James Shapiro on Shakespeare and Plagues
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Our latest episode features James Shapiro talking about a major theme in Shakespeare’s work and life: the plagues that ravaged London throughout his career.
March 30, 2020
The Octavian 2019 Holiday Book List
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We are pleased to announce the Octavian 2019 holiday book List. The list makes great year-end reading wherever you may be — and great gifts, if you are still looking.
December 10, 2019
Soul Singer
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Contemporary fado star Cristina Branco explains what fado is and why this mysterious folk music from Portugal is so powerful.
Vol 5, Fall 2019 / September 19, 2019
What Government Can Learn from AIDS Activists
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In 2005, Celeste Watkins-Hayes began interviewing women with HIV. For this week's podcast we spoke with Dr. Watkins-Hayes about her surprising research.
August 16, 2019
The Storyteller
An Interview with Mario Vargas Llosa
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The Nobel Prize-winning novelist spoke with us about how the erosion of culture means the erosion of political liberty.
Vol 5, Summer 2019 / July 11, 2019
Scapegoats
An Interview with Deborah Lipstadt
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A leading historian explains how the oldest hatred has captured more and more minds in our polarized era.
Vol 5, Summer 2019 / July 11, 2019
Pure Nonsense
An Interview with Brian Jay Jones
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What made Dr. Seuss Dr. Seuss? His biographer Brian Jay Jones explains how hard work, creativity, and respect for kids changed Ted Geisel into an icon.
Vol 5, Summer 2019 / July 11, 2019
Best Shot
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Robert Capa took a series of pictures of the Omaha landings. We spoke to Amanda Vaill about the mysteries around the photos and their creator.
Vol 5, Summer 2019 / July 11, 2019
Tragic Sense
How ancient tragedies can save modern politics
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Charles Edel and Hal Brands' new book explains how Sophocles and Thucydides hold valuable lessons for contemporary politicians.
Vol 5, Summer 2019 / July 11, 2019
Why Do We Light Fireworks On The 4th Of July?
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Our deep dive with a pyrotechnics expert to get you amped up for the Fourth.
July 1, 2019
