Best Classical Reception Podcasts (2025)

1
CRITERION SESSIONS: ANORA + PRINCE OF BROADWAY w/ Isaac Feldberg 37:34

1h ago37:34

37:34

Hang onto your slipcases because Blake Howard & Isaac Feldberg will discuss the canonisation of Sean Baker with the special CRITERION COLLECTION releases of ANORA and PRINCE OF THE CITY. Anora Contemporary cinema’s foremost chronicler of American dreamers and schemers hustling on the margins of capitalist promise, Sean Baker, reaches new heights of…

1
Conversations: the Divine Rage of Dionysus, a Transgender Translation of Bacchae w/ Emma Pauly 2:02:15

14m ago2:02:15

2:02:15

Liv speaks with returning guest, translator and dramaturg Emma Pauly about reshaping and expanding their translation of Bacchae, and transgender, non-binary Dionysus. Find more from Emma here including a much earlier version of their translation of Bacchae here. This is the work by Cameron Awkward-Rich referenced. Submit your question for the next …

1
CRITERION SESSIONS: In The Heat of the Night w/Jen Johans (Watch With Jen) 20:39

2d ago20:39

20:39

Hang onto your slipcases because Blake Howard & Jen Johans of One Heat Minute Productions & Watch With Jen, will discuss the special CRITERION COLLECTION 4K release of IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT. IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT Passing through the backwoods town of Sparta, Mississippi, Philadelphia detective Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) becomes embroiled i…

1
The Timelessly Trans Tale of Caeneus, ft. Stephanie McCarter and Joe Watson 43:26

12h ago43:26

43:26

Happy Pride! This episode is a combination of three past episodes featuring the invulnerable and AFAB hero, Caeneus. Featuring this conversation with Stephanie McCarter, translator of Ovid's Metamorphoses, this episode from 2023, and this conversation with Joe Watson, author of the article used in 2023 and linked below! Now more than ever we should…

1
GUIDE FOR THE FILM FANATIC: “Days of Heaven” with John Bleasdale 1:03:20

2d ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Before recently, we knew John Bleasdale best as one of our favorite podcasters - he hosts, among others, “Writers on Film,” a spotlight on film books, on which Jason has guested twice. Now John has written a book of his own, “The Magic Hours: The Films and Hidden Life of Terrence Malick,” and joins us to discuss one of Malick’s best, “Days of Heave…

1
Conversations: Fulvia, the Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome w/ Dr Jane Draycott 1:39:49

5d ago1:39:49

1:39:49

Liv speaks with historian Dr Jane Draycott about Fulvia of ancient Rome, a woman at the centre of the fall of the Roman Republic... Unsurprisingly the conversation became something wider, looking at ancient women more broadly. Plus, we rant about the patriarchy, because it deserves it. Find more about Jane's new book Fulvia: the Woman Who Broke All…

1
Fulvia with Dr Jane Draycott 1:08:34

5d 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
Dionysius of Halicarnassus with Stefano Carlo Sala 51:17

6d ago51:17

51:17

In this episode of Two Friends Talk History, host Zofia is joined by Stefano Carlo Sala, a doctoral researcher at the University of St Andrews, to explore the fascinating world of Dionysius of Halicarnassus—a Greek historian living in Rome at the dawn of the Empire. Together, they dive into how Dionysius used monuments, myth, and memory to connect …

1
Ancient History Fangirl: How an Empire Ends, Rome's Gothic Immigrants 1:06:03

8d ago1:06:03

1:06:03

An episode of Ancient History Fangirl. One that I, Liv, really want you all to hear. This story isn’t just about Goths that lived outside Rome. It’s also about the Goths that lived inside the Empire—as everything from slaves to soldiers to free citizens. How they were treated within that empire fueled and fed the wheel of the Migration era. Hatred …

1
Liv Reads Statius: The Thebaid (Part 4) 1:19:28

12d ago1:19:28

1:19:28

Liv reads The Thebaid, by Statius, translated by JH Mozley. The Argives, with Polyneices, prepare to go to war with Thebes. The Thebans ask Tiresias for help and a drought is sent to slow the Argives as they move through Nemea. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to th…

1
ROMIN: “A man without a master.” 32:07

13d ago32:07

32:07

Join host Blake Howard and a handpicked team of film experts as they ambush John Frankenheimer’s RONIN (1998). Over 12 episodes, they'll explore the mysteries of the briefcase MacGuffin, praise co-writer David Mamet’s tough, balletic dialogue, and break down the film’s iconic action and chase sequences. Tune in because, as Sam says, 'Whenever there…

1
The Partial Historians: Augustus' Mausoleum with Dr Victoria Austen 1:11:06

15d ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Introducing the Partial Historians, an Ancient Roman History Podcast, part of the Memory Collective Podcast Network! This episode originally aired on the PH feed in spring 2024. Dr Rad and Dr G speak with Dr Victoria Austen (also a friend of LTAMB!) about Augustus' Mausoleum in Rome. And, not to worry, there are plenty of jabs at Augustus, as is on…

1
GUIDE FOR THE FILM FANATIC: “Ordet” with Jonathan Rosenbaum 57:49

18d ago57:49

57:49

Jonathan Rosenbaum is one of the foremost film critics and historians in the world, author of several essential books — including his most recent collection, “In Dreams Begin Responsibilities.” He’s with us to discuss one of his favorite movies, Carl Theodor Dreyer’s indelible “Ordet.” Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-heat-minute…

1
A Long & Storied (Mythical) Tale of Tyranny, Revisiting Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound 1:31:05

18d ago1:31:05

1:31:05

This three part series originally aired in 2021. Prometheus gave humanity fire, but he paid the price. Prometheus is brought to his punishment and meets the chorus of Oceanids. The Prometheus Bound is an examination of tyranny and the rule of Zeus, king of the gods. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episod…

1
¿Por Qué No Los Dos? 1:01:26

20d 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
Hermes Historia: AUT-- Wait, What Did He Say?! Modern Reception of Julius Caesar 40:54

22d ago40:54

40:54

In today's Hermes Historia special episode Michaela Pangowish breaks down the phrase 'AUT CAESAR AUT NIHIL' and the way we understand Julius Caesar today. Caesars, dictators, billionaire oligarchies are bad, actually. For more Hermes Historia episodes (typically co-hosted by Liv!) sign up for LTAMB's ad-free Oracle Edition on Patreon. Submit your q…

1
CRITERION SESSIONS: Night Moves w/ Sean Burns 34:01

22d ago34:01

34:01

Hang onto your slipcases because Blake Howard (One Heat Minute Productions) and special guest Sean Burns (film critic) will discuss the greatness of the departed Gene Hackman in the special CRITERION COLLECTION 4K release of NIGHT MOVES. Night Moves Arthur Penn’s haunting neonoir reimagines the hard-boiled detective film for the disillusioned, para…

1
Conversations: How the Historical Sausage Gets Made, Roman Colonization of North Africa w/ Matthew McCarty 1:34:09

26d ago1:34:09

1:34:09

Liv and Michaela speak with Roman archaeologist Matthew McCarty about Rome's colonization of North Africa and how that act of settler colonialism had ripple effects in the later French colonization. Find more from Matthew here. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing…

1
LIVE in London! Let's Talk About Medusa, Baby! w/ Cosi Carnegie 1:18:14

29d ago1:18:14

1:18:14

For the first time ever, Liv hosted a LIVE ticketed event at The Common Press bookstore in London, UK, alongside Cosi Carnegie (of Cosi's Odyssey). They discuss Medusa, in all her forms, live in conversation. If you're interested in seeing Liv speak live, let us know! Watch the video version here! Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or …

1
GUIDE FOR THE FILM FANATIC: “Desperately Seeking Susan” with Marya E. Gates 1:04:40

1M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Marya E. Gates’s wonderful new book “Cinema Her Way: Visionary Female Directors in Their Own Words” includes interviews with 19 groundbreaking women directors — including Susan Seidelman, whose 1985 smash (masterpiece, even?) “Desperately Seeking Susan” is our subject for today. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-heat-minute-produc…

1
Conversations: Old Tales, New Media, The EPIC (!!) Takeover w/ Christie Vogler, Joe Goodkin, and Joel Christensen (Part 2) 1:37:04

1M ago1:37:04

1:37:04

Finally, the second half of Christie Vogler's EPIC takeover episode. Christie speaks with Homerist Joel Christensen and modern Homeric bard Joe Goodkin about the intricacies of EPIC, modern musicals as reception, and all their favourite moments from EPIC The Musical! If you're keen for more EPIC talk listen to the Movies We Dig episode Christie men…

1
IMPRINT COMPANION: SHATTERED GLASS + MAN BITES DOG + IN THE BEDROOM and more 39:45

1M ago39:45

39:45

Hang onto your slipcases because Alexei Toliopoulos (Finding Drago, The Last Video Store) and Blake Howard (One Heat Minute Productions) team up to unbox, unpack and unveil upcoming IMPRINT FILMS physical media releases. In this episode, we discuss: Man Bites Dog (1992) - Imprint Collection #388 Shattered Glass (2003) - Imprint Collection #390 In T…

1
Invisible Chains: Human Trafficking in Antiquity with Florence Felsheim 1:16:53

1M ago1:16:53

1:16:53

What did it mean to be bought, sold, and sexually exploited in the ancient world? In this powerful episode of Two Friends Talk History, Zofia is joined by doctoral candidate Florence Felsheim to explore the hidden realities of sexual trafficking in ancient Greece and Rome. Drawing on literary texts, archaeological evidence, and cognitive science, F…

1
Gladiator II with Alexandra Sills 1:19:37

1M 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
THE DECADE PROJECT: THE DROP (2014) w/ Jason Bailey 1:00:05

1M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

The Decade Project is an ongoing, One Heat Minute Productions Patreon-exclusive podcast that looks back at films released ten years ago to reflect on what continues to resonate and what’s ripe for rediscovery. The third year, being released on the main podcast feed, is the films of 2015. To hear a fantastic chorus of guests and I unpack the films o…

1
Muse, Sing the Songs of Persephone's Women... Dead Women of the Odyssey 43:43

1M ago43:43

43:43

Examining the women of the Underworld in Homer's Odyssey (and contextualizing last Friday's episode a little further...) This coming Friday: part two of the EPIC takeover that fully delves into its musical depths. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle…

1
ROMIN: "Well, these are trying times." 54:48

1M ago54:48

54:48

Join host Blake Howard and a handpicked team of film experts as they ambush John Frankenheimer’s RONIN (1998). Over 12 episodes, they'll explore the mysteries of the briefcase MacGuffin, praise co-writer David Mamet’s tough, balletic dialogue, and break down the film’s iconic action and chase sequences. Tune in because, as Sam says, 'Whenever there…

1
Odysseus, Man or Monster? The EPIC (!!) Takeover w/ Christie Vogler 54:43

1M ago54:43

54:43

Past guest and host of Movies We Dig, Christie Vogler takes over the podcast to guide Liv through EPIC The Musical... Today Liv and Christie listen to No Longer You from EPIC and set the stage for next week's full takeover episode where Christie and guests will go over the musical in detail. Find more from Christie on the Movies We Dig podcast, par…

1
Classical Reception of Sexual Violence in Antiquity in Modern Visual Media with Briana King 1:05:37

1M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

In the latest episode of Two Friends Talk History, Zofia and Dr Briana King return to our discussion into Classical Receptions studies. This time, we go into some of the heavier subject matter that we felt deserved its own episode. Briana joins me to unpack the dark and often overlooked threads of sexual violence in ancient history and its modern r…

1
MIAMI NICE: LUCK RAN OUT w/ Jordan Harper and Travis Woods 45:12

1M ago45:12

45:12

Hosts Katie Walsh and Blake Howard bring our faves Jordan Harper and Travis Woods together to walk through the hospital parking lot, to conclude this beautiful, chaotic, horny mission. Jordan Harper Jordan Harper is the Edgar-Award winning author of SHE RIDES SHOTGUN, THE LAST KING OF CALIFORNIA, EVERYBODY KNOWS and the short story collection LOVE …

1
Movies We Dig: KAOS (live at CAMWS w/ Amy Pistone) 1:25:51

1M ago1:25:51

1:25:51

Introducing Movies We Dig, the podcast about film, antiquity and everything in between, part of the Memory Collective Podcast Network! This episode was recorded live at the annual meeting of the Classical Association of the Midwest and South to talk about the 2024 Netflix show, KAOS. Filling in for Colin as co-host is fan favorite (and regular gues…

1
GUIDE FOR THE FILM FANATIC: “Picnic at Hanging Rock” with Alicia Malone 59:44

1M ago59:44

59:44

TCM host and prolific author Alicia Malone joins us to discuss Peter Weir’s contemporary classic “Picnic at Hanging Rock.” She fills us in on the Australian New Wave, the film’s considerable cultural reach in her home country, and her new book “TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema,” on shelves Tuesday. Support this podcas…

1
Conversations: Sing, Muse, of a Woman... Mythica, Penelope's Bones, w/ Emily Hauser 2:13:21

2M ago2:13:21

2:13:21

Once again Liv is joined by the wonderful Emily Hauser, this time for the episode that started it all, a conversation about Mythica (Penelope's Bones in the US and Canada), a look at the women of Homer and through them, women of the Bronze Age. Find Mythica or Penelope's Bones wherever you get books (ideally, not Amazon). Submit your question for t…

1
ROMIN: "Everyone's your brother until the rent comes due." 1:02:07

2M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Join host Blake Howard and a handpicked team of film experts as they ambush John Frankenheimer’s RONIN (1998). Over 12 episodes, they'll explore the mysteries of the briefcase MacGuffin, praise co-writer David Mamet’s tough, balletic dialogue, and break down the film’s iconic action and chase sequences. Tune in because, as Sam says, 'Whenever there…

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
CRITERION SESSIONS: Thief w/ Bilge Ebiri 57:09

2M ago57:09

57:09

Hang onto your slipcases because Blake Howard (One Heat Minute Productions) and special guest Bilge Ebiri (film critic/writer/editor at New York Magazine) collaborate to dissect a special CRITERION COLLECTION release. Thief The contemporary American auteur Michael Mann’s bold artistic sensibility was already fully formed when he burst out of the ga…

1
Sweetbitter: Women in the Bible 1 Thessalonians 5:21 43:00

2M ago43:00

43:00

(Re)introducing season 3 of Sweetbitter: Women & LGBTQIA+ History, part of the Memory Collective Podcast Network! This season Leesa, Ellie, and Alyse dive into the not at all controversial world of women and queer history of... the Bible, and Christianity. Submit your question for the next LTAMB Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes a…

1
TOO MUCH MOVIE: TOMBSTONE 1:06:45

2M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

FOR THE LATEST EPISODE OF THIS 90S CELEBRATION PODCAST, WE (HOSTS CHRIS CANDY, ROB BELUSHI, AND BLAKE HOWARD) ARE ROLLING TO TALK ALL ABOUT VAL KILMER AND EVERYTHING BURSTING OUT OF TOMBSTONE. Thank you so much for the ongoing support! Join our Patreon for as little as $1 a month for exclusive weekly podcasts + access to the OHM discord here. One H…

1
ROMIN: “Take the case!” 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

Join host Blake Howard and a handpicked team of film experts as they ambush John Frankenheimer’s RONIN (1998). Over 12 episodes, they'll explore the mysteries of the briefcase MacGuffin, praise co-writer David Mamet’s tough, balletic dialogue, and break down the film’s iconic action and chase sequences. Tune in because, as Sam says, 'Whenever there…

