Best Doug Metzger Podcasts (2025)

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252 - Jaws at 50 w/ Cassandra Hager 53:05

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6d ago53:05

53:05

Film critic Cassandra Hager (Cinefied) joins us this week to reflect on "Jaws," released 50 years ago last month. Cassandra Hager on Cinefied - https://www.cinefied.com/cassandrahager Cassandra Hager on Twitter - https://x.com/TheMovieMermaid Cassangra Hager All Links - https://cassandrahager.carrd.co/ Errata - "Airplane '74" and "Airplane '77"were…

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62 Marcus Aurelius and the Kingdom of Gold w/ Judith Stove 41:35

9d ago41:35

41:35

Marcus Aurelius became emperor of Rome in 161 AD and went on to win several wars against the northern barbarians. But it wasn't his military exploits that earned him everlasting fame. Rather, it was his philosophical mind and the writings he left behind. In this episode, we are joined by author and scholar Judith Stove to explore the character, wri…

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251 - Talking Talking Heads w/ Jonathan Gould 1:01:28

13d ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Jonathan Gould's latest book is "Burning Down the House: Talking Heads and the New York Scene That Transformed Rock" (Meridian Books 2025). Gould has previously written books about The Beatles and Otis Redding -- his shorter works appear in The New Yorker. Gould is a New York City native; he attended ballgames at The Polo Grounds as a child and is …

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250 - The Clout or an Out Club 55:08

20d ago55:08

55:08

Three players in big league history have more than one career home run but no other hits. Two were players that got only a cup of coffee or two in the big leagues; the third, believe it or not, was a pitcher. We have their stories. Plus - the Rafael Devers trade, reflecting on Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, and some 1989 baseball cards. Errata: Nolan …

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Episode 113: Antarah ibn Shaddad 2:04:08

24d ago2:04:08

2:04:08

Antarah ibn Shaddad, a killer, a lover, and an epic hero, was also one of early Arabic literature's most famous poets. Parker's Song: https://youtu.be/bTVWrxfb5wk Episode 113 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-113/ Episode 113 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-113-antarah-ibn-shaddad Antarah's Poetry: War Songs (Librar…

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249 - He Went Two for Five the Next Game w/ Beverly Winter-Donaho 49:02

26d ago49:02

49:02

In April 1950, Jim Martin, a catcher for the West Texas New Mexico League’s Pampa Oilers, was violently struck by lightning during a game in Abilene, Texas. He not only survived the strike but he played the next game, going two for five. This week, Martin's daughter, Beverly Winter-Donaho, joins us to discuss Martin and his time in the minors durin…

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248 - Ernie Banks: Absurdly Simple & Impossibly Complex (Texans in the Hall) w/ Doug Wilson 54:10

1M ago54:10

54:10

In this episode, we talk with Doug Wilson, author of Let's Play Two: The Legend of Mr. Cub, the Life of Ernie Banks (Rowman & Littlefield, 2019), to explore the life and legacy of one of baseball’s most beloved figures. Doug shares insights into his research process, the hidden layers of Ernie Banks’ personality, and what makes this Hall of Famer’s…

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Announcements: Next Tour, Seeking Video Editor, Connect on Social Media, Patreon update 3:52

2M ago3:52

3:52

Some announcements for those of you who care about what's happening at AGD behind the scenes...

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61 Who is Lantern Jack? (Doug Interviews Me) 1:04:24

2M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

I chat with friend and fellow podcaster Doug Metzger about how I first became fascinated with the ancient world and share some of the adventures I had on the way to getting a PhD in Classical Philosophy. ------------------ Support AGD on Patreon: patreon.com/greecepodcast ------------------ Timestamps [01:25] Why I started AGD [05:15] Why Stoicism …

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Ep. 47 - They Were All in Love with Songs w/ Tamara Saviano (From the Vault) 41:59

2M ago41:59

41:59

Craig and Rex are taking a break in May giving them a change to feature some favorite episodes from the archives and you an chance to catch up on other episodes you may have missed or wish to revisit. This episode from the vault features our interview with Tamara Saviano, author, journalist, publicist and Grammy-nominated record producer, and write…

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Episode 112: Pre-Islamic Arabic Poetry 2:19:43

2M ago2:19:43

2:19:43

Prior to the dawn of Islam, the Arabian Peninsula had a great poetic tradition, with many genres, and many poets who are still celebrated and studied today. Episode 112 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-112/ Episode 112 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-112-pre-islamic-arabic-poetry/ Song https://www.youtube.com/watch…

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133 - We Weren't Rained Out, We Were Rained In w/ Roger Metzger (From the Vault) 1:15:27

2M ago1:15:27

1:15:27

Craig and Rex are taking a break in May giving them a change to feature some favorite episodes from the archives and you an chance to catch up on other episodes you may have missed or wish to revisit. This episode from early 2023 is our interview with Roger Metzger, the Houston Astros' Gold Glove winning shortstop in the 1970s. Hooks & Runs will re…

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247 - "A Stranger Among His Own Kind:" Rogers Hornsby (Texans in the Hall) 51:46

2M ago51:46

51:46

Rogers Hornsby won seven batting titles, hit .358 in his 23-year Major League career and remains the all-time batting average leader both among right handed hitters and in the National League. He managed the 1926 St. Louis Cardinals to franchise's first World Series title only to be traded two months later in a salary dispute. Hornsby's career and …

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246 - Remembering the St. Louis Browns w/ Ed Wheatley 55:40

3M ago55:40

55:40

Ed Wheatley, president of the St. Louis Browns Historical Society, joins us this week to discuss the Browns, an American League team from 1902 to 1953. Wheatley is the co-author of "St. Louis Browns: The Story of a Beloved Team" (Reedy Press 2017), which was selected best book published on baseball in 2017 by Sports Collectors Digest and nominated …

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Episode 111: Pre-Islamic Arabia 2:22:19

3M ago2:22:19

2:22:19

Leading up to the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in about 570 CE, the Arabian Peninsula was an increasingly populous and globally interconnected region. Episode 111 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-111/ Episode 111 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-111-pre-islamic-arabia/ Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.co…

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245 - Disco Was Fun! Baseball, Music & Culture in 1978 w/ David Krell 54:18

3M ago54:18

54:18

David Krell is author of "1978: Baseball and America in the Disco Era," (University of Nebraska Press, 2025). His book explores the wild 1978 major league season with features on the American League East race that went to a 163rd game, iconic players from the era like Pete Rose and Dave Kingman and cultural flashpoints from film, TV and music. In t…

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60 The Rise of Athens (Themistocles and the Persian Wars, Part 3) 1:06:40

3M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

During the Persian Wars, the city of Athens was completely razed to the ground by the Persian army. And yet, from its ashes, a new Athens was born, more powerful and magnificent than any other city in the Mediterranean. How did the Athenians pull that off? In this finale to our Persian Wars saga, we explore the final battles of the conflict and the…

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244 - Power Outage! The 1979 Houston Astros 56:25

3M ago56:25

56:25

This week, Craig and Rex take a deep dive into the 1979 Houston Astros, the only team since 1947 to hit fewer than 50 home runs while posting a winning record and also the last team to hit more triples than home runs in a single season. Also, The Sex Pistols are back on the road, without Johnny Rotten. Even punks get nostalgic. Errata: The Cardinal…

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243 - Trouble in Tampa Bay: Maybe the Rays Are Not Getting Their New Stadium After All w/ Dr. Elizabeth Strom 47:52

3M ago47:52

47:52

Maybe we spoke too soon. Dr. Elizabeth Strom, a professor of urban politics and policy at The University of South Florida and an editor at DRays Bay, a Tampa Bay Rays blog on SB Nation, returns to our podcast this week. Two years ago, Episode 143 to be exact, Dr. Strom appeared to discuss what then looked like a solid deal for a new ballpark in St.…

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242 - Disturbed Concert Stories, 2025 MLB Predictions, and Tommy (the Film) 50:15

4M ago50:15

50:15

This week, Disturbed declares war on the Bulls' championship banners during a show at United Center, plus Motley Crue at MinuteMaid (Daiken) and the greatest Journey concert ever. Craig makes his 2025 MLB predictions - try not to laugh. The podcast concludes with the boys reviewing "Tommy," the 1975 Ken Russell film based on The Who's 1969 album of…

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Episode 110: Questions 2:20:50

4M ago2:20:50

2:20:50

In Episode 110, Literature and History host Doug Metzger answers dozens of listener questions about making the show, books, and how and why the podcast came to be. Literature and History's Upcoming Seasons: https://literatureandhistory.com/upcoming-seasons/ The Actual First Novels Bonus Series: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content#tafn Ep…

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Episode 109: Cornerstones 2:09:42

4M ago2:09:42

2:09:42

Episode 109 brings our long season on Late Antiquity to a close, reviews the past 24 programs on the beginnings of the Middle Ages, and introduces our new season on early Islamic History. The Actual First Novels Bonus Series: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content#tafn Literature and History's Upcoming Seasons: https://literatureandhistory.…

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241 - The Hard Luck 11: Pitchers that threw 9+ inning, complete game 1-hitters and lost 46:39

4M ago46:39

46:39

Since 1901, in the American and National Leagues, 11 pitchers have thrown 9+ inning, complete game 1-hitters and lost. These include a pitcher that pitched both games of a double-header on the day, a pitcher that took a perfect game into the 13th inning only to lose and a pitcher that gave up an extra-inning, walk-off home run to lose. This week, a…

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240 - Texans in the Hall: Greg Maddux, plus, Arenado, Rose, Golden State Entertainment and Tales of the Tape. 45:25

4M ago45:25

45:25

This week Craig and Rex continue their series on native Texans in the Baseball of Fame with 355-game winner Greg Maddux. Also, the Nolan Arenado trade talks will not go away, Pete Rose's family petitions the Commission to lift the all-time hits leader's lifetime ban now that his life is over, the Golden State Warriors own a record label and what do…

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59 The Ancient Novels w/ Doug Metzger (Apuleius, Lucian, Chariton, Heliodorus, Petronius, Achilles Tatius) 59:03

4M ago59:03

59:03

Unveiling the wild world of ancient Greek and Roman novels with Doug Metzger, host of the "Literature and History Podcast." ------------------ Support Ancient Greece Declassified on Patreon: patreon.com/greecepodcast ------------------ Contents of the episode, with timestamps: 04:22 When did novels first arise? 09:12 The four genres of ancient nove…

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239 - Willie McCovey: Remembering a Forgotten Superstar w/ Chris Haft 54:36

4M ago54:36

54:36

Author Chris Haft's new book, Willie McCovey: A Giant Among Giants (University of Nebraska Press, 2025) adds to the baseball literature by examining the life and baseball times of perhaps the most forgotten member of the 500-home run club. Haft's look at this great Giant superstar is long overdue. He joins us this week to discuss the great and powe…

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238 - Artie Shaw's Nightmare: The Big Band Sound Goes to War w/ Michael Doyle 53:35

5M ago53:35

53:35

Author and journalist Michael Doyle's new book, Nightmare in the Pacific: The World War II Saga of Artie Shaw and His Navy Band (Univ. of North Texas Press, 2025) is an adventurous tale and a must read. Shaw, a leading big band leader into the early 1940s, joined the Navy a few months after Pearl Harbor. He formed a Navy big band of accomplished an…

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Episode 108: Isidore of Seville 2:14:12

5M ago2:14:12

2:14:12

One of the great scholars of Late Antiquity, Isidore (c. 560-636) left behind a compendium called the Etymologies, an encyclopedia of his epoch’s knowledge, a book second only to the Bible during the Middle Ages. Episode 108 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-108/ Episode 108 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-108-isido…

