Best MODERN ATHENAS Podcasts (2026)

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S1 E13: Apollo Gets Blocked, Again... The Messy Myth of Apollo and Daphne 21:02

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4h ago21:02

21:02

Apollo thought he was God’s gift to dating, Daphne said absolutely not. In this episode of Ancient Societea, Lexi and Filip unpack one of Greek mythology’s most unhinged love stories. We have Apollo vs. boundaries, Eros choosing violence, and a nymph who would literally rather become a tree than go on a second date. From golden arrows and bruised e…

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Instant Answers: New Year’s Day Q&A 50:51

5d ago50:51

50:51

Since Instant Classics launched, we’ve loved getting your questions and ideas for topics. So for our New Year’s Day episode, Mary and Charlotte respond to some of those which have tickled their curiosity too. Where did the Romans stash their cash? What was a trip to the doctor like for women? Why do some people still try to speak (rather than just …

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S1 E12: Athena vs Poseidon - Owning Athens 23:51

6d ago23:51

23:51

It’s the ultimate Mount Olympus showdown! In this glittery New Year’s finale of Ancient Societea, we spill the mythical tea on Athena and Poseidon as they battle for bragging rights over the hottest property in Greece, the city that would become Athens. Was Poseidon’s flashy saltwater fountain enough to seal the deal, or did Athena’s grounded, oliv…

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A Very Merry Saturnalia to You 45:08

12d ago45:08

45:08

Every December, the Ancient Romans took part in a festival of feasting, drinking, gift-giving and awkward office parties. So far, so Christmas. But, in this episode, Mary and Charlotte ask what really went on during the Roman festival of Saturnalia and whether the comparisons to Christmas really hold? As is so often the case, we discover a people a…

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A Day at the Theatre in Ancient Athens 51:16

19d ago51:16

51:16

The Ancient Greeks, it’s often said, invented theatre - and the plays they wrote are still big box office today, particularly when you have a Hollywood star in the main part. In this episode, Mary and Charlotte wonder what a day at the theatre in Ancient Athens was actually like. Did it bear any resemblance to theatre-going experience in the West E…

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Confidence Uncovered: Myths, Mindsets and Mentorship | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 2 17:57

20d ago17:57

17:57

Is confidence something you’re born with, or can it be built? In this episode of Athena Rebels, hosts Sophie Dowsett-Smith and Limara Thorne dive deep into the realities of confidence in the workplace. They share personal stories, explore personality differences, and discuss why confidence often gets misunderstood, especially for women in tech. 🔑 K…

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S1 E11: Psyche and Eros: Cupid's Messiest Love Story Yet 31:38

20d ago31:38

31:38

In this episode of Ancient Society, Lexi and Philip spill all the ambrosia about the story of Psyche and Eros, the dramatic origin of love itself. You’ll hear how Psyche’s mortal beauty drove Aphrodite into a divine meltdown, how Eros literally shot himself with his own arrow, and how one drop of lamp oil turned paradise into heartbreak. Plus, we b…

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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (or did it?) 42:17

26d ago42:17

42:17

From Asterix to Up Pompeii to Life of Brian, there are lots of modern comedies about the Romans, but what did the Romans themselves find funny? In this episode, Mary and Charlotte share their favourite Roman jokes and ask the bigger questions: what can Roman humour tell us about the world of ancient Rome itself? Can we still ‘get’ Roman jokes and d…

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Apollo & Hermes: Ancient's Greece's Most Chaotic Duo 24:42

27d ago24:42

24:42

What happens when the radiant God of Order meets the chaotic Prince of Mischief? In this 10th‑episode milestone, Lexi and Philip dive into the ultimate divine duo: Apollo and Hermes. From baby‑Hermes stealing Apollo’s sacred cattle to the bromance that defined Mount Olympus, this episode of Ancient Societea is equal parts Greek mythology, gossip, a…

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Life, Death and Gladiators in Roman London 1:02:05

