Best Exponent II Podcasts (2025)

1
Shirts Off For Virtus 1:05:07

7d ago1:05:07

1:05:07

In this episode, we continue to follow the adventures of that most amazing of Romans: Marcus Furius Camillus! This is one of his real shining moments of virtus. Although the Romans have just conquered Veii, there was tension on those mean city streets. The patricians and plebeians were locked in a disagreement over what they should do with this new…

1
Fulvia with Dr Jane Draycott 1:08:34

21d ago1:08:34

1:08:34

In our latest special episode, we were positively tickled to be able to chat to Dr Jane Draycott about her latest historical biography Fulvia: The Woman who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome (published with Atlantic Books). For the uninitiated, Fulvia is one of the more notorious characters from the Late Roman Republic. If you’ve heard of her, it…

1
¿Por Qué No Los Dos? 1:01:26

1M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

It’s 395 BCE and we explore the events that are the result of the epic year of 396 BCE. The Romans ended 396 BCE on a high with their military success against the southern-most city of the Etruscans, Veii. But is all well in the Roman world? That may depend on which god you talk to… An incomplete victory? The defeat of Veii leaves the northern peop…

1
At Last She Said It: Honest Conversations About Faith, Church, And Everything In Between 41:45

2M ago41:45

41:45

Today we turn the tables on popular podcast hosts Susan Hinckley and Cynthia Winward to interview them about their new book, At Last She Said It: Honest Conversations About Faith, Church, And Everything in Between. You may be familiar with their At Last She Said It podcast, and how for the past five years they have helped listeners grappling with t…

1
Gladiator II with Alexandra Sills 1:19:37

2M ago1:19:37

1:19:37

Rounding out our trilogy of special episodes on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, we are joined by gladiator expert, Alexandra Sills. Alexandra holds a BA in Classical Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London and a MA in The Classical Mediterranean from the University of Leicester. Alexandra’s MA dissertation was awarded the Mark Pluciennik p…

1
Spring 2025 Magazine Launch Party: Radical Kindness 57:20

2M ago57:20

57:20

The audio from the Exponent II Magazine Launch Party Zoom Call for the Spring 2025 Edition, the theme of Radical Kindness. Contributing writers and artists for the Spring issue of the magazine share their backstories and inspiration for their work. Carol Ann Litster Young (managing editor of the magazine) as MC and Rachel Rueckert (editor-in-chief …

1
The Fall of Veii: Part III 1:06:12

2M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

We return for the final instalment on the fall of Veii in 396 BCE. In our previous episode, we witnessed the actual conquest of the great Etruscan city. Now it’s Camillus’ time to bask in the glory! He's a Real Trip Camillus has managed to secure victory for Rome, and one of the advantages now that it’s all over is that sweet, sweet booty. Everyone…

1
"Experiments In The Fading Light" with author Steven L. Peck 45:17

2M ago45:17

45:17

Author and poet Steven L. Peck joins Signature marketing manager Beth Brumer Reeve in an interview about his new book of poetry, Experiments in the Fading Light. Listen as Steven reads some of his favorites from this collection and shares how he got in trouble at school for reading so much during class, which we believe helped him become an amazing…

1
Gladiator II with Professor Martin M. Winkler 1:08:42

3M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

WARNING! This post and episode both contain spoilers! We are back to discuss Gladiator II, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s smash hit Gladiator (2000). Gladiator II is set in the joint reign of Caracalla and Geta. These emperors were brothers in real life, but not the creepy twins shown in the movie. However, let’s not get caught up in historical detai…

1
The Fall of Veii: Part II 1:20:49

3M ago1:20:49

1:20:49

The Fall of Veii is finally upon us – or perhaps we should say it was finally upon them! After a shameful defeat early in 396, the Romans decided to appoint a dictator. It is time for a Republican hero to burst into the spotlight. Welcome to the stage, Marcus Furius Camillus! Episode 159 – The Fall of Veii: Part II A Hero is Born Camillus is a lege…

1
"Changemakers: Women Who Boldly Built Zion" with authors McArthur Krishna and Anne Pimentel 53:07