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237 - Bugs Raymond, the Overlooked for Cooperstown, Kendrick's Halftime & Beyonce's Grammy 51:35

5M ago51:35

51:35

Bugs Raymond battled alcoholism while pitching for the Tigers, Cardinals and Giants as well as several minor league teams during the early Deadball Era -- this week we discuss Raymond's difficult and tragic life in baseball and afterwards. In Chapter 2, Craig and Rex have six players they believe ought to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame but are not…

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236 - Jim Gilliam: Replaceable in March, Irreplaceable in October w/ Stephen W. Dittmore 45:06

5M ago45:06

45:06

Stephen W. Dittmore's book, "Jim Gilliam: The Forgotten Dodger," (August Publications, 2025) hit bookstores this week and it's a good one. Dittmore joins us this week to talk about the man who won the 1953 National League's Rookie of the Year Award and who played key roles on four World Series championship teams for the Dodgers. Gilliam later coach…

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58 What Did the World's First Pop Star Sound like? | Euripides and Ancient Music w/ Claire Catenaccio 59:54

5M ago59:54

59:54

What did ancient music sound like? In this episode, you will hear three songs that are over 2000 years old! Few people in the world today know more about ancient music than our guest in this episode. Claire Catenaccio is an assistant professor of classics at Georgetown University who specializes in the study of ancient drama and its modern receptio…

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235 - Texans in the Hall: Ross Youngs w/ David King 53:45

5M ago53:45

53:45

Journalist and author David King joins us in part 1 to talk about Ross Youngs, who was born in Shiner, Texas, in 1897, and later played 10 seasons for John McGraw's New York Giants. In that time he was a key player on four National League pennant and two World Series title teams. A career .322 hitter, Youngs fell ill during the 1926 season and late…

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234 - The Miracle Braves of 1914, part 2 45:19

6M ago45:19

45:19

This week concludes our two-part series about the Miracle Braves of 1914 and concludes with Rex and Craig discussing Billy Wagner and the recent Hall of Fame balloting results. Episodes mentioned: 157 - R.E.M.'s Murmur at 40 w/ Tony Fletcher. You can support Hooks & Runs by purchasing books, including books featured in this episode, through our sto…

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233 - The Miracle Braves of 1914, Part 1 39:11

6M ago39:11

39:11

This week Craig and Rex begin a two-part series on the Miracle Braves of 1914. The early 20th Century was not kind to the Boston Braves (previously, the Beaneaters, the Doves and the Rustlers). Mired in the second division for years with frequent ownership changes, an outdated ballpark and few prospects, Boston entered the 1914 season with second y…

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Episode 107: Venantius Fortunatus 2:12:04

6M ago2:12:04

2:12:04

The Merovingian court poet Venantius Fortunatus (c. 530-600), at work in Francia in the late 500s, shows us the world of the Middle Ages blooming from Roman ruins. Episode 107 Quiz https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-107/ Episode 107 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-107-venantius-fortunatus/ Song https://www.youtube.com/wat…

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106 - Baseball Rebels w/ Professor Peter Dreier (From the Vault) 55:47

6M ago55:47

55:47

Rex and I are taking two weeks to recover from the holidays and holiday travel and will be back January 16 with the first episode of Season Six. Here are the show notes from our Episode 106: ------------------------------------------- This week Professor Peter Dreier (Occidental College) joins Hooks & Runs to discuss his new book, "Baseball Rebels:…

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46/50 - From the Vault: Our Interview with Larry Lester and the Best and Worst Super Bowl Halftime Performances (From the Vault) 55:46

6M ago55:46

55:46

Craig and Rex are taking two weeks off so we reached into the vault this week to present two segments from shows past. The first segment is our January 2021 interview with Larry Lester, baseball historian and co-founder of the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. This interview took place just a few short weeks after MLB officiall…