The Troubadour Podcast

Kirk j Barbera
  • 5.0 (23)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Troubadour Podcast

"It is the honourable characteristic of Poetry that its materials are to be found in every subject which can interest the human mind." William Wordsworth The Troubadour Podcast invites you into a world where art is conversation and conversation is art. The conversations on this show will be with some living people and some dead writers of our past. I aim to make both equally entertaining and educational.In 1798 William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge published Lyrical Ballads, which Wordsworth called an experiment to discover how far the language of everyday conversation is adapted to the purpose of poetic pleasure. With this publication, he set in motion the formal movement called "Romanticism." 220 years later the experiment is continued on this podcast. This podcast seeks to reach those of us who wish to improve our inner world, increase our stores of happiness, and yet not succumb to the mystical or the subjective.Here, in this place of the imagination, you will find many conversation with those humans creating things that interest the human mind.

  1. APR 2

    Ahab's Tears - Moby Dick Character Analysis & Dramatic Reading

    Send us a text In this video I give a brief analysis of Ahab's character and a reading of one of his speeches in chapter 132, The Symphony.

    15 min

  2. MAR 25

    Epic Mahabharata Tales: Uncovering Female Agency, Divine Curses & Royal Intrigue

    Send us a text Join me for an in-depth conversation with actress and poet Divya Goruganthu as we unravel the rich layers of the Mahabharata Tales! In this episode, we dive into one of India's most enduring epics, exploring its poetic structure, complex characters, and the intricate interplay of female agency, divine curses, and royal intrigue. What You'll Discover: Introduction & Cultural Roots (0:00 – 10:15): How the Mahabharata shaped childhood, culture, and literary passion, with ins...

    2h 24m

  3. MAR 21

    Experience The Iliad: Live Performance of Epic Passages

    Send us a text Join me for a dynamic live reading of The Iliad, bringing the epic drama, passion, and power of Achilles to life. Experience firsthand how Homer's timeless verses still resonate today, connecting ancient heroes with modern audiences. From fierce rivalries and heartbreaking losses to legendary battles, watch Achilles come alive in this unforgettable performance.

    24 min

  4. MAR 19

    Can Genetics Predict Our Future? Razib Khan on Natalism, Free Will, and Human History

    Send us a text In this episode of Troubadour, Kirk Barbera sits down with geneticist Razib Khan to explore a provocative question: Does our DNA determine our beliefs and behaviors? Razib, known for his work in population genetics, computational biology, and his blog Unsupervised Learning, delves into the intersection of genetics, free will, and natalism—the movement advocating for increased birth rates. Together, they discuss how genetics informs our understanding of human history, identity, ...

    57 min

  5. MAR 18

    From Babbling to Beethoven: The Evolution of Music, Language, and Consciousness

    Send us a text Join Kirk and Dr. Aleksey Nikolsky on a fascinating journey through human expression in this episode where we explore how our earliest babbling blossoms into the complex symphonies of Beethoven. We dive into the intertwined evolution of music and language—uncovering the biological foundations that make us instinctively responsive to sound, while also examining how cultural learning transforms simple sounds into art. In this conversation, we debate whether music’s impact is more...

    2h 6m

  6. FEB 28

    Transforming Life Through Imagination: The Secret of Blake’s “The Crystal Cabinet”

    Send us a text Unlock the secret of transformation through imagination with William Blake’s “The Crystal Cabinet.” In this video, I explore how Blake’s vivid metaphors—the crystal cabinet, the golden key, and the mystical portal—reveal a timeless process of inner change and self-discovery. As a modern romantic realist, I blend personal reflections with a detailed literary analysis to show how the power of the imagination can elevate everyday life, reshape our views on love, and inspire creati...

    38 min

  7. FEB 25

    The Iliad - A new Translation for Young Adults (chapter one)

    Send us a text This a sample of a new translation of the Iliad for young adults that I have completed. I have crafted this from the original greek into Modern English Verse. That is, verse that is readable by a modern reading public. Support my kickstarter so I can publish this work and do a full recording of all 24 chapters of the Iliad. http://kck.st/3QmrYpk This is not a re-imagining of The Iliad. It IS the Iliad, but made readable to young people today.

    43 min

  8. FEB 12

    Inside the Mahabharata: Epic Conflicts, Greek Parallels, and Modern Lessons

    Send us a text Join host Kirk and special guest Srini—an engineer and Sanskrit scholar—as they uncover the hidden depths of the Mahabharata, one of India’s most celebrated epics. From analyzing the epic’s timeless themes of loyalty and honesty to drawing unexpected parallels with Greek myths, this discussion reveals how the Mahabharata continues to shape culture, philosophy, and even modern theater performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or curious newcomer, you’ll discover fresh insights...

    1h 38m
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5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

"It is the honourable characteristic of Poetry that its materials are to be found in every subject which can interest the human mind." William Wordsworth The Troubadour Podcast invites you into a world where art is conversation and conversation is art. The conversations on this show will be with some living people and some dead writers of our past. I aim to make both equally entertaining and educational.In 1798 William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge published Lyrical Ballads, which Wordsworth called an experiment to discover how far the language of everyday conversation is adapted to the purpose of poetic pleasure. With this publication, he set in motion the formal movement called "Romanticism." 220 years later the experiment is continued on this podcast. This podcast seeks to reach those of us who wish to improve our inner world, increase our stores of happiness, and yet not succumb to the mystical or the subjective.Here, in this place of the imagination, you will find many conversation with those humans creating things that interest the human mind.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirk j Barbera
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2025
  • Episodes
    314
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Troubadour Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Troubadour Podcast

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