Literature and History

I always liked reading about history but the stuff I always read was about epic wars and heroes. This podcast’s literary approach and historical context provides a unique and refreshing perspective on history. This is seriously the best podcast ever! I have listened to all episodes at least 3 times.

I only recently stumbled onto this show about a year ago and have utterly devoured it since; already through the first 86 episodes and and shuddering at the realization that I’m nearly out of runway. Eager to see what’s in store for the next season. My only fear is that like so many niche educational podcasts this one might fizzle out due to burnout or lack of time and resource. So give this man all your money!! He never asks for any and it’s ad free. Quality education with this level of academic rigor has never been so accessible let alone free to the public. The world is far better for it. I have been frustrated with my education and lack of context for anything historical and felt like even after my degree at a reputable liberal arts college there was hardly anything liberal about it in the traditional sense. I came out feeling confused and illiterate. Maybe that’s the point of your undergrad. In the years since I’ve tried to conduct my own liberal education with a library card and have been slowly working my way through the classics and great books of the western world but struggled with feeling siloed and on my own. The whole idea with this kind of learning is engagement with the text and Socratic dialogue, right? But I didn’t know anyone with a similar interest in these texts, let alone the patience to engage systematically within their historical context. This podcast has scratched that itch more meaningfully than I know how to articulate and for anyone else out there lacking a community of readers to engage with on this topic- the warmth and accessibility you’ll find here will be like coming home. I am so glad that this exists. If Doug ever decides to start leading small group seminars on assigned reading I’ll be first in line.

This is an unbelievable podcast. The amount of work put into each episode is incredible! - Adam in Waco

One of my all time favorite podcasts. Always both entertaining and informative. One cannot appreciate literature without a historical context. Thanks for the immense effort and care !