Classical Stuff You Should Know

Ever heard of a Chiasm? I hear it was the basis for naming the band "Kris Kross."

In this episode A.J. dives into the nuts and bolts of what makes writing good or bad. In Graeme's words, this episode was "shorter than it felt." So . . . buckle up for fun.

Thomas guides us through a book that would only improve with Daniel Day Lewis in the cast.

In this episode we finish Graeme's series on Lewis and his planets.

Did C.S. Lewis organize his Narnia books around the medieval planets? Graeme sure thinks so. Thomas doesn't. This episode covers the two books connected to the sun and moon.

OOOOOooooh buddy it's a journey.

In this episode, we discuss part one of the book, in which we find out that we're all despairing, even it you are pretty sure you're not. Rosy book, this one.

In this book, Graeme teaches us Michael Ward's theory about Narnia---how each book corresponds to one of the planets. Sounds like something Lewis would do. He's a nerd.

In this episode, A.J. talks about George and Lennie and their unfortunate run-in with wannabe boxer.

In this episode, Graeme finishes what he began in episode 299: a full retelling of Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment." Honestly, I would listen to more audiobooks if they were just Graeme telling me stories.

COME BACK WITH YOUR SHIELD OR ON IT

In this episode, we dive into Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment." We've never really done the whole book in an episode before, so this is (part 1) of a great little introduction for those thinking about reading the book or teaching it to a few edgelords of your own.

In this episode, Graeme walks us through the complicated world of factions. How do we make sure that everybody . . . and nobody . . . gets what they want?

In this episode we cover a little of Poe's life, then two of his famous stories.

In this episode, we discuss how Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan" relates to the victory of Romanticism. That, and we giggle sometimes.

In this episode, we discuss ol' Robinson Crusoe, how he lived on the island, and escaped twenty-eight years later. It's . . . kinda good?

In this episode, Graeme introduces us to "The Servile State," by Hilaire Belloc. All I know is that living in the woods has always been attractive to me, and now Graeme introduces fishing? Hot diggity, look for me near the trees, boys!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!

In this episode, we learn about William of Ockham's ridiculous notion that our words don't mean anything. Then why am I even writing this, WILLIAM. WHY DO WE EVEN TALK. You can tell that I (A.J.) am a big fan of this theory.

Apparently Tolkien is a fabulous illustrator. Who knew? I've seriously looked up prints, and they are weirdly hard to find . . . but enchanting. Oh, this episode is about Christmas. Merry Christmas!

In this episode, we learn how to---as Graeme would say---RIP THE SYSTEM. Well, at least until an aunt bails us out.

In this episode, we talk about allegory and cattle. Oh, and Pilgrim's Progress

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.

Ever heard of the headless horseman? Did you know he was a Hessian Soldier? Do you know where the Jack-o-lantern comes from? FIND OUT IN THIS SPOOOOOOOKY EPISODE.

Faeries. Stay away from them or you'll have your finger pricked all to heck.