1M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Recorded live in an actual Roman amphitheatre underneath the Guildhall Art Gallery in London, Mary and Charlotte uncover the (Roman) origins of one of the world’s great cities. London’s Roman amphitheatre may not be the Colosseum, but it’s thought it could hold up to 7,000 spectators, which is not nothing in the ancient world. London was founded so…

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Odysseus' Disaster Era (Part One) 39:10

1M ago39:10

39:10

Welcome to Odysseus’ disaster era. In Part One of our Odyssey saga, we dive into the most chaotic road trip in ancient literature, where one man with zero impulse control keeps dragging his crew into brand-new nightmares. We’re talking pride issues, god beef, questionable decisions, detours that nobody asked for, and a whole lot of “Odysseus, PLEAS…

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Athena: Private Life of a Greek Goddess 43:32

1M ago43:32

43:32

Athena: goddess, shape-shifter, helper of heroes, fashion guru, patron deity of Athens and a bit of a daddy’s girl. She’s also one of the most elusive and puzzling characters in Greek mythology. In this episode, Mary and Charlotte ask who exactly is Athena? Is she a female role model for feminine power? More importantly, what exactly is a god in Gr…

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Zeus Literally Raining Men 20:20

1M ago20:20

20:20

Brace yourself—this is Zeus at his most unhinged. This episode dives into the wild myth of Danae, the princess locked away in a bronze tower because her dad was too scared of a prophecy. But when has a paranoid father or solid metal ever stopped Zeus? From disguises to delusion to literally turning himself into a golden rain, this story is peak cha…

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EP 69 — Odysseus Takes the Long Way Home 23:01

2M ago23:01

23:01

Send us a text The hero of the Odyssey and the Trojan War has to navigate treacherous waters and deities on his 10-year journey home. We join Odysseus for part of it. Meet Circe, the Sirens, and the sea monsters that slow his passage. If the trip had been ranked on a travel website, it would have gotten a negative rating. Support the show Email any…

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Scylla and Charybdis, the Monsterly Sisterhood of the Sea 26:58

2M ago26:58

26:58

Get ready for pure ancient chaos. This week, Lexi and Filip dive into the monster-sister duo Scylla and Charybdis, aka the nautical nightmare fuel that gave us “between a rock and a hard place.” We’re talking glam-goth sea girls, cursed potions, messy one-sided beef, and yet another man who can’t take a hint. Zeus pops in to ruin things (again), an…

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Boudica: The Woman Who Defied an Empire Pt2 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

In the second of this two-part special, Mary and Charlotte rejoin Boudica as she marches on London, continues her path of destruction, and finally meets the Roman army on the battlefield. It’s a dramatic story, complete with Boudica’s rousing speeches to her troops and her death by suicide when she realises the battle is lost. The Roman historians …

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No More Status Quo: The Athena Rebels Origin Story | Pax8 - The Athena Rebels Podcast Episode 1 19:41

2M ago19:41

19:41

In the debut episode of Athena Rebels, hosts Limara Thorne and Sophie Dowsett-Smith confront the conversations that professionals shy away from in tech and the modern workplace. From navigating male-dominated industries to rebuilding confidence after career setbacks, Limara and Sophie share their real-life journeys, including workplace bullying, re…

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Boudica: The Woman Who Defied an Empire pt 1 29:41

2M ago29:41

29:41

Boudica. Britain’s original badass. A warrior queen who almost defeated the Romans, gave voice to the oppressed and inspired countless school children ever since. But what do we really know about her? Mary and Charlotte trace her story, asking how much of the myth is true and whether we should really celebrate her today. History is told by the vict…

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A Trip To The Underworld 46:20

2M ago46:20

46:20

Any Greek hero worth their salt makes a trip to the Underworld at some point during their adventures. Mary and Charlotte follow in their footsteps, crossing the River Styx to ask: what exactly was the Underworld? How was it different to the Judeo-Christian ‘Heaven’? And why has the idea of it proven so enduring even though nobody believes in it? Th…

