295: Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe

295: Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe

Author: A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee February 3, 2026 Duration: 1:00:08
In this episode, we discuss ol' Robinson Crusoe, how he lived on the island, and escaped twenty-eight years later. It's . . . kinda good?

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
35: The benefits of iliterasee [sic] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:48
Thomas walks us through some thoughts on literacy and the appropriate time for entering the classical world.
34: The Odyssey Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:04
A.J. walks us through the Hero's journey and outlines a the theory of the cosmic journey. Tableware also makes an appearance. Spoiler: it's gold.
33: The Odyssey, Part I [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:12
In this episode, A.J. brings us into the world of the Odyssey, noting some important scenes as we explore the story.
32: The Deep Joy of Romanticism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:40
Graeme leads us through the notion of Deep Joy. It's shorthand for the experience that inspired the romantics.
31: University [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:22
In this episode, we discuss the purpose of college, beginning specifically with the changes in mission of a specific college.
30: Socrates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:39
In this episode we discuss the person of Socrates. The man himself is a little tough to nail down, considering that he didn't write anything down.
28: Dante and his Comedy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:20
We introduce you to Dante in this episode and give you a guide to understanding his best known work. Oh, also, it's a little bit about Hell, which is fun.
27: Adequatio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:10
Adequatio is the notion that the understanding of the knower must be adequate to the thing known.
26: Milton's Fall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:46
Graeme teaches us about the fall of man according to Milton. Our eighth-grade boys will be disappointed to hear that it isn't all Eve's fault.