247 – Emily Wilson HATES Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey

247 – Emily Wilson HATES Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey

Author: T.Q. Townsend August 5, 2026 Duration: 13:17

Emily Wilson, translator of the unneccesarily hated and gossiped-about translation of Homer’s Odyssey, has seen Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of The Odyssey and . . . she HATES it. Hilariously, and with all of the scorn that only a very posh professor can heap upon a film review.

I love it.


Ever wonder about the deeper layers hiding within the pages of a beloved children's book? The Children's Literature Podcast, hosted by T.Q. Townsend, is for adults who appreciate these stories as much more than simple tales. This isn't a show for kids, but rather a thoughtful exploration for book-loving grown-ups, educators, parents, and curious teens. Each episode digs into a single book or theme, unraveling the historical background, cultural context, and literary craftsmanship that often goes unnoticed. Townsend guides you through the fascinating details behind the stories, revealing why they were written and how they reflect the world at the time. The goal is to equip teachers and parents with richer insights, allowing them to share these books with greater depth and connection. You'll discover practical ideas for lessons and activities that can transform a reading session into a more engaging experience, whether it's in a classroom or at home. Listening to this podcast feels like joining a well-informed book club conversation, one that rekindles your appreciation for the genre and provides tangible tools to make literature come alive for young readers. It's about seeing the familiar stories from your own childhood, or those you read aloud now, through a new and more insightful lens. The discussion goes beyond plot summary to examine the author's intent, artistic influences, and the subtle themes that resonate across generations. If you've ever found yourself pondering the deeper meaning in a children's classic or wanting to discuss its significance with other adults, this is the space for that conversation. T.Q. Townsend brings a clear passion and scholarly curiosity to each topic, making complex ideas accessible and immediately useful. The Children's Literature Podcast ultimately celebrates the enduring power of these books while giving you the knowledge to share that power more effectively. It connects the dots between the story on the page and the wider world, enriching your understanding and your ability to pass that understanding along.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 31

The Children's Literature Podcast
Podcast Episodes
234 – Pop Culture Roundup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:50
Here’s my thoughts on three upcoming adaptations of children’s stories. First, the preview trailer for the new Little House on the Prairie adaptation by Netflix looks like it might actually be . . . Good??? Also, it soun…
233 – NASA, Artemis and Orion! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:10
Human beings are going back to the moon! As I recorded this episode, Artemis II was on its journey to the moon and back again, with four crew members on board the Orion spacecraft. But what do Artemis and Orion have to d…
232 – Let’s Play Skyrim and Talk About Mythology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:51
It’s been a long time since I took any time for myself to play video games, and I randomly had the idea that if I can drag myself out of bed early enough, I could revisit Skyrim and chat about the myths and legends that…
231 – Pinocchio Unstrung and THE BRIDE! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:31
There have recently been a bunch of ultraviolent makeovers of classic children’s stories. Some are schlocky horror fun. And some are just dreadful. Pinocchio Unstrung looks like promisingly gory twist on Carlo Collodi’s…
230 – Every Literary Reference in Star Trek VI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:41
Star Trek VI is *so* loaded with literary references that I had to divide my thoughts into two parts. I previously talked about the Shakespeare references in the play, but this time I’ll do a speedrun through ALL of the…
229 – Let’s Read Inappropriate Nursery Rhymes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:24
When researching the first published books of nursery rhymes, I found some hilariously inappropriate entries. Well, by modern standards, anyway. Please enjoy these silly, violent, and scatalogical poems. If you share the…
228 – Star Trek VI is a Shakespeare Play! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
This episode comes from my recent livestream about Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and its Shakespearean influences. The plot is a real-time metaphor for the end of the Cold War, highlighting larger-than-life pers…
227 – Fireside Fairy Tale: Vaselesa the Beautiful [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:12
Join me by the fireside to hear the story known as the “Russian Cinderella,” which is funny and strange . . . and has the most unusual fairy godmother I’ve ever heard of. This translation of the Russian fairy tale “Vasel…
226 – Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a Shakespearean Epic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:55
Star Trek is what first introduced me to Shakespeare, and I wanted to visit the most Shakespearean of all Star Trek productions, which is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. This film is Shakespearean in its structure, char…
225 – I Hate Wuthering Heights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:06
If you like Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, that’s fine. Just keep it far away from me, because I DON’T BRONTË. If you also don’t Brontë, you can get yourself a Wayne’s World style wall plaque from my Teespring Store:…