thought. Show Guide 00:00 Introduction to Thucydides and the Peloponnesian War 00:54 Hosts Introduction and Episode Overview 01:56 Thucydides' Approach to History 04:48 The Reputation of Thucydides 07:18 Thucydides' Background and Exile 10:14 The Thucydides Trap and Modern Parallels 15:43 The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War 24:06 Great Generals: Kutuzov and Pericles 25:03 Athens' Plague and Its Impact 27:56 Pericles' Leadership and Legacy 30:14 Thucydides' Historical Perspective 32:42 Cleon vs. Diodotus: Athenian Debates 36:01 Thucydides' Relevance Today 36:35 Hot Take: Thucydides and Modern Historians 43:50 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Key Topics & Takeaways Athens vs. Sparta: The contrasting approaches to war—Athens as a naval innovator and Sparta as a cautious land-based power—create a prolonged conflict of strategy and attrition.The Thucydides Trap: The concept that fear of a rising power often leads to conflict offers timeless lessons for understanding global political tensions, particularly in modern geopolitics.The Human Cost of War: The Athenian plague and the moral complexities of prolonged conflict highlight the devastating consequences of war beyond the battlefield.Thucydides on Leadership: Through figures like Pericles, Thucydides reveals the qualities of effective leadership while cautioning against decisions driven by haste, anger, or hubris.Historical Positivism vs. Subjectivity: Emily and Tim debate whether Thucydides’ love for Athens and participatory perspective enhance or diminish his historical credibility.Questions & Discussion How does the Thucydides Trap apply to today’s geopolitics?Discuss the relevance of Thucydides’ insight about the fear of a rising power leading to war, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations.What leadership qualities does Thucydides highlight?Examine Pericles’ vision and strategy, contrasting it with the weaknesses of later Athenian leaders, and consider their relevance for modern leadership.How does Thucydides balance personal bias and historical accuracy?Analyze how his love for Athens shapes his account and whether it enhances or detracts from his credibility as a historian.Suggested Reading The Peloponnesian War by ThucydidesDestined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap? by Graham Allison (While not directly referenced in the podcast, the concept of the "Thucydides Trap" discussed in the episode connects closely to this book’s exploration of historical patterns of rising and established powers)

    45 min

  8. NOV 26

    Episode 2: The Book of Judges: Where Are the Hittites?

    Description In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh dive into the often-overlooked Book of Judges, examining its powerful themes of faith, conflict, and the emergence of monotheism. Through an engaging discussion, they explore the book’s depiction of Israel’s cycle of moral descent, the role of unique leaders called “judges,” and how these ancient stories provide surprising insights into human history, ethics, and resilience. Show Guide 00:00 Introduction 00:08 Setting the Scene: Israel's Plight 00:43 Personal Stories and Childhood Memories 01:42 The Appeal of Exodus and Judges 04:15 The Structure and Themes of Judges 07:34 Historical Context and Monotheism 21:59 The Cyclical Nature of History 25:02 History Written by the Winners 26:31 Defining Judges and Their Roles 30:17 Gideon's Underdog Story 33:24 Remarkable Women in Judges 35:07 Samson: The Flawed Hero 37:41 The Canaanites and Their Practices 39:45 Civil War and the End of Judges 40:59 Where Are the Hittites? 44:12 The Legacy of Monotheism Key Topics & Takeaways The Role of Judges: A breakdown of the unique “judges” who lead Israel through sin, repentance, and redemption cycles. These figures include famous leaders like Gideon, Deborah, and Samson.Moral Cycles and Descent: Israel’s repeated pattern of falling into idolatry and moral decline, followed by divine judgment and eventual deliverance highlights the cyclical structure of the narrative.Monotheism and Historical Legacy: The revolutionary emergence of monotheism among the Israelites and its impact on history, with the enduring legacy of Israel juxtaposed against the lost cultures of the Hittites, Amalekites, and other ancient tribes.Symbolic Stories and Powerful Imagery: Discussion of iconic stories, such as Deborah’s leadership in battle and Jael’s decisive act against Sisera, and how they challenge typical gender roles.Modern Reflections on Faith and Society: Tim’s provocative question, “Where are the Hittites?” and his insight into monotheism’s foundational impact on Western society highlight Israelite culture's unique endurance.Questions & Discussion What makes the role of a judge unique in Israel’s history?Examine how the judges function as both warriors and spiritual leaders, combining military might with divine guidance to lead Israel through times of crisis.Why does Judges follow a “spiral of descent” structure, and what does it reveal about human nature?Explore the book’s pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, revealing insights into the challenges of faith and the recurring struggles of the Israelites.How does monotheism define Israel’s identity and distinguish it from neighboring cultures?Discuss how Israel’s commitment to one God set them apart in a polytheistic world, and consider how this unique belief system contributed to their resilience.What do the stories of Deborah, Jael, and Samson reveal about strength, courage, and faith?Analyze how these characters demonstrate courage and unconventional leadership, challenging traditional expectations and embodying complex examples of faith-driven strength.Further Reading Essays The Message in the Bottle by Walker Percy