3M ago53:07

53:07

Authors McArthur Krishna and Anne Pimentel sat down with Signature Books director Barbara Jones Brown to talk about the impetus behind their new book Changemakers: Women Who Boldly Built Zion. At a time when women are wondering if they matter at church, this book offers a resounding, “Yes!” Stories curated from scripture and global history of the C…

1
The Far Edges of the Known World with Owen Rees 1:00:07

4M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

We are super excited for this conversation. Owen Rees is the founder of the website badancient.com and we’ve been lucky enough to write a couple of articles over there on some misconceptions about the ancient Romans. So when we heard that Owen had a book coming out, we absolutely wanted to have a chat. Special Episode – The Far Edges of the Known W…

1
"Wallace Stegner: Dean Of Western Writers" with author Alex Beam 44:12

4M ago44:12

44:12

Nationally acclaimed author and journalist Alex Beam joins marketing specialist Beth Brumer-Reeve to talk about his new biography, Wallace Stegner: Dean Of Western Writers. Stegner had a prolific career that spanned half a century, including fourteen novels and seventeen works of nonfiction. He won the coveted Pulitzer Prize for his 1972 book Angle…

1
The Fall of Veii: Part I 58:30

4M ago58:30

58:30

396 BCE is finally here! Rome and Veii have been locked in a competition for space and resources for quite some time and it seems like the tide is about to turn. The year 396 BCE is perhaps one of the most significant years for Rome’s history in the early republic. Given the events at play, this episode is considering how the year begins and it mig…

1
Special Episode - Gladiator II with Dr Lindsay Steenberg 1:16:47

5M ago1:16:47

1:16:47

WARNING! This post and episode both contain spoilers! In case you somehow missed it, the hotly anticipated sequel to Gladiator (2000) hit the cinemas in November 2024. Gladiator II follows the story of Lucius Verus, the child of Lucilla and the hero from the first film, Maximus. Nope, we did not know that was a thing either. Poster for Gladiator II…

1
Special Episode - Enemy of My Dreams with Jenny Williamson 56:52

5M ago56:52

56:52

We were titillated to speak to the scintillating Jenny Freaking Williamson. Jenny is one of the co-hosts of Ancient History Fangirl, which we like to consider part of the unofficial but highly exclusive #ladypodsquad. Jenny and Genn have been on our show before to discuss their fabulous book, Women and Myth, which was released in 2023. However, tod…

1
"Eduardo Balderas: Father Of Church Translation, 1907-1989" 40:14

5M ago40:14

40:14

Author and BYU history professor Ignacio M. Garcia and Signature Books editorial manager John Hatch cover a lot of ground while discussing Garcia's new biography, Eduardo Balderas: Father of Church Translation, 1907-1989. Balderas was a child refugee from Mexico whose family came to live in Texas in the 1900s. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ o…

1
Winter 2025 Magazine Launch Party: The Quiet Things Out Loud 1:33:24

5M ago1:33:24

1:33:24

The audio from the Exponent II Magazine Launch Party Zoom Call for the Winter 2025 Edition, the theme of What if you said the Quiet Thing Out Loud? This magazine issue is in collaboration with At Last She Said It, with Cynthia Winward and Susan M. Hinckley. Contributing writers and artists for the Winter issue of the magazine share their backstorie…

1
Special Episode – Storylife with Professor Joel P. Christensen 1:07:37

5M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

We are thrilled to sit down in conversation with Professor Joel P. Christensen to discuss some of the ideas explored in his forthcoming book Storylife: On Epic, Narrative, and Living Things (Yale University Press). Special Episode – Storylife with Professor Joel P. Christensen Joel Christensen is Professor of Classical Studies at Brandeis Universit…

1
From Delphi, With Love 59:28

6M ago59:28

59:28

In 398, the Romans received some worrying signs from the gods, and now we return with a special message for them: From Delphi, With Love. Episode 157 – From Delphi, With Love In 397 BCE, the Romans were waging war on all fronts. On top of their ongoing siege at Veii, they were contesting their hold on Anxur with the Volscians, and their colony at L…