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The Public Love Triangle: Ares, Aphrodite, and Hephestus 22:34

2M ago22:34

22:34

🔥 Love, lies, and a little bronze trap — welcome to Mount Olympus’ juiciest scandal! In this episode, we spill all the divine tea on Aphrodite’s not-so-secret affair with Ares, the god of war, and the ultimate revenge of her husband Hephaestus. Expect laughter, drama, and plenty of ancient gossip as we turn Greek mythology into the best reality sho…

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Roman Ghostbusters 37:43

2M ago37:43

37:43

As the Halloween season hits, Mary and Charlotte turn to the wealth of ghost stories from the ancient world to ask: did the Greeks and Romans really believe in ghosts and why are their stories so similar to ours when many of our beliefs are so different? Mary and Charlotte recount a ghost story recounted by Pliny the Younger about a haunted house i…

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Is Icarus the Main Character of His Own Story? 28:19

2M ago28:19

28:19

Think you know the story of Icarus? Think again. This episode of Ancient Societea dives into the chaotic, drama-filled myth behind the guy who flew too close to the sun, featuring bulls, revenge, a wooden cow (yes, really), and a touch of divine pettiness. 🐂☀️ It’s Greek mythology meets The Hunger Games, with plenty of laughs and one surprisingly d…

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Special Announcement! - Instant Classics Live 1:09

2M ago1:09

1:09

Exciting News! Vespucci, in collaboration with the City of London Corporation and the Culture Mile Business Improvement District, is thrilled to present the very first live recording of Instant Classics on November 26th, 2025. Join hosts Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins as they journey back nearly two millennia to uncover what life was really like …

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Did Nero Really Fiddle While Rome Burned? 43:44

3M ago43:44

43:44

‘Fiddling while Rome burns’ is an accusation flung at every political leader at some point in their career. In this episode, Mary and Charlotte uncover the origins of this phrase and ask: why has it proved so resonant that it has carried through the centuries and right around the world? In 64 CE, a huge fire broke out in Rome. It lasted for over a …

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Monster-In-Law: Part 2 of Hades and Persephone 26:45

3M ago26:45

26:45

In part two of our Hades and Persephone gossip, the underworld’s hottest couple is thriving, Demeter’s losing her mind, and Zeus is pretending to care. From pomegranate snacks to divine drama, we’re breaking down the ultimate Greek myth power couple — and yes, someone really needs therapy.By Alexus

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Underneath The Toga 39:10

3M ago39:10

39:10

Can it really have taken seven episodes of Instant Classics to get to everyone’s favourite Roman meme: the toga party? Mary and Charlotte grasp the thistle - or rather the sinus (fold at the front of a toga) - and ask what exactly is a toga? Who wore them and when? And how do you make one? In this fact-filled episode, we discover that - despite the…

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Apollo and Cassandra: The Ultimate Situationship 24:45

3M ago24:45

24:45

What happens when a god can’t take rejection? In this episode of Ancient Societea, Lexi and Filip dive into the chaotic love story of Apollo and Cassandra, the ultimate mythological situationship. From divine love-bombing to the curse that made no one believe her prophecies, this story has everything: red flags, manipulation, heartbreak, and a time…

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Cassandra: Prophet Of The Modern World? 49:02

3M ago49:02

49:02

Who was the mythical Cassandra and why have pop stars started singing about her? Mary and Charlotte turn sleuth and track the elusive Trojan princess through the pages of ancient texts - from Homer’s Iliad to Virgil’s Aeneid. Today, Cassandra is most famous as a prophetess who could predict the future, but was cursed to never be believed. As a resu…

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Hades and Persephone, the Love Story from Hell 23:31

3M ago23:31

23:31

In this episode, Lexi and Philip unpack the darkly romantic myth of Hades and Persephone — a “match made in hell” with a twist. What starts as a kidnapping turns into an unexpected love story between the King of the Underworld and a goddess tired of being controlled. With humour, modern banter, and a dash of chaos, the hosts explore how Persephone …

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How did Rome begin? 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

We all know what Rome became - largest empire of the ancient world, public bathing, gladiators, aqueducts, excellent roads and all that - but how did it begin? Who founded it? When? And why? Mary and Charlotte sift through the various myths that give some insight to these questions. Peel back the layers of history and Rome’s origins are lost in the…

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E1: How Pettiness Started the Trojan War 24:31

3M ago24:31

24:31

In the very first episode of Ancient Society, Lexi and Philip dive into the messy, dramatic origins of the Trojan War. Forget the Trojan Horse—this war started with a wedding, a Golden Apple, and a whole lot of divine pettiness. From Zeus’ matchmaking mishaps to Paris’ fateful choice and Helen of Sparta’s legendary “prize,” they unpack how gossip, …

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Ancient Societea Trailer 0:47

3M ago0:47

0:47

Join hosts Lexi and Filip on Ancient SocieTEA, the podcast where mythology meets hot gossip. Each week, one of us spills the tea while the other reacts to the wildest stories from the ancient world. From messy gods and tragic lovers to wars sparked by drama, we’re retelling myths with sass, laughter, and a modern twist. Grab a drink, it’s time to g…

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Decoding The Parthenon 52:47

3M ago52:47

52:47

The Parthenon is one of the most celebrated and recognisable buildings in the world, but what did it mean to the Ancient Greeks? What role did it play in Greek society? And what did it look like in its heyday? Together, Mary and Charlotte decode the Parthenon. By happy coincidence, Mary is not just co-host of Instant Classics, but author of Charlot…

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Free Speech - An Ancient History 47:48

4M ago47:48

47:48

In the wake of recent conflicts over free speech and acts of political violence, Mary and Charlotte discuss how - then as now - free speech dominated the political agenda in the ancient world, with wildly different interpretations about what it meant and who got to decide. They discuss two distinct, yet complimentary principles in Ancient Athenian …

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The Odyssey#2: "Tell Me About A Complicated Man, Muse" 25:08

4M ago25:08

25:08

Tell me about a complicated man, muse… In this episode of Instant Classics Book Club, Mary and Charlotte dwell on the first ten lines of The Odyssey (as translated by Emily Wilson) and show how it contains not only a summary of the story that follows, but introduces the themes, the subject, and the way the story will be told. Whoever Homer was, the…

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What Sappho Still Teaches Us About Love 51:31

4M ago51:31

51:31

In Ancient Greece, the Iliad was the poem above all other poems - an epic full of war and bloodshed that tells of the great heroes who fought and died for Troy. But not so long after the supposed composition of the Iliad, a woman on the Mediterranean island of Lesbos, close to the coast of modern-day Turkey, introduced a new and enduring note to po…

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A Day At The Races In Ancient Rome 42:05

4M ago42:05

42:05

Think ‘Roman sport’ and images of Kirk Douglas, Russell Crowe, Paul Mescal and other Hollywood gladiators may come to mind. But while the Romans were partial to blood-sports, chariot-racing was the really big thing. The archaeological remains of chariot-racing tracks have been found all over the Roman Empire, but none suggest a scale or grandeur cl…

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The Odyssey#1: Journey Begins 17:23

4M ago17:23

17:23

In this first episode of the Instant Classics Book Club, Mary and Charlotte explain why The Odyssey is such a pleasure, as well as historically significant, and provide the basic facts necessary to get going. Sign up here: https://instantclassics.supportingcast.fm/ Pick a translation - any translation - and get reading with us. The Odyssey, along w…

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Introducing the Instant Classics Book Club - The Odyssey 3:37

4M ago3:37

3:37

Sign up here: https://instantclassics.supportingcast.fm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Vespucci

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Which Roman Emperor is Donald Trump? 43:56

4M ago43:56

43:56

For a long time being a classicist didn’t exactly make you a hit at a party. Then along came Donald Trump and suddenly everybody wants to know: Which Roman emperor is he most like? In this inaugural episode of Instant Classics, Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins confront the question they are asked the most. And, as ever when Mary Beard is involved, …

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Instant Classics - Trailer 1:22

5M ago1:22

1:22

A new podcast hosted by Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins. Ancient stories, modern twists… and no degree in Classics required. Episode 1 Available on Thursday, August 28th, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Vespucci

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EP 68 — A Shaman in Ancient Greece 25:28

6M ago25:28

25:28

Send us a text A shaman suddenly appears in ancient Greece to proclaim that Pythagoras, the founder of philosophy, is divine. Behind the scenes, Apollo lurks. Listen as the Greeks are shocked at what unfolds! Support the show Email any suggestions to [email protected] Patrick Garner

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EP 67: Strange & Obscure Tales (revised) 27:48

9M ago27:48

27:48

Send us a text EP 67 — Strange & Obscure Tales Four tales in one episode, all little known. Each focuses on the relationship between gods and men. One may well reveal the origin of werewolves. Come play with Zeus, Demeter, Artemis and Hermes. Support the show Email any suggestions to [email protected]…

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EP 66: Aphrodite & The Golden Apple 24:56

9M ago24:56

24:56

Send us a text This episode looks at the infamous Judgment of Paris, which sounds like a French court decision, but was actually a beauty contest between Greek goddesses! Join Hera, Athene and Aphrodite for the lead-up to the Trojan War and all the chaos that followed. And we re-introduce the goddess Eris, a nasty purveyor of war and destruction. S…

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EP 65: In Plain Sight 25:10

12M ago25:10

25:10

Send us a text This episode looks in depth at the unexpected themes of Greek pottery and how gods and heroes are depicted. We also examine the strange effigies of the god Hermes. You’ll meet a Hermes unlike any you’ve encountered. This episode is also unusual in that it is not suitable for underage listeners. Support the show Email any suggestions …

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EP 64: Artemis & the Ouija Board 19:49

1y ago19:49

19:49

Send us a text Engaging one night with an old Ouija board, podcaster Patrick Garner conjures up the ancient goddess Artemis. Over the course of many hours, the goddess remembers Athena, Poseidon, Hecate, her brother Apollo and other divinities. The episode is largely narrated by a new voice, Lily, an urbane English woman who has long been enthralle…

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EP 63: Nyx, The Darkest Goddess 20:38

1y ago20:38

20:38

Send us a text Nyx. the goddess of night, appeared before the Olympic gods, even before the Titans. Her progeny were almost all beings of terror and dread, and included Doom, Death, Sleep, Dreams, Blame, Misery, The Fates, Retribution, Old Age and Strife. Yet as terrifying as her family was, civilization may have resulted from their enforcement of …

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EP 62: When Zeus Came Knocking 25:30

1+ y ago25:30

25:30

Send us a text When Zeus Came Knocking A visit by Zeus and Hermes to an old couple’s home in ancient Greece sparked a tradition that goes on even today. All ancient Greeks knew that hospitality to strangers could bring fortune. Inhospitality could lead to divine punishment. Violation of this tradition led to the Trojan war. Its unusual name — philo…

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EP 61 — In Love's Crosshairs: Psyche & Eros 25:36

1+ y ago25:36

25:36

Send us a text What happens when Eros, the mischievous son of the goddess Aphrodite, sees Psyche, the most beautiful woman in the world? Star-crossed love, of course! Travel in our time machine back to ancient Greece and follow the timeless story of these two lovers. If you love this podcast, you'll also enjoy Garner's audible novel about the gods,…

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EP 60: Thebes, The City That Gods & Heroes Forsook 25:37

1+ y ago25:37

25:37

Send us a text EP 60: Thebes, The City That Gods & Heroes Forsook Of all the Greek city-states,Thebes was the one most soaked in blood and ancient curses. There, the hero Heracles had killed his wife and children. There, the god Dionysus punished the city’s king. There too the infamous Oedipus played out his grim fate. These events defined the city…