    48 min

  9. NOV 26

    Episode 1: The Iliad: The Opposite of War is Not Peace; It’s Liturgy

    Description In this debut episode of 'Hot Takes from the Classics,' hosts Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda delve into one of the greatest war epics ever written, Homer's Iliad. They discuss the themes of honor, the brutality of war, the intoxicating nature of battle, and the challenges of understanding ancient texts. The episode explores different translations, notable characters, and key plot points, while also touching on how the poem has influenced culture and history. They conclude with a powerful discussion on the importance of liturgy as a counterbalance to the dehumanizing effects of war. The episode aims to make the epic accessible and relevant to modern readers. Show Guide 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Season Theme 01:20 Discussing the Iliad's Themes and Popularity 03:36 Personal Anecdotes and Translation Challenges 07:31 Understanding the Iliad's Characters and Plot 16:24 The Concept of Honor in the Iliad 18:29 Key Greek Characters in the Iliad 19:12 Key Trojan Characters in the Iliad 19:42 Independent Contractors and Warfare 21:17 The Role of the Gods in the Iliad 22:40 Polytheism and Its Impact on the Iliad 24:50 The Fatalistic Nature of the Iliad 25:15 Achilles' Rage and Hector's Death 27:10 The Brutality and Humanity of War 30:54 The Democratization of Conflict 34:42 The Intoxicating Nature of War 36:33 The Opposite of War: Liturgy 38:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Key Topics & Takeaways Greek Honor Culture: The importance of honor in shaping character actions and conflicts is highlighted by the quote, “Honor is the thing that is on everywhere in the background of this novel.”Role of the Gods: How the whims of Greek gods introduce unpredictability and a sense of fatalism to the story.War’s Emotional Depth: The poignant moments between Priam and Achilles, exploring themes of forgiveness and humanity amid violence, illustrated by, “The opposite of war is not peace; it’s liturgy.”Questions & Discussion What makes honor such a central theme in the Iliad?Examine how Greek honor culture drives actions and relationships, especially for heroes like Achilles and Hector.How do the gods influence the outcome of the Trojan War?Explore the impact of divine intervention and how it complicates both personal and military conflicts.Why is the Iliad still relevant today?Discuss the poem’s insights on humanity, morality, and the enduring psychological impact of war.Further Reading The Iliad Translations LattimoreFitzgeraldFaglesWilsonAdaptations Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of 'The Iliad' by Rosemary SutcliffeThe Iliad: A Graphic Novel by Gareth HindsEssays Can Poetry Matter? by Dana GioiaThe Iliad or the Poem of Force: A Critical Edition by Simone Weil

    40 min

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out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Hot Takes on the Classics is no dusty, academic approach to great books. It’s a gossipy, exciting discussion about the best literature ever written. Hosted by Tim and Emily, who are veteran teachers and long-time friends, Hot Takes is packed with playful debate, meaningful speculation, and hearty laughs.

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Maeda & Tim McIntosh
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©TrueNorth.fm
  • Show Website
    Hot Takes on the Classics

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