1
Reclaiming Our Narratives: Author Event with Laurie Lee Hall & Nathan Kitchen 38:06

6M ago38:06

38:06

In this moving and powerful conversation, authors Laurie Lee Hall and Nathan Kitchen share the genesis of their new memoirs, Dictates of Conscience: From Mormon High Priest to My New Life as a Woman and The Boughs of Love: Navigating the Queer Latter-day Saint Experience During an Ongoing Restoration. They speak to the dominant narratives found in …

1
Special Episode – Totally Chaotic History with Dr Emma Southon 53:15

6M ago53:15

53:15

Are you ready to have a Totally Chaotic time? We certainly hope so, as we are thrilled to welcome Dr Emma Southon back on the show for the FOURTH TIME (not the third, as incorrectly said by Dr Rad). Emma has released her first children’s book, which was co-authored with Greg Jenner and illustrated by Rikin Parekh. Special Episode – Totally Chaotic …

1
Kidnapped! 56:48

7M ago56:48

56:48

In 398 BCE, the Romans were still enmeshed in their siege at Veii. Whilst the Romans waited, worrying portents started to appear. What did they all mean? Episode 156 – Kidnapped! The most concerning portent was a sudden increase in the levels of the lake in the Alban Woods. It was positively spooky. An embassy was despatched to visit the Delphic Or…

1
"Dictates of Conscience" with author Laurie Lee Hall 57:57

7M ago57:57

57:57

Join memoirist Laurie Lee Hall and Signature Books Director Barbara Jones Brown for this fascinating interview based on Laurie’s new memoir, Dictates of Conscience: From Mormon High Priest To My Life As A Woman. Laurie’s growing-up years were defined by the conflict between her physical condition as a boy and her inherent identity as a girl. Unable…

1
"Journeys from a Desert Road," a conversation with author Mary Clyde 28:14

7M ago28:14

28:14

"In what novelist John Gardner referred to as 'the vivid and continuous fictional dream,' Mary Clyde writes two stories of alternate realities with the same or similar characters. Here, fugue-like, a post-apocalyptic world in the Arizona desert informs, undercuts, reiterates, and ultimately harmonizes with a family struggling to tend to a son and b…

1
Special Episode - Gods and Mortals with Liv Albert 56:01

7M ago56:01

56:01

We love it when we get to chat with some of our podcast friends, and this week we got to catch up with the hilarious Liv Albert from ‘Let's talk about myths, baby!' to talk about relationships between gods and mortals. Please be warned, this episode does contain references to sexual assault. Special Episode – Gods and Mortals with Liv Albert The lo…

1
Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire with Ulysses Press 24:37

8M ago24:37

24:37

We sit down with Casie Vogel, VP Publisher at Ulysses Press to talk about the process of bringing an ancient Roman history book into the world and some of the cheeky details about the past that Casie learnt along the way. To celebrate the publication of ‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire' this special episode is even in video form! https://vide…

1
The Final Cheeky Preview - Last Man Standing: Masada 28:02

8M ago28:02

28:02

We are thrilled to release the final cheeky preview from our new book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire. The final chapter from our ‘With a Rebel Yell' bonus material is entitled ‘Last Man Standing: Masada'. This bonus episode is coming out on the very same day that our book officially hits the shelves. Huzzah! The Final Cheeky Preview – Last …

1
A Feast for the Gods 42:59

8M ago42:59

42:59

Our new book ‘Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire’ has nearly landed! Pre-order your copy via Ulysses Press! It’s happening – the Romans enter the fourth century! In this episode, we compare and contrast the ancient source accounts for the year that was 399 BCE. Rome and Veii are still locked in a siege, with Roman forces outside the gates of the…

1
Writing Mormon History 2: Authors' Stories Behind Their Works 1:00:49

8M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Dive into the stories behind Mormonism’s best-known histories with Signature’s soon-to-be released anthology, Writing Mormon History 2. Authors and contributors Joe Geisner, Elisa Eastwood Pulido, Roger D. Launius, and Konden R. Smith Hansen join Signature editorial manager John Hatch for a lively discussion of their work behind their books that ma…

1
Another Cheeky Preview - Zenobia's Winning Strategy 20:21

8M ago20:21

20:21

Welcome to another cheeky preview from our new book, Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire. This chapter is a bit of a contrast to our first one on Spartacus. We turn from a rebel from the lowest ranks of society to one from the elite. We are journeying from the Roman Republic to the mid-Empire. Aaaaand we are travelling from Italy to the provinces…

1
"Fifty Years of Exponent II" Authors & Contributors Discuss Feminism and Mormonism 55:06

8M ago55:06

55:06

Authors Katie Ludlow Rich and Heather Sundahl, along with contributors Kalani Tonga, Linda Hoffman Kimball, and Amy McPhie Allebest, discuss the background behind Fifty Years of Exponent II with Signature Books director Barbara Jones Brown. Covering topics from origins of the book to the intersection of Mormonism and feminism, you will love hearing…

1
Fall 2024 Magazine Launch Party: Stranger than Fiction 58:59

8M ago58:59

58:59

The audio from the Exponent II Magazine Launch Party Zoom Call for the Fall 2024 Edition, the theme of Stranger than Fiction. Contributing writers and artists for the Fall issue of the magazine share their backstories and inspiration for their work. Carol Ann Litster Young (managing editor of the magazine) as MC and Rachel Rueckert (editor-in-chief…

1
The Fifth Century BCE in Review 1:22:42

9M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

The fifth century BCE in Rome is the century that saw the idea of the republic flourish and falter only to flourish again. The plebeians rose up to fight for their rights and to enjoy the fruits of their hard work on the battlefield. The patricians held on to their prestige and power with a vice-like grip and Rome began to expand their influence in…

1
To Be a Friend of Christ: The Life of Marion D. Hanks 48:26

9M ago48:26

48:26

Marketing specialist Beth Brumer-Reeve talks with author Richard D. Hanks about his new book, To Be a Friend of Christ: The Life of Marion D. Hanks, just released by Signature Books. In this discussion, Richard shares how his father, Marion, was always willing to champion the underdog while a prominent leader within the Church of Jesus Christ of La…

1
Special Episode - Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) 1:43:11

9M ago1:43:11

1:43:11

We are in shock that it has taken us this long to cover the cult classic that is Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979). We have Rslaugesen over on Patreon to thank for pointing out this glaring oversight. Once we got started, it was hard for us to stop talking about the Life of Brian. British comedy was a staple of our childhoods and Monty Python was…

1
The Partial Recap - 400s BCE 26:52

10M ago26:52

26:52

The 400s BCE have been a rollercoaster for Rome. It certainly seems to have been a decade of big changes, both in terms of foreign policy and on the domestic front. Join us for the highlights for the last decade of the fifth century BCE! The Partial Recap – 400s BCE Want to hear the full story? Head to Episode 144: Where in the World is Carventum? …

1
A Cheeky Preview - With a Rebel Yell: Spartacus 26:17

10M ago26:17

26:17

We are SO excited to share a snippet of our new book with you! That's right, we have a whole section entitled ‘With a Rebel Yell' that will be bonus digital content on the Ulysses Press website and so we thought, why not read it as well? Today, we kick it all off with the section on the rebellious gladiator, SPARTACUS. Ah, this is where it all bega…

1
The Plebeians Push into Power 55:01

10M ago55:01

55:01

We jump into the year 400 BCE which has more excitement than you may have anticipated. Could this be the year we have evidence for a plebeian break-through into the important magisterial position of military tribune with consular power? Episode 153 – The Plebeians Push into Power Now, as always with this period of Rome’s early republican history, w…

1
Fifty Years of Exponent II 1:02:39

10M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Join special guest host Rachel Rueckert, editor-in-chief of Exponent II magazine, for an insightful conversation with Katie Ludlow Rich and Heather Sundahl about their soon-to-be-released book, Fifty Years of Exponent II. They explore the common themes that feminist women have been facing since the inception of the Exponent II in 1974. Katie Ludlow…

1
Special Episode - Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors with LJ Trafford 1:06:03

11M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In our latest special episode, we welcomed the talented LJ Trafford to the show to discuss her latest book, Ancient Rome’s Worst Emperors (2023). Special Episode – Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors You may very well have encountered some of LJ’s wonderful earlier works, including her historical novel series: The Four Emperors. These books cover a turbu…

1
Summer 2024 Magazine Launch Party 58:36

11M ago58:36

58:36

The audio from the Exponent II Magazine Launch Party Zoom Call for the Summer Edition, an open-themed issue. Contributing writers and artists for the Summer issue of the magazine share their backstories and inspiration for their work. Carol Ann Litster Young (managing editor of the magazine) as MC and Rachel Rueckert (editor-in-chief of the magazin…

1
Episode 152 - Victory at Last! 49:09

12M ago49:09

49:09

Whilst 401 BCE was a tense year inside ancient Rome, we can assure you that there will be a plebeian win to close the year. Victory at last! Episode 152 – Victory at Last! Surrounded by Enemies The Romans were facing war with several enemies, thanks to Capena and the Falerii joining their conflict with Veii. And they weren’t going to take the loss …

1
Special Episode – Exploring Place in Regal Rome with Neil, The Ancient Blogger – Part 2 1:10:55

12M ago1:10:55

1:10:55

Neil returns to discuss more about some of the major sites of interest in the regal period of Rome. We recommend his podcast Ancient History Hound to you. You can also find out more details about Neil's work at his website: The Ancient Blogger. Special Episode – Exploring Place in Regal Rome with Neil, The Ancient Blogger – Part 2! When Life Gives …

1
50th Anniversary: Spring 2024 Magazine Launch Party 1:18:23

1y ago1:18:23

1:18:23

The audio from the Launch Party Zoom Call for the Spring Edition, 50th Anniversary Issue of the Exponent II Magazine! Hear from the authors and artists for the Spring 2024 magazine issue centered on, the 50th Anniversary of Exponent II. Note: I forgot to press record at the beginning of the Zoom call, so the cover reveal with Page Turner and letter…

1
Factional Foibles 59:37

1y ago59:37

59:37

We jump into the year of 402 BCE and Rome and Veii are tooth and nail in siege mode. In addition to this, Rome is rapidly approaching the end of the 5th century BCE, a date that is meaningful for historians and scholars but less significant for the Romans who understood the years through the names of the magistrates more than being overly intereste…

1
Scholars Share New Insights on Early Mormon Polygamy 54:49

1y ago54:49

54:49

Listen as contributors to the new volume, Secret Covenants: New Insights on Early Mormon Polygamy, delve into the complex history of early Mormon polygamy. The discussion covers Joseph Smith's controversial marriage proposals, the enduring fascination with the practice, and the pivotal role of Fanny Alger in the narrative. The guests emphasize the …

1
Special Episode - Ovid's Metamorphoses with Professor Stephanie McCarter 1:05:59

1y ago1:05:59

1:05:59

It is not often that we get to say that there is a new translation of a classical text that has taken the world by storm. But that was exactly what happened when Professor Stephanie McCarter released her 2022 translation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. We were honoured that Professor McCarter agreed to talk to us about the mysterious Ovid and her process …

1
The Book of Queer Mormon Joy 27:42

1y ago27:42

27:42

Marketing specialist Beth Brumer-Reeve is joined by Kerry Spencer Pray, editor and one of more than thirty essayists in The Book of Queer Mormon Joy, just released by Signature Books. In this discussion, Kerry addresses how this book came to life, the importance of focusing on joy in the queer community, and why everyone should read it. Kerry Spenc…

1
Episode 150 - Rhetorical Fireworks 1:31:04

1y ago1:31:04

1:31:04

It is 403 BCE and we’re about to be blinded by some rhetorical fireworks. The situation between Rome and Veii is getting more serious. Episode 150 – Rhetorical Fireworks We've Got Chills, They're Speechifying! As the Romans prepare for a long siege, the suggestion was casually made that the soldiers will need to remain in winter quarters. The Roman…

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Exponent II Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen