Combat and Classics Podcast

How do military leaders relate to the civilians they protect? In this episode, Lise, Jeff and Brian discuss that and other questions raised by this Shakespearean tragedy. The story of Coriolanus, a Roman general, starts with a heroic victory for Rome, but ends with exile, defection to the enemy, and ultimately death.

Join Lise, Jeff and Brian for another Platonic dialogue! Socrates and Alcibiades reappear at a party attended by several characters who decide to take turns praising Eros, who is often referred to in English as the “god of love.” As the dialogue progresses, we learn there is much more to love, or rather to “eros,” than sexual desire, and the characters’ conversation moves on to numerous other topi...

What can we learn from a farce about banishment? Where do politics, nature and religion collide with the absurd? Check out our discussion of Aristophanes' Birds .

Let's do some more Plato! Alcibiades is one of the most famous figures in military history. An incredibly successful Athenian general who fled to Athens' enemy Sparta after being charged with with sacrilege. He and Socrates had a very "complicated" relationship. This particular dialogue raises questions about the nature of justice and who is worthy to lead.

Join us for a discussion with Martin L. Cook, Distinguished Visiting Professor at United States Air Force Academy. Prior to that, Professor Cook was Admiral James B. Stockdale Professor of Professional Military Ethics at the College of Operational and Strategic Leadership at the U.S. Naval War College. He is also co-editor of The Journal of Military Ethics. Cook was previously a professor of philo...

Join Lise, Jeff and Brian for a conversation on Book I of the Republic. BUT FIRST! How to approach the "Great Books": How do you start from scratch with no background or without a group? We hope you like it!

Join Lise, Jeff and Brian as they discuss Sophocles' Ajax , the story of a great Greek warrior who takes his own life on the beach of Troy. Also, check out Stringfellow Barr's "Notes on Dialogue" as a follow-up to the discussion at the beginning of the episode about the student-led seminars at St. John's College, which form a critical part of the education it offers. 

Join Lise, Jeff and Brian for the kick off podcast explaining a little what we're about. Spoiler alert: it's a strange brew of classical literature, military history and culture, and the human experience of war.