300: 300

300: 300

Author: A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee April 7, 2026 Duration: 59:06
COME BACK WITH YOUR SHIELD OR ON IT

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
271: The Socratic Method [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:44
In this episode, you get a semi-faithful reproduction of the talk AJ did on the Socratic Method. TLDR: just ask questions and try not to be obnoxious.
270: Phaedo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:14
Ever wonder what Socrates discussed with his buds before he drank the poison? Well, it was the soul. Now you know. You can skip the episode I guess.
269: Plato v. Aristotle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:12
Aristotle and Plato have very different approaches to epistemology. In this episode, we discuss the implications of each.
268: Hamlet and Socrates and Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:41
In this episode, we discuss the views of two famous dudes on Death. One is old and makes everyone else overthink everything. The other is young and overthinks everything himself.
267: Plato's Dialogues: Meno [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:46
In this episode, you'll recall (not learn) how Socrates and Meno try to figure out if Virtue can be taught. You'll remember that it can't.
266: A Parley with Youth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:14
In this episode, Thomas talks us through the new book by Josh Gibbs: A Parley with Youth. If I remember anything from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, "Parley" means something about booty.
265: The Great Gatsby [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:04
In this episode, we talk about how the American dream will leave you dead in your swimming pool.
264: An interview with Davies Owens and Keith McCurdy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:39
Thomas interviews Davies Owens and Keith McCurdy. Davies is the current host of Basecamp Live, and Keith is the founder of Live Sturdy, LLC. Both have various other credentials. Oh heck, just listen to the episode alread…
263: The Ballad of the White Horse and Some Dudes Who Sing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:52
We revisit a book we've done an episode on already. But here's the thing, folks: the book is so dang good, and Graeme walks us through the intricacies of a specific scene in this one. And it's good. Soooooo good. In my h…