288: Macbeth Inverted

288: Macbeth Inverted

Author: A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee December 2, 2025 Duration: 1:06:30
In this episode, Graeme talks us through a framework in which we can experience Macbeth (you know, that Scottish play). Turns out that when you kill a Scottish king, everything goes topsy turvy.

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
251: Kristin Lavransdatter 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:23
Kristin Lavransdatter is a three-volume story by Sigrid Undset. This episode covers volume one. And oh, so much happens. Vows are given. Babies conceived. Fathers hoodwinked. We've got fires. Vagabonds. Poison. Oh, it's…
250: Genghis Khan 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:20
This is the first episode of a series on "The Secret History of the Mongols," the primary source for a big chunk of our knowledge about Genghis Khan. This episode lays the groundwork for the actual book.
249: War of the Roses 10: [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:22
Graeme continues the saga of the War of the Roses. Let me encourage you to receive the caresses of fortune with mild endurance.
247: Heart of Darkness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:56
Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" is better than you might think. Just as depressing, but probably better. Also, I feel bad for calling Graeme out on "Aprehensious."
244: Verbs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:20
In this episode, we discuss how using the right verbs can elevate your writing. It is something useful. You should be a person who uses active verbs. They are great things.
243: De Anima, part 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:56
This is the last bit of Aristotle's De Anima. I think we've finally got it cracked. Sort of.
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.