1
Liv Reads Statius: The Thebaid (Part 3) 1:02:22

2M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Liv reads The Thebaid, by Statius, translated by JH Mozley. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes loo…

1
ROMIN: “Could you take a picture of me and my wife?” 34:39

2M ago34:39

34:39

Join host Blake Howard and a handpicked team of film experts as they ambush John Frankenheimer’s RONIN (1998). Over 12 episodes, they'll explore the mysteries of the briefcase MacGuffin, praise co-writer David Mamet’s tough, balletic dialogue, and break down the film’s iconic action and chase sequences. Tune in because, as Sam says, 'Whenever there…

1
Ancient History Fangirl's Boudicca 1: the Seeds of Rebellion 1:10:33

2M ago1:10:33

1:10:33

Liv's off to the UK and realized she's never covered Boudicca! Presenting episode 1 of Ancient History Fangirl's 2021 series on Britain's warrior queen. The story of Boudicca’s revolt is as epic as you can get. It’s got murder and pillage, Romans behaving badly, cities on fire, and a layer of destruction that was scorched into the earth. But it's a…

1
GUIDE FOR THE FILM FANATIC: “The Breaking Point” with Eddie Muller 1:05:33

2M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

The czar of noir himself, TCM’s “Noir Alley” host Eddie Muller, joins us to discuss Michael Curtiz’s (slightly) closer 1950 adaptation of Hemingway’s “To Have and Have Not.” Hear his thoughts on the various adaptations, the power of its leading man and the counterpoints of its leading ladies, and the new edition of his marvelous book “Dark City Dam…

1
Conversations: When Science Meets Storytelling, Storylife w/ Joel Christensen 1:22:36

2M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

Liv is joined by our favourite Homerist to talk narrative, virality, and how epics can help us understand the mess we're in. Find more about Storylife here. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Gre…

1
ROMIN: "I ambushed you with a cup of coffee." 1:23:04

2M ago1:23:04

1:23:04

Join host Blake Howard and a handpicked team of film experts as they ambush John Frankenheimer’s RONIN (1998). Over 12 episodes, they'll explore the mysteries of the briefcase MacGuffin, praise co-writer David Mamet’s tough, balletic dialogue, and break down the film’s iconic action and chase sequences. Tune in because, as Sam says, 'Whenever there…

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

2M 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
RE-AIR: Lightening the Mood With a Pegasus Special 52:10

2M ago52:10

52:10

Today's episode is a re-airing of a couple of Liv's favourite Pegasus-related episodes, because it's time for something light and silly. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve ass…

1
ROMIN: "You know, you think too hard." 35:14

2M ago35:14

35:14

Join host Blake Howard and a handpicked team of film experts as they ambush John Frankenheimer’s RONIN (1998). Over 12 episodes, they'll explore the mysteries of the briefcase MacGuffin, praise co-writer David Mamet’s tough, balletic dialogue, and break down the film’s iconic action and chase sequences. Tune in because, as Sam says, 'Whenever there…

1
Conversations: It Turns Out Women Are People, Women's Collective Memory w/ Emily Hauser 1:43:58

2M ago1:43:58

1:43:58

Liv speaks with Emily Hauser about... Women. Ancient and mythological women, the ways they shared stories, and collective memory. Learn more about the Memory Collective. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far…

1
ROMIN: "Back in the late unpleasantness." 46:23

2M ago46:23

46:23

Join host Blake Howard and a handpicked team of film experts as they ambush John Frankenheimer’s RONIN (1998). Over 12 episodes, they'll explore the mysteries of the briefcase MacGuffin, praise co-writer David Mamet’s tough, balletic dialogue, and break down the film’s iconic action and chase sequences. Tune in because, as Sam says, 'Whenever there…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Classical Reception Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen