222: Leaf by Niggle by Tolkien

222: Leaf by Niggle by Tolkien

Author: A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee January 17, 2023 Duration: 51:51
Tolkien once wrote a story that totally isn't an allegory. Not even one bit. We discuss that story (totally an allegory) in this episode. Also, Horticulture! We don't discuss it, just been thinking about it lately.

Three friends, A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee, gather for the kind of wide-ranging conversation that happens after a good book or a shared idea. Their Classical Stuff You Should Know podcast is built on the belief that the ancient world isn't a sealed relic but a living conversation that touches everything from art and literature to the deeper questions of faith and philosophy. You’ll hear them explore mythology, history, and classical texts, but always through a lens that feels immediate and accessible. They connect these enduring ideas to the categories that shape our lives, whether that's education, creative arts, or personal spirituality. The tone is less like a lecture and more like joining a discussion among knowledgeable pals who genuinely enjoy unpacking these topics together. This approach makes the podcast a resource for teachers looking for engaging angles and for anyone simply curious about how ancient thoughts on Christianity, ethics, and storytelling still resonate. Each episode feels like an invitation to pull up a chair and think along with them, finding richness in the classical tradition that goes far beyond dusty textbooks.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Classical Stuff You Should Know
Podcast Episodes
242: The Frogs, by Aristophanes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:24
In this episode , Thomas walks us through "The Frogs," by Aristophanes. We also make animal noises.
241: Dogma and the Tripartite Soul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:08
In this episode, we revamp an old episode and discuss dogma. Typing with only my left hand is hard.
240: De  Anima 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:50
In this episode, we discuss Aristotle's definition of a soul. Only one more book to go and we'll pretty much have the soul solved.
239: Hermeneutics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:08
In this episode, Graeme walks us through Bible reading strategies. My hand is injured. This is short.
238: De Anima 1: A Number that Moves Itself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:36
In this episode (recorded live at Paideia!), we discuss book one of Aristotle's "On the Soul," where he dismantles all the other theories about what a soul is before he provides his answer in book two.
237: War of the Roses 8: The King of Bling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:00
Donaldson regales us with tales of Edward IV, the "Bro King." He loves the ladies. He loves the cash. He loves his bros.
236: "The Clouds," by Aristophanes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:25
"The Clouds" is the famous play that helped doom poor Socrates. Thomas leads us through the bawdy ancient comedy. By the way, this episode includes a little content that may not be appropriate for all ages. We did edit a…
235: Human Rights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:52
Human rights are oft trumpeted, but who really knows what they are? Where do they come from? How do they exist? Who gets them? Can I have one?
234: The War of the Roses 7: Everybody Loses Their Lead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:08
In the latest installment of Graeme's historical episodes on the War of the Roses, we have several battles, bloodthirsty children, and beheadings. Add Nicolas Cage and you've got yourself a stew going.
233: Love What Lasts: An Interview with Josh Gibbs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:11
Can you believe Josh came back on the podcast? Neither can we. Thomas and Josh discuss Josh’s newest book (Love What Lasts), music, and Die Hard. Links discussed in this episode: To buy a copy of the book: https://circei…