A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee

Classical Stuff You Should Know

Arts EN ↓ 300 episodes

A.J., Graeme, and Thomas discuss everything having to do with the classical world. Our aim is to help both educators and laypeople enjoy the classical world as much as they enjoy fine ales and good tales.

Author

A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee

Category

Arts

Podcast website

www.classicalstuff.net

Latest episode

May 18, 2026

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Episodes

277: "Emma," by Jane Austen 18.03.2025

In this episode, Graeme tells us the story of Emma, a meddler, someone who doesn't know as much as she thinks she does. Join us, listener, as we take a journey with a socialite.

276: Dyskolos (my favorite DJ) 11.03.2025

In this episode, A.J. is a grouch and falls in a well, Graeme is lovestruck, and Thomas talks us through Menander's play "Dyskolos."

275: Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener" 04.03.2025

I would love to give you a summary of the episode, but I prefer not to.

274: The Lord of the Flies 11.02.2025

So I MAY have missed that Satan is sometimes called the Lord of the Flies. I see that now. I admit I make mistakes. But hey, at least I caught on to the rest of the biblical imagery.

273: Against Christian Civilization 04.02.2025

In this episode, we discuss Paul Kingsnorth's lecture about Christian civilization. Some are for it. Some against it. Settle it with a boxing match? Yes please.

272: Sir Thomas More 21.01.2025

"Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat?"

271: The Socratic Method 14.01.2025

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 17.12.2024

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 10.12.2024

Aristotle and Plato have very different approaches to epistemology. In this episode, we discuss the implications of each.

268: Hamlet and Socrates and Death 08.10.2024

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 01.10.2024

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 10.09.2024

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 03.09.2024

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 09.08.2024

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 already.

263: The Ballad of the White Horse and Some Dudes Who Sing 30.07.2024

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 humble opinion.

262: The Wrath of Khan 09.07.2024

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

261: Montessori 02.07.2024

In this episode we play the game of Life, explore notions on education, and interact with each other. But we do these things in a carefully cultivated environment designed to guide our inclinations toward growth and improvement.

260: The Plantagenets 13: A Fairytale 14.05.2024

Uh, yeah, we're obviously big fans of good ol' Tudor. Just come this way. No cops.

259: Genghis Khan 4: Anda Undone! 07.05.2024

In this episode, the Khan sees his most cherished relationships deteriorate. Anda? Nah. More like dead.

258: Plantagenets 12: Three Kings in Three Months 16.04.2024

This is the penultimate episode of Graeme's series on the war of the roses. There's only one more. It's the end of an era. I, for one, grieve.

257: Plantagenets 11: Bleeding to Death from a Broken Heart 19.03.2024

Turns out that a king who is good at war sometimes wins wars. Sometimes that means kids beg for their lives. Sometimes that mean someone gets bludgeoned. BUT WE JUST HAVE TO LET THE KING LIVE HIS LIFE OKAY

256: Genghis Khan 3: Loki and the Frat Battle 12.03.2024

In this episode, we see the slow degradation of brotherhood, the lamentable breakdown of relationship. Also in this episode: spine cracking wrestling; young love; beating people up with sticks; and knucklebones, the game!

255: Winnie the Pooh 05.03.2024

Where does the Pooh part come from? A swan. That's all the explanation you'll get.

254: Kristin Lavransdatter 2: "I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL" 27.02.2024

In this episode, I admit that while I, Graeme, have some good points, A.J. is ultimately right. He's convinced me with the gravity of his intellect couched in both wit and charm. What a great guy, that A.J..

253: Beatrix Potter 13.02.2024

In this episode, Thomas walks us through the storied life of Beatrix Potter. We also discuss a bully rabbit.

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